Robot Emotion Controller Step-wise State Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses controlling robots to simulate pseudo-emotions face issues where sustained actions based on pseudo-emotions can appear unnatural if not dynamically adjusted, leading to user perception of unnatural behavior.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a controller that sets and adjusts emotion parameters based on external stimuli, and when no stimulus is detected for a predetermined period, changes the pseudo-emotion in a step-wise manner to maintain a more natural and lifelike appearance, using an emotion map and change tables to manage these adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the apparatus maintains a pseudo-emotion state for a predetermined period without external stimulus, then the action based on pseudo-emotion can be sustained, but the user may perceive the action as unnatural
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the emotion parameter changeable over time. When no external stimulus is detected for a predetermined period, the controller automatically changes the emotion parameter from the current pseudo-emotion state to a different state (such as from excited to calm, or from sad to neutral). This dynamic adjustment prevents the apparatus from maintaining the same emotion indefinitely, making its behavior appear more natural and less mechanical to users.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus frequently changes pseudo-emotion in response to external stimuli, then the interaction becomes more lively, but the emotional stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by introducing a time-based mechanism where the emotion parameter is reviewed and potentially changed after a predetermined period without external stimulus. This creates a rhythmic pattern of emotional states - the apparatus responds actively to stimuli when they occur, then transitions to a different state after a set period of inactivity. This periodic adjustment balances responsiveness with stability, preventing both excessive emotional volatility and unnatural stagnation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus control device (100) includes an emotion setter (113) that sets, in accordance with an external stimulus acting on the apparatus, an emotion parameter expressing a pseudo-emotion; and an emotion changer (115) that changes the set emotion parameter when the pseudo-emotion is close to a predetermined state and, also, the external stimulus is not detected in a predetermined period.