Control Unit for Multi-Partner Conversational Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing systems face challenges in efficiently managing and coordinating instructions across multiple conversation partners, particularly in a conversational user interface, where distributing tasks among various devices and chatbots can be complex and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device with a control unit that analyzes user instructions and assigns processing tasks to appropriate devices based on their functional capabilities, utilizing a conversational user interface to interact with multiple chatbots and coordinate cooperative functions among devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user gives an instruction to multiple conversation partners in a conversational user interface, then the instruction can be distributed to various devices and chatbots, but it becomes complex and time-consuming to manage and coordinate the instructions across multiple partners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to interact with multiple conversation partnersVSAvoidcomplexity of managing instructions across multiple partners

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the management of multiple conversation partners by introducing a control unit that independently handles instruction distribution. This control unit divides the complex task of coordinating multiple partners into manageable sub-tasks, assigning specific instructions to appropriate partners based on their capabilities, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A control unit is introduced as an intermediary between the user and multiple conversation partners. This mediator receives user instructions, determines the appropriate partner(s) to handle each instruction, and coordinates the interaction flow. The intermediary simplifies the interface complexity by providing a unified entry point while managing the underlying complexity of multiple partners

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a user gives an instruction to multiple conversation partners, then task distribution among devices is enabled, but the time and effort required for task execution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask execution efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for coordinating multiple partners

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the capabilities and roles of each conversation partner. Before instructions are issued, the system pre-configures which partners can handle which types of tasks, enabling rapid routing of instructions to appropriate partners without time-consuming discovery or coordination during execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where conversation partners report their status and capability information back to the control unit. This feedback loop enables the control unit to make informed decisions about instruction distribution, optimizing task allocation based on real-time partner availability and capability, thereby reducing coordination time and improving execution efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11347445B2Information processing device and non-transitory computer readable medium storing program

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing device includes a control unit that, when a user gives an instruction to multiple conversation partners in a conversational user interface, controls notification of a result of addressing the instruction.