Similar information presentation device, similar information presentation method, program

Abstract

To provide information processing equipment that facilitates smoother communication. [Solution] A proper noun is detected from the words spoken by the first person, attribute information of the second person is obtained, and features related to the proper noun are identified. Similar proper nouns are identified based on the attribute information of the second person and the features related to the proper noun, and the identified similar proper nouns are presented to the second person.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a similar information presentation device, a similar information presentation method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] With globalization, in an era when diverse communication is required, the opportunities for communicating with others who have different languages, cultural backgrounds, and knowledge backgrounds are increasing.

[0003] A technique for facilitating the above-described communication is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The technique of Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for selecting a predetermined object included in a question sentence selected by a user and providing information related to the selected predetermined object in association with information indicating the content of the question sentence.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] [[ID=38]] In the technology of an apparatus for assisting the above-described communication, a technique that makes communication smoother is desired.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a similar information presentation device, a similar information presentation method, and a program that solve the above problems. [[ID=45]]

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A similar information presentation device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: detection means for detecting a proper noun from words spoken by a first person; acquisition means for acquiring attribute information of a second person; first identification means for identifying features related to the proper noun; second identification means for identifying similar proper nouns based on the attribute information of the second person and the features related to the proper noun; and presentation means for presenting the identified similar proper nouns to the second person.

[0008] A similar information presentation system according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises: detection means for detecting a proper noun from words spoken by a first person; acquisition means for acquiring attribute information of a second person; first identification means for identifying features related to the proper noun; second identification means for identifying similar proper nouns based on the attribute information of the second person and the features related to the proper noun; and presentation means for presenting the identified similar proper nouns to the second person.

[0009] A similar information presentation method according to one aspect of this disclosure involves detecting a proper noun from words spoken by a first person, obtaining attribute information of a second person, identifying features related to the proper noun, identifying similar proper nouns based on the attribute information of the second person and the features related to the proper noun, and presenting the identified similar proper nouns to the second person.

[0010] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes the computer of a similar information presentation device to function as a detection means for detecting a proper noun from words spoken by a first person, an acquisition means for acquiring attribute information of a second person, a first identification means for identifying features related to the proper noun, a second identification means for identifying similar proper nouns based on the attribute information of the second person and the features related to the proper noun, and a presentation means for presenting the identified similar proper nouns to the second person. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one embodiment described above, an information processing device that facilitates smoother communication can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows the hardware configuration of a similar information presentation device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram of a similar information presentation device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is the first figure illustrating an example of communication according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows the processing flow of a similar information presentation device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a second figure illustrating an example of communication according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a third figure illustrating an example of communication according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 4 shows an example of communication according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is the fifth figure, illustrating an example of communication according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a functional block diagram of another example of a similar information presentation device in this disclosure. [Figure 11] This figure shows the processing flow of another example of a similar information presentation device of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows an example of an information processing system including a similar information presentation device as described herein. The information processing system 100 includes at least the similar information presentation device 10. The similar information presentation device 10 is communicatively connected to a plurality of terminal devices 20 and relays the transmission of communication information from one terminal device 20 to another terminal device 20. The communication information may be voice information or text information. When the communication information relayed by the similar information presentation device 10 from one terminal device 20 to another terminal device 20 includes voice information, the similar information presentation device 10 may have, for example, a control function for a video conference that relays voice and video between the terminal devices 20. Also, when the communication information relayed by the similar information presentation device 10 from one terminal device 20 to another terminal device 20 is text information, the similar information presentation device 10 may have the function of a text information relay server (message relay server). The similar information presentation device 10 may relay the transmission of communication information from one terminal device 20 to another terminal device 20 by other functions.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the similar information presentation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the similar information presentation device 10 is a computer including hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a storage device 104, and a communication module 105. Similarly, the terminal device 20 is also a computer including similar hardware.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the similar information presentation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the CPU 101 of the similar information presentation device 10 executes a program, the similar information presentation device 10 exhibits the functions of a control unit 11, a collection unit 12, a detection unit 13, a first specifying unit 14, an acquisition unit 15, a second specifying unit 16, and a presentation unit 17.

[0016] The control unit 11 controls each function of the similar information presentation device 10. The collection unit 12 collects the actual experience information of the person using the terminal device 20. The detection unit 13 detects proper nouns from the communication information transmitted by the first person using one terminal device 20. When the communication information is voice information, the detection unit 13 detects proper nouns from the voice information. When the communication information is text information, the detection unit 13 detects proper nouns from the text information.

[0017] The first specifying unit 14 specifies features related to the proper nouns detected by the detection unit 13. The acquisition unit 15 acquires the attribute information of the second person using the other terminal device 20. The second specifying unit 16 specifies similar proper nouns based on the attribute information of the second person and the features related to the proper nouns. The presentation unit 17 presents the specified similar proper nouns to the second person. The presentation unit 17 may present the similar proper nouns to the second person by display information or may present the similar proper nouns to the second person by voice information.

[0018] Then, the similar information presentation device 10 of the present disclosure detects proper nouns from the words uttered by the first person, acquires the attribute information of the second person, specifies features related to the proper nouns, specifies similar proper nouns based on the attribute information of the second person and the features related to the proper nouns, and presents the specified similar proper nouns to the second person. Thereby, the similar information presentation device 10 can smooth the communication between the first person using one terminal device 20 and the second person using the other terminal device 20.

[0019] With globalization, in an era when diverse communication is required, the opportunities for communication with people who have different languages, cultural backgrounds, and knowledge backgrounds are increasing. In such a situation, since the individual knowledge backgrounds of each person may be different, recognition discrepancies may occur for proper nouns, and smooth communication may not be possible. According to the processing of the similar information presentation device 10 of the present disclosure, such problems can be solved, and the communication between the first person using one terminal device 20 and the second person using the other terminal device 20 can be smoothed.

[0020] Figure 4 is the first diagram illustrating an example of communication in this disclosure. Figure 5 shows the processing flow of the similar information presentation device of this disclosure.

[0021] Next, the processing of the similar information presentation device 10 of this disclosure will be explained step by step. For example, in related technologies, a translation device relays the audio of a conversation between a first person and a second person, and translates the first language spoken by the first person into the second language spoken by the second person, outputting the translation result. In this case, if the second person has little knowledge of the proper nouns included in the translation result, there is a possibility that communication will not go smoothly. For example, suppose the first person says in their first language, "I work for XX company." In the region where the first language is spoken, the name of a well-known company, XX company, is included in the words spoken by the first person, but when that utterance is translated and presented, the second person may have little or no knowledge of the company name included in the translation result. Therefore, the similar information presentation device 10 of this disclosure performs the following processing.

[0022] First, the collection unit 12 of the similar information presentation device 10 collects real-life experience information of a person who will use the similar information presentation device 10 in advance. This real-life experience information may include place of residence, affiliated organization, purchase history, search history, travel history, and internet information activity history (chat history, SNS usage history, etc.). The collection unit 12 may communicate with multiple server devices that store this real-life experience information and obtain it in advance. This real-life experience information is an example of attribute information of a person who will use the similar information presentation device 10. The collection unit 12 stores the identifier of the person who will use the similar information presentation device 10 in association with the real-life experience information.

[0023] Furthermore, the similar information presentation device 10 acquires attribute information other than the personal experience information of the person using the similar information presentation device 10 in advance, links it to the person's identifier, and stores it in the attribute information storage table. Attribute information other than the personal experience information of the person includes age, gender, nationality, family structure, occupation, affiliated organization, educational background, and date of birth.

[0024] Hereafter, the terminal device 20 used by the first person will be referred to as the first terminal device 21, and the terminal device 20 used by the second person will be referred to as the second terminal device 22. The first person communicates using the first terminal device 21, and the second person communicates using the second terminal device 22, via the similar information presentation device 10. As an example, the first person and the second person conduct a video conference while the first terminal device 21 and the second terminal device 22 are connected. The similar information presentation device 10 receives video and audio information collected by the first terminal device 21 and the second terminal device 22 and relays it to the other.

[0025] At this time, the control unit 11 of the similar information presentation device 10 converts the first person's voice into text to generate a document (step S101). The control unit 11 outputs the generated document to the detection unit 13. The detection unit 13 detects proper nouns from the document (step S102). The proper noun detection method may involve comparing the document with dictionary data on proper nouns and detecting words included in the dictionary data as proper nouns, or it may involve inputting the document into a neural network using a proper noun identification model for identifying proper nouns and detecting the output information as proper nouns. The proper noun identification model may be a learned model obtained by learning many proper nouns. Alternatively, the detection unit 13 may use other known methods to detect proper nouns included in the document. If the document contains multiple proper nouns, the detection unit 13 may detect all of them. The detection unit 13 may choose not to detect proper nouns that belong to a predetermined classification. For example, if the document contains a proper noun that has been classified as a well-known proper noun, the detection unit 13 may choose not to detect that proper noun. Furthermore, if the text contains multiple proper nouns, the detection unit 13 may detect a predetermined number of proper nouns in order of priority. The detection unit 13 outputs the detected proper nouns to the first identification unit 14. The detection unit 13 also instructs the acquisition unit 15 to acquire attribute information of the second person.

[0026] The first identification unit 14 identifies features related to the proper noun (step S103). For example, the similar information presentation device 10 stores a feature table that links proper nouns with feature information. The first identification unit 14 identifies the feature information corresponding to the proper noun from the feature table. For example, if the proper noun is a company name, and the feature table records the characteristics of the products sold in association with the company name, the company size (sales, etc.), the date of establishment, etc., then the first identification unit 14 identifies at least one of the feature information items—product characteristics, company size, and date of establishment—that is associated with the company name of the proper noun. The first identification unit 14 may also input the company name into a neural network using a feature extraction model generated by machine learning, and identify one or more feature information items obtained as a result. The feature extraction model may be, for example, a learning model obtained by machine learning a large number of relationships between proper nouns and the features related to those proper nouns.

[0027] The acquisition unit 15 acquires attribute information of the second person based on the instructions of the detection unit 13 (step S104). At this time, the acquisition unit 15 may acquire attribute information of the second person related to the characteristics of the proper noun identified by the first identification unit 14. For example, suppose that the relationship between the characteristics of the proper noun and the attribute information to be acquired for those characteristics is recorded in advance in the attribute identification table. The acquisition unit 15 identifies the attribute information recorded in the attribute identification table linked to the characteristics of the proper noun and determines whether that attribute information has been acquired for the second person. If that attribute information has been acquired for the second person, it reads that attribute information for the second person from the attribute information storage table. As an example, suppose that the characteristic of the proper noun is "product characteristics," and that "affiliated organization" is recorded in the attribute identification table linked to those "product characteristics," and that the name of the company to which the second person belongs and the industry of that company are recorded as the affiliated organization. In this case, the acquisition unit 15 acquires the company name and industry as attribute information of the second person. The acquisition unit 15 outputs the attribute information of the second person to the second identification unit 16.

[0028] The acquisition unit 15 may acquire attribute information of the second person by other means. For example, the attribute information of the second person may have a priority order recorded, and a predetermined number of attribute information with a high priority order may be acquired. The acquisition unit 15 may use any acquisition method as long as it acquires the attribute information of the second person according to a predetermined algorithm.

[0029] The second identification unit 16 obtains features related to the proper noun identified by the first identification unit 14 and attribute information of the second person. The second identification unit 16 identifies similar proper nouns that are similar to the proper noun based on the features of the proper noun. Alternatively, the second identification unit 16 identifies similar proper nouns that are similar to the proper noun based on the features of the proper noun and the attribute information of the second person (step S105).

[0030] When identifying similar proper nouns based on the characteristics of a proper noun, the second identification unit 16 identifies similar proper nouns that are well-known and related to the characteristics indicated by the proper noun. Specifically, if the proper noun is Company XX and its characteristic is "product characteristics," the second identification unit 16 identifies similar proper nouns that are well-known globally for having good "product characteristics." For example, it identifies other company names (Company YY) that are well-known globally for manufacturing products with good "product characteristics." When identifying similar proper nouns based on the characteristics of a proper noun, the acquisition unit 15 does not need to acquire attribute information of a second person during processing by the similar information presentation device 10. Also, similar proper nouns that are well-known for having good "product characteristics" may be stored in advance by the similar information presentation device 10 for each characteristic.

[0031] When identifying similar proper nouns based on the characteristics of a proper noun and the attribute information of a second person, the second identification unit 16 identifies, for example, highly recognizable similar proper nouns that are related to the characteristics indicated by the proper noun and related to the attributes of the second person. Specifically, if the proper noun is XX Company and its characteristic is "product characteristics," the second identification unit 16 identifies the name of a company that manufactures products with good "product characteristics" and belongs to the industry of the company to which the second person belongs, and that manufactures products with good "product characteristics."

[0032] The second identification unit 16 may identify similar proper nouns in any way based on the proper noun, or the combination of the proper noun and the attribute information of the second person. For example, the proper noun, or the combination of the proper noun and the attribute information of the second person, may be input to a neural network using a similar proper noun identification model, and the similar proper nouns output as a result may be identified. The similar proper noun identification model may be a learned model obtained by machine learning a large number of relationships between proper nouns and similar proper nouns, or relationships between combinations of proper nouns and the attribute information of the second person and similar proper nouns.

[0033] The second identification unit 16 outputs to the combination presentation unit 17 of proper nouns and similar proper nouns. The presentation unit 17 generates presentation information based on the combination of proper nouns and similar proper nouns and outputs it to a predetermined output destination (step S106). The presentation information is information that includes proper nouns and similar proper nouns. Specifically, the presentation information may be a sentence that explains the relationship between the proper noun and the similar proper noun. For example, if the proper noun is XX Company and the similar proper noun is the well-known △△ Company, the presentation unit 17 generates and outputs a sentence such as "There is a company like △△ Company that is related to XX Company" as presentation information.

[0034] The presentation unit 17 may obtain proper nouns and features related to proper nouns from the first identification unit 14, and generate presentation information based on the combination of proper nouns and similar proper nouns, the features related to the proper nouns used to identify the similar proper nouns, and the attributes of the second person. Specifically, the presentation information may be a sentence that explains the relationship between the proper noun and similar proper nouns based on the features related to the proper nouns and the attributes of the second person. For example, if the proper noun is XX Company and the similar proper noun is the well-known △△ Company, the presentation unit 17 may generate and output a sentence as presentation information such as, "XX Company is a company that provides products with good 'product characteristics' like △△ Company, and belongs to industry AA of the company to which the second person belongs."

[0035] The presentation unit 17 may generate presentation information using a presentation information generation model, such as combinations of proper nouns and similar proper nouns, combinations of proper nouns, similar proper nouns and features related to proper nouns, combinations of proper nouns, similar proper nouns and features related to proper nouns and attribute information of a second person. For example, the presentation unit 17 inputs combinations of proper nouns and similar proper nouns, or combinations of proper nouns, similar proper nouns and features related to proper nouns, or combinations of proper nouns, similar proper nouns and features related to proper nouns and attribute information of a second person into a neural network using a presentation information generation model, and outputs the resulting text as presentation information.

[0036] The output destination for the presented information may be the display of the second terminal device 22 used by the second person, if the first person and the second person are having a video conference.

[0037] If the similar information presentation device 10 identifies multiple proper nouns from the text in step S102, it similarly identifies similar proper nouns for each of those proper nouns, generates corresponding presentation information, and outputs it to the second terminal device 22. The similar information presentation device 10 repeatedly converts the first person's voice into text to generate text, and performs the same processing as above for each text. The similar information presentation device 10 may also repeatedly convert the second person's voice into text to generate text, and perform the same processing as above for each text, and output the presentation information to the first terminal device 21 used by the first person.

[0038] The processing performed by this similar information presentation device 10 resolves the problem of misunderstandings regarding proper nouns between the first and second individuals, which can hinder smooth communication, thereby facilitating smoother communication.

[0039] The upper part of Figure 4 shows an example of Information 1 when the second person belongs to a company in the home appliance industry. Information 1 is a sentence generated using the well-known home appliance company, XX, as a similar proper noun, such as "XX Company; a company that provides high-quality products like XX Home Appliance Company." Furthermore, the middle section of Figure 4 shows an example of Information 2 when the second person belongs to a company included in the beverage industry. Information 2 is a sentence generated using the well-known △△ Beverage Company, to which the second person belongs, as a similar proper noun, such as "○○ Company; a company that provides high-quality products like △△ Beverage Company." Furthermore, the lower part of Figure 4 shows an example of Information 3 when the second person belongs to a company included in the automotive industry. Information 3 is a sentence generated using the well-known □□ Automobile Company, to which the second person belongs, as a similar proper noun, such as "○○ Company; a company that provides high-quality products like □□ Automobile Company."

[0040] Figure 6 is a second diagram illustrating an example of communication in this disclosure. The similar information presentation device 10 may collect information about the second person's real-life experiences as attribute information of the second person, and identify similar proper nouns related to the real-life experience information.

[0041] As described above, the collection unit 12 of the similar information presentation device 10 has previously collected real-life experience information of a person using the similar information presentation device 10. Therefore, in step S105 described above, the second identification unit 16 acquires real-life experience information of a second person. Also, in step S106 described above, the second identification unit 16 identifies similar proper nouns that are similar to the proper noun based on the characteristics of the proper noun and attribute information including the real-life experience information of the second person.

[0042] For example, suppose that as a result of processing steps S101 to S105 described above, multiple similar proper nouns are obtained. The second identification unit 16 identifies the information contained in the real-life experience information as a similar proper noun from among these multiple similar proper nouns.

[0043] More specifically, if the conversation of the first person includes an American city as a proper noun, then the second identification unit 16 identifies several Japanese cities, such as Tottori City and Hamamatsu City, based on the characteristics of that American city. If, among the several Japanese cities, the name of Tottori City, which the second person has actually visited, is included in the information about that experience, then the second identification unit 16 identifies Tottori City as a similar proper noun.

[0044] Figure 6 shows an example where the similar information presentation device 10 collects real-life experience information indicating that the second person has been to Tottori. When the first person says, "I have been to XX (an American city)," the presented information is a sentence generated with the Japanese city the second person has visited as a similar proper noun, such as "XX (an American city); a city with a population similar to Tottori City." Note that the example shown in Figure 6 is an example where XX (an American city) is used as a proper noun, and the population of that American city is used as a feature, and the second identification unit 16 identifies one city based on real-life experience information from multiple candidate similar proper nouns identified based on that population (feature) and the attributes of the second person (place of residence, nationality, language).

[0045] Figure 7 is a third diagram illustrating an example of communication in this disclosure. The similar information presentation device 10 may identify similar proper nouns based on multiple attribute information about one or more second persons.

[0046] In this case, in step S104 described above, the acquisition unit 15 acquires multiple attribute information about one or more second persons based on the instructions of the detection unit 13. The second identification unit 16 then acquires features related to the proper noun identified by the first identification unit 14 and multiple attribute information about one or more second persons. In step S105, the second identification unit 16 identifies similar proper nouns that are similar to the proper noun based on the features of the proper noun and the multiple attribute information about one or more second persons.

[0047] More specifically, if the conversation of the first person includes an American city as a proper noun, the second identification unit 16 identifies a similar proper noun based on the characteristics of that American city, using multiple attributes of one second person ("(Nationality: Japan) / (Hobby: Baseball)") or multiple attributes of multiple second people ("Attributes of the first second person: Nationality / Japan", "Attributes of the second second person: Hobby / Baseball"). If the city "Yokohama" is common to multiple attributes, the second identification unit 16 identifies Yokohama as a similar proper noun.

[0048] In addition to identifying similar proper nouns common to multiple attributes, the second identification unit 16 may also identify similar proper nouns included in a large number of attributes, such as a predetermined number of attributes or more, or it may identify similar proper nouns included in multiple attributes selected based on high-priority attributes (for example, attributes set based on real-world experience information).

[0049] Figure 7 shows an example where the attributes of the second person are identified as (Nationality: Japan) / (Hobby: Baseball). When the first person says, "I have been to XX (an American city)," the generated information is a sentence that includes similar proper nouns identified based on multiple attributes of the second person, such as "XX (an American city); a tourist destination with an attractive natural environment like Yokohama." The example shown in Figure 6 is an example where XX (an American city) is used as a proper noun, and the geographical characteristics of that American city (the condition that it has an attractive natural environment) are used as features, and the second identification unit 16 identifies similar proper nouns based on those geographical characteristics (features) and multiple attributes of the second person (nationality and hobbies).

[0050] Figure 8 is the fourth figure illustrating an example of communication in this disclosure. In the similar information presentation device 10, the first identification unit 14 may identify multiple features related to a proper noun, and the second identification unit 16 may output presentation information containing multiple similar proper nouns identified based on these multiple features to an output destination.

[0051] In this case, in step S103 described above, the first identification unit 14 identifies multiple features related to the proper noun. For example, the first identification unit 14 may randomly identify a predetermined number of feature information from among multiple features associated with the company name of the proper noun. The first identification unit 14 may also input the proper noun into a neural network using a feature extraction model generated by machine learning and identify multiple feature information obtained as a result.

[0052] Furthermore, after identifying multiple features related to a proper noun, the first identification unit 14 may select one or more features from among those features based on some criteria (for example, attributes or pre-set information). For example, if the first identification unit 14 lists population, geographical features, and economic features as regional features, and the user is not interested in the population of even a town they know, the first identification unit 14 may exclude population, one of the features, from the features and select several other features.

[0053] Specifically, suppose the conversation of the first person includes a proper noun referring to an American city, and two characteristics of that American city are identified: "population" and "geographical features." In this case, in step S105, the second identification unit 16 uses the first characteristic "population" of the American city to identify the first similar proper noun "Tottori City," and uses the first characteristic "geographical features" of the American city to identify the second similar proper noun "Yokohama City." The presentation information is then generated using these multiple similar proper nouns.

[0054] Figure 8 shows an example where a specific American city is mentioned as a proper noun in the conversation of the first person, and two characteristics of that American city are identified: "population" and "geographical features." When the first person says, "I've been to XX (an American city)," the presented information is an example of identifying multiple similar proper nouns based on the characteristics of multiple proper nouns, such as "XX (an American city); a city with a population similar to Tottori City, and an attractive tourist destination with a natural environment like Yokohama City."

[0055] Figure 9 is the fifth figure illustrating an example of communication in this disclosure. In the similarity information presentation device 10, when the second identification unit 16 identifies multiple similar proper nouns, presentation information showing the relationship between the proper noun and the multiple similar proper nouns may be presented based on the characteristics of the proper nouns.

[0056] In this case, in step S105, the second identification unit 16 identifies multiple similar proper nouns that are similar to the proper noun based on the characteristics of the proper noun. Alternatively, the second identification unit 16 identifies multiple similar proper nouns that are similar to the proper noun based on the characteristics of the proper noun and the attribute information of the second person.

[0057] More specifically, suppose the conversation of the first person includes a certain American city as a proper noun, and "population" is identified as a characteristic of that American city. In this case, in step S105, the second identification unit 16 uses the first characteristic "population" of the American city to identify the first similar proper noun "Tottori City" and the second similar proper noun "Kochi City". The presentation information is then generated using these multiple similar proper nouns.

[0058] Figure 9 shows an example where a specific American city is mentioned as a proper noun in the first person's conversation, and the characteristic of "population" is identified as a feature of that American city. When the first person says, "I have been to XX (an American city)," the presentation unit 17 generates and outputs presentation information showing the relationship between the proper noun and several similar proper nouns, such as "XX (an American city); a city with a population larger than Tottori City and smaller than Kochi City."

[0059] The similar information presentation device 10 of this disclosure has been described above. According to the processing described above, the similar information presentation device 10 can resolve the problem of misrecognition of proper nouns included in communication between people, which can hinder smooth communication, and thereby facilitate communication.

[0060] In the example described above, proper nouns are detected by converting a person's speech into text. However, the similar information presentation device 10 may also detect proper nouns contained in a message, identify corresponding similar proper nouns, and use those similar proper nouns to generate presentation information and present it to other people.

[0061] Furthermore, the above example describes a case where the similar information presentation device 10 is a relay server that relays communication information from the terminal device 20. However, the terminal device 20 itself may be the similar information presentation device 10. In this case, the terminal device 20 detects proper nouns contained in the voice or message acquired from the other terminal device 20 and performs the same processing as the similar information presentation device 10, as described above. Alternatively, the terminal device 20 and the similar information presentation device 10 shown in Figure 1 may perform some of the functions shown in Figure 3, and work together to identify proper nouns and similar proper nouns based on the same procedures as described above, generate presentation information, and output it to a predetermined output destination.

[0062] Figure 10 is a functional block diagram of another example of a similar information presentation device. Figure 11 shows the processing flow of another example of a similar information presentation device. The similar information presentation device 10 performs at least the functions of a detection means 31, a first identification means 32, an acquisition means 33, a second identification means 34, and a presentation means 35. The detection means 31 detects proper nouns from the information obtained from the first person (step S201). The first identification means 32 identifies features associated with the proper noun (step S203). Acquisition means 33 acquires attribute information of the second person (step S202). The second identification means 34 identifies similar proper nouns based on the attribute information of the second person and the features associated with the proper noun (step S204). The presentation means 35 presents the identified similar proper noun to the second person (step S205).

[0063] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure may be made that can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0064] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following:

[0065] (Note 1) A detection method for detecting proper nouns from words spoken by the first person, A means of obtaining attribute information of a second person, A first identification means for identifying features related to the aforementioned proper noun, A second identification means for identifying similar proper nouns based on the attribute information of the second person and the characteristics related to the proper noun, A presentation means for presenting the identified similar proper noun to the second person, A similar information presentation device equipped with the following features.

[0066] (Note 2) The second identification means identifies, based on the attribute information of the second person and the characteristics associated with the proper noun, a proper noun that is related to the attributes of the second person, which are different from the attributes of the first person, and that have characteristics related to the proper noun, as the similar proper noun. The similar information presentation device described in Appendix 1.

[0067] (Note 3) The system further includes means for collecting information on the real-life experiences of the second person as attribute information of the second person, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun related to the actual experience information from among a plurality of similar proper nouns. A similar information presentation device as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0068] (Note 4) The system further includes means for collecting information on the real-life experiences of the second person as attribute information of the second person, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun based on the second person's real-life experience information as attribute information and the characteristics related to the proper noun. A similar information presentation device as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0069] (Note 5) The acquisition means acquires multiple pieces of attribute information of the second person, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun for each of the multiple attribute information items, and identifies the similar proper noun to be presented based on the similar proper noun for each of the identified attribute information items. A similar information presentation device as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 4.

[0070] (Note 6) The acquisition means acquires attribute information of each of the multiple second persons, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun for each of the attribute information of the multiple second persons, and identifies the similar proper noun to present based on the similar proper noun for each of the identified attribute information. A similar information presentation device as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 5.

[0071] (Note 7) The first identification means identifies a plurality of features related to the proper noun, The second identification means identifies similar proper nouns for each characteristic based on the attribute information of the second person and a plurality of characteristics related to the proper noun, The presentation means presents similar proper nouns for each of the features. A similar information presentation device as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 6.

[0072] (Note 8) The second identification means identifies a plurality of similar proper nouns whose characteristics are similar based on the characteristics related to the proper noun, The presentation means generates and outputs presentation information showing the relationship between the characteristics of multiple similar proper nouns whose characteristics are similar and the characteristics of the proper noun. A similar information presentation device as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 7.

[0073] (Note 9) The presentation means generates the presentation information based on the proper noun, the features associated with the proper noun, and the similar proper nouns. The similar information presentation device described in Appendix 8.

[0074] (Note 10) A detection method for detecting proper nouns from words spoken by the first person, A means of obtaining attribute information of a second person, A first identification means for identifying features related to the aforementioned proper noun, A second identification means for identifying similar proper nouns based on the attribute information of the second person and the characteristics related to the proper noun, A presentation means for presenting the identified similar proper noun to the second person, A similar information presentation system equipped with the following features.

[0075] (Note 11) The second identification means identifies, based on the attribute information of the second person and the characteristics associated with the proper noun, a proper noun that is related to the attributes of the second person, which are different from the attributes of the first person, and that have characteristics related to the proper noun, as the similar proper noun. The similar information presentation system described in Appendix 10.

[0076] (Note 12) The system further includes means for collecting information on the real-life experiences of the second person as attribute information of the second person, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun related to the actual experience information from among a plurality of similar proper nouns. The similar information presentation system described in Appendix 10 or Appendix 11.

[0077] (Note 13) The system further includes means for collecting information on the real-life experiences of the second person as attribute information of the second person, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun based on the second person's real-life experience information as attribute information and the characteristics related to the proper noun. The similar information presentation system described in Appendix 10 or Appendix 11.

[0078] (Note 14) The acquisition means acquires multiple pieces of attribute information of the second person, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun for each of the multiple attribute information items, and identifies the similar proper noun to be presented based on the similar proper noun for each of the identified attribute information items. A similar information presentation system described in any one of the appendices 10 to 13.

[0079] (Note 15) The acquisition means acquires attribute information of each of the multiple second persons, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun for each of the attribute information of the multiple second persons, and identifies the similar proper noun to present based on the similar proper noun for each of the identified attribute information. A similar information presentation system described in any one of the appendices 10 to 14.

[0080] (Note 16) The first identification means identifies a plurality of features related to the proper noun, The second identification means identifies similar proper nouns for each characteristic based on the attribute information of the second person and a plurality of characteristics related to the proper noun, The presentation means presents similar proper nouns for each of the features. A similar information presentation system described in any one of the appendices 10 to 15.

[0081] (Note 17) The second identification means identifies a plurality of similar proper nouns whose characteristics are similar based on the characteristics related to the proper noun, The presentation means generates and outputs presentation information showing the relationship between the characteristics of multiple similar proper nouns whose characteristics are similar and the characteristics of the proper noun. A similar information presentation system described in any one of the appendices 10 to 16.

[0082] (Note 18) The presentation means generates the presentation information based on the proper noun, the features associated with the proper noun, and the similar proper nouns. The similar information presentation system described in Appendix 17.

[0083] (Note 19) Detect proper nouns from the words spoken by the first person, Obtain attribute information of the second person, Identify the characteristics related to the aforementioned proper noun, Similar proper nouns are identified based on the attribute information of the second person and the characteristics related to the proper noun. The identified similar proper noun is presented to the second person. Similar information presentation method.

[0084] (Note 20) The second identification means identifies, based on the attribute information of the second person and the characteristics associated with the proper noun, a proper noun that is related to the attributes of the second person, which are different from the attributes of the first person, and that have characteristics related to the proper noun, as the similar proper noun. The method of presenting similar information as described in Appendix 19.

[0085] (Note 21) The system further includes means for collecting information on the real-life experiences of the second person as attribute information of the second person, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun related to the actual experience information from among a plurality of similar proper nouns. The method of presenting similar information as described in Appendix 19 or Appendix 20.

[0086] (Note 22) The system further includes means for collecting information on the real-life experiences of the second person as attribute information of the second person, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun based on the second person's real-life experience information as attribute information and the characteristics related to the proper noun. The method of presenting similar information as described in Appendix 19 or Appendix 20.

[0087] (Note 23) The acquisition means acquires multiple pieces of attribute information of the second person, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun for each of the multiple attribute information items, and identifies the similar proper noun to be presented based on the similar proper noun for each of the identified attribute information items. A method of presenting similar information as described in any one of the appendices 19 to 22.

[0088] (Note 24) The acquisition means acquires attribute information of each of the multiple second persons, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun for each of the attribute information of the multiple second persons, and identifies the similar proper noun to present based on the similar proper noun for each of the identified attribute information. A method of presenting similar information as described in any one of the appendices 19 to 23.

[0089] (Note 25) The first identification means identifies a plurality of features related to the proper noun, The second identification means identifies similar proper nouns for each characteristic based on the attribute information of the second person and a plurality of characteristics related to the proper noun, The presentation means presents similar proper nouns for each of the features. A method of presenting similar information as described in any one of the appendices 19 to 24.

[0090] (Note 26) The second identification means identifies a plurality of similar proper nouns whose characteristics are similar based on the characteristics related to the proper noun, The presentation means generates and outputs presentation information showing the relationship between the characteristics of multiple similar proper nouns whose characteristics are similar and the characteristics of the proper noun. A method of presenting similar information as described in any one of the appendices 19 to 25.

[0091] (Note 27) The presentation means generates the presentation information based on the proper noun, the features associated with the proper noun, and the similar proper nouns. The method of presenting similar information as described in Appendix 26.

[0092] (Note 28) The computer of the similar information presentation device, A detection method for detecting proper nouns from words spoken by the first person. A means of obtaining attribute information of a second person. A first identification means for identifying features related to the aforementioned proper noun, A second identification means for identifying similar proper nouns based on the attribute information of the second person and the characteristics related to the proper noun, A presentation means for presenting the identified similar proper noun to the second person, A program that makes it function as such.

[0093] (Note 29) The second identification means identifies, based on the attribute information of the second person and the characteristics associated with the proper noun, a proper noun that is related to the attributes of the second person, which are different from the attributes of the first person, and that have characteristics related to the proper noun, as the similar proper noun. The program described in Appendix 28.

[0094] (Note 30) The system further includes means for collecting information on the real-life experiences of the second person as attribute information of the second person, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun related to the actual experience information from among a plurality of similar proper nouns. The program described in Appendix 28 or Appendix 29.

[0095] (Note 31) The system further includes means for collecting information on the real-life experiences of the second person as attribute information of the second person, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun based on the second person's real-life experience information as attribute information and the characteristics related to the proper noun. The program described in Appendix 28 or Appendix 29.

[0096] (Note 32) The acquisition means acquires multiple pieces of attribute information of the second person, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun for each of the multiple attribute information items, and identifies the similar proper noun to be presented based on the similar proper noun for each of the identified attribute information items. The program described in any one of the appendices 28 to 31.

[0097] (Note 33) The acquisition means acquires attribute information of each of the multiple second persons, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun for each of the attribute information of the multiple second persons, and identifies the similar proper noun to present based on the similar proper noun for each of the identified attribute information. The program described in any one of the appendices 28 to 32.

[0098] (Note 34) The first identification means identifies a plurality of features related to the proper noun, The second identification means identifies similar proper nouns for each characteristic based on the attribute information of the second person and a plurality of characteristics related to the proper noun, The presentation means presents similar proper nouns for each of the features. The program described in any one of the appendices 28 through 33.

[0099] (Note 35) The second identification means identifies a plurality of similar proper nouns whose characteristics are similar based on the characteristics related to the proper noun, The presentation means generates and outputs presentation information showing the relationship between the characteristics of multiple similar proper nouns whose characteristics are similar and the characteristics of the proper noun. The program described in any one of the appendices 28 to 34.

[0100] (Note 36) The presentation means generates the presentation information based on the proper noun, the features associated with the proper noun, and the similar proper nouns. The program described in Appendix 35. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 10...Similar information presentation device 20. Terminal device 11. Control Unit 12. Collection Department 13. Detection unit (detection means 31) 14...First identification part (first identification means 33) 15... Acquisition unit (acquisition means 32) 16...Second identification part (second identification means 34) 17...Presentation unit (presentation means 35)

Claims

1. A detection method for detecting proper nouns from words spoken by the first person, A means of obtaining attribute information of a second person, A first identification means for identifying features related to the aforementioned proper noun, A second identification means for identifying similar proper nouns based on the attribute information of the second person and the characteristics related to the proper noun, A presentation means for presenting the identified similar proper noun to the second person, A similar information presentation device equipped with the following features.

2. The second identification means identifies, based on the attribute information of the second person and the characteristics associated with the proper noun, a proper noun that is related to the attributes of the second person, which are different from the attributes of the first person, and that have characteristics related to the proper noun, as the similar proper noun. The similar information presentation device according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes means for collecting information on the real-life experiences of the second person as attribute information of the second person, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun related to the actual experience information from among a plurality of similar proper nouns. The similar information presentation device according to claim 1.

4. The system further includes means for collecting information on the real-life experiences of the second person as attribute information of the second person, The second identification means identifies similar proper nouns based on the second person's real-life experience information as attribute information and the characteristics associated with the proper noun. The similar information presentation device according to claim 1.

5. The acquisition means acquires multiple pieces of attribute information of the second person, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun for each of the multiple attribute information items, and identifies the similar proper noun to be presented based on the similar proper noun for each of the identified attribute information items. The similar information presentation device according to claim 1.

6. The acquisition means acquires attribute information of each of the multiple second persons, The second identification means identifies the similar proper noun for each of the attribute information of the multiple second persons, and identifies the similar proper noun to present based on the similar proper noun for each of the identified attribute information. The similar information presentation device according to claim 1.

7. The first identification means identifies a plurality of features related to the proper noun, The second identification means identifies similar proper nouns for each characteristic based on the attribute information of the second person and a plurality of characteristics related to the proper noun, The presentation means presents similar proper nouns for each of the features. The similar information presentation device according to claim 1.

8. The second identification means identifies a plurality of similar proper nouns whose characteristics are similar based on the characteristics related to the proper noun, The presentation means generates and outputs presentation information showing the relationship between the characteristics of multiple similar proper nouns whose characteristics are similar and the characteristics of the proper noun. The similar information presentation device according to claim 1.

9. Detect proper nouns from the words spoken by the first person, Obtain attribute information of the second person, Identify the characteristics related to the aforementioned proper noun, Similar proper nouns are identified based on the attribute information of the second person and the characteristics related to the proper noun. The identified similar proper noun is presented to the second person. Similar information presentation method.

10. The computer of the similar information presentation device, A detection method for detecting proper nouns from words spoken by the first person. A means of obtaining attribute information of a second person. A first identification means for identifying features related to the aforementioned proper noun, A second identification means for identifying similar proper nouns based on the attribute information of the second person and the characteristics related to the proper noun, A presentation means for presenting the identified similar proper noun to the second person, A program that makes it function as such.

Images