Voice notification system, voice notification method, and program

Abstract

A voice notification system (1) causes information regarding the subject of notification which is an information source apparatus constituting the source of information notified from a speaking apparatus or an information source service constituting the source of information notified from a speaking apparatus, to be notified from the speaking apparatus by voice. The voice notification system (1) comprises an alteration detection unit (11) for detecting the alteration of notification content or the alteration of a notification method, and a notification unit (12) for notifying, from the speaking apparatus by voice, information regarding the alteration of notification content or the alteration of a notification method, when the alteration of the notification content or the alteration of the notification method is detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a voice notification system or the like that causes a voice device to notify, by voice, information regarding a notification target that is an information source device serving as a source of information notified from the voice device or an information source service serving as a source of information notified from the voice device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for causing a voice device to notify, by voice, information regarding home appliances or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, when the notification content of a home appliance or service or the like is changed, or when the notification method is changed, the user may not notice these changes.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a voice notification system or the like that makes it easier for the user to notice a change in the notification content or a change in the notification method.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The voice notification system in the present disclosure is a voice notification system that causes a voice device to notify, by voice, information regarding a notification target that is an information source device serving as a source of information notified from the voice device or an information source service serving as a source of information notified from the voice device, and includes a change detection unit that detects a change in the notification content or a change in the notification method, and a notification unit that, when a change in the notification content or a change in the notification method is detected, causes the voice device to notify, by voice, information regarding the change in the notification content or the change in the notification method.

[0007] The voice notification method in this disclosure is a voice notification method that causes a speaking device to notify by voice of information relating to a notification target, which is an information source device or information source service that is the source of information notified by a speaking device, and includes a change detection step for detecting a change in notification content or a change in notification method, and a notification step for causing the speaking device to notify by voice of information relating to the change in notification content or the change in notification method when a change in notification content or a change in notification method is detected.

[0008] The program in this disclosure is a program that causes a computer to execute the voice notification method described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The voice notification system described in this disclosure makes it easier for users to notice changes in notification content or notification methods. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a voice notification system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the functional configuration included in the voice notification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the voice notification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the notification server and speech device when an increase in the number of people to be notified is detected. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B shows an example of what is said when an increase in the number of people being notified is detected. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the notification server and speech device when a decrease in the number of notification targets is detected. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows an example of what is said when a decrease in the number of items to be notified is detected. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a sequence diagram showing an example of operations of a notification server and a speech device when an increase in the speech device is detected. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of speech content when an increase in the speech device is detected. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a sequence diagram showing an example of operations of a notification server and a speech device when an increase in the speech device is detected. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of speech content when an increase in the speech device is detected. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a sequence diagram showing an example of operations of a notification server and a speech device when a decrease in the speech device is detected. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example of speech content when a decrease in the speech device is detected. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a sequence diagram showing an example of operations of a notification server and a speech device when a change in voice is detected. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of speech content when a change in voice is detected. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a sequence diagram showing an example of operations of a notification server, a speech device, and a smartphone when a change is detected. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of speech content including an inquiry about activation of a change when a change is detected. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a sequence diagram showing an example of operations of a notification server and a speech device when a change is detected. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example of speech content and display content when a change is detected. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a sequence diagram showing an example of operations of a notification server and a speech device in response to detection of a person when a change is detected. [Figure 12B]FIG. 12B is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operations of the notification server and the speech device in response to the detection of a person when a change is detected.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, detailed descriptions that are more than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters and redundant descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0012] Note that the inventors provide the accompanying drawings and the following description for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend to limit the subject matter described in the claims thereby.

[0013] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments will be described using FIGS. 1 to 12B.

[0014] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of the voice notification system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0015] The voice notification system 1 is a system that causes a speech device to notify information about a notification target by voice.

[0016] The notification target is an information source device that is the source of the information to be notified from the speech device, or an information source service (specifically, a service provided from a server or the like) that is the source of the information to be notified from the speech device. The information source device is, for example, a household electrical appliance (air conditioner, washing machine, robot vacuum cleaner, refrigerator, rice cooker, microwave oven, etc.) owned by the user, and device information (the state of the household electrical appliance, the operation history of the household electrical appliance, the operation schedule of the household electrical appliance, etc.) related to the household electrical appliance is notified from the speech device. The information source service is, for example, a service provided to the user (delivery service, weather forecast service, etc.), and service information (the service provision history, the service provision schedule, the service content, etc.) related to the service is notified from the speech device.

[0017] A voice-emitting device is a device that can notify information about a target object by voice. Examples of voice-emitting devices include devices with speakers, specifically televisions, laptop computers, robotic vacuum cleaners, intercoms, telephones, and lighting fixtures.

[0018] The notification server is a server device connected to the notification target and the speaking device. It acquires device information and service information from the notification target and, based on the acquired information, causes the speaking device to notify the notification target by voice. This allows the user to confirm information about the notification target, such as the information source device or information source service, by voice.

[0019] For example, if there are additions or deletions to the information source devices or services that are subject to notification, the notification content will change. For example, if information about microwave ovens becomes available for notification, the notification content will now include information about microwave ovens, resulting in a change to the notification content. For example, if information about refrigerators becomes unavailable for notification, the notification content will no longer include information about refrigerators, resulting in a change to the notification content. Also, if there are additions or deletions to the number of speaking devices that can provide voice notifications about the information subject to notification, the notification method will change. For example, if information subject to notification becomes available for voice communication via an intercom, the notification method using the intercom will become available, resulting in a change to the notification method. For example, if information subject to notification becomes unavailable for voice communication via a telephone, the notification method using the telephone will become unavailable, resulting in a change to the notification method. Furthermore, if there are changes to the voice used for notification, the notification method will change. For example, if there are changes to the tone of voice used for notification, the notification method using that tone of voice will become available, resulting in a change to the notification method.

[0020] Thus, for example, changes to notification content include changes to the recipients of notifications (specifically, an increase or decrease in the number of recipients), and changes to notification methods include changes to the speaking device (specifically, an increase or decrease in the number of speaking devices) or changes to the voice used for notifications.

[0021] When notification content or notification methods change, users may not notice these changes. This is because these changes may not be notified at all, or even if they are notified, they may only be displayed on a device, causing users to overlook them. In such cases, users may not use new notification targets or speech devices, be surprised when notification content or methods are changed without their knowledge, or suffer disadvantages when notification targets or speech devices are reduced without their awareness.

[0022] Therefore, the following describes a voice notification system 1 that makes it easier for users to notice changes in notification content or notification methods. First, Figure 2 will be used to explain the functional configuration that makes it easier for users to notice changes in notification content or notification methods.

[0023] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration included in the voice notification system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0024] The voice notification system 1 comprises a change detection unit 11, a notification unit 12, a reception unit 13, a human detection unit 14, and a storage unit 15. The voice notification system 1 includes a computer that includes a processor, a communication interface, a user interface, and memory. For example, this computer may be a notification server, a notification target, or a speaking device. For example, the change detection unit 11, the notification unit 12, the reception unit 13, and the storage unit 15 are provided in the notification server, and the human detection unit 14 is provided in the speaking device. The memory may be ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and can store programs executed by the processor. The change detection unit 11, the notification unit 12, and the reception unit 13 are implemented by a processor that executes programs stored in memory. The storage unit 15 is implemented by memory, etc. Note that the storage unit 15 may be a different memory from the memory in which the program is stored.

[0025] The change detection unit 11 detects changes in notification content or notification method. Details of the operation of the change detection unit 11 will be described later.

[0026] When the notification unit 12 detects a change in notification content or notification method, it will notify the user of the change in notification content or notification method via voice from the speaking device. Details of the operation of the notification unit 12 will be described later.

[0027] The reception unit 13 accepts requests to activate changes to notification content or changes to notification methods. Details of the operation of the reception unit 13 will be described later.

[0028] The person detection unit 14 detects whether or not a person is present in the vicinity of the speaking device. The person detection unit 14 is, for example, a human presence sensor provided on the speaking device. The person detection unit 14 is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of detecting whether or not a person is present in the vicinity of the speaking device. For example, the person detection unit 14 may detect the presence of a person in the vicinity of the speaking device by acquiring information indicating that the speaking device has been operated when the speaking device is operated. Furthermore, the person detection unit 14 does not have to be provided on the speaking device, but may be a human presence sensor provided in the vicinity of the speaking device.

[0029] The storage unit 15 stores, for example, an information source list. The information source list is a list of notification targets and is updated in accordance with increases or decreases in the number of notification targets. For example, when a notification target is added or deleted, the notification server may obtain information indicating the notification target being added or deleted from the notification target or the device managing the notification target, and update the information source list. Alternatively, the notification target or the device may update the information source list, or the administrator of the notification server may manually update the information source list.

[0030] The memory unit 15 stores, for example, a list of speaking devices. The speaking device list is a list of speaking devices and is updated in accordance with the addition or deletion of speaking devices. For example, when a speaking device is added or deleted, the notification server may obtain information indicating the added or deleted speaking device from the speaking device or the device managing the speaking device, and update the speaking device list. Alternatively, the speaking device or the device may update the speaking device list, or the administrator of the notification server may manually update the speaking device list.

[0031] The memory unit 15 also stores a voice list. The voice list is a list of voices used for notifications, and is updated when settings for voice elements such as tone, language, pitch, speed, volume, intonation, or dialect of the voices used for notifications are added or deleted. For example, when voice elements are added or deleted, the notification server may obtain information indicating the voice elements to be added or deleted from a device that manages the voices used for notifications, and update the voice list. Alternatively, the device may update the voice list, or the administrator of the notification server may manually update the voice list.

[0032] Note that the information source list, the speaking device list, and the voice list may each be stored in different memories.

[0033] Next, we will describe the operation of the voice notification system 1 in detail.

[0034] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the voice notification system 1 according to the embodiment.

[0035] First, the notification unit 12 determines whether a change in notification content or a change in notification method has been detected (step S11). For example, the change detection unit 11 detects a change in notification content when the information source list is updated, that is, when there is an increase or decrease in the notification target, and the notification unit 12 determines that a change in notification content has been detected. Also, for example, the change detection unit 11 detects a change in notification method when the speaking device list is updated, that is, when there is an increase or decrease in the speaking devices, and the notification unit 12 determines that a change in notification method has been detected. Also, for example, the change detection unit 11 detects a change in notification method when the voice list is updated, that is, when there is a change in the voice used for notification, and the notification unit 12 determines that a change in notification method has been detected.

[0036] If no change in notification content or notification method is detected (No in step S11), the process in step S11 is repeated until a change in notification content or notification method is detected.

[0037] If a change in notification content or notification method is detected (Yes in step S11), the notification unit 12 determines whether or not there is a person around the speaking device (step S12). For example, if the person detection unit 14 detects a person, it notifies the notification server of this fact, and the notification unit 12 determines that there is a person around the speaking device.

[0038] If no person is present around the speaking device (No in step S12), the process in step S12 is repeated until a person is detected around the speaking device.

[0039] If a person is present in the vicinity of the speaking device (Yes in step S12), the notification unit 12 causes the speaking device to notify the user by voice of information regarding a change in the notification content or a change in the notification method (step S13).

[0040] For example, if the notification unit 12 detects an increase in the number of notification targets as a change in notification content (change in notification target), it may notify the user of information regarding the increase in notification targets by voice from the speech device. This will be explained using Figures 4A and 4B.

[0041] Figure 4A is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the notification server and speech device when an increase in the number of people to be notified is detected.

[0042] Figure 4B shows an example of what is said when an increase in the number of people being notified is detected.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4A, the notification server detects an increase in the number of notification targets (step S101) and issues a speech instruction to the speaking device regarding the increase in notification targets (step S102). For example, the speech instruction may include an audio source of the voice to be spoken, or it may include an identifier (URL: Uniform Resource Locator, etc.) for downloading the audio source of the voice to be spoken. Alternatively, the audio source of the voice to be spoken may be stored in the speaking device beforehand, and the speech instruction may include an instruction specifying which audio source to play from among the audio sources stored in the speaking device.

[0044] The speaking device then speaks information regarding the increase in the number of notification targets (step S103). For example, as shown in Figure 4B, the speaking device may say, "The number of notifications you can receive has increased." For example, the spoken content may also include the type of notification target that has been added, and if a microwave oven is added as a notification target, the speaking device may say, "You can now receive notifications about microwave ovens." Alternatively, the spoken content may also include the specific notification content that has been added, and if a microwave oven is added as a notification target, the speaking device may say, "You can now receive notifications about microwave oven cooking completion and errors." Alternatively, the spoken content may also include guidance on the operation required to activate the increase in notification targets, and the speaking device may say, "You can now receive notifications; please activate them from the settings screen."

[0045] For example, if the notification unit 12 detects a decrease in the number of notified items as a change in notification content (change of notification target), it may notify the user of information regarding the decrease in the number of notified items by voice from the speech device. This will be explained using Figures 5A and 5B.

[0046] Figure 5A is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the notification server and speech device when a decrease in the number of notification targets is detected.

[0047] Figure 5B shows an example of what is said when a decrease in the number of items to be notified is detected.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5A, the notification server detects a decrease in the number of notifiable targets (step S111) and instructs the speaking device to speak information regarding the decrease in the number of notifiable targets (step S112).

[0049] The speaking device then speaks information regarding the reduction in the number of notifiable items (step S113). For example, as shown in Figure 5B, the speaking device may say, "There is less information that can be notified." For example, the spoken content may also include the type of notifiable item that has been removed, and if a microwave oven has been removed from the notifiable items, the speaking device may say, "We can no longer notify you about microwave oven information." Alternatively, the spoken content may also include the specific notification content that has been removed, and if a microwave oven has been removed from the notifiable items, the speaking device may say, "We can no longer notify you about microwave oven cooking completion or errors." Alternatively, the spoken content may also include guidance to confirm the reduction in notifiable items (e.g., microwave ovens), and the speaking device may say, "We can no longer notify you about microwave oven information, please check your microwave oven settings." Furthermore, if the cause of the reduction in notifiable items can be identified, a voice notification regarding the cause may be spoken.

[0050] Furthermore, due to temporary network malfunctions or other issues, the number of notifiable users may repeatedly decrease or increase. In such cases, if information regarding the increase and decrease in the number of notifiable users is frequently notified by voice each time the number of notifiable users decreases or increases, the user may find it annoying. Therefore, the notification unit 12 may, after detecting a decrease in the number of notifiable users, notify the user by voice from the speech device if no increase in the number of notifiable users is detected for a predetermined period. The predetermined period is not particularly limited and may be set as appropriate.

[0051] Furthermore, if there are multiple speaking devices, the notification unit 12 may have multiple speaking devices notify the user of changes to the notification content via voice.

[0052] For example, if the notification unit 12 detects an increase in the number of speaking devices as a change in the notification method (change in speaking devices), it may have at least one of the increased speaking devices notify the user of information regarding the increase in speaking devices via voice. This will be explained using Figures 6A to 7B. First, an example of notifying the user of information regarding the increase in speaking devices via voice from an existing speaking device will be explained using Figures 6A and 6B.

[0053] Figure 6A is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the notification server and the speaking devices when an increase in the number of speaking devices is detected.

[0054] Figure 6B shows an example of speech content when an increase in speaking devices is detected.

[0055] As shown in Figure 6A, the notification server detects the increase in speaking devices (step S121) and instructs the existing speaking devices to speak information regarding the increase in speaking devices (step S122).

[0056] Then, the existing voice-emitting device speaks information regarding the increase in the number of voice-emitting devices (step S123). For example, as shown in Figure 6B, the existing voice-emitting device may say, "The number of devices that can notify has increased." For example, the spoken content may also include the type of the added voice-emitting device, and if a television is added as a voice-emitting device, the existing voice-emitting device may say, "You can now notify information from your television." Also, for example, the spoken content may include guidance on the operation necessary to activate the increase in voice-emitting devices, and the existing voice-emitting device may say, "The number of devices that can notify has increased, please activate them from the settings screen."

[0057] Next, we will explain an example of how to notify users via voice from an added speaking device about the increase in the number of speaking devices, using Figures 7A and 7B.

[0058] Figure 7A is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the notification server and the speaking devices when an increase in the number of speaking devices is detected.

[0059] Figure 7B shows an example of speech content when an increase in speaking devices is detected.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7A, the notification server detects the increase in speaking devices (step S131) ​​and instructs the added speaking devices to speak information about the increase in speaking devices (step S132).

[0061] The added speaking device then speaks information about the increase in speaking devices (step S133). For example, as shown in Figure 7B, the added speaking device may say, "Notifications can now be sent from this device." For example, the spoken content may also include the type of the added speaking device, and if a television is added as a speaking device, the added speaking device may say, "Information can now be sent from this television." Also, for example, the spoken content may include guidance on the operation necessary to activate the increase in speaking devices, and the added speaking device may say, "Notifications can now be sent from this device, please activate it from the settings screen."

[0062] Furthermore, if the notification unit 12 detects an increase in the number of speaking devices, it may have the increased number of speaking devices notify the user of information regarding the increase in speaking devices via voice from the additional speaking devices.

[0063] For example, if the notification unit 12 detects a decrease in the number of speaking devices as a change in the notification method (change in speaking devices), it may have at least one of the remaining speaking devices notify the user of information regarding the decrease in speaking devices via voice. This will be explained using Figures 8A and 8B.

[0064] Figure 8A is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the notification server and the speaking devices when a decrease in the number of speaking devices is detected.

[0065] Figure 8B shows an example of speech content when a decrease in the number of speaking devices is detected.

[0066] As shown in Figure 8A, the notification server detects a decrease in the number of speaking devices (step S141) and instructs the speaking devices to speak information about the decrease in speaking devices (step S142).

[0067] The speaking device then speaks information regarding the reduction in speaking devices (step S143). For example, as shown in Figure 8B, the speaking device may say, "The number of devices that can notify you has decreased." For example, the spoken content may also include the type of speaking device that has been removed, and if a television has been removed as a speaking device, the speaking device may say, "The television can no longer notify you of information." Also, for example, the spoken content may include guidance to confirm the reduction in speaking devices, and the speaking device may say, "The number of devices that can notify you has decreased. Please check your settings." Furthermore, if the cause of the reduction in speaking devices can be identified, a voice notification regarding the cause may be given.

[0068] Furthermore, temporary network malfunctions or other issues may cause the number of speaking devices to repeatedly decrease or increase. In such cases, if information regarding the increase and decrease in speaking devices is frequently notified by voice each time the number of speaking devices decreases or increases, the user may find it annoying. Therefore, the notification unit 12 may, after detecting a decrease in speaking devices, notify the user by voice from at least one of the remaining speaking devices if no increase in speaking devices is detected for a predetermined period. The predetermined period is not particularly limited and may be set as appropriate.

[0069] Furthermore, if there are still multiple speaking devices after the reduction in the number of speaking devices, the notification unit 12 may have multiple speaking devices notify users of changes in notification content via voice.

[0070] For example, if the notification unit 12 detects a change in the voice used for notification as a change in the notification method, it may have the speech device notify the user of information regarding the change in the voice used for notification by voice. This will be explained using Figures 9A and 9B.

[0071] Figure 9A is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the notification server and the speaking device when a change in voice is detected.

[0072] Figure 9B shows an example of speech content when a change in voice is detected.

[0073] As shown in Figure 9A, the notification server detects a change in the voice used for notification (step S151) and instructs the speaking device to speak information about the change in the voice used for notification (step S152). For example, changes in the voice used for notification may include changes in voice tone (character), language, pitch (frequency characteristics), speed, volume, intonation, or dialect.

[0074] The speaking device then speaks information regarding the change in the voice used for notifications (step S153). For example, as shown in Figure 9B, the speaking device may say, "The variety of notification voices has increased." For example, the spoken content may include the voice elements of the changed voice (voice tone, language, pitch, speed, volume, intonation, or dialect, etc.), and the speaking device may say, "The variety of notification voices has increased," or "The variety of voices for voice notifications has decreased." Alternatively, the spoken content may also include guidance on the operation necessary to activate the change in the voice used for notifications, and the speaking device may say, "The variety of notification voices has increased; you can change it from the settings screen." Note that the voice elements such as "voice tone" may also be language, pitch, speed, volume, intonation, or dialect, etc.

[0075] Furthermore, if the notification unit 12 detects a change in the voice used for notification, it may have the speaking device notify the notification of the change in the voice used for notification using the changed voice. For example, the speaking device may notify the notification using a voice that reflects the added voice element, such as "This type of male voice has been added."

[0076] For example, information regarding changes to notification content or notification methods may include inquiries regarding the activation of those changes. This will be explained using Figures 10A and 10B.

[0077] Figure 10A is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the notification server, speech device, and smartphone when a change is detected.

[0078] Figure 10B shows an example of utterance content that includes a request to activate a change when a change is detected.

[0079] As shown in Figure 10A, the notification server detects a change in the notification content or notification method (step S161) and instructs the speaking device to speak information about the change (step S162).

[0080] The speaking device speaks information about the change (step S163). For example, as shown in Figure 10B, the speaking device may say, "You can activate the change on your smartphone." For example, the speaking device may say, "We can now notify you of new microwave information; you can activate it in the smartphone app." Or, for example, the speaking device may say, "A new male voice has been added; you can change it in the smartphone app." At this time, the notification server or the speaking device may instruct the system to send a push notification to the user's smartphone.

[0081] The user (either the user who heard the voice output from the speaking device or the user who saw the push notification) launches the smartphone app (step S164) and performs the change operation (the operation to activate the change) in the app (step S165).

[0082] The smartphone sends change information to the notification server indicating that the operation to activate the change has been performed (step S167). The notification server then activates the change.

[0083] The notification server sends information to the smartphone indicating that the changes have been completed (step S168), and the smartphone provides feedback to the user that the changes have been completed (step S169).

[0084] The notification server instructs the speaking device to speak information indicating that the changes have been completed (step S170).

[0085] The speaking device then speaks information indicating that the change is complete (step S171). For example, as shown in Figure 10B, the speaking device may say, "Activated."

[0086] For example, the speaking device may be equipped with a display device such as a display, and the notification unit 12 may further notify information regarding the change in notification content or notification method in the form of text, images, or video from the display device when a change in notification content or notification method is detected. This will be explained using Figures 11A and 11B.

[0087] Figure 11A is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the notification server and the speaking device when a change is detected.

[0088] Figure 11B shows an example of the spoken and displayed content when a change is detected.

[0089] As shown in Figure 11A, the notification server detects a change in the notification content or notification method (step S181) and instructs the speaking device to speak information regarding the change (step S182).

[0090] The speaking device then speaks information about the change (step S183) and displays the information about the change in text, images, or video on the display device (step S184). For example, as shown in Figure 11B, the speaking device outputs information about the change by voice and displays the information about the change on the screen. Note that the speaking and screen display may occur simultaneously, the screen display may occur after the speaking, or the speaking may occur after the screen display.

[0091] Furthermore, the speaking device does not necessarily have a display device; information regarding changes may be notified in text, images, or video from a display device located around the speaking device.

[0092] Furthermore, as described above, the notification unit 12 may, when it detects a change in notification content or a change in notification method, have the speech device notify the user of information regarding the change in notification content or notification method by voice when it detects the presence of a person in the vicinity of the speech device. This will be explained using Figures 12A and 12B.

[0093] Figures 12A and 12B are sequence diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the notification server and speaking device in response to human detection when a change is detected.

[0094] For example, as shown in Figure 12A, the notification server detects a change in the notification content or the notification method (step S191) and instructs the speaking device to speak information about the change (step S192).

[0095] After receiving a speech command, the speaking device waits until a person is detected in its vicinity, and upon detection of a person (step S193), it speaks information regarding the change (step S194).

[0096] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12B, for example, the notification server detects a change in the notification content or the notification method (step S201), but at this point, the notification server does not need to instruct the speaking device to speak information about the change.

[0097] If a person is detected by the speaking device (step S202), it notifies the notification server that a person has been detected (step S203). After detecting a change in the notification content or notification method, the notification server waits until it receives notification that a person has been detected, and upon receiving the notification that a person has been detected, it instructs the speaking device to speak information regarding the change (step S204).

[0098] The speaking device then speaks information regarding the change (step S205).

[0099] Thus, the notification server may issue a speech command immediately after detecting a change in notification content or notification method, or it may wait after detecting the change until it receives notification that a person has been detected, and then issue a speech command upon receiving that notification. If the notification server issues a speech command immediately after detecting a change in notification content or notification method, the speaking device will wait until a person is detected in its vicinity.

[0100] As described above, the voice notification system 1 is a system that causes a speaking device to notify a notification target by voice of information that is the source of information notified by the speaking device, which is either an information source device or an information source service that is the source of information notified by the speaking device, and comprises a change detection unit 11 that detects a change in notification content or a change in notification method, and a notification unit 12 that, when a change in notification content or a change in notification method is detected, causes the speaking device to notify by voice of information regarding the change in notification content or notification method.

[0101] According to this, if the notification content or notification method changes, information regarding the change in notification content or method will be directly communicated to the user via voice, making it easier for the user to notice the change.

[0102] For example, changes to the content of a notification may include changes to the recipient of the notification, and changes to the notification method may include changes to the speaking device or changes to the voice used for the notification.

[0103] According to this system, if there is a change in the notification target, information regarding the change will be notified by voice, making it easier for users to notice the change. Similarly, if there is a change in the speaking device, information regarding the change will be notified by voice, making it easier for users to notice the change. Furthermore, if there is a change in the voice used for notifications, information regarding the change will be notified by voice, making it easier for users to notice the change.

[0104] For example, if an increase in the number of notifiable targets is detected, the notification unit 12 may notify the user of information regarding the increase in the number of notifiable targets by voice from the speech device, and if a decrease in the number of notifiable targets is detected, the notification unit 12 may notify the user of information regarding the decrease in the number of notifiable targets by voice from the speech device.

[0105] According to this system, if there is an increase in the number of people receiving notifications, information about the increase will be sent via voice notification, making it easier for users to notice the increase. Similarly, if there is a decrease in the number of people receiving notifications, information about the decrease will be sent via voice notification, making it easier for users to notice the decrease.

[0106] For example, if a decrease in the number of notifiable targets is detected and no increase in the number of notifiable targets is detected for a predetermined period of time, the notification unit 12 may have the speech device notify the user of information regarding the decrease in the number of notifiable targets by voice.

[0107] According to this, temporary network malfunctions or other issues may cause the number of people receiving notifications to repeatedly decrease or increase. In such cases, if information about the increase and decrease in the number of people receiving notifications is frequently announced by voice each time the number of people receiving notifications decreases or increases, the user may find it annoying. Therefore, by having the information about the decrease in the number of people receiving notifications announced by voice only when a decrease in the number of people receiving notifications has been detected and no increase has been detected for a predetermined period, it is possible to suppress the repeated announcements by voice regarding the increase and decrease in the number of people receiving notifications.

[0108] For example, if an increase in the number of speaking devices is detected, the notification unit 12 may have at least one of the increased speaking devices notify the user of information regarding the increase in speaking devices via voice, and if a decrease in the number of speaking devices is detected, the notification unit 12 may have at least one of the decreased speaking devices notify the user of information regarding the decrease in speaking devices via voice.

[0109] According to this system, if there is an increase in the number of speaking devices, information about the increase will be notified by voice, making it easier for users to notice the increase. Similarly, if there is a decrease in the number of speaking devices, information about the decrease will be notified by voice, making it easier for users to notice the decrease.

[0110] For example, if a decrease in the number of speaking devices is detected and no increase in the number of speaking devices is detected for a predetermined period of time, the notification unit 12 may have at least one of the remaining speaking devices provide voice notification regarding the decrease in the number of speaking devices.

[0111] For example, temporary network malfunctions may cause the number of speaking devices to repeatedly decrease and increase. In such cases, if users are frequently notified by voice about the increase and decrease in speaking devices each time, they may find it annoying. Therefore, by having users receive a voice notification about the decrease in speaking devices only after a decrease in speaking devices has been detected and no increase in speaking devices has been detected for a predetermined period, it is possible to suppress the repeated voice notifications about the increase and decrease in speaking devices.

[0112] For example, if the notification unit 12 detects a change in the voice used for notification, it may have the speaking device notify the user of information regarding the change in the voice used for notification using the changed voice.

[0113] According to this, users can see what kind of voice will be used for notifications.

[0114] For example, changes to the voice used in notifications may include changes to tone, language, pitch, speed, volume, intonation, or dialect.

[0115] In this way, changes in voice tone, language, pitch, speed, volume, intonation, or dialect can be notified audibly.

[0116] For example, the voice notification system 1 further includes a reception unit 13 that receives requests to activate changes to the notification content or notification method, and the information regarding changes to the notification content or notification method may include inquiries regarding the activation of changes to the notification content or notification method.

[0117] According to this, changes to notification content or notification methods can be made to the user, and the user can be asked about enabling these changes.

[0118] For example, the voice notification system 1 further includes a person detection unit 14 that detects whether or not there is a person around the speaking device, and the notification unit 12 may, when a change in notification content or a change in notification method is detected, have the speaking device notify the user of information regarding the change in notification content or notification method by voice when a person is detected around the speaking device.

[0119] For example, if there are no people around the voice-activated device, and the device sends an audio notification about a change in notification content or method, the user may not hear the notification. Therefore, if the device sends an audio notification about a change in notification content or method only when it detects the presence of people around it, the user will be more likely to notice the change.

[0120] For example, if the notification unit 12 detects a change in notification content or notification method, it may further notify the user of information regarding the change in notification content or notification method in the form of text, images, or video from the display device.

[0121] According to this, information regarding changes to notification content or notification methods will be provided not only by voice but also by text, images, or video, making it easier for users to notice changes to notification content or methods.

[0122] (Other embodiments) As described above, embodiments have been explained as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that are modified, replaced, added, or omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in the above embodiments.

[0123] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the voice notification system 1 includes a reception unit 13, but the voice notification system 1 does not have to include a reception unit 13. Accordingly, information regarding changes to the notification content or notification method does not have to include inquiries regarding the activation of changes to the notification content or notification method.

[0124] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the voice notification system 1 includes a person detection unit 14, but the voice notification system 1 does not need to include a person detection unit 14. Accordingly, the notification unit 12 may, regardless of whether or not there is a person in the vicinity of the speaking device, notify the speaking device by voice of information regarding the change in notification content or the change in notification method when a change in notification content or notification method is detected.

[0125] For example, this disclosure can be implemented not only as a voice notification system 1, but also as a voice notification method that includes steps (processes) performed by each component constituting the voice notification system 1.

[0126] Specifically, the voice notification method is a method for causing a voice notification from a speaking device regarding information about a notification target, which is an information source device or information source service that is the source of information notified from a speaking device, and includes, as shown in Figure 3, a change detection step (step S11) for detecting a change in notification content or a change in notification method, and a notification step (step S13) for causing a voice notification from the speaking device regarding the change in notification content or notification method when a change in notification content or a change in notification method is detected.

[0127] For example, this disclosure can be implemented as a program that causes a processor to execute the steps included in a voice notification method. Furthermore, this disclosure can be implemented as a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium, such as a CD-ROM, on which the program is recorded.

[0128] For example, if this disclosure is implemented in a program (software), each step is executed by the program using hardware resources such as the computer's CPU, memory, and input / output circuits. In other words, each step is executed by the CPU obtaining data from memory or input / output circuits, performing calculations, and outputting the calculation results to memory or input / output circuits.

[0129] In the above embodiment, each component included in the voice notification system 1 may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0130] Some or all of the functions of the voice notification system 1 according to the above embodiment are typically implemented as an integrated circuit (LSI). These may be individually integrated onto a single chip, or some or all of them may be integrated onto a single chip. Furthermore, the implementation is not limited to an LSI; it may also be implemented using a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. An FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of the circuit cells inside the LSI may also be used.

[0131] As described above, embodiments have been explained as examples of the technology in this disclosure. For this purpose, accompanying drawings and a detailed description have been provided.

[0132] Therefore, the components described in the attached drawings and detailed descriptions may include not only components essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential. Consequently, the mere presence of these non-essential components in the attached drawings and detailed descriptions should not immediately lead to the conclusion that they are essential.

[0133] Furthermore, since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof. [Industrial applicability]

[0134] This disclosure is applicable to systems that notify users of information such as the status of equipment via voice. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1. Voice notification system 11 Change detection unit 12 Notification Department 13 Reception Department 14 Human Detection Unit 15 Storage section

Claims

1. A voice notification system that causes a voice device to notify a notification target by voice the information source device or information source service that is the source of the information notified by the voice device, A change detection unit that detects changes in notification content or notification method, The system includes a notification unit that, when a change in notification content or notification method is detected, notifies the user of information regarding the change in notification content or notification method via voice from a speaking device, The change in the content of the notification is an increase or decrease in the number of people subject to the notification. The aforementioned change in the notification method is an increase or decrease in the number of speaking devices or a change in the voice used for notification. The aforementioned notification unit, If an increase in the number of notifiable targets is detected, the speech device will notify the user of information regarding the increase in notifiable targets via voice. If a decrease in the number of items to be notified is detected, the speech device will provide voice notification regarding the decrease in the number of items to be notified. Or, The aforementioned notification unit, If an increase in speaking devices is detected, information regarding the increase in speaking devices will be notified by voice from at least one of the increased speaking devices. If a decrease in the number of speaking devices is detected, information regarding the decrease in speaking devices will be notified by voice from at least one of the remaining speaking devices. moreover, If an increase in the number of speech-generating devices is detected, the speech content from the existing speech-generating devices will be made different from the speech content from the newly added speech-generating devices. Voice notification system.

2. The notification unit, after detecting a decrease in the number of targets for notification, will notify the user via voice from the speaking device if no increase in the number of targets for notification is detected for a predetermined period of time. The voice notification system according to claim 1.

3. The notification unit, after detecting a decrease in speaking devices, and if no increase in speaking devices is detected for a predetermined period of time, will cause at least one of the remaining speaking devices to notify the user via voice about the decrease in speaking devices. The voice notification system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the notification unit detects a change in the voice used for notification, it causes the speaking device to notify the user of information regarding the change in the voice used for notification using the changed voice. The voice notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Changes to the voice used in notifications include changes to tone, language, pitch, speed, volume, intonation, or dialect. The voice notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned voice notification system further includes a reception unit that accepts requests to activate changes to the notification content or the notification method. Information regarding changes to notification content or notification methods includes inquiries about activating those changes. The voice notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The voice notification system further includes a person detection unit that detects whether or not a person is present around the speaking device. The notification unit, when it detects a change in notification content or notification method, and when it detects the presence of a person in the vicinity of the speaking device, will cause the speaking device to notify the user of information regarding the change in notification content or notification method by voice. The voice notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The notification unit further, when it detects a change in notification content or notification method, will notify the user of information regarding the change in notification content or notification method in the form of text, images, or video from the display device. The voice notification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A voice notification method that causes a voice device to notify a notification target, which is an information source device or information source service that is the source of information notified by a voice device, A change detection step that detects changes in notification content or notification method, The system includes a notification step in which, when a change in notification content or notification method is detected, information regarding the change in notification content or notification method is notified by voice from the speaking device, The change in the content of the notification is an increase or decrease in the number of people subject to the notification. The aforementioned change in the notification method is an increase or decrease in the number of speaking devices or a change in the voice used for notification. In the aforementioned notification step, If an increase in the number of notifiable targets is detected, the speech device will notify the user of information regarding the increase in notifiable targets via voice. If a decrease in the number of items to be notified is detected, the speech device will provide voice notification regarding the decrease in the number of items to be notified. Or, In the aforementioned notification step, If an increase in speaking devices is detected, information regarding the increase in speaking devices will be notified by voice from at least one of the increased speaking devices. If a decrease in the number of speaking devices is detected, information regarding the decrease in speaking devices will be notified by voice from at least one of the remaining speaking devices. moreover, If an increase in the number of speech-generating devices is detected, the speech content from the existing speech-generating devices will be made different from the speech content from the newly added speech-generating devices. Voice notification method.

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the voice notification method described in claim 9.

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