Social Robot Environmental Control via User Mental State Inference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing social robots are limited in their ability to leverage both social and terminal potentials, failing to provide synergistic benefits to users by effectively interacting with humans and controlling networked devices.
Innovation Solution
A social robot system that includes processors, sensors, and a social expression component to analyze user behavior, derive mental states, and select appropriate audio-visual content or environmental control actions based on social interaction, using algorithms to anticipate user needs and preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a social robot is designed to perform terminal functions (content access, data processing), then its processing power and data utilization improve, but its social behavior capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the social robot to perform both terminal functions (content access, data processing) and social behavior functions (emotional expression, social interaction). The robot integrates a terminal device with social expression components, allowing it to leverage processing power for content delivery while simultaneously engaging in social interactions through facial expressions, vocalizations, and body language.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a social robot is designed to perform social functions (emotional expression, social interaction), then its social behavior capability improves, but its terminal function potential deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the terminal device with the social robot platform, combining content delivery capabilities with social interaction features. The integrated system allows the robot to access and process information through the terminal device while simultaneously expressing emotions and engaging in social behaviors through its dedicated social expression components.
3Productivity
If network terminals are optimized for direct user interaction with content, then content access efficiency improves, but human social behavior mimicry deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The social robot serves as an intermediary between the terminal device and the user. Rather than the terminal directly interacting with the user, the robot mediates this interaction by combining terminal functions with social behavior capabilities, allowing it to access content efficiently while simultaneously engaging in natural social interactions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for controlling a social robot includes operating an electronic output device based on social interactions between the social robot and a user. The social robot utilizes an algorithm or other logical solution process to infer a user mental state, for example a mood or desire, based on observation of the social interaction. Based on the inferred mental state, the social robot causes an action of the electronic output device to be selected. Actions may include, for example, playing a selected video clip, brewing a cup of coffee, or adjusting window blinds.