Information processing device, method, and program

Abstract

This technology allows the user, as the pet owner, to retain control data that describes the state of the animal they have raised. [Solution] The information processing device includes a storage processing unit 434 that stores management information in a server storage unit 42, which associates robot identification information that identifies a robot device, owner identification information that identifies the owner of the robot device, and control data that changes in response to the owner's interaction and causes the robot device to perform unique actions; a data receiving unit 435 that receives the robot identification information and owner identification information; a determination processing unit 433 that determines whether the combination of the received robot identification information and owner identification information matches the combination of robot identification information and owner identification information included in the management information; and a data transmission unit 436 that, if it is determined that they match, transmits the control data associated with the management information that has been determined to match.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, method, and program.

Background Art

[0002] In a pet robot, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of accessing a server to perform counseling and diagnosis like a normal living thing, and performing repair measures when an abnormality is found in the personality or operation of the pet robot.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the control data in the state raised by the user who is the owner cannot be retained, it is impossible to repair the pet robot to the state before repair.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique capable of retaining control data in a state raised by a user who is an owner.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a storage processing unit that stores in a storage unit management information that associates robot identification information for identifying a robot device, owner identification information for identifying the owner of the robot device, and control data for causing the robot device to change in response to the owner's interaction and perform unique actions; a data receiving unit that receives the robot identification information and the owner identification information; a determination processing unit that determines whether the received combination of the robot identification information and the owner identification information matches the combination of the robot identification information and the owner identification information included in the management information; and a data transmission unit that, if it is determined that they match, transmits the control data associated with the management information that has been determined to match. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the user, as the pet owner, can retain control data of the state in which the pet has been raised. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of a robot control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] This diagram shows the configuration of the robot device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2B] This diagram shows the configuration of a user terminal device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2C] This diagram shows the configuration of the maintenance terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2D] This diagram shows the server configuration according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the process flow for uploading control data of a robot device according to an embodiment to a server. [Figure 4] This figure shows a table of interaction records stored by the robot device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5A] This figure shows a table of first management information stored by the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 5B] This figure shows a table of second management information stored by the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 6A] This flowchart shows the procedure for robot control processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 6B] This flowchart shows the procedure for the restoration process according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the procedure for user terminal device control processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the procedure for the maintenance terminal device control process according to the embodiment. [Figure 9A] This flowchart shows the procedure for server control processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 9B] This flowchart shows the procedure for the control data determination process according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The adjustment device and other components according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0010] The robot control system 100 according to this embodiment can store control data on the server 4 that the user, as the owner, has used to raise the robot. This allows the system to repair the robot in the event of a malfunction, using the control data stored in the robot 1 or on the server 4, which includes the relationship with the user, as the owner. This enables the robot 1 to be repaired while taking into account the relationship with the user, as the owner.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the robot control system 100 according to this embodiment comprises a robot device 1, a user terminal device 2, a maintenance terminal device 3, and a server 4. The robot device 1 is a pet robot that the user, as its owner, raises. Specifically, the user interacts with the robot device 1 in the same way that an owner would interact with a pet, such as by stroking and talking to it, thereby communicating with the robot and building a relationship between them. The robot device 1 has a personality in addition to emotions, and its behavior changes not only according to emotions but also according to personality. Furthermore, the emotions of the robot device 1 can change in the short term (e.g., from a few minutes to a few hours) or in the long term (e.g., from a few days to several years). In addition, the personality of the robot device 1 changes according to the history of interaction with the user and the history of emotional changes. For this reason, the control data for controlling the robot device 1 also includes information on the robot device 1's emotions and personality at any given time. The user terminal device 2 is a terminal device used by the user, who is the owner of the robot device 1. User terminal device 2 can communicate with robot device 1 using contactless methods such as Bluetooth® or infrared communication to check the status of robot device 1. User terminal device 2 can also connect to server 4 via a network and transmit the status of robot device 1 to server 4 as control data for storage. This control data is used to control robot devices 1 to perform actions in accordance with their unique emotions and personalities, which have been nurtured through communication with the user. Maintenance terminal device 3 is used by customer service personnel responsible for maintaining robot device 1. Maintenance terminal device 3 can connect to server 4 via a network and retrieve control data stored on server 4. Furthermore, maintenance terminal device 3 can communicate with robot device 1 using contactless methods such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) and can restore the control data of robot device 1 using the control data retrieved from server 4.Server 4 is connected to the user terminal device 2 and the maintenance terminal device 3 via a network such as the Internet, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Server 4 can store the control data of the robot device 1 received from the user terminal device 2 and can also transmit the stored control data to the maintenance terminal device 3.

[0012] As shown in Figure 2A, the robot device 1 comprises a robot connection unit 11, a robot memory unit 12, a robot control unit 13, and a robot sensor unit 14. The robot connection unit 11 is a connection unit that connects to the user terminal device 2 and the maintenance terminal device 3. The robot connection unit 11 is a connection terminal and port that can perform contactless communication, such as Bluetooth® or infrared communication, with the user terminal device 2. The robot connection unit 11 is also a connection terminal and port that can perform contact-type communication, such as USB, with the maintenance terminal device 3. The robot memory unit 12 stores various programs and data used by the robot device 1. The robot memory unit 12 can be configured with, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, etc., but is not limited to these. The robot memory unit 12 also includes a first area 121 for storing control data and a second area 122 for backing up the control data stored in the first area 121. The robot control unit 13 is composed of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The robot control unit 13 performs various processes to operate the robot device 1 by executing a program stored in the robot memory unit 12. For example, the robot control unit 13 includes an motion control unit 131, a robot data transmission unit 132, a robot data reception unit 133, a robot data update unit 134, and a restoration processing unit 135. The motion control unit 131 controls the operation of the robot device 1 using control data. The robot data transmission unit 132 transmits control data to the user terminal device 2 via the robot connection unit 11. The robot data reception unit 133 receives control data from the maintenance terminal device 3 via the robot connection unit 11. The robot data update unit 134 updates the operation of the robot device 1, which changes due to contact with the user, as control data. The restoration processing unit 135 restores the control data of the first area 121 of the robot memory unit 12 using the control data received from the maintenance terminal device 3.The robot sensor unit 14 is various sensors that detect contact with the user, such as a contact sensor that senses contact from the user and a voice sensor that recognizes the user's voice.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2B, the user terminal device 2 comprises a user display unit 21, a user communication unit 22, a user operation unit 23, a user storage unit 24, and a user control unit 25. The user display unit 21 can be configured using a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, and displays the contents of various processes performed by the user terminal device 2, such as checking the status of the robot device 1 and acquiring control data. The user communication unit 22 is a communication interface that enables communication between the robot device 1 and the server 4. The user communication unit 22 can be configured using a contactless communication interface such as Bluetooth®, infrared communication, Wi-Fi®, or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The user operation unit 23 is a user interface such as a push-button switch or a touch panel integrated with the user display unit 21, and accepts various operations from the user. The user control unit 25 can acquire what kind of operation input the user has made based on the detection results of the user operation unit 23. The user memory unit 24 stores various programs and data to be executed by the user control unit 25. The user memory unit 24 can be configured with, for example, RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc., but is not limited to these. The user control unit 25 is composed of, for example, a processor such as a CPU or DSP, and performs various processes to be executed on the user terminal device 2 by executing the programs stored in the user memory unit 24. The user control unit 25 includes a data setting unit 251, a data request unit 252, a data transmission / reception unit 253, and a display processing unit 254. The data setting unit 251 sets the setting data necessary for the operation of the robot device 1. The data request unit 252 requests control data from the robot device 1. The data transmission / reception unit 253 transmits and receives data between the robot device 1 and the server 4 via the user communication unit 22. The display processing unit 254 displays various data, including the status of the robot device 1, on the user display unit 21.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2C, the maintenance terminal device 3 comprises a maintenance display unit 31, a maintenance communication unit 32, a maintenance operation unit 33, a maintenance storage unit 34, and a maintenance control unit 35. The maintenance display unit 31 can be configured using a display device such as an LCD or an organic EL display, and displays the contents of various processes executed by the maintenance terminal device 3, such as maintenance processing of the robot device 1. The maintenance communication unit 32 is a communication interface that enables communication between the robot device 1 and the server 4, and can be configured using a contact-type communication interface such as USB. The maintenance operation unit 33 is a user interface such as a push-button switch or a touch panel integrated with the maintenance display unit 31, and accepts various operations from the user. The maintenance control unit 35 can also acquire what kind of operation input the user has made based on the detection results of the maintenance operation unit 33. The maintenance storage unit 34 stores various programs and data executed by the maintenance control unit 35. The maintenance storage unit 34 can be configured using, for example, RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc., but is not limited to these. The maintenance control unit 35 is composed of a processor such as a CPU or DSP, and performs various processes to be executed by the maintenance terminal device 3 by executing a program stored in the maintenance memory unit 34. The maintenance control unit 35 includes a restoration processing unit 351, a data request unit 352, a data transmission / reception unit 353, and a display processing unit 354. The restoration processing unit 351 performs processing to restore the control data of the robot device 1. The data request unit 352 requests control data from the server 4. The data transmission / reception unit 353 transmits and receives data between the robot device 1 and the server 4 via the maintenance communication unit 32. The display processing unit 354 displays various data on the maintenance display unit 31.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2D, the server 4 includes a server communication unit 41, a server storage unit 42, and a server control unit 43. The server communication unit 41 is a device that communicates with the user terminal device 2 and the maintenance terminal device 3 via a network, and can be configured by communication ports such as Wifi (registered trademark), wireless LAN, etc. The server storage unit 42 is a device that stores the control data, various programs, data, etc. of the robot device 1 acquired from the user terminal device 2, and can be configured using a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. Further, the server storage unit 42 stores the control data of the robot device 1 received from the user terminal device 2 as first management information 421a and second management information 421b. Hereinafter, the first management information 421a and the second management information 421b are collectively referred to as management information 421. The details of the management information 421 will be described later. The server control unit 43 is composed of a processor such as a CPU or DSP, and performs various processes executed by the server 4 by executing the programs stored in the server storage unit 42. The server control unit 43 includes an authentication processing unit 431, a setting processing unit 432, a determination processing unit 433, a storage processing unit 434, a data reception unit 435, and a data transmission unit 436. The authentication processing unit 431 authenticates the login from the user terminal device 2 or the maintenance terminal device 3. The setting processing unit 432 sets the setting data regarding the processes executed by the server 4 received from the user terminal device 2 or the maintenance terminal device 3. The determination processing unit 433 executes determinations regarding the storage, transmission, and reception of control data. The storage processing unit 434 stores the control data received from the user terminal device 2 in the server storage unit 42 as management information 421. The data reception unit 435 acquires the control data from the user terminal device 2 via the server communication unit 41. The data transmission unit 436 transmits the control data to the maintenance terminal device 3 via the server communication unit 41.

[0016] Next, the process flow for uploading control data of the robot device 1 from the user terminal device 2 to the server 4 will be explained below with reference to Figure 3. The diagram shown in Figure 3 is the interaction record screen 211 displayed on the user display unit 21 of the user terminal device 2. The interaction record screen 211 displays a record of the interaction between the user, who is the owner, and the robot device 1. First, in the leftmost diagram, the interaction record screen 211 includes the date 211a, the interaction timeline 211b, and the log acquisition button 214. The date 211a indicates the date of the interaction record being displayed. The date 211a is shown weekly, and the date enclosed in the dotted frame is selected as the date for displaying the interaction record. The interaction timeline 211b displays the results detected by the robot sensor unit 14 of the robot device 1 shown in Figure 2A, as an example of the interaction between the robot device 1 and the user, who is the owner. For example, in Figure 3, at 8:00, it displays "Contact sensor detects contact from owner," and at 9:00, it displays "Voice sensor detects owner's voice." Below the interaction record screen 211 are the home button 212 and the interaction record button 213. The home button 212 is a button to transition to the home screen. The interaction record button 213 is a button to transition to the interaction record screen 211 from other screens such as the home screen. For example, if the user presses the interaction record button 213 while the home screen is displayed, the user terminal device 2 communicates with the robot device 1 and obtains the latest interaction record log from the robot device 1. At this time, if there is a difference from the previously obtained interaction record log, it is assumed that there is a new interaction record log, that is, the control data of the robot device 1 has been updated, and the log acquisition button 214 is superimposed and displayed on the interaction record screen 211. The log acquisition button 214 is a button that is displayed when there is a new interaction record log.

[0017] When the user presses the log acquisition button 214, the interaction record screen 211 is grayed out and the record update dialog 215 is displayed, as shown in the middle diagram, and the interaction record log is uploaded to the server 4. At the same time, the control data stored in the second area 122 of the robot memory unit 12 of the robot device 1 is stored in the second area 122. This allows the control data to be backed up within the robot device 1. The record update dialog 215 includes a message indicating that the record will be updated, a "Cancel" button, and a progress bar showing the progress of uploading the interaction record log, etc. Once the upload of the interaction record log to the server 4 and the storage of the control data in the second area 122 of the robot memory unit 12 of the robot device 1 are complete, the record update dialog 215 disappears and the grayed-out interaction record screen 211 ends, as shown in the right diagram. Also, the log acquisition button 214 disappears from the interaction record screen 211.

[0018] The interaction record acquired by the user terminal device 2 from the robot device 1 is data that associates the date and time of acquisition with the interaction data, as shown in Figure 4. In Figure 4, for example, "2024 / 8 / 21 11:00" is entered for the date and time, and "AAA" is entered for the interaction data. When the user terminal device 2 sends the interaction record to the server 4, it also sends the user ID (Identification) stored in the user memory unit 24, the serial number and internal ID acquired from the robot device 1, along with the interaction record. In addition, when the user terminal device 2 sends the interaction record, it acquires emotion data and personality data from the robot device 1 in the background without the user's awareness and sends them to the server 4. The emotion data, personality data, and interaction data of the robot device 1 are data included in the control data; in other words, by sending the emotion data, personality data, and interaction data to the server 4, the control data can be sent to the server 4. When server 4 receives various data from user terminal device 2, it associates all the data and stores it in server storage unit 42 as management information 421. The user ID is a unique ID that identifies the user and is used when logging into user terminal device 2. The serial number is a unique number assigned to the hardware of the main body of robot device 1. The internal ID is a unique ID assigned to the software such as control data of robot device 1. If the hardware of the main body of robot device 1 needs to be replaced during repairs, the serial number will be changed, but the internal ID associated with the software such as control data will not be changed. This allows the emotions and personality of robot device 1 that the user has nurtured to be maintained.

[0019] When the server 4 receives interaction records, user IDs, etc., from the user terminal device 2, it associates all the data with the server storage unit 42 and stores it as management information 421. For example, the tables of the first management information 421a and the second management information 421b stored in the server storage unit 42 are shown in Figures 5A and 5B. The first management information 421a and the second management information 421b are associated with date and time, user ID, serial number, internal ID, and control data, respectively. The control data includes interaction data, emotion data, and personality data. In Figure 5A, for example, the first management information 421a has "2024 / 8 / 10 16:00" entered for date and time, "ef5678" for user ID, "A77553YA" for serial number, and "3A002002" for internal ID, and the control data has "BBB" for interaction data, "ccc" for emotion data, and "ddd" for personality data. Furthermore, the second management information 421b shown in Figure 5B is assumed to contain, for example, the interaction data from the interaction record shown in Figure 4. In this case, the second management information 421b contains "2024 / 8 / 21 11:00" for the date and time, "ab1234" for the user ID, "A99882YA" for the serial number, and "3A001001" for the internal ID. The control data contains "AAA" for interaction data, "aba" for emotion data, and "abb" for personality data. Note that in Figures 4, 5A, and 5B, the notations "BBB" and "AAA" for interaction data, "ccc" and "aba" for emotion data, and "ddd" and "abb" for personality data are symbols indicating that each can store different data, and do not limit the actual content that is entered. For example, the interaction data may contain parameter values ​​such as the number of times the user interacted with the robot and the strength of the user's touch. Additionally, emotional data may be input, including data on various parameters such as the level of reassurance (anxiety) and the level of excitement (apathy) used to indicate emotions. Data may also be input that shows how a high level of excitement affects the operation of robot device 1, such as increasing the activity frequency or activity level of robot device 1.Furthermore, regarding personality data, you may input data for each parameter that indicates, for example, shyness, cheerfulness, activity, and clinginess. You may also input data that shows how it affects emotional changes, such as how a high level of activity leads to more intense emotional fluctuations.

[0020] Next, the processes executed by the robot device 1, user terminal device 2, maintenance terminal device 3, and server 4 will be explained below with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 6A to 11. First, the robot control process shown in Figure 6A is assumed to be stored as a robot control process program in the robot memory unit 12 of the robot device 1 shown in Figure 2A. When the robot device 1 is powered on and started up, the robot control unit 13 reads the robot control process program stored in the robot memory unit 12 and executes it. The procedure for the robot control process will be explained below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 6A. The motion control unit 131 of the robot control unit 13 of the robot device 1 shown in Figure 2A drives the drive equipment inside the main body of the robot device 1 to execute the operation of the robot device 1 (step S101). The robot data update unit 134 of the robot control unit 13 of the robot device 1 shown in Figure 2A determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (step S102). The robot device 1 periodically creates interaction records regardless of whether or not there has been interaction with the user. In addition, the robot data update unit 134 updates the control data in conjunction with the creation of the interaction record. Therefore, if a predetermined time has elapsed (step S102; YES), the robot data update unit 134 updates the interaction record and control data (step S103). If a predetermined time has not elapsed (step S102; NO), the robot data update unit 134 moves to step S104. The robot data update unit 134 determines whether or not a request for transmission of control data has been received from the user terminal device 2 or the maintenance terminal device 3 (step S104). If a request for transmission of control data has been received (step S104; YES), the robot data transmission unit 132 of the robot control unit 13 of the robot device 1 shown in Figure 2A transmits the control data stored in the first area 121 of the robot memory unit 12 to the user terminal device 2 or the maintenance terminal device 3. Furthermore, the robot data transmission unit 132 stores the control data stored in the first area 121 of the robot memory unit 12 in the second area 122 of the robot memory unit 12 (step S105). If there is no request to transmit control data (step S104; NO), the process proceeds to step S106.The restoration processing unit 135 of the robot control unit 13 of the robot device 1 shown in Figure 2A determines whether or not a request for restoration of control data has been received from the maintenance terminal device 3 (step S106). If a request for restoration of control data has been received (step S106; YES), the restoration processing unit 135 executes the restoration process. The procedure for the restoration process will be explained below with reference to the restoration process flowchart shown in Figure 6B. The restoration processing unit 135 determines whether or not it has received an instruction from the maintenance terminal device 3 to restore the control data in the first area 121 using the control data stored in the second area 122 of the robot memory unit 12 (step S201). If the restoration instruction for the control data in the second area 122 has been received from the maintenance terminal device 3 (step S201; YES), the restoration processing unit 135 restores the control data in the first area 121 using the control data stored in the second area 122 (step S202). If no restoration instruction for control data in the second area 122 has been received from the maintenance terminal device 3 (step S201; NO), the robot data receiving unit 133 of the robot control unit 13 of the robot device 1 shown in Figure 2A acquires control data from the maintenance terminal device 3 (step S203). The restoration processing unit 135 restores the control data in the first area 121 using the control data acquired in step S203 (step S202). Now, we return to Figure 6A. In step S106, if there is no request to restore control data (step S106; NO), the operation control unit 131 determines whether or not a termination instruction has been given (step S107). For example, suppose that a termination instruction has been given when the power to the robot device 1 is turned off. If a termination instruction has been given (step S107; YES), the operation control unit 131 terminates the robot control process. If there is no termination instruction (step S107; NO), the operation control unit 131 moves to step S101 and executes the processes from step S101 onwards.

[0021] Next, the processing performed by the user terminal device 2 will be described. The user terminal device control processing shown in Figure 7 is assumed to be stored as a user terminal device control processing program in the user memory unit 24 of the user terminal device 2 shown in Figure 2B. When the user terminal device 2 starts communication with the robot device 1, the user control unit 25 reads the user terminal device control processing program stored in the user memory unit 24 and executes it. The procedure for the user terminal device control processing will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 7. The data setting unit 251 of the user control unit 25 of the user terminal device 2 shown in Figure 2B determines whether or not the interaction record button 213 has been pressed on the home screen displayed on the user display unit 21 (step S301). If the interaction record button 213 has not been pressed (step S301; NO), the data setting unit 251 determines whether or not an end command has been issued (step S302). For example, an end command is assumed to have been issued when the user exits the home screen. If a termination instruction is given (step S302; YES), the data setting unit 251 terminates the user terminal device control process. If no termination instruction is given (step S302; NO), the data setting unit 251 moves to step S301 and executes the processes from step S301 onward. Also, if the interaction record button 213 is pressed in step S301 (step S301; YES), the data setting unit 251 sets various data acquired from the robot device 1 and causes the display processing unit 254 to display the interaction record screen 211 on the user display unit 21 (step S303). For example, the screen on the left in Figure 3 is displayed. The data request unit 252 of the user control unit 25 of the user terminal device 2 shown in Figure 2B determines whether or not the log acquisition button 214 has been pressed (step S304). If the log acquisition button 214 is pressed (step S304; YES), the data request unit 252 requests the robot device 1 to send the interaction record shown in Figure 4, which includes control data and the date and time (step S305). If the log acquisition button 214 is not pressed (step S304; NO), the data request unit 252 executes step S302. The data transmission / reception unit 253 of the user control unit 25 of the user terminal device 2 shown in Figure 2B determines whether or not the robot device 1 has received the interaction record (step S306).If no interaction record has been received from robot device 1 (step S306; NO), the data transmission / reception unit 253 repeats step S306 until an interaction record is received. If an interaction record has been received from robot device 1 (step S306; YES), the data transmission / reception unit 253 sends the received interaction record, the serial number and internal ID obtained from robot device 1, and the user ID stored in the user memory unit 24 of user terminal device 2 to server 4. In addition, when sending the interaction record, user terminal device 2 obtains emotion data and personality data from robot device 1 in the background and sends them to server 4 (step S307). The data setting unit 251 executes step S302.

[0022] Next, the processing performed by the maintenance terminal device 3 will be explained. The maintenance terminal device control processing shown in Figure 8 is assumed to be stored as a maintenance terminal device control processing program in the maintenance storage unit 34 of the maintenance terminal device 3 shown in Figure 2C. When the robot device 1 malfunctions and the maintenance terminal device 3 starts communicating with the robot device 1 via contact-type communication such as USB, the maintenance control unit 35 reads the maintenance terminal device control processing program stored in the maintenance storage unit 34 and executes it. The procedure for the maintenance terminal device control processing will be explained below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 8. The data request unit 352 of the maintenance control unit 35 of the maintenance terminal device 3 shown in Figure 2C determines whether or not there has been an operation to acquire control data from the robot device 1 (step S401). If there is no operation (step S401; NO), the data request unit 352 moves to step S404. If there is an operation (step S401; YES), the data request unit 352 requests the robot device 1 to send control data (step S402). The data request unit 352 stores the received control data in the maintenance storage unit 34 shown in Figure 2C (step S403). The data request unit 352 determines whether or not there was an operation to acquire control data from the server 4 (step S404). If there was no operation (step S404; NO), the data request unit 352 moves to step S407. If there was an operation (step S404; YES), the data request unit 352 requests the server 4 to send the control data (step S405). The data request unit 352 stores the received control data in the maintenance storage unit 34 shown in Figure 2C (step S406). The restoration processing unit 351 of the maintenance control unit 35 of the maintenance terminal device 3 shown in Figure 2C determines whether or not there was an operation to restore the control data of the robot device 1 using the control data stored in the maintenance storage unit 34 in step S406 (step S407). If an operation is performed (step S407; YES), the restoration processing unit 351 transmits the control data stored in the maintenance memory unit 34 to the robot device 1 (step S408). If no operation is performed (step S407; NO), the restoration processing unit 351 determines whether or not a termination instruction has been given (step S409). For example, a termination instruction is assumed to have been given when the user terminates communication with the robot device 1.If a termination instruction is given (step S409; YES), the data request unit 352 terminates the maintenance terminal device control process. If no termination instruction is given (step S409; NO), the data request unit 352 moves to step S401 and executes the processes from step S401 onward.

[0023] Next, we will explain the processes executed on server 4. The maintenance terminal device control process shown in Figure 9A is assumed to be stored as a server control process program in the server memory unit 42 of server 4 shown in Figure 2D. When server 4 starts up, the server control unit 43 reads the server control process program stored in the server memory unit 42 and executes it. The procedure for the server control process will be explained below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 9A. The authentication processing unit 431 of the server control unit 43 of server 4 shown in Figure 2D determines whether or not there has been communication from user terminal device 2 or maintenance terminal device 3 (step S501). If there is no communication (step S501; NO), the authentication processing unit 431 repeats step S501. If there is communication (step S502; YES), the authentication processing unit 431 performs login authentication for user terminal device 2 or maintenance terminal device 3 (step S502). For example, the authentication processing unit 431 receives a user ID from the user terminal device 2 or the maintenance terminal device 3 from the first management information 421a and the second management information 421b shown in Figures 5A and 5B, and authenticates. The setting processing unit 432 of the server control unit 43 of the server 4 shown in Figure 2D determines whether or not there has been a request for various settings from the user terminal device 2 or the maintenance terminal device 3 (step S503). If there is no request for various settings (step S503; NO), the setting processing unit 432 moves to step S505. If there is a request for various settings (step S503; YES), the setting processing unit 432 executes the various settings on the server 4 (step S504). The determination processing unit 433 of the server control unit 43 of the server 4 shown in Figure 2D determines whether or not there has been a request for control data, such as the transmission of control data, from the user terminal device 2 or the maintenance terminal device 3 (step S505). If there is no request for control data (step S505; NO), the determination processing unit 433 determines whether or not a termination instruction has been received (step S506). For example, a termination instruction is assumed to have been received when communication from user terminal device 2 or maintenance terminal device 3 is terminated. If a termination instruction has been received (step S506; YES), the determination processing unit 433 terminates the server control processing. If there is no termination instruction (step S506; NO), the authentication processing unit 431 moves to step S301 and executes the processing from step S301 onwards.If a request for control data is made in step S505 (step S505; YES), the determination processing unit 433 executes control data determination processing (step S507).

[0024] The procedure for determining control data will be explained below with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 9B. The determination processing unit 433 requests the user terminal device 2 or maintenance terminal device 3 to input a user ID and the serial number of the robot device 1 (step S601). The determination processing unit 433 performs a search for control data associated with the user ID and serial number obtained in step S601 (step S602). Specifically, it searches the first management information 421a and second management information 421b, which include the user ID and serial number and are stored in the server storage unit 42 of the server 4 shown in Figure 2D, to see if the user ID and serial number obtained in step S601 are present. The determination processing unit 433 searches the first management information 421a and second management information 421b stored in the server storage unit 42 using the serial number obtained in step S601 and determines whether there is an internal ID associated with the serial number (step S603). If there is an internal ID associated with the serial number (step S603; YES), the determination processing unit 433 determines whether or not there is control data associated with the internal ID (step S604). If there is control data associated with the internal ID (step S604; YES), the determination processing unit 433 determines whether or not the user ID obtained in step S601 matches the user ID associated with the serial number in the first management information 421a and the second management information 421b (step S605). If the user IDs match (step S605; YES), the determination processing unit 433 permits processing related to the control data (step S606). Therefore, processing related to the control data is permitted when the combination of user ID and serial number input from the user terminal device 2 or maintenance terminal device 3 in step S601 matches the combination of user ID and serial number included in the management information 421 of the server storage unit 42. Furthermore, if there is no internal ID associated with the serial number in step S603 (step S603; NO), and if there is no control data associated with the internal ID in step S604 (step S604; NO), the determination processing unit 433 notifies the user terminal device 2 or the maintenance terminal device 3 that there is no control data (step S607).Furthermore, if the user ID does not match in step S605 (step S605; NO), the determination processing unit 433 notifies the user terminal device 2 or the maintenance terminal device 3 that control data cannot be detected (step S608). The determination processing unit 433 denies processing related to the control data (step S609). The determination processing unit 433 terminates the control data determination process.

[0025] Return to Figure 9A. The determination processing unit 433 determines whether processing related to the control data is permitted or not (step S508). If it is not permitted (step S508; NO), the determination processing unit 433 executes step S506. If it is permitted (step S508; YES), the determination processing unit 433 determines whether or not a request to save the control data has been made from the user terminal device 2 (step S509). If there is no request to save (step S509; NO), the determination processing unit 433 moves to step S511. If there is a request to save (step S509; YES), the data receiving unit 435 of the server control unit 43 of the server 4 shown in Figure 2D receives the control data from the user terminal device 2. The storage processing unit 434 of the server control unit 43 stores the received control data in the server storage unit 42 as management information 421, associating it with the date and time, user ID, etc. (step S510). The determination processing unit 433 determines whether or not a request to transmit the control data has been made from the maintenance terminal device 3 (step S511). If there is no transmission request (step S511; NO), the determination processing unit 433 executes step S506. If there is a transmission request (step S511; YES), the determination processing unit 433 transmits control data to the maintenance terminal device 3 (step S512). The determination processing unit 433 executes step S506.

[0026] As described above, in the robot control system 100 according to this embodiment, the server 4 can store control data of the state in which the user, as the owner, has raised the robot. This allows the robot device 1 to be repaired in the event of a malfunction, using the control data stored in the robot device 1 or in the server 4, which includes the relationship with the user, as the owner. This makes it possible to repair the robot device 1 while taking into account the relationship with the user, as the owner.

[0027] (Other variations) In the above embodiment, the restoration process shown in Figure 6B is divided into two methods for restoring the control data of the first area 121 of the robot memory unit 12 of the robot device 1: using the control data of the second area 122 of the robot memory unit 12 based on instructions from the maintenance terminal device 3, or using the control data received from the server 4. However, this can be divided according to the type of service provided to the user. For example, restoration using the control data of the second area 122 of the robot memory unit 12 could be a free service, while restoration using the control data received from the server 4 could be a paid service. Alternatively, a dedicated maintenance tool, other than the maintenance terminal device 3, could be provided to restore the control data of the robot memory unit 12.

[0028] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the robot device 1 and the user terminal device 2 and maintenance terminal device 3 are separate units. However, the functions of one or both of the user terminal device 2 and maintenance terminal device 3 may be incorporated into the robot device 1, so that the robot device 1 can function as both the user terminal device 2 and maintenance terminal device 3. Alternatively, the functions of the server 4 may be assigned to either the user terminal device 2 or the maintenance terminal device 3.

[0029] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, control data was transmitted from the server 4 to the maintenance terminal device 3, but it is also possible to transmit date and time information along with the control data, allowing the user to select control data for any date and time. In addition, if a selection is made, the maintenance terminal device 3 may send confirmation information to the server 4 indicating that the user has selected control data for any date and time.

[0030] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the robot device 1 is not connected to a network, but it may be connected to a network. In that case, the robot device 1 may communicate directly with the server 4 without going through the user terminal device 2 and the maintenance terminal device 3.

[0031] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the robot device 1 restores control data using the maintenance terminal device 3, but the control data may also be restored using an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer), tablet, or terminal placed in the store. The robot device 1 may communicate with the information processing device via contact-type communication through a cable or the like, or it may communicate via contactless communication through a network.

[0032] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the robot data update unit 134 of the robot device 1 updates the interaction record and control data after a predetermined time has elapsed. However, the robot device 1 may also update the interaction record and control data when there is a change in emotion or personality due to interaction with the user.

[0033] Furthermore, the user terminal device 2 and the maintenance terminal device 3 are not limited to smartphones; they can also be implemented using computers such as tablets and PCs that can communicate with the robot device 1 and the server 4. For example, the programs executed by the user control unit 25 of the user terminal device 2 and the maintenance control unit 35 of the maintenance terminal device 3 may be stored on computer-readable recording media such as flexible disks, CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), MOs (Magneto-Optical discs), memory cards, and USB memory sticks, and distributed. By loading and installing these programs into a computer, a computer capable of executing the above-mentioned processes can be configured.

[0034] Furthermore, the program can be superimposed on a carrier wave and applied via a communication medium such as the Internet. For example, the program could be posted and distributed on a bulletin board system (BBS) on a communication network. This program could then be launched and executed under the control of the operating system (OS), just like any other application program, to perform the aforementioned processes.

[0035] Furthermore, the user control unit 25 of the user terminal device 2 and the maintenance control unit 35 of the maintenance terminal device 3 may consist of any single processor, such as a single processor, multi-processor, or multi-core processor, or they may be configured in combination with processing circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0036] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and the present invention includes the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 1...Robot device, 421...Management information, 421a...First management information, 421b...Second management information, 433...Decision processing unit, 435...Data receiving unit, 436...Data transmission unit.

Claims

1. A storage processing unit stores in a storage unit management information that associates robot identification information for identifying a robot device, owner identification information for identifying the owner of the robot device, and control data for causing the robot device to perform unique actions that change based on the owner's interaction. A data receiving unit that receives the robot identification information and the owner identification information, A determination processing unit that determines whether the received combination of robot identification information and owner identification information matches the combination of robot identification information and owner identification information included in the management information, A data transmission unit that, when determined to be a match, transmits the control data associated with the management information that was determined to be a match, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The robot identification information identifies the hardware of the robot device, The control data is associated with internal identification information that identifies the software of the robot device. The management information further includes the internal identification information, and associates the owner identification information and the control data via the internal identification information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control data is data used to operate the robot device in such a way that it has its own emotions or personality, and is data that changes through communication between the owner and the robot device. The data receiving unit receives the robot identification information and the owner identification information, The determination processing unit determines whether the received combination of robot identification information and owner identification information matches the combination of robot identification information and owner identification information included in the management information. The storage processing unit stores the control data received by the data receiving unit when it is determined by the determination processing unit that they match. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The storage unit stores a plurality of the management information, The determination processing unit determines whether the robot identification information and owner identification information received by the data receiving unit are included in any of the multiple management information items. The data transmission unit transmits the control data associated with the management information if the determination result of the determination processing unit indicates that the robot identification information and the owner identification information are included in any of the multiple management information items, and transmits a message indicating that there is no control data to be restored if the determination result of the determination processing unit indicates that the robot identification information and the owner identification information are not included in any of the multiple management information items. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The management information stores the date and time the control data was received in association with the control data. The data transmission unit transmits the date and time information included in the management information, which matches the pair of robot identification information and owner identification information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The data receiving unit receives confirmation information according to the date and time information, The data transmission unit transmits the control data associated with the management information based on the confirmation information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. An information processing device comprising a processor and memory, The aforementioned processor, The following are stored as management information, associated with each other: robot identification information that identifies the robot device, owner identification information that identifies the owner of the robot device, and control data that changes based on the owner's interaction and causes the robot device to perform unique actions. The robot identification information and the owner identification information are received. It is determined whether the received combination of robot identification information and owner identification information matches the combination of robot identification information and owner identification information included in the management information. If a match is determined, the control data associated with the management information that was determined to match is transmitted. method.

8. On the computer, A process for storing, as management information, the following in association: robot identification information that identifies the robot device, owner identification information that identifies the owner of the robot device, and control data that changes based on the owner's interaction and causes the robot device to perform unique actions. A process for receiving the robot identification information and the owner identification information. A process to determine whether the received combination of robot identification information and owner identification information matches the combination of robot identification information and owner identification information included in the management information. If a match is determined, a process to transmit the control data associated with the management information that was determined to match. A program to execute.

Images