system

Abstract

Provide a system. A virtual reality device includes a virtual reality device for a user to move through a virtual space; means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements; a means for generating a response to a user's question using generative artificial intelligence; and means for providing said response to a user.

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 recent years, the spread of online shopping has enabled users to easily purchase products from home. However, some users, particularly elderly people, face the problem of being unable to fully enjoy the convenience of online shopping due to the need for application operation and Internet literacy. Another issue with conventional online shopping is that it is difficult to obtain product information through intuitive operations or dialogue with a store clerk, as is the case with the shopping experience in a brick-and-mortar store. The present invention aims to solve these issues and provide a more intuitive and realistic shopping experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention provides a system that includes a means for a user to move through a virtual space using a virtual reality device, a means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements, a means for generating responses to the user's questions using generative artificial intelligence, and a means for providing the responses to the user. This allows the user to freely move through a virtual store using intuitive operations and easily obtain detailed product information. Furthermore, the generative artificial intelligence can provide accurate answers to the user's questions in real time, providing a richer shopping experience than conventional online shopping.

[0006] A "virtual reality device" is a device that allows users to enter a virtual space through their senses of sight, hearing, touch, etc., and experience a sense of immersion.

[0007] A "virtual space" is a three-dimensional digital environment generated by a computer in which users can move freely and interact.

[0008] "Tracking eye gaze and hand movements" is a technology that detects the direction of a user's gaze and the position and movement of their hands in real time and reflects that information in the system.

[0009] "Generative AI" is an AI system that uses technologies such as natural language processing and machine learning to automatically generate appropriate responses to user input.

[0010] "Providing a response" means delivering a response generated by generative artificial intelligence to the user in the form of voice, text, or other format.

[0011] "Detailed product information" refers to specific information about the product, such as the product name, price, description, and availability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [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

[0013] 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.

[0014] First, the terms used in the following description will be explained.

[0015] 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).

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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."

[0020] [First embodiment]

[0021] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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).

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows an example of the main functions of the data processing device 12 and the smart device 14.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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."

[0033] The system of the present invention allows users to intuitively select products using a virtual reality device and obtain information in real time through generative artificial intelligence (AI). This system is realized through cooperation between users, terminals, and a server.

[0034] User operations

[0035] Users access the virtual space by wearing a virtual reality device, such as a VR headset and VR controller. The virtual space displays an environment similar to a real supermarket, and users can freely walk around. In this virtual space, users can browse the shelves and point to products they are interested in by looking at them or pointing to them.

[0036] Terminal handling

[0037] The device uses the camera and sensors built into the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This tracking data is processed in real time to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at. The device then sends the identified product information to the server and requests related detailed information.

[0038] Server Processing

[0039] Based on the request received from the device, the server searches the database for detailed information about the relevant product and returns it to the device. When the user asks a question to the virtual store clerk, the text information is passed to the generative AI, which generates an appropriate response. This generated response is sent to the user's device as voice or text.

[0040] Specific examples

[0041] For example, consider a case where a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket. When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects the gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomato. The server then returns information about the tomato, such as its price, stock status, and origin, to the device, which then displays it to the user.

[0042] Furthermore, when a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice to text and sends the question to the server. The server uses generative AI to generate a response, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic," and replies to the user via voice or text.

[0043] Add to Cart and Purchase

[0044] Once the user selects a product and decides to purchase it, the device sends that information to the server and adds it to the cart. Finally, when the user presses the purchase button, the server checks inventory and processes payment to complete the purchase. Product delivery is also arranged at this stage, and the user receives a purchase confirmation notification.

[0045] In this way, the system of the present invention utilizes virtual reality and generative artificial intelligence to provide users with an intuitive and interactive shopping experience, allowing them to experience the sensation of shopping in a real store, all within a virtual space.

[0046] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0047] Step 1:

[0048] The user puts on the virtual reality device and the login screen appears. The user enters their ID and password and presses the login button.

[0049] Step 2:

[0050] The terminal obtains the user's ID and password and sends the authentication information to the server.

[0051] Step 3:

[0052] The server compares the received authentication information with the database and returns the authentication result to the terminal.

[0053] Step 4:

[0054] If the terminal is successfully authenticated, an initial screen is generated and displayed based on the user's purchase history and products of interest. The user enters the virtual supermarket from this screen.

[0055] Step 5:

[0056] The user moves around the virtual store using a VR controller, and as the user approaches a shelf, the device tracks the user's gaze and hand movements.

[0057] Step 6:

[0058] The device detects when the user's gaze is directed at a specific product and sends that information to the server, requesting detailed information about the product.

[0059] Step 7:

[0060] The server retrieves detailed information about the relevant product from the product database and returns it to the terminal.

[0061] Step 8:

[0062] The device will overlay the received detailed information on the VR screen, allowing the user to check the details.

[0063] Step 9:

[0064] The user asks the virtual salesperson a question, for example, "Are these tomatoes organic?" The device converts the speech into text and sends the text to the server.

[0065] Step 10:

[0066] The server passes the received question text to the generative AI, which generates an appropriate response, and sends the generated response to the device.

[0067] Step 11:

[0068] The device will then notify the user of the received response via voice or text, for example, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic."

[0069] Step 12:

[0070] The user decides to purchase a particular item and adds it to the cart. The terminal sends the cart information to the server.

[0071] Step 13:

[0072] The user finally presses the purchase button, and the device sends a purchase request to the server.

[0073] Step 14:

[0074] The server checks inventory and processes payment to complete the purchase, sends a purchase confirmation email to the user, and begins the shipping process.

[0075] Step 15:

[0076] The user receives a purchase confirmation and the purchase is complete. The user waits for the product to be delivered.

[0077] Example 1

[0078] 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."

[0079] In conventional online shopping systems, users typically obtain product information through a flat screen, making it difficult to provide an intuitive and immersive shopping experience. Furthermore, there are also problems with limited responses to user questions, making it difficult to provide information efficiently. The present invention aims to solve these problems and provide users with a more intuitive and interactive shopping experience.

[0080] 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.

[0081] In this invention, the server includes a means for a user to move within a virtual space using a virtual reality device, a means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements, a means for requesting product information, and a means for generating responses to the user's questions using generative artificial intelligence, thereby enabling the user to intuitively select products and obtain detailed information and appropriate responses in real time.

[0082] A "user" is a person who uses a virtual reality device to operate the system and perform actions such as selecting products, obtaining information, and purchasing within the virtual space.

[0083] A "virtual reality device" is a hardware device that allows a user to access and interact with a virtual space, including a VR headset and VR controllers.

[0084] A "virtual space" is a computer-generated virtual environment that a user accesses through a virtual reality device.

[0085] "Eye and hand tracking" refers to the use of cameras and sensors in a virtual reality device to detect a user's eye gaze and hand movements in real time and process that information.

[0086] A "server" is a computer system that receives requests from users and returns associated data and responses.

[0087] The "means for requesting product information" is a communication means by which the terminal requests detailed information about a product in which the user has shown interest from the server.

[0088] "Generative artificial intelligence" is an AI model that generates appropriate responses in natural language to user questions.

[0089] The "means for providing a response" is a means for displaying the generated answer or product information to the user in voice or text format.

[0090] The "means for adding to cart and completing the purchase procedure" refers to the processing and communication means for adding the product selected by the user to the virtual cart and completing the purchase procedure.

[0091] The "means for checking stock and processing payment" is a function that allows the server to check the stock status of products in the cart and execute payment processing.

[0092] The system of the present invention allows users to select products in a virtual space using a virtual reality device and obtain information in real time through generative artificial intelligence (AI). The system mainly involves three elements: the user, the terminal, and the server. The specific roles and processing methods of each element are explained below.

[0093] Hardware and Software Overview

[0094] Hardware: Virtual reality devices (VR headsets, VR controllers), cameras, sensors

[0095] Software: tracking software, database management systems, generative AI models (e.g., GPT-4®)

[0096] User operations

[0097] Users put on a VR headset and VR controllers and log in to the system. Once inside the virtual space, an environment similar to a real supermarket is displayed, and users can freely walk around and select products. Users can show interest in products by making eye contact or pointing with their hands.

[0098] Terminal handling

[0099] The device uses the camera and sensors built into the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements. For example, when the user focuses their gaze on a product, the tracking data is processed in real time. The device then sends the identified product information to the server and requests related detailed information.

[0100] Server Processing

[0101] Based on the request received from the terminal, the server searches the database for detailed information about the relevant product and returns it to the terminal. The detailed information includes the product name, price, stock status, and place of origin. When the user asks a question to the virtual store clerk, the text information is passed to a generative AI model, which generates an appropriate response. The generated response is sent to the terminal as voice or text.

[0102] Specific examples

[0103] For example, if a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket, when the user directs their gaze at a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects this gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomatoes. Based on this request, the server searches for information about the tomato, such as its price, stock status, and origin, and sends it back to the device. The device then displays this information in the user's field of view.

[0104] Furthermore, suppose the user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?" In this case, the device converts the speech into text and sends the text data to the server. The server uses the generative AI model to generate a response, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic," and replies to the user in voice or text format.

[0105] Examples of prompt statements

[0106] "Where were these tomatoes grown?"

[0107] "Please tell me about organic tomatoes."

[0108] I want to know more about this product

[0109] This allows the system of the present invention to provide users with an intuitive and interactive shopping experience, allowing them to feel as if they were shopping in a real store within a virtual space, and to obtain product information efficiently and conveniently.

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

[0111] System program flow and processing steps

[0112] Step 1:

[0113] The user puts on the virtual reality device and logs into the system.

[0114] Input: User login information.

[0115] Output: Permission to access virtual space.

[0116] Specific operation: The user puts on a VR headset and VR controllers and enters their login information through the authentication screen, and the system authenticates the user.

[0117] Step 2:

[0118] The user accesses the virtual space.

[0119] Input: The status of the user after login.

[0120] Output: A display of the virtual supermarket.

[0121] Specific operation: After the user successfully logs in, the system displays a 3D environment of a virtual supermarket on the virtual reality device.

[0122] Step 3:

[0123] The device tracks the user's gaze and hand movements.

[0124] Input: User's gaze and hand position information.

[0125] Output: Eye and hand tracking data.

[0126] Specific operation: Cameras and sensors installed in the virtual reality device detect the user's gaze and hand movements in real time and process the data.

[0127] Step 4:

[0128] The terminal requests product information from the server.

[0129] Input: Tracking data and identified product information.

[0130] Output: Product information request sent to the server.

[0131] Specific operation: Identify the product the user is looking at based on gaze and hand movements, and request detailed information about that product from the server.

[0132] Step 5:

[0133] The server searches for product information and returns it to the terminal.

[0134] Input: Product information request.

[0135] Output: Detailed information about the searched product.

[0136] Specific operation: The server searches the database for detailed information about the requested product (such as name, price, stock status, and origin) and sends that data to the terminal.

[0137] Step 6:

[0138] The terminal displays the product information to the user.

[0139] Input: Product details received from the server.

[0140] Output: Product information displayed in the user's field of view.

[0141] Specific operation: The terminal displays the received product information on the display of the VR device, allowing the user to check the product information in the virtual space.

[0142] Step 7:

[0143] The user asks a question to the virtual store clerk.

[0144] Input: User's spoken question.

[0145] Output: Text of spoken questions.

[0146] Specific operation: The user asks the virtual store clerk a question such as "Are these tomatoes organically grown?", and the voice recording is input into the terminal.

[0147] Step 8:

[0148] The device converts the user's question into text and sends it to the server.

[0149] Input: Audio question.

[0150] Output: The text question sent to the server.

[0151] What it does: Speech recognition software converts the user's spoken question into text and sends that text to the server.

[0152] Step 9:

[0153] The server uses the generation AI to generate a response and sends it to the device.

[0154] Input: Text question.

[0155] Output: The generated response.

[0156] Specific operation: The server passes the text question to a generative AI model (e.g., GPT-4), which generates an appropriate response, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic." The response data is then sent to the device.

[0157] Step 10:

[0158] The terminal displays the generated response to the user.

[0159] Input: The response data received from the server.

[0160] Output: The response displayed in the user's field of view.

[0161] Specific operation: The terminal returns the received response to the user in voice or text format.

[0162] Step 11:

[0163] The user adds the product to their cart and checks out.

[0164] Input: User selection information.

[0165] Output: Product information added to cart and checkout progress.

[0166] Specific operation: When a user selects a specific product and presses the purchase button, the device sends the information to the server and the product is added to the cart.

[0167] Step 12:

[0168] The server checks inventory and processes payment to complete the purchase.

[0169] Input: Cart product data and payment information.

[0170] Output: Purchase confirmation notice and shipping arrangements.

[0171] Specific operation: The server checks the inventory of the items added to the cart, processes the payment, and once payment is complete, arranges for delivery of the items and sends a purchase confirmation to the user.

[0172] (Application example 1)

[0173] 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."

[0174] Conventional virtual reality shopping systems have had problems such as difficulty for users to obtain product information immediately and low usability.Furthermore, they lack the intuitive operation and interactive response that are similar to reality, which leads to low user satisfaction.

[0175] 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.

[0176] In this invention, the server includes means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements, means for transmitting information about identified products to the server, and means for generating responses to the user's questions using generative artificial intelligence. This allows the user to instantly obtain detailed product information when shopping in virtual reality using a smartphone, and the interactive responses provided by the generative artificial intelligence enable an intuitive and satisfying shopping experience similar to that of a real store.

[0177] 1. A "virtual reality device" is a device that allows a user to immerse themselves in a virtual space and experience a virtual world that differs from the actual physical environment through visual and auditory means.

[0178] 2. "Gaze and hand movement tracking" is a technology that uses cameras and sensors to detect the direction of a user's gaze and hand movements in real time, and collects and analyzes that information.

[0179] 3. "Generative AI" is an AI technology that can analyze and generate data such as text and images, and can interact with humans and generate content.

[0180] 4. "Information about the specified product" refers to detailed data about the specific product that the user selects through their gaze or hand movements in the virtual space.

[0181] 5. "Server" means a computer system that processes data and provides information in response to requests from clients over a network.

[0182] 6. A "smartphone" is a multi-functional, Internet-enabled mobile information terminal that can run a variety of applications.

[0183] 7. "Means for displaying detailed information" refers to a function that visually provides the user with information about the selected product, such as price, stock, and description.

[0184] 8. "Means to add to cart" refers to the functionality that allows users to add selected items to a virtual shopping cart and manage their shopping list.

[0185] 9. "Means for carrying out payment procedures" refers to the function for completing the purchase of the product selected by the user and carrying out the payment process.

[0186] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0187] This invention provides a shopping system using a virtual reality device, enabling users to intuitively and interactively select products and obtain information in real time from generative artificial intelligence (AI). This system is composed of a user, a terminal, and a server working together.

[0188] System configuration

[0189] 1. User operations

[0190] Users use their smartphones as virtual reality devices (e.g., VR headsets) to access a virtual space, which displays an environment similar to a real supermarket. Users can freely walk around the environment, look around the shelves, and point to or look at products of interest.

[0191] 2. Terminal Processing

[0192] The device uses the smartphone's camera and motion sensors to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This tracking data is processed in real time to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at. The device then sends the identified product information to the server and requests related detailed information.

[0193] 3. Server Processing

[0194] Based on the request received from the device, the server searches the database for detailed information about the relevant product and returns it to the device. When the user asks a question to the virtual store clerk, the text information is passed to the generative AI, which generates an appropriate response. This generated response is sent to the user's device as voice or text.

[0195] Hardware and Software

[0196] Hardware

[0197] Smartphone: Primary interface device.

[0198] VR goggles: Provides a virtual reality experience.

[0199] software

[0200] Generative AI model: For example, use GPT-4 from OpenAI (registered trademark).

[0201] Database: holds product information.

[0202] Data Flow and Processing

[0203] 1. Tracking the user's gaze and hand movements

[0204] The device uses the smartphone's camera and motion sensors to track the user's gaze and hand movements, allowing it to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at.

[0205] 2. Acquisition and display of product information

[0206] When a user looks at a product or points at it, that information is sent to the server. The server searches the database for detailed information about the product and returns it to the device. The device then displays the received information in the virtual space.

[0207] 3. Response generation using generative AI

[0208] When a user asks a question by voice, the voice is converted into text and sent to the server, which uses a generative AI model (e.g., GPT-4) to generate an appropriate response and returns it to the user via voice or text.

[0209] Specific examples

[0210] For example, consider a case where a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket. When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects the gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomato. The server then returns information about the tomato, such as its price, stock status, and origin, to the device, which then displays it to the user.

[0211] Furthermore, when a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice to text and sends the question to the server, which uses a generative AI model to generate a response, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic," and replies to the user via voice or text.

[0212] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0213] Prompt: "If the user is asking about tomatoes, please answer whether these tomatoes are organic."

[0214] Model used: OpenAI GPT-4

[0215] Example input text: "Are these tomatoes organic?"

[0216] Example output text: "Yes, these tomatoes are organic."

[0217] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0218] Step 1:

[0219] A user wears a virtual reality device using a smartphone and accesses a virtual space. The virtual reality device activates the smartphone's camera and motion sensors to track the user's gaze and hand movements. The input data required is environmental data within the virtual space and user behavior data. The device processes this data in real time and displays the virtual space to the user.

[0220] Step 2:

[0221] As the user looks at the shelves of products in the virtual space, the device tracks the user's gaze data. When the user focuses their gaze on a specific product or points at it, that information is tracked. The specific product is determined using the gaze data and movement data, and the device sends this data to the server. The device then analyzes the data using gaze tracking and motion detection algorithms.

[0222] Step 3:

[0223] The server receives product requests from the device and searches the database for relevant product details. Product ID and category information are used as input, and detailed information such as price, availability, and product description is generated as output. The server packages the data to send back this information to the device.

[0224] Step 4:

[0225] The device visually displays detailed product information received from the server in a virtual space. The user can check detailed information about the product they are looking at. The input here is the detailed product data sent from the server, and the output is the display data in the virtual space.

[0226] Step 5:

[0227] After checking the product details, the user asks a question to the virtual store clerk by voice. The user's voice data is captured by the terminal and converted into text. The input is the user's voice data, and the output is text data. This conversion is performed using voice recognition software.

[0228] Step 6:

[0229] The text data sent from the device is sent to the server, where a generative AI model (e.g., GPT-4) generates an appropriate response based on the text. The input is the user's question text, and the output is the response text. The generative AI model generates a response based on the given prompt.

[0230] Step 7:

[0231] The server generates a response text and sends it back to the terminal, which converts it into speech and presents it to the user. The input from the server is the response text, and the output is speech data. Text-to-speech software is used to convert the text to speech.

[0232] Step 8:

[0233] When a user selects a product and decides to purchase it, the terminal adds the product data to the cart and sends it to the server. The server checks inventory and processes payment. The input is the purchased product data, and the output is a notification that the purchase procedure has been completed. This completes the purchase, and the user is notified of the confirmation.

[0234] 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.

[0235] The system of the present invention integrates virtual reality devices, generative artificial intelligence, and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive and emotionally sensitive shopping experience. The system is realized through collaboration between users, devices, and servers, as well as emotion recognition technology.

[0236] User operations

[0237] First, the user puts on a virtual reality device (e.g., a VR headset and VR controllers) and a login screen appears. After logging in, the user enters a virtual supermarket. The user can move freely within the virtual space, look around the shelves, and point to products of interest by looking at them or pointing at them with their hands. Furthermore, the user's emotions are reflected in the system in real time.

[0238] Terminal handling

[0239] The device uses cameras and sensors built into the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This tracking data is processed in real time to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at. The device also has an emotion engine that analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice to detect their emotional state. All of this information is sent to a server.

[0240] Server Processing

[0241] The server retrieves detailed product information from a database based on a request from the device and sends it to the device. It then generates a response based on the user's question and emotional state. Based on the detection results of the emotion engine, the generative AI responds according to the user's emotional state. For example, if a user asks a question and the emotion engine determines that the user is feeling anxious, the server will generate a response in a soothing tone.

[0242] Specific examples

[0243] For example, if a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket, the following process takes place: When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects this gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomatoes. The server then returns information about the tomato's price, stock status, origin, and so on to the device, which then displays that information to the user.

[0244] Furthermore, when a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice into text and sends the text to the server. If the emotion engine determines that the user is feeling anxious based on their tone of voice or facial expression, the server generates a reassuring response such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious," and replies to the user in voice or text.

[0245] Emotion-based interaction adjustment

[0246] When a user decides to purchase a particular product and adds it to their cart, the emotion engine monitors the user's state. For example, if the user is hesitant to purchase, the generative AI can provide additional recommendations and reviews to alleviate the user's anxiety.

[0247] Purchase and Delivery

[0248] When the user finally presses the purchase button, the terminal sends a purchase request to the server, which checks inventory and processes payment. Once the purchase procedure is complete, a purchase confirmation email is sent to the user, and delivery procedures are also carried out at the same time.

[0249] In this way, the system of the present invention utilizes virtual reality, generative artificial intelligence, and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive, emotionally rich shopping experience, allowing them to easily enjoy more value than they would get from shopping in a physical store, all within a virtual space.

[0250] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0251] Step 1:

[0252] The user puts on the virtual reality device and the login screen appears. The user enters their ID and password and presses the login button.

[0253] Step 2:

[0254] The terminal obtains the user's ID and password and sends the authentication information to the server.

[0255] Step 3:

[0256] The server compares the received authentication information with the database and returns the authentication result to the terminal.

[0257] Step 4:

[0258] If the terminal is successfully authenticated, an initial screen is generated and displayed based on the user's purchase history and products of interest, and the user enters the virtual supermarket from this screen.

[0259] Step 5:

[0260] The user moves around the virtual store using a VR controller. The device tracks the user's gaze and hand movements to detect the user's movements.

[0261] Step 6:

[0262] When a user looks at a particular product shelf, the device tracks their gaze and sends a request for product information to the server.

[0263] Step 7:

[0264] The server retrieves detailed information about the relevant product from the product database and sends it to the terminal.

[0265] Step 8:

[0266] The device overlays the received detailed information on the VR screen, and the user can check the product information.

[0267] Step 9:

[0268] The user asks a specific question to the virtual store clerk, for example, "Are these tomatoes organic?" The device converts the speech into text and sends the text to the server.

[0269] Step 10:

[0270] The server passes the received question text to a generative AI system that generates an appropriate response. The emotion engine also identifies emotions from the user's tone of voice and facial expressions and generates an adapted response.

[0271] Step 11:

[0272] Based on the results of the emotion engine, the server generates a response that corresponds to the user's emotional state and sends it to the device. For example, it could be a reassuring response such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organically grown. They come from a trusted farm."

[0273] Step 12:

[0274] The terminal notifies the user of the received response by voice or text.

[0275] Step 13:

[0276] The user likes the product and decides to purchase it. The user adds the product to the cart. The device sends the cart contents to the server.

[0277] Step 14:

[0278] The user finally presses the purchase button, and the device sends a purchase request to the server.

[0279] Step 15:

[0280] The server checks the inventory, secures the stock, and processes the payment. After the purchase procedure is completed, a confirmation email is sent to the user and the delivery procedure begins.

[0281] Step 16:

[0282] The server tracks the delivery status and notifies the user in real time. The user waits for the product to be delivered along with the purchase confirmation.

[0283] Example 2

[0284] 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."

[0285] Conventional virtual reality systems lack the mechanisms to not only track the user's gaze and hand movements, but also to generate responses that take into account the user's emotional state. As a result, users are unable to receive responses that reflect their individual emotional state during their shopping experience in a virtual environment, which leads to a decrease in satisfaction.

[0286] 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 a means for a user to move through a virtual environment using a virtual reality device, a means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements, a means for detecting the user's emotional state using an emotion engine, a means for generating responses to the user's questions using generative artificial intelligence, a means for providing the responses to the user, and a means for processing purchase requests, checking inventory, and processing payments. This allows users to receive responses tailored to their individual emotional states, resulting in a highly satisfying shopping experience.

[0287] "User" refers to a person who uses a virtual reality device to interact with a virtual environment.

[0288] A "virtual reality device" is a device that allows a user to immerse themselves in a virtual environment and interact with it through their senses, such as sight and hearing. Examples include VR headsets and VR controllers.

[0289] "Virtual environment" refers to an artificially created environment that a user can experience through a virtual reality device. This includes virtual spaces such as a virtual supermarket.

[0290] "Eye tracking" refers to a technology that tracks the direction in which a user's eyes are looking and acquires that information in real time.

[0291] "Hand movement tracking" refers to technology that tracks the movements of a user's hands and obtains that information in real time.

[0292] An "emotion engine" is a system that detects a user's emotional state by analyzing their facial expressions, tone of voice, etc.

[0293] "Generative AI" refers to AI technology that automatically generates appropriate responses and content based on user input and the situation. Specific examples include natural language processing models.

[0294] "Means for generating responses" refers to a mechanism that automatically generates appropriate responses to questions or requests from users, taking into account their emotional state.

[0295] "Means for providing a response" refers to the mechanism by which the generated response is presented to the user, including audio output and text display.

[0296] "Means for processing purchase requests" refers to a system that accepts purchase operations performed by users within the virtual environment and then checks inventory and processes payments.

[0297] "Means for checking stock and processing payment" refers to a mechanism for checking the stock status of the product selected by the user and completing the payment procedure.

[0298] The system of the present invention integrates a virtual reality device, generative artificial intelligence, and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive and emotion-sensitive shopping experience. Specific embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0299] User operations

[0300] Users put on virtual reality devices (e.g., VR headsets and VR controllers) and log in to the system. Once logged in, users enter the virtual supermarket and can move freely. Users can look at products they are interested in or point with their hands. All of these actions are tracked through the cameras and sensors in the virtual reality device.

[0301] Terminal handling

[0302] The device uses the virtual reality device's cameras and sensors to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This data is processed in real time to identify the product the user is looking at or pointing at. The device also has an emotion engine that analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice to detect their emotional state. All tracking and emotion data is sent to a server.

[0303] Server Processing

[0304] Based on the tracking data received from the device, the server retrieves detailed information about the product the user is looking at from a database and sends it to the device. When the user asks a question, an appropriate response is generated using generative artificial intelligence. The tone and content of the response are adjusted based on the results detected by the emotion engine. For example, if the server detects that the user is feeling anxious, it generates a response that gives a sense of reassurance.

[0305] Specific examples

[0306] For example, if a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket, the following process takes place: When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects this gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomatoes. The server then returns information about the tomato, such as its price, stock status, and origin, to the device, which then displays this information to the user.

[0307] Furthermore, if a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice into text and sends that text to the server. If the emotion engine determines that the user is feeling anxious based on their tone of voice or facial expression, the server will generate a reassuring response such as "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious," and respond to the user in voice or text. Examples of prompts in this case are as follows:

[0308] Analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice to generate appropriate responses based on their emotional state. For example, if a user asks, "Are these tomatoes organic?" and they seem anxious, respond with a reassuring tone.

[0309] Purchase and Delivery

[0310] When the user finally presses the purchase button, the terminal sends a purchase request to the server, which checks inventory and processes payment. Once the purchase procedure is complete, the server sends a confirmation email to the user and simultaneously processes delivery.

[0311] In this way, the system of the present invention can leverage virtual reality, generative artificial intelligence, and emotion engines to provide users with an intuitive, emotionally rich shopping experience.

[0312] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0313] Step 1: The user puts on the virtual reality device and the login screen appears.

[0314] Input: Wearing a virtual reality device

[0315] Output: Login screen displayed

[0316] When a user first puts on a virtual reality device (e.g., a VR headset or VR controllers), the device displays a login screen, which includes fields for entering a user ID and password.

[0317] Step 2: User enters login information

[0318] Input: User ID and password

[0319] Output: Authentication request

[0320] When a user enters their login information, the device sends this data to the server as an authentication request. Specifically, the user ID and password are sent to the server.

[0321] Step 3: Server authenticates

[0322] Input: User ID and password

[0323] Output: Authentication result

[0324] The server compares the received user ID and password with the database and performs authentication. This process determines whether the user has valid access rights. If the authentication is successful, the server returns an authentication success message to the terminal.

[0325] Step 4: User moves through the virtual environment and makes eye contact

[0326] Input: Authentication success message

[0327] Output: Access to the virtual environment

[0328] Once authentication is successful, the user is allowed to enter the virtual supermarket. The user can move freely within the virtual space and focus their gaze on products they are interested in. This movement is tracked by the cameras and sensors in the virtual reality device.

[0329] Step 5: Your device tracks your gaze and hand movements

[0330] Input: User's gaze and hand movements

[0331] Output: Tracking data

[0332] The device uses the cameras and sensors in the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements, thereby identifying the products the user is looking at or pointing at. This data is collected as tracking data.

[0333] Step 6: The device uses the emotion engine to detect the emotional state

[0334] Input: User facial expressions and tone of voice

[0335] Output: Emotion data

[0336] The device's built-in emotion engine analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice in real time to detect their emotional state, and this data is collected as emotion data.

[0337] Step 7: The device sends tracking data and emotion data to the server.

[0338] Input: Tracking data and emotion data

[0339] Output: Request to server

[0340] The device sends the collected tracking data and emotional data to a server, which receives the data and determines the next action based on the product the user is viewing and their emotional state.

[0341] Step 8: Server retrieves product details

[0342] Input: Tracking data

[0343] Output: Product information

[0344] The server uses the received tracking data to retrieve detailed information about the product the user is looking at from a database, including information such as the price, stock status, and origin of tomatoes.

[0345] Step 9: The server sends the product information to the terminal.

[0346] Input: Product information

[0347] Output: Response to the terminal

[0348] The server sends the acquired product information to the terminal, which receives the information and displays it to the user.

[0349] Step 10: User asks product question

[0350] Input: User question

[0351] Output: Audio data

[0352] When a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the terminal collects the user's voice and stores it as voice data.

[0353] Step 11: Your device converts speech to text

[0354] Input: Audio data

[0355] Output: Text data

[0356] The device converts the collected voice data into text, and the user's question is saved as text data through this conversion process.

[0357] Step 12: The device sends the text data and emotion data to the server.

[0358] Input: Text data and emotion data

[0359] Output: Request to server

[0360] The device sends the converted text data and the detected emotion data to the server.

[0361] Step 13: The server generates a response using generative artificial intelligence

[0362] Input: Text data and emotion data

[0363] Output: Response data

[0364] The server uses generative artificial intelligence to generate appropriate responses to user questions. For example, if it detects that the user is feeling anxious, it will generate a reassuring response such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious."

[0365] Step 14: The server sends the response data to the terminal.

[0366] Input: Response data

[0367] Output: Response to the terminal

[0368] The server sends the generated response data to the terminal, which receives the response data and provides it to the user.

[0369] Step 15: User purchases product

[0370] Input: User's purchase decision

[0371] Output: Purchase request

[0372] When a user presses the purchase button, the device sends a purchase request to the server. At that time, the emotion engine monitors the user's emotional state and may present information on how to ameliorate the purchase.

[0373] Step 16: Server checks inventory and processes payment

[0374] Input: Purchase Request

[0375] Output: Purchase confirmation

[0376] The server receives the purchase request, checks the inventory, then processes the payment and, if everything goes well, sends a response confirming the purchase back to the terminal.

[0377] Step 17: Server confirms purchase and processes delivery

[0378] Input: Purchase confirmation

[0379] Output: Purchase confirmation email and shipping instructions

[0380] The server records the purchase confirmation in a database, sends the user a purchase confirmation email, and then sends instructions to a delivery company to arrange for the product to be delivered to the user.

[0381] The above are the specific processing steps of the present invention, and the system allows users to enjoy an intuitive and emotional shopping experience in a virtual environment.

[0382] (Application example 2)

[0383] 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."

[0384] Conventional virtual reality shopping systems are capable of tracking the user's gaze and hand movements and generating responses to questions using generative artificial intelligence. However, they lack the ability to provide interactions that reflect the user's emotional state, and they are unable to fully resolve the user's anxieties and doubts. In particular, there is a need to remove emotional barriers that reduce the user's willingness to purchase. Furthermore, the lack of response generation that takes the user's emotions into consideration leads to a decline in the quality of interactions and a poor user experience.

[0385] 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 detecting the user's emotional state and generating a response based on the emotion, means for displaying detailed information about products in the virtual space, and means for transmitting data about products selected by the user. This enables response generation and interaction that take the user's emotions into consideration. This allows the user to ask questions and make purchases with confidence, improving the virtual reality shopping experience. Furthermore, providing information quickly and intuitively improves the overall quality of the user experience and increases the user's willingness to purchase.

[0386] A "user" is a person who uses the system and moves through the virtual space using a virtual reality device.

[0387] A "virtual reality device" is a device such as a head-mounted display or controller that allows a user to access and experience a virtual reality space.

[0388] A "virtual space" is a virtual environment or scene that can be accessed through a virtual reality device, and is a space where you can experience things like shopping.

[0389] "Eye tracking" is a technology that detects the direction in which a user's eyes are directed.

[0390] "Means for tracking hand movements" refers to technology that detects the position and movement of the user's hands and supports operations within the virtual space.

[0391] "Generative AI" is an AI technology that automatically generates responses and content based on the user's questions and actions.

[0392] The "emotional state of the user" represents the emotions felt by the user, and is data detected from facial expressions, tone of voice, and the like.

[0393] An "emotion-based response" refers to a response that is appropriately generated in response to the detected emotional state of the user, and that takes the user's emotions into consideration.

[0394] "Detailed product information" refers to specific information such as the product's price, stock status, and origin, and is provided to the user in the virtual space.

[0395] "Data on selected product" is information about the product selected by the user in the virtual space, and is used for delivery and purchase procedures.

[0396] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0397] This invention is a system that integrates a virtual reality device, generative artificial intelligence (AI), and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive and emotionally sensitive shopping experience. This system is realized through collaboration between users, terminals, and a server.

[0398] User operations

[0399] First, the user puts on a virtual reality device (e.g., a head-mounted display or VR controller) and launches a dedicated application. A login screen appears, and the user can enter their authentication information to enter the virtual store. The user can move freely within the virtual space, look around the shelves, and point to products of interest by looking at them or pointing at them. The user's emotional state is also reflected in real time by the system through facial expressions and tone of voice.

[0400] Terminal handling

[0401] The device is equipped with a function to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This is achieved using cameras and sensors built into the virtual reality device. The device processes the tracking data in real time to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at. The device also has an emotion engine that analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice to detect their emotional state. All this information is sent to the server.

[0402] Server Processing

[0403] The server performs processing based on the data received from the terminal. If the user is interested in a particular product, the server retrieves detailed information about that product (e.g., price, stock status, and origin) from the database and sends it to the terminal. In addition, when the user asks a question, the emotion engine determines the user's emotional state. If it determines that the user is feeling anxious, the generative AI generates a response that takes the emotion into consideration. For example, if the user asks, "Are these tomatoes organic?" and the emotion engine detects anxiety, it will generate a reassuring response such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious."

[0404] Specific examples

[0405] For example, if a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual store, the following process takes place: When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects the gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomatoes. The server returns information about the tomato's price, stock status, origin, and other information to the device, which then displays that information to the user. Furthermore, if the user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice to text and sends that text to the server. If the emotion engine determines that the user is feeling anxious based on their tone of voice or facial expression, the server will generate a reassuring response such as "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious," and respond to the user in voice or text.

[0406] An example of a prompt sentence to be input into the generative AI model is, "Are these tomatoes organic?" Based on the emotional data of "anxiety," the generative AI will generate an answer such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They are very fresh and delicious."

[0407] In this way, the system of the present invention utilizes virtual reality, generative artificial intelligence, and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive, emotionally rich shopping experience, allowing them to easily enjoy more value than they would get from shopping in a physical store, all within a virtual space.

[0408] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0409] Step 1:

[0410] The user puts on the virtual reality device and launches the dedicated application. The user enters authentication information and logs in to the virtual store. The input of this step is the user's authentication information, and the output is permission to access the virtual store.

[0411] Step 2:

[0412] The device uses the camera and sensors built into the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements. The input is data from the camera and sensors, and the output is the user's gaze and hand position information. Data processing involves processing the gaze and hand position information in real time to identify the location of specific products in the virtual space.

[0413] Step 3:

[0414] The device sends tracking data to the server and requests detailed information about the product the user is looking at. The input is gaze and hand position information, and the output is detailed product information (e.g., price, stock status, and origin). Data calculations involve an identification process to identify the product.

[0415] Step 4:

[0416] The server retrieves product details from the database and sends them to the terminal. The input is a product specification request, and the output is detailed information data. Specific operations include executing a database query.

[0417] Step 5:

[0418] The terminal displays the acquired detailed information on the virtual reality device and provides it to the user. The input is detailed information data from the server, and the output is a detailed display of the product in the virtual space. Specific operations include rendering text and images.

[0419] Step 6:

[0420] When a user asks a question to a virtual store clerk, the terminal converts the voice into text and sends the text to the server. The input is the user's voice data, and the output is text data. Speech recognition processing is performed as data processing.

[0421] Step 7:

[0422] The server uses generative artificial intelligence to generate an answer based on the user's question text and the emotional state determined by the emotion engine. The input is the user's question text and emotional data, and the output is a response text that takes emotion into consideration. Natural language processing and emotion analysis are performed as data calculations.

[0423] Step 8:

[0424] The terminal converts the generated response text into speech and provides it to the user on the virtual reality device. The input is the response text from the server, and the output is speech data. Specific operations include generating synthetic speech.

[0425] Step 9:

[0426] When a user purchases a product, the terminal sends a purchase request to the server, which then checks inventory and processes payment. The input is the purchase request data, and the output is purchase confirmation and a payment completion notification. Specific operations include linking inventory management with the payment system.

[0427] Step 10:

[0428] Once the purchase procedure is completed, the server sends a purchase confirmation email to the user and simultaneously processes the delivery. The input is purchase confirmation data, and the output is a confirmation email and delivery request data. Specific operations include sending emails and linking with the delivery system.

[0429] 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.

[0430] The data generation model 58 is a so-called generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). An example of the data generation model 58 is ChatGPT (registered trademark) (Internet search engine).<URL: https: / / openai.com / blog / chatgpt> ), Gemini (registered trademark) (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.

[0431] 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.

[0432] [Second embodiment]

[0433] FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 210 according to the second embodiment.

[0434] 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.

[0435] 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).

[0436] 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.

[0437] 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.

[0438] 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).

[0439] 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.

[0440] 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.

[0441] 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.

[0442] 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.

[0443] In the smart glasses 214, 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.

[0444] 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."

[0445] The system of the present invention allows users to intuitively select products using a virtual reality device and obtain information in real time through generative artificial intelligence (AI). This system is realized through cooperation between users, terminals, and a server.

[0446] User operations

[0447] Users access the virtual space by wearing a virtual reality device, such as a VR headset and VR controller. The virtual space displays an environment similar to a real supermarket, and users can freely walk around. In this virtual space, users can browse the shelves and point to products they are interested in by looking at them or pointing to them.

[0448] Terminal handling

[0449] The device uses the camera and sensors built into the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This tracking data is processed in real time to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at. The device then sends the identified product information to the server and requests related detailed information.

[0450] Server Processing

[0451] Based on the request received from the device, the server searches the database for detailed information about the relevant product and returns it to the device. When the user asks a question to the virtual store clerk, the text information is passed to the generative AI, which generates an appropriate response. This generated response is sent to the user's device as voice or text.

[0452] Specific examples

[0453] For example, consider a case where a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket. When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects the gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomato. The server then returns information about the tomato, such as its price, stock status, and origin, to the device, which then displays it to the user.

[0454] Furthermore, when a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice to text and sends the question to the server. The server uses generative AI to generate a response, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic," and replies to the user via voice or text.

[0455] Add to Cart and Purchase

[0456] Once the user selects a product and decides to purchase it, the device sends that information to the server and adds it to the cart. Finally, when the user presses the purchase button, the server checks inventory and processes payment to complete the purchase. Product delivery is also arranged at this stage, and the user receives a purchase confirmation notification.

[0457] In this way, the system of the present invention utilizes virtual reality and generative artificial intelligence to provide users with an intuitive and interactive shopping experience, allowing them to experience the sensation of shopping in a real store, all within a virtual space.

[0458] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0459] Step 1:

[0460] The user puts on the virtual reality device and the login screen appears. The user enters their ID and password and presses the login button.

[0461] Step 2:

[0462] The terminal obtains the user's ID and password and sends the authentication information to the server.

[0463] Step 3:

[0464] The server compares the received authentication information with the database and returns the authentication result to the terminal.

[0465] Step 4:

[0466] If the terminal is successfully authenticated, an initial screen is generated and displayed based on the user's purchase history and products of interest. The user enters the virtual supermarket from this screen.

[0467] Step 5:

[0468] The user moves around the virtual store using a VR controller, and as the user approaches a shelf, the device tracks the user's gaze and hand movements.

[0469] Step 6:

[0470] The device detects when the user's gaze is directed at a specific product and sends that information to the server, requesting detailed information about the product.

[0471] Step 7:

[0472] The server retrieves detailed information about the relevant product from the product database and returns it to the terminal.

[0473] Step 8:

[0474] The device will overlay the received detailed information on the VR screen, allowing the user to check the details.

[0475] Step 9:

[0476] The user asks the virtual salesperson a question, for example, "Are these tomatoes organic?" The device converts the speech into text and sends the text to the server.

[0477] Step 10:

[0478] The server passes the received question text to the generative AI, which generates an appropriate response, and sends the generated response to the device.

[0479] Step 11:

[0480] The device will then notify the user of the received response via voice or text, for example, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic."

[0481] Step 12:

[0482] The user decides to purchase a particular item and adds it to the cart. The terminal sends the cart information to the server.

[0483] Step 13:

[0484] The user finally presses the purchase button, and the device sends a purchase request to the server.

[0485] Step 14:

[0486] The server checks inventory and processes payment to complete the purchase, sends a purchase confirmation email to the user, and begins the shipping process.

[0487] Step 15:

[0488] The user receives a purchase confirmation and the purchase is complete. The user waits for the product to be delivered.

[0489] Example 1

[0490] 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."

[0491] In conventional online shopping systems, users typically obtain product information through a flat screen, making it difficult to provide an intuitive and immersive shopping experience. Furthermore, there are also problems with limited responses to user questions, making it difficult to provide information efficiently. The present invention aims to solve these problems and provide users with a more intuitive and interactive shopping experience.

[0492] 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.

[0493] In this invention, the server includes a means for a user to move within a virtual space using a virtual reality device, a means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements, a means for requesting product information, and a means for generating responses to the user's questions using generative artificial intelligence, thereby enabling the user to intuitively select products and obtain detailed information and appropriate responses in real time.

[0494] A "user" is a person who uses a virtual reality device to operate the system and perform actions such as selecting products, obtaining information, and purchasing within the virtual space.

[0495] A "virtual reality device" is a hardware device that allows a user to access and interact with a virtual space, including a VR headset and VR controllers.

[0496] A "virtual space" is a computer-generated virtual environment that a user accesses through a virtual reality device.

[0497] "Eye and hand tracking" refers to the use of cameras and sensors in a virtual reality device to detect a user's eye gaze and hand movements in real time and process that information.

[0498] A "server" is a computer system that receives requests from users and returns associated data and responses.

[0499] The "means for requesting product information" is a communication means by which the terminal requests detailed information about a product in which the user has shown interest from the server.

[0500] "Generative artificial intelligence" is an AI model that generates appropriate responses in natural language to user questions.

[0501] The "means for providing a response" is a means for displaying the generated answer or product information to the user in voice or text format.

[0502] The "means for adding to cart and completing the purchase procedure" refers to the processing and communication means for adding the product selected by the user to the virtual cart and completing the purchase procedure.

[0503] The "means for checking stock and processing payment" is a function that allows the server to check the stock status of products in the cart and execute payment processing.

[0504] The system of the present invention allows users to select products in a virtual space using a virtual reality device and obtain information in real time through generative artificial intelligence (AI). The system mainly involves three elements: the user, the terminal, and the server. The specific roles and processing methods of each element are explained below.

[0505] Hardware and Software Overview

[0506] Hardware: Virtual reality devices (VR headsets, VR controllers), cameras, sensors

[0507] Software: tracking software, database management systems, generative AI models (e.g., GPT-4)

[0508] User operations

[0509] Users put on a VR headset and VR controllers and log in to the system. Once inside the virtual space, an environment similar to a real supermarket is displayed, and users can freely walk around and select products. Users can show interest in products by making eye contact or pointing with their hands.

[0510] Terminal handling

[0511] The device uses the camera and sensors built into the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements. For example, when the user focuses their gaze on a product, the tracking data is processed in real time. The device then sends the identified product information to the server and requests related detailed information.

[0512] Server Processing

[0513] Based on the request received from the terminal, the server searches the database for detailed information about the relevant product and returns it to the terminal. The detailed information includes the product name, price, stock status, and place of origin. When the user asks a question to the virtual store clerk, the text information is passed to a generative AI model, which generates an appropriate response. The generated response is sent to the terminal as voice or text.

[0514] Specific examples

[0515] For example, if a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket, when the user directs their gaze at a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects this gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomatoes. Based on this request, the server searches for information about the tomato, such as its price, stock status, and origin, and sends it back to the device. The device then displays this information in the user's field of view.

[0516] Furthermore, suppose the user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?" In this case, the device converts the speech into text and sends the text data to the server. The server uses the generative AI model to generate a response, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic," and replies to the user in voice or text format.

[0517] Examples of prompt statements

[0518] "Where were these tomatoes grown?"

[0519] "Please tell me about organic tomatoes."

[0520] I want to know more about this product

[0521] This allows the system of the present invention to provide users with an intuitive and interactive shopping experience, allowing them to feel as if they were shopping in a real store within a virtual space, and to obtain product information efficiently and conveniently.

[0522] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0523] System program flow and processing steps

[0524] Step 1:

[0525] The user puts on the virtual reality device and logs into the system.

[0526] Input: User login information.

[0527] Output: Permission to access virtual space.

[0528] Specific operation: The user puts on a VR headset and VR controllers and enters their login information through the authentication screen, and the system authenticates the user.

[0529] Step 2:

[0530] The user accesses the virtual space.

[0531] Input: The status of the user after login.

[0532] Output: A display of the virtual supermarket.

[0533] Specific operation: After the user successfully logs in, the system displays a 3D environment of a virtual supermarket on the virtual reality device.

[0534] Step 3:

[0535] The device tracks the user's gaze and hand movements.

[0536] Input: User's gaze and hand position information.

[0537] Output: Eye and hand tracking data.

[0538] Specific operation: Cameras and sensors installed in the virtual reality device detect the user's gaze and hand movements in real time and process the data.

[0539] Step 4:

[0540] The terminal requests product information from the server.

[0541] Input: Tracking data and identified product information.

[0542] Output: Product information request sent to the server.

[0543] Specific operation: Identify the product the user is looking at based on gaze and hand movements, and request detailed information about that product from the server.

[0544] Step 5:

[0545] The server searches for product information and returns it to the terminal.

[0546] Input: Product information request.

[0547] Output: Detailed information about the searched product.

[0548] Specific operation: The server searches the database for detailed information about the requested product (such as name, price, stock status, and origin) and sends that data to the terminal.

[0549] Step 6:

[0550] The terminal displays the product information to the user.

[0551] Input: Product details received from the server.

[0552] Output: Product information displayed in the user's field of view.

[0553] Specific operation: The terminal displays the received product information on the display of the VR device, allowing the user to check the product information in the virtual space.

[0554] Step 7:

[0555] The user asks a question to the virtual store clerk.

[0556] Input: User's spoken question.

[0557] Output: Text of spoken questions.

[0558] Specific operation: The user asks the virtual store clerk a question such as "Are these tomatoes organically grown?", and the voice recording is input into the terminal.

[0559] Step 8:

[0560] The device converts the user's question into text and sends it to the server.

[0561] Input: Audio question.

[0562] Output: The text question sent to the server.

[0563] What it does: Speech recognition software converts the user's spoken question into text and sends that text to the server.

[0564] Step 9:

[0565] The server uses the generation AI to generate a response and sends it to the device.

[0566] Input: Text question.

[0567] Output: The generated response.

[0568] Specific operation: The server passes the text question to a generative AI model (e.g., GPT-4), which generates an appropriate response, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic." The response data is then sent to the device.

[0569] Step 10:

[0570] The terminal displays the generated response to the user.

[0571] Input: The response data received from the server.

[0572] Output: The response displayed in the user's field of view.

[0573] Specific operation: The terminal returns the received response to the user in voice or text format.

[0574] Step 11:

[0575] The user adds the product to their cart and checks out.

[0576] Input: User selection information.

[0577] Output: Product information added to cart and checkout progress.

[0578] Specific operation: When a user selects a specific product and presses the purchase button, the device sends the information to the server and the product is added to the cart.

[0579] Step 12:

[0580] The server checks inventory and processes payment to complete the purchase.

[0581] Input: Cart product data and payment information.

[0582] Output: Purchase confirmation notice and shipping arrangements.

[0583] Specific operation: The server checks the inventory of the items added to the cart, processes the payment, and once payment is complete, arranges for delivery of the items and sends a purchase confirmation to the user.

[0584] (Application example 1)

[0585] 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."

[0586] Conventional virtual reality shopping systems have had problems such as difficulty for users to obtain product information immediately and low usability.Furthermore, they lack the intuitive operation and interactive response that are similar to reality, which leads to low user satisfaction.

[0587] 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.

[0588] In this invention, the server includes means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements, means for transmitting information about identified products to the server, and means for generating responses to the user's questions using generative artificial intelligence. This allows the user to instantly obtain detailed product information when shopping in virtual reality using a smartphone, and the interactive responses provided by the generative artificial intelligence enable an intuitive and satisfying shopping experience similar to that of a real store.

[0589] 1. A "virtual reality device" is a device that allows a user to immerse themselves in a virtual space and experience a virtual world that differs from the actual physical environment through visual and auditory means.

[0590] 2. "Gaze and hand movement tracking" is a technology that uses cameras and sensors to detect the direction of a user's gaze and hand movements in real time, and collects and analyzes that information.

[0591] 3. "Generative AI" is an AI technology that can analyze and generate data such as text and images, and can interact with humans and generate content.

[0592] 4. "Information about the specified product" refers to detailed data about the specific product that the user selects through their gaze or hand movements in the virtual space.

[0593] 5. "Server" means a computer system that processes data and provides information in response to requests from clients over a network.

[0594] 6. A "smartphone" is a multi-functional, Internet-enabled mobile information terminal that can run a variety of applications.

[0595] 7. "Means for displaying detailed information" refers to a function that visually provides the user with information about the selected product, such as price, stock, and description.

[0596] 8. "Means to add to cart" refers to the functionality that allows users to add selected items to a virtual shopping cart and manage their shopping list.

[0597] 9. "Means for carrying out payment procedures" refers to the function for completing the purchase of the product selected by the user and carrying out the payment process.

[0598] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0599] This invention provides a shopping system using a virtual reality device, enabling users to intuitively and interactively select products and obtain information in real time from generative artificial intelligence (AI). This system is composed of a user, a terminal, and a server working together.

[0600] System configuration

[0601] 1. User operations

[0602] Users use their smartphones as virtual reality devices (e.g., VR headsets) to access a virtual space, which displays an environment similar to a real supermarket. Users can freely walk around the environment, look around the shelves, and point to or look at products of interest.

[0603] 2. Terminal Processing

[0604] The device uses the smartphone's camera and motion sensors to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This tracking data is processed in real time to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at. The device then sends the identified product information to the server and requests related detailed information.

[0605] 3. Server Processing

[0606] Based on the request received from the device, the server searches the database for detailed information about the relevant product and returns it to the device. When the user asks a question to the virtual store clerk, the text information is passed to the generative AI, which generates an appropriate response. This generated response is sent to the user's device as voice or text.

[0607] Hardware and Software

[0608] Hardware

[0609] Smartphone: Primary interface device.

[0610] VR goggles: Provides a virtual reality experience.

[0611] software

[0612] Generative AI models: For example, use OpenAI's GPT-4.

[0613] Database: holds product information.

[0614] Data Flow and Processing

[0615] 1. Tracking the user's gaze and hand movements

[0616] The device uses the smartphone's camera and motion sensors to track the user's gaze and hand movements, allowing it to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at.

[0617] 2. Acquisition and display of product information

[0618] When a user looks at a product or points at it, that information is sent to the server. The server searches the database for detailed information about the product and returns it to the device. The device then displays the received information in the virtual space.

[0619] 3. Response generation using generative AI

[0620] When a user asks a question by voice, the voice is converted into text and sent to the server, which uses a generative AI model (e.g., GPT-4) to generate an appropriate response and returns it to the user via voice or text.

[0621] Specific examples

[0622] For example, consider a case where a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket. When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects the gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomato. The server then returns information about the tomato, such as its price, stock status, and origin, to the device, which then displays it to the user.

[0623] Furthermore, when a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice to text and sends the question to the server, which uses a generative AI model to generate a response, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic," and replies to the user via voice or text.

[0624] Prompt Sentence Examples

[0625] Prompt: "If the user is asking about tomatoes, please answer whether these tomatoes are organic."

[0626] Model used: OpenAI GPT-4

[0627] Example input text: "Are these tomatoes organic?"

[0628] Example output text: "Yes, these tomatoes are organic."

[0629] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0630] Step 1:

[0631] A user wears a virtual reality device using a smartphone and accesses a virtual space. The virtual reality device activates the smartphone's camera and motion sensors to track the user's gaze and hand movements. The input data required is environmental data within the virtual space and user behavior data. The device processes this data in real time and displays the virtual space to the user.

[0632] Step 2:

[0633] As the user looks at the shelves of products in the virtual space, the device tracks the user's gaze data. When the user focuses their gaze on a specific product or points at it, that information is tracked. The specific product is determined using the gaze data and movement data, and the device sends this data to the server. The device then analyzes the data using gaze tracking and motion detection algorithms.

[0634] Step 3:

[0635] The server receives product requests from the device and searches the database for relevant product details. Product ID and category information are used as input, and detailed information such as price, availability, and product description is generated as output. The server packages the data to send back this information to the device.

[0636] Step 4:

[0637] The device visually displays detailed product information received from the server in a virtual space. The user can check detailed information about the product they are looking at. The input here is the detailed product data sent from the server, and the output is the display data in the virtual space.

[0638] Step 5:

[0639] After checking the product details, the user asks a question to the virtual store clerk by voice. The user's voice data is captured by the terminal and converted into text. The input is the user's voice data, and the output is text data. This conversion is performed using voice recognition software.

[0640] Step 6:

[0641] The text data sent from the device is sent to the server, where a generative AI model (e.g., GPT-4) generates an appropriate response based on the text. The input is the user's question text, and the output is the response text. The generative AI model generates a response based on the given prompt.

[0642] Step 7:

[0643] The server generates a response text and sends it back to the terminal, which converts it into speech and presents it to the user. The input from the server is the response text, and the output is speech data. Text-to-speech software is used to convert the text to speech.

[0644] Step 8:

[0645] When a user selects a product and decides to purchase it, the terminal adds the product data to the cart and sends it to the server. The server checks inventory and processes payment. The input is the purchased product data, and the output is a notification that the purchase procedure has been completed. This completes the purchase, and the user is notified of the confirmation.

[0646] 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.

[0647] The system of the present invention integrates virtual reality devices, generative artificial intelligence, and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive and emotionally sensitive shopping experience. The system is realized through collaboration between users, devices, and servers, as well as emotion recognition technology.

[0648] User operations

[0649] First, the user puts on a virtual reality device (e.g., a VR headset and VR controllers) and a login screen appears. After logging in, the user enters a virtual supermarket. The user can move freely within the virtual space, look around the shelves, and point to products of interest by looking at them or pointing at them with their hands. Furthermore, the user's emotions are reflected in the system in real time.

[0650] Terminal handling

[0651] The device uses cameras and sensors built into the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This tracking data is processed in real time to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at. The device also has an emotion engine that analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice to detect their emotional state. All of this information is sent to a server.

[0652] Server Processing

[0653] The server retrieves detailed product information from a database based on a request from the device and sends it to the device. It then generates a response based on the user's question and emotional state. Based on the detection results of the emotion engine, the generative AI responds according to the user's emotional state. For example, if a user asks a question and the emotion engine determines that the user is feeling anxious, the server will generate a response in a soothing tone.

[0654] Specific examples

[0655] For example, if a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket, the following process takes place: When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects this gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomatoes. The server then returns information about the tomato's price, stock status, origin, and so on to the device, which then displays that information to the user.

[0656] Furthermore, when a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice into text and sends the text to the server. If the emotion engine determines that the user is feeling anxious based on their tone of voice or facial expression, the server generates a reassuring response such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious," and replies to the user in voice or text.

[0657] Emotion-based interaction adjustment

[0658] When a user decides to purchase a particular product and adds it to their cart, the emotion engine monitors the user's state. For example, if the user is hesitant to purchase, the generative AI can provide additional recommendations and reviews to alleviate the user's anxiety.

[0659] Purchase and Delivery

[0660] When the user finally presses the purchase button, the terminal sends a purchase request to the server, which checks inventory and processes payment. Once the purchase procedure is complete, a purchase confirmation email is sent to the user, and delivery procedures are also carried out at the same time.

[0661] In this way, the system of the present invention utilizes virtual reality, generative artificial intelligence, and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive, emotionally rich shopping experience, allowing them to easily enjoy more value than they would get from shopping in a physical store, all within a virtual space.

[0662] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0663] Step 1:

[0664] The user puts on the virtual reality device and the login screen appears. The user enters their ID and password and presses the login button.

[0665] Step 2:

[0666] The terminal obtains the user's ID and password and sends the authentication information to the server.

[0667] Step 3:

[0668] The server compares the received authentication information with the database and returns the authentication result to the terminal.

[0669] Step 4:

[0670] If the terminal is successfully authenticated, an initial screen is generated and displayed based on the user's purchase history and products of interest, and the user enters the virtual supermarket from this screen.

[0671] Step 5:

[0672] The user moves around the virtual store using a VR controller. The device tracks the user's gaze and hand movements to detect the user's movements.

[0673] Step 6:

[0674] When a user looks at a particular product shelf, the device tracks their gaze and sends a request for product information to the server.

[0675] Step 7:

[0676] The server retrieves detailed information about the relevant product from the product database and sends it to the terminal.

[0677] Step 8:

[0678] The device overlays the received detailed information on the VR screen, and the user can check the product information.

[0679] Step 9:

[0680] The user asks a specific question to the virtual store clerk, for example, "Are these tomatoes organic?" The device converts the speech into text and sends the text to the server.

[0681] Step 10:

[0682] The server passes the received question text to a generative AI system that generates an appropriate response. The emotion engine also identifies emotions from the user's tone of voice and facial expressions and generates an adapted response.

[0683] Step 11:

[0684] Based on the results of the emotion engine, the server generates a response that corresponds to the user's emotional state and sends it to the device. For example, it could be a reassuring response such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organically grown. They come from a trusted farm."

[0685] Step 12:

[0686] The terminal notifies the user of the received response by voice or text.

[0687] Step 13:

[0688] The user likes the product and decides to purchase it. The user adds the product to the cart. The device sends the cart contents to the server.

[0689] Step 14:

[0690] The user finally presses the purchase button, and the device sends a purchase request to the server.

[0691] Step 15:

[0692] The server checks the inventory, secures the stock, and processes the payment. After the purchase procedure is completed, a confirmation email is sent to the user and the delivery procedure begins.

[0693] Step 16:

[0694] The server tracks the delivery status and notifies the user in real time. The user waits for the product to be delivered along with the purchase confirmation.

[0695] Example 2

[0696] 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."

[0697] Conventional virtual reality systems lack the mechanisms to not only track the user's gaze and hand movements, but also to generate responses that take into account the user's emotional state. As a result, users are unable to receive responses that reflect their individual emotional state during their shopping experience in a virtual environment, which leads to a decrease in satisfaction.

[0698] 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 a means for a user to move through a virtual environment using a virtual reality device, a means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements, a means for detecting the user's emotional state using an emotion engine, a means for generating responses to the user's questions using generative artificial intelligence, a means for providing the responses to the user, and a means for processing purchase requests, checking inventory, and processing payments. This allows users to receive responses tailored to their individual emotional states, resulting in a highly satisfying shopping experience.

[0699] "User" refers to a person who uses a virtual reality device to interact with a virtual environment.

[0700] A "virtual reality device" is a device that allows a user to immerse themselves in a virtual environment and interact with it through their senses, such as sight and hearing. Examples include VR headsets and VR controllers.

[0701] "Virtual environment" refers to an artificially created environment that a user can experience through a virtual reality device. This includes virtual spaces such as a virtual supermarket.

[0702] "Eye tracking" refers to a technology that tracks the direction in which a user's eyes are looking and acquires that information in real time.

[0703] "Hand movement tracking" refers to technology that tracks the movements of a user's hands and obtains that information in real time.

[0704] An "emotion engine" is a system that detects a user's emotional state by analyzing their facial expressions, tone of voice, etc.

[0705] "Generative AI" refers to AI technology that automatically generates appropriate responses and content based on user input and the situation. Specific examples include natural language processing models.

[0706] "Means for generating responses" refers to a mechanism that automatically generates appropriate responses to questions or requests from users, taking into account their emotional state.

[0707] "Means for providing a response" refers to the mechanism by which the generated response is presented to the user, including audio output and text display.

[0708] "Means for processing purchase requests" refers to a system that accepts purchase operations performed by users within the virtual environment and then checks inventory and processes payments.

[0709] "Means for checking stock and processing payment" refers to a mechanism for checking the stock status of the product selected by the user and completing the payment procedure.

[0710] The system of the present invention integrates a virtual reality device, generative artificial intelligence, and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive and emotion-sensitive shopping experience. Specific embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0711] User operations

[0712] Users put on virtual reality devices (e.g., VR headsets and VR controllers) and log in to the system. Once logged in, users enter the virtual supermarket and can move freely. Users can look at products they are interested in or point with their hands. All of these actions are tracked through the cameras and sensors in the virtual reality device.

[0713] Terminal handling

[0714] The device uses the virtual reality device's cameras and sensors to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This data is processed in real time to identify the product the user is looking at or pointing at. The device also has an emotion engine that analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice to detect their emotional state. All tracking and emotion data is sent to a server.

[0715] Server Processing

[0716] Based on the tracking data received from the device, the server retrieves detailed information about the product the user is looking at from a database and sends it to the device. When the user asks a question, an appropriate response is generated using generative artificial intelligence. The tone and content of the response are adjusted based on the results detected by the emotion engine. For example, if the server detects that the user is feeling anxious, it generates a response that gives a sense of reassurance.

[0717] Specific examples

[0718] For example, if a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket, the following process takes place: When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects this gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomatoes. The server then returns information about the tomato, such as its price, stock status, and origin, to the device, which then displays this information to the user.

[0719] Furthermore, if a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice into text and sends that text to the server. If the emotion engine determines that the user is feeling anxious based on their tone of voice or facial expression, the server will generate a reassuring response such as "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious," and respond to the user in voice or text. Examples of prompts in this case are as follows:

[0720] Analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice to generate appropriate responses based on their emotional state. For example, if a user asks, "Are these tomatoes organic?" and they seem anxious, respond with a reassuring tone.

[0721] Purchase and Delivery

[0722] When the user finally presses the purchase button, the terminal sends a purchase request to the server, which checks inventory and processes payment. Once the purchase procedure is complete, the server sends a confirmation email to the user and simultaneously processes delivery.

[0723] In this way, the system of the present invention can leverage virtual reality, generative artificial intelligence, and emotion engines to provide users with an intuitive, emotionally rich shopping experience.

[0724] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0725] Step 1: The user puts on the virtual reality device and the login screen appears.

[0726] Input: Wearing a virtual reality device

[0727] Output: Login screen displayed

[0728] When a user first puts on a virtual reality device (e.g., a VR headset or VR controllers), the device displays a login screen, which includes fields for entering a user ID and password.

[0729] Step 2: User enters login information

[0730] Input: User ID and password

[0731] Output: Authentication request

[0732] When a user enters their login information, the device sends this data to the server as an authentication request. Specifically, the user ID and password are sent to the server.

[0733] Step 3: Server authenticates

[0734] Input: User ID and password

[0735] Output: Authentication result

[0736] The server compares the received user ID and password with the database and performs authentication. This process determines whether the user has valid access rights. If the authentication is successful, the server returns an authentication success message to the terminal.

[0737] Step 4: User moves through the virtual environment and makes eye contact

[0738] Input: Authentication success message

[0739] Output: Access to the virtual environment

[0740] Once authentication is successful, the user is allowed to enter the virtual supermarket. The user can move freely within the virtual space and focus their gaze on products they are interested in. This movement is tracked by the cameras and sensors in the virtual reality device.

[0741] Step 5: Your device tracks your gaze and hand movements

[0742] Input: User's gaze and hand movements

[0743] Output: Tracking data

[0744] The device uses the cameras and sensors in the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements, thereby identifying the products the user is looking at or pointing at. This data is collected as tracking data.

[0745] Step 6: The device uses the emotion engine to detect the emotional state

[0746] Input: User facial expressions and tone of voice

[0747] Output: Emotion data

[0748] The device's built-in emotion engine analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice in real time to detect their emotional state, and this data is collected as emotion data.

[0749] Step 7: The device sends tracking data and emotion data to the server.

[0750] Input: Tracking data and emotion data

[0751] Output: Request to server

[0752] The device sends the collected tracking data and emotional data to a server, which receives the data and determines the next action based on the product the user is viewing and their emotional state.

[0753] Step 8: Server retrieves product details

[0754] Input: Tracking data

[0755] Output: Product information

[0756] The server uses the received tracking data to retrieve detailed information about the product the user is looking at from a database, including information such as the price, stock status, and origin of tomatoes.

[0757] Step 9: The server sends the product information to the terminal.

[0758] Input: Product information

[0759] Output: Response to the terminal

[0760] The server sends the acquired product information to the terminal, which receives the information and displays it to the user.

[0761] Step 10: User asks product question

[0762] Input: User question

[0763] Output: Audio data

[0764] When a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the terminal collects the user's voice and stores it as voice data.

[0765] Step 11: Your device converts speech to text

[0766] Input: Audio data

[0767] Output: Text data

[0768] The device converts the collected voice data into text, and the user's question is saved as text data through this conversion process.

[0769] Step 12: The device sends the text data and emotion data to the server.

[0770] Input: Text data and emotion data

[0771] Output: Request to server

[0772] The device sends the converted text data and the detected emotion data to the server.

[0773] Step 13: The server generates a response using generative artificial intelligence

[0774] Input: Text data and emotion data

[0775] Output: Response data

[0776] The server uses generative artificial intelligence to generate appropriate responses to user questions. For example, if it detects that the user is feeling anxious, it will generate a reassuring response such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious."

[0777] Step 14: The server sends the response data to the terminal.

[0778] Input: Response data

[0779] Output: Response to the terminal

[0780] The server sends the generated response data to the terminal, which receives the response data and provides it to the user.

[0781] Step 15: User purchases product

[0782] Input: User's purchase decision

[0783] Output: Purchase request

[0784] When a user presses the purchase button, the device sends a purchase request to the server. At that time, the emotion engine monitors the user's emotional state and may present information on how to ameliorate the purchase.

[0785] Step 16: Server checks inventory and processes payment

[0786] Input: Purchase Request

[0787] Output: Purchase confirmation

[0788] The server receives the purchase request, checks the inventory, then processes the payment and, if everything goes well, sends a response confirming the purchase back to the terminal.

[0789] Step 17: Server confirms purchase and processes delivery

[0790] Input: Purchase confirmation

[0791] Output: Purchase confirmation email and shipping instructions

[0792] The server records the purchase confirmation in a database, sends the user a purchase confirmation email, and then sends instructions to a delivery company to arrange for the product to be delivered to the user.

[0793] The above are the specific processing steps of the present invention, and the system allows users to enjoy an intuitive and emotional shopping experience in a virtual environment.

[0794] (Application example 2)

[0795] 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."

[0796] Conventional virtual reality shopping systems are capable of tracking the user's gaze and hand movements and generating responses to questions using generative artificial intelligence. However, they lack the ability to provide interactions that reflect the user's emotional state, and they are unable to fully resolve the user's anxieties and doubts. In particular, there is a need to remove emotional barriers that reduce the user's willingness to purchase. Furthermore, the lack of response generation that takes the user's emotions into consideration leads to a decline in the quality of interactions and a poor user experience.

[0797] 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 detecting the user's emotional state and generating a response based on the emotion, means for displaying detailed information about products in the virtual space, and means for transmitting data about products selected by the user. This enables response generation and interaction that take the user's emotions into consideration. This allows the user to ask questions and make purchases with confidence, improving the virtual reality shopping experience. Furthermore, providing information quickly and intuitively improves the overall quality of the user experience and increases the user's willingness to purchase.

[0798] A "user" is a person who uses the system and moves through the virtual space using a virtual reality device.

[0799] A "virtual reality device" is a device such as a head-mounted display or controller that allows a user to access and experience a virtual reality space.

[0800] A "virtual space" is a virtual environment or scene that can be accessed through a virtual reality device, and is a space where you can experience things like shopping.

[0801] "Eye tracking" is a technology that detects the direction in which a user's eyes are directed.

[0802] "Means for tracking hand movements" refers to technology that detects the position and movement of the user's hands and supports operations within the virtual space.

[0803] "Generative AI" is an AI technology that automatically generates responses and content based on the user's questions and actions.

[0804] The "emotional state of the user" represents the emotions felt by the user, and is data detected from facial expressions, tone of voice, and the like.

[0805] An "emotion-based response" refers to a response that is appropriately generated in response to the detected emotional state of the user, and that takes the user's emotions into consideration.

[0806] "Detailed product information" refers to specific information such as the product's price, stock status, and origin, and is provided to the user in the virtual space.

[0807] "Data on selected product" is information about the product selected by the user in the virtual space, and is used for delivery and purchase procedures.

[0808] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0809] This invention is a system that integrates a virtual reality device, generative artificial intelligence (AI), and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive and emotionally sensitive shopping experience. This system is realized through collaboration between users, terminals, and a server.

[0810] User operations

[0811] First, the user puts on a virtual reality device (e.g., a head-mounted display or VR controller) and launches a dedicated application. A login screen appears, and the user can enter their authentication information to enter the virtual store. The user can move freely within the virtual space, look around the shelves, and point to products of interest by looking at them or pointing at them. The user's emotional state is also reflected in real time by the system through facial expressions and tone of voice.

[0812] Terminal handling

[0813] The device is equipped with a function to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This is achieved using cameras and sensors built into the virtual reality device. The device processes the tracking data in real time to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at. The device also has an emotion engine that analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice to detect their emotional state. All this information is sent to the server.

[0814] Server Processing

[0815] The server performs processing based on the data received from the terminal. If the user is interested in a particular product, the server retrieves detailed information about that product (e.g., price, stock status, and origin) from the database and sends it to the terminal. In addition, when the user asks a question, the emotion engine determines the user's emotional state. If it determines that the user is feeling anxious, the generative AI generates a response that takes the emotion into consideration. For example, if the user asks, "Are these tomatoes organic?" and the emotion engine detects anxiety, it will generate a reassuring response such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious."

[0816] Specific examples

[0817] For example, if a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual store, the following process takes place: When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects the gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomatoes. The server returns information about the tomato's price, stock status, origin, and other information to the device, which then displays that information to the user. Furthermore, if the user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice to text and sends that text to the server. If the emotion engine determines that the user is feeling anxious based on their tone of voice or facial expression, the server will generate a reassuring response such as "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious," and respond to the user in voice or text.

[0818] An example of a prompt sentence to be input into the generative AI model is, "Are these tomatoes organic?" Based on the emotional data of "anxiety," the generative AI will generate an answer such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They are very fresh and delicious."

[0819] In this way, the system of the present invention utilizes virtual reality, generative artificial intelligence, and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive, emotionally rich shopping experience, allowing them to easily enjoy more value than they would get from shopping in a physical store, all within a virtual space.

[0820] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0821] Step 1:

[0822] The user puts on the virtual reality device and launches the dedicated application. The user enters authentication information and logs in to the virtual store. The input of this step is the user's authentication information, and the output is permission to access the virtual store.

[0823] Step 2:

[0824] The device uses the camera and sensors built into the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements. The input is data from the camera and sensors, and the output is the user's gaze and hand position information. Data processing involves processing the gaze and hand position information in real time to identify the location of specific products in the virtual space.

[0825] Step 3:

[0826] The device sends tracking data to the server and requests detailed information about the product the user is looking at. The input is gaze and hand position information, and the output is detailed product information (e.g., price, stock status, and origin). Data calculations involve an identification process to identify the product.

[0827] Step 4:

[0828] The server retrieves product details from the database and sends them to the terminal. The input is a product specification request, and the output is detailed information data. Specific operations include executing a database query.

[0829] Step 5:

[0830] The terminal displays the acquired detailed information on the virtual reality device and provides it to the user. The input is detailed information data from the server, and the output is a detailed display of the product in the virtual space. Specific operations include rendering text and images.

[0831] Step 6:

[0832] When a user asks a question to a virtual store clerk, the terminal converts the voice into text and sends the text to the server. The input is the user's voice data, and the output is text data. Speech recognition processing is performed as data processing.

[0833] Step 7:

[0834] The server uses generative artificial intelligence to generate an answer based on the user's question text and the emotional state determined by the emotion engine. The input is the user's question text and emotional data, and the output is a response text that takes emotion into consideration. Natural language processing and emotion analysis are performed as data calculations.

[0835] Step 8:

[0836] The terminal converts the generated response text into speech and provides it to the user on the virtual reality device. The input is the response text from the server, and the output is speech data. Specific operations include generating synthetic speech.

[0837] Step 9:

[0838] When a user purchases a product, the terminal sends a purchase request to the server, which then checks inventory and processes payment. The input is the purchase request data, and the output is purchase confirmation and a payment completion notification. Specific operations include linking inventory management with the payment system.

[0839] Step 10:

[0840] Once the purchase procedure is completed, the server sends a purchase confirmation email to the user and simultaneously processes the delivery. The input is purchase confirmation data, and the output is a confirmation email and delivery request data. Specific operations include sending emails and linking with the delivery system.

[0841] 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.

[0842] 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.

[0843] 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.

[0844] [Third embodiment]

[0845] FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 310 according to the third embodiment.

[0846] 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.

[0847] 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).

[0848] 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.

[0849] 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.

[0850] 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).

[0851] 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.

[0852] 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.

[0853] 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.

[0854] 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.

[0855] 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.

[0856] 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."

[0857] The system of the present invention allows users to intuitively select products using a virtual reality device and obtain information in real time through generative artificial intelligence (AI). This system is realized through cooperation between users, terminals, and a server.

[0858] User operations

[0859] Users access the virtual space by wearing a virtual reality device, such as a VR headset and VR controller. The virtual space displays an environment similar to a real supermarket, and users can freely walk around. In this virtual space, users can browse the shelves and point to products they are interested in by looking at them or pointing to them.

[0860] Terminal handling

[0861] The device uses the camera and sensors built into the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This tracking data is processed in real time to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at. The device then sends the identified product information to the server and requests related detailed information.

[0862] Server Processing

[0863] Based on the request received from the device, the server searches the database for detailed information about the relevant product and returns it to the device. When the user asks a question to the virtual store clerk, the text information is passed to the generative AI, which generates an appropriate response. This generated response is sent to the user's device as voice or text.

[0864] Specific examples

[0865] For example, consider a case where a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket. When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects the gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomato. The server then returns information about the tomato, such as its price, stock status, and origin, to the device, which then displays it to the user.

[0866] Furthermore, when a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice to text and sends the question to the server. The server uses generative AI to generate a response, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic," and replies to the user via voice or text.

[0867] Add to Cart and Purchase

[0868] Once the user selects a product and decides to purchase it, the device sends that information to the server and adds it to the cart. Finally, when the user presses the purchase button, the server checks inventory and processes payment to complete the purchase. Product delivery is also arranged at this stage, and the user receives a purchase confirmation notification.

[0869] In this way, the system of the present invention utilizes virtual reality and generative artificial intelligence to provide users with an intuitive and interactive shopping experience, allowing them to experience the sensation of shopping in a real store, all within a virtual space.

[0870] The processing flow will be explained below.

[0871] Step 1:

[0872] The user puts on the virtual reality device and the login screen appears. The user enters their ID and password and presses the login button.

[0873] Step 2:

[0874] The terminal obtains the user's ID and password and sends the authentication information to the server.

[0875] Step 3:

[0876] The server compares the received authentication information with the database and returns the authentication result to the terminal.

[0877] Step 4:

[0878] If the terminal is successfully authenticated, an initial screen is generated and displayed based on the user's purchase history and products of interest. The user enters the virtual supermarket from this screen.

[0879] Step 5:

[0880] The user moves around the virtual store using a VR controller, and as the user approaches a shelf, the device tracks the user's gaze and hand movements.

[0881] Step 6:

[0882] The device detects when the user's gaze is directed at a specific product and sends that information to the server, requesting detailed information about the product.

[0883] Step 7:

[0884] The server retrieves detailed information about the relevant product from the product database and returns it to the terminal.

[0885] Step 8:

[0886] The device will overlay the received detailed information on the VR screen, allowing the user to check the details.

[0887] Step 9:

[0888] The user asks the virtual salesperson a question, for example, "Are these tomatoes organic?" The device converts the speech into text and sends the text to the server.

[0889] Step 10:

[0890] The server passes the received question text to the generative AI, which generates an appropriate response, and sends the generated response to the device.

[0891] Step 11:

[0892] The device will then notify the user of the received response via voice or text, for example, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic."

[0893] Step 12:

[0894] The user decides to purchase a particular item and adds it to the cart. The terminal sends the cart information to the server.

[0895] Step 13:

[0896] The user finally presses the purchase button, and the device sends a purchase request to the server.

[0897] Step 14:

[0898] The server checks inventory and processes payment to complete the purchase, sends a purchase confirmation email to the user, and begins the shipping process.

[0899] Step 15:

[0900] The user receives a purchase confirmation and the purchase is complete. The user waits for the product to be delivered.

[0901] Example 1

[0902] 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."

[0903] In conventional online shopping systems, users typically obtain product information through a flat screen, making it difficult to provide an intuitive and immersive shopping experience. Furthermore, there are also problems with limited responses to user questions, making it difficult to provide information efficiently. The present invention aims to solve these problems and provide users with a more intuitive and interactive shopping experience.

[0904] 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.

[0905] In this invention, the server includes a means for a user to move within a virtual space using a virtual reality device, a means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements, a means for requesting product information, and a means for generating responses to the user's questions using generative artificial intelligence, thereby enabling the user to intuitively select products and obtain detailed information and appropriate responses in real time.

[0906] A "user" is a person who uses a virtual reality device to operate the system and perform actions such as selecting products, obtaining information, and purchasing within the virtual space.

[0907] A "virtual reality device" is a hardware device that allows a user to access and interact with a virtual space, including a VR headset and VR controllers.

[0908] A "virtual space" is a computer-generated virtual environment that a user accesses through a virtual reality device.

[0909] "Eye and hand tracking" refers to the use of cameras and sensors in a virtual reality device to detect a user's eye gaze and hand movements in real time and process that information.

[0910] A "server" is a computer system that receives requests from users and returns associated data and responses.

[0911] The "means for requesting product information" is a communication means by which the terminal requests detailed information about a product in which the user has shown interest from the server.

[0912] "Generative artificial intelligence" is an AI model that generates appropriate responses in natural language to user questions.

[0913] The "means for providing a response" is a means for displaying the generated answer or product information to the user in voice or text format.

[0914] The "means for adding to cart and completing the purchase procedure" refers to the processing and communication means for adding the product selected by the user to the virtual cart and completing the purchase procedure.

[0915] The "means for checking stock and processing payment" is a function that allows the server to check the stock status of products in the cart and execute payment processing.

[0916] The system of the present invention allows users to select products in a virtual space using a virtual reality device and obtain information in real time through generative artificial intelligence (AI). The system mainly involves three elements: the user, the terminal, and the server. The specific roles and processing methods of each element are explained below.

[0917] Hardware and Software Overview

[0918] Hardware: Virtual reality devices (VR headsets, VR controllers), cameras, sensors

[0919] Software: tracking software, database management systems, generative AI models (e.g., GPT-4)

[0920] User operations

[0921] Users put on a VR headset and VR controllers and log in to the system. Once inside the virtual space, an environment similar to a real supermarket is displayed, and users can freely walk around and select products. Users can show interest in products by making eye contact or pointing with their hands.

[0922] Terminal handling

[0923] The device uses the camera and sensors built into the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements. For example, when the user focuses their gaze on a product, the tracking data is processed in real time. The device then sends the identified product information to the server and requests related detailed information.

[0924] Server Processing

[0925] Based on the request received from the terminal, the server searches the database for detailed information about the relevant product and returns it to the terminal. The detailed information includes the product name, price, stock status, and place of origin. When the user asks a question to the virtual store clerk, the text information is passed to a generative AI model, which generates an appropriate response. The generated response is sent to the terminal as voice or text.

[0926] Specific examples

[0927] For example, if a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket, when the user directs their gaze at a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects this gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomatoes. Based on this request, the server searches for information about the tomato, such as its price, stock status, and origin, and sends it back to the device. The device then displays this information in the user's field of view.

[0928] Furthermore, suppose the user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?" In this case, the device converts the speech into text and sends the text data to the server. The server uses the generative AI model to generate a response, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic," and replies to the user in voice or text format.

[0929] Examples of prompt statements

[0930] "Where were these tomatoes grown?"

[0931] "Please tell me about organic tomatoes."

[0932] I want to know more about this product

[0933] This allows the system of the present invention to provide users with an intuitive and interactive shopping experience, allowing them to feel as if they were shopping in a real store within a virtual space, and to obtain product information efficiently and conveniently.

[0934] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0935] System program flow and processing steps

[0936] Step 1:

[0937] The user puts on the virtual reality device and logs into the system.

[0938] Input: User login information.

[0939] Output: Permission to access virtual space.

[0940] Specific operation: The user puts on a VR headset and VR controllers and enters their login information through the authentication screen, and the system authenticates the user.

[0941] Step 2:

[0942] The user accesses the virtual space.

[0943] Input: The status of the user after login.

[0944] Output: A display of the virtual supermarket.

[0945] Specific operation: After the user successfully logs in, the system displays a 3D environment of a virtual supermarket on the virtual reality device.

[0946] Step 3:

[0947] The device tracks the user's gaze and hand movements.

[0948] Input: User's gaze and hand position information.

[0949] Output: Eye and hand tracking data.

[0950] Specific operation: Cameras and sensors installed in the virtual reality device detect the user's gaze and hand movements in real time and process the data.

[0951] Step 4:

[0952] The terminal requests product information from the server.

[0953] Input: Tracking data and identified product information.

[0954] Output: Product information request sent to the server.

[0955] Specific operation: Identify the product the user is looking at based on gaze and hand movements, and request detailed information about that product from the server.

[0956] Step 5:

[0957] The server searches for product information and returns it to the terminal.

[0958] Input: Product information request.

[0959] Output: Detailed information about the searched product.

[0960] Specific operation: The server searches the database for detailed information about the requested product (such as name, price, stock status, and origin) and sends that data to the terminal.

[0961] Step 6:

[0962] The terminal displays the product information to the user.

[0963] Input: Product details received from the server.

[0964] Output: Product information displayed in the user's field of view.

[0965] Specific operation: The terminal displays the received product information on the display of the VR device, allowing the user to check the product information in the virtual space.

[0966] Step 7:

[0967] The user asks a question to the virtual store clerk.

[0968] Input: User's spoken question.

[0969] Output: Text of spoken questions.

[0970] Specific operation: The user asks the virtual store clerk a question such as "Are these tomatoes organically grown?", and the voice recording is input into the terminal.

[0971] Step 8:

[0972] The device converts the user's question into text and sends it to the server.

[0973] Input: Audio question.

[0974] Output: The text question sent to the server.

[0975] What it does: Speech recognition software converts the user's spoken question into text and sends that text to the server.

[0976] Step 9:

[0977] The server uses the generation AI to generate a response and sends it to the device.

[0978] Input: Text question.

[0979] Output: The generated response.

[0980] Specific operation: The server passes the text question to a generative AI model (e.g., GPT-4), which generates an appropriate response, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic." The response data is then sent to the device.

[0981] Step 10:

[0982] The terminal displays the generated response to the user.

[0983] Input: The response data received from the server.

[0984] Output: The response displayed in the user's field of view.

[0985] Specific operation: The terminal returns the received response to the user in voice or text format.

[0986] Step 11:

[0987] The user adds the product to their cart and checks out.

[0988] Input: User selection information.

[0989] Output: Product information added to cart and checkout progress.

[0990] Specific operation: When a user selects a specific product and presses the purchase button, the device sends the information to the server and the product is added to the cart.

[0991] Step 12:

[0992] The server checks inventory and processes payment to complete the purchase.

[0993] Input: Cart product data and payment information.

[0994] Output: Purchase confirmation notice and shipping arrangements.

[0995] Specific operation: The server checks the inventory of the items added to the cart, processes the payment, and once payment is complete, arranges for delivery of the items and sends a purchase confirmation to the user.

[0996] (Application example 1)

[0997] 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."

[0998] Conventional virtual reality shopping systems have had problems such as difficulty for users to obtain product information immediately and low usability.Furthermore, they lack the intuitive operation and interactive response that are similar to reality, which leads to low user satisfaction.

[0999] 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.

[1000] In this invention, the server includes means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements, means for transmitting information about identified products to the server, and means for generating responses to the user's questions using generative artificial intelligence. This allows the user to instantly obtain detailed product information when shopping in virtual reality using a smartphone, and the interactive responses provided by the generative artificial intelligence enable an intuitive and satisfying shopping experience similar to that of a real store.

[1001] 1. A "virtual reality device" is a device that allows a user to immerse themselves in a virtual space and experience a virtual world that differs from the actual physical environment through visual and auditory means.

[1002] 2. "Gaze and hand movement tracking" is a technology that uses cameras and sensors to detect the direction of a user's gaze and hand movements in real time, and collects and analyzes that information.

[1003] 3. "Generative AI" is an AI technology that can analyze and generate data such as text and images, and can interact with humans and generate content.

[1004] 4. "Information about the specified product" refers to detailed data about the specific product that the user selects through their gaze or hand movements in the virtual space.

[1005] 5. "Server" means a computer system that processes data and provides information in response to requests from clients over a network.

[1006] 6. A "smartphone" is a multi-functional, Internet-enabled mobile information terminal that can run a variety of applications.

[1007] 7. "Means for displaying detailed information" refers to a function that visually provides the user with information about the selected product, such as price, stock, and description.

[1008] 8. "Means to add to cart" refers to the functionality that allows users to add selected items to a virtual shopping cart and manage their shopping list.

[1009] 9. "Means for carrying out payment procedures" refers to the function for completing the purchase of the product selected by the user and carrying out the payment process.

[1010] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[1011] This invention provides a shopping system using a virtual reality device, enabling users to intuitively and interactively select products and obtain information in real time from generative artificial intelligence (AI). This system is composed of a user, a terminal, and a server working together.

[1012] System configuration

[1013] 1. User operations

[1014] Users use their smartphones as virtual reality devices (e.g., VR headsets) to access a virtual space, which displays an environment similar to a real supermarket. Users can freely walk around the environment, look around the shelves, and point to or look at products of interest.

[1015] 2. Terminal Processing

[1016] The device uses the smartphone's camera and motion sensors to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This tracking data is processed in real time to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at. The device then sends the identified product information to the server and requests related detailed information.

[1017] 3. Server Processing

[1018] Based on the request received from the device, the server searches the database for detailed information about the relevant product and returns it to the device. When the user asks a question to the virtual store clerk, the text information is passed to the generative AI, which generates an appropriate response. This generated response is sent to the user's device as voice or text.

[1019] Hardware and Software

[1020] Hardware

[1021] Smartphone: Primary interface device.

[1022] VR goggles: Provides a virtual reality experience.

[1023] software

[1024] Generative AI models: For example, use OpenAI's GPT-4.

[1025] Database: holds product information.

[1026] Data Flow and Processing

[1027] 1. Tracking the user's gaze and hand movements

[1028] The device uses the smartphone's camera and motion sensors to track the user's gaze and hand movements, allowing it to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at.

[1029] 2. Acquisition and display of product information

[1030] When a user looks at a product or points at it, that information is sent to the server. The server searches the database for detailed information about the product and returns it to the device. The device then displays the received information in the virtual space.

[1031] 3. Response generation using generative AI

[1032] When a user asks a question by voice, the voice is converted into text and sent to the server, which uses a generative AI model (e.g., GPT-4) to generate an appropriate response and returns it to the user via voice or text.

[1033] Specific examples

[1034] For example, consider a case where a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket. When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects the gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomato. The server then returns information about the tomato, such as its price, stock status, and origin, to the device, which then displays it to the user.

[1035] Furthermore, when a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice to text and sends the question to the server, which uses a generative AI model to generate a response, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic," and replies to the user via voice or text.

[1036] Prompt Sentence Examples

[1037] Prompt: "If the user is asking about tomatoes, please answer whether these tomatoes are organic."

[1038] Model used: OpenAI GPT-4

[1039] Example input text: "Are these tomatoes organic?"

[1040] Example output text: "Yes, these tomatoes are organic."

[1041] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[1042] Step 1:

[1043] A user wears a virtual reality device using a smartphone and accesses a virtual space. The virtual reality device activates the smartphone's camera and motion sensors to track the user's gaze and hand movements. The input data required is environmental data within the virtual space and user behavior data. The device processes this data in real time and displays the virtual space to the user.

[1044] Step 2:

[1045] As the user looks at the shelves of products in the virtual space, the device tracks the user's gaze data. When the user focuses their gaze on a specific product or points at it, that information is tracked. The specific product is determined using the gaze data and movement data, and the device sends this data to the server. The device then analyzes the data using gaze tracking and motion detection algorithms.

[1046] Step 3:

[1047] The server receives product requests from the device and searches the database for relevant product details. Product ID and category information are used as input, and detailed information such as price, availability, and product description is generated as output. The server packages the data to send back this information to the device.

[1048] Step 4:

[1049] The device visually displays detailed product information received from the server in a virtual space. The user can check detailed information about the product they are looking at. The input here is the detailed product data sent from the server, and the output is the display data in the virtual space.

[1050] Step 5:

[1051] After checking the product details, the user asks a question to the virtual store clerk by voice. The user's voice data is captured by the terminal and converted into text. The input is the user's voice data, and the output is text data. This conversion is performed using voice recognition software.

[1052] Step 6:

[1053] The text data sent from the device is sent to the server, where a generative AI model (e.g., GPT-4) generates an appropriate response based on the text. The input is the user's question text, and the output is the response text. The generative AI model generates a response based on the given prompt.

[1054] Step 7:

[1055] The server generates a response text and sends it back to the terminal, which converts it into speech and presents it to the user. The input from the server is the response text, and the output is speech data. Text-to-speech software is used to convert the text to speech.

[1056] Step 8:

[1057] When a user selects a product and decides to purchase it, the terminal adds the product data to the cart and sends it to the server. The server checks inventory and processes payment. The input is the purchased product data, and the output is a notification that the purchase procedure has been completed. This completes the purchase, and the user is notified of the confirmation.

[1058] 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.

[1059] The system of the present invention integrates virtual reality devices, generative artificial intelligence, and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive and emotionally sensitive shopping experience. The system is realized through collaboration between users, devices, and servers, as well as emotion recognition technology.

[1060] User operations

[1061] First, the user puts on a virtual reality device (e.g., a VR headset and VR controllers) and a login screen appears. After logging in, the user enters a virtual supermarket. The user can move freely within the virtual space, look around the shelves, and point to products of interest by looking at them or pointing at them with their hands. Furthermore, the user's emotions are reflected in the system in real time.

[1062] Terminal handling

[1063] The device uses cameras and sensors built into the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This tracking data is processed in real time to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at. The device also has an emotion engine that analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice to detect their emotional state. All of this information is sent to a server.

[1064] Server Processing

[1065] The server retrieves detailed product information from a database based on a request from the device and sends it to the device. It then generates a response based on the user's question and emotional state. Based on the detection results of the emotion engine, the generative AI responds according to the user's emotional state. For example, if a user asks a question and the emotion engine determines that the user is feeling anxious, the server will generate a response in a soothing tone.

[1066] Specific examples

[1067] For example, if a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket, the following process takes place: When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects this gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomatoes. The server then returns information about the tomato's price, stock status, origin, and so on to the device, which then displays that information to the user.

[1068] Furthermore, when a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice into text and sends the text to the server. If the emotion engine determines that the user is feeling anxious based on their tone of voice or facial expression, the server generates a reassuring response such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious," and replies to the user in voice or text.

[1069] Emotion-based interaction adjustment

[1070] When a user decides to purchase a particular product and adds it to their cart, the emotion engine monitors the user's state. For example, if the user is hesitant to purchase, the generative AI can provide additional recommendations and reviews to alleviate the user's anxiety.

[1071] Purchase and Delivery

[1072] When the user finally presses the purchase button, the terminal sends a purchase request to the server, which checks inventory and processes payment. Once the purchase procedure is complete, a purchase confirmation email is sent to the user, and delivery procedures are also carried out at the same time.

[1073] In this way, the system of the present invention utilizes virtual reality, generative artificial intelligence, and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive, emotionally rich shopping experience, allowing them to easily enjoy more value than they would get from shopping in a physical store, all within a virtual space.

[1074] The processing flow will be explained below.

[1075] Step 1:

[1076] The user puts on the virtual reality device and the login screen appears. The user enters their ID and password and presses the login button.

[1077] Step 2:

[1078] The terminal obtains the user's ID and password and sends the authentication information to the server.

[1079] Step 3:

[1080] The server compares the received authentication information with the database and returns the authentication result to the terminal.

[1081] Step 4:

[1082] If the terminal is successfully authenticated, an initial screen is generated and displayed based on the user's purchase history and products of interest, and the user enters the virtual supermarket from this screen.

[1083] Step 5:

[1084] The user moves around the virtual store using a VR controller. The device tracks the user's gaze and hand movements to detect the user's movements.

[1085] Step 6:

[1086] When a user looks at a particular product shelf, the device tracks their gaze and sends a request for product information to the server.

[1087] Step 7:

[1088] The server retrieves detailed information about the relevant product from the product database and sends it to the terminal.

[1089] Step 8:

[1090] The device overlays the received detailed information on the VR screen, and the user can check the product information.

[1091] Step 9:

[1092] The user asks a specific question to the virtual store clerk, for example, "Are these tomatoes organic?" The device converts the speech into text and sends the text to the server.

[1093] Step 10:

[1094] The server passes the received question text to a generative AI system that generates an appropriate response. The emotion engine also identifies emotions from the user's tone of voice and facial expressions and generates an adapted response.

[1095] Step 11:

[1096] Based on the results of the emotion engine, the server generates a response that corresponds to the user's emotional state and sends it to the device. For example, it could be a reassuring response such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organically grown. They come from a trusted farm."

[1097] Step 12:

[1098] The terminal notifies the user of the received response by voice or text.

[1099] Step 13:

[1100] The user likes the product and decides to purchase it. The user adds the product to the cart. The device sends the cart contents to the server.

[1101] Step 14:

[1102] The user finally presses the purchase button, and the device sends a purchase request to the server.

[1103] Step 15:

[1104] The server checks the inventory, secures the stock, and processes the payment. After the purchase procedure is completed, a confirmation email is sent to the user and the delivery procedure begins.

[1105] Step 16:

[1106] The server tracks the delivery status and notifies the user in real time. The user waits for the product to be delivered along with the purchase confirmation.

[1107] Example 2

[1108] 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."

[1109] Conventional virtual reality systems lack the mechanisms to not only track the user's gaze and hand movements, but also to generate responses that take into account the user's emotional state. As a result, users are unable to receive responses that reflect their individual emotional state during their shopping experience in a virtual environment, which leads to a decrease in satisfaction.

[1110] 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 a means for a user to move through a virtual environment using a virtual reality device, a means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements, a means for detecting the user's emotional state using an emotion engine, a means for generating responses to the user's questions using generative artificial intelligence, a means for providing the responses to the user, and a means for processing purchase requests, checking inventory, and processing payments. This allows users to receive responses tailored to their individual emotional states, resulting in a highly satisfying shopping experience.

[1111] "User" refers to a person who uses a virtual reality device to interact with a virtual environment.

[1112] A "virtual reality device" is a device that allows a user to immerse themselves in a virtual environment and interact with it through their senses, such as sight and hearing. Examples include VR headsets and VR controllers.

[1113] "Virtual environment" refers to an artificially created environment that a user can experience through a virtual reality device. This includes virtual spaces such as a virtual supermarket.

[1114] "Eye tracking" refers to a technology that tracks the direction in which a user's eyes are looking and acquires that information in real time.

[1115] "Hand movement tracking" refers to technology that tracks the movements of a user's hands and obtains that information in real time.

[1116] An "emotion engine" is a system that detects a user's emotional state by analyzing their facial expressions, tone of voice, etc.

[1117] "Generative AI" refers to AI technology that automatically generates appropriate responses and content based on user input and the situation. Specific examples include natural language processing models.

[1118] "Means for generating responses" refers to a mechanism that automatically generates appropriate responses to questions or requests from users, taking into account their emotional state.

[1119] "Means for providing a response" refers to the mechanism by which the generated response is presented to the user, including audio output and text display.

[1120] "Means for processing purchase requests" refers to a system that accepts purchase operations performed by users within the virtual environment and then checks inventory and processes payments.

[1121] "Means for checking stock and processing payment" refers to a mechanism for checking the stock status of the product selected by the user and completing the payment procedure.

[1122] The system of the present invention integrates a virtual reality device, generative artificial intelligence, and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive and emotion-sensitive shopping experience. Specific embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[1123] User operations

[1124] Users put on virtual reality devices (e.g., VR headsets and VR controllers) and log in to the system. Once logged in, users enter the virtual supermarket and can move freely. Users can look at products they are interested in or point with their hands. All of these actions are tracked through the cameras and sensors in the virtual reality device.

[1125] Terminal handling

[1126] The device uses the virtual reality device's cameras and sensors to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This data is processed in real time to identify the product the user is looking at or pointing at. The device also has an emotion engine that analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice to detect their emotional state. All tracking and emotion data is sent to a server.

[1127] Server Processing

[1128] Based on the tracking data received from the device, the server retrieves detailed information about the product the user is looking at from a database and sends it to the device. When the user asks a question, an appropriate response is generated using generative artificial intelligence. The tone and content of the response are adjusted based on the results detected by the emotion engine. For example, if the server detects that the user is feeling anxious, it generates a response that gives a sense of reassurance.

[1129] Specific examples

[1130] For example, if a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket, the following process takes place: When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects this gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomatoes. The server then returns information about the tomato, such as its price, stock status, and origin, to the device, which then displays this information to the user.

[1131] Furthermore, if a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice into text and sends that text to the server. If the emotion engine determines that the user is feeling anxious based on their tone of voice or facial expression, the server will generate a reassuring response such as "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious," and respond to the user in voice or text. Examples of prompts in this case are as follows:

[1132] Analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice to generate appropriate responses based on their emotional state. For example, if a user asks, "Are these tomatoes organic?" and they seem anxious, respond with a reassuring tone.

[1133] Purchase and Delivery

[1134] When the user finally presses the purchase button, the terminal sends a purchase request to the server, which checks inventory and processes payment. Once the purchase procedure is complete, the server sends a confirmation email to the user and simultaneously processes delivery.

[1135] In this way, the system of the present invention can leverage virtual reality, generative artificial intelligence, and emotion engines to provide users with an intuitive, emotionally rich shopping experience.

[1136] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[1137] Step 1: The user puts on the virtual reality device and the login screen appears.

[1138] Input: Wearing a virtual reality device

[1139] Output: Login screen displayed

[1140] When a user first puts on a virtual reality device (e.g., a VR headset or VR controllers), the device displays a login screen, which includes fields for entering a user ID and password.

[1141] Step 2: User enters login information

[1142] Input: User ID and password

[1143] Output: Authentication request

[1144] When a user enters their login information, the device sends this data to the server as an authentication request. Specifically, the user ID and password are sent to the server.

[1145] Step 3: Server authenticates

[1146] Input: User ID and password

[1147] Output: Authentication result

[1148] The server compares the received user ID and password with the database and performs authentication. This process determines whether the user has valid access rights. If the authentication is successful, the server returns an authentication success message to the terminal.

[1149] Step 4: User moves through the virtual environment and makes eye contact

[1150] Input: Authentication success message

[1151] Output: Access to the virtual environment

[1152] Once authentication is successful, the user is allowed to enter the virtual supermarket. The user can move freely within the virtual space and focus their gaze on products they are interested in. This movement is tracked by the cameras and sensors in the virtual reality device.

[1153] Step 5: Your device tracks your gaze and hand movements

[1154] Input: User's gaze and hand movements

[1155] Output: Tracking data

[1156] The device uses the cameras and sensors in the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements, thereby identifying the products the user is looking at or pointing at. This data is collected as tracking data.

[1157] Step 6: The device uses the emotion engine to detect the emotional state

[1158] Input: User facial expressions and tone of voice

[1159] Output: Emotion data

[1160] The device's built-in emotion engine analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice in real time to detect their emotional state, and this data is collected as emotion data.

[1161] Step 7: The device sends tracking data and emotion data to the server.

[1162] Input: Tracking data and emotion data

[1163] Output: Request to server

[1164] The device sends the collected tracking data and emotional data to a server, which receives the data and determines the next action based on the product the user is viewing and their emotional state.

[1165] Step 8: Server retrieves product details

[1166] Input: Tracking data

[1167] Output: Product information

[1168] The server uses the received tracking data to retrieve detailed information about the product the user is looking at from a database, including information such as the price, stock status, and origin of tomatoes.

[1169] Step 9: The server sends the product information to the terminal.

[1170] Input: Product information

[1171] Output: Response to the terminal

[1172] The server sends the acquired product information to the terminal, which receives the information and displays it to the user.

[1173] Step 10: User asks product question

[1174] Input: User question

[1175] Output: Audio data

[1176] When a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the terminal collects the user's voice and stores it as voice data.

[1177] Step 11: Your device converts speech to text

[1178] Input: Audio data

[1179] Output: Text data

[1180] The device converts the collected voice data into text, and the user's question is saved as text data through this conversion process.

[1181] Step 12: The device sends the text data and emotion data to the server.

[1182] Input: Text data and emotion data

[1183] Output: Request to server

[1184] The device sends the converted text data and the detected emotion data to the server.

[1185] Step 13: The server generates a response using generative artificial intelligence

[1186] Input: Text data and emotion data

[1187] Output: Response data

[1188] The server uses generative artificial intelligence to generate appropriate responses to user questions. For example, if it detects that the user is feeling anxious, it will generate a reassuring response such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious."

[1189] Step 14: The server sends the response data to the terminal.

[1190] Input: Response data

[1191] Output: Response to the terminal

[1192] The server sends the generated response data to the terminal, which receives the response data and provides it to the user.

[1193] Step 15: User purchases product

[1194] Input: User's purchase decision

[1195] Output: Purchase request

[1196] When a user presses the purchase button, the device sends a purchase request to the server. At that time, the emotion engine monitors the user's emotional state and may present information on how to ameliorate the purchase.

[1197] Step 16: Server checks inventory and processes payment

[1198] Input: Purchase Request

[1199] Output: Purchase confirmation

[1200] The server receives the purchase request, checks the inventory, then processes the payment and, if everything goes well, sends a response confirming the purchase back to the terminal.

[1201] Step 17: Server confirms purchase and processes delivery

[1202] Input: Purchase confirmation

[1203] Output: Purchase confirmation email and shipping instructions

[1204] The server records the purchase confirmation in a database, sends the user a purchase confirmation email, and then sends instructions to a delivery company to arrange for the product to be delivered to the user.

[1205] The above are the specific processing steps of the present invention, and the system allows users to enjoy an intuitive and emotional shopping experience in a virtual environment.

[1206] (Application example 2)

[1207] 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."

[1208] Conventional virtual reality shopping systems are capable of tracking the user's gaze and hand movements and generating responses to questions using generative artificial intelligence. However, they lack the ability to provide interactions that reflect the user's emotional state, and they are unable to fully resolve the user's anxieties and doubts. In particular, there is a need to remove emotional barriers that reduce the user's willingness to purchase. Furthermore, the lack of response generation that takes the user's emotions into consideration leads to a decline in the quality of interactions and a poor user experience.

[1209] 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 detecting the user's emotional state and generating a response based on the emotion, means for displaying detailed information about products in the virtual space, and means for transmitting data about products selected by the user. This enables response generation and interaction that take the user's emotions into consideration. This allows the user to ask questions and make purchases with confidence, improving the virtual reality shopping experience. Furthermore, providing information quickly and intuitively improves the overall quality of the user experience and increases the user's willingness to purchase.

[1210] A "user" is a person who uses the system and moves through the virtual space using a virtual reality device.

[1211] A "virtual reality device" is a device such as a head-mounted display or controller that allows a user to access and experience a virtual reality space.

[1212] A "virtual space" is a virtual environment or scene that can be accessed through a virtual reality device, and is a space where you can experience things like shopping.

[1213] "Eye tracking" is a technology that detects the direction in which a user's eyes are directed.

[1214] "Means for tracking hand movements" refers to technology that detects the position and movement of the user's hands and supports operations within the virtual space.

[1215] "Generative AI" is an AI technology that automatically generates responses and content based on the user's questions and actions.

[1216] The "emotional state of the user" represents the emotions felt by the user, and is data detected from facial expressions, tone of voice, and the like.

[1217] An "emotion-based response" refers to a response that is appropriately generated in response to the detected emotional state of the user, and that takes the user's emotions into consideration.

[1218] "Detailed product information" refers to specific information such as the product's price, stock status, and origin, and is provided to the user in the virtual space.

[1219] "Data on selected product" is information about the product selected by the user in the virtual space, and is used for delivery and purchase procedures.

[1220] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[1221] This invention is a system that integrates a virtual reality device, generative artificial intelligence (AI), and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive and emotionally sensitive shopping experience. This system is realized through collaboration between users, terminals, and a server.

[1222] User operations

[1223] First, the user puts on a virtual reality device (e.g., a head-mounted display or VR controller) and launches a dedicated application. A login screen appears, and the user can enter their authentication information to enter the virtual store. The user can move freely within the virtual space, look around the shelves, and point to products of interest by looking at them or pointing at them. The user's emotional state is also reflected in real time by the system through facial expressions and tone of voice.

[1224] Terminal handling

[1225] The device is equipped with a function to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This is achieved using cameras and sensors built into the virtual reality device. The device processes the tracking data in real time to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at. The device also has an emotion engine that analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice to detect their emotional state. All this information is sent to the server.

[1226] Server Processing

[1227] The server performs processing based on the data received from the terminal. If the user is interested in a particular product, the server retrieves detailed information about that product (e.g., price, stock status, and origin) from the database and sends it to the terminal. In addition, when the user asks a question, the emotion engine determines the user's emotional state. If it determines that the user is feeling anxious, the generative AI generates a response that takes the emotion into consideration. For example, if the user asks, "Are these tomatoes organic?" and the emotion engine detects anxiety, it will generate a reassuring response such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious."

[1228] Specific examples

[1229] For example, if a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual store, the following process takes place: When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects the gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomatoes. The server returns information about the tomato's price, stock status, origin, and other information to the device, which then displays that information to the user. Furthermore, if the user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice to text and sends that text to the server. If the emotion engine determines that the user is feeling anxious based on their tone of voice or facial expression, the server will generate a reassuring response such as "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious," and respond to the user in voice or text.

[1230] An example of a prompt sentence to be input into the generative AI model is, "Are these tomatoes organic?" Based on the emotional data of "anxiety," the generative AI will generate an answer such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They are very fresh and delicious."

[1231] In this way, the system of the present invention utilizes virtual reality, generative artificial intelligence, and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive, emotionally rich shopping experience, allowing them to easily enjoy more value than they would get from shopping in a physical store, all within a virtual space.

[1232] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[1233] Step 1:

[1234] The user puts on the virtual reality device and launches the dedicated application. The user enters authentication information and logs in to the virtual store. The input of this step is the user's authentication information, and the output is permission to access the virtual store.

[1235] Step 2:

[1236] The device uses the camera and sensors built into the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements. The input is data from the camera and sensors, and the output is the user's gaze and hand position information. Data processing involves processing the gaze and hand position information in real time to identify the location of specific products in the virtual space.

[1237] Step 3:

[1238] The device sends tracking data to the server and requests detailed information about the product the user is looking at. The input is gaze and hand position information, and the output is detailed product information (e.g., price, stock status, and origin). Data calculations involve an identification process to identify the product.

[1239] Step 4:

[1240] The server retrieves product details from the database and sends them to the terminal. The input is a product specification request, and the output is detailed information data. Specific operations include executing a database query.

[1241] Step 5:

[1242] The terminal displays the acquired detailed information on the virtual reality device and provides it to the user. The input is detailed information data from the server, and the output is a detailed display of the product in the virtual space. Specific operations include rendering text and images.

[1243] Step 6:

[1244] When a user asks a question to a virtual store clerk, the terminal converts the voice into text and sends the text to the server. The input is the user's voice data, and the output is text data. Speech recognition processing is performed as data processing.

[1245] Step 7:

[1246] The server uses generative artificial intelligence to generate an answer based on the user's question text and the emotional state determined by the emotion engine. The input is the user's question text and emotional data, and the output is a response text that takes emotion into consideration. Natural language processing and emotion analysis are performed as data calculations.

[1247] Step 8:

[1248] The terminal converts the generated response text into speech and provides it to the user on the virtual reality device. The input is the response text from the server, and the output is speech data. Specific operations include generating synthetic speech.

[1249] Step 9:

[1250] When a user purchases a product, the terminal sends a purchase request to the server, which then checks inventory and processes payment. The input is the purchase request data, and the output is purchase confirmation and a payment completion notification. Specific operations include linking inventory management with the payment system.

[1251] Step 10:

[1252] Once the purchase procedure is completed, the server sends a purchase confirmation email to the user and simultaneously processes the delivery. The input is purchase confirmation data, and the output is a confirmation email and delivery request data. Specific operations include sending emails and linking with the delivery system.

[1253] 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.

[1254] 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.

[1255] 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.

[1256] [Fourth embodiment]

[1257] FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of a data processing system 410 according to the fourth embodiment.

[1258] 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.

[1259] 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).

[1260] 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.

[1261] 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.

[1262] 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).

[1263] 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.

[1264] 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.

[1265] 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.

[1266] 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.

[1267] 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.

[1268] 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.

[1269] 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."

[1270] The system of the present invention allows users to intuitively select products using a virtual reality device and obtain information in real time through generative artificial intelligence (AI). This system is realized through cooperation between users, terminals, and a server.

[1271] User operations

[1272] Users access the virtual space by wearing a virtual reality device, such as a VR headset and VR controller. The virtual space displays an environment similar to a real supermarket, and users can freely walk around. In this virtual space, users can browse the shelves and point to products they are interested in by looking at them or pointing to them.

[1273] Terminal handling

[1274] The device uses the camera and sensors built into the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This tracking data is processed in real time to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at. The device then sends the identified product information to the server and requests related detailed information.

[1275] Server Processing

[1276] Based on the request received from the device, the server searches the database for detailed information about the relevant product and returns it to the device. When the user asks a question to the virtual store clerk, the text information is passed to the generative AI, which generates an appropriate response. This generated response is sent to the user's device as voice or text.

[1277] Specific examples

[1278] For example, consider a case where a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket. When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects the gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomato. The server then returns information about the tomato, such as its price, stock status, and origin, to the device, which then displays it to the user.

[1279] Furthermore, when a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice to text and sends the question to the server. The server uses generative AI to generate a response, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic," and replies to the user via voice or text.

[1280] Add to Cart and Purchase

[1281] Once the user selects a product and decides to purchase it, the device sends that information to the server and adds it to the cart. Finally, when the user presses the purchase button, the server checks inventory and processes payment to complete the purchase. Product delivery is also arranged at this stage, and the user receives a purchase confirmation notification.

[1282] In this way, the system of the present invention utilizes virtual reality and generative artificial intelligence to provide users with an intuitive and interactive shopping experience, allowing them to experience the sensation of shopping in a real store, all within a virtual space.

[1283] The processing flow will be explained below.

[1284] Step 1:

[1285] The user puts on the virtual reality device and the login screen appears. The user enters their ID and password and presses the login button.

[1286] Step 2:

[1287] The terminal obtains the user's ID and password and sends the authentication information to the server.

[1288] Step 3:

[1289] The server compares the received authentication information with the database and returns the authentication result to the terminal.

[1290] Step 4:

[1291] If the device is successfully authenticated, an initial screen is generated and displayed based on the user's purchase history and products of interest. The user enters the virtual supermarket from this screen.

[1292] Step 5:

[1293] The user moves around the virtual store using a VR controller, and as the user approaches a shelf, the device tracks the user's gaze and hand movements.

[1294] Step 6:

[1295] The device detects when the user's gaze is directed at a specific product and sends that information to the server, requesting detailed information about the product.

[1296] Step 7:

[1297] The server retrieves detailed information about the relevant product from the product database and returns it to the terminal.

[1298] Step 8:

[1299] The device will overlay the received detailed information on the VR screen, allowing the user to check the details.

[1300] Step 9:

[1301] The user asks the virtual salesperson a question, for example, "Are these tomatoes organic?" The device converts the speech into text and sends the text to the server.

[1302] Step 10:

[1303] The server passes the received question text to the generative AI, which generates an appropriate response, and sends the generated response to the device.

[1304] Step 11:

[1305] The device will then notify the user of the received response via voice or text, for example, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic."

[1306] Step 12:

[1307] The user decides to purchase a particular item and adds it to the cart. The terminal sends the cart information to the server.

[1308] Step 13:

[1309] The user finally presses the purchase button, and the device sends a purchase request to the server.

[1310] Step 14:

[1311] The server checks inventory and processes payment to complete the purchase, sends a purchase confirmation email to the user, and begins the shipping process.

[1312] Step 15:

[1313] The user receives a purchase confirmation and the purchase is complete. The user waits for the product to be delivered.

[1314] Example 1

[1315] 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."

[1316] In conventional online shopping systems, users typically obtain product information through a flat screen, making it difficult to provide an intuitive and immersive shopping experience. Furthermore, there are also problems with limited responses to user questions, making it difficult to provide information efficiently. The present invention aims to solve these problems and provide users with a more intuitive and interactive shopping experience.

[1317] 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.

[1318] In this invention, the server includes a means for a user to move within a virtual space using a virtual reality device, a means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements, a means for requesting product information, and a means for generating responses to the user's questions using generative artificial intelligence, thereby enabling the user to intuitively select products and obtain detailed information and appropriate responses in real time.

[1319] A "user" is a person who uses a virtual reality device to operate the system and perform actions such as selecting products, obtaining information, and purchasing within the virtual space.

[1320] A "virtual reality device" is a hardware device that allows a user to access and interact with a virtual space, including a VR headset and VR controllers.

[1321] A "virtual space" is a computer-generated virtual environment that a user accesses through a virtual reality device.

[1322] "Eye and hand tracking" refers to the use of cameras and sensors in a virtual reality device to detect a user's eye gaze and hand movements in real time and process that information.

[1323] A "server" is a computer system that receives requests from users and returns associated data and responses.

[1324] The "means for requesting product information" is a communication means by which the terminal requests detailed information about a product in which the user has shown interest from the server.

[1325] "Generative artificial intelligence" is an AI model that generates appropriate responses in natural language to user questions.

[1326] The "means for providing a response" is a means for displaying the generated answer or product information to the user in voice or text format.

[1327] The "means for adding to cart and completing the purchase procedure" refers to the processing and communication means for adding the product selected by the user to the virtual cart and completing the purchase procedure.

[1328] The "means for checking stock and processing payment" is a function that allows the server to check the stock status of products in the cart and execute payment processing.

[1329] The system of the present invention allows users to select products in a virtual space using a virtual reality device and obtain information in real time through generative artificial intelligence (AI). The system mainly involves three elements: the user, the terminal, and the server. The specific roles and processing methods of each element are explained below.

[1330] Hardware and Software Overview

[1331] Hardware: Virtual reality devices (VR headsets, VR controllers), cameras, sensors

[1332] Software: tracking software, database management systems, generative AI models (e.g., GPT-4)

[1333] User operations

[1334] Users put on a VR headset and VR controllers and log in to the system. Once inside the virtual space, an environment similar to a real supermarket is displayed, and users can freely walk around and select products. Users can show interest in products by making eye contact or pointing with their hands.

[1335] Terminal handling

[1336] The device uses the camera and sensors built into the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements. For example, when the user focuses their gaze on a product, the tracking data is processed in real time. The device then sends the identified product information to the server and requests related detailed information.

[1337] Server Processing

[1338] Based on the request received from the terminal, the server searches the database for detailed information about the relevant product and returns it to the terminal. The detailed information includes the product name, price, stock status, and place of origin. When the user asks a question to the virtual store clerk, the text information is passed to a generative AI model, which generates an appropriate response. The generated response is sent to the terminal as voice or text.

[1339] Specific examples

[1340] For example, if a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket, when the user directs their gaze at a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects this gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomatoes. Based on this request, the server searches for information about the tomato, such as its price, stock status, and origin, and sends it back to the device. The device then displays this information in the user's field of view.

[1341] Furthermore, suppose the user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?" In this case, the device converts the speech into text and sends the text data to the server. The server uses the generative AI model to generate a response, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic," and replies to the user in voice or text format.

[1342] Examples of prompt statements

[1343] "Where were these tomatoes grown?"

[1344] "Please tell me about organic tomatoes."

[1345] I want to know more about this product

[1346] This allows the system of the present invention to provide users with an intuitive and interactive shopping experience, allowing them to feel as if they were shopping in a real store within a virtual space, and to obtain product information efficiently and conveniently.

[1347] The flow of the identification process in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[1348] System program flow and processing steps

[1349] Step 1:

[1350] The user puts on the virtual reality device and logs into the system.

[1351] Input: User login information.

[1352] Output: Permission to access virtual space.

[1353] Specific operation: The user puts on a VR headset and VR controllers and enters their login information through the authentication screen, and the system authenticates the user.

[1354] Step 2:

[1355] The user accesses the virtual space.

[1356] Input: The status of the user after login.

[1357] Output: A display of the virtual supermarket.

[1358] Specific operation: After the user successfully logs in, the system displays a 3D environment of a virtual supermarket on the virtual reality device.

[1359] Step 3:

[1360] The device tracks the user's gaze and hand movements.

[1361] Input: User's gaze and hand position information.

[1362] Output: Eye and hand tracking data.

[1363] Specific operation: Cameras and sensors installed in the virtual reality device detect the user's gaze and hand movements in real time and process the data.

[1364] Step 4:

[1365] The terminal requests product information from the server.

[1366] Input: Tracking data and identified product information.

[1367] Output: Product information request sent to the server.

[1368] Specific operation: Identify the product the user is looking at based on gaze and hand movements, and request detailed information about that product from the server.

[1369] Step 5:

[1370] The server searches for product information and returns it to the terminal.

[1371] Input: Product information request.

[1372] Output: Detailed information about the searched product.

[1373] Specific operation: The server searches the database for detailed information about the requested product (such as name, price, stock status, and origin) and sends that data to the terminal.

[1374] Step 6:

[1375] The terminal displays the product information to the user.

[1376] Input: Product details received from the server.

[1377] Output: Product information displayed in the user's field of view.

[1378] Specific operation: The terminal displays the received product information on the display of the VR device, allowing the user to check the product information in the virtual space.

[1379] Step 7:

[1380] The user asks a question to the virtual store clerk.

[1381] Input: User's spoken question.

[1382] Output: Text of spoken questions.

[1383] Specific operation: The user asks the virtual store clerk a question such as "Are these tomatoes organically grown?", and the voice recording is input into the terminal.

[1384] Step 8:

[1385] The device converts the user's question into text and sends it to the server.

[1386] Input: Audio question.

[1387] Output: The text question sent to the server.

[1388] What it does: Speech recognition software converts the user's spoken question into text and sends that text to the server.

[1389] Step 9:

[1390] The server uses the generation AI to generate a response and sends it to the device.

[1391] Input: Text question.

[1392] Output: The generated response.

[1393] Specific operation: The server passes the text question to a generative AI model (e.g., GPT-4), which generates an appropriate response, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic." The response data is then sent to the device.

[1394] Step 10:

[1395] The terminal displays the generated response to the user.

[1396] Input: The response data received from the server.

[1397] Output: The response displayed in the user's field of view.

[1398] Specific operation: The terminal returns the received response to the user in voice or text format.

[1399] Step 11:

[1400] The user adds the product to their cart and checks out.

[1401] Input: User selection information.

[1402] Output: Product information added to cart and checkout progress.

[1403] Specific operation: When a user selects a specific product and presses the purchase button, the device sends the information to the server and the product is added to the cart.

[1404] Step 12:

[1405] The server checks inventory and processes payment to complete the purchase.

[1406] Input: Cart product data and payment information.

[1407] Output: Purchase confirmation notice and shipping arrangements.

[1408] Specific operation: The server checks the inventory of the items added to the cart, processes the payment, and once payment is complete, arranges for delivery of the items and sends a purchase confirmation to the user.

[1409] (Application example 1)

[1410] 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."

[1411] Conventional virtual reality shopping systems have had problems such as difficulty for users to obtain product information immediately and low usability.Furthermore, they lack the intuitive operation and interactive response that are similar to reality, which leads to low user satisfaction.

[1412] 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.

[1413] In this invention, the server includes means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements, means for transmitting information about identified products to the server, and means for generating responses to the user's questions using generative artificial intelligence. This allows the user to instantly obtain detailed product information when shopping in virtual reality using a smartphone, and the interactive responses provided by the generative artificial intelligence enable an intuitive and satisfying shopping experience similar to that of a real store.

[1414] 1. A "virtual reality device" is a device that allows a user to immerse themselves in a virtual space and experience a virtual world that differs from the actual physical environment through visual and auditory means.

[1415] 2. "Gaze and hand movement tracking" is a technology that uses cameras and sensors to detect the direction of a user's gaze and hand movements in real time, and collects and analyzes that information.

[1416] 3. "Generative AI" is an AI technology that can analyze and generate data such as text and images, and can interact with humans and generate content.

[1417] 4. "Information about the specified product" refers to detailed data about the specific product that the user selects through their gaze or hand movements in the virtual space.

[1418] 5. "Server" means a computer system that processes data and provides information in response to requests from clients over a network.

[1419] 6. A "smartphone" is a multi-functional, Internet-enabled mobile information terminal that can run a variety of applications.

[1420] 7. "Means for displaying detailed information" refers to a function that visually provides the user with information about the selected product, such as price, stock, and description.

[1421] 8. "Means to add to cart" refers to the functionality that allows users to add selected items to a virtual shopping cart and manage their shopping list.

[1422] 9. "Means for carrying out payment procedures" refers to the function for completing the purchase of the product selected by the user and carrying out the payment process.

[1423] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[1424] This invention provides a shopping system using a virtual reality device, enabling users to intuitively and interactively select products and obtain information in real time from generative artificial intelligence (AI). This system is composed of a user, a terminal, and a server working together.

[1425] System configuration

[1426] 1. User operations

[1427] Users use their smartphones as virtual reality devices (e.g., VR headsets) to access a virtual space, which displays an environment similar to a real supermarket. Users can freely walk around the environment, look around the shelves, and point to or look at products of interest.

[1428] 2. Terminal Processing

[1429] The device uses the smartphone's camera and motion sensors to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This tracking data is processed in real time to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at. The device then sends the identified product information to the server and requests related detailed information.

[1430] 3. Server Processing

[1431] Based on the request received from the device, the server searches the database for detailed information about the relevant product and returns it to the device. When the user asks a question to the virtual store clerk, the text information is passed to the generative AI, which generates an appropriate response. This generated response is sent to the user's device as voice or text.

[1432] Hardware and Software

[1433] Hardware

[1434] Smartphone: Primary interface device.

[1435] VR goggles: Provides a virtual reality experience.

[1436] software

[1437] Generative AI models: For example, use OpenAI's GPT-4.

[1438] Database: holds product information.

[1439] Data Flow and Processing

[1440] 1. Tracking the user's gaze and hand movements

[1441] The device uses the smartphone's camera and motion sensors to track the user's gaze and hand movements, allowing it to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at.

[1442] 2. Acquisition and display of product information

[1443] When a user looks at a product or points at it, that information is sent to the server. The server searches the database for detailed information about the product and returns it to the device. The device then displays the received information in the virtual space.

[1444] 3. Response generation using generative AI

[1445] When a user asks a question by voice, the voice is converted into text and sent to the server, which uses a generative AI model (e.g., GPT-4) to generate an appropriate response and returns it to the user via voice or text.

[1446] Specific examples

[1447] For example, consider a case where a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket. When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects the gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomato. The server then returns information about the tomato, such as its price, stock status, and origin, to the device, which then displays it to the user.

[1448] Furthermore, when a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice to text and sends the question to the server, which uses a generative AI model to generate a response, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic," and replies to the user via voice or text.

[1449] Prompt Sentence Examples

[1450] Prompt: "If the user is asking about tomatoes, please answer whether these tomatoes are organic."

[1451] Model used: OpenAI GPT-4

[1452] Example input text: "Are these tomatoes organic?"

[1453] Example output text: "Yes, these tomatoes are organic."

[1454] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[1455] Step 1:

[1456] A user wears a virtual reality device using a smartphone and accesses a virtual space. The virtual reality device activates the smartphone's camera and motion sensors to track the user's gaze and hand movements. The input data required is environmental data within the virtual space and user behavior data. The device processes this data in real time and displays the virtual space to the user.

[1457] Step 2:

[1458] As the user looks at the shelves of products in the virtual space, the device tracks the user's gaze data. When the user focuses their gaze on a specific product or points at it, that information is tracked. The specific product is determined using the gaze data and movement data, and the device sends this data to the server. The device then analyzes the data using gaze tracking and motion detection algorithms.

[1459] Step 3:

[1460] The server receives product requests from the device and searches the database for relevant product details. Product ID and category information are used as input, and detailed information such as price, availability, and product description is generated as output. The server packages the data to send back this information to the device.

[1461] Step 4:

[1462] The device visually displays detailed product information received from the server in a virtual space. The user can check detailed information about the product they are looking at. The input here is the detailed product data sent from the server, and the output is the display data in the virtual space.

[1463] Step 5:

[1464] After checking the product details, the user asks a question to the virtual store clerk by voice. The user's voice data is captured by the terminal and converted into text. The input is the user's voice data, and the output is text data. This conversion is performed using voice recognition software.

[1465] Step 6:

[1466] The text data sent from the device is sent to the server, where a generative AI model (e.g., GPT-4) generates an appropriate response based on the text. The input is the user's question text, and the output is the response text. The generative AI model generates a response based on the given prompt.

[1467] Step 7:

[1468] The server generates a response text and sends it back to the terminal, which converts it into speech and presents it to the user. The input from the server is the response text, and the output is speech data. Text-to-speech software is used to convert the text to speech.

[1469] Step 8:

[1470] When a user selects a product and decides to purchase it, the terminal adds the product data to the cart and sends it to the server. The server checks inventory and processes payment. The input is the purchased product data, and the output is a notification that the purchase procedure has been completed. This completes the purchase, and the user is notified of the confirmation.

[1471] 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.

[1472] The system of the present invention integrates virtual reality devices, generative artificial intelligence, and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive and emotionally sensitive shopping experience. The system is realized through collaboration between users, devices, and servers, as well as emotion recognition technology.

[1473] User operations

[1474] First, the user puts on a virtual reality device (e.g., a VR headset and VR controllers) and a login screen appears. After logging in, the user enters a virtual supermarket. The user can move freely within the virtual space, look around the shelves, and point to products of interest by looking at them or pointing at them with their hands. Furthermore, the user's emotions are reflected in the system in real time.

[1475] Terminal handling

[1476] The device uses cameras and sensors built into the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This tracking data is processed in real time to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at. The device also has an emotion engine that analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice to detect their emotional state. All of this information is sent to a server.

[1477] Server Processing

[1478] The server retrieves detailed product information from a database based on a request from the device and sends it to the device. It then generates a response based on the user's question and emotional state. Based on the detection results of the emotion engine, the generative AI responds according to the user's emotional state. For example, if a user asks a question and the emotion engine determines that the user is feeling anxious, the server will generate a response in a soothing tone.

[1479] Specific examples

[1480] For example, if a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket, the following process takes place: When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects this gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomatoes. The server then returns information about the tomato's price, stock status, origin, and so on to the device, which then displays that information to the user.

[1481] Furthermore, when a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice into text and sends the text to the server. If the emotion engine determines that the user is feeling anxious based on their tone of voice or facial expression, the server generates a reassuring response such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious," and replies to the user in voice or text.

[1482] Emotion-based interaction adjustment

[1483] When a user decides to purchase a particular product and adds it to their cart, the emotion engine monitors the user's state. For example, if the user is hesitant to purchase, the generative AI can provide additional recommendations and reviews to alleviate the user's anxiety.

[1484] Purchase and Delivery

[1485] When the user finally presses the purchase button, the terminal sends a purchase request to the server, which checks inventory and processes payment. Once the purchase procedure is complete, a purchase confirmation email is sent to the user, and delivery procedures are also carried out at the same time.

[1486] In this way, the system of the present invention utilizes virtual reality, generative artificial intelligence, and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive, emotionally rich shopping experience, allowing them to easily enjoy more value than they would get from shopping in a physical store, all within a virtual space.

[1487] The processing flow will be explained below.

[1488] Step 1:

[1489] The user puts on the virtual reality device and the login screen appears. The user enters their ID and password and presses the login button.

[1490] Step 2:

[1491] The terminal obtains the user's ID and password and sends the authentication information to the server.

[1492] Step 3:

[1493] The server compares the received authentication information with the database and returns the authentication result to the terminal.

[1494] Step 4:

[1495] If the terminal is successfully authenticated, an initial screen is generated and displayed based on the user's purchase history and products of interest, and the user enters the virtual supermarket from this screen.

[1496] Step 5:

[1497] The user moves around the virtual store using a VR controller. The device tracks the user's gaze and hand movements to detect the user's movements.

[1498] Step 6:

[1499] When a user looks at a particular product shelf, the device tracks their gaze and sends a request for product information to the server.

[1500] Step 7:

[1501] The server retrieves detailed information about the relevant product from the product database and sends it to the terminal.

[1502] Step 8:

[1503] The device overlays the received detailed information on the VR screen, and the user can check the product information.

[1504] Step 9:

[1505] The user asks a specific question to the virtual store clerk, for example, "Are these tomatoes organic?" The device converts the speech into text and sends the text to the server.

[1506] Step 10:

[1507] The server passes the received question text to a generative AI system that generates an appropriate response. The emotion engine also identifies emotions from the user's tone of voice and facial expressions and generates an adapted response.

[1508] Step 11:

[1509] Based on the results of the emotion engine, the server generates a response that corresponds to the user's emotional state and sends it to the device. For example, it could be a reassuring response such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organically grown. They come from a trusted farm."

[1510] Step 12:

[1511] The terminal notifies the user of the received response by voice or text.

[1512] Step 13:

[1513] The user likes the product and decides to purchase it. The user adds the product to the cart. The device sends the cart contents to the server.

[1514] Step 14:

[1515] The user finally presses the purchase button, and the device sends a purchase request to the server.

[1516] Step 15:

[1517] The server checks the inventory, secures the stock, and processes the payment. After the purchase procedure is completed, a confirmation email is sent to the user and the delivery procedure begins.

[1518] Step 16:

[1519] The server tracks the delivery status and notifies the user in real time. The user waits for the product to be delivered along with the purchase confirmation.

[1520] Example 2

[1521] 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."

[1522] Conventional virtual reality systems lack the mechanisms to not only track the user's gaze and hand movements, but also to generate responses that take into account the user's emotional state. As a result, users are unable to receive responses that reflect their individual emotional state during their shopping experience in a virtual environment, which leads to a decrease in satisfaction.

[1523] 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 a means for a user to move through a virtual environment using a virtual reality device, a means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements, a means for detecting the user's emotional state using an emotion engine, a means for generating responses to the user's questions using generative artificial intelligence, a means for providing the responses to the user, and a means for processing purchase requests, checking inventory, and processing payments. This allows users to receive responses tailored to their individual emotional states, resulting in a highly satisfying shopping experience.

[1524] "User" refers to a person who uses a virtual reality device to interact with a virtual environment.

[1525] A "virtual reality device" is a device that allows a user to immerse themselves in a virtual environment and interact with it through their senses, such as sight and hearing. Examples include VR headsets and VR controllers.

[1526] "Virtual environment" refers to an artificially created environment that a user can experience through a virtual reality device. This includes virtual spaces such as a virtual supermarket.

[1527] "Eye tracking" refers to a technology that tracks the direction in which a user's eyes are looking and acquires that information in real time.

[1528] "Hand movement tracking" refers to technology that tracks the movements of a user's hands and obtains that information in real time.

[1529] An "emotion engine" is a system that detects a user's emotional state by analyzing their facial expressions, tone of voice, etc.

[1530] "Generative AI" refers to AI technology that automatically generates appropriate responses and content based on user input and the situation. Specific examples include natural language processing models.

[1531] "Means for generating responses" refers to a mechanism that automatically generates appropriate responses to questions or requests from users, taking into account their emotional state.

[1532] "Means for providing a response" refers to the mechanism by which the generated response is presented to the user, including audio output and text display.

[1533] "Means for processing purchase requests" refers to a system that accepts purchase operations performed by users within the virtual environment and then checks inventory and processes payments.

[1534] "Means for checking stock and processing payment" refers to a mechanism for checking the stock status of the product selected by the user and completing the payment procedure.

[1535] The system of the present invention integrates a virtual reality device, generative artificial intelligence, and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive and emotion-sensitive shopping experience. Specific embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[1536] User operations

[1537] Users put on virtual reality devices (e.g., VR headsets and VR controllers) and log in to the system. Once logged in, users enter the virtual supermarket and can move freely. Users can look at products they are interested in or point with their hands. All of these actions are tracked through the cameras and sensors in the virtual reality device.

[1538] Terminal handling

[1539] The device uses the virtual reality device's cameras and sensors to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This data is processed in real time to identify the product the user is looking at or pointing at. The device also has an emotion engine that analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice to detect their emotional state. All tracking and emotion data is sent to a server.

[1540] Server Processing

[1541] Based on the tracking data received from the device, the server retrieves detailed information about the product the user is looking at from a database and sends it to the device. When the user asks a question, an appropriate response is generated using generative artificial intelligence. The tone and content of the response are adjusted based on the results detected by the emotion engine. For example, if the server detects that the user is feeling anxious, it generates a response that gives a sense of reassurance.

[1542] Specific examples

[1543] For example, if a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual supermarket, the following process takes place: When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects this gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomatoes. The server then returns information about the tomato, such as its price, stock status, and origin, to the device, which then displays this information to the user.

[1544] Furthermore, if a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice into text and sends that text to the server. If the emotion engine determines that the user is feeling anxious based on their tone of voice or facial expression, the server will generate a reassuring response such as "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious," and respond to the user in voice or text. Examples of prompts in this case are as follows:

[1545] Analyze the user's facial expressions and tone of voice to generate appropriate responses based on their emotional state. For example, if a user asks, "Are these tomatoes organic?" and they seem anxious, respond with a reassuring tone.

[1546] Purchase and Delivery

[1547] When the user finally presses the purchase button, the terminal sends a purchase request to the server, which checks inventory and processes payment. Once the purchase procedure is complete, the server sends a confirmation email to the user and simultaneously processes delivery.

[1548] In this way, the system of the present invention can leverage virtual reality, generative artificial intelligence, and emotion engines to provide users with an intuitive, emotionally rich shopping experience.

[1549] The flow of the identification process in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[1550] Step 1: The user puts on the virtual reality device and the login screen appears.

[1551] Input: Wearing a virtual reality device

[1552] Output: Login screen displayed

[1553] When a user first puts on a virtual reality device (e.g., a VR headset or VR controllers), the device displays a login screen, which includes fields for entering a user ID and password.

[1554] Step 2: User enters login information

[1555] Input: User ID and password

[1556] Output: Authentication request

[1557] When a user enters their login information, the device sends this data to the server as an authentication request. Specifically, the user ID and password are sent to the server.

[1558] Step 3: Server authenticates

[1559] Input: User ID and password

[1560] Output: Authentication result

[1561] The server compares the received user ID and password with the database and performs authentication. This process determines whether the user has valid access rights. If the authentication is successful, the server returns an authentication success message to the terminal.

[1562] Step 4: User moves through the virtual environment and makes eye contact

[1563] Input: Authentication success message

[1564] Output: Access to the virtual environment

[1565] Once authentication is successful, the user is allowed to enter the virtual supermarket. The user can move freely within the virtual space and focus their gaze on products they are interested in. This movement is tracked by the cameras and sensors in the virtual reality device.

[1566] Step 5: Your device tracks your gaze and hand movements

[1567] Input: User's gaze and hand movements

[1568] Output: Tracking data

[1569] The device uses the cameras and sensors in the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements, thereby identifying the products the user is looking at or pointing at. This data is collected as tracking data.

[1570] Step 6: The device uses the emotion engine to detect the emotional state

[1571] Input: User facial expressions and tone of voice

[1572] Output: Emotion data

[1573] The device's built-in emotion engine analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice in real time to detect their emotional state, and this data is collected as emotion data.

[1574] Step 7: The device sends tracking data and emotion data to the server.

[1575] Input: Tracking data and emotion data

[1576] Output: Request to server

[1577] The device sends the collected tracking data and emotional data to a server, which receives the data and determines the next action based on the product the user is viewing and their emotional state.

[1578] Step 8: Server retrieves product details

[1579] Input: Tracking data

[1580] Output: Product information

[1581] The server uses the received tracking data to retrieve detailed information about the product the user is looking at from a database, including information such as the price, stock status, and origin of tomatoes.

[1582] Step 9: The server sends the product information to the terminal.

[1583] Input: Product information

[1584] Output: Response to the terminal

[1585] The server sends the acquired product information to the terminal, which receives the information and displays it to the user.

[1586] Step 10: User asks product question

[1587] Input: User question

[1588] Output: Audio data

[1589] When a user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the terminal collects the user's voice and stores it as voice data.

[1590] Step 11: Your device converts speech to text

[1591] Input: Audio data

[1592] Output: Text data

[1593] The device converts the collected voice data into text, and the user's question is saved as text data through this conversion process.

[1594] Step 12: The device sends the text data and emotion data to the server.

[1595] Input: Text data and emotion data

[1596] Output: Request to server

[1597] The device sends the converted text data and the detected emotion data to the server.

[1598] Step 13: The server generates a response using generative artificial intelligence

[1599] Input: Text data and emotion data

[1600] Output: Response data

[1601] The server uses generative artificial intelligence to generate appropriate responses to user questions. For example, if it detects that the user is feeling anxious, it will generate a reassuring response such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious."

[1602] Step 14: The server sends the response data to the terminal.

[1603] Input: Response data

[1604] Output: Response to the terminal

[1605] The server sends the generated response data to the terminal, which receives the response data and provides it to the user.

[1606] Step 15: User purchases product

[1607] Input: User's purchase decision

[1608] Output: Purchase request

[1609] When a user presses the purchase button, the device sends a purchase request to the server. At that time, the emotion engine monitors the user's emotional state and may present information on how to ameliorate the purchase.

[1610] Step 16: Server checks inventory and processes payment

[1611] Input: Purchase Request

[1612] Output: Purchase confirmation

[1613] The server receives the purchase request, checks the inventory, then processes the payment and, if everything goes well, sends a response confirming the purchase back to the terminal.

[1614] Step 17: Server confirms purchase and processes delivery

[1615] Input: Purchase confirmation

[1616] Output: Purchase confirmation email and shipping instructions

[1617] The server records the purchase confirmation in a database, sends the user a purchase confirmation email, and then sends instructions to a delivery company to arrange for the product to be delivered to the user.

[1618] The above are the specific processing steps of the present invention, and the system allows users to enjoy an intuitive and emotional shopping experience in a virtual environment.

[1619] (Application example 2)

[1620] 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."

[1621] Conventional virtual reality shopping systems are capable of tracking the user's gaze and hand movements and generating responses to questions using generative artificial intelligence. However, they lack the ability to provide interactions that reflect the user's emotional state, and they are unable to fully resolve the user's anxieties and doubts. In particular, there is a need to remove emotional barriers that reduce the user's willingness to purchase. Furthermore, the lack of response generation that takes the user's emotions into consideration leads to a decline in the quality of interactions and a poor user experience.

[1622] 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 detecting the user's emotional state and generating a response based on the emotion, means for displaying detailed information about products in the virtual space, and means for transmitting data about products selected by the user. This enables response generation and interaction that take the user's emotions into consideration. This allows the user to ask questions and make purchases with confidence, improving the virtual reality shopping experience. Furthermore, providing information quickly and intuitively improves the overall quality of the user experience and increases the user's willingness to purchase.

[1623] A "user" is a person who uses the system and moves through the virtual space using a virtual reality device.

[1624] A "virtual reality device" is a device such as a head-mounted display or controller that allows a user to access and experience a virtual reality space.

[1625] A "virtual space" is a virtual environment or scene that can be accessed through a virtual reality device, and is a space where you can experience things like shopping.

[1626] "Eye tracking" is a technology that detects the direction in which a user's eyes are directed.

[1627] "Means for tracking hand movements" refers to technology that detects the position and movement of the user's hands and supports operations within the virtual space.

[1628] "Generative AI" is an AI technology that automatically generates responses and content based on the user's questions and actions.

[1629] The "emotional state of the user" represents the emotions felt by the user, and is data detected from facial expressions, tone of voice, and the like.

[1630] An "emotion-based response" refers to a response that is appropriately generated in response to the detected emotional state of the user, and that takes the user's emotions into consideration.

[1631] "Detailed product information" refers to specific information such as the product's price, stock status, and origin, and is provided to the user in the virtual space.

[1632] "Data on selected product" is information about the product selected by the user in the virtual space, and is used for delivery and purchase procedures.

[1633] MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[1634] This invention is a system that integrates a virtual reality device, generative artificial intelligence (AI), and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive and emotionally sensitive shopping experience. This system is realized through collaboration between users, terminals, and a server.

[1635] User operations

[1636] First, the user puts on a virtual reality device (e.g., a head-mounted display or VR controller) and launches a dedicated application. A login screen appears, and the user can enter their authentication information to enter the virtual store. The user can move freely within the virtual space, look around the shelves, and point to products of interest by looking at them or pointing at them. The user's emotional state is also reflected in real time by the system through facial expressions and tone of voice.

[1637] Terminal handling

[1638] The device is equipped with a function to track the user's gaze and hand movements. This is achieved using cameras and sensors built into the virtual reality device. The device processes the tracking data in real time to identify the products the user is looking at or pointing at. The device also has an emotion engine that analyzes the user's facial expressions and tone of voice to detect their emotional state. All this information is sent to the server.

[1639] Server Processing

[1640] The server performs processing based on the data received from the terminal. If the user is interested in a particular product, the server retrieves detailed information about that product (e.g., price, stock status, and origin) from the database and sends it to the terminal. In addition, when the user asks a question, the emotion engine determines the user's emotional state. If it determines that the user is feeling anxious, the generative AI generates a response that takes the emotion into consideration. For example, if the user asks, "Are these tomatoes organic?" and the emotion engine detects anxiety, it will generate a reassuring response such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious."

[1641] Specific examples

[1642] For example, if a user wants to select "tomatoes" in a virtual store, the following process takes place: When the user focuses their gaze on a shelf of tomatoes, the device detects the gaze and sends a request to the server to display detailed information about the tomatoes. The server returns information about the tomato's price, stock status, origin, and other information to the device, which then displays that information to the user. Furthermore, if the user asks the virtual store clerk, "Are these tomatoes organic?", the device converts the voice to text and sends that text to the server. If the emotion engine determines that the user is feeling anxious based on their tone of voice or facial expression, the server will generate a reassuring response such as "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They're very fresh and delicious," and respond to the user in voice or text.

[1643] An example of a prompt sentence to be input into the generative AI model is, "Are these tomatoes organic?" Based on the emotional data of "anxiety," the generative AI will generate an answer such as, "Yes, these tomatoes are organic. They are very fresh and delicious."

[1644] In this way, the system of the present invention utilizes virtual reality, generative artificial intelligence, and an emotion engine to provide users with an intuitive, emotionally rich shopping experience, allowing them to easily enjoy more value than they would get from shopping in a physical store, all within a virtual space.

[1645] The flow of the specific processing in the application example 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[1646] Step 1:

[1647] The user puts on the virtual reality device and launches the dedicated application. The user enters authentication information and logs in to the virtual store. The input of this step is the user's authentication information, and the output is permission to access the virtual store.

[1648] Step 2:

[1649] The device uses the camera and sensors built into the virtual reality device to track the user's gaze and hand movements. The input is data from the camera and sensors, and the output is the user's gaze and hand position information. Data processing involves processing the gaze and hand position information in real time to identify the location of specific products in the virtual space.

[1650] Step 3:

[1651] The device sends tracking data to the server and requests detailed information about the product the user is looking at. The input is gaze and hand position information, and the output is detailed product information (e.g., price, stock status, and origin). Data calculations involve an identification process to identify the product.

[1652] Step 4:

[1653] The server retrieves product details from the database and sends them to the terminal. The input is a product specification request, and the output is detailed information data. Specific operations include executing a database query.

[1654] Step 5:

[1655] The terminal displays the acquired detailed information on the virtual reality device and provides it to the user. The input is detailed information data from the server, and the output is a detailed display of the product in the virtual space. Specific operations include rendering text and images.

[1656] Step 6:

[1657] When a user asks a question to a virtual store clerk, the terminal converts the voice into text and sends the text to the server. The input is the user's voice data, and the output is text data. Speech recognition processing is performed as data processing.

[1658] Step 7:

[1659] The server uses generative artificial intelligence to generate an answer based on the user's question text and the emotional state determined by the emotion engine. The input is the user's question text and emotional data, and the output is a response text that takes emotion into consideration. Natural language processing and emotion analysis are performed as data calculations.

[1660] Step 8:

[1661] The terminal converts the generated response text into speech and provides it to the user on the virtual reality device. The input is the response text from the server, and the output is speech data. Specific operations include generating synthetic speech.

[1662] Step 9:

[1663] When a user purchases a product, the terminal sends a purchase request to the server, which then checks inventory and processes payment. The input is the purchase request data, and the output is purchase confirmation and a payment completion notification. Specific operations include linking inventory management with the payment system.

[1664] Step 10:

[1665] Once the purchase procedure is completed, the server sends a purchase confirmation email to the user and simultaneously processes the delivery. The input is purchase confirmation data, and the output is a confirmation email and delivery request data. Specific operations include sending emails and linking with the delivery system.

[1666] 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.

[1667] 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.

[1668] 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 robot 414.

[1669] 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.

[1670] 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.

[1671] 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.

[1672] 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).

[1673] 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.

[1674] 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."

[1675] 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.

[1676] 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).

[1677] 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.

[1678] 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.

[1679] 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.

[1680] 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.

[1681] 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.

[1682] 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.

[1683] 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.

[1684] 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.

[1685] 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.

[1686] 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.

[1687] The following is further disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[1688] (Claim 1)

[1689] a means for a user to navigate within a virtual space using a virtual reality device;

[1690] means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements;

[1691] a means for generating a response to a user's question using generative artificial intelligence;

[1692] means for providing said response to a user.

[1693] (Claim 2)

[1694] The system according to claim 1 , further comprising means for displaying detailed information about a product in the virtual space.

[1695] (Claim 3)

[1696] The system of claim 1 , further comprising: means for transmitting data of a product selected by a user to the virtual reality device.

[1697] "Example 1"

[1698] (Claim 1)

[1699] a means for a user to navigate within a virtual space using a virtual reality device;

[1700] means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements;

[1701] a means for requesting product information from a server;

[1702] means for providing detailed product information received from the server to a user;

[1703] a means for generating a response to a user's question using generative artificial intelligence;

[1704] means for providing said response to a user;

[1705] A means for the user to add selected items to a cart and complete the purchase;

[1706] The system includes a server for inventory checking and payment processing.

[1707] (Claim 2)

[1708] The system of claim 1, further comprising means for displaying detailed information about the product in the virtual space.

[1709] (Claim 3)

[1710] 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for converting a question posed by the user from speech to text and transmitting the converted question to the server.

[1711] "Application Example 1"

[1712] (Claim 1)

[1713] a means for a user to navigate within a virtual space using a virtual reality device;

[1714] means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements;

[1715] a means for generating a response to a user's question using generative artificial intelligence;

[1716] means for providing said response to a user;

[1717] means for transmitting information about the product identified based on the user's gaze and hand movements to a server;

[1718] The system further includes a means for displaying detailed product information received from the server to a user.

[1719] (Claim 2)

[1720] 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for allowing a user to use a smartphone as a virtual reality device and display detailed product information by directing their gaze at the product shelf.

[1721] (Claim 3)

[1722] The system of claim 1 , further comprising means for transmitting data of a user-selected item to the virtual reality device, adding the item to a cart, and processing a checkout.

[1723] "Example 2: Combining Emotion Engines"

[1724] (Claim 1)

[1725] means for a user to navigate within the virtual environment using the virtual reality device;

[1726] means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements;

[1727] means for detecting a user's emotional state utilizing an emotion engine;

[1728] a means for generating a response to a user's question using generative artificial intelligence;

[1729] means for providing said response to a user;

[1730] A system that processes purchase requests and includes means for inventory checking and payment processing.

[1731] (Claim 2)

[1732] The system of claim 1 , further comprising: means for displaying detailed information about a product within the virtual environment.

[1733] (Claim 3)

[1734] The system of claim 1 , further comprising: means for transmitting data of a product selected by a user to the virtual reality device.

[1735] "Application example 2 when combining emotion engines"

[1736] (Claim 1)

[1737] a means for a user to navigate within a virtual space using a virtual reality device;

[1738] means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements;

[1739] a means for generating a response to a user's question using generative artificial intelligence;

[1740] means for detecting an emotional state of the user and generating an emotion-based response;

[1741] means for providing said response to a user.

[1742] (Claim 2)

[1743] The system according to claim 1 , further comprising means for displaying detailed information about a product in the virtual space.

[1744] (Claim 3)

[1745] The system of claim 1 , further comprising: means for transmitting data of a product selected by a user to the virtual reality device. [Explanation of symbols]

[1746] 10, 210, 310, 410 Data Processing Systems 12 Data Processing Device 14 Smart Devices 214 Smart Glasses 314 Headset-type terminal 414 Robot< / url:> < / url:> < / url:> < / url:>

Claims

1. a means for a user to navigate within a virtual space using a virtual reality device; means for tracking the user's gaze and hand movements; a means for generating a response to a user's question using generative artificial intelligence; and means for providing said response to a user.

2. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising means for displaying detailed information about a product in the virtual space.

3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising means for transmitting data of a product selected by a user to the virtual reality device.

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