Notification system, notification device, notification method, and program

Abstract

The notification system (100) includes an acquisition unit (11), an extraction unit (12), and a processing unit (13). The acquisition unit (11) acquires text information including a message transmitted from the information processing terminal (3). The extraction unit (12) extracts conditions related to notifications using the message from the text information acquired by the acquisition unit (11). The processing unit (13) causes the notification device (2) to output notification information indicating the content of the message included in the text information based on the conditions extracted by the extraction unit (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a notification system or the like that causes a notification device to output notification information indicating the content of a message transmitted from an information processing terminal.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for causing an in-home device having a voice input / output function to speak by instructing the content and timing of the speech.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a notification system or the like that makes it easier to control notifications by a notification device with an information processing terminal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A notification system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit, an extraction unit, and a processing unit. The acquisition unit acquires text information including a message transmitted from an information processing terminal. The extraction unit extracts conditions related to a notification using the message from the text information acquired by the acquisition unit. The processing unit causes the notification device to output notification information indicating the content of the message included in the text information based on the conditions extracted by the extraction unit.

[0006] A notification device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an instruction acquisition unit and an output unit. The instruction acquisition unit acquires an instruction to output the notification information from the notification system. The output unit outputs the notification information when the instruction acquisition unit acquires the instruction.

[0007] In a notification method according to an aspect of the present disclosure, text information including a message transmitted from an information processing terminal is acquired. In the notification method, conditions related to notification using the message are extracted from the acquired text information. In the notification method, based on the extracted conditions, notification information indicating the content of the message included in the text information is output from a notification device.

[0008] A program according to an aspect of the present disclosure causes one or more processors to execute the notification method.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the notification system etc. in the present disclosure, there is an advantage that it becomes easier to control the notification mode by the notification device by the information processing terminal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] First, the inventor's point of view is described below.

[0012] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a technique of causing a household device (notification device) having a voice input / output function to speak by instructing the content of the speech (notification) and the timing of the speech. This technique is used, for example, to notify a user not near the household device of the content of an event that has occurred by causing a notification device having a voice input / output function to speak the content of the event that has occurred in a household device such as a washing machine. The event may include, for example, the occurrence of some error in the household device or the end of the operation being performed by the household device.

[0013] By the way, the above technique can be considered to be used to notify a user near the notification device of the content of a message input in an application of an instant messenger executed on an information processing terminal such as a smartphone by causing a notification device having a voice input / output function to speak the content of the message. However, the application of the instant messenger basically immediately transmits the input message to the notification device and does not have a function of specifying in what notification mode the content of the message is to be notified from the notification device. For this reason, when the notification device receives a signal including the message transmitted from the information processing terminal, it immediately notifies the content of the message included in the received signal. That is, in the above technique, there is a problem that the notification by the notification device cannot be controlled by the information processing terminal.

[0014] In view of the above, the inventor has come up with the present disclosure.

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, a more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, a detailed description of well-known matters and a redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0016] Note that the inventor provides the accompanying drawings and the following description so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the present disclosure, and does not intend to limit the subject matter described in the claims thereby.

[0017] (Embodiment) [1-1. Overall configuration] First, the overall configuration including the notification system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration including the notification system 100 according to the embodiment. In the embodiment, the notification system 100 is a system that causes the notification device 2 to output notification information indicating the content of the message M1 (see FIG. 2 and the like described later) when the message M1 is transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 such as a smartphone.

[0018] The notification device 2 is a device capable of notifying a user U1 (see FIG. 5 and the like described later), who is different from the user U2 (see FIG. 5 and the like described later) who holds the information processing terminal 3, of the content of the message M1 transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 held by the user U2.

[0019] In the embodiment, the notification by the notification device 2 is performed, for example, by outputting sound from a speaker. Note that the notification by the notification device 2 may be performed, for example, by displaying a character string, an image, or the like on a provided display, or may be performed by both outputting sound and displaying.

[0020] The notification device 2 is a device installed, for example, in the facility where the user U1 lives, and has the voice output function or display function as described above. In the embodiment, the notification device 2 is a home appliance. Specifically, the notification device 2 may include, for example, a smart speaker, a television receiver, a lighting fixture, a pet camera, an intercom master unit, an intercom slave unit, an air conditioning device, or a robotic vacuum cleaner. Note that the notification device 2 may be a portable information device owned by the user U1, such as a portable television receiver, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a laptop personal computer.

[0021] The notification device 2 includes an instruction acquisition unit 21 and an output unit 22. In the embodiment, the notification device 2 has a processor and a memory, and realizes each component included in the notification device 2 by executing a computer program stored in the memory by the processor.

[0022] The instruction acquisition unit 21 acquires an instruction to output notification information from the notification system 100. In the embodiment, the instruction acquisition unit 21 acquires the instruction included in the instruction signal by receiving the instruction signal transmitted from the notification system 100 via a network such as the Internet (hereinafter simply referred to as "network").

[0023] When the instruction acquisition unit 21 acquires an instruction, the output unit 22 outputs the notification information. For example, when the notification device 2 has a voice output function, the output unit 22 accesses the sound source URL (Uniform Resource Locator) included in the instruction to download the voice message and outputs the notification information by playing the voice message. Note that the output unit 22 may play the voice message included in the instruction. Further, when various voice messages are stored in advance in the memory of the notification device 2, the output unit 22 may read out and play the corresponding voice message from the memory according to the instruction. Further, when the notification device 2 has a function of automatically generating voice, the output unit 22 may generate and play the corresponding voice message according to the instruction.

[0024] Also, for example, when the notification device 2 has a display function, the output unit 22 outputs notification information by displaying the character string, image, etc. included in the instruction on the display. When various character strings, images, etc. are stored in advance in the memory of the notification device 2, the output unit 22 may read out the corresponding character string, image, etc. from the memory according to the instruction and display it on the display. Also, when the notification device 2 has a function of automatically generating a character string, image, etc., the output unit 22 may generate the corresponding character string, image, etc. according to the instruction and display it on the display.

[0025] The information processing terminal 3 is a terminal possessed by the user U2, and is a portable terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a laptop personal computer. The information processing terminal 3 has a function of transmitting a message M1 to other devices including the server 1. In the embodiment, an instant messenger application is installed in the information processing terminal 3. Then, the information processing terminal 3 executes the instant messenger application and transmits the text information including the message M1 input in the instant messenger application to the designated destination.

[0026] The instant messenger may include, for example, LINE (registered trademark), WhatsApp (registered trademark), WeChat (registered trademark), Messenger (registered trademark), or Snapchat (registered trademark), etc. Of course, the instant messenger is not limited to the above examples.

[0027] [1-2. Notification System] Next, the details of the notification system 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the notification system 100 includes an acquisition unit 11, an extraction unit 12, a processing unit 13, and a storage unit 14. In the embodiment, the notification system 100 includes the storage unit 14, but the storage unit 14 may not be a component of the notification system 100.

[0028] In the embodiment, the notification system 100 is realized by the server 1. The server 1 has a processor and a memory, and realizes each component included in the notification system 100 by executing a computer program stored in the memory by the processor. In the embodiment, the memory is the storage unit 14.

[0029] The notification system 100 is configured to be communicable with the notification device 2 and the information processing terminal 3 via a network. In the example shown in FIG. 1, there is one notification device 2 and one information processing terminal 3 each, but there may be a plurality of each.

[0030] The acquisition unit 11 acquires text information including the message M1 transmitted from the information processing terminal 3. In the embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the text information by receiving a signal including the message M1 transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 via the instant messenger server 4 via the network. Here, the instant messenger server 4 is a server operated by an operator providing an instant messenger. More specifically, the acquisition unit 11 acquires text information including the message M1 input in the application of the instant messenger executed by the information processing terminal 3. Note that the acquisition unit 11 acquires the text information by receiving, among the signals including the message M1 transmitted from the information processing terminal 3, a signal transmitted from the instant messenger server 4 and addressed to the server 1 (notification system 100).

[0031] The extraction unit 12 extracts conditions regarding notifications using the message M1 from the text information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. Examples of the conditions are listed below. Note that the conditions listed below are merely examples.

[0032] For example, the condition indicates the timing for outputting the notification information from the notification device 2. Specifically, when the condition indicates that the timing for outputting the notification information is 17:00, the notification device 2 outputs the notification information at the specified 17:00. Note that the timing for outputting the notification information that can be specified by the condition may be not only the time but also the time including the date.

[0033] Also, for example, the condition indicates the type of the notification device 2 that outputs the notification information. Specifically, when the condition indicates that the notification device 2 that outputs the notification information is a robot vacuum cleaner, the specified notification device 2, which is a robot vacuum cleaner, outputs the notification information. Note that the type of the notification device 2 that can be specified by the condition may be the type of the notification device 2 including the location, such as a robot vacuum cleaner installed in the kitchen.

[0034] Also, for example, the condition indicates the recipient of the notification information. Specifically, when the condition indicates that the recipient of the notification information is the father, the notification device 2 outputs the notification information including a message addressed to the specified father (for example, "This is a message for Dad", etc.). Note that the recipient of the notification information that can be specified by the condition may be specified by, for example, the account name used in the instant messenger application.

[0035] Here, the processing unit 13 may cause the notification information to be output from the notification device 2 related to the recipient. For example, the processing unit 13 may refer to the data indicating the correspondence between the recipient and the notification device 2 stored in advance in the storage unit 14, and cause the notification information to be output from the notification device 2 used by the recipient or the notification device 2 in the room used by the recipient. Also, for example, the processing unit 13 may refer to the detection result from the sensor that has detected the identification information of the recipient, and cause the notification information to be output from the notification device 2 around the recipient.

[0036] Further, the processing unit 13 may cause the notification device 2 to output notification information based on the parameters set by the recipient. The parameters may include, for example, the speaker, the speaking speed, the type of the notification device 2, the volume, or the time zone when notifications are prohibited. The setting of the parameters is performed, for example, by the recipient executing an application for the notification system 100 on the information processing terminal used by the recipient and appropriately inputting by the recipient in the application. For example, the processing unit 13 may refer to the parameters set by the recipient stored in advance in the storage unit 14 and cause the notification device 2 to output notification information according to the referred parameters.

[0037] Also, for example, the condition indicates the output mode of the notification information. Specifically, when the condition indicates that the speaker is the mother, the notification device 2 outputs the notification information by a mechanical voice imitating the mother's voice. Also, when the condition indicates speaking at a relatively slow speed, the notification device 2 outputs the notification information so as to speak at a relatively slow speed. Also, when the condition indicates speaking at a relatively large volume, the notification device 2 outputs the notification information so as to speak at a relatively large volume.

[0038] In the embodiment, the extraction unit 12 extracts a condition from the text information according to either of the following first extraction example and second extraction example. Note that the extraction unit 12 may extract a condition from the text information according to both the first extraction example and the second extraction example.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first extraction example by the notification system 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the user U2 is inputting a message M1 in an instant messenger application using the information processing terminal 3. In the first extraction example, the extraction unit 12 extracts the tag T1 included in the message M1 as a condition.

[0040] In the example shown in FIG. 2, message M1 includes a first tag T11 and a second tag T12 as tag T1, and a message body M10. The first tag T11 includes a hash symbol and a character string. The extraction unit 12 extracts the first tag T11 input as "#17:30" as a condition indicating that the timing for outputting the notification information is 17:30. The second tag T12 includes an at sign symbol and a character string. The extraction unit 12 extracts the second tag T12 input as "@Mom" as a condition indicating that the recipient of the notification information is the mother.

[0041] As described above, the extraction unit 12 may recognize what condition the character string following the symbol indicates according to the type of symbol included in the tag T1. In the example shown in FIG. 2, if the tag T1 includes a hash symbol, the extraction unit 12 recognizes that the character string following the hash symbol indicates the timing for outputting the notification information from the notification device 2. Also, if the tag T1 includes an at sign symbol, the extraction unit 12 recognizes that the character string following the at sign symbol indicates the recipient of the notification information. Of course, the symbol included in the tag T1 is not limited to the hash symbol and the at sign symbol, and may be other symbols.

[0042] Note that the symbol used for the tag T1 may be one type instead of multiple types. In this case, the extraction unit 12 may recognize the character string following the symbol word by word and recognize what condition each word indicates. For example, assume that user U2 inputs a message M1 including a tag T1 of "#17:30 robot vacuum cleaner Mom" using the information processing terminal 3 in an instant messaging application. In this case, the extraction unit 12 extracts the tag T1 as a condition indicating that the timing for outputting the notification information is 17:30, a condition indicating that the notification device 2 for outputting the notification information is a robot vacuum cleaner, and a condition indicating that the recipient of the notification information is the mother.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a second extraction example by the notification system 100 according to the embodiment. Similar to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 shows an example in which the user U2 inputs a message M1 using the information processing terminal 3 in an instant messenger application. Note that the dashed frame in FIG. 3 is only attached for explanation purposes and is not actually displayed on the display of the information processing terminal 3.

[0044] In the second extraction example, the extraction unit 12 performs syntactic analysis on the message M1 and extracts conditions from the results of the syntactic analysis. For example, the extraction unit 12 performs syntactic analysis on the message M1 using an appropriate syntactic analysis algorithm and extracts one or more keywords W1 included in the message M1 as conditions. Note that the extraction unit 12 may use a learned model that has been machine-learned to output one or more keywords W1 with the message M1 as the input.

[0045] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the message M1 only includes the body M10 of the message. The extraction unit 12 performs syntactic analysis on the body M10 of the message and extracts the first keyword W11, "father", as a condition indicating that the recipient of the notification information is the father. Also, the extraction unit 12 performs syntactic analysis on the body M10 of the message and extracts the second keyword W12, "around 18:00", as a condition indicating that the timing for outputting the notification information is around 18:00 (for example, 17:50). In this case, as described above, the processing unit 13 may cause the notification information to be output from, for example, the notification device 2 related to the father who is the recipient (for example, the notification device 2 in the father's room). Also, in this case, as described above, the processing unit 13 may cause the notification information to be output from the notification device 2 based on, for example, parameters (for example, the speech rate, etc.) set by the father who is the recipient.

[0046] As another example, for instance, assume that user U2 inputs message M1 including message body M10 of "Grandpa, I've put the medicine I bought on the table" in an instant messenger application using information processing terminal 3. In this case, extraction unit 12 extracts keyword W1 of "Grandpa" as a condition indicating that the recipient of the notification information is the grandfather by performing syntactic analysis on message body M10 of the message. Also, in this case, as described above, processing unit 13 may cause the notification information to be output from notification device 2 related to the grandfather who is the recipient of the notification information (for example, notification device 2 in the grandfather's room). Further, in this case, as described above, processing unit 13 may cause the notification information to be output from notification device 2 based on parameters set by the grandfather who is the recipient (for example, the speed of speech, etc.).

[0047] Based on the conditions extracted by extraction unit 12, processing unit 13 causes notification device 2 to output notification information indicating the content of message M1 included in the text information. In the embodiment, processing unit 13 causes notification device 2 to output notification information by transmitting an instruction signal to notification device 2 via a network. In the embodiment, processing unit 13 includes a sound source URL in the instruction signal and transmits it to notification device 2. The sound source URL is a URL from which an audio message can be downloaded by accessing it. That is, in the embodiment, the output of the instruction to notification device 2 corresponds to the transmission of the sound source URL.

[0048] Specifically, the processing unit 13 causes a voice synthesis system (not shown) to generate a voice message indicating the content of the identified event, and stores the generated voice message and the sound source URL associated with the voice message in a notification database (not shown). When the voice synthesis system obtains, via the network, a character string indicating the notification content and parameters regarding the sound source to be used from the notification system 100, it synthesizes voice using the obtained character string and parameters to generate a voice message. The notification database is a storage device that stores various voice messages transmitted from the notification system 100 via the network in association with the sound source URL. The notification database is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory, but known electronic information storage means can be used without particular limitation.

[0049] Then, the processing unit 13 outputs an instruction to cause the notification device 2 to output the voice message by transmitting the sound source URL to the notification device 2 via the network. Further, when an existing voice message exists in the notification database, the processing unit 13 reads out the sound source URL corresponding to the voice message from the notification database without causing the voice synthesis system to generate the voice message, and transmits the read sound source URL to the notification device 2.

[0050] Note that the processing unit 13 may transmit, for example, the voice message included in an instruction signal to the notification device 2. Further, when various voice messages are stored in advance in the memory of the notification device 2, for example, or when the notification device 2 has a function of automatically generating a voice message, the processing unit 13 may transmit an instruction for designating the voice message to be reproduced by the notification device 2 included in the instruction signal to the notification device 2.

[0051] The storage unit 14 is a storage device that stores information (such as computer programs) necessary for the processor of the notification system 100 to perform various controls. The storage unit 14 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory, but known electronic information storage means can be used without particular limitation. The storage unit 14 stores, for example, data indicating the correspondence between the above-mentioned recipient and the notification device 2, and parameters set by the recipient. Further, the storage unit 14 stores, for example, instruction data included in the instruction signal transmitted to the notification device 2.

[0052] [2. Operation] Hereinafter, the operation (that is, the notification method) of the notification system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the notification system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0053] For example, when the user U2 uses the information processing terminal 3 to input a message M1 addressed to the server 1 (notification system 100) in the instant messenger application, the information processing terminal 3 transmits text information including the message M1 to the instant messenger server 4 via the network. When the instant messenger server 4 receives the text information, it transmits it to the server 1 via the network. As a result, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the text information transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 via the instant messenger server 4 via the network (S11).

[0054] Next, the extraction unit 12 extracts conditions related to the notification using the message M1 from the text information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 (S12). Here, the extraction unit 12 may extract, for example, the tag T1 included in the message M1 as a condition according to the first extraction example. Further, the extraction unit 12 may, for example, perform syntactic analysis on the message M1 and extract conditions from the results of the syntactic analysis according to the second extraction example.

[0055] Then, based on the conditions extracted by the extraction unit 12, the processing unit 13 transmits an instruction signal including an instruction to the notification device 2 via the network, that is, outputs an instruction (S13). The notification device 2 that has received the instruction signal outputs notification information according to the instruction included in the instruction signal.

[0056] [3. Advantages, etc.] Hereinafter, the advantages of the notification system 100 (notification method) according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the problems of the notification system 200 of the comparative example. In FIG. 5, the first user U11 and the second user U12 are both users U1 different from the user U2 who holds the information processing terminal 3. Hereinafter, the user U2 will be referred to as "Mr. A", the first user U11 as "Mr. B", and the second user U12 as "Mr. C". Also, in FIG. 5, it is assumed that "Mr. A" is out and "Mr. B" and "Mr. C" are at home. Also, in FIG. 5, "Mr. B" and "Mr. C" are in different rooms from each other. Also, in FIG. 5, the first notification device 2A (here, a television receiver), which is a notification device 2, is provided in the room where "Mr. B" is, and the second notification device 2B (here, a portable television receiver), which is a notification device 2, is provided in the room where "Mr. C" is. Also, in FIG. 5, the illustration of the instant messenger server 4 is omitted. The above premise is the same in FIG. 6 described later.

[0057] The notification system 200 of the comparative example is different from the notification system 100 according to the embodiment in that when it acquires text information including the message M1 transmitted from the information processing terminal 3, it immediately outputs notification information from all the notification devices 2 without extracting conditions.

[0058] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, assume that "Person A" inputs a message M1 "Please cook the rice in advance" at 12:30 using the instant messaging application on the information processing terminal 3. In this case, when the notification system 200 of the comparative example acquires the text information including the message M1, it immediately causes all the notification devices 2 (here, the first notification device 2A and the second notification device 2B) to output notification information indicating the content of the message M1. Here, both the first notification device 2A and the second notification device 2B output a voice message "This is a message from Person A. Please cook the rice in advance" as notification information at around 12:31.

[0059] Then, "Person B" who heard the voice message output from the first notification device 2A and "Person C" who heard the voice message output from the second notification device 2B are both unable to determine whether they should cook the rice themselves, and are also unable to determine at what timing they should cook the rice. As described above, since the notification system 200 of the comparative example has the problem that the notification by the notification device 2 cannot be controlled by the information processing terminal 3, it is impossible to specify the timing of outputting the notification information or the recipient of the notification information, etc., and cause the notification device 2 to output the notification information.

[0060] On the other hand, in the notification system 100 (notification method) according to the embodiment, when acquiring the text information including the message M1 transmitted from the information processing terminal 3, it extracts the conditions regarding the notification using the message M1 from the acquired text information, and causes the notification device 2 to output the notification information based on the extracted conditions. Therefore, in the notification system 100, if the message M1 is created to include the conditions, it is possible to specify in what notification mode the notification information is output using the information processing terminal 3, which has the advantage of making it easier to control the notification by the notification device 2 by the information processing terminal 3.

[0061] In addition, since the notification system 100 extracts conditions from the text information transmitted from the information processing terminal 3, in the application of the instant messenger executed by the information processing terminal 3, it is not necessary to newly add functions such as specifying conditions, and there is also an advantage that the update of the instant messenger application is not required.

[0062] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the advantages of the notification system 100 (notification method) according to the embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, assume that "Person A" inputs a message M1 of "#17:00 @Person B Please cook rice" at 12:30 in the application of the instant messenger using the information processing terminal 3. In this case, when the notification system 100 acquires the text information including the message M1, it extracts a condition indicating that the timing for outputting the notification information is 17:00 and a condition indicating that the recipient of the notification information is "Person B".

[0063] Note that the notification system 100 returns a response message (here, a message of "I will speak in Person B's room at 17:00") indicating that the notification information is to be output from the notification device 2 according to the extracted conditions in the application of the instant messenger. Whether the notification system 100 executes the return of the response message may be set as appropriate.

[0064] Thereafter, the notification system 100 causes the first notification device 2A in the room of "Person B" to output the notification information with the recipient of the notification information specified as "Person B" around 17:00. Here, the first notification device 2A outputs an audio message of "There is a message from Person A to Person B. Please cook rice" around 17:00. Then, "Person B" who has listened to the audio message output from the first notification device 2A can determine that he / she should cook rice now.

[0065] (Modification example) As described above, embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and is also applicable to embodiments in which appropriate changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. are made. It is also possible to combine the respective components described in the above embodiments to form a new embodiment.

[0066] Therefore, below, modification examples of the embodiments will be exemplified.

[0067] In the above embodiment, when the conditions extracted by the extraction unit 12 do not satisfy the conditions necessary for the notification device 2 to output the notification information, the processing unit 13 may output, to the information processing terminal 3, inquiry information indicating an inquiry about the lacking conditions. Then, when the acquisition unit 11 acquires, from the information processing terminal 3, response information indicating a response to the inquiry information, the processing unit 13 may cause the notification device 2 to output the notification information based on the conditions extracted by the extraction unit 12 and the response information.

[0068] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the notification system 100 according to a modification example of the embodiment. For example, when the user U2 uses the information processing terminal 3 to input a message M1 addressed to the server 1 (notification system 100) in the instant messenger application, the information processing terminal 3 transmits text information including the message M1 to the instant messenger server 4 via the network. When the instant messenger server 4 receives the text information, it transmits it to the server 1 via the network. Thereby, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the text information transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 via the instant messenger server 4 via the network (S21).

[0069] Next, the extraction unit 12 extracts conditions related to the notification using the message M1 from the text information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 (S22). Here, the extraction unit 12 may extract, for example, according to the first extraction example, the tag T1 included in the message M1 as a condition. Further, the extraction unit 12 may, for example, according to the second extraction example, perform syntactic analysis on the message M1 and extract conditions from the results of the syntactic analysis.

[0070] Here, if the conditions extracted by the extraction unit 12 satisfy the conditions necessary for the notification device 2 to output the notification information (S23: No), the processing unit 13 transmits (outputs), via the network, an instruction signal including an instruction to the notification device 2 based on the conditions extracted by the extraction unit 12 (S24). The notification device 2 that has received the instruction signal outputs the notification information according to the instruction included in the instruction signal.

[0071] On the other hand, if the conditions extracted by the extraction unit 12 do not satisfy the conditions necessary for the notification device 2 to output the notification information, that is, if the conditions are insufficient (S23: Yes), the processing unit 13 transmits (outputs), via the network, inquiry information indicating an inquiry about the insufficient conditions to the information processing terminal 3 (S25).

[0072] In the information processing terminal 3 that has received the inquiry information, a message indicating the inquiry is displayed in the instant messenger application. Then, the user U2 inputs an answer to the inquiry using the information processing terminal 3 in the instant messenger application. Then, the information processing terminal 3 transmits, via the network, answer information indicating the answer to the inquiry to the server 1. Thereby, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the answer information via the network (S26).

[0073] Then, if the condition necessary for causing the notification device 2 to output the notification information based on the response included in the response information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 is satisfied (S23: No), the processing unit 13 transmits, via the network, an instruction signal including an instruction to the notification device 2 based on the condition extracted by the extraction unit 12 and the response included in the response information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 (that is, the lacking condition), that is, outputs an instruction (S24).

[0074] On the other hand, if the response included in the response information acquired by the acquisition unit 11 still does not satisfy the condition necessary for causing the notification device 2 to output the notification information (S23: Yes), the processing unit 13 executes steps S25 and S26 again. This process is repeated until the above condition is satisfied.

[0075] The notification device 2 that has received the instruction signal outputs the notification information according to the instruction included in the instruction signal. As described above, in the notification system 100 according to this modification example, by inquiring about the lacking condition, it is possible to satisfy the condition necessary for causing the notification device 2 to output the notification information, and thus there is an advantage that it becomes easier to output the notification information from the notification device 2 in an appropriate notification mode.

[0076] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of the operation of the notification system 100 according to a modification example of the embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the processing unit 13 of the notification system 100 determines that the condition necessary for causing the notification device 2 to output the notification information is satisfied when the extraction unit 12 extracts three conditions: the condition indicating the timing (notification timing) of outputting the notification information, the condition indicating the recipient of the notification information, and the condition indicating the type of the notification device 2 that outputs the notification information.

[0077] FIG. 8(a) represents a message M1 (here, the message "@Dad, pick up the laundry exactly at 18:00.") input by the mother, who is user U2, using the information processing terminal 3 in the instant messenger application.

[0078] (b) of FIG. 8 represents the data extracted by the notification system 100 from the text information including the message M1 shown in (a) of FIG. 8. Here, the extraction unit 12 of the notification system 100 extracts the condition indicating that the notification timing is around 18:00 (for example, 17:50), and the condition indicating that the recipient of the notification information is the father. On the other hand, the extraction unit 12 does not extract the condition indicating the notification device 2 that outputs the notification information. Therefore, the processing unit 13 transmits (outputs) the question information indicating the question for inquiring the notification device 2 that outputs the notification information to the information processing terminal 3 via the network.

[0079] (c) of FIG. 8 represents the message indicating the question from the notification system 100 displayed in the instant messenger application (here, the message "What should the notification device do?"), and the message indicating the answer input by the mother who is user U2 (here, the message "Robot vacuum cleaner"). The information processing terminal 3 transmits the answer information indicating the answer to the server 1 (notification system 100) via the network.

[0080] (d) of FIG. 8 represents the data extracted by the notification system 100 from the text information including the message M1 shown in (a) of FIG. 8, and the data extracted from the answer information obtained from the information processing terminal 3. As shown in (d) of FIG. 8, the condition indicating the notification device 2 that outputs the missing notification information is satisfied. Therefore, the processing unit 13 causes the robot vacuum cleaner, which is the notification device 2, to output the notification information designating the father as the recipient of the notification information around 18:00.

[0081] Note that (e) of FIG. 8 represents the response message from the notification system 100 displayed in the instant messenger application. The response message is a message indicating that the notification information is output from the notification device 2 according to the satisfied conditions (here, the message "At 17:50, a message for Dad will be notified from the robot vacuum cleaner.").

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 of the notification system 100 acquires text information by receiving a signal including the message M1 transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 via the instant messenger server 4 through the network. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire text information by receiving a signal including the message M1 transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 via a server different from the instant messenger server 4. Further, the number of servers through which the above signal transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 to the acquisition unit 11 of the notification system 100 passes may be one or plural. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire text information by receiving a signal including the message M1 directly transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 without passing through another server. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration including the notification system 100 according to another modification of the embodiment.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the acquisition unit 11 of the notification system 100 acquires text information including the message M1 input in the application of the instant messenger executed by the information processing terminal 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire text information including the message M1 input in the application of the SMS (Short Message Service) executed by the information processing terminal 3. Further, for example, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire text information including the message M1 input in the application having a chat function similar to the instant messenger executed by the information processing terminal 3.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the notification system 100 may be implemented by a device other than the server 1. Also, for example, in the above embodiment, although the notification system 100 is implemented as a single device, it may be implemented by a plurality of devices. When the notification system 100 is implemented by a plurality of devices, the components included in the notification system 100 may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner. For example, a part of the components included in the notification system 100 in the above embodiment may be provided in the facility where the user U1 resides. That is, the present disclosure may be implemented by cloud computing or by edge computing.

[0085] Also, for example, in the above embodiment, all or part of the components of the notification system 100 in the present disclosure may be configured by dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor memory.

[0086] Also, the components of the notification system 100 in the present disclosure may be configured by one or more electronic circuits. Each of the one or more electronic circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0087] The one or more electronic circuits may include, for example, a semiconductor device, an integrated circuit (IC), or a large scale integration (LSI). The IC or LSI may be integrated into one chip or into multiple chips. Here, the IC or LSI is referred to as an IC or LSI, but the name may vary depending on the degree of integration, and may be called a system LSI, a very large scale integration (VLSI), or an ultra large scale integration (ULSI). Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the LSI is manufactured can be used for the same purpose.

[0088] In addition, the general or specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, or a computer program. Alternatively, the present disclosure may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as an optical disk, HDD, or semiconductor memory in which the computer program is stored. For example, the present disclosure may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute the notification method in the above-mentioned embodiment. In addition, the program may be recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be distributed via a communication channel such as the Internet.

[0089] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology in the present disclosure. For this purpose, the attached drawings and detailed description have been provided.

[0090] Therefore, among the components described in the attached drawings and detailed description, not only are there components essential for solving the problem, but there may also be components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to illustrate the above technology. Therefore, the fact that such non-essential components are described in the attached drawings or detailed description should not be interpreted as immediately indicating that such non-essential components are essential.

[0091] In addition, since the above-described embodiments are for exemplifying the technology in the present disclosure, various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or the equivalent scope thereof.

[0092] (Summary) As described above, the notification system 100 according to the first aspect includes an acquisition unit 11, an extraction unit 12, and a processing unit 13. The acquisition unit 11 acquires text information including a message M1 transmitted from the information processing terminal 3. The extraction unit 12 extracts conditions related to the notification using the message M1 from the text information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The processing unit 13 causes the notification device 2 to output notification information indicating the content of the message M1 included in the text information based on the conditions extracted by the extraction unit 12.

[0093] According to this, if the message M1 is created to include the conditions, it is possible to specify in what notification mode the notification information is output using the information processing terminal 3, so there is an advantage that it becomes easier to control the notification by the notification device 2 by the information processing terminal 3.

[0094] Further, in the notification system 100 according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the acquisition unit 11 acquires text information including a message M1 input in the instant messenger application executed by the information processing terminal 3. The extraction unit 12 extracts the tag T1 included in the message M1 as a condition.

[0095] According to this, since it becomes clear that the character string indicating the condition in the message M1 is the tag T1, there is an advantage that it becomes easier to extract the condition from the text information.

[0096] Further, in the notification system 100 according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the acquisition unit 11 acquires text information including a message M1 input in the instant messenger application executed by the information processing terminal 3. The extraction unit 12 performs syntax analysis on the message M1 and extracts conditions from the result of the syntax analysis.

[0097] According to this, since the extraction unit 12 automatically extracts conditions from the message M1, the user U2 does not need to make a specific input such as the tag T1, and there is an advantage that the convenience is easily improved.

[0098] Further, in the notification system 100 according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the condition indicates the timing for outputting the notification information from the notification device 2.

[0099] According to this, since the timing for outputting the notification information from the notification device 2 can be specified using the information processing terminal 3, there is an advantage that the notification information can be output from the notification device 2 at the timing desired by the user U2.

[0100] Further, in the notification system 100 according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the condition indicates the type of the notification device 2 that outputs the notification information.

[0101] According to this, since the type of the notification device 2 that outputs the notification information can be specified using the information processing terminal 3, there is an advantage that the notification information can be output from the notification device 2 desired by the user U2.

[0102] Further, in the notification system 100 according to the sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the condition indicates the recipient of the notification information.

[0103] According to this, since the recipient of the notification information can be specified using the information processing terminal 3, there is an advantage that it becomes easier to convey the notification information to the recipient desired by the user U2.

[0104] Further, in the notification system 100 according to the seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the processing unit 13 causes the notification information to be output from the notification device 2 related to the recipient.

[0105] According to this, since the notification information is output from the notification device 2 related to the designated recipient instead of the unspecified notification device 2, there is an advantage that it becomes easier to convey the notification information to the designated recipient.

[0106] Also, in the notification system 100 according to the eighth aspect, in the sixth or seventh aspect, the processing unit 13 causes the notification device 2 to output the notification information based on the parameters set by the recipient.

[0107] According to this, since the notification information is output from the notification device 2 in the notification mode set by the designated recipient, there is an advantage that it becomes easier to convey the notification information to the designated recipient.

[0108] Also, in the notification system 100 according to the ninth aspect, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the condition indicates the output mode of the notification information.

[0109] According to this, since the output mode of the notification information can be specified using the information processing terminal 3, there is an advantage that the notification information can be output from the notification device 2 in the output mode desired by the user U2.

[0110] Also, in the notification system 100 according to the tenth aspect, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, when the condition extracted by the extraction unit 12 does not satisfy the conditions necessary for causing the notification device 2 to output the notification information, the processing unit 13 outputs inquiry information indicating an inquiry about the missing conditions to the information processing terminal 3. When the acquisition unit 11 acquires response information indicating an answer to the inquiry information from the information processing terminal 3, the processing unit 13 causes the notification device 2 to output the notification information based on the condition extracted by the extraction unit 12 and the response information.

[0111] According to this, by inquiring about the missing conditions, it is possible to satisfy the conditions necessary for causing the notification device 2 to output the notification information, so there is an advantage that it becomes easier to output the notification information from the notification device 2 in an appropriate notification mode.

[0112] Further, the notification device 2 according to the eleventh aspect includes an instruction acquisition unit 21 and an output unit 22. The instruction acquisition unit 21 acquires an instruction to output notification information from the notification system 100 according to any one of the first to tenth aspects. The output unit 22 outputs the notification information when the instruction acquisition unit 21 acquires the instruction.

[0113] According to this, if the message M1 is created to include conditions, it is possible to specify in what notification mode the notification information is output using the information processing terminal 3, so there is an advantage that it becomes easier to control the notification by the notification device 2 by the information processing terminal 3.

[0114] Also, in the notification method according to the twelfth aspect, text information including the message M1 transmitted from the information processing terminal 3 is acquired (S11). In this notification method, conditions regarding the notification using the message M1 are extracted from the acquired text information (S12). In this notification method, based on the extracted conditions, notification information indicating the content of the message M1 included in the text information is output from the notification device 2 (S13).

[0115] According to this, if the message M1 is created to include conditions, it is possible to specify in what notification mode the notification information is output using the information processing terminal 3, so there is an advantage that it becomes easier to control the notification by the notification device 2 by the information processing terminal 3.

[0116] Also, the program according to the thirteenth aspect causes one or more processors to execute the notification method according to the twelfth aspect.

[0117] According to this, if the message M1 is created to include conditions, it is possible to specify in what notification mode the notification information is output using the information processing terminal 3, so there is an advantage that it becomes easier to control the notification by the notification device 2 by the information processing terminal 3.

Industrial Applicability

[0118] The present disclosure is applicable to a system or the like that causes a notification device to output notification information indicating the content of a message transmitted from an information processing terminal.

Explanation of Signs

[0119] 1 Server 11 Acquisition Unit 12 Extraction Unit 13 Processing Unit 14 Storage Unit 2 Notification Device 21 Instruction Acquisition Unit 22 Output Unit 2A First Notification Device 2B Second Notification Device 3 Information Processing Terminal 4 Instant Messenger Server 100 Notification System 200 Notification System of Comparative Example M1 Message M10 Body of Message T1 Tag T11 First Tag T12 Second Tag U1, U11, U12, U2 User W1 Keyword W11 First Keyword W12 Second Keyword

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires text information including a message transmitted from an information processing terminal; An extraction unit that extracts conditions related to a notification using the message from the text information acquired by the acquisition unit; A processing unit that causes a notification device to output notification information indicating the content of the message included in the text information based on the conditions extracted by the extraction unit, and The acquisition unit acquires the text information including the message input in an application of an instant messenger executed by the information processing terminal, The extraction unit extracts a tag included in the message as the condition, A notification system.

2. An acquisition unit that acquires text information including a message transmitted from an information processing terminal; An extraction unit that extracts conditions related to a notification using the message from the text information acquired by the acquisition unit; A processing unit that causes a notification device to output notification information indicating the content of the message included in the text information based on the conditions extracted by the extraction unit, and The acquisition unit acquires the text information including the message input in an application of an instant messenger executed by the information processing terminal, The extraction unit performs syntactic analysis on the message and extracts the condition from the result of the syntactic analysis, A notification system.

3. The condition indicates a timing for causing the notification device to output the notification information, The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The condition indicates a type of the notification device that outputs the notification information, The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The condition indicates a recipient of the notification information, The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The processing unit causes the notification information to be output from the notification device related to the recipient, The notification system according to claim 5.

7. The processing unit causes the notification information to be output from the notification device based on parameters set by the recipient, The notification system according to claim 5.

8. When the condition extracted by the extraction unit does not satisfy a condition necessary for causing the notification device to output the notification information, the processing unit outputs inquiry information indicating an inquiry about a lacking condition to the information processing terminal. When the acquisition unit acquires response information indicating a response to the question information from the information processing terminal, the processing unit causes the notification device to output the notification information based on the condition extracted by the extraction unit and the response information. The notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. An instruction acquisition unit that acquires an instruction to output the notification information from the notification system according to claim 1 or 2; An output unit that outputs the notification information when the instruction acquisition unit acquires the instruction. Notification device.

10. (a) Obtain text information including a message transmitted from an information processing terminal, (b) Extract conditions related to notifications using the message from the obtained text information, (c) Based on the extracted conditions, cause a notification device to output notification information indicating the content of the message included in the text information. In (a), obtain the text information including the message input in the instant messenger application executed by the information processing terminal, In (b), extract the tags included in the message as the conditions. Notification method.

11. (a) Obtain text information including a message transmitted from an information processing terminal, (b) Extract conditions related to notifications using the message from the obtained text information, (c) Based on the extracted conditions, cause a notification device to output notification information indicating the content of the message included in the text information. In (a), obtain the text information including the message input in the instant messenger application executed by the information processing terminal, In (b), perform syntactic analysis on the message and extract the conditions from the results of the syntactic analysis. Notification method.

12. Causing one or more processors to execute the notification method according to claim 10 or 11. Program.

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