Cushion unit, management computer and output audio providing method

Abstract

To measure the magnitude, frequency, contact location and change pattern of pressure applied by a user when touching a cushion, and provide a cushion unit with output sound corresponding to the content thereof.SOLUTION: In a sound output system 20, a cushion unit 60 comprising a cushion 110 that a user touches and a user terminal 100 that can be operated by the user and communicate with a management server 120, has a plurality of sensors disposed in the cushion 110 to acquire pressure data, and a speaker 32 that outputs sound when the user touches the cushion 110. The user terminal 100 performs first processing to transmit to the management server 120 cushion information including the pressure data acquired by the plurality of sensors, second processing to acquire, after the first processing, different sound data corresponding to the content of the pressure data, from the management server 120, and third processing to output sound corresponding to the sound data acquired by the second processing, from the speaker 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cushion unit that outputs sound in response to a user's contact, a management computer, and a method for providing output sound. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, cushions that users use to relieve stress are known, but it has not been possible to output sound from the cushion according to the amount of pressure, number of times, contact point, or change pattern applied by the user when contacting the cushion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-093801 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sound output toy that allows a child to naturally train their lifestyle habits while playing.

[0005] The inventors of the present application recognized a problem in that the cushion described in Patent Document 1 is not intended to be a cushion that measures the amount of pressure, number of times, contact point, and change pattern applied by a user when they contact the cushion, and provides output sound according to the content.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a cushion unit, a management computer, and an output sound providing method that are capable of measuring the amount of pressure, number of times, contact point, and pattern of changes applied by a user when contacting a cushion, and providing output sound to the cushion unit in accordance with the content. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A brief outline of a representative embodiment disclosed in this embodiment is as follows: This embodiment discloses a cushion unit including a cushion that a user contacts and a user terminal that is operated by the user and capable of communicating with a management computer, the cushion unit having a plurality of sensors that are provided on the cushion and acquire pressure data generated by the user's contact, and a speaker that outputs sound when the user contacts the cushion, the user terminal executing a first process of transmitting cushion information including the pressure data acquired by the plurality of sensors to the management computer, a second process of acquiring different sound data corresponding to the contents of the pressure data from the management computer after the first process, and a third process of outputting sound corresponding to the sound data acquired in the second process from the speaker. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the magnitude, frequency, contact location, and change pattern of pressure applied by the user when contacting the cushion can be measured, and an output sound according to the content can be provided to the cushion unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a configuration example of a management server in a voice output system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a user terminal and a related party terminal in the voice output system. [Diagram 2] 11 is a diagram showing an overview of user information stored in a user information storage unit and cushion information stored in a cushion information storage unit of a management server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of pressure data included in cushion information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]1 is a diagram showing the relationship between a user terminal, a cushion, and a management server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and an overview of the cushion. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an entire process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating an overview of a user information acquisition process and a user information storage process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an overview of a cushion information acquisition process and a cushion information storage process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of activity counts according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an activity frequency calculation process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of product data according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of audio data according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10C] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of audio data according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an output voice generation process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an output voice providing process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overview of a product screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overview of a product screen generation process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overview of a product screen providing process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a cushion unit, a management computer, and an output sound providing method executed by the management computer are disclosed. Note that this is merely an example, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, in all the drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same parts are generally given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0011] <System configuration> FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a management server 120 in a voice output system 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1A, the voice output system 20 according to the present disclosure includes a user terminal 100, a cushion 110 linked to the user terminal 100, a management server 120 connected to the user terminal 100 via a network 21, and a related person terminal 22 connected to the management server 120 via the network 21. The user terminal 100 and the cushion 110 constitute a cushion unit 60. The user terminal 100 and the cushion 110 are used by the same user. The related person terminal 22 is used by a related person of the user, for example, a grandchild, a lover, an acquaintance, etc. For convenience, the residence of the related person of the user is assumed to be different from the residence of the user.

[0012] The management server 120 includes a main body (casing), a processor 23, a main memory 24, an auxiliary memory 25, a communication interface 26, and the like. The processor 23 is provided inside the main body, and is configured by a central processing unit (CPU (Central Processing Unit)) in which an arithmetic device (arithmetic circuit) and a control device (control circuit) are integrated. The processor 23 is communicatively connected to the main memory 24, the auxiliary memory 25, the communication interface 26, and the like via a bus 70. The processor 23 comprehensively controls other devices and circuits provided inside the main body, and devices and circuits provided outside the main body. The processor 23 processes acquired information. Information includes data, and processing includes calculation, judgment, comparison, control, and the like. Processing executed by the processor 23 includes processing to read information from the auxiliary memory 25, processing and judgment of information acquired from the outside via the network 21, and adding, changing, updating, and the like of information stored in the auxiliary memory 25.

[0013] The main memory 24 is a volatile storage device, and functions as a work area and a buffer area when the processor 23 executes processing. The auxiliary memory 25 is a non-volatile storage device, that is, a non-transient storage medium. Non-transient applications are stored in the auxiliary memory 25. The applications include programs, setting files, files for storing data, various libraries, etc. The processor 23 runs the non-transient applications to execute various processes. Furthermore, the auxiliary memory 25 stores information and various data to be processed by the processor 23.

[0014] The auxiliary memory 25 has a larger capacity than the main memory 24, and operates according to input instructions and output instructions from the processor 23. The auxiliary memory 25 includes, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a flash memory, etc. An example of a magnetic disk is a hard disk drive, and an example of an optical disk is a compact disk, a digital video disk, a Blu-ray disk, etc. A flash memory is a type of semiconductor memory, and examples of the flash memory include an SD memory card, a USB flash drive, a solid state drive, etc.

[0015] The communication interface 26 includes devices, equipment, and standards for connecting the management server 120 to the network 21 via at least one of a wireless communication system and a wired communication system. The devices and equipment for connecting the management server 120 to the network 21 include a communication circuit, a communication cable, an antenna, a router, and the like.

[0016] By running applications, the processor 23 is configured to function as an activity level calculation unit 140, an output audio generation unit 150, an output audio provision unit 160, a product screen generation unit 170, a product screen provision unit 180, and a website provision unit 190.

[0017] The activity frequency calculation unit 140 extracts the number of contacts and the contact location coefficient from the pressure data 300 included in the cushion information 210 acquired from the user terminal 100, determines the pattern of the user's touch based on the contents of the pressure change information 310 in the pressure data 300, and determines the point coefficient by calculating the activity frequency 800 based on the number of contacts, the contact location coefficient, and the point coefficient. Details of the activity frequency 800 and the activity frequency calculation process will be described later with reference to Figs. 8 and 9.

[0018] The output audio generation unit 150 obtains product data 1000 corresponding to the contents of the registered product included in the cushion information 210 from the product data storage unit 133, refers to the contents of the product data 1000 to identify the point coefficient of the corresponding product, applies it to the activity level 800 to update the contents, obtains audio data 1100 corresponding to the product data 1000 from the audio data storage unit 134, and generates corresponding output audio 1200 by extracting it from the audio data 1100 by referring to the contents of the accumulated activity points 230 included in the cushion information 210 and the contents of the updated activity level 800.

[0019] Furthermore, the output sound generating unit 150 executes a process of generating sound data to be provided to the user terminal 100 in accordance with the way the cushion 110 is touched. The output sound generating unit 150 generates sound data to be provided to the user terminal 100 based on the way the cushion 110 is touched and the output sound 1200 stored in the sound data storage unit 134. The product data 1000, the sound data 1100, the output sound 1200, and the output sound generation process will be described later with reference to Figs. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 11.

[0020] The output voice providing unit 160 provides the generated output voice 1200 to the cushion 110 and the user terminal 100 linked and connected to the cushion 110. The output voice providing process will be described later with reference to Fig. 12. The product screen generating unit 170 generates a product screen 1300 based on the product data 1000 extracted by referring to the contents of the accumulated activity points 230 included in the user information 200 and the cushion information 210. Details of the product screen 1300 and the product screen generating process will be described later with reference to Figs. 13 and 14.

[0021] When receiving a request to acquire the product screen 1300 from the user terminal 100, the product screen providing unit 180 provides the generated product screen 1300. Details of the product screen providing process will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0022] The website providing unit 190 executes a process of managing and operating the website provided by the management server 120 to the network 21. The website sells products, accepts registrations of voice to be provided to the cushion unit 60, and the like. The auxiliary memory 25 includes a user information storage unit 130, a cushion information storage unit 131, an activity frequency storage unit 132, a product data storage unit 133, and a voice data storage unit 134. The user information storage unit 130 stores user information 200 (described later, FIG. 2(a)). The cushion information storage unit 131 stores cushion information 210 (described later, FIG. 2(b)).

[0023] The activity count storage unit 132 stores an activity count 800 (described later, FIG. 8). The product data storage unit 133 stores product data 1000 (described later, FIG. 10A). The voice data storage unit 134 stores voice data 1100 (described later, FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C).

[0024] <User information> FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of user information 200 stored in the user information storage unit 130 of the management server 120 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2(a), the user information 200 is composed of data items such as a user ID, a user name, a profile, cushion information 210, purchased product information, a user password, names of related parties, and passwords for each related party. Related parties include acquaintances of the user, such as the user's family, the user's relatives, and the user's lover. The user ID indicates a code by which the management server 120 identifies the user. The user name indicates the user's name. The cushion information 210 will be described later.

[0025] The purchased product information indicates information about products that the user has previously purchased on the product screen 1300 (FIG. 13, described later). The user can select a desired product from among the purchased products and replace the content of the registered product 220 included in the cushion information 210.

[0026] <Cushion information> 2(b) is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of cushion information 210 included in user information 200 stored in user information storage unit 130 of management server 120 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that, by a process described later in FIG. 7, cushion information 210 is stored in cushion information storage unit 131 of management server 120. Cushion information 210 indicates information such as cushion ID, link state, registered product 220, accumulated activity points 230, and pressure data 300. Details of pressure data 300 will be described later in FIG. 3.

[0027] The link state indicates whether the user terminal 100 and the cushion 110 are linked by a wireless connection or a wired connection. The wireless connection in this case is a wireless communication connection using short-range waves such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). The wired connection includes a USB cable, an optical fiber cable, a coaxial cable, a balanced pair cable, and the like.

[0028] The registered product 220 indicates information about the character product to which the cushion 110 belongs. For example, the registered product 220 is indicated as "Pochi (product ID: B0001)". The registered product 220 allows the user to select a desired product from products purchased in the past (purchased product information) and replace the desired product at a desired time.

[0029] Furthermore, the registered product 220 is referred to when the management server 120 generates the output sound 1200 through the output sound generation process (FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11) described below. That is, since the management server 120 generates the output sound 1200 by referring to the contents of the registered product 220, the output sound 1200 differs accordingly if the contents of the registered product 220 differ. For example, the generated output sound 1200 differs when the contents of the registered product 220 (registered product name) are "Pochi", when the contents of the registered product 220 (registered product name) are "Momoko", and when the contents of the registered product 220 (registered product name) are "Me". In this way, the registered product names of the registered products 220 differ for each type of cushion 110.

[0030] The registered product 220 may be an animal character as shown in Fig. 2, a character from a comic, anime, or game, a sports player, a celebrity, an influencer, an AI (artificial intelligence) model, a fictional creature, or a character that imitates them. The registered product 220 may also be an adult product. In this way, the registered product 220 is different for each type of cushion 110.

[0031] The accumulated activity points 230 indicate an accumulated value of the past activity level 800 for the corresponding cushion. For example, the accumulated activity points 230 are indicated as "1250".

[0032] Furthermore, the accumulated activity points 230 are referred to when the management server 120 generates the output sound 1200 through the output sound generation process (FIGS. 10A, 10B, 11) described below. That is, since the management server 120 generates the output sound 1200 by referring to the contents of the accumulated activity points 230, the output sound 1200 differs accordingly if the accumulated activity points 230 are different. For example, the output sound 1200 generated when the accumulated activity points 230 are "500" is different from the output sound 1200 generated when the accumulated activity points 230 are "2000".

[0033] <Pressure Data> Fig. 3(a) is a diagram showing an overview of pressure data 300 included in cushion information 210 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 3(a), the pressure data 300 indicates information such as a cushion ID, a user ID, a schedule, a start time, a contact count (N), a contact location (coefficient Pn), and pressure change information 310.

[0034] The schedule indicates the date on which the cushion 110 detected pressure generated by contact with the user. For example, the schedule is indicated as "'23 / 9 / 9". The start time indicates the time when the cushion 110 detected pressure in a state in which the cushion 110 is linked and connected to the user terminal 100 and a predetermined time has passed since the previous pressure was detected. Note that the "predetermined time" is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, five minutes, and the same applies thereafter.

[0035] The number of contacts (N) indicates the number of times that the cushion 110 detects pressure from the start time until the pressure is no longer detected or until a predetermined time has elapsed. For example, the number of contacts (N) is indicated as "10."

[0036] The contact location (coefficient Pn) indicates information regarding which sensor detected the pressure. In other words, the contact location (coefficient Pn) indicates information regarding whether the sensor that detected the pressure generated by the contact from the user is the first sensor or the second sensor, etc. The coefficient Pn corresponds to the sensor at the contact location, and for example, the coefficient of the first sensor is P1. The coefficient Pn will be described in detail later. The pressure change information 310 indicates information regarding the change in pressure detected by the cushion 110 within a predetermined time. The pressure change information 310 will be described in detail later.

[0037] Fig. 3(b) is a diagram showing an overview of pressure change information 310 included in pressure data 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 3(b), pressure change information 310 is represented by "pressure change amount", and the pressure change amount is determined by "pressure value change pattern". In addition, the "touching manner" is determined according to the pressure change amount, and a "point coefficient" is determined accordingly.

[0038] For example, when the pattern of pressure value change is "surface layer: threshold value set to a value with a small amount of change, deep layer: threshold value set to a value where the amount of change is considered to be 0", the amount of pressure change is determined as "surface layer: small change, deep layer: no change". The definition of this "amount of change" of pressure is not particularly limited, and may be defined as, for example, the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of pressure values ​​detected by the cushion 110 in a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds), or may be defined as the average amount of change.

[0039] 3, when the amount of pressure change is "superficial layer: small change, deep layer: no change", the touching manner is determined to be "stroking", and the point coefficient at this time is determined to be X. Note that, by a process described later, the management server 120 can calculate the activity count 800 using this point coefficient. In this way, the management server 120 can obtain pressure change information 310 from the pattern of pressure changes occurring in the cushion 110, and calculate the activity count 800 and generate and provide the output sound 1200.

[0040] <Cushion> 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the user terminal 100, the cushion 110, and the management server 120 in an embodiment of the present disclosure, and also showing an overview of the cushion 110. The cushion 110 has a communicator 50 and a control unit 400 that link with the user terminal 100. The communicator 50 has a configuration that allows mutual communication with the user terminal 100. The communicator 50 is composed of a communication circuit, a communication cable, an antenna, and the like. The control unit 400 is composed of a microcomputer having a central processing circuit, a memory, an input port, and an output port. The control unit 400 is communicably connected to the communicator 50, the first sensor 410, the second sensor 420, the third sensor 430, and the speaker 500 via a bus.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the user terminal 100 receives short-range waves transmitted from the communicator 50 of the cushion 110, and the communicator 50 receives the short-range waves transmitted from the user terminal 100, thereby establishing a link connection (hereinafter, abbreviated as link connection) with the cushion 110 via a wireless connection. The connectable range of the short-range waves is, for example, within a radius of 5 to 15 m from the cushion 110. The user terminal 100 is also wirelessly connected to the management server 120 via a network. In this way, when the cushion detects contact while being linked and connected to the user terminal, it transmits cushion information including the acquired pressure data to the user terminal.

[0042] The cushion 110 has a plurality of sensors that acquire pressure data 300 including pressure generated by contact with the user and a start time, etc. The cushion 110 may have a plurality or a single sensor, and in the following description, a plurality or a single sensor will be collectively referred to as a "sensor unit." The sensor unit is composed of a first sensor 410, a second sensor 420, a third sensor 430, etc. In other words, the first sensor 410, the second sensor 420, the third sensor 430, etc. can be collectively referred to as the sensor unit.

[0043] The sensor unit is connected to the control unit 400 by wire or wirelessly. This allows the sensor unit to provide the pressure data 300 acquired by each sensor (first sensor 410, second sensor 420, third sensor 430, etc.) to the control unit 400. In other words, the pressure data 300 (including cushion information 210) is transmitted from the control unit 400 to the management server 120 via the user terminal 100.

[0044] The cushion 110 has a speaker 500. The speaker 500 is controlled by the control unit 400 and performs a reproduction process of an output sound 1200 provided from the management server 120 by a process described below. The cushion 110 has a battery 600. The battery 600 supplies power for driving the control unit 400, the sensor unit, and the speaker 500. The cushion 110 has a shock absorbing unit 610 that absorbs shock. The shock absorbing unit 610 is configured to extend from the outer surface of the cushion 110 toward the inside, forming a substantially cylindrical shape of the cushion 110.

[0045] The material of the shock absorbing part 610 can be cloth, urethane, sponge, or a composite material thereof. The size of the shock absorbing part 610 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 1 m in height, 1 m in circumference, and 15 to 30 cm in thickness. The material of the shock absorbing part 610 has high water resistance.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 4(b), each sensor, for example, first sensor 410, has a surface layer 411 and a deep layer 412. Each of surface layer 411 and deep layer 412 further has an independent sensor. Note that the "surface layer" refers to the inside close to the area of ​​the sensor surface that the user touches, and the "deep layer" refers to the inside far from the area.

[0047] For example, when the user strokes the cushion 110, the shape of the surface layer of the first sensor 410 changes slightly, so the amount of change in the pressure value of the surface layer 411 is small, and the amount of change in the pressure value of the deep layer 412 is almost 0. Therefore, by setting a small threshold value for the amount of change in the pressure value of the surface layer 411 (a value smaller than the dynamic range of the first sensor 410) and setting a value that is regarded as 0 for the amount of change in the pressure value of the deep layer 412 (a value that allows noise and slight errors to be ignored), the management server 120 determines that the user's touch corresponds to "stroking" when the threshold value is satisfied.

[0048] By configuring the cushion 110 as described above, the pressure data 300 can be detected and stored more accurately, and the management server 120 can accurately grasp the user's touching manner, etc.

[0049] <User device> The user terminal 100 is a computer used and operated by a user. The user terminal 100 includes, for example, a portable computer and a fixed computer. The portable computer includes a smartphone and a tablet computer. The fixed computer includes a desktop computer, a notebook computer, and the like.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 1B, the user terminal 100 is connected to the management server 120 via the network 21, and is also linked to the cushion 110. The user terminal 100 includes a main body (casing), a processor 27, a main memory 28, an auxiliary memory 29, an operation unit 30, a display unit 31, a speaker 32, a communication interface 33, a battery 34, and the like. The processor 27 is provided inside the main body, and is configured by a central processing unit (CPU (Central Processing Unit)) in which a calculation unit (arithmetic circuit) and a control unit (control circuit) are integrated. The processor 27 is communicably connected to the main memory 28, the auxiliary memory 29, the operation unit 30, the display unit 31, the speaker 32, the communication interface 33, and the like via a bus 35.

[0051] The main memory 28 is a volatile storage device, and functions as a work area and a buffer area when the processor 27 executes processing. The auxiliary memory 29 is a non-volatile storage device, that is, a non-transient storage medium. Non-transient applications are stored in the auxiliary memory 29.

[0052] The auxiliary memory 29 has a larger capacity than the main memory 28, and operates according to input and output instructions from the processor 27. The auxiliary memory 29, which is a non-transitory storage medium, is realized by, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a flash memory, etc. An example of a magnetic disk is a hard disk drive. An example of an optical disk is a compact disk, a digital video disk, a Blu-ray disk, etc. A flash memory is a type of semiconductor memory, and an example of a flash memory is an SD memory card, a USB flash drive, a solid state drive, etc. The type of the auxiliary memory 29 differs depending on whether the user terminal 12 is a portable terminal or a fixed terminal. One or more elements included in the auxiliary memory 29 can be defined as a storage medium that can be attached to and detached from the main body.

[0053] The operation unit 30 is operated when inputting information, signals, etc. to the user terminal 100, when causing the user terminal 100 to execute various processes, when sending various information and data from the user terminal 100 to the management server 120 or the cushion 110, when the user terminal 100 obtains various information and data from the management server 120 or the cushion 110, etc.

[0054] The operation unit 30 includes at least one of elements such as a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, a keyboard, a touch pad, a mouse, etc. These elements are appropriately selected depending on whether the user terminal 100 is a mobile terminal or a fixed terminal, and the attachment structure to the main body is appropriately selected. In other words, the operation unit 30 has a structure that allows it to be directly attached to the main body, or a structure that allows it to be connected to the main body via a cable.

[0055] The display unit 31 is directly attached to the main body, or is connected to the main body via a cable. The display unit 31 is a display that is visually viewed by the user, and includes structures such as a liquid crystal display and an organic electroluminescence display. The connection structure of these displays to the main body is appropriately selected depending on whether the user terminal 100 is a mobile terminal or a fixed terminal. The display may be defined as a monitor. The display unit 31 displays various screens, information on websites on the network 21, and the like. The display unit 31 can also display operation buttons, operation tabs, and the like on the screen. In other words, the display unit 31 can also function as the operation unit 30.

[0056] The speaker 32 is an electronic device that converts an electric signal into sound and outputs the sound. The speaker 32 may be either a structure that is directly provided on the main body or a structure that is connected to the main body via a cable. The communication interface 33 includes a device, equipment, and standard that connects the user terminal 100 to the management server 120 and the cushion 110 by at least one of a wireless communication system and a wired communication system. The device or equipment that connects the user terminal 100 to the management server 120 and the cushion 110 includes a communication circuit, a communication cable, an antenna, a router, etc.

[0057] The processor 27 executes various processes and judgments by running applications. Information processed and judged by the processor 27 includes data, voice, text, barcode, image, signal, etc. Processes executed by the processor 27 include calculation, judgment, comparison, control, etc. Processes executed by the processor 27 include processing of reading information from the auxiliary memory 29, processing and judgment of information and data acquired from the cushion 110, processing and judgment of information and data to be sent to the cushion 110, processing and control of voice output from the speaker 32, processing and judgment of information and data acquired from the management server 120, processing and judgment of information and data to be sent to the management server 120, changing and updating information and data stored in the auxiliary memory 29, etc. The user terminal 100 can purchase products sold on the website by connecting to the website provided by the management server 120 on the network.

[0058] <Stakeholder's terminal> The related party terminal 22 is a computer used and operated by a related party of the user. The related party terminal 22 includes, for example, a portable computer and a fixed computer. The portable computer includes a smartphone and a tablet computer. The fixed computer includes a desktop computer, a notebook computer, and the like.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 1B, the related party terminal 22 is connected to the management server 120 via the network 21. The related party terminal 22 includes a main body (casing), a processor 36, a memory 37, an operation unit 38, a display unit 39, a microphone 40, a communication interface 41, and the like. The processor 36 is provided inside the main body and is composed of a central processing unit (CPU (Central Processing Unit)) in which an arithmetic unit (arithmetic circuit) and a control unit (control circuit) are integrated. The processor 36 is communicatively connected to the memory 37, the operation unit 38, the display unit 39, the microphone 40, the communication interface 41, and the like via a bus 42.

[0060] The memory 37 stores non-transient applications, information and data to be processed by the processor 36, and information and data processed by the processor 36. The operation unit 38 is operated by the person concerned, and includes at least one element of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, a keyboard, a touch pad, a mouse, etc. The display unit 39 is a display that is visually observed by the person concerned, and includes structures such as a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, etc. The display may be defined as a monitor. Various screens are displayed on the display unit 39. In addition, the display unit 39 can display operation buttons, operation tabs, etc. on the screen. In other words, the display unit 39 can also function as the operation unit 38.

[0061] The microphone 40 is an electronic device that converts voice into an electric signal and outputs it. The microphone 40 may be either a structure that is directly provided on the main body or a structure that is connected to the main body via a cable. The communication interface 41 includes a device, equipment, and standard that connects the related party terminal 22 to the management server 120 by at least one of a wireless communication system and a wired communication system. The device or equipment that connects the related party terminal 22 to the management server 120 includes a communication circuit, a communication cable, an antenna, a router, etc.

[0062] The processor 36 then executes various processes and judgments by running the application. Information processed and judged by the processor 36 includes operation signals from the operation unit 38, voice, data, text, barcodes, images, etc. input from the microphone 40. The related party terminal 22 can connect to a website and download applications from the management server 120. The processor 36 can start the downloaded application and register the voice to be provided to the cushion unit 60 on the website. The application may be one that runs on the website without being downloaded.

[0063] <Overall processing> 5 is a diagram showing an overview of the overall process in one embodiment of the present disclosure. First, in S501, the management server 120 performs a user information acquisition process and a user information storage process (described later in FIG. 6). Next, in S502, the management server 120 performs a cushion information acquisition process and a cushion information storage process (described later in FIG. 7).

[0064] Next, in S503, the management server 120 performs an activity frequency calculation process (described later in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9). Next, in S504, the management server 120 performs an output voice generation process (described later in FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, FIG. 11). Next, in S505, the management server 120 performs an output voice provision process (described later in FIG. 12). Note that if the user does not wish to purchase the product, the management server 120 ends this process (processing example). Next, in S506, the management server 120 performs a product screen generation process (described later in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14). Next, in S507, the management server 120 performs a product screen provision process (described later in FIG. 15).

[0065] <User information storage process> 6(a) is a diagram showing an overview of a user information storage process in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, a method in which the management server 120 stores the user information 200 will be described. First, in S601, the management server 120 provides a user information input screen to the user terminal 100. Next, in S602, the user terminal 100 displays the user information input screen on the display.

[0066] Thereafter, when the user uses the system according to the present disclosure for the first time, in S603, the user terminal 100 accepts input of user information 200 from the user. Note that the user information 200 is composed of data items such as a user ID and a user name.

[0067] Next, in S604, the user terminal 100 transmits the user information 200 inputted in S603 to the management server 120. Next, in S605, the management server 120 receives the user information 200 transmitted in S604, thereby acquiring the user information 200. Next, in S606, the management server 120 assigns a user ID to the acquired user information 200, and stores the user information 200 inputted in S603 in the user information storage unit 130.

[0068] <User information acquisition process> 6(b) is a diagram showing an overview of a user information acquisition process in an embodiment of the present disclosure. A method in which the management server 120 acquires the user information 200 will be described below. When a user uses the system according to the present disclosure for the second or subsequent time, in S607, the user terminal 100 accepts input of a user ID from the user. The user ID is included in the user information 200.

[0069] Next, in S608, the user terminal 100 transmits the user ID inputted in S607 to the management server 120. After that, in S609, the management server 120 acquires the user information 200 corresponding to the key of the user ID transmitted in S608 from the user information storage unit 130.

[0070] Furthermore, the management server 120 may attach a PIN code to the key of the user ID and generate a whitelist or blacklist in the user information storage unit 130. This makes it possible to prevent login when a clone terminal or the like is connected, and the management server 120 can prevent damage caused by "spoofing" of the user terminal 100.

[0071] <Cushion information acquisition process> FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an overview of the cushion information acquisition process and the cushion information storage process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 7, first, when the cushion 110 detects contact from the user, in S701, the cushion 110 determines whether or not the link state is On. The link state being On means that the cushion 110 and the user terminal 100 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other. If the link state is On, the cushion 110 proceeds to step S706. If the link state is Off, the cushion 110 proceeds to step S702. The link state being Off means that communication between the cushion 110 and the user terminal 100 is cut off.

[0073] In S702, the cushion 110 is linked to the user terminal 100. Specifically, the cushion 110 is linked to the user terminal 100 via a short-range wave transmitted from the control unit 400 of the cushion 110.

[0074] Next, in S703, the cushion 110 transmits the cushion ID and the like to the user terminal 100. Next, in S704, the cushion 110 updates the link state to "On." After that, in S705, the cushion 110 transmits the link state updated in S705 to the user terminal 100.

[0075] Note that, in any step among all steps disclosed in this embodiment, when the user disconnects the link connection between the user terminal 100 and the cushion 110, the cushion 110 updates the link status to "Off" and transmits the updated link status to the user terminal 100. Next, in S706, the user terminal 100 acquires the cushion ID transmitted in S703 and the link status transmitted in S705 as cushion information 210.

[0076] If the link state is On when contact from the user is detected, the user terminal 100 automatically acquires the cushion ID and the link state (information that the link state is “On”) as cushion information 210 using that connection.

[0077] <Cushion information storage processing> First, in S707, the user terminal 100 transmits the cushion information 210 acquired in S706 to the management server 120.

[0078] Next, in S708, the management server 120 acquires the cushion information 210 transmitted in S707. After that, in S709, the management server 120 updates the cushion information 210 acquired in S708 to the cushion information 210 stored in the cushion information storage unit 131 and stores it. Next, in S710, the management server 120 requests the activity frequency calculation unit 140 to perform an activity frequency calculation process.

[0079] <Activity frequency> Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an overview of an activity frequency 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 8, first, when the cushion 110 receives pressure 111 generated by contact with the user 101, a sensor unit included in the cushion 110 measures the magnitude, frequency, and change pattern of the pressure 111, and stores the measured results as pressure data 300. Then, in addition to the pressure data 300, cushion information 210 including a cushion ID, registered products 220, and accumulated activity points 230 is transmitted to the user terminal 100 by linking the cushion 110 with a control unit 400 included in the cushion 110.

[0080] Next, the user terminal 100 transmits the user information 200 including the received cushion information 210 to the management server 120. Details of the process (S501, S502) in which the management server 120 acquires the user information 200 and the cushion information 210 are as described above with reference to FIGS.

[0081] Next, the management server 120 extracts the pressure data 300 from the received cushion information 210, and determines the point coefficient by determining whether the way the user 101 touched the cushion 110 corresponds to "touching, pinching, or kneading" based on the contents of the pressure change information 310. For example, if the amount of pressure change included in the pressure change information 310 is "superficial part: large change, deep part: large change", the way of touching is determined to be "kneading", and the point coefficient at this time is determined to be Z.

[0082] Thereafter, the management server 120 calculates the activity degree 800 using the formula "activity degree = number of contacts (N) x point coefficient (X or Y or Z), contact location coefficient (Pn)." For example, if the number of contacts is 10, the contact location is the first sensor, and the touching method is "kneading" (as described above, the point coefficient is determined to be Z), the activity degree 800 is calculated as "10 x Z, P1."

[0083] The activity score 800 is expressed as a specific numerical value in the "contact count (N) x point coefficient (XorYorZ)" part of this formula, and the "contact point coefficient (Pn)" is included in the formula to determine the corresponding output voice 1200 according to the case classification based on the contact point. That is, the activity score 800 is used by the management server 120 to generate the output voice 1200. Details will be described later with reference to Figs. 10A, 10B, and 11.

[0084] It should be noted that the above is not a limitation of the formula for calculating the activity factor 800. Also, the person who manages the management server 120 may change the formula for calculating the activity factor 800 as appropriate.

[0085] <Activity degree calculation process> FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the activity frequency calculation process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] 9, first, in S901, the activity level calculation unit 140 of the management server 120 receives the calculation request for the activity level 800 requested in S710. Next, in S902, the activity level calculation unit 140 acquires the cushion information 210 from the cushion information storage unit 131 by referring to the cushion ID received in S705.

[0087] Next, in S903, the activity frequency calculation unit 140 extracts data on the number of contacts (N) and the contact location coefficient (Pn) from the pressure data 300 included in the cushion information 210 acquired in S902. Next, in S904, the activity frequency calculation unit 140 determines whether the user's touching manner is "touching, grabbing, or kneading" based on the contents of the pressure change information 310 in the pressure data 300, thereby determining the point coefficient.

[0088] Specifically, the activity frequency calculation unit 140 refers to the content of "pressure change amount" included in the pressure change information 310, determines whether the user's touching manner corresponds to "touching, grabbing, or kneading", and determines the point coefficient to be X, Y, or Z depending on the result. For example, if the content of the pressure change amount included in the pressure change information 310 is "superficial part: large change, deep part: large change", the activity frequency calculation unit 140 determines that the user's touching manner corresponds to "kneading", and determines "Z" as the point coefficient corresponding to this.

[0089] Next, in S905, the activity count calculation section 140 calculates the activity count 800 based on the contents of N and Pn extracted in S903 and the contents of the point coefficient determined in S904.

[0090] Specifically, the activity frequency calculation unit 140 calculates the activity frequency 800 using the formula "activity frequency = contact frequency (N) x point coefficient (X or Y or Z), contact location coefficient (Pn)." For example, when the contact frequency is 10, the contact location is the first sensor, and the touching manner is "kneading," the activity frequency calculation unit 140 calculates the activity frequency 800 as "10 x Z, P1."

[0091] Next, in S906, the activity number calculation unit 140 associates the activity number 800 calculated in S905 with the cushion ID and stores it in the activity number storage unit 132. Next, in S907, the activity number calculation unit 140 requests the output sound generation unit 150 to perform output sound generation processing.

[0092] In this way, the management server 120 measures the magnitude, frequency, contact location, and change pattern of pressure applied by the user 101 when contacting the cushion 110, and can calculate the activity level 800 based on the contents of the resulting pressure data 300.

[0093] <Product data> Fig. 10A is a diagram showing an outline of an example configuration of product data 1000 stored in product data storage unit 133 of management server 120 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 10A, product data 1000 is composed of data items of product ID, product name, gacha rank, point coefficient X, point coefficient Y, and point coefficient Z. The product ID indicates a code by which management server 120 identifies a product. The product name indicates the name of the product.

[0094] The gacha rank indicates the rank of a product that is linked to the product's supply rate in gacha (a so-called "lottery" style purchasing method) that a user uses when purchasing a desired product on product screen 1300 (FIG. 13, described below). For example, the gacha rank of a product that has a low supply rate in gacha, i.e., a product with high rarity, is indicated as "S." S is the highest, and the ranks that decrease are indicated as A, B, C, and so on. There is no particular limitation on the definition of the gacha rank, nor on the actual numerical value of the supply rate and its relationship, etc.

[0095] The point coefficients (X, Y, Z) indicate predetermined coefficients required for determining the numerical portion of the activity level 800. For example, the point coefficients are indicated as "+1.1" or "-0.7".

[0096] As explained above, each product has its own unique product name, gacha rank, and point coefficient (predetermined). For example, for product ID: B0001, the product name is "Pochi", the gacha rank is "A", and the point coefficients are set as follows: X: +1.1, Y: -0.7, and Z: +1.3.

[0097] As mentioned above, the point coefficient is used to calculate the activity index 800 and is determined according to the user's touching manner, but because each product is associated with a different point coefficient with unique content, "which touching manner will increase the activity index 800 value" differs for each product. For example, when the user's touching manner is "kneading," the point coefficient Z is obtained, but while the point coefficient Z for the product name "Pochi" is "+1.3," the point coefficient Z for the product name "Momoko" is "-1.4." In other words, depending on the product, the activity index 800 may increase or decrease (increase or decrease) even if the same touching manner is used.

[0098] In this way, by linking different point coefficients to each product with unique content, the management server 120 can give each product a "touch characteristic" (whether the touch increases the activity level 800) and differentiate the output sound 1200 for each product. Furthermore, by linking a gacha rank to a product with unique content, the management server 120 can give the product a rarity value.

[0099] That is, the management server 120 can provide variety to the products, and can increase the users' desire to purchase the products. <Audio data> FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of the voice data 1100 stored in the product data storage unit 133 of the management server 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] 10B, the voice data 1100 is composed of data items of voice, product ID, product name, accumulated activity points 230, activity count 800, and output voice 1200. Different output voices 1200 are prepared according to the contact point coefficient included in the activity count 800.

[0101] 10B, in the voice data 1100, a table of output voice 1200 is defined for each product, and for example, in the case of product ID: B0001, product name: Pochi, accumulated activity points: 0-1000, and activity level: 0-50, when the contact point coefficient included in the activity level 800 is P1, the output voice 1200 is "Woof!". In this case, when the contact point coefficient included in the activity level 800 is P2, the output voice 1200 is "Woosh!".

[0102] 10B, the content of the output voice 1200 changes to be more intimate or more explicit as the activity level 800 increases. Furthermore, the content of the output voice 1200 changes to be more intimate or more explicit as the accumulated activity points 230 increase.

[0103] For example, in the above example, when the accumulated activity points are 1001 to 5000 and the activity level is 1000 to 1100, the output voice 1200 will be "User name + Woof!". Regarding the user name portion, the output voice 1200 will change depending on the accumulated activity points and the activity level, such as whether to call the user by their full name or by their first name only, whether to use "kun" or not, etc.

[0104] In this way, the content of the output sound 1200 changes from more intimate to more extreme depending on the accumulated activity points 230 and the activity level 800, so that the management server 120 can motivate the user to increase the activity level 800. That is, in order to increase the activity level 800, the user can touch the cushion 110 more, change the way of touching it, or purchase a product that will increase the activity level 800 more efficiently.

[0105] The output sound 1200 shown in FIG. 10C is another example of sound output from the speaker 500 of the cushion 110 according to the way of touching the cushion 110. The types of sound include, for example, grandchild, lover, and voice actor. The grandchild and lover are related parties of the user who uses the cushion 110 and the user terminal 100. The voices of the grandchild and lover are input to the related party terminal 22, sent from the related party terminal 22 to the management server 120, and stored in the voice data storage unit 134. The voice of the voice actor includes a voice stored in the voice data storage unit 134 by the operation of the administrator of the management server 120, etc. The voice of the voice actor also includes a voice that the processor automatically acquires from a website on the network and stores in the voice data storage unit 134. Note that, for each type of sound, a sound with different content is stored according to the way of touching the cushion 110, such as stroking, picking, and kneading.

[0106] <Output voice generation process> Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of the output voice generation process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 11, first, in S1101, the output voice generation unit 150 receives a request to generate the output voice 1200 requested in S907.

[0107] Next, in S1102, the output sound generation unit 150 acquires the activity count 800 stored in S906 from the activity count storage unit 132. Next, in S1103, the output sound generation unit 150 acquires the corresponding cushion information 210 from the cushion information storage unit 131 by referring to the cushion ID linked to the activity count 800 in S906.

[0108] Next, in S1104, the output sound generating unit 150 acquires the product data 1000 corresponding to the content of the registered product 220 included in the acquired cushion information 210 from the product data storage unit 133. For example, when the content of the registered product 220 included in the cushion information 210 is "Pochi (product ID: B0001)", the corresponding product data 1000 is acquired from the product data storage unit 133 using the product name or product ID as a key.

[0109] Next, in S1105, the output voice generation unit 150 refers to the contents of the product data 1000 extracted in S1104, identifies the point coefficient of the corresponding product, and applies it to the activity count 800 obtained in S1102, thereby updating the contents of the activity count 800.

[0110] For example, in the example mentioned above (product name: Pochi), the activity level 800 is calculated as "10 x Z, P1", and the point coefficient Z is "+1.3", so when applied to the above formula, the activity level 800 is updated to "13, P1".

[0111] Next, in S1106, the output voice generation unit 150 refers to the product ID included in the product data extracted in S1104 and acquires corresponding voice data 1100 from the voice data storage unit 134. Next, in S1107, the output voice generation unit 150 refers to the contents of the accumulated activity points 230 included in the cushion information 210 acquired in S1103 and the contents of the activity level 800 updated in S1105, and generates corresponding output voice 1200 by extracting it from the voice data 1100 acquired in S1106.

[0112] For example, in the example mentioned above, the product name is Pochi, the accumulated activity points are 0 to 1000, the updated activity level 800 is "13, P1", which corresponds to "activity level: 0 to 50", and since the contact point coefficient included in the activity level 800 is P1, the corresponding output voice 1200 is extracted from the voice data 1100 and generated as "Woof!"

[0113] Next, in S1108, the output voice generation unit 150 requests the output voice provision unit 160 to provide the generated output voice 1200.

[0114] <Output audio provision process> Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an overview of the output voice providing process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 12, first, in S1201, the output voice providing unit 160 accepts a request to provide the output voice 1200 requested in S1108.

[0115] Next, at S1202, the output voice providing unit 160 extracts cushion information 210 corresponding to the cushion ID for which the output voice 1200 is to be provided from the cushion information storage unit 131. Next, at S1203, the output voice providing unit 160 transmits the output voice 1200 generated at S1107 to the user terminal 100. In this S1203, the user terminal 100 provides the output voice 1200 to the cushion 110. In FIG. 12, for convenience, it is shown that the output voice 1200 is provided to the cushion 110 bypassing the user terminal 100.

[0116] Next, at S1204, the cushion 110 plays back the output voice 1200 provided from the user terminal 100 from the speaker 500. Next, at S1205, the output voice providing unit 160 provides the output voice 1200 to the user terminal 100. Next, at S1206, the user terminal 100 plays back the output voice 1200 provided from the output voice providing unit 160 from the speaker 32 or earphone of the user terminal 100.

[0117] Next, at S1207, the user terminal 100 determines whether it has received a desired input from the user for the product screen 1300. If the user terminal 100 has received a desired input from the user for the product screen 1300, the user terminal 100 proceeds to step S1208. If the user terminal 100 has not received a desired input from the user for the product screen 1300, the user terminal 100 ends this process.

[0118] Next, at S1208, the management server 120 requests the product screen generation unit 170 to generate the product screen 1300. In this way, the management server 120 can measure the magnitude, number, contact location, and change pattern of the pressure applied when the user contacts the cushion 110, and provide the output voice 1200 according to the content.

[0119] In addition, by changing the content of the output voice 1200 to be more intimate or more extreme depending on the accumulated activity points 230 and the activity level 800, the management server 120 can motivate the user to increase the activity level 800.

[0120] That is, in order to increase the activity level 800 and obtain a more intimate or intense output sound 1200, the user can touch the cushion 110 more, change the manner of touching, or purchase a product to increase the activity level 800 more efficiently.

[0121] <Product screen> An example of a screen displayed on the display unit 31 of the user terminal 100 in FIG. 1B is shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an overview of a product screen 1300 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The product screen 1300 is a screen for operating the user terminal 100 to purchase products sold on a website provided on a network by the management server 120. As shown in FIG. 13, the product screen 1300 includes a product list display area 1310 and a gacha purchase tab 1320.

[0122] The product list display area 1310 displays a list of products extracted (by the process of step S1404 described below). More specifically, the product screen generating unit 170 refers to the profile and purchased product information included in the user information 200, and the contents of the accumulated activity points 230 included in the cushion information 210, extracts corresponding product data 1000 from the product data storage unit 133, and the product list display area 1310 displays the extracted product data 1000 in a list. Details of a method for extracting the corresponding product data 1000 will be described later with reference to FIG. 14.

[0123] For example, the product list display area 1310 displays the contents of the product data 1000, such as the product ID "0001", the product name "Pochi", and the rarity (gacha rank): A, for the extracted product. Note that there is no particular limitation on how the product list display area 1310 is displayed.

[0124] The gacha purchase tab 1320 displays a tab to be pressed when the user wishes to purchase a product (play a gacha). By providing the gacha purchase tab 1320 in the product screen 1300, the management server 120 can allow the user to play a gacha, that is, to purchase a product that the user desires.

[0125] <Product screen generation process> Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an overview of a product screen generation process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 14, first, in S1401, the product screen generation unit 170 of the management server 120 receives a request to generate the product screen 1300 requested in S1207.

[0126] Next, in S1402, the product screen generating unit 170 acquires the user information 200 corresponding to the user terminal 100 that provided the output sound 1200 in S1205 from the user information storage unit 130. Next, in S1403, the product screen generating unit 170 acquires the cushion information 210 corresponding to the cushion 110 that provided the output sound 1200 in S1203 from the cushion information storage unit 131.

[0127] Next, in S1404, the product screen generation unit 170 refers to the profile and purchased product information contained in the user information 200 acquired in S1402, and the contents of the accumulated activity points 230 contained in the cushion information 210 acquired in S1403, and extracts the corresponding product data 1000 from the product data storage unit 133.

[0128] Specifically, the product screen generation unit 170 predicts candidates for the user's desired products by grasping the user's profile (age, sex, etc.) and the tendency of the user's past purchased products contained in the purchased product information, and further grasps the tendency of the user's preferred products by referring to whether the accumulated activity points 230 contained in the cushion information 210 are large or not, and then selects multiple products having characteristics and features that match these tendencies, and extracts the product data 1000 linked to them from the product data storage unit 133.

[0129] For example, if the user profile is that of a 50-year-old male, and the purchased product information includes a tendency for the user's previously purchased products to be "dogs or cats that are easy to increase the activity level by stroking," and the user has a large accumulated activity point 230, the product screen generation unit 170 selects multiple products that are "popular with middle-aged men," "easy to increase the activity level by stroking," and have the characteristics and features of "dogs or cats," and extracts the product data 1000 linked to them from the product data storage unit 133.

[0130] Next, in S1405, the product screen generating unit 170 generates the product screen 1300 based on the product data 1000 extracted in S1404, etc. In the case of the above-mentioned example, the product screen generating unit 170 generates the product screen 1300 by displaying in a list form the product data 1000 for multiple products that are "popular with middle-aged men", "easy to increase activity level by petting", and have the characteristics and features of "dog or cat". Next, in S1406, the product screen generating unit 170 requests the product screen providing unit 180 to provide the product screen 1300.

[0131] <Product screen provision process> Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an overview of a product screen providing process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 15, first, in S1501, the product screen providing unit 180 of the management server 120 accepts a request to provide the product screen 1300 requested in S1406.

[0132] Next, in S1502, the product screen providing unit 180 extracts the user information 200 corresponding to the user ID to which the product screen 1300 is to be provided from the user information storage unit 130. Next, in S1503, the product screen providing unit 180 provides the product screen 1300 generated in S1405 to the user terminal 100. Next, in S1504, the user terminal 100 displays the product screen 1300 provided by the product screen providing unit 180 in S1503 on the display of the terminal.

[0133] Thereafter, when the user desires to play gacha, the user terminal 100 accepts input from the user pressing the gacha purchase tab 1320 in the product screen 1300. The user terminal 100 then transmits a gacha request to the management server 120, and the management server 120 causes the user to play gacha through a predetermined process.

[0134] In this way, the management server 120 can recommend products to the user based on the user's profile, past purchase trends, accumulated activity points 230, and the like. That is, the user can receive product recommendations based on his or her activity (how he or she touches the cushion) and past purchase history. The user can also play a gacha game to purchase a desired product from among the recommended products. Furthermore, the user can simply check the products on the recommended product screen 1300, reducing the effort and cost of having to go to the trouble of searching for a desired product.

[0135] Furthermore, the person concerned can operate the person concerned terminal 22 to input various voices to the person concerned terminal 22. The processor 36 executes a process of generating voice data that associates the input voice, the person concerned's name, the person concerned's password, etc., and storing the data in the memory 37. The processor 36 of the person concerned terminal 22 can execute a process of uploading the generated voice data to the management server 120 via a website. The processor 23 of the management server 120 stores the voice data acquired from the person concerned terminal 22 in the voice data storage unit 134. The processor 23 also stores the person concerned's name and password in the user information storage unit 130.

[0136] A user can operate the user terminal 100 to access a website on the network 21 and obtain (download) the voice data of the related parties and the voice actor from the management server 120 by entering a user ID and password. The processor 27 of the user terminal 100 stores the voice data obtained from the management server 120 in the auxiliary memory 29. When the user touches the cushion 110, the voice data of the related parties and the voice actor stored in the auxiliary memory 29 is sent from the user terminal 100 to the cushion 110. The control unit 400 of the cushion 110 outputs one of the voices corresponding to the obtained voice data of the related parties and the voice actor from the speaker 500 according to various conditions.

[0137] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the embodiment of the present disclosure described above, the amount of pressure, number of times, contact point, and change pattern applied by the user when contacting the cushion 110 can be measured, and output sound 1200 can be provided and recommended products can be provided in accordance with the content.

[0138] In addition, by changing the content of the output voice 1200 to be more intimate or more extreme depending on the accumulated activity points 230 and the activity level 800, the management server 120 can motivate the user to increase the activity level 800.

[0139] That is, in order to increase the activity level 800 and obtain a more intimate or intense output sound 1200, the user can touch the cushion 110 more, change the manner of touching, or purchase a product to increase the activity level 800 more efficiently.

[0140] In addition, the management server 120 can recommend products to the user based on the user's profile, past purchase trends, accumulated activity points 230, etc. In other words, the user can receive product recommendations based on his or her activity (how he or she touches the cushion) and past purchase history.

[0141] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. For example, the management computer may be a supercomputer, a mainframe, a workstation, or the like, in addition to a management server. The management server 120 is an example of a management computer. The cushion 110 is an example of a cushion. The user terminal 100 is an example of a user terminal. The speaker 32,500 is an example of a speaker. The communicator 50 is an example of a communicator. The communication interface 26 is an example of a communication interface. The process of step S706 in FIG. 7 is an example of a first process. The process of step S505 in FIG. 5 is an example of a second process. The process of step S1203 in FIG. 12 is an example of a third process. The processor 23 is an example of a processor. The flowcharts shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15 are examples of a voice providing method executed by the voice output system 20. Note that this embodiment can be applied to either a configuration in which, when a user touches the cushion 110, sound is output from a speaker 500 provided on the cushion 110, or a configuration in which, when a user touches the cushion 110, sound is output from a speaker 32 provided on the user terminal 100.

[0142] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiment has been described in detail to clearly explain the present disclosure, and is not necessarily limited to having all of the configurations described. In addition, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, a part of the configuration of each embodiment may be added, deleted, or replaced with another configuration. Furthermore, the "step" disclosed in this embodiment may be defined as "treatment".

[0143] Furthermore, each of the above configurations, functions, and processing units may be realized in part or in whole by hardware (for example, an integrated circuit). Each of the above configurations, functions, and processing units may be realized by software installed via a network or a storage medium such as a disk, in which a processor interprets and executes a program that realizes each function, or by a network application such as an ASP. Information such as a program, table, and file that realizes each function can be stored in a memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD. Furthermore, the management computer may be configured as a single computer, or may be configured as a distributed system across multiple computers. [Industrial Applicability]

[0144] The present disclosure is applicable to a cushion unit that outputs sound in response to a user's contact, a management computer, and an output sound providing method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 23…Processor 26...Communication interface 32,500…Speakers 50…Communication device 60…Cushion unit 100...User terminal 110…Cushion 120...Administration server 130...User information storage unit 131...Cushion information storage unit 132…Activity frequency storage unit 133...Product data storage unit 134...Audio data storage unit 140…Activity frequency calculation section 150...Output audio generation unit 160…Output audio providing unit 170…Product screen generation section 180…Product screen provision department 400...Control unit 410…First sensor 411…Surface layer 412…Deep 420…Second sensor 430…Third sensor 600...battery 1200…Output audio 1300…Product screen

Claims

1. A management computer having a communication interface connected via a network to a user terminal of a cushion unit including a cushion that a user touches, a speaker that outputs sound, and a user terminal that acquires sound data of the sound output by the speaker, and a processor that acquires information via the communication interface, The processor, A first process of acquiring cushion information including pressure data generated when a user contacts the cushion from the user terminal; a second process for generating different voice data according to the content of the pressure data after the first process; a third process of transmitting the voice data generated in the second process to the user terminal; This is a configuration that runs The cushion information acquired by the processor includes a registered product indicating a type of character to which the cushion belongs, product data of the registered product, and accumulated activity points; a memory for storing the registered products, point coefficients corresponding to the registered products, the product data, and voice data corresponding to the product data; The processor, A process of extracting a contact count and a contact location coefficient from the pressure data; A process of determining a point coefficient by determining a pattern of a user's touch based on the content of pressure change information included in the pressure data; A process of calculating an activity degree based on the number of contacts, the contact location coefficient, and the point coefficient; updating the content of the activity level based on the product data and the point coefficient; extracting a corresponding output voice from the voice data based on the accumulated activity points and the updated activity level; sending the output speech to the user terminal; a process of generating a product screen to be provided to a user terminal when a request for acquiring a product screen for performing an operation to purchase a product sold on a network is received from the user terminal; The management computer further configured to execute the following:

2. 2. The management computer according to claim 1, The memory stores user information indicating information of a user, The processor, generating the product screen based on product data extracted by referring to the user information and the accumulated activity points included in the cushion information; A process of providing the generated product screen to the user terminal; The management computer further configured to execute the following:

3. 1. A method for providing an output sound, the method being executed by a management computer connected via a network to a user terminal of a cushion unit including a cushion that a user touches, a speaker that outputs sound, and a user terminal that acquires sound data of the sound output by the speaker, the management computer comprising: The management computer includes: A first process of acquiring cushion information including pressure data generated when a user contacts the cushion from the user terminal; a second process for generating different voice data according to the content of the pressure data after the first process; a third process of transmitting the voice data generated in the second process to the user terminal; Run The management computer includes: A process of generating a product screen on which an operation for purchasing a product can be performed from the user terminal based on product data extracted by referring to user information indicating information of the user and the accumulated activity points included in the cushion information; A process of providing the generated product screen to the user terminal; The method for providing output audio further comprises:

Images