Communication Robot Mode Arbitration for User Attachment Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often struggle to feel attachment to communication robots that combine autonomous operation with remote operation, as the distinction between these modes can lead to confusion, resulting in a lack of emotional connection with the robot in either mode.
Innovation Solution
A communication robot with a communication arbitration unit that switches between robot mode and avatar mode based on operational criteria, allowing users to differentiate between autonomous operation and remote operation, and presenting information to users to enhance the emotional connection with the robot mode while allowing mode switching with user consent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If one robot combines both autonomous operation function and remote operation function, then the robot can serve multiple communication needs, but the user may not feel attachment when only one function is actually functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the unified robot system into two distinct operational modes: robot mode (autonomous operation) and avatar mode (remote operation). The communication arbitration unit separates these functions conceptually, allowing the robot to exhibit one mode at a time. This segmentation enables the user to form attachment to the robot mode while knowing the avatar mode is available but inactive, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and attachment feeling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robot switches between robot mode and avatar mode, then both communication functions can be provided, but the user may feel confusion about which mode is active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual indicators (such as LED lights or display elements) that change appearance based on the active mode. When in robot mode, the indicator shows one state (e.g., green light), and when in avatar mode, it shows another state (e.g., red light). This visual feedback mechanism prevents user confusion about the current operational mode while maintaining the flexibility to switch between modes as needed.
3Ease of operation
If the robot asks the user for permission before switching to avatar mode, then the user maintains control and understanding, but the switching process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The communication arbitration unit implements a feedback mechanism where the robot actively queries the user for permission before transitioning from robot mode to avatar mode. This feedback loop ensures the user maintains awareness and control over mode transitions. The system balances complexity by automating the permission-seeking process through natural conversation rather than requiring complex manual controls, thus maintaining ease of operation while managing the switching complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication robot includes: an operation part; and a communication arbitration unit configured to exhibit one of a robot mode for autonomously operating the operation part by applying a first operational criterion and an avatar mode for operating the operation part based on an operation instruction sent from a remote operator by applying a second operational criterion to arbitrate communication with a service user, in which the communication arbitration unit operates, when it is intended to exhibit the avatar mode in accordance with an operation request from the remote operator, the operation part in the robot mode and asks the service user whether to allow the mode to be switched to the avatar mode.