Autonomous Mobile Object Behavior Planning with Opposing Needs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Autonomous mobile objects exhibit simplistic operation patterns when behaviors are determined based on estimated circumstances, leading to decreased user interest due to uniformity and lack of natural interaction.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a behavior planner that determines behaviors for autonomous mobile objects based on estimated circumstances and multiple sets of opposing needs, such as self-preservation and self-esteem, allowing for more natural and flexible behavior plans.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If behaviors are determined based on estimated circumstances alone, then the autonomous mobile object can execute operations according to a behavior plan, but the operations become simplistic and uniform, leading to decreased user interest

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebehavior executionVSAvoidbehavior flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The behavior determination process is segmented into multiple independent components: circumstance estimation, need identification (self-preservation and self-esteem needs), and integrated behavior selection. This segmentation allows each component to be processed separately and combined to create more nuanced behavior plans that avoid simplistic uniform responses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts behavior determination by considering the relative importance of different needs (self-preservation vs. self-esteem) based on current circumstances. The behavior plan is not static but adapts in real-time by weighing multiple opposing needs, enabling flexible and natural-looking operations that maintain user interest.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If uniform behaviors are determined for estimated circumstances, then the behavior plan can be executed systematically, but the autonomous mobile object exhibits simplistic operation patterns, reducing user interest

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebehavior plan execution efficiencyVSAvoidoperation pattern diversity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameters of behavior determination by introducing multiple need dimensions (self-preservation need degree and self-esteem need degree) instead of relying solely on circumstance estimation. This multi-parameter approach allows the same circumstance to produce different behaviors based on the relative importance assigned to different needs, thereby diversifying operation patterns while maintaining systematic execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The behavior plan is constructed as a composite of multiple need assessments rather than a single circumstance-based determination. By combining self-preservation needs and self-esteem needs in a unified decision-making framework, the system creates rich, diverse behavior patterns that maintain both execution efficiency and operational diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sets of opposing needs are considered in behavior determination, then more natural and flexible behavior plans can be implemented, but the complexity of the behavior planner increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebehavior plan flexibilityVSAvoidbehavior planner complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The behavior planner employs a self-service mechanism where the autonomous mobile object autonomously evaluates its own needs (self-preservation and self-esteem) based on current circumstances and automatically determines appropriate behaviors. This self-service approach manages complexity by eliminating the need for external control systems while maintaining flexible, natural-looking behavior through internal need assessment and resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11709476B2Information processing apparatus, information processing method and program

Publication Date: 2023.07.25 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

There is provided an information processing apparatus and information processing method to implement a more natural and flexible behavior plan of an autonomous mobile object, the information processing apparatus including a behavior planner configured to plan a behavior of an autonomous mobile object based on estimation of circumstances, wherein the behavior planner is configured to, based on the circumstances that are estimated and multiple sets of needs that are opposed to each other, determine the behavior to be executed by the autonomous mobile object. The information processing method includes, by a processor, planning a behavior of an autonomous mobile object based on estimation of circumstances, wherein the planning includes, based on the circumstances that are estimated and multiple sets of needs that are opposed to each other, determining the behavior to be executed by the autonomous mobile object.