Information Processing Systems

Abstract

To provide an information processing system which assigns an avatar to an operator to provide a predetermined service.SOLUTION: An information processing system 10 includes a server 12. The server is connected to a plurality of operator terminals 16 and a plurality of avatars 18 over a network 14. The avatar is a stationary or mobile robot or a CG character displayed on a display device of a computer. In providing a predetermined service using a CA service, as a base, provided by the information processing system, an operator logs in to the server using an operator terminal. The server assigns a robot or an avatar to the operator on the basis of information reserved in advance by the operator. When the avatar assigned to the operator by the server also logs in to the server, start of a session between the operator terminal and the avatar is permitted to provide the predetermined service.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, and more particularly to an information processing system in which an operator controls a predetermined service by operating an avatar located remotely. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of this type of background technology is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the system of this background technology, one or more robots placed in a space, a robot router for controlling the robots, and a space manager that manages the status of the robots in the space and collects and manages environmental information are connected via a communication network, and when a user registers user attributes in the robot router, the system controls the robots in the space where the robot router exists based on the user attributes and environmental information held in the robot router to provide services. In this way, by linking the user attributes and environmental information, users can receive optimal services in the latest environment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-111637 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the background art of Patent Document 1, the robot is simply controlled by the system, and no consideration is given to using the robot as an avatar to provide services.

[0005] Therefore, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel information processing system.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system that can assign an avatar to an operator and provide a predetermined service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first invention is an information processing system comprising an information processing device that provides a platform service, which is a basic service for providing one or more specified services using avatars, and an operator terminal of an operator that operates an avatar used in the specified services, the information processing system comprising: a first storage means that stores avatar identification information and an avatar password, which are identification information of the avatar used in the one or more specified services; a second storage means that stores operator identification information and an operator password, which are identification information of the operator; an operator authentication means that authenticates the operator identification information and the operator password when the operator uses the platform service; a selection means that selects one specified service in accordance with the operation of an operator who has been successfully authenticated by the operator authentication means; an allocation means that, when one specified service is selected by the selection means, assigns an avatar to be used in the specified service to the operator terminal of the selected operator; an avatar authentication means that authenticates the avatar identification information and avatar password of the avatar assigned by the allocation means; and an authorization means that, in response to successful authentication by the avatar authentication means, authorizes the start of a session between the operator terminal of the operator who selected the specified service and the avatar assigned by the allocation means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this invention, it is possible to assign an avatar to an operator and provide a predetermined service.

[0009] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the operator terminal shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the operator management DB and the service user management DB included in the user management DB shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the avatar management DB shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a service providing system when a tutoring service is provided using the information processing system shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an example of the tutor management DB, the student management DB, and the registered avatar management DB. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a service providing system in which an aquarium tour service is provided using the information processing system shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an example of the visitor management DB and another example of the registered avatar management DB. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, an information processing system 10 of this embodiment includes a server 12, which is communicatively connected to a plurality of operator terminals 16 and a plurality of avatars 18 via a network 14.

[0012] The server 12 is an example of an information processing device, and is a general-purpose server. The server 12 includes circuit components such as a CPU 12a, a RAM 12b, and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication I / F") 12c.

[0013] The network 14 is composed of an IP network (or IP network) including the Internet, and an access network (or access network) for accessing this IP network. The access network may be a public telephone network, a mobile phone network, a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, or a CATV (Cable Television) network.

[0014] The operator terminal 16 is another information processing device different from the server 12, and as an example, is a general-purpose notebook PC or desktop PC, but in other examples, other general-purpose terminals such as a smartphone or tablet PC can also be used.

[0015] In this embodiment, the avatar 18 is a stationary robot, a mobile robot, or a character (CG character) displayed on a computer display device. As a stationary robot, Sota™ manufactured and sold by Vstone Co., Ltd. can be used. As a mobile robot, Robovie™ developed by the applicant or the Double 3 robot sold by Double Robotics, Inc. can be used. Furthermore, the computer that displays the CG character on a display device is, for example, a tablet terminal, and in other examples, a desktop PC, a notebook PC, or a smartphone.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the operator terminal 16 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the operator terminal 16 includes a CPU 50, which is connected to a RAM 52, a communication I / F 54, and an input / output interface (hereinafter referred to as "input / output I / F") 56 via an internal bus.

[0017] The CPU 50 is responsible for overall control of the operator terminal 16. However, instead of the CPU 50, a system-on-a-chip (SoC) including multiple functions such as a CPU function and a graphics processing unit (GPU) function may be provided. The RAM 52 is the main storage device of the operator terminal 16 and is used as a work area and buffer area for the CPU 50. Although not shown, the operator terminal 16 is also provided with auxiliary storage devices such as an HDD and ROM. However, instead of the HDD or in addition to the HDD and ROM, a non-volatile memory such as an SSD may be used.

[0018] The communication I / F 54 has a wired interface for transmitting and receiving control signals and data to and from external computers such as the server 12 and the avatar 18 via the network 14 under the control of the CPU 50. However, the communication I / F 54 may also be a wireless interface such as a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0019] The input / output I / F 56 is connected to an input device 58, a display device 60, a microphone 62, and a speaker 64. The microphone 62 and the speaker 64 form a headset with a microphone that the operator uses to communicate with the user.

[0020] A keyboard and a computer mouse are used as the input device 58. However, when a smartphone or a tablet PC is used as the operator terminal 16, a touch panel and hardware buttons are provided as the input device 58. The display device 60 is an LCD or an organic EL display device.

[0021] The input / output I / F 56 outputs operation data (or operation information) input from the input device 58 to the CPU 50, and also outputs image data generated by the CPU 50 to the display device 60, causing the display device 60 to display a screen corresponding to the image data.

[0022] Furthermore, the input / output I / F 56 converts the operator's voice detected by the microphone 62 into digital voice data and outputs it to the CPU 50, and also converts the voice data output by the CPU 50 into an analog voice signal and outputs it from the speaker 64. However, in this embodiment, the voice data output from the CPU 50 is voice data received from the avatar 18.

[0023] The operator terminal 16 also includes a sensor I / F 66 and a camera 68. The CPU 50 is connected to the camera 68 via the bus and the sensor I / F 66. The camera 68 is a camera that uses an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS.

[0024] 2 is an example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. The camera 68 may be omitted.

[0025] 1, a plurality of databases (hereinafter referred to as "DBs") are connected to the server 12. In this embodiment, a user management DB 30, an avatar management DB 32, a session management DB 34, a service management DB 36, and a service history DB 38 are connected to the server 12.

[0026] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the DBs 30-38 are directly connected to the server 12, but the DBs 30-38 may also be connected to the server 12 via the network 14.

[0027] The user management DB 30 includes an operator management DB 30a that registers information about operators who provide predetermined services, and a service user management DB 30b that registers information about users (hereinafter referred to as "service users") who use predetermined services by interacting with avatars 18. The avatar management DB 32 registers information about avatars 18 used to provide predetermined services.

[0028] The session management DB 34 stores information necessary for establishing and dissolving a session between an operator terminal 16 and an avatar 18 when a predetermined service using the avatar 18 is provided. Here, a session refers to a state in which a communication path is established between an operator, an avatar 18, and a user participating in the predetermined service when the predetermined service is provided (a state from the start of communication to the end of communication). In response to a request from the predetermined service, the CPU 12a of the server 12 establishes a communication path for exchanging video, audio, commands, sensor information, etc. between one or more operator terminals 16 and one or more avatars 18, and starts or ends communication.

[0029] The service management DB 36 registers and manages the services (hereinafter referred to as "CA services") that are the foundation for providing predetermined services using cybernetic avatars provided by the server 12 (or the information processing system 10), as well as one or more predetermined services constructed by combining CA services. When a request is made by an operator or user, the CPU 12a of the server 12 presents and allows the operator or user to select a predetermined service that can be used by the operator or user from one or more predetermined services registered in the service management DB 36.

[0030] The service history DB 38 records the history of a service. That is, the contents of conversations and operations while a specific service is provided are recorded in chronological order. However, the service history is recorded as a collection of the contents of conversations and operations from the start to the end of the provision of a specific service, associated with the specific service.

[0031] <Tutoring services> The information processing system 10 will be described below using specific service examples. In the first example, a company X provides a tutoring service (hereinafter referred to as "T service"). In this T service, the tutor interacts with the student through his or her own avatar 18.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the user management DB 30 shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the avatar management DB 32 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a service providing system 100 when a tutoring service is provided using the information processing system 10 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing examples of a tutor management DB, a student management DB, and a registered avatar management DB managed by company X that provides service T. An example of providing a tutoring service will be described below using Figs. 3 to 6.

[0033] In the case of this T service, on the tutor side, first, a person P who uses the T service as a tutor registers as a tutor with the T service of company X via the information processing system 10. Next, person P receives training from company X that provides the T service to teach lessons using an avatar 18. Then, person P teaches lessons to students as a tutor for the T service.

[0034] On the student side, first, person Q, who will be using the T service as a student, registers as a student in the T service of company X via the information processing system 10. Next, person Q is sent an avatar 18 (robot or tablet terminal) and text from company X. Then, person Q takes lessons taught by a tutor as a student of the T service.

[0035] <Register as a tutor> Specifically, a person P who wishes to work part-time as a tutor is registered with the server 12 as an operator in order to use the information processing system 10. As an example, on a user registration internet site operated by the server 12, the person P operates his / her own terminal (operator terminal 16) to provisionally register as an operator of an avatar 18 with the CA service provided by the server 12.

[0036] The server 12 then notifies the operator terminal 16 of the person P of the URL of the official registration site together with the operator ID and temporary password. When the person P uses his / her operator terminal 16 to access the official registration site and register his / her password, the person P is officially registered as an operator of the CA service. Specifically, the server 12 registers the person P in the user management DB 30 (here, the operator management DB 30a).

[0037] Fig. 3 shows an example of the user management DB 30 shown in Fig. 1, which includes an operator management DB 30a and a service user management DB 30b. The operator management DB 30a stores a name and a password corresponding to an operator ID.

[0038] The operator ID is the identification information of the operator and consists of a character string (OP) that indicates the operator and a serial number (for example, a five-digit number). The operator ID is issued using the serial number next to the last serial number when the operator is officially registered (added). The temporary password is issued randomly.

[0039] The name is the name of the operator, and is entered by the person who registers as the operator on the user registration internet site.

[0040] The password is required to access the CA service's Internet site, and is entered (or determined) by the person registering as an operator at the time of registration. As an example, the password is determined to be 8 to 12 letters and numbers, and is indicated by an asterisk in Figure 3.

[0041] 3, in the operator management DB 30a, Takahashi Saburo is registered as an operator with an operator ID of OP03940, and a password is also registered. Also, Suzuki Hanako is registered as an operator with an operator ID of OP03941, and a password is also registered.

[0042] Next, the operator (Person P in this case) logs in to the CA service by entering the operator ID and password on the login screen of the CA service, selects the tutoring service (T service) from the service menu of the CA service, and then selects to register as a tutor from the submenu. The operator also selects the subjects to be taught and the desired dates and times for teaching from each menu.

[0043] Then, in response to an instruction from server 12, the operator of the operator ID is registered as a tutor in tutor management DB 104 (omitted from FIG. 1) managed by company X that provides the T service. However, tutor management DB 104 is connected directly or via network 14 to a server 102 of company X that operates an internet site for providing the T service (a server separate from server 12; hereinafter referred to as the "server for T service"). The same applies to student management DB 106 and registered avatar management DB 108, which will be described later. Furthermore, server 102 for T service is a general-purpose server, and is equipped with components such as a CPU, RAM, and communication I / F.

[0044] The tutor management DB 104 stores the operator ID, the subjects taught, and the desired teaching dates and times in correspondence with the tutor registration number. The tutor registration number includes an alphabet (in this embodiment, a T) that indicates the tutor and a serial number, and is determined when the tutor is registered in the tutor management DB. The operator ID is the operator ID assigned when registering for the CA service.

[0045] The subject you are teaching is the subject you will teach as a tutor. The desired teaching date and time means the day (in this example, the day of the week, weekdays (Monday to Saturday) or holidays (Sundays and public holidays)) and time (start time and end time) when you will teach the subject.

[0046] <Training> After completing registration with the CA service and the T service, person P undergoes training to teach a lesson using the CA service. In the training, a mock lesson is conducted using avatar 18. An instructor from company X plays the role of a student in the mock lesson.

[0047] As an example, person P logs in to the CA service using his / her own operator terminal 16, selects the T service from the service menu, and selects training (simulated lesson) from the submenu. The server for the T service receives a training notification from the CA service server 12, selects one of the training avatars 18 within company X, and assigns it to person P's operator terminal 16. The operation screen of person P's operator terminal 16 displays that it is waiting for a connection from the avatar 18. Furthermore, the training avatar 18 notifies the instructor in front of (near) the avatar 18 that there is a connection request by flashing a lamp or outputting a message (visual or audio). The instructor notifies the instructor of connection permission through the avatar 18.

[0048] The server 12 connects the operator terminal 16 of the person P and the training avatar 18 in a communicable manner in accordance with the session management program, and notifies the person P that the connection has been completed to the task of processing the service program (the control program for the T service).

[0049] In accordance with the service program, the server 12 displays on the operation screen of the operator terminal 16 of the person P a message indicating that connection has been established with the training avatar 18, and also displays an interface such as operation buttons for operating the avatar 18. In the T service of this embodiment, a stationary robot or a CG displayed on a tablet terminal is used as the avatar 18, and an interface for operating the stationary robot or the CG is displayed on the operation screen of the operator terminal 16.

[0050] Although detailed explanation will be omitted, commands are assigned to the operation buttons for operating the avatar 18 to cause the avatar 18 to perform a predetermined action, to make a predetermined utterance, or to make both a predetermined action and a predetermined utterance. The predetermined actions include bowing, nodding or shaking the head, spreading both arms, etc. The contents of the predetermined utterances include "good morning," "hello," "good evening," "goodbye," "nice to meet you," and "thank you." The contents of these utterances are recorded in advance in the voice of person P, and the avatar 18 plays back the recorded voice in response to the commands.

[0051] For example, person P presses the "bow" operation button, says "Thank you for your help" to the instructor, and starts the mock lesson. The contents of the mock lesson vary, and as they are not essential to the present application, a detailed explanation will be omitted. After finishing the mock lesson, person P greets the instructor and then logs out of the CA service. At this time, the communication connection between the operator terminal 16 and the training avatar 18 is terminated.

[0052] <Teaching as a private tutor> After completing the training, person P uses avatar 18 to teach students as a tutor. Person P receives shift information by email from company X. For example, person P will teach arithmetic to two elementary school students for one hour every Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

[0053] Person P logs in to the CA service using his / her operator terminal 16 shortly before 7 PM on Wednesday (for example, 6:50 PM), selects Company X's T service from the service menu, and then selects the start of classes from the submenu. However, at the time of login, the server 12 authenticates the operator ID and password of the operator terminal 16, and if the authentication is successful, the operator terminal 16 logs in to the CA service.

[0054] Then, the server for the T service receives a notification from the server 12 for the CA service that the class is about to start, selects a predetermined number of students (for example, two) who are scheduled to take math class on Wednesday from 7 pm, and assigns the avatars 18 at the homes of each of the selected students to the operator terminal 16 of person P. However, students who have notified the server 12 in advance that they will be absent are excluded from the selection.

[0055] The operation screen of the operator terminal 16 of person P displays that it is waiting for a connection from an avatar 18 at a student's home. In addition, each of the avatars 18 at the student's home notifies students in front of (nearby) the avatar 18 that there is a connection request by flashing a lamp or outputting a ringtone. A predetermined number of students each notify the acceptance of the connection request through their avatars 18.

[0056] The server 12 connects the operator terminal 16 of the person P and the avatars 18 of the students so that they can communicate with each other in accordance with the session management program, and notifies the service program (control program for the T service) that the connection has been completed.

[0057] According to the service program, the server 12 displays on the operation screen of the operator terminal 16 of the person P a message indicating that connection has been established with the avatars 18 at the homes of the students, and also displays an interface such as operation buttons for operating the avatars 18.

[0058] When person P confirms on the operation screen that the avatars 18 at each student's home have been connected, he / she may, for example, press the bow operation button to make the avatar 18 bow, and greet (utter) "I'll be in charge of your math class starting today. Nice to meet you," and begin the lesson. However, the voice uttered by person P is transmitted from the operator terminal 16 to the avatars 18 at each student's home and output from the avatars 18.

[0059] When the lesson is over, person P says, "That's all for today. See you next week," and then presses the end button to log out of the CA service. At this time, the communication connection between the operator terminal 16 and the avatars 18 at each student's home is terminated.

[0060] The history of interactions and operations that take place during a lesson is recorded in chronological order. The quality of the T service is improved by analyzing the history of interactions and operations. As an example, the dialogue can be promoted by automatically generating a nodding gesture for the avatar 18 at a timing deemed appropriate based on the history of interactions and operations. In other words, a service (module) that automatically generates a nodding gesture is added to the control program of the avatar 18.

[0061] <Register as a student> Furthermore, person Q, who wishes to take lessons from a private tutor, is registered with server 12 as a service user in order to use information processing system 10. As an example, person Q or his / her parent operates their own terminal (user terminal) on a user registration internet site operated by server 12 to provisionally register as a service user who will use the CA service with the CA service operated by server 12.

[0062] The server 12 then notifies the user terminal of person Q of the URL of the official registration site along with the service user ID and temporary password. Person Q or his / her parent uses their own user terminal to access the official registration site and register a password, whereby person Q is officially registered as a service user of the CA service. Specifically, the server 12 registers person Q in the user management DB (service user management DB 30b).

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3, the service user management DB 30b stores a name and a password corresponding to a service user ID.

[0064] The service user ID is the identification information of the service user, and consists of a character string (SU) that indicates the service user and a serial number (for example, a five-digit number). The service user ID is issued using the serial number next to the last serial number when a service user is officially registered (added). The temporary password is issued randomly.

[0065] The name is the name of the service user, and is entered by the person who registers as a service user on the user registration internet site.

[0066] The password is required to access the CA service's Internet site, and is entered (or determined) by the person registering as a service user at the time of registration. As an example, the password is determined to be 8 to 12 letters using letters and numbers, and is indicated by a # symbol in Figure 3.

[0067] 3, in the service user management DB 30b, Tanaka Haruko is registered as a service user with a service user ID of SU08301, and a password is also registered. Also, Sato Taro is registered as a service user with a service user ID of OP08302, and a password is also registered.

[0068] Next, the service user (Person Q in this case) logs in to the CA service by entering the service user ID and password on the login screen of the CA service, selects the tutoring service (T service) from the service menu of the CA service, and then selects to register as a student from the submenu. The service user also selects the desired subjects and desired dates and times for taking lessons from each menu.

[0069] Then, in response to an instruction from the server 12, the service user with the service user ID is registered as a student in the student management DB 106 (see FIG. 5) managed by the company X that provides the T service. However, the student management DB 106 is connected to the server for the T service directly or via the network 14.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 5, the student management DB 106 stores a service user ID, a desired subject, and a desired date and time for taking the course, corresponding to the student registration number. The student registration number includes an alphabet (in this embodiment, S) that indicates the student and a serial number, and is determined when the student is registered in the student management DB 1106. The service user ID is the service user ID assigned when registering for the CA service. The desired subject is a subject that the student will take. The desired date and time for taking the course refers to the day (in this embodiment, the day of the week) and time (start time and end time) for taking the desired subject.

[0071] <Avatar Registration 1> The avatar registration officer of company X prepares an avatar 18 to be distributed (lend) to a service user of service T (for example, person Q), and registers the prepared avatar 18 in the CA service. As an example, the avatar registration officer uses his / her own terminal to open the login screen of the CA service, enters his / her own service user ID and password, and logs in.

[0072] The avatar registration person has been registered in advance as a service user of the CA service.

[0073] When the avatar registration officer logs in to the CA service, he / she selects the avatar registration service from the service menu of the CA service and provisionally registers the avatar 18 with the CA service by inputting or selecting the unique information of the avatar 18, the owner of the avatar 18, and the attributes of the avatar 18.

[0074] The server 12 then notifies the terminal of the avatar registration clerk of the URL of the official registration site along with the avatar ID and temporary password. The avatar registration clerk uses his / her own terminal to access the official registration site and registers the password, whereby the avatar 18 is officially registered as an avatar 18 to be used in the CA service. Specifically, the server 12 registers the avatar 18 in the avatar management DB 32.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 4, the avatar management DB 32 stores unique information, an owner ID, attributes, and a password in association with an avatar ID.

[0076] The avatar ID is identification information for the avatar 18, and is composed of a character string (AV) that indicates the avatar 18 and a serial number (for example, a five-digit number). The avatar ID is issued using the serial number next to the last serial number when the avatar 18 is officially registered (added). The temporary password is issued randomly.

[0077] The unique information is, for example, a MAC address, but may be other information such as a serial number, etc. In Figure 4, the MAC address is omitted by using a horizontal bar.

[0078] The owner ID is identification information of the owner of the avatar 18, and is indicated by a multi-digit number, a string of letters, or a symbol that combines these (for example, a five-digit number).

[0079] The attribute is the type of avatar 18, and indicates whether it is a stationary type, a mobile type, or a CG. In this embodiment, the stationary type refers to a stationary robot, the mobile type refers to a mobile robot, and the CG refers to a CG displayed on a tablet terminal.

[0080] The password is required to access the CA service's internet site, and is entered (or determined) at the time of registration by the avatar registration officer who registers the avatar 18. As an example, the password is determined to be 8 to 12 letters using letters and numbers, and is indicated by an x ​​in Figure 4.

[0081] In the example shown in Figure 4, the avatar management DB32 registers, for avatar 18 whose avatar ID is AV13853, the MAC address of the communication device equipped with that avatar 18 as unique information, 234012 as the owner ID, "fixed type" as the attribute, and a password.

[0082] In addition, corresponding to avatar 18 whose avatar ID is AV13854, the MAC address of the communication device equipped to the avatar 18 is registered as unique information, 234012 is registered as the owner ID, CG is registered as an attribute, and a password is also registered.

[0083] Furthermore, corresponding to the avatar 18 whose avatar ID is AV13855, the MAC address of the communication device equipped to the avatar 18 is registered as unique information, 000396 is registered as the owner ID, mobile type is registered as an attribute, and a password is also registered.

[0084] In the example shown in FIG. 4, it can be seen that the avatar 18 with the avatar ID AV13853 and the avatar 18 with the avatar ID AV13854 are owned by the same owner.

[0085] The avatar registration manager also sets (stores) the registered avatar ID and password in the internal memory of the corresponding avatar 18 (robot or computer).

[0086] <Avatar Registration 2> Next, the avatar registration person selects T Service from the service menu, selects Service Management from the submenu, and further selects Avatar Registration from the submenu. Subsequently, the avatar registration person registers the avatar ID of the avatar 18 registered in Avatar Registration 1 in the T Service. At this time, the avatar registration person also registers the student registration number of the user of the avatar 18, i.e., the student (here, Person Q), and the attributes of Person Q in the T Service.

[0087] Then, in response to an instruction from server 12, the avatar ID of avatar 18 registered in the T service and the student to whom avatar 18 is loaned are registered in association with each other in registered avatar management DB 108 managed by company X that provides the T service. However, registered avatar management DB 108 is connected to the server for the T service directly or via network 14.

[0088] 5, the registered avatar management DB 108 stores an avatar ID, a student registration number, and attributes corresponding to an avatar registration number. The avatar registration number includes an alphabet (in this embodiment, RA) and a serial number that indicate that the avatar 18 is registered, and is determined when the avatar is registered in the registered avatar management DB 108. The avatar ID is the avatar ID assigned when registering for the CA service.

[0089] The student registration number is the student registration number assigned when registering for the T service. The attribute is the student's attribute (permanent or temporary) of the student registration number. Permanent means that there is no time limit set for using the T service, and temporary means that there is a time limit set for using the T service.

[0090] Once the registration of the avatar 18 and the registration of the registered avatar 18 and the user to whom the avatar 18 is to be lent are completed, the avatar 18 and the text (or materials to be used in class) are sent to the user's home.

[0091] <Attending classes as a student> When a student, person Q, receives avatar 18 and the text, he or she takes lessons from the tutor using avatar 18.

[0092] Person Q prepares for the class by opening the textbook and turning on the power of the avatar 18 shortly before 7 PM on Wednesday (for example, 6:50 PM). When the power of the avatar 18 is turned on, it sends the avatar ID and password stored in its internal memory to the server 12 of the CA service and enters a state of waiting for connection. However, the server 12 authenticates the avatar ID and password, and if the authentication is successful, it permits the start of a session between the operator terminal 16 used by the tutor and the avatar 18 assigned to this operator terminal 16.

[0093] At 7 p.m., as described above, the lamp on the avatar 18 flashes or a call sounds, informing person Q that there is a connection request from the tutor's operator terminal 16. In response, the student performs an operation to accept the connection request. For example, if the avatar 18 is a robot, the student shakes hands with the robot or vocally indicates acceptance. If the avatar 18 is CG, the student turns on the acceptance button or vocally indicates acceptance.

[0094] Avatar 18 then bows and greets the students by saying, "I'll be in charge of your math class starting today. Nice to meet you." and begins the lesson.

[0095] Then, when the class is over, avatar 18 says, "That's all for today. See you next week," and then shuts down. Person Q then turns off avatar 18.

[0096] As described above, the history of the interactions and operations that took place during the lesson is recorded in chronological order.

[0097] <Aquarium tour service> The second case is when a certain aquarium Y provides a tour service (hereinafter referred to as "F service"). In such an F service, visitors, i.e., participants, tour the aquarium through their own avatars 18.

[0098] In the case of this F service, the person R who will be a visitor makes a reservation by clicking on a link on the homepage of aquarium Y and selecting or specifying the date and time he or she wishes to visit on the web page of the F service reservation site managed by server 12, as well as entering his or her own service user ID and operator ID.

[0099] Person R is the operator of the avatar 18 located remotely, and also the service user who tours the site through the avatar 18. In this case, person R is registered in the CA service as an operator and also as a service user. The registration methods for each are as shown in the example of the T service.

[0100] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the service providing system 200 when the F service is provided using the information processing system 10. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the visitor management DB 204 and registered avatar management DB 206 managed by the aquarium Y that provides the F service. The tour service of the aquarium Y will be explained below using Figs. 7 and 8, but the same content as the tutor service described above will only be briefly explained.

[0101] In the case of this F service, an applicant (here, person R) registers as an operator with the F service of aquarium Y via the information processing system 10, and also registers as a service user with the F service of aquarium Y via the information processing system 10. Next, person R makes a reservation for a guided tour on the web page of the reservation site for the F service, as described above.

[0102] <Register as a visitor> Specifically, person Q, who wishes to take a guided tour of aquarium Y, is registered with server 12 as an operator and service user in order to use information processing system 10. As an example, on a user registration internet site operated by server 12, person R operates his / her own terminal (operator terminal 16) to provisionally register as an operator of avatar 18 with the CA service operated by server 12.

[0103] The server 12 then notifies the operator terminal 16 of person R of the URL of the official registration site along with the operator ID and temporary password. When person R uses his / her operator terminal 16 to access the official registration site and registers his / her password, person P is officially registered as an operator of the CA service. Specifically, the server 12 registers person R in the user management DB (operator management DB 30a). The operator management DB 30a has been described using FIG. 3, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0104] Subsequently, person Q is registered with the server 12 as a service user in order to use the information processing system 10. As an example, on a user registration internet site operated by the server 12, person Q operates his / her own terminal (here, the operator terminal 16) to provisionally register with the CA service operated by the server 12 as a service user who will use the CA service.

[0105] The server 12 then notifies the operator terminal 16 of person R of the URL of the official registration site along with the service user ID and temporary password. Person R uses his / her operator terminal 16 to access the official registration site and registers his / her password, thereby officially registering person R as a service user of the CA service. Specifically, the server 12 registers person R in the user management DB (service user management DB 30b). The service user management DB 30b has been described using FIG. 3, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0106] Next, the applicant (person R in this case) logs in to the CA service by entering the service user ID (or operator ID) and password on the login screen of the CA service, selects the guided tour service (service F) for aquarium Y from the service menu of the CA service, and then selects "reserve a guided tour" from the submenu. The applicant also selects (or specifies) the desired date and time of the tour from the menu.

[0107] Then, in response to an instruction from server 12, the applicant for the service user ID and operator ID is registered as a visitor in visitor management DB 204 managed by aquarium Y that provides the F service. However, visitor management DB 204 is connected directly or via network 14 to a server 202 of aquarium Y that operates an internet site for providing the F service (a server separate from server 12 and the server for the T service; hereinafter referred to as the "server for the F service"). The same applies to registered avatar management DB 206, which will be described later. Furthermore, server 202 for the F service is a general-purpose server, and is equipped with components such as a CPU, RAM, and a communication I / F.

[0108] The visitor management DB 204 stores a service user ID, an operator ID, and a reservation date and time corresponding to the visitor number. The visitor number includes an alphabet (V in this embodiment) indicating that the visitor is a visitor, and a serial number, and is determined when the visitor is registered in the visitor management DB. The service user ID and operator ID are the service user ID and operator ID assigned when registering for the CA service. The reservation date and time means the date (year, month, date) and time (start time and end time) for the applicant to visit Aquarium Y.

[0109] <Avatar Registration 1> The avatar registration person at Aquarium Y prepares avatars 18 to be used by service users of Service F, and registers the prepared avatars 18 with the CA service. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, the registered avatars 18 are registered (added) to the avatar management DB 32. Avatar registration 1 and the avatar management DB are as described above, and therefore a repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0110] <Avatar Registration 2> Next, the avatar registration clerk selects F Service from the service menu, selects Service Management from the submenu, and further selects Avatar Registration from the submenu. Subsequently, the avatar registration clerk registers the avatar ID of the avatar 18 registered in Avatar Registration 1 in the F Service. At this time, the avatar registration clerk also registers the visitor number of the user of the avatar 18, i.e., the visitor (here, person R), and the attributes of person R in the F Service.

[0111] Then, in response to an instruction from the server 12, the avatar ID of the avatar 18 registered in the F service and the visitor who will use the avatar 18 are registered in association with each other in the registered avatar management DB 206 managed by the aquarium Y that provides the F service. The registered avatar management DB 206 is connected to the server 202 for the F service directly or via the network 14.

[0112] 8, the registered avatar management DB 206 stores an avatar ID, a visitor number, and attributes corresponding to an avatar registration number. The avatar registration number and avatar ID are the same as those described above, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0113] The visitor number is the visitor number assigned when registering for the F service. The attribute is the attribute of the visitor with the visitor number (one day or one year), and the period of use of the F service is registered.

[0114] Once the registration of the avatar 18 and the registration of the registered avatar 18 and the visitor who will use the avatar 18 are completed, the avatar 18 is placed in the aquarium Y. However, the avatar 18 may be placed in the aquarium Y in advance.

[0115] <Visiting Aquarium Y as a visitor> Person Q logs in to the CA service using his / her operator terminal 16 shortly before 2:00 PM on the reservation date and time, for example, January 15, 2022 (for example, 1:50 PM), selects service F for aquarium Y from the service menu, and further selects to start a tour (guided tour) from the submenu. However, at the time of login, the server 12 authenticates the operator ID and password of the operator terminal 16, and if the authentication is successful, the operator terminal 16 logs in to the CA service.

[0116] Then, the server 202 for the F service receives a notification of the start of the tour from the server 12 for the CA service, selects a visitor (here, person Q) who is scheduled to tour from January 15, 2022, and assigns the avatar 18 registered for the selected visitor to the operator terminal 16 of person R. In addition, guide G, who is an employee of aquarium Y, is assigned to the avatar 18.

[0117] When the power is turned on, the avatar 18 transmits the avatar ID and password stored in the internal memory to the CA service server 12 and enters a state of waiting for connection. However, the server 12 authenticates the avatar ID and password, and if the authentication is successful, permits the start of a session between the operator terminal 16 used by the visitor and the avatar 18 assigned to this operator terminal 16.

[0118] At 2 p.m., a lamp on the avatar 18 flashes or a call sounds, informing the guide G that there is a connection request from the visitor's operator terminal 16. In response, the guide G performs an operation to accept the connection request. For example, if the avatar 18 is a robot, the guide G shakes hands with the robot or vocally inputs acceptance.

[0119] Meanwhile, the operation screen of the operator terminal 16 of person Q displays that it is waiting for connection from the avatar 18 placed in aquarium Y, and the avatar 18 placed in aquarium Y notifies the guide G who is in front of (nearby) the avatar 18 that there is a connection request by flashing a lamp or outputting a ringtone. The guide G notifies the avatar 18 through the avatar 18 that the connection request has been accepted.

[0120] The server 12 connects the operator terminal 16 of person R and the avatar 18 so that they can communicate with each other in accordance with the session management program, and notifies the task of processing the service program (the control program for the F service) that the connection has been completed.

[0121] In accordance with the service program, the server 12 displays, on the operation screen of the operator terminal 16 of person R, a message indicating that connection has been established with the avatar 18 placed in aquarium Y, and also displays an interface such as operation buttons for operating the avatar 18. Person R confirms on the operation screen that the avatar 18 placed in aquarium Y has been established.

[0122] When guide G accepts the connection request through avatar 18, he / she begins the tour by saying, "Hello, and welcome to Aquarium Y." Person R controls avatar 18 to move avatar 18 around the aquarium, and enjoys the guided tour by viewing the fish, listening to guide G's explanations, and interacting with guide G through avatar 18.

[0123] The history of interactions and operations that occur during the tour (tour) is recorded in chronological order. By analyzing the history of interactions and operations, the quality of the F service can be improved. As an example, a guided tour along a recommended guided route can be provided by automatically setting the movement route and stopping positions of the avatar 18 at a timing deemed appropriate based on the history of interactions and operations. In other words, a service (module) that guides along a recommended guided route is added to the control program of the avatar 18.

[0124] According to this embodiment, a CA service is provided that registers, manages, and authenticates avatars, avatar operators, and avatar users. Therefore, when providing various services that use this CA service as a base, an avatar can be assigned to an operator to provide the specified service.

[0125] In this embodiment, the service history DB is connected to the server that provides the CA service, but it may also be connected to another server that provides a predetermined service using the CA service. Alternatively, a separate service history DB may be provided that is connected to another server that provides a predetermined service.

[0126] Furthermore, by constructing various service provision systems such as those described in the above embodiments, it is possible to dynamically assign a combination of operators and avatars when providing a specific service by taking into consideration the characteristics of the user, operator, and avatar in the CA service and a specific service that uses the CA service, as well as the service history. However, the characteristics may be common to all the specific services or individual.

[0127] The various DBs and predetermined services mentioned in this embodiment are merely examples and can be changed as needed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 10. Information Processing Systems 12, 102, 202...servers 12a, 50...CPU 12b, 52...RAM 12c, 54…Communication I / F 14...Network 16...Operator terminal 18...Avatar 30...User management DB 32...Avatar management database 34...Session management DB 36...Service management DB 38...Service history DB 56... Input / Output Interface 58...input device 60...display device 62 ...Mike 64...Speaker 66 ...Sensor I / F 68...Camera 100, 200...service provision system 104…Tutor management DB 106...Student Management DB 108 ...Registered avatar management database 204 ... Visitor management database 206 ...Registered avatar management database

Claims

[Claim 1] An information processing system including: an information processing device that provides a platform service that is a platform service for providing one or more predetermined services using avatars; and an operator terminal for an operator that operates an avatar used in the predetermined services, a first storage means for storing avatar identification information and an avatar password, which are identification information of the avatar used in the one or more predetermined services; a second storage means for storing operator identification information and an operator password, which are identification information of the operator; an operator authentication means for authenticating the operator identification information and the operator password when the operator uses the infrastructure service; a selection means for selecting one of the predetermined services in accordance with an operation of the operator who has been successfully authenticated by the operator authentication means; an allocation means for allocating, when one of the predetermined services is selected by the selection means, the avatar to be used in the predetermined service to the operator terminal of the selected operator; avatar authentication means for authenticating the avatar identification information and the avatar password of the avatar assigned by the assignment means; and An information processing system comprising an authorization means for authorizing the start of a session between the operator terminal of the operator who selected the specified service and the avatar assigned by the assignment means in response to successful authentication by the avatar authentication means.

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