Communication Promotion System

Abstract

A communication promotion system for promoting communication between multiple users includes a first information communication device linked to a first user among the multiple users, and a second information communication device linked to a second user among the multiple users, wherein the first information communication device includes a first information acquisition unit that acquires first user information about the first user, and a first communication unit that communicates with the second information communication device based on the first user information acquired by the first information acquisition unit, and the second information communication device includes a second information acquisition unit that acquires second user information about a second user, and a second communication unit that communicates with the first information communication device based on the second user information acquired by the second information acquisition unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication promotion system for communicating information between multiple devices. [Background technology]

[0002] When multiple users perform a task, it is important to ensure smooth communication between the users. As a technology for ensuring smooth communication between users, Patent Document 1 proposes monitoring the conversations between users, acquiring the emotional state and biorhythm data of each user, and sharing the data among the users. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2022-502219 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The prior art described in Patent Document 1 allows users to know the emotional state and biorhythm data of other users, but requires them to communicate directly with each other. However, direct communication can be difficult when users are far apart or when their schedules do not match. Furthermore, for some users, communicating directly with other users can be psychologically stressful. In these cases, smooth communication between users is not possible, which can lead to a decrease in work productivity.

[0005] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a communication promotion system that allows people to communicate smoothly without having to directly talk to each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communication facilitation system according to the present disclosure is a communication facilitation system that promotes communication in a real space between a plurality of users existing in a predetermined real space, and includes: a first information communication device that exists in the real space and is linked to a first user among the plurality of users; and a second information communication device that exists in the real space and is linked to a second user among the plurality of users, wherein the first information communication device includes a first information acquisition unit that acquires first user information about the first user; and a first communication unit that communicates with the second information communication device based on the first user information acquired by the first information acquisition unit; a first determination unit that determines whether a communication condition with the second information communication device is satisfied based on the content of the dialogue with the first user; the second information communication device includes a second information acquisition unit that acquires second user information related to a second user, and a second communication unit that communicates with the first information communication device based on the second user information acquired by the second information acquisition unit; a second determination unit that determines whether a communication condition with the first information communication device is satisfied based on the content of the dialogue with the second user; It is equipped with the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, by communicating with a second information communication device linked to a second user based on first user information related to a first user, people can communicate smoothly without having to directly interact with each other. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a communication facilitation system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first information communication device and a second information communication device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations of the first information communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first information communication device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a communication facilitation system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first information communication device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations of the first information communication device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of a communication facilitation system 100 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, components denoted by the same reference numerals are identical or equivalent components, and this is common throughout the specification. Note that the relative dimensions or shapes of the components in each drawing may differ from those in reality.

[0010] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication facilitation system 100 according to a first embodiment. The communication facilitation system 100 of this embodiment facilitates communication between users by having information communication devices interact with each other on behalf of the users. The communication facilitation system 100 of this embodiment includes a plurality of information communication devices each associated with a plurality of users. In the example of FIG. 1, the communication facilitation system 100 includes a first information communication device 1a, a second information communication device 1b, a third information communication device 1c, and a fourth information communication device 1d each associated with a first user Pa, a second user Pb, a third user Pc, and a fourth user Pd, respectively. The first information communication device 1a to the fourth information communication device 1d are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication. For the wired or wireless communication, an interface compliant with a communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), LTE (registered trademark), or LoRaWan (registered trademark) is used. 1, the communication facilitation system 100 includes four information communication devices associated with four users, respectively. However, the number of information communication devices is not limited to four, and may be any number. Also, in the example of FIG. 1, there is a one-to-one correspondence between users and information communication devices, but there may also be a one-to-multiple correspondence between users and information communication devices. That is, one user may be associated with multiple information communication devices.

[0011] The first information communication device 1a to the fourth information communication device 1d are personal status support systems linked to the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd, respectively. The first information communication device 1a to the fourth information communication device 1d are, for example, autonomous robots as shown in FIG. 1. The appearance and shape of the first information communication device 1a to the fourth information communication device 1d can be arranged by the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd. By configuring the first information communication device 1a to the fourth information communication device 1d in this manner, the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd can feel a sense of familiarity with the first information communication device 1a to the fourth information communication device 1d, and the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd and the first information communication device 1a to the fourth information communication device 1d are more strongly linked to each other.

[0012] The first to fourth information communication devices 1a to 1d are not limited to robots as shown in Fig. 1, but may be terminal devices such as smartphones or tablets, or wearable devices such as smartwatches. Alternatively, the first to fourth information communication devices 1a to 1d may be devices realized by embedding or attaching a chip having the functions of the first to fourth information communication devices 1a to 1d in something of the user's choice. The first to fourth information communication devices 1a to 1d are devices unique to the first to fourth users Pa to Pd, respectively, and start operating when the first to fourth users Pa to Pd are authenticated by inputting an identification number, fingerprint authentication, face authentication, or the like.

[0013] In the communication facilitation system 100 of this embodiment, the first information communication device 1a communicates with the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d based on the user information of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd, thereby communicating on behalf of the first user Pa. Note that the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d may also communicate on behalf of the second user Pb to the fourth user Pd by conversing with other information communication devices based on the user information of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd, similar to the first information communication device 1a.

[0014] The user information of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd includes at least one of personal information and work information. The user information of the first user Pa is "first user information," and the user information of the second user Pb is "second user information." The personal information included in the user information is information related to the mind and body of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd, and includes, for example, information related to the state of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd, such as the speech and behavior, mental and physical state, and behavioral history, and at least one of biometric information of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd, such as brain waves, heart rate, pulse wave, body temperature, and posture. The speech and behavior of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd is speech and behavior that indicates the comfort or psychological state of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd, such as "hot," "cold," or "tired," and the mental and physical state indicates the mental and physical state with respect to work, such as "can't concentrate" or "tired." The personal information of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd may be input by the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd to the first information communication device 1a to the fourth information communication device 1d, or may be measured by a biological information sensor (not shown) such as a camera, an infrared sensor, an electroencephalograph, an activity meter, a heart rate meter, a thermometer, or an acceleration sensor and input to the first information communication device 1a to the fourth information communication device 1d. If the first information communication device 1a to the fourth information communication device 1d are wearable devices such as smart watches, the first information communication device 1a to the fourth information communication device 1d may be equipped with a biological information sensor for acquiring personal information.

[0015] The task information included in the user information is information about the tasks performed by the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd, and includes, for example, at least one of the schedules, affiliations, job titles, task details, and task times of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd. The schedules are hourly plans for the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd, such as tasks or outings. The task details include, for example, specific task details such as document creation or meetings, the type of task such as intellectual labor (desk work) or physical labor, or the workload such as light work or heavy work. Note that "physical labor" here includes work performed inside a building, such as the work of a worker on a factory line or a nurse in a hospital, but does not include work performed outdoors, such as at a construction site. The task information of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd may be input by the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd to the first information communication device 1a to the fourth information communication device 1d, or may be obtained from an external management device that manages the task information of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd. Furthermore, the work details and work times of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd may be acquired by measurements using a biological information sensor such as a camera, an infrared sensor, an activity meter, or an acceleration sensor, and may be input to the first information communication device 1a to the fourth information communication device 1d. Note that the personal information and business information of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd are not limited to the examples listed above, and may be other information.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first information communication device 1a and a second information communication device 1b according to embodiment 1. Although the specific configurations of a third information communication device 1c and a fourth information communication device 1d are not shown in Fig. 2, the third information communication device 1c and the fourth information communication device 1d have the same configuration as the first information communication device 1a or the second information communication device 1b. As shown in Fig. 2, the first information communication device 1a has a first control device 11a, a first storage device 12a, a first input device 13a, and a first output device 14a.

[0017] The first control device 11a has, as functional units, a first information acquisition unit 111a, a first determination unit 112a, and a first communication unit 113a. The first control device 11a is configured with dedicated hardware or a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) that executes a program stored in a memory. Figures 3 and 4 are hardware configuration diagrams showing an example configuration of the first control device 11a according to the first embodiment.

[0018] 3, when the first control device 11a is dedicated hardware, the first control device 11a is configured with a processing circuit 600. The processing circuit 600 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof. The first information acquisition unit 111a, the first determination unit 112a, and the first communication unit 113a of the first control device 11a may be realized by separate pieces of hardware or by a single piece of hardware.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 4, when the first control device 11a is configured with a processor 601, the first information acquisition unit 111a, the first determination unit 112a, and the first communication unit 113a of the first control device 11a are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in a memory 602 constituting the first storage device 12a. The processor 601 and the memory 602 are communicatively connected to each other via a bus 603. The processor 601 realizes the first information acquisition unit 111a, the first determination unit 112a, and the first communication unit 113a by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 602. Note that the first control device 11a may have multiple processors 601 and multiple memories 602, which cooperate to realize each functional unit of the first control device 11a. Alternatively, some of the functions of the first control device 11a may be realized by dedicated hardware and some by software or firmware.

[0020] Returning to FIG. 2, the first information acquisition unit 111a acquires at least one of personal information and business information of the first user Pa and at least one of personal information and business information of the second user Pb to the fourth user Pd input via the first input device 13a. At least one of the personal information and business information of the second user Pb to the fourth user Pd may be acquired by, for example, an information acquisition unit of the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d and transmitted to the first information communication device 1a, or may be acquired from an external management device that manages the business information of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd. Note that the first information acquisition unit 111a may acquire at least one of the personal information and business information of the first user Pa by performing wired or wireless communication with a biometric information sensor. The first information acquisition unit 111a may acquire information periodically at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 30 minutes), or may acquire information when at least one of the personal information and business information is input from the first user Pa via the first input device 13a.

[0021] The first determination unit 112a determines whether a communication condition is satisfied based on at least one of the personal information and the business information acquired by the first information acquisition unit 111a. The communication condition may be when the first user Pa has finished their business, when the first user Pa's working time exceeds a predetermined time, or when the first user Pa's physical and mental state reaches a predetermined state.

[0022] When the first determination unit 112a determines that the communication conditions are satisfied, the first communication unit 113a selects an information communication device to be a communication target from among the plurality of second information communication devices 1b to fourth information communication devices 1d. The first communication unit 113a selects an information communication device to be a communication target based on at least one of the personal information and business information of the first user Pa to fourth user Pd acquired by the first information acquisition unit 111a. For example, the first communication unit 113a selects, as a communication target, an information communication device linked to a user who belongs to the same team as the first user Pa, a user who is the first user Pa's boss, or a user who performs the same work as the first user Pa, based on the business information of the first user Pa to fourth user Pd. Alternatively, the first communication unit 113a selects, as a communication target, an information communication device linked to a user who has the same or different mental and physical state as the first user Pa, or a user who has the same behavioral history as the first user Pa, based on the personal information of the first user Pa to fourth user Pd.

[0023] Then, the first communication unit 113a generates communication content to be transmitted to at least one of the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d, which are communication targets, based on at least one of the personal information and the business information acquired by the first information acquisition unit 111a. The communication content may be the personal information or the business information of the first user Pa, or may be generated based on the personal information or the business information of the first user Pa. For example, the first communication unit 113a may select one of a plurality of communication contents stored in advance in the first storage device 12a based on the personal information or the business information of the first user Pa, or may generate the communication content based on the personal information or the business information of the first user Pa using a generation AI function.

[0024] Furthermore, the first communication unit 113a receives a reply from at least one of the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d, which are communication targets, and outputs the reply from the first output device 14a. Thereafter, the first communication unit 113a communicates with the communication targets on behalf of the first user Pa, for example, by transmitting information input from the first input device 13a to at least one of the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d, which are communication targets. Furthermore, when the first communication unit 113a starts communication with another of the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d on behalf of the first user Pa, the first communication unit 113a may output a communication report reporting that the communication has been completed from the first output device 14a.

[0025] The first storage device 12a is configured with, for example, a volatile or non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination of these. The first storage device 12a stores programs used in communication processing by the first control device 11a, various data such as calculation formulas and thresholds used in executing the programs, and communication contents.

[0026] The first input device 13a is, for example, an operating device such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel operated by the first user Pa, or a microphone that acquires the voice of the first user Pa. At least one of personal information and business information of the first user Pa is input to the first input device 13a as first user information. The first input device 13a transmits the input information to the first information acquisition unit 111a of the first control device 11a.

[0027] The first output device 14a is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that outputs visual information to the first user Pa, or a speaker that outputs audio information to the first user Pa. The first output device 14a outputs reply content from at least one of the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d that are communication targets, and a communication report from the first communication unit 113a.

[0028] The second information communication device 1b includes a second control device 11b, a second storage device 12b, a second input device 13b, and a second output device 14b. The second control device 11b, the second storage device 12b, the second input device 13b, and the second output device 14b have the same configurations and functions as the first control device 11a, the first storage device 12a, the first input device 13a, and the first output device 14a of the first information communication device 1a, except that they are targeted at a second user Pb.

[0029] The second control device 11b has, as its functional units, a second information acquisition unit 111b, a second determination unit 112b, and a second communication unit 113b. The functions of the second information acquisition unit 111b, the second determination unit 112b, and the second communication unit 113b are the same as the functions of the first information acquisition unit 111a, the first determination unit 112a, and the first communication unit 113a of the first control device 11a. However, the second information acquisition unit 111b acquires, as second user information, at least one of personal information and business information of the second user Pb input via the second input device 13b. Furthermore, the second communication unit 113b receives communication from the first information communication device 1a, which is the communication target, and outputs the communication information from the second output device 14b. Note that the second communication unit 113b may communicate with any of the first information communication device 1a, the third information communication device 1c, and the fourth information communication device 1d based on the second user information.

[0030] A specific example of communication processing by the first information communication device 1a will be described. For example, the first determination unit 112a of the first information communication device 1a determines that the communication conditions are satisfied when the mental and physical state of the first user Pa is fatigued. The first communication unit 113a selects, as communication targets, the second information communication device 1b and the third information communication device 1c linked to the second user Pb and the third user Pc, which are in a different mental and physical state from the first user Pa (i.e., are in good health), and generates communication content regarding the mental and physical state of the first user Pa or a consultation requesting advice for the first user Pa, and transmits the communication content to the second information communication device 1b and the third information communication device 1c. The first communication unit 113a then receives replies from the second information communication device 1b and the third information communication device 1c and outputs them to the first output device 14a.

[0031] As another example, the first determination unit 112a of the first information communication device 1a determines that the communication condition is satisfied when the work of the first user Pa is completed. The first communication unit 113a selects the fourth information communication device 1d linked to the fourth user Pd who is the boss of the first user Pa as the communication target, generates a report of the completion of the work of the first user Pa as communication content, and transmits it to the fourth information communication device 1d. The first information communication device 1a then receives a reply from the fourth information communication device 1d and outputs it to the first output device 14a.

[0032] 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations of the first information communication device 1a according to the first embodiment. First, the first information acquisition unit 111a acquires at least one of personal information and business information of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd as input information (S1). Next, the first determination unit 112a determines whether or not the communication conditions are met based on at least one of the personal information and business information of the first user Pa (S2). If the communication conditions are not met (S2: NO), this process ends.

[0033] If the communication conditions are met (S2: YES), the first communication unit 113a selects at least one of the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d as a communication target based on at least one of the personal information and business information of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd (S3). Then, the first communication unit 113a generates communication content based on at least one of the personal information and business information of the first user Pa, and starts communication with at least one of the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d selected as the communication target (S4). Thereafter, a conversation continues between the first information communication device 1a and at least one of the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d that are the communication targets, on behalf of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd.

[0034] As described above, in this embodiment, the first information communication device 1a associated with the first user Pa can interact with other information communication devices on behalf of the first user Pa, allowing users to communicate smoothly without directly interacting with each other. Because there is no need for direct interaction or communication between users, each user can concentrate on other tasks, improving work efficiency. Furthermore, because interactions between users can occur regardless of the location, state, and emotion of each user, the psychological burden on each user is reduced and productivity can be improved. Furthermore, the first information communication device 1a automatically initiates communication with other information communication devices based on at least one of the personal information and task information of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd, allowing communication with other users even without the first user Pa's willingness or presence.

[0035] The first communication unit 113a may translate the generated communication content into a language different from the original language and transmit it to the communication target. This allows the first information communication device 1a to act as an interpreter when interacting with users who speak different languages, allowing smooth communication between the users. As a specific example, when speaking face-to-face with a foreign worker, the first information communication device 1a translates the words spoken by the first user Pa and transmits them to the other party. The first communication unit 113a may also understand the feelings and personality of the first user Pa associated with its own device, add information based on the feelings and personality of the first user Pa to the remarks (communication content) of the first user Pa, and transmit the resulting information to the communication target to convey it to the foreign worker. Alternatively, the first communication unit 113a may convert the communication content into a different format and transmit it to the communication target. For example, the first communication unit 113a may convert voice included in the communication content into text or images, or convert text included in the communication content into voice or images and transmit them to the communication target. Alternatively, the first information communication device 1a may change the content of what the foreign worker says, included in the communication content received from the communication target, to a style of speech that suits the first user Pa's personality, and convey it to the first user Pa.

[0036] Furthermore, a communication unit of the communication target, such as the second communication unit 113b, may convert and output the communication content received from the first information communication device 1a. In this case, the conversion may include, as described above, translating the content into a language different from the original language, converting it into a different format, adding information, or changing the communication content. This can prevent discrepancies from occurring in communication between users.

[0037] Embodiment 2 FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first information communication device 1aA according to the second embodiment. A communication facilitation system 100A according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of first information communication devices 1aA and second to fourth information communication devices 1b to 1d. While the specific configurations of the second to fourth information communication devices 1b to 1d are not shown in FIG. 6, the second to fourth information communication devices 1b to 1d have the same configuration as the first information communication device 1aA. As shown in FIG. 6, the first information communication device 1aA according to the present embodiment includes a first control device 11aA, a first storage device 12aA, a first input device 13a, and a first output device 14a. The configurations and functions of the first input device 13a and the first output device 14a are the same as those according to the first embodiment.

[0038] The first control device 11aA has a first information acquisition unit 111a, a first determination unit 112a, a first communication unit 113a, and a dialogue unit 114 as functional units.

[0039] The dialogue unit 114 carries out a voice dialogue with the first user Pa. The dialogue unit 114 has a voice recognition function for recognizing voice input via the first input device 13a, a natural language processing function for determining the meaning of the recognized voice, and a speech function for generating dialogue content with the user P and outputting it via the first output device 14a. The dialogue unit 114 generates voice data of the dialogue content from voice data stored in a voice data DB 121 ("DB" stands for database) stored in the first storage device 12a, and outputs it from the first output device 14a. The dialogue unit 114 may have an image recognition function or the like and may dialogue with the first user Pa using visual information such as text or images. Alternatively, the dialogue unit 114 may dialogue with the first user Pa using a combination of voice and visual information.

[0040] The dialogue content generated by the dialogue unit 114 is advice or chat to the first user Pa. Advice to the first user Pa is, for example, a message encouraging the tired first user Pa to take a break, or a message encouraging the first user Pa to change their environment. Chat is, for example, a message about the current weather or news, or a message about the hobbies of the first user Pa. The dialogue unit 114 randomly selects, for example, voice data stored in the voice data DB 121, to create the dialogue content.

[0041] Furthermore, the dialogue unit 114 generates and outputs a response to the utterance content of the first user Pa input to the first input device 13a. For example, the dialogue unit 114 selects voice data of a response content corresponding to the utterance content of the first user Pa from the voice data stored in the voice data DB 121, and outputs the selected voice data from the first output device 14a.

[0042] The first storage device 12aA of this embodiment stores a voice data DB 121. The voice data DB 121 stores various voice data used in dialogue by the dialogue unit 114. The voice data DB 121 includes voice data for giving advice to the first user Pa and voice data for chatting with the first user Pa. The voice data DB 121 communicates with an external device via a network such as the Internet, and acquires voice data from the external device.

[0043] The first determination unit 112a of this embodiment determines whether or not the communication conditions are satisfied based on the content of the dialogue between the first user Pa and the dialogue unit 114. For example, the first determination unit 112a determines that the communication conditions are satisfied when the first user Pa expresses a business problem or expresses a concern or question during the dialogue with the dialogue unit 114.

[0044] When the first determination unit 112a determines that the communication conditions are satisfied, the first communication unit 113a of this embodiment selects an information communication device as a communication target based on at least one of personal information and business information of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd, as in the first embodiment. Then, the first communication unit 113a generates communication content based on the content of the dialogue between the first user Pa and the dialogue unit 114. For example, when the first user Pa expresses a work-related problem in the dialogue with the dialogue unit 114, the first communication unit 113a selects at least one of the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d associated with the first user Pa's colleague or superior as a communication target, and transmits the work-related problem, which is the content of the dialogue, to the communication target. Furthermore, the first communication unit 113a receives a reply to the communication from at least one of the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d, which are communication targets, and transmits the reply to the dialogue unit 114. The dialogue unit 114 outputs the reply content from at least one of the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d from the first output device 14a as a response to the dialogue.

[0045] As described above, in the present embodiment as well, the first information communication device 1aA linked to the first user Pa can have a conversation with another information communication device on behalf of the first user Pa, thereby enabling smooth communication between users without direct conversation between them. Furthermore, by having a conversation with the first user Pa and then having a conversation with another information communication device based on the content of the conversation, communication can be carried out in line with the intention of the first user Pa.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the content of the dialogue with first user Pa is used in the determination of the communication conditions by first determination unit 112a and the generation of the communication content by first communication unit 113a, but the dialogue with first user Pa may be used in at least one of the determination of the communication conditions by first determination unit 112a, the selection of a communication target by first communication unit 113a, and the generation of the communication content. For example, first determination unit 112a may determine whether the communication conditions are satisfied based on personal information and business information of first user Pa, as in embodiment 1, and first communication unit 113a may select a communication target and generate the communication content from the content of the dialogue with first user Pa.

[0047] Embodiment 3 Fig. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a communication facilitation system 100B according to embodiment 3. As shown in Fig. 7, the communication facilitation system 100B of this embodiment includes an environment information measuring device 2 in addition to a first information communication device 1aB and second to fourth information communication devices 1b to 1d. The first information communication device 1aB and the environment information measuring device 2 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly.

[0048] The environmental information measuring device 2 is a device that measures environmental information of an indoor space where the first user Pa is present. The environmental information is, for example, at least one of the indoor temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, dust concentration, illuminance, odor intensity, noise level, and number of people present. The environmental information measuring device 2 is, for example, at least one of a temperature sensor that measures the indoor temperature, a humidity sensor that measures humidity, a CO2 sensor that measures the CO2 concentration, a dust sensor that measures the dust concentration, an illuminance sensor that measures illuminance, an odor sensor that measures odor intensity, a volume sensor that measures the noise level, and an infrared sensor or camera that detects the number of people present. The environmental information measured by the environmental information measuring device 2 is transmitted to the first information communication device 1aB. Note that the environmental information measuring device 2 and the environmental information are not limited to the examples listed above, and other devices and information may also be used.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first information communication device 1aB according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 8, the specific configurations of the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d are not shown, but the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d have the same configuration as the first information communication device 1aB. As shown in FIG. 8, the first information communication device 1aB according to the third embodiment includes a first control device 11aB, a first storage device 12aB, a first input device 13a, and a first output device 14a. The configurations and functions of the first input device 13a and the first output device 14a are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0050] The first control device 11aB has a first information acquisition unit 111a, a first determination unit 112a, a first communication unit 113a, and an estimation unit 115 as functional units.

[0051] The first information acquisition unit 111a of this embodiment acquires at least one of personal information and business information of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd, as well as environmental information measured by the environmental information measuring device 2. The first information acquisition unit 111a transmits the acquired environmental information and at least one of personal information and business information of the first user Pa to the estimation unit 115.

[0052] The estimation unit 115 estimates the psychological state of the first user Pa using the environmental information acquired by the first information acquisition unit 111a, at least one of the personal information and the work information of the first user Pa, and the trained estimation model 122 stored in the first storage device 12aB. In detail, the estimation unit 115 inputs the environmental information acquired by the first information acquisition unit 111a and at least one of the personal information and the work information of the first user Pa as input data to the estimation model 122, and acquires a psychological value indicating the psychological state of the first user Pa output from the estimation model 122 as an estimation result. The psychological value is the degree of ease of working or the degree of well-being of the first user Pa. The degree of ease of working is the degree to which the user Pa can work positively (job satisfaction), motivation (job satisfaction), or the degree of labor economy such as a reduction in working hours due to improved productivity, etc. For example, these include work efficiency in terms of labor productivity, reduction in working hours, an index of improvement in intellectual productivity, the degree of concentration on work, and an engagement index in terms of motivation. The well-being degree is the degree to which user P feels comfortable both physically and mentally in the space, and is expressed as a numerical value such as a comfort index, fatigue index, medical cost reduction rate, or sleep index. Note that the higher the numerical value of the ease of working degree and well-being degree, the easier and more comfortable it is to work.

[0053] The first storage device 12aB of this embodiment stores an estimation model 122. The estimation model 122 is a trained model that receives environmental information and at least one of personal information and task information of the first user Pa as input data and outputs a psychological value indicating the psychological state of the first user Pa as output data. The estimation model 122 is trained using training data unique to the first user Pa. The estimation model 122 is trained by supervised learning using, for example, a neural network.

[0054] An example of a learning method for the estimation model 122 will be described. The estimation model 122 learns the psychological values ​​of the first user Pa for each of the environmental information, the personal information, and the task information, using past environmental information, at least one of the personal information and the task information of the first user Pa, and the psychological values ​​of the first user Pa at that time as learning data. The psychological values ​​of the first user Pa in the learning data can be obtained from past feedback from the first user Pa. The feedback from the first user Pa may be obtained from at least one of information on the state of the first user Pa in the personal information, such as the speech and behavior, mental and physical state, and behavior history, and biological information of the first user Pa, such as brain waves, heart rate, pulse wave, body temperature, and posture, or may be input from the first user Pa via the first input device 13a.

[0055] For example, the estimation model 122 is trained using training data in which the noise level is 60 [dB] and the first user Pa is doing desk work, resulting in a work ease level of 2, and training data in which the noise level is 40 [dB] and the first user Pa is doing desk work, resulting in a work ease level of 5. In this case, when the input data includes a noise level of 60 [dB] in the environmental information and information indicating that the user is doing desk work in the task information, the trained estimation model 122 outputs a work ease level of 2 as the psychological value. The above is just one example, and in reality the estimation model 122 is trained to output a psychological value taking multiple factors into account.

[0056] Even in the same environment, the degree of ease of working and the degree of well-being vary from person to person. Furthermore, the degree of ease of working and the degree of well-being vary from person to person depending on the combination of the work content and the environment. For example, when doing desk work, some people find it easier to work in a quiet environment, while others find it easier to work in an environment with music playing. Even among people who find it easier to work in a quiet environment when doing desk work, some find it easier to work with music playing when doing physical labor, while others find it easier to work in quiet surroundings even when doing physical labor. The estimation model 122 learns past environmental information, at least one of personal information and task information, and the first user Pa's psychological value (degree of ease of working or degree of well-being) at that time as learning data, thereby outputting an estimation result of a psychological value specific to the first user Pa based on the first user Pa's physical and psychological states.

[0057] The first determination unit 112a of this embodiment determines whether the communication conditions are satisfied based on the psychological state of the first user Pa estimated by the estimation unit 115. Specifically, the first determination unit 112a determines that the communication conditions are satisfied when the psychological value of the first user Pa estimated by the estimation unit 115 is lower than a preset threshold. The threshold is a value equal to or lower than a reference value that makes it easy or comfortable for the user to work. In other words, when it is estimated that the first user Pa is difficult or uncomfortable, the first information communication device 1aB conducts a dialogue with another information communication device on behalf of the first user Pa.

[0058] In this embodiment, when the first determination unit 112a determines that the communication conditions are met, the first communication unit 113a selects the communication target and generates the communication content based on at least one of the personal information and business information of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd, as in embodiment 1.

[0059] 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations of the first information communication device 1aB according to the third embodiment. First, the first information acquisition unit 111a acquires, as input information, at least one of personal information and task information of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd, and environmental information measured by the environmental information measuring device 2 (S11). Next, the estimation unit 115 estimates a psychological value using a trained estimation model 122 stored in the first storage device 12aB (S12). Here, the estimation unit 115 inputs the environmental information acquired by the first information acquisition unit 111a and at least one of the personal information and task information of the first user Pa to the estimation model 122, and obtains a psychological value as output data.

[0060] Next, the first determination unit 112a determines whether the communication conditions are satisfied based on the psychological value estimated by the estimation unit 115 (S13). For example, the first determination unit 112a determines that the communication conditions are satisfied when the psychological value estimated by the estimation unit 115, that is, the ease of working degree or the well-being degree, is less than a preset threshold. If the communication conditions are not satisfied (S13: NO), this process ends.

[0061] If the communication conditions are met (S13: YES), the first communication unit 113a selects at least one of the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d as a communication target based on at least one of the personal information and business information of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd (S14). Then, the first communication unit 113a generates communication content based on at least one of the personal information and business information of the first user Pa, and starts communication with at least one of the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d selected as the communication target (S15). Thereafter, a conversation continues between the first information communication device 1aB and at least one of the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d that are the communication targets, on behalf of the first user Pa to the fourth user Pd.

[0062] As described above, in the present embodiment, the first information communication device 1aB linked to the first user Pa can communicate smoothly without directly interacting with other information communication devices on behalf of the first user Pa. Furthermore, the first user Pa can be psychologically supported by estimating the psychological state of the first user Pa and interacting with other information communication devices based on the psychological state.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the estimation model 122 estimates psychological values ​​used to determine the communication conditions, but the communication target and communication content when the communication conditions are satisfied may be estimated using the estimation model 122. For example, the first determination unit 112a may determine whether the communication conditions are satisfied based on the personal information and business information of the first user Pa, as in the first embodiment, and when the communication conditions are satisfied, the estimation unit 115 may use the estimation model 122 to select the communication target and generate the communication content, which may then be transmitted from the first communication unit 113a.

[0064] The above is a description of the embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the present disclosure includes all possible combinations of the configurations shown in the above embodiments. For example, the first information communication device 1a may include both the dialogue unit 114 of the second embodiment and the estimation unit 115 of the third embodiment.

[0065] Furthermore, the affiliation of each functional unit in the first control device 11a of the first information communication device 1a is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, each functional unit of the first control device 11a may be implemented by dividing it into multiple control devices, or some of the functional units of the first control device 11a may be implemented by an external device that can communicate with the first information communication device 1a. Furthermore, the voice data DB 121 or the estimation model 122 stored in the first storage device 12aA or 12aB may be stored in an external storage device such as online storage.

[0066] Furthermore, the determination of the communication conditions by the first determination unit 112a and the selection of a communication target by the first communication unit 113a are not limited to the methods described in the above embodiment. For example, when the first information communication device 1a to the fourth information communication device 1d perform short-range wireless communication such as infrared communication, the first determination unit 112a may determine that the communication conditions are satisfied when any of the other second information communication devices 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d enters the communication range (i.e., short distance) of the first information communication device 1a. In this case, the first communication unit 113a selects one of the other second information communication devices 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d that has entered the communication range of the first information communication device 1a as a communication target.

[0067] Furthermore, the first control device 11a of the first information communication device 1a may further include, as a functional unit, a task unit that performs tasks on behalf of the first user Pa. The task unit has a function of automatically creating documents using a generation AI, and when the first determination unit 112a determines that the communication conditions are satisfied, performs simple tasks on behalf of the first user Pa. The type of task automatically performed by the task unit may be, for example, preset by the first user Pa and stored in the first storage device 12a, or may be automatically determined by the task unit based on the first user Pa's schedule or the content of a conversation with the first user Pa. For example, when the first user Pa utters, "I need to send an email to Mr. / Ms. XX...", the task unit creates an email on behalf of the first user Pa and sends it to the communication target. This reduces the workload of the first user Pa and improves the productivity of the first user Pa.

[0068] Furthermore, the information acquired by the first information communication device 1a in the above embodiment, the estimation results, and the content of communication with the second information communication device 1b to the fourth information communication device 1d may be stored in the first storage device 12a or an external storage device as a personalized database for the first user Pa. Then, based on the stored information, at least one of the following may be performed: the first determination unit 112a determines the communication conditions; the first communication unit 113a selects a communication target; and the communication content is generated. With this configuration, the first information communication device 1a can be more personally linked to the first user Pa. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1a, 1aA, 1aB First information and communication device, 1b Second information and communication device, 1c Third information and communication device, 1d Fourth information and communication device, 2 Environmental information measuring device, 11a, 11aA, 11aB First control device, 11b Second control device, 12a, 12aA, 12aB First storage device, 12b Second storage device, 13a First input device, 13b Second input device, 14a First output device, 14b Second output device, 100, 100A, 100B Communication promotion system, 111a First information acquisition unit, 111b Second information acquisition unit, 112a First judgment unit, 112b Second judgment unit, 113a First communication unit, 113b Second communication unit, 114 Dialogue unit, 115 Estimation unit, 121 Voice data DB, 122 Estimation model, 600 Processing circuit, 601 Processor, 602 memory, 603 bus.

Claims

1. A communication facilitation system that promotes communication in a predetermined real space between a plurality of users who exist in the real space, a first information communication device that exists in the real space and is associated with a first user among the plurality of users; a second information communication device that exists in the real space and is linked to a second user among the plurality of users; The first information communication device a first information acquisition unit that acquires first user information related to the first user; a first communication unit that communicates with the second information communication device based on the first user information acquired by the first information acquisition unit; a first determination unit that determines whether a communication condition with the second information communication device is satisfied based on the content of the dialogue with the first user; The second information communication device is a second information acquisition unit that acquires second user information related to the second user; a second communication unit that communicates with the first information communication device based on the second user information acquired by the second information acquisition unit; A communication promotion system comprising: a second determination unit that determines whether a communication condition with the first information communication device is satisfied based on the content of the dialogue with the second user.

2. the first user information is at least one of personal information and business information of the first user, The communication promotion system according to claim 1 , wherein the second user information is at least one of personal information and business information of the second user.

3. The communication facilitation system according to claim 1 , wherein the first determination unit determines whether the condition for communication with the second information communication device is satisfied based on the first user information.

4. The communication promoting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first communication unit selects the second information communication device from a plurality of information communication devices based on the first user information and performs the communication.

5. The communication promoting system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first communication unit generates content to be communicated to the second information communication device based on the first user information.

6. The first information communication device further comprising a dialogue unit that dialogues with the first user; The communication facilitation system according to claim 1 , wherein the first communication unit generates communication content to be sent to the second information communication device based on the content of the dialogue between the first user and the dialogue unit.

7. The communication facilitation system according to claim 5 , wherein the first communication unit transmits the generated communication content to the second information communication device.

8. The first information communication device an estimation unit that estimates a mental state of the first user using at least one of environmental information of an indoor space where the first user is present and the first user information, and a trained estimation model; The communication facilitation system according to claim 1 , wherein the first determination unit determines whether the condition for communication with the second information communication device is satisfied based on the psychological state of the first user.

9. the first communication unit converts the communication content and transmits it to the second information communication device, or the second communication unit converts the communication content received from the first information communication device and outputs it; The communication facilitation system of claim 5 , wherein the conversion includes translating into a different language, converting into a different format, adding information, or modifying the content of the communication.

10. The first information communication device The communication promotion system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an output device that outputs a reply from the second information communication device.

11. the personal information of the first user includes at least one of information regarding a state of the first user and biometric information of the first user; the information about the state includes at least one of the first user's speech and behavior, mental and physical state, and behavior history, and the biological information includes at least one of the first user's brain waves, heart rate, pulse waves, body temperature, and posture; The communication promotion system according to claim 2 , wherein the business information of the first user includes at least one of the first user's schedule, affiliation, job title, work content, and work hours.

12. A communication promotion system as described in claim 1, wherein the first information and communication device is a mobile first autonomous robot, and the second information and communication device is a mobile second autonomous robot.

13. A communication promotion system that promotes communication in a predetermined real space between multiple users existing in the real space, comprising: a first information communication device that is a mobile autonomous robot existing in the real space and that is linked to a first user among the plurality of users; a second information communication device that is a mobile autonomous robot existing in the real space and that is linked to a second user among the plurality of users; The first information communication device a first information acquisition unit that acquires first user information related to the first user; a first communication unit that communicates with the second information communication device based on the first user information acquired by the first information acquisition unit; The second information communication device is a second information acquisition unit that acquires second user information related to the second user; A communication promotion system comprising: a second communication unit that communicates with the first information communication device based on the second user information acquired by the second information acquisition unit.

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