Information terminal, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

This involves incorporating an AI agent trained on business information data into an information terminal. [Solution] The information terminal 200 includes a recording medium that stores data related to business information on an AI agent, a startup means that gives a trigger to start the AI ​​agent, an output means that outputs output results from the AI ​​agent, and an update means that updates the data used by the AI ​​agent. The AI ​​agent performs processing when the information terminal is offline, and the update means updates the data used by the AI ​​agent when the information terminal comes online.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information terminal, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] The following system is known. This system proposes optimal management activities by AI for managers (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Technologies for utilizing AI in management, such as conventional systems, are known. In such a case, if an AI agent that has learned data related to management information is recorded in an information terminal, it becomes possible to incorporate the AI agent into hardware and use the AI agent with the hardware alone. For this reason, such technologies are required, but conventionally, no technologies for this purpose have been studied.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The information terminal according to the present invention includes a recording medium that records an AI agent that has learned data related to management information, a startup means that gives a startup trigger to the AI agent, an output means that outputs the output result from the AI agent, and an update means that updates the data used by the AI agent. The AI agent performs processing when the information terminal is in an offline state, and the update means updates the data used by the AI agent when the information terminal becomes online. To integrate and use it in hardware, we need an AI agent. ​The information processing method according to the present invention includes an activation means, To be used by embedding it in hardware This is a computer-based method comprising the steps of: providing an activation trigger to an AI agent that has been trained on data related to business information recorded on a recording medium; outputting the output result from the AI ​​agent; and updating the data used by the AI ​​agent, wherein the AI ​​agent performs processing when the information terminal is offline, and the update means updates the data used by the AI ​​agent when the information terminal comes online. The information processing program according to the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute the above-described information processing method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, by recording an AI agent trained on data related to business information on a storage medium, it becomes possible to use the AI ​​agent on an information terminal alone. Furthermore, the AI ​​agent is configured to perform processing when the information terminal is offline and to update the data used by the AI ​​agent when the information terminal comes online. As a result, the AI ​​agent can be used on the information terminal alone even when it is not connected to a communication line, and the data used by the AI ​​agent can be updated to the latest state when the information terminal is connected to a communication line. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment of the information processing device 100. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment of an information terminal 200. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the information processing device 100. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of AI agent utilization processing performed on information terminal 200. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of data update processing performed on information terminal 200. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment of the information processing device 100 in this embodiment. The information processing device 100 may be a personal computer or a server, and includes a communication module 101, a control device 102, and a recording device 103.

[0009] The communication module 101 includes a module for connecting the information processing device 100 to a communication line such as a LAN or the Internet, either wirelessly or via a wired connection. In this embodiment, the information processing device 100 can communicate with other devices by connecting to a communication line via the communication module 101.

[0010] The control device 102 consists of a CPU, memory, and other peripheral circuits, and controls the entire information processing device 100. The memory that makes up the control device 102 is a volatile memory such as SDRAM. This memory is used as work memory for the CPU to load programs when executing programs, and as buffer memory for temporarily recording data. For example, data received via the communication module 101 is temporarily recorded in the buffer memory.

[0011] The recording device 103 is a recording device for recording various data stored by the information processing device 100, as well as program data for execution by the control device 102. For example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) may be used. The program data to be recorded in the recording device 103 is provided on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, or via a network. By installing the program data obtained by the user into the recording device 103, the control device 102 becomes able to execute the program.

[0012] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment of the information terminal 200 in this embodiment. The information terminal 200 is hardware into which an AI agent is incorporated, as will be described later. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment in which a smartphone is used as the information terminal 200 in this embodiment. The information terminal 200 includes a touch panel 201, a communication module 202, a microphone 203, a control device 204, and a speaker 205.

[0013] The touch panel 201 is an input device that allows the device to be operated by pressing the display on the screen. For example, the operator of the information terminal 200 can operate the information terminal 200 by touching or sliding the displayed items such as buttons and menus displayed on the LCD panel with their finger or a stylus. The touch panel 201 detects operations such as touching or sliding by the operator and outputs the detection signal to the control device 204.

[0014] The communication module 202 includes a communication module for communicating with other devices wirelessly or via a wired connection. In this embodiment, the information terminal 200 communicates with external devices by connecting to a notification line such as the Internet via the communication module 202.

[0015] Microphone 203 is a sound collection device for inputting user speech and other audio. The analog data input from microphone 203 is converted into a digital signal by control device 204.

[0016] The control device 204 is composed of a CPU, a memory, and other peripheral circuits, and controls the entire information terminal 200. The memory constituting the control device 204 includes, for example, a volatile memory such as SDRAM and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The volatile memory is used as a work memory for the CPU to expand the program during program execution and a buffer memory for temporarily recording data. In addition, firmware for operating the information terminal 200 and program data of software for operating various applications are recorded in the non-volatile memory.

[0017] The speaker 205 is an output device for outputting sound.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 creates an AI agent that has learned data related to management information. The data related to management information includes, for example, purchase history data or sales floor data in a store or the like.

[0019] Here, an AI agent is a system that operates as an agent of a human, has the ability to learn and make judgments on its own, and is a system that integrates various AI technologies for solving complex problems. When, for example, a user gives a question (prompt) to the AI agent, the AI agent searches for an answer to the question, generates an answer, and outputs the answer to the question. Also, for example, when a user gives a task (prompt), the AI agent searches for a solution to the task, generates a solution, and outputs the solution to the task.

[0020] In the present embodiment, as an example of the AI agent, for example, an LLM (Large Language Model) is assumed. However, the AI agent according to the present invention is not limited to the LLM (Large Language Model).

[0021] In this embodiment, the created AI agent is incorporated into hardware for use. Various hardware capable of incorporating an AI agent are envisioned, such as smartphones, tablet devices, eyeglasses, earphones, necklaces, and watches. For example, if an AI agent is incorporated into an information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, the output from the AI ​​agent can be output through the smartphone or tablet's monitor or speaker. If an AI agent is incorporated into eyeglasses, the output can be projected onto the eyeglass lenses or output as sound via the speaker. If an AI agent is incorporated into earphones, the output can be output as sound. If an AI agent is incorporated into a necklace, the output can be output as sound via the speaker. If an AI agent is incorporated into a watch, the output can be projected onto the display on the watch face or output as sound via the speaker. Note that these are just examples, and the invention is not limited to these examples, as any information terminal capable of incorporating an AI agent can be used. Furthermore, the AI ​​agent embedded in the hardware may be modified depending on the user, the task, or the processing content.

[0022] This embodiment describes an example in which an AI agent is incorporated into an information terminal 200. For this purpose, the AI ​​agent data generated by the information processing device 100 is recorded in the internal memory of the information terminal 200, or in a storage medium such as an HDD, SSD, or memory card (not shown).

[0023] In this embodiment, the AI ​​agent is integrated into the hardware, allowing processing to be performed even when the hardware is not connected to a communication line, i.e., offline. Furthermore, the AI ​​agent can also perform processing when the hardware is connected to a communication line, i.e., online.

[0024] When using an AI agent offline, the data used by the AI ​​agent can be updated when the hardware comes online. In this case, the AI ​​agent may be configured to periodically bring the hardware online and automatically update the data to the latest state.

[0025] The following describes the processes performed by the information processing device 100 and the information terminal 200 in this embodiment. First, the processes performed by the information processing device 100 will be described.

[0026] In the information processing device 100, the control device 102 creates an AI agent that has been trained on data related to business information. In this embodiment, as described above, the AI ​​agent is assumed to be, for example, an LLM (Large-Scale Language Model), and the data related to business information includes, for example, purchase history data or sales floor data.

[0027] In this embodiment, the control device 102 creates an AI agent that has learned data related to management information, such as purchase history data, sales floor data, sales promotion data, sales floor sales promotion data, inventory data, product master data, business manual / policy guide data, in-store congestion data, and combinations thereof, at stores.

[0028] Purchase history data includes information on purchase history, such as individual and overall sales and purchasing trends. Store floor data includes information such as shelf allocation, product layout, and shelf placement master data. Promotional data includes information such as campaign timing, target products, and POP display information. Store floor promotional data includes information such as POP display status, shelf decoration, and display location. Inventory data includes information such as front and backroom inventory and real-time replenishment status. Product master data includes information such as price, ingredients, expiration date, and category. Operations manual / campaign guide data includes information such as customer service, display, and work procedures. Store congestion data includes information such as customer visitor count forecasts (weather, day of the week, events) and store congestion history. Note that this information is just an example, and is not limited to this information as long as it is useful for achieving the objectives of the present invention.

[0029] In this embodiment, as described above, the AI ​​agent created by the information processing device 100 is incorporated into the information terminal 200. For example, the AI ​​agent data is recorded in the memory of the control device 204. This allows the AI ​​agent to be used on the information terminal 200. The processes executed on the information terminal 200 will be described below.

[0030] In this embodiment, as described above, the AI ​​agent can perform processing whether the information terminal 200 is offline or online. When the AI ​​agent is used offline, the control device 204 executes a process to update the data used by the AI ​​agent when the information terminal 200 comes online. Alternatively, the control device 204 may periodically switch the information terminal 200 online to update the data used by the AI ​​agent to the latest state.

[0031] In the information terminal 200, the control device 204 receives input of questions and tasks from the user and inputs the input questions and tasks (prompts) to the AI ​​agent. The AI ​​agent searches for or generates answers to the given questions and solutions to the tasks and outputs them. Note that the processing by which the AI ​​agent, which uses an LLM (Large-Scale Language Model), searches for or generates answers and solutions is publicly known, so its explanation is omitted.

[0032] The method by which the user inputs prompts varies depending on the type of hardware incorporating the AI ​​agent. For example, in the information terminal 200, the user may input prompts using text by operating the touch panel 201, or they may input prompts using voice via the microphone 203. Note that the input methods described here are examples only and are not limited to them.

[0033] The control device 204 processes the output results from the AI ​​agent and presents them to the user. The method of presentation to the user differs depending on the type of hardware incorporating the AI ​​agent. For example, if the hardware, i.e., the information terminal, has a display unit, the output results from the AI ​​agent can be displayed on the display unit. If the information terminal has an audio output unit, the output results from the AI ​​agent can be presented as audio. For example, in the information terminal 200 of this embodiment, the control device 204 can display the output results from the AI ​​agent on the touch panel 201 or present them as audio on the speaker 205. The presentation methods described herein are examples only and are not limited thereto.

[0034] In this embodiment, as described above, the AI ​​agent has already learned data related to business information, and therefore generates and outputs answers to questions and solutions to problems based on the learned business information data. Examples of questions and problems given to the AI ​​agent and the answers and solutions generated by the AI ​​agent are as follows.

[0035] In the above example, we described a scenario where the AI ​​agent receives prompts for questions or tasks entered by the user, and the AI ​​agent processes them as a trigger. However, the triggers given to the AI ​​agent are not limited to prompt input. The triggers given to the AI ​​agent may also be based on external events (e.g., signal input from a sensor) or internal events (e.g., activation by an internal scheduler, occurrence of an anomaly). With such a configuration, the AI ​​agent can be triggered not only by user questions (prompts) but also by other events.

[0036] The following examples are provided to clearly illustrate input and output examples for an AI agent, and the input and output examples for an AI agent are not limited to these examples.

[0037] Input: "The items on this shelf are out of stock. Can you restock them?" Output: "We have stock in the back room, two cardboard boxes. Replenishment is recommended." Output: "Due to yesterday's surge in sales, there's a possibility of an order being missed. Please check your orders." Output: "The location of this week's promotional items is misaligned with the guide. Please check against the shelf layout diagram." In this example, the AI ​​agent utilizes data such as store layout data (shelf allocation), product placement master data, IDPOS (inventory and sales trends), and inventory data to generate and output answers to questions entered by the user, thereby supporting interactive, real-time shelf maintenance.

[0038] Input: "What kind of recommendations would be suitable for this customer?" Output: "Based on past purchasing trends, we recommend the new product from XX." Input: "Where's the vitamin supplement shelf?" Glass display: Shelf 3B is indicated by an arrow guide + audio output: "It's in the middle of the third row." In this example, the AI ​​agent utilizes data such as purchase history (identifying individuals through member number scanning or facial recognition), recommendation data (similar customer purchase history), product information database, and store layout data (shelf allocation) to generate and output answers to questions entered by the user, thereby supporting customer service through voice-activated interaction and customer service navigation.

[0039] Input: "What should I do next?" Output: "POP sign replacement work will begin at 13:00. Please move to the designated shelf." Output: "Checkout lines are expected to be crowded during this time. New staff members should be assigned to assist at the registers, not to organize shelves." Output: "This week's focus is on strengthening the pollen allergy countermeasures section. An example of its implementation is shown." In this example, the AI ​​agent utilizes data such as promotional campaign data (when, what, where), POP display status, shelf information, IDPOS (response rate), and customer visit history data to generate and output answers to questions entered by users, thereby providing task support within the sales floor (operational support via voice triggers).

[0040] Output: "The POP display on this shelf is not yet posted. It may have been forgotten to be attached." Input: "I just pasted it, please check it" → Detected and updated using camera image. Output: "This POP display expired last week. Please replace it with this week's promotional material." Output: "During the promotional period, sales are only 60% of the target. We need to improve our displays or revise our customer service pitch." Output: "This product offers 5x points today only. Please encourage people to buy it." In this example, the AI ​​agent utilizes data such as promotional campaign data (when, what, where), POP display status, shelf information, and IDPOS (response rate) to generate and output answers to questions entered by the user, thereby guiding users through the status of their promotional activities and providing guidance for making adjustments.

[0041] Output: "Two items remaining on the shelves. Replenishment is needed before the next peak customer traffic." Input: "Is this item in stock?" Output: "We have 5 in the back room and 30 at another store." Output: "With the current shelf configuration, it will be difficult to eliminate excess inventory; therefore, we recommend expanding the sales area." In this example, the AI ​​agent utilizes data such as inventory information (including back-office data), IDPOS (sales speed), and expiration date information to generate and output answers to questions entered by the user, thereby providing automated suggestions and voice responses based on inventory.

[0042] Input: "This is my first time arranging this product on the shelves. How should I do it?" Output: "Two-tiered faceplate with POP display. Guide instructions will be displayed on the smart glasses." Input: "What should I do when the checkout lines are busy?" Output: "Sub-register support has been requested. Instructions for action will be displayed." In this example, the AI ​​agent utilizes data such as work manuals, procedure data for each task, and store event information to generate and output answers to questions entered by the user, thereby providing on-the-job training and educational support (conversational learning).

[0043] Output: "We anticipate a peak in customer traffic in the next 30 minutes. Please temporarily suspend restocking and provide assistance at the registers." Output: "Staff member A has extensive knowledge of cosmetics, and due to the large number of customers, please move to the cosmetics section." In this example, the AI ​​agent utilizes data such as customer traffic predictions (weather, day of the week, events), store congestion levels, and each staff member's skills / assignment history to generate and output answers to questions entered by the user, thereby addressing labor shortages and supporting labor-saving measures.

[0044] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing flow executed by the information processing device 100 in this embodiment. The processing shown in Figure 3 is executed by the control device 102 as a program that is started at the time of creating the AI ​​agent. Note that the timing of creating the AI ​​agent is not particularly limited.

[0045] In step S10, the control device 102 creates an AI agent that has been trained on data related to business information, as described above. After that, the process is terminated.

[0046] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of AI agent utilization processing executed on the information terminal 200 in this embodiment. The processing shown in Figure 4 is executed by the control device 204 as a program that is started when a prompt is entered by the user. In Figure 4, it is assumed that the AI ​​agent has been generated in advance.

[0047] In step S110, the control device 204 inputs the user's questions and task prompts to the AI ​​agent. Then, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0048] In step S120, the control device 204 performs the processing described above to output the output result from the AI ​​agent and present it to the user. After that, it terminates the process.

[0049] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of data update processing performed on the information terminal 200 in this embodiment. The processing shown in Figure 5 is executed by the control device 204 as a program that is started when the information terminal 200 goes online.

[0050] In step S210, the control device 204 connects to a pre-configured destination and updates the data used by the AI ​​agent. After that, the process ends.

[0051] According to the embodiments described above, the following effects and advantages can be obtained. (1) The information terminal 200 stores an AI agent trained on business information data in a storage medium, and the control device 204 provides the AI ​​agent with an activation trigger (e.g., a prompt) and outputs the output results from the AI ​​agent. This allows the AI ​​agent trained on business information data to be incorporated into and used by the information terminal 200.

[0052] (2) The AI ​​agent is configured to perform processing when the information terminal 200 is offline. This allows the AI ​​agent to be used even when the information terminal 200 is not connected to a communication line.

[0053] (3) The control device 204 is configured to update the data used by the AI ​​agent when the information terminal 200 comes online. This allows the data used by the AI ​​agent to be updated to the latest state as soon as the information terminal 200 is connected to the communication line.

[0054] (4) The control device 204 periodically switches the information terminal 200 online to update the data used by the AI ​​agent. This allows the data used by the AI ​​agent to be automatically updated, thus keeping the data up to date.

[0055] (5) The AI ​​agent is designed to perform processing even when the information terminal is online. This allows the AI ​​agent to be used even when the information terminal 200 is connected to a communication line.

[0056] (6) The activation triggers include activation triggers given to the AI ​​agent based on prompts entered by the user, activation triggers given to the AI ​​agent based on events occurring outside the AI ​​agent, and activation triggers given to the AI ​​agent based on events occurring inside the AI ​​agent. This makes it possible to give the AI ​​agent activation triggers not only based on prompts entered by the user, but also based on other events.

[0057] (7) The AI ​​agent embedded in the hardware, that is, the AI ​​agent recorded on the storage medium of the information terminal 200, is made to change depending on the person using the hardware, the type of work, or the type of processing. This makes it possible to change the AI ​​agent used according to the purpose, such as the person using the hardware, the type of work, or the type of processing.

[0058] (8) The data related to management information includes purchase history data or sales floor data. This makes it possible to use an AI agent that has been trained on purchase history data or sales floor data at stores.

[0059] —Revised Version— Furthermore, the contents described in the above-mentioned embodiment can also be modified as follows.

[0060] (1) In the embodiments described above, the data relating to management information was described in examples such as purchase history data or sales floor data. However, the data relating to management information is not limited to the data described above, as long as it is data to which the present invention can be applied.

[0061] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited in any way to the configurations in the embodiments described above, as long as the characteristic functions of the present invention are not impaired. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 100 Information Processing Devices 101 Communication Module 102 Control device 103 Recording device 200 Information Terminals 201 Touch Panel 202 Communication Module 203 Mike 204 Control device 205 Speakers

Claims

1. In order to incorporate and utilize an AI agent trained on data related to business information into hardware, a recording medium on which the AI ​​agent is recorded, A means for triggering the aforementioned AI agent to activate, Output means for outputting the output results from the AI ​​agent, The AI ​​agent has an update means for updating the data it uses, The AI ​​agent performs processing when the information terminal is offline. The update means is characterized by updating the data used by the AI ​​agent when the information terminal goes online.

2. In the information terminal described in claim 1, The update means is characterized by periodically switching the information terminal online and updating the data used by the AI ​​agent.

3. In the information terminal described in claim 1, The aforementioned AI agent is characterized in that it performs processing even when the information terminal is online.

4. In the information terminal described in any one of claims 1 to 3, The information terminal is characterized in that the activation trigger includes an activation trigger given to the AI ​​agent based on a prompt entered by a user, an activation trigger given to the AI ​​agent based on an event occurring outside the AI ​​agent, and an activation trigger given to the AI ​​agent based on an event occurring inside the AI ​​agent.

5. In the information terminal described in any one of claims 1 to 3, An information terminal characterized in that the data relating to the aforementioned management information includes purchase history data or sales floor data.

6. The activation means includes a step of providing an activation trigger to an AI agent that has been trained on data related to business information, which is recorded on a recording medium for use embedded in hardware, and The output means includes the step of outputting the output result from the AI ​​agent, The update means includes the step of updating the data used by the AI ​​agent, The AI ​​agent performs processing when the information terminal is offline. The update means is characterized by updating the data used by the AI ​​agent when the information terminal goes online, and is an information processing method performed on a computer.

7. In the information processing method described in claim 6, The update means is characterized by periodically switching the information terminal online and updating the data used by the AI ​​agent.

8. In the information processing method described in claim 6, The aforementioned AI agent is characterized in that it performs processing even when the information terminal is online.

9. In the information processing method described in claim 6, The information processing method is characterized in that the activation trigger includes an activation trigger given to the AI ​​agent based on a prompt entered by a user, an activation trigger given to the AI ​​agent based on an event occurring outside the AI ​​agent, and an activation trigger given to the AI ​​agent based on an event occurring inside the AI ​​agent.

10. In the information processing method described in claim 6, An information processing method characterized in that the data relating to the aforementioned management information includes purchase history data or sales floor data.

11. An information processing program for causing a computer to perform the method described in any one of claims 6 to 10.

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