Robot Interaction Timing With Physiological Feedback Learning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robots struggle to determine appropriate interaction timing with users based on body temperature cycles, leading to potential stress and ineffective comfort provision.

Innovation Solution

A robot equipped with an acquisition unit for capturing user images and biological information, and an action control unit that adjusts interactions based on these inputs to ensure timely engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If interaction timing is determined based on assumed body temperature cycle, then interaction can be induced at certain timing, but the timing is limited and may cause stress to the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction induction capabilityVSAvoidadaptability to various daily situations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robot continuously acquires actual body temperature data from the user and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust interaction timing. The learning device processes this feedback information to update the learned timing, enabling the system to adapt to the user's actual physiological patterns rather than relying on fixed assumptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-learning by automatically acquiring body temperature data, processing it through the learning device, and updating its own interaction timing decisions without requiring external programming or manual adjustment. The robot serves itself by continuously improving its understanding of the user's patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If interaction timing is based on fixed assumptions, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot determine appropriate timing in various daily situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of interaction timing determinationVSAvoidapplicability to diverse daily scenarios
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The learning device automatically learns and adapts to the user's patterns without requiring manual input or complex user configuration. The system performs self-learning by processing acquired body temperature data and autonomously determining appropriate interaction timing for various situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the interaction timing parameters based on learned patterns from actual body temperature data. Instead of using fixed parameters, the learning device adjusts timing parameters adaptively according to the user's physiological patterns and daily situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the robot engages the user at inappropriate timing, then interaction does not occur, but continuous engagement attempts may stress the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction occurrence rateVSAvoiduser stress
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses body temperature data as feedback to determine when the user is in a state suitable for interaction. By monitoring physiological changes, the robot can identify appropriate timing and avoid engaging when the user is stressed or unwilling to interact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The robot performs preliminary acquisition of body temperature data and learning of patterns before attempting interaction. This preliminary understanding of the user's state allows the robot to timing its engagement attempts appropriately, avoiding stress-inducing interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4596070A1Robot, learning device, control method, and program
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 NITTO DENKO CORP
  • EP4596070A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4596070A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4596070A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Interaction with a user is induced at an appropriate timing. A robot includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire at least one of a captured image of a user or biological information of the user; and an action control unit configured to instruct to perform a predetermined action that induces the interaction with the user in accordance with a state of the user based on the at least one of the captured image or the biological information.