system

Abstract

We provide the system. [Solution] A means for inputting the service name, quantity, and customer requirements, A means of obtaining from the database the fee items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes regarding the contract, corresponding to the aforementioned service name. A means for automatically generating a quotation based on the aforementioned service name, quantity, and customer requirements, A means of displaying the aforementioned quotation on a terminal and prompting confirmation, Means for saving and transmitting the confirmed quotation, A system that includes this.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for controlling a persona chatbot, which is performed by at least one processor, including steps of receiving a user utterance, adding the user utterance to a prompt including an instruction sentence related to an explanation of the chatbot character, encoding the prompt, and inputting the encoded prompt into a language model to generate a chatbot utterance as a response to the user utterance.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Currently, the quotations issued by salespersons to customers are created manually by each person searching for and collecting information such as necessary charge items, list prices per unit, minimum contract period, and early termination fees from in-house service materials. This process takes time and is highly likely to result in information omissions and input errors, which cause troubles after the contract. Therefore, there is a need for a system that can shorten the quotation creation time and provide accurate and consistent quotations.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This invention provides a system that includes means for inputting a service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for obtaining from a database the fee items, fixed unit prices, minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, early termination fees, delivery date, and notes regarding the contract corresponding to the service name; means for automatically generating a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for displaying the quotation on a terminal and prompting confirmation; and means for saving and transmitting the confirmed quotation. This system automates the creation of quotations, reduces creation time, and minimizes information oversights and input errors. As a result, it can reduce problems after the contract is signed.

[0006] "Service name" refers to the name of the service provided.

[0007] "Quantity" refers to the number of items or services being quoted.

[0008] "Customer requirements" refer to the specifications and conditions that a customer requests for a particular service.

[0009] A "database" refers to a system that stores information such as service-related fee items, standard unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery time, and important notes.

[0010] "Fee items" refer to the types of costs associated with a service.

[0011] "Standard unit price" refers to the standard price of a service.

[0012] "Quotation conditions" refer to the requirements and constraints that should be considered when creating a quotation.

[0013] "Minimum contract period" refers to the minimum contract period required if a contract is concluded.

[0014] "Early termination fee" refers to a penalty fee incurred when a contract is terminated before the end of the contract period.

[0015] "Delivery lead time" refers to the time required until the service is provided.

[0016] "Notes" refers to important points and conditions in the contract.

[0017] "Quotation" refers to a document that describes the quantity of products or number of services to be provided, and related price information.

[0018] "Terminal" refers to a device such as a computer or tablet that the user operates.

[0019] "Means" refers to a method or device for achieving a specific function or role.

[0020] "Storage" refers to recording data and storing it for later reference.

[0021] "Transmission" refers to transferring data or documents to another location or user.

[0022] "Display" refers to showing data or documents on the screen.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the main functions of a data processing device and a smart device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the main functions of a data processing device and smart glasses according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data processing system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6]This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the main functions of a data processing device and a headset-type terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data processing system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the main functions of a data processing device and a robot according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] This shows an emotion map where multiple emotions are mapped. [Figure 10] This shows an emotion map where multiple emotions are mapped. [Figure 11] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the data processing system in Example 1. [Figure 12] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the data processing system in Application Example 1. [Figure 13] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the data processing system in Example 2, which incorporates an emotion engine. [Figure 14] This is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow of the data processing system in Application Example 2, which combines an emotion engine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the system relating to the technology of this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0025] First, let's explain the terminology used in the following explanation.

[0026] In the following embodiments, the signed processor (hereinafter simply referred to as "processor") may be a single arithmetic unit or a combination of multiple arithmetic units. Furthermore, the processor may be a single type of arithmetic unit or a combination of multiple types of arithmetic units. Examples of arithmetic units include CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), GPGPU (General-Purpose computing on Graphics Processing Units), and APU (Accelerated Processing Unit).

[0027] In the following embodiments, signed RAM (Random Access Memory) is a memory that temporarily stores information and is used as work memory by the processor.

[0028] In the following embodiments, the signed storage is one or more non-volatile storage devices that store various programs and various parameters. Examples of non-volatile storage devices include flash memory (SSD (Solid State Drive)), magnetic disks (e.g., hard disks), or magnetic tapes.

[0029] In the following embodiments, the signed communication interface (I / F) is an interface that includes a communication processor and an antenna, etc. The communication interface manages communication between multiple computers. Examples of communication standards applicable to the communication interface include wireless communication standards such as 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication System), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0030] In the following embodiments, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." That is, "A and / or B" means that it may be A alone, or B alone, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same concept as "A and / or B" applies when expressing three or more things linked by "and / or."

[0031] [First Embodiment]

[0032] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the data processing system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the 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.

[0034] The data processing device 12 comprises a computer 22, a database 24, and a communication interface 26. The computer 22 is an example of a "computer" related to the technology of this disclosure. The computer 22 comprises a processor 28, RAM 30, and storage 32. The processor 28, RAM 30, and storage 32 are connected to a bus 34. The database 24 and the communication interface 26 are also connected to the bus 34. The communication interface 26 is connected to a network 54. An example of the network 54 is a WAN (Wide Area Network) and / or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0035] The smart device 14 comprises a computer 36, a reception device 38, an output device 40, a camera 42, and a communication interface 44. The computer 36 comprises a processor 46, RAM 48, and storage 50. The processor 46, RAM 48, and storage 50 are connected to a bus 52. The reception device 38, output device 40, and camera 42 are also connected to the bus 52.

[0036] The reception device 38 is equipped with a touch panel 38A and a microphone 38B, etc., and receives user input. The touch panel 38A receives user input by detecting contact with an object (e.g., a pen or finger). The microphone 38B receives user input by detecting the user's voice. The control unit 46A transmits data indicating the user input received by the touch panel 38A and 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.

[0037] 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 perceptible to the user 20 (e.g., audio and / or text). The display 40A displays visible information such as text and images according to instructions from the processor 46. The speaker 40B outputs audio according to instructions from the processor 46. The camera 42 is a small digital camera equipped with an optical system such as a lens, aperture, and shutter, and an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor.

[0038] Communication interface 44 is connected to network 54. Communication interfaces 44 and 26 are responsible for the exchange of various types of information between processor 46 and processor 28 via network 54.

[0039] Figure 2 shows an example of the main functions of the data processing device 12 and the smart device 14.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, in the data processing device 12, a specific processing 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" related to the technology of this 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 according to the specific processing program 56 executed on the RAM 30.

[0041] The storage 32 stores the data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59. The data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59 are used by the identification processing unit 290.

[0042] In the smart device 14, the processor 46 performs the reception output processing. The storage 50 stores the reception output program 60. The reception output program 60 is used in conjunction with a 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 processing is realized by the processor 46 operating as a control unit 46A according to the reception output program 60 executed on the RAM 48.

[0043] Next, the specific processing performed by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 will be described. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as the "server" and the smart device 14 as the "terminal".

[0044] This invention provides a system that enables sales representatives to quickly and accurately create quotations. The system operates as follows:

[0045] System Overview

[0046] The user enters the service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a terminal. The server retrieves the relevant information from the database and automatically generates a quotation based on it. This quotation is displayed on the terminal, prompting the user for confirmation. After the user confirms it, the server saves the quotation and sends it to the customer as appropriate.

[0047] User data entry

[0048] The terminal provides an interface for the user to input the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. Once the user enters this information, the quotation creation process begins.

[0049] Data acquisition by server

[0050] Based on the entered service name, the server retrieves the relevant pricing items, standard unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery time, and contractual notes from the database. This information forms the basis of the quotation.

[0051] Automatic generation of quotations

[0052] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired information. This quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes. The total amount is calculated by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[0053] Viewing and confirming the quotation

[0054] The terminal displays an automatically generated quotation to the user. The user reviews the content and makes any necessary corrections. The user also confirms their agreement to the quotation's contents and approves the final version of the quotation.

[0055] Saving and sending quotations

[0056] After receiving confirmation from the user, the server saves the quotation to the database. Furthermore, it sends the quotation to the customer via email or other means as needed.

[0057] Specific example

[0058] For example, consider creating a quote for a service called "Website Creation." The user enters the service name "Website Creation" into their device, enters "1" for the quantity, and enters "Mobile-friendly site" for the customer requirement.

[0059] Next, the server retrieves the following information from the database:

[0060] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[0061] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0062] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0063] Delivery time: 30 days

[0064] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0065] The server calculates the total amount based on this information and automatically generates a quote. The quote includes the following information:

[0066] Service name: Website creation

[0067] Quantity:1

[0068] Unit price: 500,000 yen

[0069] Total: 500,000 yen

[0070] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0071] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0072] Delivery time: 30 days

[0073] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0074] Next, the terminal displays the generated quotation to the user and prompts them for confirmation. The user reviews the content, and if there are no problems, they perform a final confirmation through the terminal. The server receives this confirmation, saves the quotation to the database, and sends it to the customer.

[0075] This system is expected to enable the creation of quotations quickly and accurately, and to reduce post-contract disputes.

[0076] The following describes the processing flow.

[0077] Program processing steps

[0078] Step 1:

[0079] The terminal provides the user with an interface for entering the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The user uses the terminal to enter this information.

[0080] Step 2:

[0081] The terminal retrieves the service name, quantity, and customer requirements entered by the user and sends them to the server.

[0082] Step 3:

[0083] The server searches the database based on the service name and retrieves pricing items, standard unit prices, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery time, and important notes.

[0084] Step 4:

[0085] The server calculates the total amount of the estimate based on the information it has acquired. Specifically, it calculates the total amount by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[0086] Step 5:

[0087] The server automatically generates a quotation that includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes.

[0088] Step 6:

[0089] The server generates a quotation, which is then sent to the terminal, where it is displayed to the user.

[0090] Step 7:

[0091] The terminal allows the user to review the contents of the quotation and prompts them to confirm whether they agree to the contents.

[0092] Step 8:

[0093] The user reviews the quotation via their device. If the review is successful, the device sends this information to the server.

[0094] Step 9:

[0095] The server receives confirmation from the user and saves the quotation to the database.

[0096] Step 10:

[0097] The server sends the stored quotation to the customer via email or other methods as needed.

[0098] This will create a system in which quotations are generated efficiently and accurately, and appropriate information is provided to both parties.

[0099] (Example 1)

[0100] Next, we will describe Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as the "server," and the smart device 14 will be referred to as the "terminal."

[0101] Traditional quotation creation systems required manual data entry and calculations, which not only made the process time-consuming but also led to frequent input and calculation errors. This made it difficult for sales representatives to create quotations quickly and accurately, sometimes resulting in customer disputes. Manual management was particularly cumbersome when different services required varying conditions and pricing structures.

[0102] The identification process performed by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Example 1 is realized by the following means.

[0103] In this invention, the server includes means for a user to input a service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a processing device; means for the processing device to obtain from a storage device the fee items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes regarding the contract corresponding to the service name; means for the processing device to automatically generate a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for the processing device to display the quotation on a display device and prompt the user for confirmation; and means for the processing device to save the confirmed quotation to a storage device and transmit it using a communication device. As a result, quotations can be created quickly and accurately, the risk of input errors and calculation errors is reduced, the burden on sales representatives is reduced, and disputes with customers are reduced.

[0104] "User" refers to an individual or organization that uses the system to create or manage quotations.

[0105] A "processing device" is a part of the hardware or software used to process data, and is usually a computer or server.

[0106] "Service name" refers to the specific name of the service being quoted.

[0107] "Quantity" refers to a numerical value indicating the quantity or number of services being quoted.

[0108] "Customer requirements" are information that describes the specific conditions and specifications that a customer has for a particular service.

[0109] A "storage device" is a part of the hardware or software used to store data, such as in a database.

[0110] "Fee items" refer to the items of costs and fees related to the provision of services.

[0111] "Standard unit price" refers to the unit price based on the standard price of the service.

[0112] "Quotation conditions" refer to specific conditions or regulations that apply when creating a quotation.

[0113] The "minimum contract period" is the minimum period during which a service contract must be continued.

[0114] A "cancellation fee" is a fee that is required when terminating a contract during the minimum contract period.

[0115] "Delivery time" refers to the lead time required to start the service.

[0116] "Notes" are explanations of matters that require special attention when entering into a contract.

[0117] A "quotation" is a document that outlines the costs and conditions incurred when providing a service.

[0118] A "display device" is a device that provides information to a user visually, and is usually a monitor or display.

[0119] A "communication device" is a part of the hardware or software used to send and receive data.

[0120] This invention relates to a system that enables sales representatives to quickly and accurately prepare quotations. This system consists of a hardware configuration including a processing unit, a storage unit, a display unit, and a communication device, and a software configuration that performs data processing and data calculations.

[0121] User data entry

[0122] The user enters the service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a terminal. The terminal sends the user's input to the processing unit. This input initiates the quotation creation process.

[0123] Data acquisition by server

[0124] The server (processing unit) retrieves pricing items, list prices, minimum contract period as a quotation condition, early termination fees, delivery time, and important notes from the storage device (database) based on the service name sent by the user. This data retrieval is performed using database operations such as SQL queries.

[0125] Automatic generation of quotations

[0126] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired data. The quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes. The total amount is calculated by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[0127] Viewing and confirming the quotation

[0128] The terminal displays the generated quotation to the user. The user reviews the quotation and makes any necessary corrections. If no corrections are needed, the user clicks the confirmation button for final confirmation.

[0129] Saving and sending quotations

[0130] The server saves the user-confirmed quotation to its storage device. Furthermore, it sends the quotation to the customer via email or other means using a communication device as needed. This transmission process is performed using protocols such as SMTP.

[0131] Specific example

[0132] For example, consider creating a quote for a service called "Website Creation." The user enters the service name "Website Creation" into their device, enters "1" for the quantity, and enters "Mobile-friendly site" for the customer requirement.

[0133] Next, the server retrieves the following information from the storage device:

[0134] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[0135] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0136] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0137] Delivery time: 30 days

[0138] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0139] The server calculates the total amount based on this information and automatically generates a quote. The quote includes the following information:

[0140] Service name: Website creation

[0141] Quantity:1

[0142] Unit price: 500,000 yen

[0143] Total: 500,000 yen

[0144] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0145] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0146] Delivery time: 30 days

[0147] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0148] Next, the terminal displays the generated quotation to the user and prompts them for confirmation. The user reviews the content, and if there are no problems, they perform a final confirmation through the terminal. The server receives this confirmation, saves the quotation to its storage device, and sends it to the customer.

[0149] This system is expected to enable the creation of quotations quickly and accurately, and to reduce post-contract disputes.

[0150] Examples of prompts for a generative AI model:

[0151] "Please create a quote for website development. Service name: Website development, Quantity: 1, Customer requirements: Mobile-friendly site"

[0152] The flow of the specific processing in Example 1 will be explained using Figure 11.

[0153] Step 1:

[0154] The user enters the service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a terminal.

[0155] Input: Service name, quantity, customer requirements

[0156] Specific actions:

[0157] The user accesses the input screen on their device and enters the service name "Website Creation," the quantity "1," and the customer requirement "Mobile-friendly site" in the designated fields.

[0158] Output: The input data is sent from the terminal to the server.

[0159] Step 2:

[0160] The server retrieves relevant information from the database based on the input data.

[0161] Input: Service name, quantity, customer requirements

[0162] Specific actions:

[0163] The server executes a query on the database using the service name "Website Creation" as the key.

[0164] The server retrieves the following information from the database: the list price per unit, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes.

[0165] Output: The acquired data is stored on the server.

[0166] Step 3:

[0167] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired data.

[0168] Input: Data submitted by the user and data retrieved from the database.

[0169] Specific actions:

[0170] The server calculates the total price by multiplying the unit price by the quantity. For example, if the unit price is 500,000 yen and the quantity is 1, the total price will be 500,000 yen.

[0171] The server generates a quotation that includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes.

[0172] Output: The automatically generated quote is stored on the server.

[0173] Step 4:

[0174] The terminal displays the generated estimate to the user and prompts them to confirm it.

[0175] Input: Quotation sent from the server

[0176] Specific actions:

[0177] The terminal displays the generated quotation on the display device. The user can review it and make corrections as needed.

[0178] For example, the user reviews the contents of the quote, enters any necessary corrections, and clicks the confirmation button.

[0179] Output: The confirmed quotation is sent from the terminal to the server.

[0180] Step 5:

[0181] The server saves the approved quote to the database and sends it to the customer.

[0182] Input: Confirmed quotation

[0183] Specific actions:

[0184] The server saves the confirmed quote to the database using an INSERT query.

[0185] If necessary, the server will email the quote to the customer using the SMTP protocol.

[0186] Output: Quotations stored in the database and quotations sent to customers.

[0187] (Application Example 1)

[0188] Next, we will explain Application Example 1. In the following explanation, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as the "server," and the smart device 14 will be referred to as the "terminal."

[0189] Existing quotation creation systems suffer from inefficiency due to the time-consuming process of generating quotations and the requirement for users to manually input service information. Furthermore, data updates are often performed manually, making it difficult to quickly create accurate quotations. Therefore, a system that allows users to instantly generate and review quotations is needed.

[0190] The specific processing performed by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Application Example 1 is realized by the following means.

[0191] In this invention, the server includes means for inputting a service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for obtaining from a database the price items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes regarding the contract corresponding to the service name; means for automatically generating a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for displaying the quotation on a terminal and prompting confirmation; means for saving and transmitting the confirmed quotation; means for acquiring data using a cloud server and dynamically updating information such as price items and delivery dates; and means for sending information entered by the user on a smartphone to the cloud server and receiving the results. This enables the user to instantly generate an accurate quotation and efficiently perform confirmation, approval, saving, and transmission.

[0192] "Service name" refers to the name of the specific service being offered.

[0193] "Quantity" refers to the number of services or products that the user specifies as the subject of the quote.

[0194] "Customer requirements" refer to the specific conditions or specifications that a customer desires.

[0195] A "database" is a system for systematically managing and storing information.

[0196] "Price items" refer to information related to the price of each service or product listed in the quotation.

[0197] "Standard unit price" refers to the unit price that indicates the standard price of a service or product.

[0198] "Quotation conditions" refer to the conditions and constraints that should be considered when creating a quotation.

[0199] The "minimum contract period" refers to the minimum period that must be maintained under a contract.

[0200] A "cancellation fee" is an additional fee incurred if a contract is terminated during the contract period.

[0201] "Delivery time" refers to the period of time it takes for a service or product to be delivered to the customer.

[0202] "Important Notes" refer to items or information that require particular attention when entering into a contract or providing a service.

[0203] A "cloud server" is a remote server that can be accessed via the internet and is used for data storage and processing.

[0204] A "terminal" is an electronic device used by users to input information or check results.

[0205] A "quotation" is a document that outlines the terms and conditions and price of the provision of services or goods.

[0206] "Saving" means preserving data and documents so that they can be accessed and used later.

[0207] "Sending" means delivering data or documents to another terminal or system.

[0208] This invention is a system for quickly and accurately generating quotes for robots used in factories. The system includes terminals, a cloud server, and a database.

[0209] 1. System Overview

[0210] The user uses their smartphone to enter the service name (e.g., robot type), quantity, and customer requirements. The information entered on the device is sent to a cloud server. The cloud server retrieves the corresponding pricing items, standard unit prices, minimum contract period required for the quotation, early termination fees, delivery deadline, and any important contractual notes from its database. Based on the retrieved information, the cloud server automatically generates a quotation and displays it on the device. After the user confirms it, the cloud server saves the quotation to its database and sends it to the customer via email if necessary.

[0211] 2. Hardware and Software Configuration

[0212] Device: Smartphone

[0213] It provides a user interface and sends the entered service name, quantity, and customer requirements to the cloud server.

[0214] Cloud server:

[0215] Implement an algorithm that communicates with a database and generates a quotation. The server can use a common cloud service (e.g., AWS®, Google Cloud®, Azure®).

[0216] Database:

[0217] A database system (e.g., MySQL®, PostgreSQL) is used to manage pricing items, standard unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery deadlines, and important notes. The cloud server accesses this database to retrieve the necessary information.

[0218] 3. Examples

[0219] For example, to create a quote for introducing a new "assembly robot A" in a factory, the process would be as follows: The user enters "assembly robot A," "quantity: 3," "option: with vision system," and "requirements: high precision" into their smartphone. The cloud server sends this information to its database and retrieves relevant information (e.g., unit price, delivery date, etc.). Based on the retrieved information, the cloud server generates a quote and displays it on the smartphone. Once the user reviews and approves it, the cloud server saves the quote to its database and sends it to the customer via email if necessary.

[0220] 4. Example of a prompt statement

[0221] The user input prompt will take the following form:

[0222] Service: Assembly robot A, Quantity: 3, Requirements: High-precision vision system

[0223] This system enables rapid robotic quotation creation within the factory, preventing input errors and significantly improving efficiency. Furthermore, by using a cloud server, it is possible to dynamically acquire the latest data and consistently provide accurate quotations.

[0224] The flow of a specific process in Application Example 1 will be explained using Figure 12.

[0225] Step 1:

[0226] The user uses a smartphone to enter the service name (e.g., robot type), quantity, and customer requirements. This input information is sent to the server in JSON format. Specifically, the user enters data into the input form via the terminal's user interface and sends the information by pressing the "Submit" button.

[0227] Step 2:

[0228] The cloud server receives data in JSON format sent from the terminal. The received data includes the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The server parses this data and generates a request to retrieve the corresponding information from the database. Specifically, the server parses the received data and issues SQL queries or API requests.

[0229] Step 3:

[0230] The cloud server retrieves the corresponding pricing items, list prices, minimum contract period required for the quote, early termination fees, delivery time, and contractual notes from the database. The server executes a request to the database and retrieves the necessary data. An SQL query is executed to retrieve the data, and the results are returned.

[0231] Step 4:

[0232] The cloud server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired data. Specifically, the server calculates the total amount by multiplying the unit price and quantity from the acquired information, and then formats the quotation by appropriately laying out each item. This quotation is often generated as HTML using a template.

[0233] Step 5:

[0234] The cloud server sends the generated quotation to the device. The device displays the quotation data received from the server. Specifically, the cloud server sends the quotation to the device in JSON format, the device's application parses the data, and displays it on the screen.

[0235] Step 6:

[0236] The user reviews the quotation displayed on their device and makes any necessary corrections. When the user agrees to the contents of the quotation, they press the confirmation button to give final approval. Specifically, the user views the quotation through the interface on their device and taps the "Confirm" button.

[0237] Step 7:

[0238] The cloud server receives confirmation requests from users. Confirmed quotes are stored in a database and, if necessary, sent to the customer via email. Specifically, the server processes the received confirmation request, stores the quote data in the database, and sends it to the customer via email through the SMTP server.

[0239] In this way, users can quickly and accurately generate, review, and send quotations using the cloud server.

[0240] Furthermore, an emotion engine that estimates the user's emotions may be incorporated. That is, the identification processing unit 290 may use the emotion identification model 59 to estimate the user's emotions and perform identification processing using the user's emotions.

[0241] This invention provides a system that enables sales representatives to create quotations quickly and accurately, and further incorporates an emotion engine to recognize user emotions and improve the quotation creation process. The system operates as follows:

[0242] System Overview

[0243] The user enters the service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a terminal. The server retrieves relevant information from the database and automatically generates a quote based on it. This quote is displayed on the terminal, prompting the user for confirmation. During the user's confirmation process, an emotion engine recognizes the user's emotional state and optimizes the quote creation process. After the user confirms, the server saves the quote and sends it to the customer as appropriate.

[0244] User data entry

[0245] The terminal provides the user with an interface for entering the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The user uses the terminal to enter this information.

[0246] Data acquisition by server

[0247] Based on the entered service name, the server retrieves the relevant pricing items, standard unit price, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery time, and important notes from the database. This information forms the basis of the quotation.

[0248] Automatic generation of quotations

[0249] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired information. This quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes. The total amount is calculated by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[0250] Emotion recognition by an emotion engine

[0251] While the user is reviewing the quotation, the device uses an emotion engine to analyze the user's facial expressions and obtain emotional information in real time. This information is used to evaluate the user's satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

[0252] Viewing and confirming the quotation

[0253] The terminal displays the generated quote to the user and prompts them for confirmation. During this process, the sentiment engine collects the user's sentiment information and evaluates their satisfaction level. The user confirms the quote when they agree to its contents, approving the final version.

[0254] Saving and sending quotations

[0255] After the user completes the confirmation process, the server saves the quotation to the database. Furthermore, it sends the quotation to the customer via email or other means as needed.

[0256] Specific example

[0257] For example, consider creating a quote for a service called "Website Creation." The user enters the service name "Website Creation" into their device, enters "1" for the quantity, and enters "Mobile-friendly site" for the customer requirement.

[0258] Next, the server retrieves the following information from the database:

[0259] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[0260] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0261] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0262] Delivery time: 30 days

[0263] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0264] The server calculates the total amount based on this information and automatically generates a quote. The quote includes the following information:

[0265] Service name: Website creation

[0266] Quantity:1

[0267] Unit price: 500,000 yen

[0268] Total: 500,000 yen

[0269] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0270] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0271] Delivery time: 30 days

[0272] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0273] Next, the terminal displays the generated quotation to the user and prompts them for confirmation. As the user reviews the content, an emotion engine analyzes the user's facial expressions and evaluates their satisfaction level, thereby improving the user experience. If the user agrees to the content, they perform a confirmation action through the terminal. Upon receiving this confirmation, the server saves the quotation to its database and sends it to the customer.

[0274] By combining it with an emotion engine, this system can improve the quotation creation process while taking user emotions into consideration, thereby providing higher satisfaction.

[0275] The following describes the processing flow.

[0276] Program processing steps

[0277] Step 1:

[0278] The terminal provides the user with an interface for entering the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The user uses the terminal to enter this information.

[0279] Step 2:

[0280] The terminal retrieves the service name, quantity, and customer requirements entered by the user and sends them to the server.

[0281] Step 3:

[0282] The server searches the database based on the service name and retrieves pricing items, standard unit prices, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery time, and important notes.

[0283] Step 4:

[0284] The server calculates the total amount of the quotation based on the acquired information. Specifically, the total amount is obtained by multiplying the unit price at the list price by the quantity.

[0285] Step 5:

[0286] The server automatically generates a quotation including the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery period until delivery, and notes.

[0287] Step 6:

[0288] The server sends the quotation generated to the terminal, and the terminal displays it to the user.

[0289] Step 7:

[0290] The terminal activates an emotion engine for real-time analysis of the user's expression. While the user checks the content of the quotation, the emotion engine recognizes the user's emotional state.

[0291] Step 8:

[0292] The emotion engine analyzes the user's expression and obtains emotion information. The terminal uses this information to evaluate the user's satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

[0293] Step 9:

[0294] The terminal allows the user to make a final confirmation of the content of the quotation. Here, the emotion engine evaluates the user's satisfaction and prompts the confirmation operation at the optimal timing.

[0295] Step 10:

[0296] The user performs a confirmation operation of the quotation through the terminal. If the confirmation is successful, the terminal sends this information to the server. <0​​​​​​The server receives confirmation from the user and saves the quotation to the database.

[0299] Step 12:

[0300] The server sends the stored quotation to the customer via email or other methods as needed.

[0301] This enables a quotation creation process using an emotion engine, resulting in a system that improves user satisfaction.

[0302] (Example 2)

[0303] Next, we will describe Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as the "server" and the smart device 14 as the "terminal".

[0304] Traditional quotation creation systems can automatically generate quotations based on user input, but they lack the functionality to optimize the quotation creation process by considering the user's emotional state, potentially leading to decreased user satisfaction. Furthermore, there was a demand for more accurate quotation creation by analyzing and reflecting the user's facial expressions in real time. Therefore, there was a need to provide a system that would allow sales representatives to create quotations more quickly and accurately.

[0305] The identification process performed by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Example 2 is realized by the following means.

[0306] In this invention, the server includes means for inputting a service name, quantity, and customer requirements, means for obtaining from a database a fee item corresponding to the service name, a unit price of the list price, a minimum contract period required for a quotation condition, a cancellation fee, a delivery period until provision, and precautions for contracting, and means for automatically generating a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. Thereby, it becomes possible to quickly create a quotation based on the information input by the user. Furthermore, by providing means including an emotion engine for recognizing the emotional state of the user in real time and optimizing the quotation creation process, the satisfaction of the user can be enhanced.

[0307] The "service name" refers to the name of a specific service to be provided.

[0308] The "quantity" refers to the unit number of services to be provided.

[0309] The "customer requirements" refer to information regarding specific requests and needs from the customer.

[0310] The "terminal" is a device that can be operated by the user and refers to a device for inputting and displaying information.

[0311] The "database" refers to a collection of data that accumulates necessary information within the system.

[0312] The "fee item" refers to an element of price setting related to a specific service.

[0313] The "unit price of the list price" refers to the standard price when the service is provided.

[0314] The "quotation condition" refers to conditions such as a contract period and a cancellation fee required when creating a quotation.

[0315] The "minimum contract period" refers to the shortest contract period required for service provision.

[0316] "Early termination fee" refers to the fee incurred when a contract is terminated during the service provision period.

[0317] "Delivery time" refers to the time required for a service to be provided.

[0318] "Important notes" refer to points that customers should pay attention to in contracts and service provision.

[0319] A "quote" refers to a document that lists the calculated price and conditions for the services to be provided.

[0320] The term "emotion engine" refers to a part of a system that analyzes a user's facial expressions to recognize their emotional state in real time.

[0321] "Storage" refers to the act of accumulating information in a storage device such as a database.

[0322] "Transmission" refers to the act of sending information to another device or system.

[0323] "Confirmation" refers to the act of a user reviewing and approving the contents of a displayed quotation.

[0324] Modes for carrying out the invention

[0325] This invention is a system that enables sales representatives to create quotations quickly and accurately, and further incorporates an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotional state and improve the quotation creation process. This system is primarily operated by a server, terminals, and user interactions.

[0326] First, the user uses a terminal to enter the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The terminal provides a user interface for entering this information. The user interface can be implemented using, for example, a touchscreen or keyboard. The user enters specific information such as "Website creation," "1," and "Mobile-friendly site."

[0327] Next, the server retrieves relevant information from the database based on the information entered by the user. The database includes pricing items for multiple services, standard unit prices, minimum contract periods required for quotation conditions, early termination fees, delivery deadlines, and important notes. For example, for a service named "Website Creation," the server retrieves the following information:

[0328] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[0329] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0330] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0331] Delivery time: 30 days

[0332] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0333] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired information. The quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount (unit price x quantity), minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes. This makes it possible to create quotations quickly and accurately.

[0334] The terminal displays the generated estimate to the user and prompts them to confirm it. During confirmation, the emotion engine installed in the terminal analyzes the user's facial expressions and obtains the user's emotion information in real time. The emotion engine is implemented using, for example, Microsoft® Azure's Emotion API or Google Cloud's Vision API. This emotion information is used to evaluate the user's satisfaction or dissatisfaction and optimize the estimate creation process.

[0335] If the user agrees to the contents of the quote, they perform a confirmation action on their device. Once this confirmation is complete, the server saves the quote to the database and sends it to the customer as needed. For example, the server uses Twilio's SendGrid API to send the quote to the customer's email address.

[0336] Specific example

[0337] For example, when creating a quote for a "website creation" service, the user enters the following information into their device:

[0338] Service name: Website creation

[0339] Quantity:1

[0340] Customer requirements: Mobile-friendly website

[0341] Next, the server retrieves the following information from the database:

[0342] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[0343] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0344] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0345] Delivery time: 30 days

[0346] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0347] The server automatically generates a quotation based on this information, and the terminal displays it to the user, prompting them to confirm. If the user agrees to the contents, they perform a confirmation operation on the terminal, and the server saves and sends the quotation.

[0348] Example of a prompt:

[0349] "Please create a quote for website development. The service name is 'Website Development,' the quantity is '1,' and the customer requirement is 'Mobile-friendly site.'"

[0350] This system allows for the creation of quick and accurate quotes while taking user emotions into consideration, thereby improving user satisfaction.

[0351] The flow of the specific processing in Example 2 will be explained using Figure 13.

[0352] Step 1: User data entry

[0353] The user uses the terminal's user interface to enter the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. For example, they might enter "Website creation," "1," and "Mobile-friendly site." This input information will serve as the basis for database queries used in subsequent processing steps.

[0354] Input: Service name (e.g., "Website creation"), Quantity (e.g., "1"), Customer requirements (e.g., "Mobile-friendly site")

[0355] Output: Dataset of user input information (service name, quantity, customer requirements)

[0356] Step 2: Data acquisition by the server

[0357] The server retrieves relevant information from the database based on the service name entered by the user. This information includes pricing details, standard unit prices, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery time, and important notes. The server then executes database queries to extract the relevant data.

[0358] Input: Service name entered by the user

[0359] Output: List of pricing items retrieved from the database, list price per unit, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery time, and important notes.

[0360] Step 3: Automatic generation of quotations

[0361] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired data. The quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount (unit price x quantity), minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes. This ensures that quotations are created quickly and accurately.

[0362] Input: Price items retrieved from the database, list price per unit, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, list of notes, and quantity entered by the user.

[0363] Output: Generated quotation (service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, notes)

[0364] Step 4: Emotion recognition by the emotion engine

[0365] While the user reviews the quotation, the device uses an emotion engine to capture and analyze the user's facial expressions, obtaining emotional information in real time. The emotion engine uses, for example, the Emotion API and Vision API to evaluate the user's satisfaction or dissatisfaction based on their facial expressions.

[0366] Input: User's facial expression data

[0367] Output: Analyzed sentiment information (user satisfaction and dissatisfaction)

[0368] Step 5: View and confirm the quotation.

[0369] The terminal displays the generated estimate to the user. During the confirmation process, the emotion engine analyzes the user's facial expressions and evaluates their satisfaction level. Once the user agrees to the contents, they perform a confirmation action on the terminal. This finalizes the estimate.

[0370] Input: Generated quote, user confirmation actions, analyzed sentiment information

[0371] Output: Final quotation reviewed and agreed upon by the user.

[0372] Step 6: Save and send the quote

[0373] After the user completes the confirmation process, the server saves the final version of the quote to the database. Furthermore, it sends the quote to the customer if necessary. For example, it can send the quote to the customer's email address using the SendGrid API.

[0374] Input: Final quotation reviewed and agreed upon by the user.

[0375] Output: Quotations stored in the database, quotations sent to customers

[0376] (Application Example 2)

[0377] Next, we will explain application example 2. In the following explanation, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as the "server," and the smart device 14 will be referred to as the "terminal."

[0378] While conventional quotation creation systems enable the rapid and accurate generation of quotations, they have limitations in considering customer emotions and properly evaluating customer satisfaction to improve the process. Furthermore, the lack of a mechanism for sales representatives in physical stores to efficiently create quotations while simultaneously recognizing customer emotions in real time made it difficult to improve the quality of customer service. Moreover, in the development of systems incorporating emotion recognition, the methods for implementation and specific operation methods had not been established.

[0379] In Application Example 2, the specific processing performed by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes means for inputting a service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for obtaining from a database the fee items, fixed unit prices, minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, early termination fees, delivery dates, and notes regarding the contract corresponding to the service name; means for automatically generating a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for displaying the quotation on a terminal and prompting confirmation; means for analyzing the user's emotions using an emotion recognition engine on the terminal, evaluating user satisfaction, and improving the quotation creation process; and means for saving and transmitting the confirmed quotation. This makes it possible to quickly and accurately create quotations while recognizing customer emotions in real time, and to improve the quotation creation process based on customer emotions.

[0380] 1. "Service name" refers to the name of the specific product or service being offered.

[0381] 2. "Quantity" refers to the number of units of goods or services provided.

[0382] 3. "Customer requirements" refer to the specific needs and demands presented by the customer.

[0383] 4. A "database" refers to a collection of structured data that records and stores information such as pricing items, standard unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery deadlines, and important notes regarding the contract.

[0384] 5. "Price items" refer to specific items related to the price of a service or product.

[0385] 6. "Standard unit price" refers to the standard price for a single service or product.

[0386] 7. "Minimum contract period" refers to the shortest period required when contracting for a particular service or product.

[0387] 8. "Early termination fee" refers to the amount incurred when a contract is terminated before the expiration of the contract period.

[0388] 9. "Delivery time" refers to the time it takes for a service or product to be delivered to the customer.

[0389] 10. "Important Notes" refers to important information that should be communicated to the customer in relation to the contract or the provision of services.

[0390] 11. A "quotation" refers to a document that details the price and conditions of the services or products to be offered.

[0391] 12. The "emotion recognition engine" refers to a function that analyzes the user's facial expressions and voice data to evaluate the user's emotional state in real time.

[0392] 13. "User satisfaction" refers to the degree of users' emotional response to and evaluation of the content of a service or product.

[0393] 14. "Terminal" refers to a digital device used by a user to enter service names or other information.

[0394] This invention is a system that allows sales representatives in physical stores to quickly and accurately create quotations while recognizing customer emotions in real time. The system includes a terminal for inputting service name, quantity, and customer requirements; a database; means for automatically generating quotations; means for displaying quotations and prompting confirmation; an emotion recognition engine; and means for saving and transmitting quotations.

[0395] Program Processing Overview

[0396] Hardware and software to be used

[0397] Head-mounted display (HMD): Used by sales representatives to display and enter customer information.

[0398] Built-in camera: Used to capture customer facial expressions and analyze emotions in real time.

[0399] Flask: Acts as a Web API server and manages quote generation and sentiment data exchange.

[0400] OpenCV: An image processing library used for analyzing customer facial expressions.

[0401] TENSORFLOW(registered trademark) / Keras: A deep learning-based emotion recognition model

[0402] SQLite: A database for storing quotation information.

[0403] Data processing and calculation

[0404] 1. The server retrieves the service name, quantity, and customer requirements from the terminal.

[0405] 2. The system performs processing to retrieve from the database the following items corresponding to the service name: the price item, the standard unit price, the minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, the early termination fee, the delivery date, and any important notes.

[0406] 3. The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired information. Specifically, it calculates the total amount based on the list price unit price and quantity, and adds the necessary items to the quotation.

[0407] 4. The terminal displays the generated quotation to the sales representative and prompts them to confirm it.

[0408] 5. The camera built into the device captures the customer's facial expressions in real time and sends the image data to the server.

[0409] 6. The server uses an emotion recognition engine to analyze the customer's facial expression data and evaluate the customer's emotional state in real time.

[0410] 7. The server adjusts and improves the quotation creation process based on customer sentiment data.

[0411] 8. Confirmed quotations are stored on the server and sent to the customer as needed.

[0412] Specific example

[0413] Let's consider a scenario where a sales representative is creating a quote for a "website creation" service at a physical store. The sales representative uses an HMD (Head-Mounted Display) to voice-input "website creation," quantity "1," and customer requirement "mobile-friendly site."

[0414] The server retrieves the following information from the database:

[0415] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[0416] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0417] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0418] Delivery time: 30 days

[0419] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0420] The server then calculates the total amount based on this information and automatically generates a quote. The generated quote includes the following information:

[0421] Service name: Website creation

[0422] Quantity:1

[0423] Unit price: 500,000 yen

[0424] Total: 500,000 yen

[0425] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0426] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0427] Delivery time: 30 days

[0428] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0429] Next, the HMD displays the generated quote to the sales representative and prompts them for confirmation, while the built-in camera captures the customer's facial expressions. This image is sent to a server, which uses an emotion recognition engine to analyze the customer's emotional state in real time and evaluate user satisfaction. If the customer is satisfied, the sales representative performs a confirmation action, and the server, upon receiving this confirmation, saves the quote and sends it to the customer.

[0430] Example of a prompt

[0431] Create a quote for the user based on the following, and adjust the content based on the user's sentiment:

[0432] Service name: Website creation

[0433] Quantity: 1

[0434] Customer requirements: Mobile-friendly site

[0435] Customer's facial expression image: customer_face.jpg

[0436] Please generate the quotation based on the information above. Optimize the content as needed, taking into account the customer's sentiment.

[0437] The flow of a specific process in Application Example 2 will be explained using Figure 14.

[0438] Step 1:

[0439] The user uses a head-mounted display (HMD) to voice-input the service name, quantity, and customer requirements.

[0440] Input: Service name, quantity, customer requirements

[0441] Output: Service name, quantity, and customer requirements are entered into the HMD and sent to the server.

[0442] Step 2:

[0443] Based on the entered service name, the server retrieves the corresponding fee items, standard unit price, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery time, and important notes from the database.

[0444] Input: Service name

[0445] Output: Price items retrieved from the database, list price per unit, minimum contract period required for quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery time, and notes.

[0446] Step 3:

[0447] Based on the information acquired by the server, the total amount is calculated by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity, and a quotation is automatically generated.

[0448] Input: List price per unit, quantity, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes.

[0449] Output: Automated quotation (service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, notes)

[0450] Step 4:

[0451] The terminal displays the generated quotation and prompts the sales representative for confirmation.

[0452] Input: Automated quote

[0453] Output: Quotation displayed on the HMD, message prompting the sales representative to confirm.

[0454] Step 5:

[0455] The built-in camera captures the customer's facial expression and sends the image data to the server.

[0456] Input: Customer's facial expression

[0457] Output: Acquired facial expression image data

[0458] Step 6:

[0459] The server uses an emotion recognition engine to analyze facial image data and evaluate the customer's emotional state.

[0460] Input: Facial expression image data

[0461] Output: Customer's emotional state (e.g., satisfied, dissatisfied, surprised, etc.)

[0462] Step 7:

[0463] The server adjusts and improves the quotation creation process based on the customer's emotional state. If necessary, it reviews and resubmits the quotation.

[0464] Input: Customer's emotional state, initial generated quote

[0465] Output: Adjusted and improved quotation

[0466] Step 8:

[0467] The sales representative performs a final check, the server saves the final version of the quotation, and sends it to the customer as needed.

[0468] Input: Confirmed quotation

[0469] Output: Saved quotes, quotes sent to customers

[0470] 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 user input for the result of the specific processing. The control unit 46A transmits the audio data indicating 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.

[0471] Data generation model 58 is a so-called generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). An example of data generation model 58 is ChatGPT (registered trademark) (Internet search).<URL: https: / / openai.com / blog / chatgpt> ), Gemini (registered trademark) (Internet search) <url: https: gemini.google.com ?hl="ja">Examples of generative AI include the following. The data generation model 58 is obtained by performing deep learning on a neural network. The data generation model 58 is input with prompts containing instructions, and with inference data such as audio data representing speech, text data representing text, and image data representing images. The data generation model 58 infers from the input inference data according to the instructions indicated by the prompts, and outputs the inference results in data formats such as audio data and text data. Here, inference refers to, for example, analysis, classification, prediction, and / or summarization.

[0472] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which specific processing is performed by the data processing device 12, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the specific processing may also be performed by the smart device 14.

[0473] [Second Embodiment]

[0474] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the data processing system 210 according to the second embodiment.

[0475] As shown in Figure 3, the data processing system 210 includes a data processing device 12 and smart glasses 214. An example of the data processing device 12 is a server.

[0476] The data processing device 12 comprises a computer 22, a database 24, and a communication interface 26. The computer 22 is an example of a "computer" related to the technology of this disclosure. The computer 22 comprises a processor 28, RAM 30, and storage 32. The processor 28, RAM 30, and storage 32 are connected to a bus 34. The database 24 and the communication interface 26 are also connected to the bus 34. The communication interface 26 is connected to a network 54. An example of the network 54 is a WAN (Wide Area Network) and / or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0477] The smart glasses 214 include a computer 36, a microphone 238, a speaker 240, a camera 42, and a communication interface 44. The computer 36 includes a processor 46, RAM 48, and storage 50. The processor 46, RAM 48, and storage 50 are connected to a bus 52. The microphone 238, speaker 240, and camera 42 are also connected to the bus 52.

[0478] The microphone 238 receives voice signals from the user 20 and receives instructions from the user 20. The microphone 238 captures the voice signals from the user 20, converts the captured voice into audio data, and outputs it to the processor 46. The speaker 240 outputs audio according to the instructions from the processor 46.

[0479] Camera 42 is a small digital camera equipped with an optical system including a lens, aperture, and shutter, and an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and captures images of the area around the user 20 (for example, an imaging range defined by a field of view equivalent to the width of a typical healthy person's field of vision).

[0480] Communication interface 44 is connected to network 54. Communication interfaces 44 and 26 are responsible for the exchange of various information between processor 46 and processor 28 via network 54. The exchange of various information between processor 46 and processor 28 using communication interfaces 44 and 26 is performed in a secure manner.

[0481] Figure 4 shows an example of the main functions of the data processing device 12 and the smart glasses 214. As shown in Figure 4, the data processing device 12 performs specific processing using the processor 28. The storage 32 stores the specific processing program 56.

[0482] The specific processing program 56 is an example of a "program" relating to the technology of this 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.

[0483] The storage 32 stores the data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59. The data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59 are used by the identification processing unit 290.

[0484] In the smart glasses 214, the processor 46 performs the reception output processing. The storage 50 stores the reception output program 60. 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 processing is realized by the processor 46 operating as a control unit 46A according to the reception output program 60 executed on the RAM 48.

[0485] Next, the identification processing performed by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 will be described. 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".

[0486] This invention provides a system that enables sales representatives to quickly and accurately create quotations. The system operates as follows:

[0487] System Overview

[0488] The user enters the service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a terminal. The server retrieves the relevant information from the database and automatically generates a quotation based on it. This quotation is displayed on the terminal, prompting the user for confirmation. After the user confirms it, the server saves the quotation and sends it to the customer as appropriate.

[0489] User data entry

[0490] The terminal provides an interface for the user to input the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. Once the user enters this information, the quotation creation process begins.

[0491] Data acquisition by server

[0492] Based on the entered service name, the server retrieves the relevant pricing items, standard unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery time, and contractual notes from the database. This information forms the basis of the quotation.

[0493] Automatic generation of quotations

[0494] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired information. This quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes. The total amount is calculated by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[0495] Viewing and confirming the quotation

[0496] The terminal displays an automatically generated quotation to the user. The user reviews the content and makes any necessary corrections. The user also confirms their agreement to the quotation's contents and approves the final version of the quotation.

[0497] Saving and sending quotations

[0498] After receiving confirmation from the user, the server saves the quotation to the database. Furthermore, it sends the quotation to the customer via email or other means as needed.

[0499] Specific example

[0500] For example, consider creating a quote for a service called "Website Creation." The user enters the service name "Website Creation" into their device, enters "1" for the quantity, and enters "Mobile-friendly site" for the customer requirement.

[0501] Next, the server retrieves the following information from the database:

[0502] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[0503] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0504] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0505] Delivery time: 30 days

[0506] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0507] The server calculates the total amount based on this information and automatically generates a quote. The quote includes the following information:

[0508] Service name: Website creation

[0509] Quantity:1

[0510] Unit price: 500,000 yen

[0511] Total: 500,000 yen

[0512] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0513] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0514] Delivery time: 30 days

[0515] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0516] Next, the terminal displays the generated quotation to the user and prompts them for confirmation. The user reviews the content, and if there are no problems, they perform a final confirmation through the terminal. The server receives this confirmation, saves the quotation to the database, and sends it to the customer.

[0517] This system is expected to enable the creation of quotations quickly and accurately, and to reduce post-contract disputes.

[0518] The following describes the processing flow.

[0519] Program processing steps

[0520] Step 1:

[0521] The terminal provides the user with an interface for entering the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The user uses the terminal to enter this information.

[0522] Step 2:

[0523] The terminal retrieves the service name, quantity, and customer requirements entered by the user and sends them to the server.

[0524] Step 3:

[0525] The server searches the database based on the service name and retrieves pricing items, standard unit prices, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery time, and important notes.

[0526] Step 4:

[0527] The server calculates the total amount of the estimate based on the information it has acquired. Specifically, it calculates the total amount by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[0528] Step 5:

[0529] The server automatically generates a quotation that includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes.

[0530] Step 6:

[0531] The server generates a quotation, which is then sent to the terminal, where it is displayed to the user.

[0532] Step 7:

[0533] The terminal allows the user to review the contents of the quotation and prompts them to confirm whether they agree to the contents.

[0534] Step 8:

[0535] The user reviews the quotation via their device. If the review is successful, the device sends this information to the server.

[0536] Step 9:

[0537] The server receives confirmation from the user and saves the quotation to the database.

[0538] Step 10:

[0539] The server sends the stored quotation to the customer via email or other methods as needed.

[0540] This will create a system in which quotations are generated efficiently and accurately, and appropriate information is provided to both parties.

[0541] (Example 1)

[0542] Next, we will describe Example 1. 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".

[0543] Traditional quotation creation systems required manual data entry and calculations, which not only made the process time-consuming but also led to frequent input and calculation errors. This made it difficult for sales representatives to create quotations quickly and accurately, sometimes resulting in customer disputes. Manual management was particularly cumbersome when different services required varying conditions and pricing structures.

[0544] The identification process performed by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Example 1 is realized by the following means.

[0545] In this invention, the server includes means for a user to input a service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a processing device; means for the processing device to obtain from a storage device the fee items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes regarding the contract corresponding to the service name; means for the processing device to automatically generate a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for the processing device to display the quotation on a display device and prompt the user for confirmation; and means for the processing device to save the confirmed quotation to a storage device and transmit it using a communication device. As a result, quotations can be created quickly and accurately, the risk of input errors and calculation errors is reduced, the burden on sales representatives is reduced, and disputes with customers are reduced.

[0546] "User" refers to an individual or organization that uses the system to create or manage quotations.

[0547] A "processing device" is a part of the hardware or software used to process data, and is usually a computer or server.

[0548] "Service name" refers to the specific name of the service being quoted.

[0549] "Quantity" refers to a numerical value indicating the quantity or number of services being quoted.

[0550] "Customer requirements" are information that describes the specific conditions and specifications that a customer has for a particular service.

[0551] A "storage device" is a part of the hardware or software used to store data, such as in a database.

[0552] "Fee items" refer to the items of costs and fees related to the provision of services.

[0553] "Standard unit price" refers to the unit price based on the standard price of the service.

[0554] "Quotation conditions" refer to specific conditions or regulations that apply when creating a quotation.

[0555] The "minimum contract period" is the minimum period during which a service contract must be continued.

[0556] A "cancellation fee" is a fee that is required when terminating a contract during the minimum contract period.

[0557] "Delivery time" refers to the lead time required to start the service.

[0558] "Notes" are explanations of matters that require special attention when entering into a contract.

[0559] A "quotation" is a document that outlines the costs and conditions incurred when providing a service.

[0560] A "display device" is a device that provides information to a user visually, and is usually a monitor or display.

[0561] A "communication device" is a part of the hardware or software used to send and receive data.

[0562] This invention relates to a system that enables sales representatives to quickly and accurately prepare quotations. This system consists of a hardware configuration including a processing unit, a storage unit, a display unit, and a communication device, and a software configuration that performs data processing and data calculations.

[0563] User data entry

[0564] The user enters the service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a terminal. The terminal sends the user's input to the processing unit. This input initiates the quotation creation process.

[0565] Data acquisition by server

[0566] The server (processing unit) retrieves pricing items, list prices, minimum contract period as a quotation condition, early termination fees, delivery time, and important notes from the storage device (database) based on the service name sent by the user. This data retrieval is performed using database operations such as SQL queries.

[0567] Automatic generation of quotations

[0568] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired data. The quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes. The total amount is calculated by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[0569] Viewing and confirming the quotation

[0570] The terminal displays the generated quotation to the user. The user reviews the quotation and makes any necessary corrections. If no corrections are needed, the user clicks the confirmation button for final confirmation.

[0571] Saving and sending quotations

[0572] The server saves the user-confirmed quotation to its storage device. Furthermore, it sends the quotation to the customer via email or other means using a communication device as needed. This transmission process is performed using protocols such as SMTP.

[0573] Specific example

[0574] For example, consider creating a quote for a service called "Website Creation." The user enters the service name "Website Creation" into their device, enters "1" for the quantity, and enters "Mobile-friendly site" for the customer requirement.

[0575] Next, the server retrieves the following information from the storage device:

[0576] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[0577] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0578] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0579] Delivery time: 30 days

[0580] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0581] The server calculates the total amount based on this information and automatically generates a quote. The quote includes the following information:

[0582] Service name: Website creation

[0583] Quantity:1

[0584] Unit price: 500,000 yen

[0585] Total: 500,000 yen

[0586] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0587] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0588] Delivery time: 30 days

[0589] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0590] Next, the terminal displays the generated quotation to the user and prompts them for confirmation. The user reviews the content, and if there are no problems, they perform a final confirmation through the terminal. The server receives this confirmation, saves the quotation to its storage device, and sends it to the customer.

[0591] This system is expected to enable the creation of quotations quickly and accurately, and to reduce post-contract disputes.

[0592] Examples of prompts for a generative AI model:

[0593] "Please create a quote for website development. Service name: Website development, Quantity: 1, Customer requirements: Mobile-friendly site"

[0594] The flow of the specific processing in Example 1 will be explained using Figure 11.

[0595] Step 1:

[0596] The user enters the service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a terminal.

[0597] Input: Service name, quantity, customer requirements

[0598] Specific actions:

[0599] The user accesses the input screen on their device and enters the service name "Website Creation," the quantity "1," and the customer requirement "Mobile-friendly site" in the designated fields.

[0600] Output: The input data is sent from the terminal to the server.

[0601] Step 2:

[0602] The server retrieves relevant information from the database based on the input data.

[0603] Input: Service name, quantity, customer requirements

[0604] Specific actions:

[0605] The server executes a query on the database using the service name "Website Creation" as the key.

[0606] The server retrieves the following information from the database: the list price per unit, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes.

[0607] Output: The acquired data is stored on the server.

[0608] Step 3:

[0609] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired data.

[0610] Input: Data submitted by the user and data retrieved from the database.

[0611] Specific actions:

[0612] The server calculates the total price by multiplying the unit price by the quantity. For example, if the unit price is 500,000 yen and the quantity is 1, the total price will be 500,000 yen.

[0613] The server generates a quotation that includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes.

[0614] Output: The automatically generated quote is stored on the server.

[0615] Step 4:

[0616] The terminal displays the generated estimate to the user and prompts them to confirm it.

[0617] Input: Quotation sent from the server

[0618] Specific actions:

[0619] The terminal displays the generated quotation on the display device. The user can review it and make corrections as needed.

[0620] For example, the user reviews the contents of the quote, enters any necessary corrections, and clicks the confirmation button.

[0621] Output: The confirmed quotation is sent from the terminal to the server.

[0622] Step 5:

[0623] The server saves the approved quote to the database and sends it to the customer.

[0624] Input: Confirmed quotation

[0625] Specific actions:

[0626] The server saves the confirmed quote to the database using an INSERT query.

[0627] If necessary, the server will email the quote to the customer using the SMTP protocol.

[0628] Output: Quotations stored in the database and quotations sent to customers.

[0629] (Application Example 1)

[0630] Next, we will explain Application Example 1. In the following explanation, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as the "server," and the smart glasses 214 will be referred to as the "terminal."

[0631] Existing quotation creation systems suffer from inefficiency due to the time-consuming process of generating quotations and the requirement for users to manually input service information. Furthermore, data updates are often performed manually, making it difficult to quickly create accurate quotations. Therefore, a system that allows users to instantly generate and review quotations is needed.

[0632] The specific processing performed by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Application Example 1 is realized by the following means.

[0633] In this invention, the server includes means for inputting a service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for obtaining from a database the price items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes regarding the contract corresponding to the service name; means for automatically generating a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for displaying the quotation on a terminal and prompting confirmation; means for saving and transmitting the confirmed quotation; means for acquiring data using a cloud server and dynamically updating information such as price items and delivery dates; and means for sending information entered by the user on a smartphone to the cloud server and receiving the results. This enables the user to instantly generate an accurate quotation and efficiently perform confirmation, approval, saving, and transmission.

[0634] "Service name" refers to the name of the specific service being offered.

[0635] "Quantity" refers to the number of services or products that the user specifies as the subject of the quote.

[0636] "Customer requirements" refer to the specific conditions or specifications that a customer desires.

[0637] A "database" is a system for systematically managing and storing information.

[0638] "Price items" refer to information related to the price of each service or product listed in the quotation.

[0639] "Standard unit price" refers to the unit price that indicates the standard price of a service or product.

[0640] "Quotation conditions" refer to the conditions and constraints that should be considered when creating a quotation.

[0641] The "minimum contract period" refers to the minimum period that must be maintained under a contract.

[0642] A "cancellation fee" is an additional fee incurred if a contract is terminated during the contract period.

[0643] "Delivery time" refers to the period of time it takes for a service or product to be delivered to the customer.

[0644] "Important Notes" refer to items or information that require particular attention when entering into a contract or providing a service.

[0645] A "cloud server" is a remote server that can be accessed via the internet and is used for data storage and processing.

[0646] A "terminal" is an electronic device used by users to input information or check results.

[0647] A "quotation" is a document that outlines the terms and conditions and price of the provision of services or goods.

[0648] "Saving" means preserving data and documents so that they can be accessed and used later.

[0649] "Sending" means delivering data or documents to another terminal or system.

[0650] This invention is a system for quickly and accurately generating quotes for robots used in factories. The system includes terminals, a cloud server, and a database.

[0651] 1. System Overview

[0652] The user uses their smartphone to enter the service name (e.g., robot type), quantity, and customer requirements. The information entered on the device is sent to a cloud server. The cloud server retrieves the corresponding pricing items, standard unit prices, minimum contract period required for the quotation, early termination fees, delivery deadline, and any important contractual notes from its database. Based on the retrieved information, the cloud server automatically generates a quotation and displays it on the device. After the user confirms it, the cloud server saves the quotation to its database and sends it to the customer via email if necessary.

[0653] 2. Hardware and Software Configuration

[0654] Device: Smartphone

[0655] It provides a user interface and sends the entered service name, quantity, and customer requirements to the cloud server.

[0656] Cloud server:

[0657] Implement an algorithm that communicates with a database and generates a quotation. The server can use a common cloud service (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure).

[0658] Database:

[0659] A database system (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL) is used to manage pricing items, standard unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery deadlines, and important notes. The cloud server accesses this database to retrieve the necessary information.

[0660] 3. Examples

[0661] For example, to create a quote for introducing a new "assembly robot A" in a factory, the process would be as follows: The user enters "assembly robot A," "quantity: 3," "option: with vision system," and "requirements: high precision" into their smartphone. The cloud server sends this information to its database and retrieves relevant information (e.g., unit price, delivery date, etc.). Based on the retrieved information, the cloud server generates a quote and displays it on the smartphone. Once the user reviews and approves it, the cloud server saves the quote to its database and sends it to the customer via email if necessary.

[0662] 4. Example of a prompt statement

[0663] The user input prompt will take the following form:

[0664] Service: Assembly robot A, Quantity: 3, Requirements: High-precision vision system

[0665] This system enables rapid robotic quotation creation within the factory, preventing input errors and significantly improving efficiency. Furthermore, by using a cloud server, it is possible to dynamically acquire the latest data and consistently provide accurate quotations.

[0666] The flow of a specific process in Application Example 1 will be explained using Figure 12.

[0667] Step 1:

[0668] The user uses a smartphone to enter the service name (e.g., robot type), quantity, and customer requirements. This input information is sent to the server in JSON format. Specifically, the user enters data into the input form via the terminal's user interface and sends the information by pressing the "Submit" button.

[0669] Step 2:

[0670] The cloud server receives data in JSON format sent from the terminal. The received data includes the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The server parses this data and generates a request to retrieve the corresponding information from the database. Specifically, the server parses the received data and issues SQL queries or API requests.

[0671] Step 3:

[0672] The cloud server retrieves the corresponding pricing items, list prices, minimum contract period required for the quote, early termination fees, delivery time, and contractual notes from the database. The server executes a request to the database and retrieves the necessary data. An SQL query is executed to retrieve the data, and the results are returned.

[0673] Step 4:

[0674] The cloud server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired data. Specifically, the server calculates the total amount by multiplying the unit price and quantity from the acquired information, and then formats the quotation by appropriately laying out each item. This quotation is often generated as HTML using a template.

[0675] Step 5:

[0676] The cloud server sends the generated quotation to the device. The device displays the quotation data received from the server. Specifically, the cloud server sends the quotation to the device in JSON format, the device's application parses the data, and displays it on the screen.

[0677] Step 6:

[0678] The user reviews the quotation displayed on their device and makes any necessary corrections. When the user agrees to the contents of the quotation, they press the confirmation button to give final approval. Specifically, the user views the quotation through the interface on their device and taps the "Confirm" button.

[0679] Step 7:

[0680] The cloud server receives confirmation requests from users. Confirmed quotes are stored in a database and, if necessary, sent to the customer via email. Specifically, the server processes the received confirmation request, stores the quote data in the database, and sends it to the customer via email through the SMTP server.

[0681] In this way, users can quickly and accurately generate, review, and send quotations using the cloud server.

[0682] Furthermore, an emotion engine that estimates the user's emotions may be incorporated. That is, the identification processing unit 290 may use the emotion identification model 59 to estimate the user's emotions and perform identification processing using the user's emotions.

[0683] This invention provides a system that enables sales representatives to create quotations quickly and accurately, and further incorporates an emotion engine to recognize user emotions and improve the quotation creation process. The system operates as follows:

[0684] System Overview

[0685] The user enters the service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a terminal. The server retrieves relevant information from the database and automatically generates a quote based on it. This quote is displayed on the terminal, prompting the user for confirmation. During the user's confirmation process, an emotion engine recognizes the user's emotional state and optimizes the quote creation process. After the user confirms, the server saves the quote and sends it to the customer as appropriate.

[0686] User data entry

[0687] The terminal provides the user with an interface for entering the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The user uses the terminal to enter this information.

[0688] Data acquisition by server

[0689] Based on the entered service name, the server retrieves the relevant pricing items, standard unit price, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery time, and important notes from the database. This information forms the basis of the quotation.

[0690] Automatic generation of quotations

[0691] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired information. This quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes. The total amount is calculated by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[0692] Emotion recognition by an emotion engine

[0693] While the user is reviewing the quotation, the device uses an emotion engine to analyze the user's facial expressions and obtain emotional information in real time. This information is used to evaluate the user's satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

[0694] Viewing and confirming the quotation

[0695] The terminal displays the generated quote to the user and prompts them for confirmation. During this process, the sentiment engine collects the user's sentiment information and evaluates their satisfaction level. The user confirms the quote when they agree to its contents, approving the final version.

[0696] Saving and sending quotations

[0697] After the user completes the confirmation process, the server saves the quotation to the database. Furthermore, it sends the quotation to the customer via email or other means as needed.

[0698] Specific example

[0699] For example, consider creating a quote for a service called "Website Creation." The user enters the service name "Website Creation" into their device, enters "1" for the quantity, and enters "Mobile-friendly site" for the customer requirement.

[0700] Next, the server retrieves the following information from the database:

[0701] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[0702] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0703] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0704] Delivery time: 30 days

[0705] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0706] The server calculates the total amount based on this information and automatically generates a quote. The quote includes the following information:

[0707] Service name: Website creation

[0708] Quantity:1

[0709] Unit price: 500,000 yen

[0710] Total: 500,000 yen

[0711] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0712] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0713] Delivery time: 30 days

[0714] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0715] Next, the terminal displays the generated quotation to the user and prompts them for confirmation. As the user reviews the content, an emotion engine analyzes the user's facial expressions and evaluates their satisfaction level, thereby improving the user experience. If the user agrees to the content, they perform a confirmation action through the terminal. Upon receiving this confirmation, the server saves the quotation to its database and sends it to the customer.

[0716] By combining it with an emotion engine, this system can improve the quotation creation process while taking user emotions into consideration, thereby providing higher satisfaction.

[0717] The following describes the processing flow.

[0718] Program processing steps

[0719] Step 1:

[0720] The terminal provides the user with an interface for entering the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The user uses the terminal to enter this information.

[0721] Step 2:

[0722] The terminal retrieves the service name, quantity, and customer requirements entered by the user and sends them to the server.

[0723] Step 3:

[0724] The server searches the database based on the service name and retrieves pricing items, standard unit prices, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery time, and important notes.

[0725] Step 4:

[0726] The server calculates the total amount of the estimate based on the information it has acquired. Specifically, it calculates the total amount by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[0727] Step 5:

[0728] The server automatically generates a quotation that includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes.

[0729] Step 6:

[0730] The server generates a quotation, which is then sent to the terminal, where it is displayed to the user.

[0731] Step 7:

[0732] The device activates an emotion engine to analyze the user's facial expressions in real time. As the user reviews the contents of the quotation, the emotion engine recognizes the user's emotional state.

[0733] Step 8:

[0734] The emotion engine analyzes the user's facial expressions and obtains emotional information. The device uses this information to evaluate the user's satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

[0735] Step 9:

[0736] The terminal prompts the user to make a final confirmation of the quotation. At this point, the emotion engine evaluates the user's satisfaction and prompts them to confirm at the optimal time.

[0737] Step 10:

[0738] The user reviews the quotation via their device. If the review is successful, the device sends this information to the server.

[0739] Step 11:

[0740] The server receives confirmation from the user and saves the quotation to the database.

[0741] Step 12:

[0742] The server sends the stored quotation to the customer via email or other methods as needed.

[0743] This enables a quotation creation process using an emotion engine, resulting in a system that improves user satisfaction.

[0744] (Example 2)

[0745] Next, we will describe Example 2. 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".

[0746] Traditional quotation creation systems can automatically generate quotations based on user input, but they lack the functionality to optimize the quotation creation process by considering the user's emotional state, potentially leading to decreased user satisfaction. Furthermore, there was a demand for more accurate quotation creation by analyzing and reflecting the user's facial expressions in real time. Therefore, there was a need to provide a system that would allow sales representatives to create quotations more quickly and accurately.

[0747] The identification process performed by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Example 2 is realized by the following means.

[0748] In this invention, the server includes means for inputting a service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for obtaining from a database the fee items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes regarding the contract corresponding to the service name; and means for automatically generating a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. This makes it possible to quickly create a quotation based on the information entered by the user. Furthermore, by including means that recognize the user's emotional state in real time and include an emotion engine for optimizing the quotation creation process, user satisfaction can be increased.

[0749] "Service name" refers to the name of the specific service being offered.

[0750] "Quantity" refers to the number of units of service provided.

[0751] "Customer requirements" refer to information about specific requests or needs from customers.

[0752] A "terminal" refers to a device that a user can operate, and is used for inputting and displaying information.

[0753] A "database" refers to a collection of data that stores necessary information within a system.

[0754] A "pricing item" refers to the elements of pricing related to a particular service.

[0755] "Standard unit price" refers to the standard price at which a service is provided.

[0756] "Quotation conditions" refer to the terms and conditions, such as the contract period and early termination fees, that are necessary when creating a quotation.

[0757] "Minimum contract period" refers to the shortest contract period required for the provision of the service.

[0758] "Early termination fee" refers to the fee incurred when a contract is terminated during the service provision period.

[0759] "Delivery time" refers to the time required for a service to be provided.

[0760] "Important notes" refer to points that customers should pay attention to in contracts and service provision.

[0761] A "quote" refers to a document that lists the calculated price and conditions for the services to be provided.

[0762] The term "emotion engine" refers to a part of a system that analyzes a user's facial expressions to recognize their emotional state in real time.

[0763] "Storage" refers to the act of accumulating information in a storage device such as a database.

[0764] "Transmission" refers to the act of sending information to another device or system.

[0765] "Confirmation" refers to the act of a user reviewing and approving the contents of a displayed quotation.

[0766] Modes for carrying out the invention

[0767] This invention is a system that enables sales representatives to create quotations quickly and accurately, and further incorporates an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotional state and improve the quotation creation process. This system is primarily operated by a server, terminals, and user interactions.

[0768] First, the user uses a terminal to enter the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The terminal provides a user interface for entering this information. The user interface can be implemented using, for example, a touchscreen or keyboard. The user enters specific information such as "Website creation," "1," and "Mobile-friendly site."

[0769] Next, the server retrieves relevant information from the database based on the information entered by the user. The database includes pricing items for multiple services, standard unit prices, minimum contract periods required for quotation conditions, early termination fees, delivery deadlines, and important notes. For example, for a service named "Website Creation," the server retrieves the following information:

[0770] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[0771] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0772] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0773] Delivery time: 30 days

[0774] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0775] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired information. The quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount (unit price x quantity), minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes. This makes it possible to create quotations quickly and accurately.

[0776] The terminal displays the generated estimate to the user and prompts them to confirm it. During confirmation, an emotion engine built into the terminal analyzes the user's facial expressions and obtains the user's emotion information in real time. The emotion engine is implemented using, for example, Microsoft Azure's Emotion API or Google Cloud's Vision API. This emotion information is used to evaluate the user's satisfaction or dissatisfaction and optimize the estimate creation process.

[0777] If the user agrees to the contents of the quote, they perform a confirmation action on their device. Once this confirmation is complete, the server saves the quote to the database and sends it to the customer as needed. For example, the server uses Twilio's SendGrid API to send the quote to the customer's email address.

[0778] Specific example

[0779] For example, when creating a quote for a "website creation" service, the user enters the following information into their device:

[0780] Service name: Website creation

[0781] Quantity:1

[0782] Customer requirements: Mobile-friendly website

[0783] Next, the server retrieves the following information from the database:

[0784] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[0785] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0786] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0787] Delivery time: 30 days

[0788] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0789] The server automatically generates a quotation based on this information, and the terminal displays it to the user, prompting them to confirm. If the user agrees to the contents, they perform a confirmation operation on the terminal, and the server saves and sends the quotation.

[0790] Example of a prompt:

[0791] "Please create a quote for website development. The service name is 'Website Development,' the quantity is '1,' and the customer requirement is 'Mobile-friendly site.'"

[0792] This system allows for the creation of quick and accurate quotes while taking user emotions into consideration, thereby improving user satisfaction.

[0793] The flow of the specific processing in Example 2 will be explained using Figure 13.

[0794] Step 1: User data entry

[0795] The user uses the terminal's user interface to enter the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. For example, they might enter "Website creation," "1," and "Mobile-friendly site." This input information will serve as the basis for database queries used in subsequent processing steps.

[0796] Input: Service name (e.g., "Website creation"), Quantity (e.g., "1"), Customer requirements (e.g., "Mobile-friendly site")

[0797] Output: Dataset of user input information (service name, quantity, customer requirements)

[0798] Step 2: Data acquisition by the server

[0799] The server retrieves relevant information from the database based on the service name entered by the user. This information includes pricing details, standard unit prices, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery time, and important notes. The server then executes database queries to extract the relevant data.

[0800] Input: Service name entered by the user

[0801] Output: List of pricing items retrieved from the database, list price per unit, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery time, and important notes.

[0802] Step 3: Automatic generation of quotations

[0803] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired data. The quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount (unit price x quantity), minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes. This ensures that quotations are created quickly and accurately.

[0804] Input: Price items retrieved from the database, list price per unit, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, list of notes, and quantity entered by the user.

[0805] Output: Generated quotation (service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, notes)

[0806] Step 4: Emotion recognition by the emotion engine

[0807] While the user reviews the quotation, the device uses an emotion engine to capture and analyze the user's facial expressions, obtaining emotional information in real time. The emotion engine uses, for example, the Emotion API and Vision API to evaluate the user's satisfaction or dissatisfaction based on their facial expressions.

[0808] Input: User's facial expression data

[0809] Output: Analyzed sentiment information (user satisfaction and dissatisfaction)

[0810] Step 5: View and confirm the quotation.

[0811] The terminal displays the generated estimate to the user. During the confirmation process, the emotion engine analyzes the user's facial expressions and evaluates their satisfaction level. Once the user agrees to the contents, they perform a confirmation action on the terminal. This finalizes the estimate.

[0812] Input: Generated quote, user confirmation actions, analyzed sentiment information

[0813] Output: Final quotation reviewed and agreed upon by the user.

[0814] Step 6: Save and send the quote

[0815] After the user completes the confirmation process, the server saves the final version of the quote to the database. Furthermore, it sends the quote to the customer if necessary. For example, it can send the quote to the customer's email address using the SendGrid API.

[0816] Input: Final quotation reviewed and agreed upon by the user.

[0817] Output: Quotations stored in the database, quotations sent to customers

[0818] (Application Example 2)

[0819] Next, we will explain application example 2. In the following explanation, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as the "server," and the smart glasses 214 will be referred to as the "terminal."

[0820] While conventional quotation creation systems enable the rapid and accurate generation of quotations, they have limitations in considering customer emotions and properly evaluating customer satisfaction to improve the process. Furthermore, the lack of a mechanism for sales representatives in physical stores to efficiently create quotations while simultaneously recognizing customer emotions in real time made it difficult to improve the quality of customer service. Moreover, in the development of systems incorporating emotion recognition, the methods for implementation and specific operation methods had not been established.

[0821] In Application Example 2, the specific processing performed by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes means for inputting a service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for obtaining from a database the fee items, fixed unit prices, minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, early termination fees, delivery dates, and notes regarding the contract corresponding to the service name; means for automatically generating a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for displaying the quotation on a terminal and prompting confirmation; means for analyzing the user's emotions using an emotion recognition engine on the terminal, evaluating user satisfaction, and improving the quotation creation process; and means for saving and transmitting the confirmed quotation. This makes it possible to quickly and accurately create quotations while recognizing customer emotions in real time, and to improve the quotation creation process based on customer emotions.

[0822] 1. "Service name" refers to the name of the specific product or service being offered.

[0823] 2. "Quantity" refers to the number of units of goods or services provided.

[0824] 3. "Customer requirements" refer to the specific needs and demands presented by the customer.

[0825] 4. A "database" refers to a collection of structured data that records and stores information such as pricing items, standard unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery deadlines, and important notes regarding the contract.

[0826] 5. "Price items" refer to specific items related to the price of a service or product.

[0827] 6. "Standard unit price" refers to the standard price for a single service or product.

[0828] 7. "Minimum contract period" refers to the shortest period required when contracting for a particular service or product.

[0829] 8. "Early termination fee" refers to the amount incurred when a contract is terminated before the expiration of the contract period.

[0830] 9. "Delivery time" refers to the time it takes for a service or product to be delivered to the customer.

[0831] 10. "Important Notes" refers to important information that should be communicated to the customer in relation to the contract or the provision of services.

[0832] 11. A "quotation" refers to a document that details the price and conditions of the services or products to be offered.

[0833] 12. The "emotion recognition engine" refers to a function that analyzes the user's facial expressions and voice data to evaluate the user's emotional state in real time.

[0834] 13. "User satisfaction" refers to the degree of users' emotional response to and evaluation of the content of a service or product.

[0835] 14. "Terminal" refers to a digital device used by a user to enter service names or other information.

[0836] This invention is a system that allows sales representatives in physical stores to quickly and accurately create quotations while recognizing customer emotions in real time. The system includes a terminal for inputting service name, quantity, and customer requirements; a database; means for automatically generating quotations; means for displaying quotations and prompting confirmation; an emotion recognition engine; and means for saving and transmitting quotations.

[0837] Program Processing Overview

[0838] Hardware and software to be used

[0839] Head-mounted display (HMD): Used by sales representatives to display and enter customer information.

[0840] Built-in camera: Used to capture customer facial expressions and analyze emotions in real time.

[0841] Flask: Acts as a Web API server and manages quote generation and sentiment data exchange.

[0842] OpenCV: An image processing library used for analyzing customer facial expressions.

[0843] TensorFlow / Keras: A deep learning-based emotion recognition model

[0844] SQLite: A database for storing quotation information.

[0845] Data processing and calculation

[0846] 1. The server retrieves the service name, quantity, and customer requirements from the terminal.

[0847] 2. The system performs processing to retrieve from the database the following items corresponding to the service name: the price item, the standard unit price, the minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, the early termination fee, the delivery date, and any important notes.

[0848] 3. The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired information. Specifically, it calculates the total amount based on the list price unit price and quantity, and adds the necessary items to the quotation.

[0849] 4. The terminal displays the generated quotation to the sales representative and prompts them to confirm it.

[0850] 5. The camera built into the device captures the customer's facial expressions in real time and sends the image data to the server.

[0851] 6. The server uses an emotion recognition engine to analyze the customer's facial expression data and evaluate the customer's emotional state in real time.

[0852] 7. The server adjusts and improves the quotation creation process based on customer sentiment data.

[0853] 8. Confirmed quotations are stored on the server and sent to the customer as needed.

[0854] Specific example

[0855] Let's consider a scenario where a sales representative is creating a quote for a "website creation" service at a physical store. The sales representative uses an HMD (Head-Mounted Display) to voice-input "website creation," quantity "1," and customer requirement "mobile-friendly site."

[0856] The server retrieves the following information from the database:

[0857] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[0858] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0859] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0860] Delivery time: 30 days

[0861] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0862] The server then calculates the total amount based on this information and automatically generates a quote. The generated quote includes the following information:

[0863] Service name: Website creation

[0864] Quantity:1

[0865] Unit price: 500,000 yen

[0866] Total: 500,000 yen

[0867] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0868] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0869] Delivery time: 30 days

[0870] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0871] Next, the HMD displays the generated quote to the sales representative and prompts them for confirmation, while the built-in camera captures the customer's facial expressions. This image is sent to a server, which uses an emotion recognition engine to analyze the customer's emotional state in real time and evaluate user satisfaction. If the customer is satisfied, the sales representative performs a confirmation action, and the server, upon receiving this confirmation, saves the quote and sends it to the customer.

[0872] Example of a prompt

[0873] Create a quote for the user based on the following, and adjust the content based on the user's sentiment:

[0874] Service name: Website creation

[0875] Quantity: 1

[0876] Customer requirements: Mobile-friendly site

[0877] Customer's facial expression image: customer_face.jpg

[0878] Please generate the quotation based on the information above. Optimize the content as needed, taking into account the customer's sentiment.

[0879] The flow of a specific process in Application Example 2 will be explained using Figure 14.

[0880] Step 1:

[0881] The user uses a head-mounted display (HMD) to voice-input the service name, quantity, and customer requirements.

[0882] Input: Service name, quantity, customer requirements

[0883] Output: Service name, quantity, and customer requirements are entered into the HMD and sent to the server.

[0884] Step 2:

[0885] Based on the entered service name, the server retrieves the corresponding fee items, standard unit price, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery time, and important notes from the database.

[0886] Input: Service name

[0887] Output: Price items retrieved from the database, list price per unit, minimum contract period required for quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery time, and notes.

[0888] Step 3:

[0889] Based on the information acquired by the server, the total amount is calculated by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity, and a quotation is automatically generated.

[0890] Input: List price per unit, quantity, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes.

[0891] Output: Automated quotation (service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, notes)

[0892] Step 4:

[0893] The terminal displays the generated quotation and prompts the sales representative for confirmation.

[0894] Input: Automated quote

[0895] Output: Quotation displayed on the HMD, message prompting the sales representative to confirm.

[0896] Step 5:

[0897] The built-in camera captures the customer's facial expression and sends the image data to the server.

[0898] Input: Customer's facial expression

[0899] Output: Acquired facial expression image data

[0900] Step 6:

[0901] The server uses an emotion recognition engine to analyze facial image data and evaluate the customer's emotional state.

[0902] Input: Facial expression image data

[0903] Output: Customer's emotional state (e.g., satisfied, dissatisfied, surprised, etc.)

[0904] Step 7:

[0905] The server adjusts and improves the quotation creation process based on the customer's emotional state. If necessary, it reviews and resubmits the quotation.

[0906] Input: Customer's emotional state, initial generated quote

[0907] Output: Adjusted and improved quotation

[0908] Step 8:

[0909] The sales representative performs a final check, the server saves the final version of the quotation, and sends it to the customer as needed.

[0910] Input: Confirmed quotation

[0911] Output: Saved quotes, quotes sent to customers

[0912] 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 user input for the result of the specific processing. The control unit 46A transmits the audio data indicating user input acquired by the microphone 238 to the data processing unit 12. In the data processing unit 12, the specific processing unit 290 acquires the audio data.

[0913] Data generation model 58 is a type of so-called generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). One example of data generation model 58 is ChatGPT (Internet search<URL: https: / / openai.com / blog / chatgpt> ), Gemini (Internet search) <url: https: gemini.google.com ?hl="ja">Examples of generative AI include the following. The data generation model 58 is obtained by performing deep learning on a neural network. The data generation model 58 is input with prompts containing instructions, and with inference data such as audio data representing speech, text data representing text, and image data representing images. The data generation model 58 infers from the input inference data according to the instructions indicated by the prompts, and outputs the inference results in data formats such as audio data and text data. Here, inference refers to, for example, analysis, classification, prediction, and / or summarization.

[0914] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which specific processing is performed by the data processing device 12, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the specific processing may also be performed by the smart glasses 214.

[0915] [Third Embodiment]

[0916] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the data processing system 310 according to the third embodiment.

[0917] As shown in Figure 5, the data processing system 310 includes a data processing device 12 and a headset terminal 314. An example of the data processing device 12 is a server.

[0918] The data processing device 12 comprises a computer 22, a database 24, and a communication interface 26. The computer 22 is an example of a "computer" related to the technology of this disclosure. The computer 22 comprises a processor 28, RAM 30, and storage 32. The processor 28, RAM 30, and storage 32 are connected to a bus 34. The database 24 and the communication interface 26 are also connected to the bus 34. The communication interface 26 is connected to a network 54. An example of the network 54 is a WAN (Wide Area Network) and / or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0919] The headset terminal 314 includes a computer 36, a microphone 238, a speaker 240, a camera 42, a communication interface 44, and a display 343. The computer 36 includes a processor 46, RAM 48, and storage 50. The processor 46, RAM 48, and storage 50 are connected to a bus 52. The microphone 238, speaker 240, camera 42, and display 343 are also connected to the bus 52.

[0920] The microphone 238 receives voice signals from the user 20 and receives instructions from the user 20. The microphone 238 captures the voice signals from the user 20, converts the captured voice into audio data, and outputs it to the processor 46. The speaker 240 outputs audio according to the instructions from the processor 46.

[0921] Camera 42 is a small digital camera equipped with an optical system including a lens, aperture, and shutter, and an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and captures images of the area around the user 20 (for example, an imaging range defined by a field of view equivalent to the width of a typical healthy person's field of vision).

[0922] Communication interface 44 is connected to network 54. Communication interfaces 44 and 26 are responsible for the exchange of various information between processor 46 and processor 28 via network 54. The exchange of various information between processor 46 and processor 28 using communication interfaces 44 and 26 is performed in a secure manner.

[0923] Figure 6 shows an example of the main functions of the data processing device 12 and the headset terminal 314. As shown in Figure 6, the data processing device 12 performs specific processing using the processor 28. The storage 32 stores the specific processing program 56.

[0924] The specific processing program 56 is an example of a "program" relating to the technology of this 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.

[0925] The storage 32 stores the data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59. The data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59 are used by the identification processing unit 290.

[0926] In the headset terminal 314, the processor 46 performs the reception output processing. The storage 50 stores the reception output program 60. 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 processing is realized by the processor 46 operating as a control unit 46A according to the reception output program 60 executed on the RAM 48.

[0927] Next, the specific processing performed by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 will be described. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as the "server" and the headset terminal 314 will be referred to as the "terminal".

[0928] This invention provides a system that enables sales representatives to quickly and accurately create quotations. The system operates as follows:

[0929] System Overview

[0930] The user enters the service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a terminal. The server retrieves the relevant information from the database and automatically generates a quotation based on it. This quotation is displayed on the terminal, prompting the user for confirmation. After the user confirms it, the server saves the quotation and sends it to the customer as appropriate.

[0931] User data entry

[0932] The terminal provides an interface for the user to input the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. Once the user enters this information, the quotation creation process begins.

[0933] Data acquisition by server

[0934] Based on the entered service name, the server retrieves the relevant pricing items, standard unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery time, and contractual notes from the database. This information forms the basis of the quotation.

[0935] Automatic generation of quotations

[0936] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired information. This quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes. The total amount is calculated by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[0937] Viewing and confirming the quotation

[0938] The terminal displays an automatically generated quotation to the user. The user reviews the content and makes any necessary corrections. The user also confirms their agreement to the quotation's contents and approves the final version of the quotation.

[0939] Saving and sending quotations

[0940] After receiving confirmation from the user, the server saves the quotation to the database. Furthermore, it sends the quotation to the customer via email or other means as needed.

[0941] Specific example

[0942] For example, consider creating a quote for a service called "Website Creation." The user enters the service name "Website Creation" into their device, enters "1" for the quantity, and enters "Mobile-friendly site" for the customer requirement.

[0943] Next, the server retrieves the following information from the database:

[0944] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[0945] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0946] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0947] Delivery time: 30 days

[0948] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0949] The server calculates the total amount based on this information and automatically generates a quote. The quote includes the following information:

[0950] Service name: Website creation

[0951] Quantity:1

[0952] Unit price: 500,000 yen

[0953] Total: 500,000 yen

[0954] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[0955] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[0956] Delivery time: 30 days

[0957] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[0958] Next, the terminal displays the generated quotation to the user and prompts them for confirmation. The user reviews the content, and if there are no problems, they perform a final confirmation through the terminal. The server receives this confirmation, saves the quotation to the database, and sends it to the customer.

[0959] This system is expected to enable the creation of quotations quickly and accurately, and to reduce post-contract disputes.

[0960] The following describes the processing flow.

[0961] Program processing steps

[0962] Step 1:

[0963] The terminal provides the user with an interface for entering the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The user uses the terminal to enter this information.

[0964] Step 2:

[0965] The terminal retrieves the service name, quantity, and customer requirements entered by the user and sends them to the server.

[0966] Step 3:

[0967] The server searches the database based on the service name and retrieves pricing items, standard unit prices, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery time, and important notes.

[0968] Step 4:

[0969] The server calculates the total amount of the estimate based on the information it has acquired. Specifically, it calculates the total amount by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[0970] Step 5:

[0971] The server automatically generates a quotation that includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes.

[0972] Step 6:

[0973] The server generates a quotation, which is then sent to the terminal, where it is displayed to the user.

[0974] Step 7:

[0975] The terminal allows the user to review the contents of the quotation and prompts them to confirm whether they agree to the contents.

[0976] Step 8:

[0977] The user reviews the quotation via their device. If the review is successful, the device sends this information to the server.

[0978] Step 9:

[0979] The server receives confirmation from the user and saves the quotation to the database.

[0980] Step 10:

[0981] The server sends the stored quotation to the customer via email or other methods as needed.

[0982] This will create a system in which quotations are generated efficiently and accurately, and appropriate information is provided to both parties.

[0983] (Example 1)

[0984] Next, we will describe Example 1. 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."

[0985] Traditional quotation creation systems required manual data entry and calculations, which not only made the process time-consuming but also led to frequent input and calculation errors. This made it difficult for sales representatives to create quotations quickly and accurately, sometimes resulting in customer disputes. Manual management was particularly cumbersome when different services required varying conditions and pricing structures.

[0986] The identification process performed by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Example 1 is realized by the following means.

[0987] In this invention, the server includes means for a user to input a service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a processing device; means for the processing device to obtain from a storage device the fee items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes regarding the contract corresponding to the service name; means for the processing device to automatically generate a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for the processing device to display the quotation on a display device and prompt the user for confirmation; and means for the processing device to save the confirmed quotation to a storage device and transmit it using a communication device. As a result, quotations can be created quickly and accurately, the risk of input errors and calculation errors is reduced, the burden on sales representatives is reduced, and disputes with customers are reduced.

[0988] "User" refers to an individual or organization that uses the system to create or manage quotations.

[0989] A "processing device" is a part of the hardware or software used to process data, and is usually a computer or server.

[0990] "Service name" refers to the specific name of the service being quoted.

[0991] "Quantity" refers to a numerical value indicating the quantity or number of services being quoted.

[0992] "Customer requirements" are information that describes the specific conditions and specifications that a customer has for a particular service.

[0993] A "storage device" is a part of the hardware or software used to store data, such as in a database.

[0994] "Fee items" refer to the items of costs and fees related to the provision of services.

[0995] "Standard unit price" refers to the unit price based on the standard price of the service.

[0996] "Quotation conditions" refer to specific conditions or regulations that apply when creating a quotation.

[0997] The "minimum contract period" is the minimum period during which a service contract must be continued.

[0998] A "cancellation fee" is a fee that is required when terminating a contract during the minimum contract period.

[0999] "Delivery time" refers to the lead time required to start the service.

[1000] "Notes" are explanations of matters that require special attention when entering into a contract.

[1001] A "quotation" is a document that outlines the costs and conditions incurred when providing a service.

[1002] A "display device" is a device that provides information to a user visually, and is usually a monitor or display.

[1003] A "communication device" is a part of the hardware or software used to send and receive data.

[1004] This invention relates to a system that enables sales representatives to quickly and accurately prepare quotations. This system consists of a hardware configuration including a processing unit, a storage unit, a display unit, and a communication device, and a software configuration that performs data processing and data calculations.

[1005] User data entry

[1006] The user enters the service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a terminal. The terminal sends the user's input to the processing unit. This input initiates the quotation creation process.

[1007] Data acquisition by server

[1008] The server (processing unit) retrieves pricing items, list prices, minimum contract period as a quotation condition, early termination fees, delivery time, and important notes from the storage device (database) based on the service name sent by the user. This data retrieval is performed using database operations such as SQL queries.

[1009] Automatic generation of quotations

[1010] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired data. The quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes. The total amount is calculated by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[1011] Viewing and confirming the quotation

[1012] The terminal displays the generated quotation to the user. The user reviews the quotation and makes any necessary corrections. If no corrections are needed, the user clicks the confirmation button for final confirmation.

[1013] Saving and sending quotations

[1014] The server saves the user-confirmed quotation to its storage device. Furthermore, it sends the quotation to the customer via email or other means using a communication device as needed. This transmission process is performed using protocols such as SMTP.

[1015] Specific example

[1016] For example, consider creating a quote for a service called "Website Creation." The user enters the service name "Website Creation" into their device, enters "1" for the quantity, and enters "Mobile-friendly site" for the customer requirement.

[1017] Next, the server retrieves the following information from the storage device:

[1018] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[1019] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1020] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1021] Delivery time: 30 days

[1022] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1023] The server calculates the total amount based on this information and automatically generates a quote. The quote includes the following information:

[1024] Service name: Website creation

[1025] Quantity:1

[1026] Unit price: 500,000 yen

[1027] Total: 500,000 yen

[1028] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1029] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1030] Delivery time: 30 days

[1031] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1032] Next, the terminal displays the generated quotation to the user and prompts them for confirmation. The user reviews the content, and if there are no problems, they perform a final confirmation through the terminal. The server receives this confirmation, saves the quotation to its storage device, and sends it to the customer.

[1033] This system is expected to enable the creation of quotations quickly and accurately, and to reduce post-contract disputes.

[1034] Examples of prompts for a generative AI model:

[1035] "Please create a quote for website development. Service name: Website development, Quantity: 1, Customer requirements: Mobile-friendly site"

[1036] The flow of the specific processing in Example 1 will be explained using Figure 11.

[1037] Step 1:

[1038] The user enters the service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a terminal.

[1039] Input: Service name, quantity, customer requirements

[1040] Specific actions:

[1041] The user accesses the input screen on their device and enters the service name "Website Creation," the quantity "1," and the customer requirement "Mobile-friendly site" in the designated fields.

[1042] Output: The input data is sent from the terminal to the server.

[1043] Step 2:

[1044] The server retrieves relevant information from the database based on the input data.

[1045] Input: Service name, quantity, customer requirements

[1046] Specific actions:

[1047] The server executes a query on the database using the service name "Website Creation" as the key.

[1048] The server retrieves the following information from the database: the list price per unit, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes.

[1049] Output: The acquired data is stored on the server.

[1050] Step 3:

[1051] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired data.

[1052] Input: Data submitted by the user and data retrieved from the database.

[1053] Specific actions:

[1054] The server calculates the total price by multiplying the unit price by the quantity. For example, if the unit price is 500,000 yen and the quantity is 1, the total price will be 500,000 yen.

[1055] The server generates a quotation that includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes.

[1056] Output: The automatically generated quote is stored on the server.

[1057] Step 4:

[1058] The terminal displays the generated estimate to the user and prompts them to confirm it.

[1059] Input: Quotation sent from the server

[1060] Specific actions:

[1061] The terminal displays the generated quotation on the display device. The user can review it and make corrections as needed.

[1062] For example, the user reviews the contents of the quote, enters any necessary corrections, and clicks the confirmation button.

[1063] Output: The confirmed quotation is sent from the terminal to the server.

[1064] Step 5:

[1065] The server saves the approved quote to the database and sends it to the customer.

[1066] Input: Confirmed quotation

[1067] Specific actions:

[1068] The server saves the confirmed quote to the database using an INSERT query.

[1069] If necessary, the server will email the quote to the customer using the SMTP protocol.

[1070] Output: Quotations stored in the database and quotations sent to customers.

[1071] (Application Example 1)

[1072] Next, we will explain Application Example 1. In the following explanation, 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."

[1073] Existing quotation creation systems suffer from inefficiency due to the time-consuming process of generating quotations and the requirement for users to manually input service information. Furthermore, data updates are often performed manually, making it difficult to quickly create accurate quotations. Therefore, a system that allows users to instantly generate and review quotations is needed.

[1074] The specific processing performed by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Application Example 1 is realized by the following means.

[1075] In this invention, the server includes means for inputting a service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for obtaining from a database the price items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes regarding the contract corresponding to the service name; means for automatically generating a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for displaying the quotation on a terminal and prompting confirmation; means for saving and transmitting the confirmed quotation; means for acquiring data using a cloud server and dynamically updating information such as price items and delivery dates; and means for sending information entered by the user on a smartphone to the cloud server and receiving the results. This enables the user to instantly generate an accurate quotation and efficiently perform confirmation, approval, saving, and transmission.

[1076] "Service name" refers to the name of the specific service being offered.

[1077] "Quantity" refers to the number of services or products that the user specifies as the subject of the quote.

[1078] "Customer requirements" refer to the specific conditions or specifications that a customer desires.

[1079] A "database" is a system for systematically managing and storing information.

[1080] "Price items" refer to information related to the price of each service or product listed in the quotation.

[1081] "Standard unit price" refers to the unit price that indicates the standard price of a service or product.

[1082] "Quotation conditions" refer to the conditions and constraints that should be considered when creating a quotation.

[1083] The "minimum contract period" refers to the minimum period that must be maintained under a contract.

[1084] A "cancellation fee" is an additional fee incurred if a contract is terminated during the contract period.

[1085] "Delivery time" refers to the period of time it takes for a service or product to be delivered to the customer.

[1086] "Important Notes" refer to items or information that require particular attention when entering into a contract or providing a service.

[1087] A "cloud server" is a remote server that can be accessed via the internet and is used for data storage and processing.

[1088] A "terminal" is an electronic device used by users to input information or check results.

[1089] A "quotation" is a document that outlines the terms and conditions and price of the provision of services or goods.

[1090] "Saving" means preserving data and documents so that they can be accessed and used later.

[1091] "Sending" means delivering data or documents to another terminal or system.

[1092] This invention is a system for quickly and accurately generating quotes for robots used in factories. The system includes terminals, a cloud server, and a database.

[1093] 1. System Overview

[1094] The user uses their smartphone to enter the service name (e.g., robot type), quantity, and customer requirements. The information entered on the device is sent to a cloud server. The cloud server retrieves the corresponding pricing items, standard unit prices, minimum contract period required for the quotation, early termination fees, delivery deadline, and any important contractual notes from its database. Based on the retrieved information, the cloud server automatically generates a quotation and displays it on the device. After the user confirms it, the cloud server saves the quotation to its database and sends it to the customer via email if necessary.

[1095] 2. Hardware and Software Configuration

[1096] Device: Smartphone

[1097] It provides a user interface and sends the entered service name, quantity, and customer requirements to the cloud server.

[1098] Cloud server:

[1099] Implement an algorithm that communicates with a database and generates a quotation. The server can use a common cloud service (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure).

[1100] Database:

[1101] A database system (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL) is used to manage pricing items, standard unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery deadlines, and important notes. The cloud server accesses this database to retrieve the necessary information.

[1102] 3. Examples

[1103] For example, to create a quote for introducing a new "assembly robot A" in a factory, the process would be as follows: The user enters "assembly robot A," "quantity: 3," "option: with vision system," and "requirements: high precision" into their smartphone. The cloud server sends this information to its database and retrieves relevant information (e.g., unit price, delivery date, etc.). Based on the retrieved information, the cloud server generates a quote and displays it on the smartphone. Once the user reviews and approves it, the cloud server saves the quote to its database and sends it to the customer via email if necessary.

[1104] 4. Example of a prompt statement

[1105] The user input prompt will take the following form:

[1106] Service: Assembly robot A, Quantity: 3, Requirements: High-precision vision system

[1107] This system enables rapid robotic quotation creation within the factory, preventing input errors and significantly improving efficiency. Furthermore, by using a cloud server, it is possible to dynamically acquire the latest data and consistently provide accurate quotations.

[1108] The flow of a specific process in Application Example 1 will be explained using Figure 12.

[1109] Step 1:

[1110] The user uses a smartphone to enter the service name (e.g., robot type), quantity, and customer requirements. This input information is sent to the server in JSON format. Specifically, the user enters data into the input form via the terminal's user interface and sends the information by pressing the "Submit" button.

[1111] Step 2:

[1112] The cloud server receives data in JSON format sent from the terminal. The received data includes the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The server parses this data and generates a request to retrieve the corresponding information from the database. Specifically, the server parses the received data and issues SQL queries or API requests.

[1113] Step 3:

[1114] The cloud server retrieves the corresponding pricing items, list prices, minimum contract period required for the quote, early termination fees, delivery time, and contractual notes from the database. The server executes a request to the database and retrieves the necessary data. An SQL query is executed to retrieve the data, and the results are returned.

[1115] Step 4:

[1116] The cloud server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired data. Specifically, the server calculates the total amount by multiplying the unit price and quantity from the acquired information, and then formats the quotation by appropriately laying out each item. This quotation is often generated as HTML using a template.

[1117] Step 5:

[1118] The cloud server sends the generated quotation to the device. The device displays the quotation data received from the server. Specifically, the cloud server sends the quotation to the device in JSON format, the device's application parses the data, and displays it on the screen.

[1119] Step 6:

[1120] The user reviews the quotation displayed on their device and makes any necessary corrections. When the user agrees to the contents of the quotation, they press the confirmation button to give final approval. Specifically, the user views the quotation through the interface on their device and taps the "Confirm" button.

[1121] Step 7:

[1122] The cloud server receives confirmation requests from users. Confirmed quotes are stored in a database and, if necessary, sent to the customer via email. Specifically, the server processes the received confirmation request, stores the quote data in the database, and sends it to the customer via email through the SMTP server.

[1123] In this way, users can quickly and accurately generate, review, and send quotations using the cloud server.

[1124] Furthermore, an emotion engine that estimates the user's emotions may be incorporated. That is, the identification processing unit 290 may use the emotion identification model 59 to estimate the user's emotions and perform identification processing using the user's emotions.

[1125] This invention provides a system that enables sales representatives to create quotations quickly and accurately, and further incorporates an emotion engine to recognize user emotions and improve the quotation creation process. The system operates as follows:

[1126] System Overview

[1127] The user enters the service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a terminal. The server retrieves relevant information from the database and automatically generates a quote based on it. This quote is displayed on the terminal, prompting the user for confirmation. During the user's confirmation process, an emotion engine recognizes the user's emotional state and optimizes the quote creation process. After the user confirms, the server saves the quote and sends it to the customer as appropriate.

[1128] User data entry

[1129] The terminal provides the user with an interface for entering the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The user uses the terminal to enter this information.

[1130] Data acquisition by server

[1131] Based on the entered service name, the server retrieves the relevant pricing items, standard unit price, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery time, and important notes from the database. This information forms the basis of the quotation.

[1132] Automatic generation of quotations

[1133] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired information. This quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes. The total amount is calculated by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[1134] Emotion recognition by an emotion engine

[1135] While the user is reviewing the quotation, the device uses an emotion engine to analyze the user's facial expressions and obtain emotional information in real time. This information is used to evaluate the user's satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

[1136] Viewing and confirming the quotation

[1137] The terminal displays the generated quote to the user and prompts them for confirmation. During this process, the sentiment engine collects the user's sentiment information and evaluates their satisfaction level. The user confirms the quote when they agree to its contents, approving the final version.

[1138] Saving and sending quotations

[1139] After the user completes the confirmation process, the server saves the quotation to the database. Furthermore, it sends the quotation to the customer via email or other means as needed.

[1140] Specific example

[1141] For example, consider creating a quote for a service called "Website Creation." The user enters the service name "Website Creation" into their device, enters "1" for the quantity, and enters "Mobile-friendly site" for the customer requirement.

[1142] Next, the server retrieves the following information from the database:

[1143] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[1144] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1145] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1146] Delivery time: 30 days

[1147] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1148] The server calculates the total amount based on this information and automatically generates a quote. The quote includes the following information:

[1149] Service name: Website creation

[1150] Quantity:1

[1151] Unit price: 500,000 yen

[1152] Total: 500,000 yen

[1153] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1154] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1155] Delivery time: 30 days

[1156] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1157] Next, the terminal displays the generated quotation to the user and prompts them for confirmation. As the user reviews the content, an emotion engine analyzes the user's facial expressions and evaluates their satisfaction level, thereby improving the user experience. If the user agrees to the content, they perform a confirmation action through the terminal. Upon receiving this confirmation, the server saves the quotation to its database and sends it to the customer.

[1158] By combining it with an emotion engine, this system can improve the quotation creation process while taking user emotions into consideration, thereby providing higher satisfaction.

[1159] The following describes the processing flow.

[1160] Program processing steps

[1161] Step 1:

[1162] The terminal provides the user with an interface for entering the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The user uses the terminal to enter this information.

[1163] Step 2:

[1164] The terminal retrieves the service name, quantity, and customer requirements entered by the user and sends them to the server.

[1165] Step 3:

[1166] The server searches the database based on the service name and retrieves pricing items, standard unit prices, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery time, and important notes.

[1167] Step 4:

[1168] The server calculates the total amount of the estimate based on the information it has acquired. Specifically, it calculates the total amount by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[1169] Step 5:

[1170] The server automatically generates a quotation that includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes.

[1171] Step 6:

[1172] The server generates a quotation, which is then sent to the terminal, where it is displayed to the user.

[1173] Step 7:

[1174] The device activates an emotion engine to analyze the user's facial expressions in real time. As the user reviews the contents of the quotation, the emotion engine recognizes the user's emotional state.

[1175] Step 8:

[1176] The emotion engine analyzes the user's facial expressions and obtains emotional information. The device uses this information to evaluate the user's satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

[1177] Step 9:

[1178] The terminal prompts the user to make a final confirmation of the quotation. At this point, the emotion engine evaluates the user's satisfaction and prompts them to confirm at the optimal time.

[1179] Step 10:

[1180] The user reviews the quotation via their device. If the review is successful, the device sends this information to the server.

[1181] Step 11:

[1182] The server receives confirmation from the user and saves the quotation to the database.

[1183] Step 12:

[1184] The server sends the stored quotation to the customer via email or other methods as needed.

[1185] This enables a quotation creation process using an emotion engine, resulting in a system that improves user satisfaction.

[1186] (Example 2)

[1187] Next, we will describe Example 2. 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."

[1188] Traditional quotation creation systems can automatically generate quotations based on user input, but they lack the functionality to optimize the quotation creation process by considering the user's emotional state, potentially leading to decreased user satisfaction. Furthermore, there was a demand for more accurate quotation creation by analyzing and reflecting the user's facial expressions in real time. Therefore, there was a need to provide a system that would allow sales representatives to create quotations more quickly and accurately.

[1189] The identification process performed by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Example 2 is realized by the following means.

[1190] In this invention, the server includes means for inputting a service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for obtaining from a database the fee items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes regarding the contract corresponding to the service name; and means for automatically generating a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. This makes it possible to quickly create a quotation based on the information entered by the user. Furthermore, by including means that recognize the user's emotional state in real time and include an emotion engine for optimizing the quotation creation process, user satisfaction can be increased.

[1191] "Service name" refers to the name of the specific service being offered.

[1192] "Quantity" refers to the number of units of service provided.

[1193] "Customer requirements" refer to information about specific requests or needs from customers.

[1194] A "terminal" refers to a device that a user can operate, and is used for inputting and displaying information.

[1195] A "database" refers to a collection of data that stores necessary information within a system.

[1196] A "pricing item" refers to the elements of pricing related to a particular service.

[1197] "Standard unit price" refers to the standard price at which a service is provided.

[1198] "Quotation conditions" refer to the terms and conditions, such as the contract period and early termination fees, that are necessary when creating a quotation.

[1199] "Minimum contract period" refers to the shortest contract period required for the provision of the service.

[1200] "Early termination fee" refers to the fee incurred when a contract is terminated during the service provision period.

[1201] "Delivery time" refers to the time required for a service to be provided.

[1202] "Important notes" refer to points that customers should pay attention to in contracts and service provision.

[1203] A "quote" refers to a document that lists the calculated price and conditions for the services to be provided.

[1204] The term "emotion engine" refers to a part of a system that analyzes a user's facial expressions to recognize their emotional state in real time.

[1205] "Storage" refers to the act of accumulating information in a storage device such as a database.

[1206] "Transmission" refers to the act of sending information to another device or system.

[1207] "Confirmation" refers to the act of a user reviewing and approving the contents of a displayed quotation.

[1208] Modes for carrying out the invention

[1209] This invention is a system that enables sales representatives to create quotations quickly and accurately, and further incorporates an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotional state and improve the quotation creation process. This system is primarily operated by a server, terminals, and user interactions.

[1210] First, the user uses a terminal to enter the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The terminal provides a user interface for entering this information. The user interface can be implemented using, for example, a touchscreen or keyboard. The user enters specific information such as "Website creation," "1," and "Mobile-friendly site."

[1211] Next, the server retrieves relevant information from the database based on the information entered by the user. The database includes pricing items for multiple services, standard unit prices, minimum contract periods required for quotation conditions, early termination fees, delivery deadlines, and important notes. For example, for a service named "Website Creation," the server retrieves the following information:

[1212] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[1213] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1214] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1215] Delivery time: 30 days

[1216] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1217] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired information. The quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount (unit price x quantity), minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes. This makes it possible to create quotations quickly and accurately.

[1218] The terminal displays the generated estimate to the user and prompts them to confirm it. During confirmation, an emotion engine built into the terminal analyzes the user's facial expressions and obtains the user's emotion information in real time. The emotion engine is implemented using, for example, Microsoft Azure's Emotion API or Google Cloud's Vision API. This emotion information is used to evaluate the user's satisfaction or dissatisfaction and optimize the estimate creation process.

[1219] If the user agrees to the contents of the quote, they perform a confirmation action on their device. Once this confirmation is complete, the server saves the quote to the database and sends it to the customer as needed. For example, the server uses Twilio's SendGrid API to send the quote to the customer's email address.

[1220] Specific example

[1221] For example, when creating a quote for a "website creation" service, the user enters the following information into their device:

[1222] Service name: Website creation

[1223] Quantity:1

[1224] Customer requirements: Mobile-friendly website

[1225] Next, the server retrieves the following information from the database:

[1226] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[1227] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1228] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1229] Delivery time: 30 days

[1230] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1231] The server automatically generates a quotation based on this information, and the terminal displays it to the user, prompting them to confirm. If the user agrees to the contents, they perform a confirmation operation on the terminal, and the server saves and sends the quotation.

[1232] Example of a prompt:

[1233] "Please create a quote for website development. The service name is 'Website Development,' the quantity is '1,' and the customer requirement is 'Mobile-friendly site.'"

[1234] This system allows for the creation of quick and accurate quotes while taking user emotions into consideration, thereby improving user satisfaction.

[1235] The flow of the specific processing in Example 2 will be explained using Figure 13.

[1236] Step 1: User data entry

[1237] The user uses the terminal's user interface to enter the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. For example, they might enter "Website creation," "1," and "Mobile-friendly site." This input information will serve as the basis for database queries used in subsequent processing steps.

[1238] Input: Service name (e.g., "Website creation"), Quantity (e.g., "1"), Customer requirements (e.g., "Mobile-friendly site")

[1239] Output: Dataset of user input information (service name, quantity, customer requirements)

[1240] Step 2: Data acquisition by the server

[1241] The server retrieves relevant information from the database based on the service name entered by the user. This information includes pricing details, standard unit prices, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery time, and important notes. The server then executes database queries to extract the relevant data.

[1242] Input: Service name entered by the user

[1243] Output: List of pricing items retrieved from the database, list price per unit, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery time, and important notes.

[1244] Step 3: Automatic generation of quotations

[1245] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired data. The quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount (unit price x quantity), minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes. This ensures that quotations are created quickly and accurately.

[1246] Input: Price items retrieved from the database, list price per unit, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, list of notes, and quantity entered by the user.

[1247] Output: Generated quotation (service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, notes)

[1248] Step 4: Emotion recognition by the emotion engine

[1249] While the user reviews the quotation, the device uses an emotion engine to capture and analyze the user's facial expressions, obtaining emotional information in real time. The emotion engine uses, for example, the Emotion API and Vision API to evaluate the user's satisfaction or dissatisfaction based on their facial expressions.

[1250] Input: User's facial expression data

[1251] Output: Analyzed sentiment information (user satisfaction and dissatisfaction)

[1252] Step 5: View and confirm the quotation.

[1253] The terminal displays the generated estimate to the user. During the confirmation process, the emotion engine analyzes the user's facial expressions and evaluates their satisfaction level. Once the user agrees to the contents, they perform a confirmation action on the terminal. This finalizes the estimate.

[1254] Input: Generated quote, user confirmation actions, analyzed sentiment information

[1255] Output: Final quotation reviewed and agreed upon by the user.

[1256] Step 6: Save and send the quote

[1257] After the user completes the confirmation process, the server saves the final version of the quote to the database. Furthermore, it sends the quote to the customer if necessary. For example, it can send the quote to the customer's email address using the SendGrid API.

[1258] Input: Final quotation reviewed and agreed upon by the user.

[1259] Output: Quotations stored in the database, quotations sent to customers

[1260] (Application Example 2)

[1261] Next, we will explain application example 2. In the following explanation, 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."

[1262] While conventional quotation creation systems enable the rapid and accurate generation of quotations, they have limitations in considering customer emotions and properly evaluating customer satisfaction to improve the process. Furthermore, the lack of a mechanism for sales representatives in physical stores to efficiently create quotations while simultaneously recognizing customer emotions in real time made it difficult to improve the quality of customer service. Moreover, in the development of systems incorporating emotion recognition, the methods for implementation and specific operation methods had not been established.

[1263] In Application Example 2, the specific processing performed by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes means for inputting a service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for obtaining from a database the fee items, fixed unit prices, minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, early termination fees, delivery dates, and notes regarding the contract corresponding to the service name; means for automatically generating a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for displaying the quotation on a terminal and prompting confirmation; means for analyzing the user's emotions using an emotion recognition engine on the terminal, evaluating user satisfaction, and improving the quotation creation process; and means for saving and transmitting the confirmed quotation. This makes it possible to quickly and accurately create quotations while recognizing customer emotions in real time, and to improve the quotation creation process based on customer emotions.

[1264] 1. "Service name" refers to the name of the specific product or service being offered.

[1265] 2. "Quantity" refers to the number of units of goods or services provided.

[1266] 3. "Customer requirements" refer to the specific needs and demands presented by the customer.

[1267] 4. A "database" refers to a collection of structured data that records and stores information such as pricing items, standard unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery deadlines, and important notes regarding the contract.

[1268] 5. "Price items" refer to specific items related to the price of a service or product.

[1269] 6. "Standard unit price" refers to the standard price for a single service or product.

[1270] 7. "Minimum contract period" refers to the shortest period required when contracting for a particular service or product.

[1271] 8. "Early termination fee" refers to the amount incurred when a contract is terminated before the expiration of the contract period.

[1272] 9. "Delivery time" refers to the time it takes for a service or product to be delivered to the customer.

[1273] 10. "Important Notes" refers to important information that should be communicated to the customer in relation to the contract or the provision of services.

[1274] 11. A "quotation" refers to a document that details the price and conditions of the services or products to be offered.

[1275] 12. The "emotion recognition engine" refers to a function that analyzes the user's facial expressions and voice data to evaluate the user's emotional state in real time.

[1276] 13. "User satisfaction" refers to the degree of users' emotional response to and evaluation of the content of a service or product.

[1277] 14. "Terminal" refers to a digital device used by a user to enter service names or other information.

[1278] This invention is a system that allows sales representatives in physical stores to quickly and accurately create quotations while recognizing customer emotions in real time. The system includes a terminal for inputting service name, quantity, and customer requirements; a database; means for automatically generating quotations; means for displaying quotations and prompting confirmation; an emotion recognition engine; and means for saving and transmitting quotations.

[1279] Program Processing Overview

[1280] Hardware and software to be used

[1281] Head-mounted display (HMD): Used by sales representatives to display and enter customer information.

[1282] Built-in camera: Used to capture customer facial expressions and analyze emotions in real time.

[1283] Flask: Acts as a Web API server and manages quote generation and sentiment data exchange.

[1284] OpenCV: An image processing library used for analyzing customer facial expressions.

[1285] TensorFlow / Keras: A deep learning-based emotion recognition model

[1286] SQLite: A database for storing quotation information.

[1287] Data processing and calculation

[1288] 1. The server retrieves the service name, quantity, and customer requirements from the terminal.

[1289] 2. The system performs processing to retrieve from the database the following items corresponding to the service name: the price item, the standard unit price, the minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, the early termination fee, the delivery date, and any important notes.

[1290] 3. The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired information. Specifically, it calculates the total amount based on the list price unit price and quantity, and adds the necessary items to the quotation.

[1291] 4. The terminal displays the generated quotation to the sales representative and prompts them to confirm it.

[1292] 5. The camera built into the device captures the customer's facial expressions in real time and sends the image data to the server.

[1293] 6. The server uses an emotion recognition engine to analyze the customer's facial expression data and evaluate the customer's emotional state in real time.

[1294] 7. The server adjusts and improves the quotation creation process based on customer sentiment data.

[1295] 8. Confirmed quotations are stored on the server and sent to the customer as needed.

[1296] Specific example

[1297] Let's consider a scenario where a sales representative is creating a quote for a "website creation" service at a physical store. The sales representative uses an HMD (Head-Mounted Display) to voice-input "website creation," quantity "1," and customer requirement "mobile-friendly site."

[1298] The server retrieves the following information from the database:

[1299] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[1300] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1301] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1302] Delivery time: 30 days

[1303] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1304] The server then calculates the total amount based on this information and automatically generates a quote. The generated quote includes the following information:

[1305] Service name: Website creation

[1306] Quantity:1

[1307] Unit price: 500,000 yen

[1308] Total: 500,000 yen

[1309] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1310] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1311] Delivery time: 30 days

[1312] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1313] Next, the HMD displays the generated quote to the sales representative and prompts them for confirmation, while the built-in camera captures the customer's facial expressions. This image is sent to a server, which uses an emotion recognition engine to analyze the customer's emotional state in real time and evaluate user satisfaction. If the customer is satisfied, the sales representative performs a confirmation action, and the server, upon receiving this confirmation, saves the quote and sends it to the customer.

[1314] Example of a prompt

[1315] Create a quote for the user based on the following, and adjust the content based on the user's sentiment:

[1316] Service name: Website creation

[1317] Quantity: 1

[1318] Customer requirements: Mobile-friendly site

[1319] Customer's facial expression image: customer_face.jpg

[1320] Please generate the quotation based on the information above. Optimize the content as needed, taking into account the customer's sentiment.

[1321] The flow of a specific process in Application Example 2 will be explained using Figure 14.

[1322] Step 1:

[1323] The user uses a head-mounted display (HMD) to voice-input the service name, quantity, and customer requirements.

[1324] Input: Service name, quantity, customer requirements

[1325] Output: Service name, quantity, and customer requirements are entered into the HMD and sent to the server.

[1326] Step 2:

[1327] Based on the entered service name, the server retrieves the corresponding fee items, standard unit price, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery time, and important notes from the database.

[1328] Input: Service name

[1329] Output: Price items retrieved from the database, list price per unit, minimum contract period required for quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery time, and notes.

[1330] Step 3:

[1331] Based on the information acquired by the server, the total amount is calculated by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity, and a quotation is automatically generated.

[1332] Input: List price per unit, quantity, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes.

[1333] Output: Automated quotation (service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, notes)

[1334] Step 4:

[1335] The terminal displays the generated quotation and prompts the sales representative for confirmation.

[1336] Input: Automated quote

[1337] Output: Quotation displayed on the HMD, message prompting the sales representative to confirm.

[1338] Step 5:

[1339] The built-in camera captures the customer's facial expression and sends the image data to the server.

[1340] Input: Customer's facial expression

[1341] Output: Acquired facial expression image data

[1342] Step 6:

[1343] The server uses an emotion recognition engine to analyze facial image data and evaluate the customer's emotional state.

[1344] Input: Facial expression image data

[1345] Output: Customer's emotional state (e.g., satisfied, dissatisfied, surprised, etc.)

[1346] Step 7:

[1347] The server adjusts and improves the quotation creation process based on the customer's emotional state. If necessary, it reviews and resubmits the quotation.

[1348] Input: Customer's emotional state, initial generated quote

[1349] Output: Adjusted and improved quotation

[1350] Step 8:

[1351] The sales representative performs a final check, the server saves the final version of the quotation, and sends it to the customer as needed.

[1352] Input: Confirmed quotation

[1353] Output: Saved quotes, quotes sent to customers

[1354] The specific processing unit 290 transmits the result of the specific processing to the headset terminal 314. In the headset terminal 314, the control unit 46A causes the speaker 240 and display 343 to output the result of the specific processing. The microphone 238 acquires audio indicating user input for the result of the specific processing. The control unit 46A transmits the audio data indicating user input acquired by the microphone 238 to the data processing unit 12. In the data processing unit 12, the specific processing unit 290 acquires the audio data.

[1355] Data generation model 58 is a type of so-called generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). One example of data generation model 58 is ChatGPT (Internet search<URL: https: / / openai.com / blog / chatgpt> ), Gemini (Internet search) <url: https: gemini.google.com ?hl="ja">Examples of generative AI include the following. The data generation model 58 is obtained by performing deep learning on a neural network. The data generation model 58 is input with prompts containing instructions, and with inference data such as audio data representing speech, text data representing text, and image data representing images. The data generation model 58 infers from the input inference data according to the instructions indicated by the prompts, and outputs the inference results in data formats such as audio data and text data. Here, inference refers to, for example, analysis, classification, prediction, and / or summarization.

[1356] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which specific processing is performed by the data processing device 12, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and specific processing may also be performed by the headset terminal 314.

[1357] [Fourth Embodiment]

[1358] Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of the data processing system 410 according to the fourth embodiment.

[1359] As shown in Figure 7, the 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.

[1360] The data processing device 12 comprises a computer 22, a database 24, and a communication interface 26. The computer 22 is an example of a "computer" related to the technology of this disclosure. The computer 22 comprises a processor 28, RAM 30, and storage 32. The processor 28, RAM 30, and storage 32 are connected to a bus 34. The database 24 and the communication interface 26 are also connected to the bus 34. The communication interface 26 is connected to a network 54. An example of the network 54 is a WAN (Wide Area Network) and / or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[1361] The robot 414 includes a computer 36, a microphone 238, a speaker 240, a camera 42, a communication interface 44, and a controlled object 443. The computer 36 includes a processor 46, RAM 48, and storage 50. The processor 46, RAM 48, and storage 50 are connected to a bus 52. The microphone 238, speaker 240, camera 42, and controlled object 443 are also connected to the bus 52.

[1362] The microphone 238 receives voice signals from the user 20 and receives instructions from the user 20. The microphone 238 captures the voice signals from the user 20, converts the captured voice into audio data, and outputs it to the processor 46. The speaker 240 outputs audio according to the instructions from the processor 46.

[1363] Camera 42 is a small digital camera equipped with an optical system including a lens, aperture, and shutter, and an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) image sensor or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and captures images of the area around the user 20 (for example, an imaging range defined by a field of view equivalent to the width of a typical healthy person's field of vision).

[1364] Communication interface 44 is connected to network 54. Communication interfaces 44 and 26 are responsible for the exchange of various information between processor 46 and processor 28 via network 54. The exchange of various information between processor 46 and processor 28 using communication interfaces 44 and 26 is performed in a secure manner.

[1365] The controlled object 443 includes a display device, LEDs in the eyes, and motors that drive 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 robot 414's emotions can be expressed by controlling these motors. Furthermore, the robot 414's facial expressions can also be expressed by controlling the illumination state of the LEDs in its eyes.

[1366] Figure 8 shows an example of the main functions of the data processing device 12 and the robot 414. As shown in Figure 8, the data processing device 12 performs specific processing using the processor 28. The storage 32 stores the specific processing program 56.

[1367] The specific processing program 56 is an example of a "program" relating to the technology of this 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.

[1368] The storage 32 stores the data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59. The data generation model 58 and the emotion identification model 59 are used by the identification processing unit 290.

[1369] In robot 414, the processor 46 performs the reception output processing. The storage 50 stores the reception output program 60. 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 processing is realized by the processor 46 operating as a control unit 46A according to the reception output program 60 executed on the RAM 48.

[1370] Next, the specific processing performed by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 will be described. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as the "server" and the robot 414 as the "terminal".

[1371] This invention provides a system that enables sales representatives to quickly and accurately create quotations. The system operates as follows:

[1372] System Overview

[1373] The user enters the service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a terminal. The server retrieves the relevant information from the database and automatically generates a quotation based on it. This quotation is displayed on the terminal, prompting the user for confirmation. After the user confirms it, the server saves the quotation and sends it to the customer as appropriate.

[1374] User data entry

[1375] The terminal provides an interface for the user to input the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. Once the user enters this information, the quotation creation process begins.

[1376] Data acquisition by server

[1377] Based on the entered service name, the server retrieves the relevant pricing items, standard unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery time, and contractual notes from the database. This information forms the basis of the quotation.

[1378] Automatic generation of quotations

[1379] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired information. This quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes. The total amount is calculated by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[1380] Viewing and confirming the quotation

[1381] The terminal displays an automatically generated quotation to the user. The user reviews the content and makes any necessary corrections. The user also confirms their agreement to the quotation's contents and approves the final version of the quotation.

[1382] Saving and sending quotations

[1383] After receiving confirmation from the user, the server saves the quotation to the database. Furthermore, it sends the quotation to the customer via email or other means as needed.

[1384] Specific example

[1385] For example, consider creating a quote for a service called "Website Creation." The user enters the service name "Website Creation" into their device, enters "1" for the quantity, and enters "Mobile-friendly site" for the customer requirement.

[1386] Next, the server retrieves the following information from the database:

[1387] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[1388] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1389] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1390] Delivery time: 30 days

[1391] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1392] The server calculates the total amount based on this information and automatically generates a quote. The quote includes the following information:

[1393] Service name: Website creation

[1394] Quantity:1

[1395] Unit price: 500,000 yen

[1396] Total: 500,000 yen

[1397] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1398] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1399] Delivery time: 30 days

[1400] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1401] Next, the terminal displays the generated quotation to the user and prompts them for confirmation. The user reviews the content, and if there are no problems, they perform a final confirmation through the terminal. The server receives this confirmation, saves the quotation to the database, and sends it to the customer.

[1402] This system is expected to enable the creation of quotations quickly and accurately, and to reduce post-contract disputes.

[1403] The following describes the processing flow.

[1404] Program processing steps

[1405] Step 1:

[1406] The terminal provides the user with an interface for entering the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The user uses the terminal to enter this information.

[1407] Step 2:

[1408] The terminal retrieves the service name, quantity, and customer requirements entered by the user and sends them to the server.

[1409] Step 3:

[1410] The server searches the database based on the service name and retrieves pricing items, standard unit prices, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery time, and important notes.

[1411] Step 4:

[1412] The server calculates the total amount of the estimate based on the information it has acquired. Specifically, it calculates the total amount by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[1413] Step 5:

[1414] The server automatically generates a quotation that includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes.

[1415] Step 6:

[1416] The server generates a quotation, which is then sent to the terminal, where it is displayed to the user.

[1417] Step 7:

[1418] The terminal allows the user to review the contents of the quotation and prompts them to confirm whether they agree to the contents.

[1419] Step 8:

[1420] The user reviews the quotation via their device. If the review is successful, the device sends this information to the server.

[1421] Step 9:

[1422] The server receives confirmation from the user and saves the quotation to the database.

[1423] Step 10:

[1424] The server sends the stored quotation to the customer via email or other methods as needed.

[1425] This will create a system in which quotations are generated efficiently and accurately, and appropriate information is provided to both parties.

[1426] (Example 1)

[1427] Next, we will describe Example 1. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as the "server" and the robot 414 as the "terminal".

[1428] Traditional quotation creation systems required manual data entry and calculations, which not only made the process time-consuming but also led to frequent input and calculation errors. This made it difficult for sales representatives to create quotations quickly and accurately, sometimes resulting in customer disputes. Manual management was particularly cumbersome when different services required varying conditions and pricing structures.

[1429] The identification process performed by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Example 1 is realized by the following means.

[1430] In this invention, the server includes means for a user to input a service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a processing device; means for the processing device to obtain from a storage device the fee items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes regarding the contract corresponding to the service name; means for the processing device to automatically generate a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for the processing device to display the quotation on a display device and prompt the user for confirmation; and means for the processing device to save the confirmed quotation to a storage device and transmit it using a communication device. As a result, quotations can be created quickly and accurately, the risk of input errors and calculation errors is reduced, the burden on sales representatives is reduced, and disputes with customers are reduced.

[1431] "User" refers to an individual or organization that uses the system to create or manage quotations.

[1432] A "processing device" is a part of the hardware or software used to process data, and is usually a computer or server.

[1433] "Service name" refers to the specific name of the service being quoted.

[1434] "Quantity" refers to a numerical value indicating the quantity or number of services being quoted.

[1435] "Customer requirements" are information that describes the specific conditions and specifications that a customer has for a particular service.

[1436] A "storage device" is a part of the hardware or software used to store data, such as in a database.

[1437] "Fee items" refer to the items of costs and fees related to the provision of services.

[1438] "Standard unit price" refers to the unit price based on the standard price of the service.

[1439] "Quotation conditions" refer to specific conditions or regulations that apply when creating a quotation.

[1440] The "minimum contract period" is the minimum period during which a service contract must be continued.

[1441] A "cancellation fee" is a fee that is required when terminating a contract during the minimum contract period.

[1442] "Delivery time" refers to the lead time required to start the service.

[1443] "Notes" are explanations of matters that require special attention when entering into a contract.

[1444] A "quotation" is a document that outlines the costs and conditions incurred when providing a service.

[1445] A "display device" is a device that provides information to a user visually, and is usually a monitor or display.

[1446] A "communication device" is a part of the hardware or software used to send and receive data.

[1447] This invention relates to a system that enables sales representatives to quickly and accurately prepare quotations. This system consists of a hardware configuration including a processing unit, a storage unit, a display unit, and a communication device, and a software configuration that performs data processing and data calculations.

[1448] User data entry

[1449] The user enters the service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a terminal. The terminal sends the user's input to the processing unit. This input initiates the quotation creation process.

[1450] Data acquisition by server

[1451] The server (processing unit) retrieves pricing items, list prices, minimum contract period as a quotation condition, early termination fees, delivery time, and important notes from the storage device (database) based on the service name sent by the user. This data retrieval is performed using database operations such as SQL queries.

[1452] Automatic generation of quotations

[1453] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired data. The quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes. The total amount is calculated by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[1454] Viewing and confirming the quotation

[1455] The terminal displays the generated quotation to the user. The user reviews the quotation and makes any necessary corrections. If no corrections are needed, the user clicks the confirmation button for final confirmation.

[1456] Saving and sending quotations

[1457] The server saves the user-confirmed quotation to its storage device. Furthermore, it sends the quotation to the customer via email or other means using a communication device as needed. This transmission process is performed using protocols such as SMTP.

[1458] Specific example

[1459] For example, consider creating a quote for a service called "Website Creation." The user enters the service name "Website Creation" into their device, enters "1" for the quantity, and enters "Mobile-friendly site" for the customer requirement.

[1460] Next, the server retrieves the following information from the storage device:

[1461] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[1462] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1463] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1464] Delivery time: 30 days

[1465] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1466] The server calculates the total amount based on this information and automatically generates a quote. The quote includes the following information:

[1467] Service name: Website creation

[1468] Quantity:1

[1469] Unit price: 500,000 yen

[1470] Total: 500,000 yen

[1471] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1472] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1473] Delivery time: 30 days

[1474] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1475] Next, the terminal displays the generated quotation to the user and prompts them for confirmation. The user reviews the content, and if there are no problems, they perform a final confirmation through the terminal. The server receives this confirmation, saves the quotation to its storage device, and sends it to the customer.

[1476] This system is expected to enable the creation of quotations quickly and accurately, and to reduce post-contract disputes.

[1477] Examples of prompts for a generative AI model:

[1478] "Please create a quote for website development. Service name: Website development, Quantity: 1, Customer requirements: Mobile-friendly site"

[1479] The flow of the specific processing in Example 1 will be explained using Figure 11.

[1480] Step 1:

[1481] The user enters the service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a terminal.

[1482] Input: Service name, quantity, customer requirements

[1483] Specific actions:

[1484] The user accesses the input screen on their device and enters the service name "Website Creation," the quantity "1," and the customer requirement "Mobile-friendly site" in the designated fields.

[1485] Output: The input data is sent from the terminal to the server.

[1486] Step 2:

[1487] The server retrieves relevant information from the database based on the input data.

[1488] Input: Service name, quantity, customer requirements

[1489] Specific actions:

[1490] The server executes a query on the database using the service name "Website Creation" as the key.

[1491] The server retrieves the following information from the database: the list price per unit, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes.

[1492] Output: The acquired data is stored on the server.

[1493] Step 3:

[1494] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired data.

[1495] Input: Data submitted by the user and data retrieved from the database.

[1496] Specific actions:

[1497] The server calculates the total price by multiplying the unit price by the quantity. For example, if the unit price is 500,000 yen and the quantity is 1, the total price will be 500,000 yen.

[1498] The server generates a quotation that includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes.

[1499] Output: The automatically generated quote is stored on the server.

[1500] Step 4:

[1501] The terminal displays the generated estimate to the user and prompts them to confirm it.

[1502] Input: Quotation sent from the server

[1503] Specific actions:

[1504] The terminal displays the generated quotation on the display device. The user can review it and make corrections as needed.

[1505] For example, the user reviews the contents of the quote, enters any necessary corrections, and clicks the confirmation button.

[1506] Output: The confirmed quotation is sent from the terminal to the server.

[1507] Step 5:

[1508] The server saves the approved quote to the database and sends it to the customer.

[1509] Input: Confirmed quotation

[1510] Specific actions:

[1511] The server saves the confirmed quote to the database using an INSERT query.

[1512] If necessary, the server will email the quote to the customer using the SMTP protocol.

[1513] Output: Quotations stored in the database and quotations sent to customers.

[1514] (Application Example 1)

[1515] Next, we will explain Application Example 1. In the following explanation, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as the "server" and the robot 414 as the "terminal".

[1516] Existing quotation creation systems suffer from inefficiency due to the time-consuming process of generating quotations and the requirement for users to manually input service information. Furthermore, data updates are often performed manually, making it difficult to quickly create accurate quotations. Therefore, a system that allows users to instantly generate and review quotations is needed.

[1517] The specific processing performed by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Application Example 1 is realized by the following means.

[1518] In this invention, the server includes means for inputting a service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for obtaining from a database the price items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes regarding the contract corresponding to the service name; means for automatically generating a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for displaying the quotation on a terminal and prompting confirmation; means for saving and transmitting the confirmed quotation; means for acquiring data using a cloud server and dynamically updating information such as price items and delivery dates; and means for sending information entered by the user on a smartphone to the cloud server and receiving the results. This enables the user to instantly generate an accurate quotation and efficiently perform confirmation, approval, saving, and transmission.

[1519] "Service name" refers to the name of the specific service being offered.

[1520] "Quantity" refers to the number of services or products that the user specifies as the subject of the quote.

[1521] "Customer requirements" refer to the specific conditions or specifications that a customer desires.

[1522] A "database" is a system for systematically managing and storing information.

[1523] "Price items" refer to information related to the price of each service or product listed in the quotation.

[1524] "Standard unit price" refers to the unit price that indicates the standard price of a service or product.

[1525] "Quotation conditions" refer to the conditions and constraints that should be considered when creating a quotation.

[1526] The "minimum contract period" refers to the minimum period that must be maintained under a contract.

[1527] A "cancellation fee" is an additional fee incurred if a contract is terminated during the contract period.

[1528] "Delivery time" refers to the period of time it takes for a service or product to be delivered to the customer.

[1529] "Important Notes" refer to items or information that require particular attention when entering into a contract or providing a service.

[1530] A "cloud server" is a remote server that can be accessed via the internet and is used for data storage and processing.

[1531] A "terminal" is an electronic device used by users to input information or check results.

[1532] A "quotation" is a document that outlines the terms and conditions and price of the provision of services or goods.

[1533] "Saving" means preserving data and documents so that they can be accessed and used later.

[1534] "Sending" means delivering data or documents to another terminal or system.

[1535] This invention is a system for quickly and accurately generating quotes for robots used in factories. The system includes terminals, a cloud server, and a database.

[1536] 1. System Overview

[1537] The user uses their smartphone to enter the service name (e.g., robot type), quantity, and customer requirements. The information entered on the device is sent to a cloud server. The cloud server retrieves the corresponding pricing items, standard unit prices, minimum contract period required for the quotation, early termination fees, delivery deadline, and any important contractual notes from its database. Based on the retrieved information, the cloud server automatically generates a quotation and displays it on the device. After the user confirms it, the cloud server saves the quotation to its database and sends it to the customer via email if necessary.

[1538] 2. Hardware and Software Configuration

[1539] Device: Smartphone

[1540] It provides a user interface and sends the entered service name, quantity, and customer requirements to the cloud server.

[1541] Cloud server:

[1542] Implement an algorithm that communicates with a database and generates a quotation. The server can use a common cloud service (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure).

[1543] Database:

[1544] A database system (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL) is used to manage pricing items, standard unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery deadlines, and important notes. The cloud server accesses this database to retrieve the necessary information.

[1545] 3. Examples

[1546] For example, to create a quote for introducing a new "assembly robot A" in a factory, the process would be as follows: The user enters "assembly robot A," "quantity: 3," "option: with vision system," and "requirements: high precision" into their smartphone. The cloud server sends this information to its database and retrieves relevant information (e.g., unit price, delivery date, etc.). Based on the retrieved information, the cloud server generates a quote and displays it on the smartphone. Once the user reviews and approves it, the cloud server saves the quote to its database and sends it to the customer via email if necessary.

[1547] 4. Example of a prompt statement

[1548] The user input prompt will take the following form:

[1549] Service: Assembly robot A, Quantity: 3, Requirements: High-precision vision system

[1550] This system enables rapid robotic quotation creation within the factory, preventing input errors and significantly improving efficiency. Furthermore, by using a cloud server, it is possible to dynamically acquire the latest data and consistently provide accurate quotations.

[1551] The flow of a specific process in Application Example 1 will be explained using Figure 12.

[1552] Step 1:

[1553] The user uses a smartphone to enter the service name (e.g., robot type), quantity, and customer requirements. This input information is sent to the server in JSON format. Specifically, the user enters data into the input form via the terminal's user interface and sends the information by pressing the "Submit" button.

[1554] Step 2:

[1555] The cloud server receives data in JSON format sent from the terminal. The received data includes the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The server parses this data and generates a request to retrieve the corresponding information from the database. Specifically, the server parses the received data and issues SQL queries or API requests.

[1556] Step 3:

[1557] The cloud server retrieves the corresponding pricing items, list prices, minimum contract period required for the quote, early termination fees, delivery time, and contractual notes from the database. The server executes a request to the database and retrieves the necessary data. An SQL query is executed to retrieve the data, and the results are returned.

[1558] Step 4:

[1559] The cloud server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired data. Specifically, the server calculates the total amount by multiplying the unit price and quantity from the acquired information, and then formats the quotation by appropriately laying out each item. This quotation is often generated as HTML using a template.

[1560] Step 5:

[1561] The cloud server sends the generated quotation to the device. The device displays the quotation data received from the server. Specifically, the cloud server sends the quotation to the device in JSON format, the device's application parses the data, and displays it on the screen.

[1562] Step 6:

[1563] The user reviews the quotation displayed on their device and makes any necessary corrections. When the user agrees to the contents of the quotation, they press the confirmation button to give final approval. Specifically, the user views the quotation through the interface on their device and taps the "Confirm" button.

[1564] Step 7:

[1565] The cloud server receives confirmation requests from users. Confirmed quotes are stored in a database and, if necessary, sent to the customer via email. Specifically, the server processes the received confirmation request, stores the quote data in the database, and sends it to the customer via email through the SMTP server.

[1566] In this way, users can quickly and accurately generate, review, and send quotations using the cloud server.

[1567] Furthermore, an emotion engine that estimates the user's emotions may be incorporated. That is, the identification processing unit 290 may use the emotion identification model 59 to estimate the user's emotions and perform identification processing using the user's emotions.

[1568] This invention provides a system that enables sales representatives to create quotations quickly and accurately, and further incorporates an emotion engine to recognize user emotions and improve the quotation creation process. The system operates as follows:

[1569] System Overview

[1570] The user enters the service name, quantity, and customer requirements using a terminal. The server retrieves relevant information from the database and automatically generates a quote based on it. This quote is displayed on the terminal, prompting the user for confirmation. During the user's confirmation process, an emotion engine recognizes the user's emotional state and optimizes the quote creation process. After the user confirms, the server saves the quote and sends it to the customer as appropriate.

[1571] User data entry

[1572] The terminal provides the user with an interface for entering the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The user uses the terminal to enter this information.

[1573] Data acquisition by server

[1574] Based on the entered service name, the server retrieves the relevant pricing items, standard unit price, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery time, and important notes from the database. This information forms the basis of the quotation.

[1575] Automatic generation of quotations

[1576] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired information. This quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes. The total amount is calculated by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[1577] Emotion recognition by an emotion engine

[1578] While the user is reviewing the quotation, the device uses an emotion engine to analyze the user's facial expressions and obtain emotional information in real time. This information is used to evaluate the user's satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

[1579] Viewing and confirming the quotation

[1580] The terminal displays the generated quote to the user and prompts them for confirmation. During this process, the sentiment engine collects the user's sentiment information and evaluates their satisfaction level. The user confirms the quote when they agree to its contents, approving the final version.

[1581] Saving and sending quotations

[1582] After the user completes the confirmation process, the server saves the quotation to the database. Furthermore, it sends the quotation to the customer via email or other means as needed.

[1583] Specific example

[1584] For example, consider creating a quote for a service called "Website Creation." The user enters the service name "Website Creation" into their device, enters "1" for the quantity, and enters "Mobile-friendly site" for the customer requirement.

[1585] Next, the server retrieves the following information from the database:

[1586] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[1587] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1588] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1589] Delivery time: 30 days

[1590] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1591] The server calculates the total amount based on this information and automatically generates a quote. The quote includes the following information:

[1592] Service name: Website creation

[1593] Quantity:1

[1594] Unit price: 500,000 yen

[1595] Total: 500,000 yen

[1596] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1597] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1598] Delivery time: 30 days

[1599] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1600] Next, the terminal displays the generated quotation to the user and prompts them for confirmation. As the user reviews the content, an emotion engine analyzes the user's facial expressions and evaluates their satisfaction level, thereby improving the user experience. If the user agrees to the content, they perform a confirmation action through the terminal. Upon receiving this confirmation, the server saves the quotation to its database and sends it to the customer.

[1601] By combining it with an emotion engine, this system can improve the quotation creation process while taking user emotions into consideration, thereby providing higher satisfaction.

[1602] The following describes the processing flow.

[1603] Program processing steps

[1604] Step 1:

[1605] The terminal provides the user with an interface for entering the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The user uses the terminal to enter this information.

[1606] Step 2:

[1607] The terminal retrieves the service name, quantity, and customer requirements entered by the user and sends them to the server.

[1608] Step 3:

[1609] The server searches the database based on the service name and retrieves pricing items, standard unit prices, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery time, and important notes.

[1610] Step 4:

[1611] The server calculates the total amount of the estimate based on the information it has acquired. Specifically, it calculates the total amount by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity.

[1612] Step 5:

[1613] The server automatically generates a quotation that includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes.

[1614] Step 6:

[1615] The server generates a quotation, which is then sent to the terminal, where it is displayed to the user.

[1616] Step 7:

[1617] The device activates an emotion engine to analyze the user's facial expressions in real time. As the user reviews the contents of the quotation, the emotion engine recognizes the user's emotional state.

[1618] Step 8:

[1619] The emotion engine analyzes the user's facial expressions and obtains emotional information. The device uses this information to evaluate the user's satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

[1620] Step 9:

[1621] The terminal prompts the user to make a final confirmation of the quotation. At this point, the emotion engine evaluates the user's satisfaction and prompts them to confirm at the optimal time.

[1622] Step 10:

[1623] The user reviews the quotation via their device. If the review is successful, the device sends this information to the server.

[1624] Step 11:

[1625] The server receives confirmation from the user and saves the quotation to the database.

[1626] Step 12:

[1627] The server sends the stored quotation to the customer via email or other methods as needed.

[1628] This enables a quotation creation process using an emotion engine, resulting in a system that improves user satisfaction.

[1629] (Example 2)

[1630] Next, we will describe Example 2. In the following description, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as the "server" and the robot 414 as the "terminal".

[1631] Traditional quotation creation systems can automatically generate quotations based on user input, but they lack the functionality to optimize the quotation creation process by considering the user's emotional state, potentially leading to decreased user satisfaction. Furthermore, there was a demand for more accurate quotation creation by analyzing and reflecting the user's facial expressions in real time. Therefore, there was a need to provide a system that would allow sales representatives to create quotations more quickly and accurately.

[1632] The identification process performed by the identification processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 in Example 2 is realized by the following means.

[1633] In this invention, the server includes means for inputting a service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for obtaining from a database the fee items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes regarding the contract corresponding to the service name; and means for automatically generating a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. This makes it possible to quickly create a quotation based on the information entered by the user. Furthermore, by including means that recognize the user's emotional state in real time and include an emotion engine for optimizing the quotation creation process, user satisfaction can be increased.

[1634] "Service name" refers to the name of the specific service being offered.

[1635] "Quantity" refers to the number of units of service provided.

[1636] "Customer requirements" refer to information about specific requests or needs from customers.

[1637] A "terminal" refers to a device that a user can operate, and is used for inputting and displaying information.

[1638] A "database" refers to a collection of data that stores necessary information within a system.

[1639] A "pricing item" refers to the elements of pricing related to a particular service.

[1640] "Standard unit price" refers to the standard price at which a service is provided.

[1641] "Quotation conditions" refer to the terms and conditions, such as the contract period and early termination fees, that are necessary when creating a quotation.

[1642] "Minimum contract period" refers to the shortest contract period required for the provision of the service.

[1643] "Early termination fee" refers to the fee incurred when a contract is terminated during the service provision period.

[1644] "Delivery time" refers to the time required for a service to be provided.

[1645] "Important notes" refer to points that customers should pay attention to in contracts and service provision.

[1646] A "quote" refers to a document that lists the calculated price and conditions for the services to be provided.

[1647] The term "emotion engine" refers to a part of a system that analyzes a user's facial expressions to recognize their emotional state in real time.

[1648] "Storage" refers to the act of accumulating information in a storage device such as a database.

[1649] "Transmission" refers to the act of sending information to another device or system.

[1650] "Confirmation" refers to the act of a user reviewing and approving the contents of a displayed quotation.

[1651] Modes for carrying out the invention

[1652] This invention is a system that enables sales representatives to create quotations quickly and accurately, and further incorporates an emotion engine to recognize the user's emotional state and improve the quotation creation process. This system is primarily operated by a server, terminals, and user interactions.

[1653] First, the user uses a terminal to enter the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. The terminal provides a user interface for entering this information. The user interface can be implemented using, for example, a touchscreen or keyboard. The user enters specific information such as "Website creation," "1," and "Mobile-friendly site."

[1654] Next, the server retrieves relevant information from the database based on the information entered by the user. The database includes pricing items for multiple services, standard unit prices, minimum contract periods required for quotation conditions, early termination fees, delivery deadlines, and important notes. For example, for a service named "Website Creation," the server retrieves the following information:

[1655] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[1656] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1657] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1658] Delivery time: 30 days

[1659] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1660] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired information. The quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount (unit price x quantity), minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes. This makes it possible to create quotations quickly and accurately.

[1661] The terminal displays the generated estimate to the user and prompts them to confirm it. During confirmation, an emotion engine built into the terminal analyzes the user's facial expressions and obtains the user's emotion information in real time. The emotion engine is implemented using, for example, Microsoft Azure's Emotion API or Google Cloud's Vision API. This emotion information is used to evaluate the user's satisfaction or dissatisfaction and optimize the estimate creation process.

[1662] If the user agrees to the contents of the quote, they perform a confirmation action on their device. Once this confirmation is complete, the server saves the quote to the database and sends it to the customer as needed. For example, the server uses Twilio's SendGrid API to send the quote to the customer's email address.

[1663] Specific example

[1664] For example, when creating a quote for a "website creation" service, the user enters the following information into their device:

[1665] Service name: Website creation

[1666] Quantity:1

[1667] Customer requirements: Mobile-friendly website

[1668] Next, the server retrieves the following information from the database:

[1669] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[1670] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1671] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1672] Delivery time: 30 days

[1673] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1674] The server automatically generates a quotation based on this information, and the terminal displays it to the user, prompting them to confirm. If the user agrees to the contents, they perform a confirmation operation on the terminal, and the server saves and sends the quotation.

[1675] Example of a prompt:

[1676] "Please create a quote for website development. The service name is 'Website Development,' the quantity is '1,' and the customer requirement is 'Mobile-friendly site.'"

[1677] This system allows for the creation of quick and accurate quotes while taking user emotions into consideration, thereby improving user satisfaction.

[1678] The flow of the specific processing in Example 2 will be explained using Figure 13.

[1679] Step 1: User data entry

[1680] The user uses the terminal's user interface to enter the service name, quantity, and customer requirements. For example, they might enter "Website creation," "1," and "Mobile-friendly site." This input information will serve as the basis for database queries used in subsequent processing steps.

[1681] Input: Service name (e.g., "Website creation"), Quantity (e.g., "1"), Customer requirements (e.g., "Mobile-friendly site")

[1682] Output: Dataset of user input information (service name, quantity, customer requirements)

[1683] Step 2: Data acquisition by the server

[1684] The server retrieves relevant information from the database based on the service name entered by the user. This information includes pricing details, standard unit prices, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery time, and important notes. The server then executes database queries to extract the relevant data.

[1685] Input: Service name entered by the user

[1686] Output: List of pricing items retrieved from the database, list price per unit, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery time, and important notes.

[1687] Step 3: Automatic generation of quotations

[1688] The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired data. The quotation includes the service name, quantity, unit price, total amount (unit price x quantity), minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes. This ensures that quotations are created quickly and accurately.

[1689] Input: Price items retrieved from the database, list price per unit, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, list of notes, and quantity entered by the user.

[1690] Output: Generated quotation (service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, notes)

[1691] Step 4: Emotion recognition by the emotion engine

[1692] While the user reviews the quotation, the device uses an emotion engine to capture and analyze the user's facial expressions, obtaining emotional information in real time. The emotion engine uses, for example, the Emotion API and Vision API to evaluate the user's satisfaction or dissatisfaction based on their facial expressions.

[1693] Input: User's facial expression data

[1694] Output: Analyzed sentiment information (user satisfaction and dissatisfaction)

[1695] Step 5: View and confirm the quotation.

[1696] The terminal displays the generated estimate to the user. During the confirmation process, the emotion engine analyzes the user's facial expressions and evaluates their satisfaction level. Once the user agrees to the contents, they perform a confirmation action on the terminal. This finalizes the estimate.

[1697] Input: Generated quote, user confirmation actions, analyzed sentiment information

[1698] Output: Final quotation reviewed and agreed upon by the user.

[1699] Step 6: Save and send the quote

[1700] After the user completes the confirmation process, the server saves the final version of the quote to the database. Furthermore, it sends the quote to the customer if necessary. For example, it can send the quote to the customer's email address using the SendGrid API.

[1701] Input: Final quotation reviewed and agreed upon by the user.

[1702] Output: Quotations stored in the database, quotations sent to customers

[1703] (Application Example 2)

[1704] Next, we will explain application example 2. In the following explanation, the data processing device 12 will be referred to as the "server" and the robot 414 as the "terminal".

[1705] While conventional quotation creation systems enable the rapid and accurate generation of quotations, they have limitations in considering customer emotions and properly evaluating customer satisfaction to improve the process. Furthermore, the lack of a mechanism for sales representatives in physical stores to efficiently create quotations while simultaneously recognizing customer emotions in real time made it difficult to improve the quality of customer service. Moreover, in the development of systems incorporating emotion recognition, the methods for implementation and specific operation methods had not been established.

[1706] In Application Example 2, the specific processing performed by the specific processing unit 290 of the data processing device 12 is realized by the following means. In this invention, the server includes means for inputting a service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for obtaining from a database the fee items, fixed unit prices, minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, early termination fees, delivery dates, and notes regarding the contract corresponding to the service name; means for automatically generating a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements; means for displaying the quotation on a terminal and prompting confirmation; means for analyzing the user's emotions using an emotion recognition engine on the terminal, evaluating user satisfaction, and improving the quotation creation process; and means for saving and transmitting the confirmed quotation. This makes it possible to quickly and accurately create quotations while recognizing customer emotions in real time, and to improve the quotation creation process based on customer emotions.

[1707] 1. "Service name" refers to the name of the specific product or service being offered.

[1708] 2. "Quantity" refers to the number of units of goods or services provided.

[1709] 3. "Customer requirements" refer to the specific needs and demands presented by the customer.

[1710] 4. A "database" refers to a collection of structured data that records and stores information such as pricing items, standard unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fees, delivery deadlines, and important notes regarding the contract.

[1711] 5. "Price items" refer to specific items related to the price of a service or product.

[1712] 6. "Standard unit price" refers to the standard price for a single service or product.

[1713] 7. "Minimum contract period" refers to the shortest period required when contracting for a particular service or product.

[1714] 8. "Early termination fee" refers to the amount incurred when a contract is terminated before the expiration of the contract period.

[1715] 9. "Delivery time" refers to the time it takes for a service or product to be delivered to the customer.

[1716] 10. "Important Notes" refers to important information that should be communicated to the customer in relation to the contract or the provision of services.

[1717] 11. A "quotation" refers to a document that details the price and conditions of the services or products to be offered.

[1718] 12. The "emotion recognition engine" refers to a function that analyzes the user's facial expressions and voice data to evaluate the user's emotional state in real time.

[1719] 13. "User satisfaction" refers to the degree of users' emotional response to and evaluation of the content of a service or product.

[1720] 14. "Terminal" refers to a digital device used by a user to enter service names or other information.

[1721] This invention is a system that allows sales representatives in physical stores to quickly and accurately create quotations while recognizing customer emotions in real time. The system includes a terminal for inputting service name, quantity, and customer requirements; a database; means for automatically generating quotations; means for displaying quotations and prompting confirmation; an emotion recognition engine; and means for saving and transmitting quotations.

[1722] Program Processing Overview

[1723] Hardware and software to be used

[1724] Head-mounted display (HMD): Used by sales representatives to display and enter customer information.

[1725] Built-in camera: Used to capture customer facial expressions and analyze emotions in real time.

[1726] Flask: Acts as a Web API server and manages quote generation and sentiment data exchange.

[1727] OpenCV: An image processing library used for analyzing customer facial expressions.

[1728] TensorFlow / Keras: A deep learning-based emotion recognition model

[1729] SQLite: A database for storing quotation information.

[1730] Data processing and calculation

[1731] 1. The server retrieves the service name, quantity, and customer requirements from the terminal.

[1732] 2. The system performs processing to retrieve from the database the following items corresponding to the service name: the price item, the standard unit price, the minimum contract period required for the quotation conditions, the early termination fee, the delivery date, and any important notes.

[1733] 3. The server automatically generates a quotation based on the acquired information. Specifically, it calculates the total amount based on the list price unit price and quantity, and adds the necessary items to the quotation.

[1734] 4. The terminal displays the generated quotation to the sales representative and prompts them to confirm it.

[1735] 5. The camera built into the device captures the customer's facial expressions in real time and sends the image data to the server.

[1736] 6. The server uses an emotion recognition engine to analyze the customer's facial expression data and evaluate the customer's emotional state in real time.

[1737] 7. The server adjusts and improves the quotation creation process based on customer sentiment data.

[1738] 8. Confirmed quotations are stored on the server and sent to the customer as needed.

[1739] Specific example

[1740] Let's consider a scenario where a sales representative is creating a quote for a "website creation" service at a physical store. The sales representative uses an HMD (Head-Mounted Display) to voice-input "website creation," quantity "1," and customer requirement "mobile-friendly site."

[1741] The server retrieves the following information from the database:

[1742] List price per unit: 500,000 yen

[1743] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1744] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1745] Delivery time: 30 days

[1746] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1747] The server then calculates the total amount based on this information and automatically generates a quote. The generated quote includes the following information:

[1748] Service name: Website creation

[1749] Quantity:1

[1750] Unit price: 500,000 yen

[1751] Total: 500,000 yen

[1752] Minimum contract period: 6 months

[1753] Early termination fee: 100,000 yen

[1754] Delivery time: 30 days

[1755] Note: Customization of the design will incur an additional charge.

[1756] Next, the HMD displays the generated quote to the sales representative and prompts them for confirmation, while the built-in camera captures the customer's facial expressions. This image is sent to a server, which uses an emotion recognition engine to analyze the customer's emotional state in real time and evaluate user satisfaction. If the customer is satisfied, the sales representative performs a confirmation action, and the server, upon receiving this confirmation, saves the quote and sends it to the customer.

[1757] Example of a prompt

[1758] Create a quote for the user based on the following, and adjust the content based on the user's sentiment:

[1759] Service name: Website creation

[1760] Quantity: 1

[1761] Customer requirements: Mobile-friendly site

[1762] Customer's facial expression image: customer_face.jpg

[1763] Please generate the quotation based on the information above. Optimize the content as needed, taking into account the customer's sentiment.

[1764] The flow of a specific process in Application Example 2 will be explained using Figure 14.

[1765] Step 1:

[1766] The user uses a head-mounted display (HMD) to voice-input the service name, quantity, and customer requirements.

[1767] Input: Service name, quantity, customer requirements

[1768] Output: Service name, quantity, and customer requirements are entered into the HMD and sent to the server.

[1769] Step 2:

[1770] Based on the entered service name, the server retrieves the corresponding fee items, standard unit price, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery time, and important notes from the database.

[1771] Input: Service name

[1772] Output: Price items retrieved from the database, list price per unit, minimum contract period required for quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery time, and notes.

[1773] Step 3:

[1774] Based on the information acquired by the server, the total amount is calculated by multiplying the list price unit price by the quantity, and a quotation is automatically generated.

[1775] Input: List price per unit, quantity, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes.

[1776] Output: Automated quotation (service name, quantity, unit price, total amount, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, notes)

[1777] Step 4:

[1778] The terminal displays the generated quotation and prompts the sales representative for confirmation.

[1779] Input: Automated quote

[1780] Output: Quotation displayed on the HMD, message prompting the sales representative to confirm.

[1781] Step 5:

[1782] The built-in camera captures the customer's facial expression and sends the image data to the server.

[1783] Input: Customer's facial expression

[1784] Output: Acquired facial expression image data

[1785] Step 6:

[1786] The server uses an emotion recognition engine to analyze facial image data and evaluate the customer's emotional state.

[1787] Input: Facial expression image data

[1788] Output: Customer's emotional state (e.g., satisfied, dissatisfied, surprised, etc.)

[1789] Step 7:

[1790] The server adjusts and improves the quotation creation process based on the customer's emotional state. If necessary, it reviews and resubmits the quotation.

[1791] Input: Customer's emotional state, initial generated quote

[1792] Output: Adjusted and improved quotation

[1793] Step 8:

[1794] The sales representative performs a final check, the server saves the final version of the quotation, and sends it to the customer as needed.

[1795] Input: Confirmed quotation

[1796] Output: Saved quotes, quotes sent to customers

[1797] 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 controlled object 443 to output the result of the specific processing. The microphone 238 acquires audio indicating user input for the result of the specific processing. The control unit 46A transmits the audio data indicating user input acquired by the microphone 238 to the data processing unit 12. In the data processing unit 12, the specific processing unit 290 acquires the audio data.

[1798] Data generation model 58 is a type of so-called generative AI (Artificial Intelligence). One example of data generation model 58 is ChatGPT (Internet search<URL: https: / / openai.com / blog / chatgpt> ), Gemini (Internet search) <url: https: gemini.google.com ?hl="ja">Examples of generative AI include the following. The data generation model 58 is obtained by performing deep learning on a neural network. The data generation model 58 is input with prompts containing instructions, and with inference data such as audio data representing speech, text data representing text, and image data representing images. The data generation model 58 infers from the input inference data according to the instructions indicated by the prompts, and outputs the inference results in data formats such as audio data and text data. Here, inference refers to, for example, analysis, classification, prediction, and / or summarization.

[1799] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which specific processing is performed by the data processing device 12, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the specific processing may also be performed by the robot 414.

[1800] Furthermore, the emotion identification model 59, acting 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 a specific mapping, which is an emotion map (see Figure 9). Similarly, the emotion identification model 59 may also determine the robot's emotion, and the identification processing unit 290 may perform identification processing using the robot's emotion.

[1801] Figure 9 shows an emotion map 400 in which multiple emotions are mapped. In the emotion map 400, emotions are arranged in concentric circles radiating from the center. The closer to the center of the concentric circles, the more primitive the emotions are located. Further out of the concentric circles, emotions representing states and actions arising from mental states are located. Emotion is a concept that includes feelings and mental states. On the left side of the concentric circles, emotions that are generally generated from reactions occurring in the brain are located. On the right side of the concentric circles, emotions that are generally induced by situational judgment are located. Above and below the concentric circles, emotions that are generally generated from reactions occurring in the brain and induced by situational judgment are located. In addition, the emotion of "pleasure" is located on the upper side of the concentric circles, and the emotion of "displeasure" is located on the lower side. Thus, in the emotion map 400, multiple emotions are mapped based on the structure in which emotions arise, and emotions that are likely to occur simultaneously are mapped close together.

[1802] These emotions are distributed at the 3 o'clock position on the Emotion Map 400, and usually fluctuate between feelings of security and anxiety. In the right half of the Emotion Map 400, situational awareness takes precedence over internal feelings, resulting in a calm impression.

[1803] The inside of the Emotion Map 400 represents inner thoughts, while the outside represents actions. Therefore, the further you go from the outside of the Emotion Map 400, the more visible (expressed in actions) your emotions become.

[1804] Here, human emotions are based on various balances, such as posture and blood sugar levels. When these balances deviate from the ideal, it results in discomfort, and when they approach the ideal, it results in pleasure. Similarly, in robots, cars, motorcycles, etc., emotions can be created based on various balances, such as posture and battery level. When these balances deviate from the ideal, it results in discomfort, and when they approach the ideal, it results in pleasure. The emotion map can be generated, for example, based on Dr. Mitsuyoshi's emotion map (Research on a system for analyzing brain physiological signals of speech emotion recognition and emotion, Tokushima University, doctoral dissertation: https: / / ci.nii.ac.jp / naid / 500000375379). The left half of the emotion map contains emotions belonging to a region called "response," where sensation is dominant. The right half of the emotion map contains emotions belonging to a region called "situation," where situational awareness is dominant.

[1805] The emotion map defines two emotions that promote learning. One is the emotion around the middle of the negative "repentance" and "reflection" on the situation side. In other words, it is 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 the emotion around the positive "desire" on the reaction side. In other words, it is when the robot has positive feelings such as "I want more" or "I want to know more."

[1806] The emotion identification model 59 inputs user input into a pre-trained neural network, obtains emotion values ​​representing each emotion shown in the emotion map 400, and determines the user's emotion. This neural network is pre-trained based on multiple training data sets, which are combinations of user input and emotion values ​​representing each emotion shown in the emotion map 400. Furthermore, this neural network is trained so that emotions located close together have similar values, as shown in the emotion map 900 in Figure 10. Figure 10 shows an example where multiple emotions such as "reassured," "calm," and "confident" have similar emotion values.

[1807] The above description primarily focuses on the functions of the data processing device 12 in relation to this disclosure. However, the system related to this disclosure is not necessarily implemented on a server. The system related to this disclosure may be implemented as a general information processing system. This disclosure may be implemented, for example, as a software program that runs on a personal computer or as an application that runs on a smartphone. The method related to this disclosure may be provided to users in SaaS (Software as a Service) format.

[1808] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a specific process is performed by a single computer 22. However, the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and a distributed processing of the specific process may be performed by multiple computers, including computer 22. For example, a data generation model 58 may be provided in an external device of the data processing device 12, and the external device may generate data according to the input data.

[1809] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the specific processing program 56 is stored in the storage 32, but the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the specific processing program 56 may be stored in a portable, computer-readable, non-temporary storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The specific processing program 56 stored in the non-temporary storage medium is installed in the computer 22 of the data processing device 12. The processor 28 executes specific processing according to the specific processing program 56.

[1810] 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.

[1811] Furthermore, it is not necessary to store the entirety 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 the entirety of the specific processing program 56 in the storage 32; it is acceptable to store only a portion of the specific processing program 56.

[1812] The following types of processors can be used as hardware resources to perform specific processing. Examples of processors include a CPU, a general-purpose processor that functions as a hardware resource to perform specific processing by executing software, i.e., a program. Other examples of processors include dedicated electrical circuits, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), which have circuit configurations specifically designed to perform specific processing. All of these processors have built-in or connected memory, and all of them perform specific processing by using memory.

[1813] The hardware resource that performs a specific process may consist of one of these various processors, or it may consist of 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). Alternatively, the hardware resource that performs a specific process may consist of a single processor.

[1814] Examples of configurations using a single processor include, firstly, a configuration in which one or more CPUs and software are combined to form a single processor, and this processor functions as a hardware resource that performs a specific process. Secondly, there is a configuration using a processor that realizes the functions of the entire system, including multiple hardware resources that perform a specific process, on a single IC chip, as exemplified by SoCs (System-on-a-chip). In this way, a specific process is realized using one or more of the above types of processors as hardware resources.

[1815] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors can more specifically utilize electrical circuits that combine circuit elements such as semiconductor devices. Also, the specific processing described above is merely an example. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary steps can be deleted, new steps added, or the processing order rearranged, as long as it does not deviate from the main purpose.

[1816] The descriptions and illustrations presented above are detailed explanations of the technical aspects of this disclosure and are merely examples of the technical aspects. For example, the above descriptions of the structure, function, operation, and effect are examples of the structure, function, operation, and effect of the technical aspects of this disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that you may delete unnecessary parts, add new elements, or replace elements in the descriptions and illustrations presented above, as long as you do not deviate from the essence of the technical aspects of this disclosure. Furthermore, in order to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the technical aspects of this disclosure, explanations of common technical knowledge and the like that do not require special explanation to enable the implementation of the technical aspects of this disclosure have been omitted from the descriptions and illustrations presented above.

[1817] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually noted as being incorporated by reference.

[1818] The following is further disclosed regarding the embodiments described above.

[1819] (Claim 1)

[1820] A means for entering the service name, quantity, and customer requirements,

[1821] A means of obtaining from the database the fee items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes regarding the contract, corresponding to the aforementioned service name.

[1822] A means for automatically generating a quotation based on the aforementioned service name, quantity, and customer requirements,

[1823] A means of displaying the aforementioned quotation on a terminal and prompting confirmation,

[1824] Means for saving and transmitting the confirmed quotation,

[1825] A system that includes this.

[1826] (Claim 2)

[1827] The system according to claim 1, wherein the automatic quotation generation means calculates the total amount based on the unit price and quantity of the listed price.

[1828] (Claim 3)

[1829] The system according to claim 1, wherein the database includes fee items, fixed unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes corresponding to multiple services.

[1830] "Example 1"

[1831] (Claim 1)

[1832] A means by which the user inputs the service name, quantity, and customer requirements using the processing unit,

[1833] The processing unit has means for obtaining from the storage device the fee items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes regarding the contract corresponding to the service name.

[1834] The processing device includes means for automatically generating a quotation based on the service name, quantity, and customer requirements,

[1835] The processing device includes means for displaying the quotation on a display device and prompting the user to confirm it,

[1836] The processing device includes means for storing the confirmed quotation in a storage device and transmitting it using a communication device,

[1837] A system that includes this.

[1838] (Claim 2)

[1839] The system according to claim 1, wherein the processing device calculates the total amount based on the unit price and quantity of the listed price.

[1840] (Claim 3)

[1841] The system according to claim 1, wherein the storage device includes fee items corresponding to multiple services, a fixed unit price, quotation conditions, a minimum contract period, a cancellation fee, a delivery date, and notes.

[1842] "Application Example 1"

[1843] (Claim 1)

[1844] A means for entering the service name, quantity, and customer requirements,

[1845] A means of obtaining from the database the fee items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes regarding the contract, corresponding to the aforementioned service name.

[1846] A means for automatically generating a quotation based on the aforementioned service name, quantity, and customer requirements,

[1847] A means of displaying the aforementioned quotation on a terminal and prompting confirmation,

[1848] Means for saving and transmitting the confirmed quotation,

[1849] A method for retrieving data using a cloud server and dynamically updating information such as pricing items and delivery dates,

[1850] A means of sending information entered by the user on a smartphone to a cloud server and receiving the results,

[1851] A system that includes this.

[1852] (Claim 2)

[1853] The system according to claim 1, wherein the automatic quotation generation means calculates the total amount based on the unit price and quantity of the listed price.

[1854] (Claim 3)

[1855] The system according to claim 1, wherein the database includes fee items, fixed unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes corresponding to multiple services.

[1856] "Example 2 of combining an emotion engine"

[1857] (Claim 1)

[1858] A means for entering the service name, quantity, and customer requirements,

[1859] A means of obtaining from the database the fee items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes regarding the contract, corresponding to the aforementioned service name.

[1860] A means for automatically generating a quotation based on the aforementioned service name, quantity, and customer requirements,

[1861] A means of displaying the aforementioned quotation on a terminal and prompting confirmation,

[1862] Means for saving and transmitting the confirmed quotation,

[1863] A means including an emotion engine for recognizing the user's emotional state in real time and optimizing the quotation creation process,

[1864] A system that includes this.

[1865] (Claim 2)

[1866] The system according to claim 1, wherein the automatic quotation generation means calculates the total amount based on the unit price and quantity of the listed price.

[1867] (Claim 3)

[1868] The system according to claim 1, wherein the database includes fee items, fixed unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes corresponding to multiple services.

[1869] "Application example 2 when combining with an emotional engine"

[1870] (Claim 1)

[1871] A means for entering the service name, quantity, and customer requirements,

[1872] A means of obtaining from the database the fee items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes regarding the contract, corresponding to the aforementioned service name.

[1873] A means for automatically generating a quotation based on the aforementioned service name, quantity, and customer requirements,

[1874] A means of displaying the aforementioned quotation on a terminal and prompting confirmation,

[1875] The aforementioned terminal uses an emotion recognition engine to analyze the user's emotions, evaluates user satisfaction, and provides means for improving the quotation creation process.

[1876] Means for saving and transmitting the confirmed quotation,

[1877] A system that includes this.

[1878] (Claim 2)

[1879] The system according to claim 1, wherein the automatic quotation generation means calculates the total amount based on the unit price and quantity of the listed price.

[1880] (Claim 3)

[1881] The system according to claim 1, wherein the database includes fee items, fixed unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes corresponding to multiple services. [Explanation of Symbols]

[1882] 10, 210, 310, 410 Data Processing Systems 12 Data Processing Devices 14 Smart Devices 214 Smart Glasses 314 Headset-type terminal 414 Robots< / url:> < / url:> < / url:> < / url:>

Claims

1. A means for entering the service name, quantity, and customer requirements, A means of obtaining from the database the fee items, list price unit price, minimum contract period required for quotation conditions, early termination fee, delivery date, and important notes regarding the contract, corresponding to the aforementioned service name. A means for automatically generating a quotation based on the aforementioned service name, quantity, and customer requirements, A means of displaying the aforementioned quotation on a terminal and prompting confirmation, Means for saving and transmitting the confirmed quotation, A system that includes this.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the automatic quotation generation means calculates the total amount based on the unit price and quantity of the list price.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the database includes fee items, fixed unit prices, quotation conditions, minimum contract period, early termination fee, delivery date, and notes corresponding to multiple services.

Images