JP6355974B2 - Speech apparatus, speech control apparatus, speech control system, speech apparatus control method, speech control apparatus control method, and control program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an utterance device having an utterance function by voice.

  In recent years, so-called “talking home appliances” have begun to spread as an evolutionary system of network-compatible home appliances.

JP 2009-253358 A (released on October 29, 2009)

  If the amount of spoken home appliances is too high, the user will feel noisy about the spoken home appliances, and the user may miss some important messages due to the randomness of the spoken home appliances. there is a possibility.

  Patent Document 1 describes a method for selecting a plurality of messages generated from one cause. However, the method described in Patent Document 1 cannot select which message should be remarked out of a plurality of messages for each of a plurality of events.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its purpose is to give priority to the user out of the two or more utterance data when there are two or more utterance data that can be uttered. It is to provide an utterance device or the like that improves user convenience by uttering utterance data to be notified.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an utterance device according to one aspect of the present invention is an utterance device having an utterance function by voice, and utterance is performed at the time of utterance with respect to utterance data in which a utterable period is set in advance. Determining means for determining whether or not there is two or more possible utterance data; and if the determination means determines that there are two or more utterance data that can be uttered during the utterance, Utterance means for giving priority to utterance data having a high priority associated with each of the utterance data in advance.

  In order to solve the above problem, an utterance control device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an utterance data generation unit configured to generate utterance data by setting a period during which the utterance device can utter, and the utterance data. A plurality of utterance data associated with a specific period, which are generated by the generation means and overlap with the utterable period, the utterance device in descending order of priority associated with each of the utterance data Utterance data transmitting means for causing the utterance apparatus to utter only the utterance data last transmitted to the utterance apparatus during the utterable period.

  In order to solve the above problem, the utterance control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes utterance data generation means for generating utterance data by setting a period during which the utterance apparatus can utter the utterance data. The utterance data that is generated by the utterance data generation means and is associated with a specific period, and a plurality of utterance data having overlapping utterance periods overlap with each of the utterance data. A plurality of utterance data corresponding to the specific period from the utterance data transmitting means and the utterance data transmitting means for sequentially transmitting to the utterance device, and the utterance data overlapping with the utterance period, Acquisition means for acquiring in order from the lowest priority associated with each of the utterances, and only the utterance data acquired last by the acquisition means can be used for the utterance period. Including a speech means to speak in.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a method for controlling an utterance device according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling an utterance device having a speech function by voice, in which an utterable period is set in advance. When it is determined that there is two or more utterance data that can be uttered at the time of utterance and two or more utterance data that can be uttered at the time of utterance are determined at the determination step An utterance step of giving priority to utterance data having a high priority associated with each of two or more utterance data that can be uttered at the time of utterance.

  And in order to solve said subject, the control method of the utterance control apparatus which concerns on 1 aspect of this invention WHEREIN: The utterance data which set utterance data and the period when the utterance apparatus can utter the utterance data are produced | generated A plurality of utterance data associated with a specific period, which are generated in the generation step and the utterance data generation step, and are overlapped in the utterable period are associated with each of the utterance data. A speech data transmission step of transmitting the speech data to the speech device in descending order of priority and causing the speech device to speak only the speech data last transmitted to the speech device during the speech-capable period.

  According to each aspect of the present invention, when there are two or more utterance data that can be uttered, the utterance device utters the utterance data to be notified to the user preferentially among the two or more utterance data. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user.

It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the household appliance of the family message board system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, a server, and a smart phone. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of the family message board system which concerns on each embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the outline of the speech data which the said household device can utter. It is a figure which shows the example of the event which can carry out schedule registration using the said smart phone. It is a screen transition figure showing transition of a screen displayed on the display screen of the above-mentioned smartphone, when carrying out schedule registration using the above-mentioned smartphone. (A) is a figure which shows the example of a common data table, (b) is a figure which shows the example of an individual data table. It is a figure which shows the example of a priority definition table. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the common data transmission process which the said server performs. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the separate data transmission process which the said server performs. It is a figure which shows by contrast the data transmission process to the household device of the user who carried out the schedule registration by the said server, and the speech data transmission process to the household device of the user who has not carried out the schedule registration. (A) is a figure which shows the example of the additional data table before acquiring the newest common data from the said server. (B) is a figure which shows the example of the additional data table after acquiring the newest common data from the said server. (C) is a figure which shows the example of the additional data table after acquiring separate data from the said server. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the household appliance of the family message board system which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, a server, and a smart phone. It is a figure which shows an example of the random data table of the said server. It is the block diagram which illustrated the composition of the computer which can be used as the above-mentioned domestic device or server.

Embodiment 1
Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.

[Overview of Family Message Board System 100]
First, the outline | summary of the family message board system 100 (utterance control system) which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated based on FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the family message board system 100. The family message board system 100 is a system that provides an electronic message board (so-called social network service) that enables information to be shared among users registered in advance (in the example shown in FIG. 2, father, mother, and child). Family message board system 100 includes smartphones 3a, 3b, 3c, agent server 2a, family message board server 2b, home server 2c, and device 1 (including robot cleaner 1a and refrigerator 1b) arranged in the home. The “device 1 placed in the home” is hereinafter referred to as “home device 1”. In addition, when there is no need to particularly distinguish the smartphones 3a, 3b, and 3c, they are simply referred to as “smartphone 3”. Similarly, when there is no need to particularly distinguish the agent server 2a, the family message board server 2b, and the home server 2c, they are simply referred to as “server 2”. Although details will be described later, the home server 2 c is not essential in the family message board system 100.

  In the family message board system 100, the user schedules (inputs) a schedule such as a garbage day and a birthday, for example, using the smartphones 3a, 3b, and 3c. The server 2 (speech control device) generates utterance data (individual data IndD1) about a schedule registered by the user using the smartphone 3, and transmits the utterance data to the home device 1 (speech device). Further, the server 2 generates utterance data (common data ComD1) irrelevant to the schedule based on the common data basic information acquired from the related information source 4 and transmits the utterance data to the home device 1. The home device 1 utters the utterance data received from the server 2. Moreover, in the family message board system 100, the household device 1 writes a message on the family message board according to the state of the household device 1 and the content of the message written by the user. Furthermore, the user can access the family message board using the smartphones 3a, 3b, and 3c possessed by the user, and write or browse messages.

  In the family message board system 100, the utterance data about the schedule registered (input) by the user specifying the scheduled date is uttered during a predetermined utterance period. The utterance period is a period during which the home device 1 (for example, the refrigerator 1b) can utter the utterance data set in the utterance data. For example, when a user registers a schedule “scheduled date: April 15th, content: garbage day” on April 2, the user needs to listen to utterance data related to the schedule on April 3 Is considered to be low, and there is almost no need to hear after April 16. The user reads the utterance data related to the schedule “scheduled date: April 15th, content: garbage day” on the evening of April 14th, which is the day before the scheduled date, and April 15th, which is the scheduled date. It is most desirable to be able to hear it in the morning. Therefore, in the utterance data related to the schedule “scheduled date: April 15, content: garbage day”, “evening of April 14” and “morning of April 15” are set as utterance periods. . In the family message board system 100, at least the utterance period of “the morning of the scheduled date (for example, from 5:00 to 9:00 on that day)” is set in the utterance data about the schedule entered by the user specifying the scheduled date. Is done. Although details will be described later, in the family message board system 100, utterance data (random utterance data) in which the utterance period is not particularly set or a time period other than the “important utterance time period” is set as the utterance period is provided. There may be. The “important utterance time zone” is a time zone in which it is assumed that the user is collecting information (utterance data) that is important to the user, for example, from 5:00 to 9:00 in the morning. Moreover, in the family message board system 100, an utterance period may be set for all utterance data. In this case, for example, an utterance period of “0 to 24:00 on an arbitrary day” is set for random utterance data. May be. Furthermore, it is not essential that the utterance period set in the random utterance data is “0 to 24:00 on any day”. For example, the utterance period “9:00 to 22:00” is set in the random utterance data. May be. By setting an utterance period of “9:00 to 22:00” in random utterance data, it is possible to avoid random utterance data being uttered in the following time zone. That is, the random utterance data is considered to be an important utterance time zone where utterances of important content utterance data are concentrated: “5 to 9 o'clock” and late-night time zone (after 22:00 to 5:00 am the next morning) To avoid being uttered.

  Here, the in-home device 1 that utters the utterance data about the schedule in the utterance period is preferably the in-home device 1 that is most likely to be used by the user in the utterance period. For example, it is generally considered that the home device 1 that is frequently used by the user in the morning time zone is the refrigerator 1b. It is because it is thought that a user uses the refrigerator 1b for preparations, such as breakfast. Therefore, the refrigerator 1b is suitable as the home device 1 that utters utterance data about the schedule on the morning of the scheduled date of the schedule registered by the user. In addition, for example, for a user who tends to use the air conditioner 1e after returning home, the air conditioner 1e is suitable as the home appliance 1 that speaks to the user about the schedule for the next day.

  Similarly, for a schedule related to a certain user (for example, a child), it is preferable to speak to the user. It also recognizes or estimates the user's attributes (for example, gender, age, hobby, address, and school or work location), and utters utterance data having contents corresponding to the user's attributes to the user. May be. Examples of the content corresponding to the user attribute include introduction of products and stores according to the user's age, sex, and the like. That is, the home device 1 recognizes which user listens to the utterance data uttered by the home device 1 at the timing when the utterance timing is detected, and relates to the user (in the attribute of the user). The corresponding utterance data may be uttered.

  For example, the refrigerator 1b includes a camera or the like (not shown), detects the timing when the user intends to use the refrigerator 1b (that is, the speech timing), and authenticates the user's face or the like who intends to use the refrigerator 1b at the speech timing. Then, the user may be recognized. The refrigerator 1b may include a microphone or the like (not shown) to detect the utterance timing and recognize the user by the voiceprint of the user who intends to use the refrigerator 1b at the utterance timing. Furthermore, the refrigerator 1b includes a fingerprint authentication unit (not shown) on the door, for example, and detects the utterance timing, and at the utterance timing, the user's fingerprint touching the door (fingerprint authentication unit) is authenticated to recognize the user. May be. That is, the home device 1 recognizes which user listens to the utterance data uttered by the home device 1 using a known method for user authentication at the timing when the utterance timing is detected. be able to. Then, the home device 1 may utter utterance data having contents related to the recognized user.

  It is not essential that the in-home device 1 that recognizes the user and the in-home device 1 that utters utterance data having contents related to the user to the user are the same. For example, the refrigerator 1b may recognize a user who intends to use the refrigerator 1b and utter utterance data having contents related to the user to the user. Moreover, the robot cleaner 1a may recognize a user who has a high possibility of hearing the utterance data uttered by the refrigerator 1b at the timing when the refrigerator 1b detects the utterance timing. Then, the robot cleaner 1a notifies the refrigerator 1b of a user who is likely to hear the utterance data uttered by the refrigerator 1b, for example, at the timing when the refrigerator 1b detects the utterance timing via the server 2. And the refrigerator 1b may utter the utterance data of the content relevant to the user notified from the robot cleaner 1a.

  Further, the utterance data of the content related to a certain user uttered by the refrigerator 1b may be utterance data stored in advance in the storage unit 11 of the own device of the refrigerator 1b, or the refrigerator 1b may determine the utterance timing. It may be utterance data acquired from the server 2 immediately after detection. That is, when the refrigerator 1b (or the robot cleaner 1a) recognizes a user who is highly likely to hear the utterance data uttered by the refrigerator 1b, the refrigerator 1b selects the utterance data stored in the storage unit 11 in advance. You may acquire the speech data of the content relevant to a user. In addition, when the refrigerator 1b (or the robot cleaner 1a) recognizes a user who is highly likely to hear the utterance data uttered by the refrigerator 1b, the refrigerator 2b may notify the server 2 of the user. And based on the said notification, the server 2 transmits the utterance data of the content relevant to the user with high possibility of hearing the utterance data which the refrigerator 1b utters to the refrigerator 1b. The refrigerator 1b receives (acquires), from the server 2, utterance data having contents related to a user who is highly likely to hear the utterance data uttered by the refrigerator 1b. The refrigerator 1b utters the utterance data stored in advance in the storage unit 11 of its own device or the utterance data acquired from the server 2 immediately after detecting the utterance timing.

  Further, for example, when it is possible to grasp which home device 1 is likely to be used at which time zone for each user using each use log or the like of the home device 1, the server 2 May perform the following control on the utterance data transmitted to each of the home devices 1. In other words, the server 2 may use utterance data having contents related to a certain user (for example, a child) and having a predetermined utterance period set in the predetermined utterance period. May be transmitted to a household device 1 having a high height (for example, a television 1g). The server 2 can reduce the load of the utterance data transmission process by transmitting the utterance data of the content related to a certain user to the home device 1 that is frequently used by the user. The user can be notified of the utterance data efficiently.

  The home device 1 utters utterance data that can be uttered at the utterance timing, that is, utterance data whose utterance timing is within the utterance period, at a predetermined utterance timing. The utterance timing is a timing at which the home device 1 utters utterance data. For example, the utterance timing is a timing at which the home device 1 detects that the user uses (trys to use) the home device 1. Specifically, the utterance timing of the refrigerator 1b is the timing when the refrigerator 1b detects that the user has opened the door of the refrigerator 1b. For example, the utterance period of “(scheduled date) from 5:00 to 9:00 on the current day” is set, and the refrigerator 1b utters utterance data related to the schedule of the scheduled date: “April 15”. This is only when it is detected that the door of the refrigerator 1b is opened at "5 to 9 on April 15". Even when the refrigerator 1b detects that the door of the refrigerator 1b is opened at 4:30 on April 15, the utterance data is not uttered. This is because the utterance timing: “4:30 on April 15” does not fall within the utterance period set in the utterance data: “(scheduled date) 5:00 to 9:00 on that day”. That is, the home device 1 utters utterance data in which an utterance period including the utterance timing is set at the utterance timing.

  Although details will be described later, utterance data that can be uttered only once by the home device 1 at a predetermined utterance timing is classified into three types: individual data IndD1, common data ComD1, and basic utterance data BasD1. The home device 1 can receive at least one of the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 from the server 2. The individual data IndD1 and common data ComD1 acquired by the home device 1 from the server 2 will be referred to as additional utterance data AddD1. The basic utterance data BasD1 is utterance data that the home device 1 stores in the storage unit 11 in advance. When there is no individual data IndD1 or common data ComD1 that can be uttered at the utterance timing, the home device 1 utters the basic utterance data BasD1 at the utterance timing.

  The smartphone 3 is an information terminal that receives a schedule input (schedule input) from the user and transmits information related to the schedule to the server 2. In addition, the smartphone 3 displays the home device 1 and a message written by the user on a family message board or the like. The smartphone 3 includes an input surface, a display surface, and the like. The user touches the input surface and designates a position on the input surface to the smartphone 3 (by giving coordinates on the input surface), thereby inputting a schedule to the smartphone 3. As described above, the smartphone 3 is a portable information terminal. Here, it should be noted that a function equivalent to the smartphone 3 can be realized by a mobile phone, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or the like. That is, the terminal may not be a smartphone as long as it is a device that can input and output necessary information.

  The home server 2c is wirelessly connected to the home device 1 so that it can communicate. However, the home server 2c and the home device 1 may be connected by wire. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the home device 1 is a robot cleaner 1a, a refrigerator 1b, a washing machine 1c, a cooking device 1d, an air conditioner 1e, a cleaner 1f that is not a cleaner robot, and a television 1g. The types and number of household devices are not limited to the above devices.

  The agent server 2a receives information about the schedule input by the user to the smartphone 3 from the smartphone 3, and generates utterance data (individual data IndD1) for causing the in-home device 1 to utter an utterance about the schedule. Further, the agent server 2a is utterance data for causing the home device 1 to utter, and utterance data (common data ComD1) not related to the schedule is acquired from the related information source 4 as common data basic information, etc. Generate based on Then, the agent server 2a controls transmission of the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 to the home device 1 based on the priorities associated with the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 in advance. For example, the agent server 2a utters the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 to the home device 1 with priority depending on the priorities associated with the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 in advance. Determine what to do. Then, the agent server 2a controls the transmission order of the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 to the home device 1 according to the determination result.

  The individual data IndD1 is transmitted by the agent server 2a only to the home device 1 in the user's home (dad, mom, and child in the example shown in FIG. 2), and transmitted to another home device 1 ′. The utterance data is not. For example, only the home device 1 can speak the individual data IndD1, and another home device 1 'cannot speak the individual data IndD1. Further, only the home device 1 'can utter the individual data IndD2, and the home device 1 cannot utter the individual data IndD2. The individual data IndD1 is, for example, utterance data of contents related to a schedule input to the smartphone 3 by the user. Further, the common data ComD1 means that the agent server 2a is connected to the home device 1 in the home of the “dad, mom, and child” and another home that is located in a home other than the home of the “dad, mom, and child”. This is utterance data to be transmitted to the internal device 1 ′. Both the home device 1 and the home device 1 'can utter the common data ComD1 acquired from the agent server 2a. In summary, the agent server 2a transmits the individual data IndD1 only to the home device 1 in a certain home (home A), and the home in a home (home B) different from the home device 1 The common data ComD1 is transmitted to the device 1 ′. Then, the agent server 2a controls transmission of the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 to the home device 1 according to the priorities associated with the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 in advance.

  Further, the agent server 2a sends a message to the family message board as a personified character of each of the home devices 1 in accordance with the state of the home device 1, the information acquired by the home device 1, the user's written contents, and the like. Write etc. Thereby, the user can simulate the communication with each of the household devices 1 on the family message board.

  In the following, a function for receiving information about a schedule input by the user, a function for generating individual data IndD1 for the schedule, a function for generating common data ComD1, and each of individual data IndD1 and common data ComD1 An example will be described in which the agent server 2a has a function of controlling transmission of the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 to the home device 1 based on the priorities previously associated with. However, these functions may be installed in individual servers.

  The family message board server 2b performs all processes related to the family message board, such as the display of the display screen of the family message board for the smartphones 3a, 3b, and 3c and the management of writing.

  The home server 2c centrally controls transmission / reception of information between each home device 1 and the agent server 2a. Specifically, when the home server 2c receives at least one of the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 from the agent server 2a, the home server 2c transmits it to each of the in-home devices 1. The home server 2c transmits information acquired from the home device 1 to the agent server 2a.

  However, the home server 2 c is not essential for the configuration of the message board system 100. In other words, the configuration may be such that each home device 1 directly transmits and receives information to and from the agent server 2a.

  In the following, the essential functions of the agent server 2a, the family message board server 2b, and the home server 2c shown in FIG.

(Outline of speech data)
Next, in order to simplify the description, an outline of speech data that can be spoken by the home device 1 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of utterance data that can be uttered by the home device 1 (for example, the refrigerator 1b). As shown in the figure, the utterance data that can be uttered by the refrigerator 1b is roughly divided into random utterance data and utterance period specific utterance data. The random utterance data is utterance data that the refrigerator 1b can utter any number of times during the utterance period. The utterance period specific utterance data is utterance data that the refrigerator 1b utters only once within a predetermined utterance period (for example, from 5 am to 9 am). The utterance period specific utterance data in which the refrigerator 1b utters only once between 5 am and 9 am, and is uttered after the utterance “Good morning. Today is the day of the month. The utterance period specific utterance data to be performed is particularly referred to as “good morning utterance data”.

  The utterance period specific utterance data includes two types of additional utterance data AddD1 acquired by the refrigerator 1b from the server 2 and basic utterance data BasD1 prepared in advance by the refrigerator 1b. Further, there are two types of additional utterance data AddD1, common data ComD1 and individual data IndD1. For example, there are two types of “good morning utterance data” (utterance period specific utterance data): “what day is today” utterance data (common data ComD1) and “today's schedule” utterance data (individual data IndD1) There is.

  “Today's schedule” utterance data is utterance data uttered only for a specific user (for example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, father, mom, and child), that is, in the specific user's home. This is utterance data that can be uttered only by the home device 1. When the user registers a schedule called “Burning Trash Day” with November 3 as the scheduled date, the following “Today's Schedule” utterance data can be generated. That is, for example, the utterance data having the content “Now is a burning garbage day. Do n’t forget.” Set as the utterance period in the morning of November 3 when the user registered as the scheduled date. It can be generated as “Today's schedule” utterance data.

  The “today is what day” utterance data is utterance data intended for an unspecified user, that is, the home device 1 in the specific user's home and the home of a user other than the specific user. This is utterance data that can be uttered together with the in-home device 1 '. The “Today is what day” utterance data is, for example, “Seasoning Day” set on the morning of “Seasoning Day” on November 3rd as the utterance period. Utterance data such as “Is there not?”

  It should be noted that both the “today's schedule” utterance data and the “today is what day” utterance data are utterance data whose content is an event associated with a specific date (specific period), and home appliances 1 (refrigerator 1b) is common in that it is acquired from the outside (specifically, from the server 2). That is, the additional utterance data AddD1 is utterance data whose content is an event associated with a specific date (specific period), and is utterance data that the refrigerator 1b acquires from the server 2. The difference between the “today's schedule” utterance data and the “today is what day” utterance data indicates that the utterance device capable of uttering the “today's schedule” utterance data is specified, whereas the “today is what day” An utterance device that can utter utterance data is unspecified.

  The basic utterance data BasD1 is utterance data having a content such as “Let's do our best today”, and utterance data having an event that cannot be associated with a specific date (specific period). The household device 1 (refrigerator 1b) has prepared basic speech data BasD1 in advance. However, the utterance period is also set for the basic utterance data BasD1, that is, a period during which the home device 1 (refrigerator 1b) can utter the basic utterance data BasD1 is set.

  When the same utterance period is set for the common data ComD1, the individual data IndD1, and the basic utterance data BasD1, the refrigerator 1b that detects the utterance timing during the utterance period preferentially utters any utterance data. For example, in the utterance period from 5 am to 9 am on November 3 (Sunday), the refrigerator 1b speaks continuously after the utterance "Good morning. Today is November 3 (Sunday)." It is assumed that there are the following three types of utterance data in the utterance period specific utterance data. That is, the refrigerator 1b can continuously utter the “what day is today” utterance data (common data ComD1) “It is the seasoning season. . Also, the refrigerator 1b can continuously utter “Today's schedule” utterance data (individual data IndD1), “Today is a burning garbage day. Furthermore, the refrigerator 1b can continuously utter the basic utterance data BasD1 “Let's do our best today”. At this time, the refrigerator 1b determines which of the above three types of utterance data is to be uttered after the utterance “Good morning, today is November 3 (Sunday)”. 11 depending on the state of the utterance data stored in 11. The refrigerator 1b gives priority to speech data having the highest speech priority (priority) associated with each of the three types of speech data. Although details will be described later, the priority of the basic utterance data BasD1 is lower than the priority of the additional utterance data AddD1 (that is, the common data ComD1 and the individual data IndD1).

  First, the outline of the refrigerator 1b (speaker) is organized. The refrigerator 1b is an utterance device having a voice utterance function, and whether there is two or more utterance data that can be uttered at the time of utterance with respect to utterance data in which an utterance period (a period during which utterance is possible) is preset. When it is determined by the determination unit 103 (determination means) and the determination unit 103 that there are two or more utterance data that can be uttered during the utterance, each of the two or more utterance data that can be uttered during the utterance is determined. A voice output unit (speech means) that preferentially utters speech data having a high speech priority (priority) associated in advance.

  The refrigerator 1b is, for example, utterance data associated with a specific date (specific period) such as a scheduled date, and a plurality of additional utterance data AddD1 (utterance data) with overlapping utterance periods are added to the additional utterance data. An additional data acquisition unit 102 (acquisition means) that acquires from the server 2 in descending order of priority associated with each of AddD1 is further provided. Only the additional utterance data AddD1 acquired in the above is uttered.

  The refrigerator 1b has the utterance period set in advance and has prepared basic utterance data BasD1 that is not associated with a specific date, the determination unit 103 has the utterance period set in advance, and It is determined whether there is additional utterance data AddD1 associated with a specific date, and when the determination unit 103 determines that there is no additional utterance data AddD1 that can be uttered during the utterance, the voice output unit 13 utters during the utterance. Speak possible basic utterance data BasD1.

  The additional utterance data AddD1 (utterance data associated with a specific period) includes individual data IndD1 (utterance data associated with a specific period and associated with a specific user) and common data ComD1 (corresponding to a specific period). Utterance data that is not associated with a specific user).

  The individual data IndD1 is utterance data containing the schedule related to the specific user.

  Next, the outline of the server 2 is organized. The server 2 sets the utterance period (period in which the refrigerator 1b can utter the utterance data) and generates the utterance data by the utterance data generation unit 20 (utterance data generation unit) and the utterance data generation unit 20. A plurality of additional utterance data AddD1 (utterance data) that are associated with a specific period and that overlap the utterance periods are stored in the refrigerator in descending order of priority associated with each of the additional utterance data AddD1. An individual data transmission control unit 25 (speech data transmission means) that causes the refrigerator 1b to utter only the utterance data transmitted to 1b and last transmitted to the refrigerator 1b.

  In the server 2, additional utterance data AddD1 (utterance data associated with a specific period) generated by the utterance data generation unit 20 is individual data IndD1 (device individual) that can be uttered only by the refrigerator 1b (specific utterance device). Speech data) and common data ComD1 (equipment common speech data) that can be uttered by the refrigerator 1b and the refrigerator 1b ′ (unspecified speech device), and the individual data transmission control unit 25 uses the individual data IndD1 as individual data. It transmits only to the refrigerator 1b associated with IndD1.

  The family message board system 100 sets an utterance period (a period during which the refrigerator 1b can utter the utterance data) and generates an utterance data, an utterance data generation unit 20 (utterance data generation means), and an utterance data generation unit 20. A plurality of additional utterance data AddD1 (utterance data) that are associated with a specific period and are associated with a specific period are low in priority associated with each of the additional utterance data AddD1. The individual data transmission control unit 25 (speech data transmission means) that sequentially transmits to the refrigerator 1b and the individual data transmission control unit 25 are utterance data associated with the specific period, and a plurality of the utterable periods overlap. The additional utterance data AddD1 of the additional utterance data AddD1 is acquired in order of increasing priority associated with each of the additional utterance data AddD1. A data acquisition unit 102 (acquisition means) includes only additional data acquisition unit 102 adds the speech data AddD1 was last acquired by a voice output section 13 (speech device) for speech in the speech period, a.

  Hereinafter, the household device 1, the server 2, and the smartphone 3 in the family message board system 100 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

[Configuration details]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the home device 1, the server 2, and the smartphone 3. In addition, about the part (for example, the part which implement | achieves a telephone call using the telephone line about the smart phone 3, the part which implement | achieves refrigeration / freezing function etc. about the refrigerator 1b) etc. which are not directly related to this Embodiment, the following description and Omitted from the above block diagram. However, in accordance with the actual situation of implementation, the home device 1, the server 2, and the smartphone 3 may include the omitted configuration.

[Main components of smartphone 3]
The smartphone 3 includes an input reception unit 31 that receives a schedule (schedule) input by the user, and a terminal communication unit 32 that transmits information about the schedule received by the input reception unit 31 to the server 2. When the user registers (inputs) a schedule (plan) in the smartphone 3, the smartphone 3 transmits information about the schedule input by the user to the server 2.

(Operation on smartphone 3)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a list of events that the smartphone 3 displays on the display screen of the smartphone 3 so as to be selectable by the user. The user selects an event scheduled on the scheduled date from the event list. Each event (event type) is classified for each “event classification” indicating an outline of each event. For example, “burnable garbage”, “non-burnable garbage”, “plastic garbage”, “resource garbage”, “oversized garbage”, “large garbage”, “used paper collection”, and “other” events (event types) It is categorized into the event category “Trash Day”. Similarly, events (event types) such as “marriage anniversary”, “birthday”, and “others” are classified into event categories of “anniversary”.

  Although details will be described later, the priority of the speech data (individual data IndD1) for the schedule of each event (event type) is set for each event category. In addition, when a user registers (inputs) a plurality of events (schedules) having the same event category and different event types on the same day, the server 2 uses the event category to utterance data (individually) Data IndD1) is generated.

  FIG. 5 is a screen transition diagram illustrating transition of screens displayed on the display screen of the smartphone 3 when the user performs schedule registration using the smartphone 3, that is, when inputting schedule information.

  FIG. 5A shows an example of a calendar screen. When the user taps February 17, 2014, the screen shifts to a new schedule creation screen illustrated in FIG.

  FIG. 5B is an example of a new schedule creation screen for inputting a schedule for the date selected by the user on the calendar screen. In the figure, a new schedule creation screen on February 17, 2014 that the user taps on the calendar screen is shown.

  FIG. 5C is an example of information displayed on the display screen when the user taps the title button displayed in the upper part of the new schedule creation screen. In FIG. 5C, a standard detailed category (event type) icon is superimposed on the new schedule creation screen illustrated in FIG. 5B for each category (event category). . For example, in the category of “Trash Day”, “Burnable Garbage”, “Non-burnable Garbage”, “Plastic Garbage”, “Resource Garbage”, “Large Garbage”, “Large Garbage”, “Waste Paper Collection”, “ An icon in the detailed category “others” is shown. Similarly, in the category “anniversary”, icons of detailed categories “marriage anniversary”, “birthday”, and “others” are shown. The user can input a schedule on the new schedule creation screen by tapping the icon of the detailed category. For example, in the screen example shown in FIG. 5C, the user can input a schedule of “Burning Trash Day” on February 17, 2014 by tapping the “Burning Trash” icon. .

[Configuration of main parts of server 2]
The server 2 generates additional utterance data AddD1 (at least one of common data ComD1 and individual data IndD1), and transmits the generated additional utterance data AddD1 to the home device 1 (for example, the refrigerator 1b). The server 2 includes an utterance data generation unit 20, a server communication unit 23, a revision comparison unit 24, an individual data transmission control unit 25, and a server storage unit 26.

(About data stored in the storage unit of the server 2)
The server storage unit 26 stores various data used by the server 2. The server storage unit 26 reads (1) a control program executed by the server 2, (2) an OS program, (3) an application program for executing various functions, and (4) when the application program is executed. Stores various data. The above data (1) to (4) are, for example, ROM (read only memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically EPROM), HDD (Hard Disc Drive), etc. It is stored in a non-volatile storage device. The server storage unit 26 stores a common data table 261, an individual data table 262, and a priority definition table 263.

  The common data table 261 stores the common data ComD1 generated by the common data generation unit 21 based on the common data basic information and the like. FIG. 6A shows an example of the common data table 261. As shown in the figure, the common data ComD1 stored in the common data table 261 is given a revision number that is a revision number indicating a change of the common data ComD1. Common data ComD1 having different revision numbers is utterance data having different contents. For example, the revision number of the common data ComD1 is “123”, “April 3rd is a day of kidney beans. Wrap it in a wrap when refrigerated. Boil it hard when frozen.” The revision number of the common data ComD1 with the content “This is a forgetful flower of today (April 5). The flower language is“ Don't forget me. ”Is there any forgotten ingredients?” , Other than “123”, for example “124”. The common data table 261 in FIG. 4A includes the common data ComD1 having the revision number: 001 and the content of the utterance content “It's the seasoning season. Stored.

  The “speech period” is information for designating a period during which the home device 1 can speak the utterance data. For example, in the common data table 261 in FIG. 4A, the home device 1 can utter the common data ComD1 having the utterance content “It's the seasoning season. Is from 5:00 to 9:00. In other words, when the home device 1 detects the utterance timing from 5:00 to 9:00, the home device 1 says “It's a seasoning season. The content common data ComD1 can be spoken.

  The “speech method” is information for designating a method for the home device 1 to utter the speech data with respect to the speech data. For example, “after good morning” illustrated in the common data table 261 in FIG. 4A means that the home device 1 utters the common data ComD1 with the revision number: 001 as “good morning post utterance data”. Show. That is, between 5 am and 9 am, the refrigerator 1b is only once, followed by the speech “Good morning. Today is the day of the month. "Is there any seasoning I forgot?"

  “Voice code” is information set for each combination of utterance period and utterance method for utterance data. The plurality of utterance data of the same voice code is utterance data that can be uttered by the home device 1 in the same utterance period and the same utterance method regardless of whether the utterance data is the common data ComD1 or the individual data IndD1. is there. For example, the utterance data of “speaking method: after good morning” is only once in the refrigerator 1b between 5:00 am and 9:00 am, after the utterance “Good morning. This is utterance data that can be spoken continuously. Accordingly, the same voice code is set for the common data ComD1 of “speaking method: after good morning” and the individual data IndD1 of “speaking method: after good morning”. Then, when there is common data ComD1 and individual data IndD1 having the same voice code, the refrigerator 1b can select only one of them from 5:00 am to 9:00 am, “Good morning. Speak once after the utterance. The details of whether the refrigerator 1b utters the common data ComD1 or the individual data IndD1 whose utterance method is “after good morning” (that is, the voice code is the same) will be described later.

  The “voice ID” is information that can uniquely identify each of all utterance data that can be uttered by the home device 1.

  The individual data table 262 stores individual data IndD1 generated by the individual data generation unit 22 based on a schedule input by the user to the smartphone 3. FIG. 6B shows an example of the individual data table 262. In the individual data table 262 illustrated in FIG. 6B, the individual data IndD1 has items such as a voice code, a voice ID, an utterance method, and an utterance period like the common data ComD1, and these have already been described. Details are omitted. The individual data IndD1 further has items of “event” and “target user”.

  “Event classification” is information indicating that the individual data IndD1 is utterance data whose schedule is related to an event (event). For example, the individual data IndD1 “event classification: garbage day” is utterance data regarding the schedule of “trash day”. The event classification in the individual data table 262 matches the event classification that the smartphone 3 displays so as to be selectable to the user.

  The “speakable device” is information that identifies the home device 1 that can utter the individual data IndD1. For example, in FIG. 2, the utterance data about the schedule of “garbage day” registered by “Dad” is the household device 1 (for example, “Dad”, “Mom”, “Taro”) in FIG. The refrigerator 1b) can speak. However, the utterance data regarding the schedule is not uttered by the home device 1 ′ (for example, the refrigerator 1 b ′) in another home. Therefore, in the individual data IndD1 about the schedule, the “speakable device” is “home device 1 (for example, refrigerator 1b)”.

  The individual data IndD1 may include an item “target user” which is information indicating to which user the individual data IndD1 can be uttered instead of the “speakable device”. For example, in FIG. 2, it is permitted to utter the utterance data about the schedule of “trash day” registered by “Dad” to “Dad”, “Mom”, and “Taro” in FIG. In this case, the “target user” may be “dad, mom, taro”. By defining “target user” instead of “speakable device”, for example, for the schedule registered by “dad”, server 2 causes home device 1 to “speak only to dad and mother”. It becomes possible to operate.

  The priority definition table 263 is a table in which priority (utterance priority) is associated with each of the common data ComD1 and the individual data IndD1. More precisely, in the priority definition table 263, for the common data ComD1, a predetermined priority is set for the common data ComD1 itself, and for the individual data IndD1, the priority is set for each event category of the individual data IndD1. Is set. The priority definition table 263 may be data as shown in FIG. 7, for example.

  In the priority definition table 263 illustrated in FIG. 7, the item “common individual classification” is information for identifying whether the stored utterance data is the common data ComD1 or the individual data IndD1. is there. Specifically, the common individual division of the common data ComD1 is “common”, and the common individual division of the individual data IndD1 is “individual”. In the column of “event category / common individual category” in the priority definition table 263 in FIG. 7, the common individual category “individual” is not displayed for the common individual category: “common” individual data IndD1. Only the event category is displayed.

  As described in the explanation of the individual data table 262, the “event category” is the common individual category: the individual data IndD1 that is “individual”, and the utterance data whose schedule is related to the event (event) of any category It is information indicating whether or not. Although details will be described later, the speech priority of the individual data IndD1 is set in advance for each event category of the individual data IndD1.

  The “registration deadline timing” indicates how long the user must register the schedule in order for the server 2 to generate utterance data (individual data IndD1) about the schedule registered by the user using the smartphone 3. Information.

  For example, in the second line of the priority definition table 263 of FIG. 7, when an event classification: a schedule that is a garbage day is input by 15:00 on the day before the scheduled date, the individual data IndD1 related to the schedule is It is shown that the user can speak from 17:00 to 22:00 in the evening of the day before. The third line shows that the individual data IndD1 can be uttered from 5 am to 9 am on the day of the scheduled date when the schedule is input by 23:59 on the day before the scheduled date. ing.

  Therefore, when the user inputs the schedule of “Burning Trash Day” with November 3 (Sunday) as the scheduled date by 15:00 on November 2, the server 2 stores the following two pieces of individual data: IndD1 is generated. That is, the server 2 has the individual data IndD1 of the utterance period: “From 17:00 to 22:00 on November 2”, “Tomorrow is“ Burning Trash Day ”. Generate. In addition, the server 2 has an utterance period: “from 5 am to 9 am on November 3,” and an utterance method: “after good morning”, “Today is“ Burning Trash Day ”. The individual data IndD1 is generated.

  In addition, when the user inputs the schedule of “Burning Garbage Day” with November 3 (Sunday) as the scheduled date by 23:59 after 15:00 on November 2, the server 2 The following individual data IndD1 is generated. That is, the server 2 has an utterance period: “from 5 am to 9 am on November 3,” and an utterance method: “after good morning”, “Today is“ Burning Trash Day ”. Only the individual data IndD1 is generated.

  Furthermore, when the user inputs a schedule of “Burning Trash Day” with November 3 (Sunday) as a scheduled date after November 3, the server 2 will have the individual data IndD1 associated with the schedule. Is not generated.

  That is, even if the schedule is the same event (event type) on the same scheduled date, the server 2 can make a plurality of individual utterance periods and utterance methods related to the schedule according to the time when the user inputs the schedule. Data IndD1 can be generated.

  Since “speech period” and “speech method” have already been described in the description of the common data table 261, details thereof will be omitted.

  The “speech priority” is information indicating which utterance data is to be given priority to the home device 1 among the plurality of utterance data with respect to a plurality of utterance data having at least the same utterance period. Note that the lower the numerical value indicating the speech priority, the higher the speech priority.

  For example, the priority definition table 263 of FIG. 7 includes “event classification” for four utterance data whose utterance period is “5:00 to 9:00 on that day” and whose utterance method is “after good morning”. It is shown that the utterance priority is set as follows according to the “common individual category”. That is, the speech priority level “3” is set for the common data ComD1 having the common individual classification “common”. In the individual data IndD1 with the common individual category: “individual” and the event category: “garbage day”, the speech priority: “2” is set. The speech priority level “1” is set in the individual data IndD1 which is the common individual category: “individual” and the event category: “anniversary”. In the individual data IndD1 with the common individual category: “individual” and the event category: “outing”, the speech priority: “4” is set. Therefore, when the voice code is the same and there is the individual data IndD1 related to the “anniversary” schedule and the individual data IndD1 related to the “garbage day” schedule, the home device 1 determines that the “anniversary” The individual data IndD1 related to the schedule is preferentially spoken. Further, when the voice code is the same and the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 related to the schedule of “anniversary day” or “garbage day” are present, the home device 1 has the “anniversary day” or “garbage day”. Speaks with priority on the individual data IndD1 related to the schedule of When the voice code is the same and there is the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 related to the “outing” schedule, the home device 1 speaks with priority on the common data ComD1.

  Note that the priority definition table 263 of FIG. 7 shows the speech priority order only for the speech data of the speech method: “After good morning”. However, the utterance priority order is not set only for the utterance data of the utterance method: “after good morning”. The utterance priority order can be set for a plurality of utterance data having at least the same utterance period. The user may be able to change the priority (speech priority) set for the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 in the priority definition table 263.

(Regarding the configuration of the server 2 other than the storage unit)
The utterance data generation unit 20 generates additional utterance data AddD1 to be uttered by the refrigerator 1b by setting an utterance period. The utterance data generation unit 20 includes a common data generation unit 21 and an individual data generation unit 22.

  The common data generation unit 21 generates the common data ComD1 based on the common data basic information acquired from the related information source 4, and stores the generated common data ComD1 in the common data table 261.

  The individual data generation unit 22 acquires information about a schedule input (schedule registered) by the user to the smartphone 3 from the smartphone 3, and generates individual data IndD1 that is utterance data about the schedule.

  For example, when the user inputs an event (event type) of “burning garbage” by a predetermined registration deadline timing, the individual data generation unit 22 generates at least the following individual data IndD1. That is, the individual data generation unit 22 has an utterance method of “after good morning”, an utterance period of “from 5:00 to 9:00”, an event classification of “garbage day”, and “today burns” Generate utterance-specific individual data IndD1 “Trash day.

  When the user registers (inputs) a plurality of events (schedules) having the same event category on the same day, the individual data generation unit 22 uses the event category to individually Data IndD1 is generated.

  For example, when the user schedules “burnable garbage” and “non-burnable garbage”, both of which are “garbage days”, on the same scheduled date by the predetermined registration deadline timing, the individual data generation unit 22 Generates at least the following individual data IndD1. That is, the individual data generation unit 22 has an utterance method “after good morning”, an utterance period “from 5:00 to 9:00”, and an event classification “garbage day”. "Dust Day". Don't forget to get it out. "

  The individual data generation unit 22 specifies the individual data IndD1 for the schedule input (schedule registered) by the user, specifies the home device 1 that can utter the individual data IndD1, that is, sets “speakable device”. And generate. For example, the individual data generation unit 22 sets the “speakable device” of the individual data IndD1 related to the trash day schedule registered by the father in FIG. 2 to the household device 1 in the home (home A) to which the father belongs. (For example, refrigerator 1b). For example, the individual data generation unit 22 sets the “speakable device” of the individual data IndD2 related to the birthday schedule registered by the mother belonging to the home B, which is a home other than the home A, in the home B. Let it be apparatus 1 '(for example, refrigerator 1b').

  On the other hand, for the common data ComD1 generated by the common data generation unit 21, home devices that can utter the common data ComD1 are not specified. For example, the home device 1 (for example, the refrigerator 1b) in the home A to which the father in FIG. 2 belongs, and the home device 1 ′ (for example, the refrigerator 1b ′) in the home B other than the home A are also The common data ComD1 can be uttered. Although details will be described later, the server communication unit 23 of the server 2 transmits the common data ComD1 to an unspecified household device, and the individual data IndD1 is identified in the “speakable device” of the individual data IndD1. It transmits only to the internal device 1.

  The server communication unit 23 performs communication with the home device 1 (for example, the refrigerator 1b). Specifically, the server communication unit 23 receives the revision number of the common data ComD1 stored in the storage unit 11 of the refrigerator 1b from the refrigerator 1b. Further, the server communication unit 23 transmits the latest revision number common data ComD1 stored in the server storage unit 26 of the server 2 to the refrigerator 1b based on an instruction from the revision comparison unit 24.

  Further, based on an instruction from the individual data transmission control unit 25, the server communication unit 23 transmits the individual data IndD1 to the refrigerator 1b specified in the “speakable device” of the individual data IndD1.

  The transmission order of the common data ComD1 and the individual data IndD1 to the refrigerator 1b by the server communication unit 23 is controlled by the individual data transmission control unit 25. Specifically, the server communication unit 23 associates a plurality of additional utterance data AddD1 generated by the utterance data generation unit 20 with each of the additional utterance data AddD1 in accordance with an instruction from the individual data transmission control unit 25. It transmits to the refrigerator 1b in order with a low priority.

  The revision comparison unit 24 acquires the revision number of the common data ComD1 stored in the storage unit 11 of the home device 1 and the revision number of the common data ComD1 stored in the server storage unit 26, which is acquired by the server communication unit 23. And compare. When the revision comparison unit 24 determines that the revision number of the common data ComD1 stored in the storage unit 11 of the home device 1 is different from the revision number of the common data ComD1 stored in the server storage unit 26. The following processing is performed. That is, the revision comparison unit 24 instructs the server communication unit 23 to transmit the common data ComD1 stored in the server storage unit 26 to the home device 1 together with the revision number of the common data ComD1.

  The individual data transmission control unit 25 performs the following determination, and controls transmission of the additional utterance data AddD1 by the server communication unit 23 according to the determination result. That is, the individual data transmission control unit 25 first determines whether or not the individual data IndD1 associated with a priority higher than the priority associated with the common data ComD1 (speech priority) is stored in the individual data table 262. judge. When the individual data IndD1 associated with a higher priority than the priority associated with the common data ComD1 exists in the individual data table 262, the individual data transmission control unit 25 acquires the voice code of the individual data IndD1. Then, the individual data transmission control unit 25 transmits to the server communication unit 23, after the server communication unit 23 transmits the common data ComD1 having the same voice code as the voice code of the individual data IndD1 to the household device 1, the individual data IndD1. Is transmitted to the home device 1. That is, when the server communication unit 23 has not yet transmitted the voice code common data ComD1 to the home device 1, the individual data transmission control unit 25 transmits the common data ComD1 to the server communication unit 23 after the transmission of the common data ComD1. The individual data IndD1 is transmitted to the home device 1. When the server communication unit 23 has already transmitted the voice code common data ComD1 to the home device 1, the individual data transmission control unit 25 sends the individual data IndD1 to the server device 23. To send to. The individual data transmission control unit 25 sets the individual data IndD1 associated with a higher priority than the priority associated with the common data ComD1 to the home after the common data ComD1 having the same voice code as the voice code of the individual data IndD1. Transmit to the internal device 1. That is, when there is individual data IndD1 and common data ComD1 of the same voice code, the individual data transmission control unit 25 sends the server communication unit 23 to the home device 1 with the lower priority (utterance priority) first. Send it, and send the one with the higher priority later. In other words, the individual data transmission control unit 25 causes the server communication unit 23 to transmit the utterance data in descending order of priority (utterance priority) for a plurality of utterance data having the same voice code. The individual data transmission control unit 25 causes the server communication unit 23 to transmit, for example, utterance data having the lowest priority first, and utterance data having the highest priority last. By transmitting a plurality of utterance data of the same voice code to the in-home device 1 in the order of subordinate priority (speech priority) (that is, utterance data having a lower priority is transmitted in an earlier order). The method can be simplified.

  When the individual data IndD1 associated with a priority higher than the priority associated with the common data ComD1 is not included in the individual data table 262, the individual data transmission control unit 25 does not transmit the individual data IndD1 to the household device 1.

  For example, in the priority definition table 263 illustrated in FIG. 7, the priority (speech priority) associated with the common data ComD1 is “3”. Also, the event category associated with the speech priority: “1” is “anniversary”, and the event category associated with the speech priority: “2” is “trash day”. Therefore, the individual data transmission control unit 25 refers to the individual data table 262 and confirms whether the individual data IndD1 whose event classification is “anniversary” or “garbage day” is stored in the individual data table 262. .

  When the individual data transmission control unit 25 confirms that the individual data IndD1 whose event classification is “anniversary” or “trash day” is stored in the individual data table 262, the individual data transmission control unit 25 acquires the voice code of the individual data IndD1. To do. When the common data ComD1 of the same voice code as the voice code is stored in the common data table 261, the individual data transmission control unit 25 further determines whether or not the common data ComD1 has been transmitted to the home device 1. Confirm. When the common data ComD1 has been transmitted to the home device 1, the individual data transmission control unit 25 transmits the individual data IndD1 whose event classification is “anniversary” or “garbage day” to the home device 1. Let When the common data ComD1 has not been transmitted to the home device 1, the individual data transmission control unit 25 transmits the common data ComD1 to the home device 1 and then transmits the common data ComD1 to the server communication unit 23. The individual data IndD1 is transmitted to the home device 1.

  When it is confirmed that the individual data IndD1 whose event classification is “anniversary” or “garbage day” is not stored in the individual data table 262, the individual data transmission control unit 25 sends the individual data IndD1 to the server communication unit 23. Transmission to the home device 1 is not executed. Alternatively, after the individual data IndD1 having a low priority is transmitted to the home device 1, the common data ComD1 having the same voice code as the individual data IndD1 is transmitted to the home device 1.

[Main parts of refrigerator]
When detecting the utterance timing (for example, when the user opens the door of the refrigerator 1b), the refrigerator 1b utters utterance data that can be uttered at the utterance timing. When receiving the additional utterance data AddD1 (at least one of the common data ComD1 and the individual data IndD1) from the server 2, the refrigerator 1b stores the additional utterance data AddD1 in the additional data table 111. In the refrigerator 1b, when the utterance data that can be uttered at the utterance timing is stored in the additional data table 111 (that is, the additional utterance data AddD1 that can be uttered at the utterance timing is stored in the additional data table 111), Utterance data is uttered. When the utterance data that can be uttered at the utterance timing is not stored in the additional data table 111, the refrigerator 1b refers to the basic data table 112 and utters the basic utterance data BasD1 that can be uttered at the utterance timing. The refrigerator 1b includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a communication unit 12, and an audio output unit 13.

  The communication unit 12 performs communication with the server 2. Specifically, the communication unit 12 receives additional utterance data AddD1 (at least one of the common data ComD1 and the individual data IndD1) from the server 2. In addition, the communication unit 12 transmits the revision number notified from the revision notification unit 101 to the server 2.

  The voice output unit 13 outputs the utterance data acquired from the output control unit 104 at the utterance timing.

  The control unit 10 controls the functions of the refrigerator 1b in an integrated manner, and includes a revision notification unit 101, an additional data acquisition unit 102, a determination unit 103, and an output control unit 104.

  The revision notification unit 101 refers to the additional data table 111 and notifies the communication unit 12 of the revision number of the additional utterance data AddD1 (at least one of the common data ComD1 and the individual data IndD1) stored in the additional data table 111. .

  The additional data acquisition unit 102 acquires additional utterance data AddD1 (at least one of common data ComD1 and individual data IndD1) received from the server 2 by the communication unit 12 from the communication unit 12, and stores the additional utterance data AddD1 in the additional data table. 111. Specifically, the additional data acquisition unit 102 first determines whether the common data ComD1 or individual data IndD1 having the same voice code as the acquired common data ComD1 or individual data IndD1 is already stored in the additional data table 111. judge. That is, it is determined whether utterance data (common data ComD1 or individual data IndD1) having the same voice code as the voice code of the additional utterance data AddD1 (common data ComD1 or individual data IndD1) is stored in the additional data table 111.

  If it is determined that the utterance data of the same voice code as the voice code of the additional utterance data AddD1 acquired from the communication unit 12 is already stored in the additional data table 111, the additional data acquisition unit 102 next executes the following processing . That is, the additional data acquisition unit 102 overwrites the utterance data of the same voice code as the voice code of the additional utterance data AddD1 already stored in the additional data table 111 by the additional utterance data AddD1 acquired from the communication unit 12. To do.

  If it is determined that the utterance data of the same voice code as the voice code of the additional utterance data AddD1 is not yet stored in the additional data table 111, the additional data acquisition unit 102 executes the following processing. That is, the additional data acquisition unit 102 stores the additional utterance data AddD1 (common data ComD1 or individual data IndD1) acquired from the communication unit 12 in the additional data table 111.

  The determination unit 103 determines whether additional utterance data AddD1 (common data ComD1 or individual data IndD1) that can be uttered at the utterance timing (that is, the utterance timing is within the utterance period) is stored in the additional data table 111. . Based on the result of the determination, the output control unit 104 is notified of utterance data that the server 2 should utter.

  Specifically, when determining that the additional utterance data AddD1 whose utterance timing is within the utterance period is not stored in the additional data table 111, the determination unit 103 executes the following processing. That is, the determination unit 103 notifies the output control unit 104 of the basic utterance data BasD1 stored in the basic data table 112 that can be uttered at the utterance timing as utterance data having the lowest priority (utterance priority). To do.

  When determining that there is additional utterance data AddD1 (common data ComD1 or individual data IndD1) whose utterance timing is within the utterance period, the determination unit 103 notifies the output control unit 104 of the common data ComD1 or individual data IndD1. To do.

  That is, the determination unit 103 notifies the output control unit 104 of utterance data having the highest priority (utterance priority) among utterance data that can be uttered at the utterance timing. The priority of the common data ComD1 and the individual data IndD1 is higher than the priority of the basic utterance data BasD1. Accordingly, when common data ComD1 or individual data IndD1 that can be uttered at the utterance timing is stored in the additional data table 111, the determination unit 103 notifies the output control unit 104 of the common data ComD1 or individual data IndD1. When neither common data ComD1 nor individual data IndD1 that can be uttered at the utterance timing is stored in the additional data table 111, the determination unit 103 notifies the output control unit 104 of basic utterance data BasD1 that can be uttered at the utterance timing. .

  The output control unit 104 controls audio output by the audio output unit 13. Specifically, the output control unit 104 notifies the voice output unit 13 of the common data ComD1, the individual data IndD1, or the basic utterance data BasD1 notified from the determination unit 103, and outputs the utterance data at the utterance timing. The unit 13 outputs the sound.

  The storage unit 11 stores various data used by the refrigerator 1b. The storage unit 11 executes (1) a control program executed by the control unit 10 of the refrigerator 1b, (2) an OS program, (3) an application program for executing various functions, and (4) executes the application program. Various data to be read out is stored. The above data (1) to (4) are, for example, ROM (read only memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically EPROM), HDD (Hard Disc Drive), etc. It is stored in a non-volatile storage device. In addition, the storage unit 11 stores an additional data table 111 and a basic data table 112.

  The additional data table 111 stores additional utterance data AddD1 (common data ComD1 or individual data IndD1) received by the communication unit 12 from the server 2 by the additional data acquisition unit 102. As described above, when the utterance data (common data ComD1 or individual data IndD1) of the same voice code as the voice code of the additional utterance data AddD1 received by the communication unit 12 is already stored in the additional data table 111, the additional data acquisition unit 102 executes the following processing. That is, the additional data acquisition unit 102 uses the utterance data acquired from the communication unit 12 to utterance data having the same voice code as the voice code of the utterance data and already stored in the additional data table 111. Overwrite. Therefore, a state in which two or more utterance data of the same voice code is stored in the additional data table 111 basically does not occur.

  The basic data table 112 stores basic utterance data BasD1 uttered by the voice output unit 13 when there is no common data ComD1 and individual data IndD1 that can be uttered at the utterance timing. As described above, the priority (utterance priority) of the speech data (basic speech data BasD1) stored in the basic data table 112 is lower than the priorities of the common data ComD1 and the individual data IndD1. An utterance period is also set for the basic utterance data BasD1.

  In summary, the refrigerator 1b utters utterance data as follows. That is, the determination unit 103 of the refrigerator 1b determines whether there is two or more utterance data that can be uttered at the utterance timing (at the time of utterance) for the utterance data for which the utterance period (speechable period) is set in advance. (Determination step). Here, the basic data table 112 stores basic utterance data BasD1 including the utterance timing within the utterance period. Therefore, the determination unit 103 determines whether there is any additional utterance data AddD1 including the utterance timing within the utterance period other than the basic utterance data BasD1, with reference to the additional data table 111. That is, “there are two or more utterance data that can be uttered at the utterance timing” means that the basic utterance data BasD1 including the utterance timing within the utterance period and the additional utterance data AddD1 including the utterance timing within the utterance period. It means that there is.

  When the determination unit 103 determines that there is basic utterance data BasD1 that includes the utterance timing within the utterance period and additional utterance data AddD1 that includes the utterance timing within the utterance period, the audio output unit 13 performs the following processing: To do. That is, the voice output unit 13 has a high priority that is associated in advance with each of two or more utterance data that can be uttered at the utterance timing (that is, the basic utterance data BasD1 and the additional utterance data AddD1). Speak by giving priority to data (speech step). Here, as described above, the priority (utterance priority) of the basic utterance data BasD1 is lower than the priority of the additional utterance data AddD1 (common data ComD1 and individual data IndD1). Therefore, when the determination unit 103 determines that there is basic utterance data BasD1 including the utterance timing within the utterance period and additional utterance data AddD1 including the utterance timing within the utterance period, the voice output unit 13 performs the additional utterance. Speak the data AddD1.

(Flow of utterance data transmission process from server 2 to home device 1)
Next, transmission processing of utterance data to the refrigerator 1b (home appliance 1) by the server 2 will be described. The process of transmitting utterance data to the refrigerator 1b by the server 2 can be broadly divided into a common data transmission process and an individual data transmission process.

  Hereinafter, the common data transmission process will be described in detail first with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the common data transmission process in which the server 2 transmits the common data ComD1 to the refrigerator 1b.

  The server 2 acquires the revision number of the common data ComD1 of the refrigerator 1b, that is, the common data ComD1 stored in the additional data table 111 of the storage unit 11 from the refrigerator 1b (speaker) (S21).

  The server 2 determines whether the revision number of the common data ComD1 of the refrigerator 1b matches the revision number of the common data ComD1 of its own device (S22). That is, in the server 2, the revision number of the common data ComD1 stored in the additional data table 111 of the refrigerator 1b matches the revision number of the common data ComD1 stored in the common data table 261 of the server storage unit 26. Determine whether.

  When it is determined that the revision number of the common data ComD1 of the refrigerator 1b matches the revision number of the common data ComD1 of the own device (YES in S22), the server 2 ends the common data transmission process.

  If it is determined that the revision number of the common data ComD1 of the refrigerator 1b does not match the revision number of the common data ComD1 of the own device (NO in S22), the server 2 transmits the common data ComD1 of the own device to the refrigerator 1b. (S23). That is, the common data ComD1 stored in the common data table 261 of the server storage unit 26 is transmitted to the refrigerator 1b.

  Next, details of the individual data transmission processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of individual data transmission processing in which the server 2 transmits the individual data IndD1 to the refrigerator 1b.

  When the utterance data generation unit 20 (the common data generation unit 21 and the individual data generation unit 22) of the server 2 sets the utterance period and generates at least one of the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 (S31), the individual data The transmission control unit 25 executes the following processing.

  That is, the individual data transmission control unit 25 first determines whether there is individual data IndD1 that can be uttered by a specific utterance device (refrigerator 1b) (S32). Specifically, the individual data transmission control unit 25 refers to the individual data table 262 and determines whether the individual data IndD1 that sets the refrigerator 1b as “speakable device” is stored in the individual data table 262.

  If there is no individual data IndD1 that makes the refrigerator 1b “speakable device” (NO in S32), the server 2 ends the individual data transmission process.

  When there is individual data IndD1 that makes the refrigerator 1b “speakable device” (YES in S32), the server 2 can then speak the refrigerator 1b and has a higher priority than the priority of the common data ComD1. It is determined whether the associated individual data IndD1 exists (S33). Here, in the priority definition table 263 illustrated in FIG. 7, the priority (speech priority) associated with the common data ComD1 is “3”, and the event category of the speech priority: “1” is “anniversary”, Speaking priority: The event category of “2” is “Trash Day”. Therefore, the server 2 confirms whether the individual data IndD1 in which the event classification is “anniversary” or “trash day” and the utterable device is “refrigerator 1b” is stored in the individual data table 262. .

  If the event category is “anniversary” or “trash day” and there is no individual data IndD1 whose utterable device is “refrigerator 1b” (NO in S33), the server 2 ends the individual data transmission process.

  When there is the individual data IndD1 that satisfies the above conditions (YES in S33), the server 2 acquires the individual data IndD1 to which the refrigerator 1b can speak and is associated with the highest priority (S34). That is, when the utterable device is “refrigerator 1b” and both the individual data IndD1 of “anniversary” and the individual data IndD1 of “garbage day” are stored in the individual data table 262, the server 2 acquires the individual data IndD1 of the “anniversary”. If the utterable device is “refrigerator 1b” and the individual data IndD1 of “anniversary” or the individual data IndD1 of “trash day” is stored in the individual data table 262, the server 2 Individual data IndD1 is acquired.

  Then, the server 2 sends the individual data IndD1 that can be spoken by the refrigerator 1b and is associated with the highest priority to the common data ComD1 having the same voice code as the voice code of the individual data IndD1 to the refrigerator 1b. After transmitting, it transmits to the refrigerator 1b (S35). That is, the server 2 first confirms the voice code of the individual data IndD1 whose utterable device is “refrigerator 1b” and whose event classification is “anniversary” or “trash day”. Then, after transmitting common data ComD1 of the same voice code as the voice code to the refrigerator 1b, the individual data IndD1 is transmitted to the refrigerator 1b.

  The utterance data transmission process by the server 2 described above can be organized as follows. That is, the utterance data transmission processing by the server 2 includes the utterance data generation step (S31) for generating utterance data by setting the utterance period (period in which the refrigerator 1b can utter the utterance data), and the utterance data. A plurality of additional utterance data AddD1 (speech data) that are associated with a specific period and are associated with a specific period, generated in the generation step, are utterances associated with each of the additional utterance data AddD1 An utterance data transmission step (S35) for causing the refrigerator 1b to utter only the additional utterance data AddD1 transmitted to the refrigerator 1b (speech device) in the order of lower priority (priority) and last transmitted to the refrigerator 1b. ,including.

  The common data transmission process and the individual data transmission process can be paraphrased as follows. That is, for example, the server 2 periodically collects common data basic information and the like from the related information source 4 (batch activation), and generates common data ComD1 based on the co-occurrence common data basic information and the like. The server 2 stores the generated common data ComD1 in the common data table 261 with a new revision number (revision update).

  When the server 2 receives the periodic polling from the refrigerator 1b, that is, when the revision number of the common data ComD1 stored in the additional data table 111 of the refrigerator 1b is received from the refrigerator 1b, the server 2 performs the following determination. That is, the server 2 determines whether the revision number of the common data ComD1 stored in the common data table 261 matches the revision number notified from the refrigerator 1b. If it is determined that they match, the server 2 ends the common data transmission process. If it is determined that they do not match, the server 2 causes the refrigerator 1b to download the common data ComD1 data after the revision update (that is, stored in the common data table 261).

  When the server 2 receives the download completion notification from the refrigerator 1b, the server 2 refers to the individual data table 262, and the individual data associated with a priority higher than the priority previously associated with the common data ComD1. It is determined whether there is IndD1. If it is determined that there is individual data IndD1 associated with a priority higher than the priority associated in advance with the common data ComD1, the server 2 transmits a download instruction for the individual data IndD1 to the refrigerator 1b. . The refrigerator 1b that has received the download instruction for the individual data IndD1 downloads the individual data IndD1. Then, the refrigerator 1b overwrites the common data ComD1 having the same voice code as the voice code of the individual data IndD1 stored in the additional data table 111 with the downloaded individual data IndD1.

  By executing the common data transmission process and the individual data transmission process, the server 2 can transmit utterance data to be uttered to the refrigerator 1b with a smaller load (communication load) to the refrigerator 1b, thereby reducing the cost. Can be reduced. That is, the server 2 compares the revision number with the revision number of the common data ComD1 stored in the common data table 261 after receiving the revision number notified from the refrigerator 1b, and only when both are different. The common data ComD1 data is downloaded to the refrigerator 1b. Therefore, when the refrigerator 1b is not temporarily connected to the network, it is not necessary to retry the download instruction to the refrigerator 1b, and communication is performed only with the refrigerator 1b connected to the network, so that the communication amount is minimized. Can do.

  Hereinafter, the additional utterance data AddD1 acquired from the server 2 for the refrigerator 1b having the individual data IndD1 to be uttered at the utterance timing and the refrigerator 1b 'having no individual data IndD1 to be uttered will be described. Specifically, the user of the refrigerator 1b schedules and registers the schedule of the event category “Trash Day” (utterance priority: “1”), and the user of the refrigerator 1b ′ does not register the schedule. . Therefore, the individual data table 262 does not store the individual data IndD1 that sets the refrigerator 1b 'as the "speakable device", but stores the individual data IndD1 that sets the refrigerator 1b as the "speakable device". In the following, it is assumed that the revision number of the common data ComD1 stored in the additional data table 111 of the refrigerator 1b and the refrigerator 1b ′ is “000”. Further, it is assumed that the revision number of the common data ComD1 stored in the common data table 261 of the server 2 is “001”.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a comparison between the data transmission process to the refrigerator 1b of the user who has registered the schedule and the utterance data transmission process to the refrigerator 1b 'of the user who has not registered the schedule.

  The refrigerator 1b 'notifies the server 2 of the revision number of the common data ComD1 of its own device. The server 2 compares the revision number of the common data ComD1 stored in the common data table 261 with the notified revision number of the common data ComD1. As described above, the revision number of the common data ComD1 of the server 2 is “001”, and the revision number of the common data ComD1 of the refrigerator 1b ′ is “000”. Therefore, the server 2 determines that the revision number of the common data ComD1 stored in the common data table 261 is different from the notified revision number of the common data ComD1. Based on the result of the determination, the server 2 transmits a download instruction for the common data ComD1 with the revision number: 001 stored in the common data table 261 to the refrigerator 1b '.

  When the refrigerator 1b 'receives an instruction to download the common data ComD1 with the revision number 001 from the server 2, the refrigerator 1b' transmits a request for the common data ComD1 with the revision number 001 to the server 2. The server 2 that has received the request for the common data ComD1 with the revision number 001 from the refrigerator 1b 'transmits the common data ComD1 with the revision number 001 to the refrigerator 1b'. When the refrigerator 1b 'completes the reception of the common data ComD1 with the revision number: 001, the refrigerator 1b' transmits a download end notification to the server 2.

  Upon receiving the download completion notification from the refrigerator 1 b ′, the server 2 determines whether the individual data IndD 1 that sets the refrigerator 1 b ′ as “speakable device” is stored in the individual data table 262. When it is confirmed that the individual data IndD1 that sets the refrigerator 1b 'as the "speakable device" is not stored in the individual data table 262, the server 2 transmits a process end instruction to the refrigerator 1b'. The refrigerator 1 b ′ that has received the processing end instruction from the server 2 stores the received common data ComD 1 with the revision number: 001 in the common data table 261 of the server storage unit 26.

  FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating an example of the additional data table 111 of the refrigerator 1b ′ before the common data ComD1 with the revision number: 001 is acquired from the server 2. FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating an example of the additional data table 111 of the refrigerator 1b ′ after the common data ComD1 having the revision number: 001 is acquired from the server 2. As shown in the figure, by receiving the common data ComD1 with the revision number: 001 from the server 2, the revision number of the common data ComD1 stored in the additional data table 111 of the refrigerator 1b ′ is changed from “000” to “001”. It has been changed to.

  With reference to FIG. 10 again, the data transmission process to the refrigerator 1b of the user who performed schedule registration by the server 2 will be described. The server 2 transmits, to the refrigerator 1b, common data ComD1 having a revision number: 001 and individual data IndD1 (utterance data having contents related to the schedule registration) to be uttered by the refrigerator 1b. Details will be described below.

  The refrigerator 1b notifies the server 2 of the revision number 000 of the common data ComD1 of its own device, similarly to the refrigerator 1b '. Then, from the server 2 that has confirmed that the revision number 001 of the common data ComD1 of the server 2 is different from the revision number 000 of the common data ComD1 of the refrigerator 1b, the refrigerator 1b receives the common data ComD1 of the revision number 001. Receive. When the refrigerator 1b completes reception of the common data ComD1 with the revision number: 001 from the server 2, the refrigerator 1b transmits a download completion notification of the common data ComD1 to the server 2.

  The server 2 that has received the download end notification from the refrigerator 1b determines whether or not the individual data IndD1 that sets the refrigerator 1b as “speakable device” is stored in the individual data table 262. When it is confirmed that the individual data IndD1 for the refrigerator 1b as the “speakable device” is stored in the individual data table 262, the server 2 further performs the following determination. That is, the server 2 sets the priority (speech priority) of the individual data IndD1 with the refrigerator 1b as “speakable device” based on the priority (speech priority) associated with the common data ComD1 of the revision number: 001. Is also determined to be high.

  When determining that the priority of the individual data IndD1 with the refrigerator 1b as “speakable device” is higher than the priority associated with the common data ComD1, the server 2 issues a download instruction for the individual data IndD1 to the refrigerator 1b. Send to. The refrigerator 1b that has received the download instruction for the individual data IndD1 from the server 2 transmits a request for the individual data IndD1 to the server 2, and the server 2 that has received the request transmits the individual data IndD1 to the refrigerator 1b. The refrigerator 1b that has received the individual data IndD1 from the server 2 overwrites the common data ComD1 stored in the additional data table 111 with the same voice code as that of the individual data IndD1 with the individual data IndD1.

  FIG. 11C is a diagram illustrating an example of the additional data table 111 after the individual data IndD1 is acquired from the server 2. As is clear by comparing FIG. 11C and FIG. 11B, “voice code: VC99” stored in the fifth row of the additional data table 111 in FIG. 11B. The common data ComD1 of “Voice ID: VI0003” is changed to the following utterance data in (c) of FIG. That is, in the fifth line of the additional data table 111 of FIG. 11C, individual data of “voice code: VC99” and “voice ID: VI3456” is used instead of the common data ComD1 of “voice ID: VI0003”. IndD1 is stored. In the additional data table 111 of FIG. 11C, the revision number is “001”, and the revision number is not changed by the individual data IndD1. The difference between (b) and (c) of FIG. 11 is that the speech data of “voice code: VC99” is changed from the common data ComD1 of “voice ID: VI0003” to the individual data IndD1 of “voice ID: VI3456”. It has only changed.

  In addition, when the priority (speech priority) associated with the individual data IndD1 that sets the refrigerator 1b as “speakable device” is lower than the priority associated with the common data ComD1, the server 2 sets the individual data IndD1. The download instruction is not transmitted to the refrigerator 1b.

[Embodiment 2]
The following will describe another embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment and processes similar to those described in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiment. Is omitted.

  First, the outline | summary of the family message board system 200 which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated based on FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an outline of the family message board system 200. As shown in the figure, the family message board system 200 includes a server 2, a smartphone 3, and a home device 5 (for example, a refrigerator 5b). The server 2 and the smartphone 3 in the family message board system 200 are the same as the server 2 and the smartphone 3 in the family message board system 100, and thus description thereof is omitted.

[Configuration details]
As shown in FIG. 12, the home device 5 (for example, the refrigerator 5b) in the family message board system 200 differs from the home device 1 (for example, the refrigerator 1b) in the family message board system 100 in the following points. That is, in the refrigerator 5b, in addition to the configuration of the refrigerator 1b, the storage unit 14 further stores a random data table 113.

  The additional data acquisition unit 102 of the refrigerator 5b has the utterance data of the same voice code as the voice code of the additional utterance data AddD1 (common data ComD1 or individual data IndD1) acquired from the communication unit 12 already stored in the additional data table 111. Determine. When it is determined that the utterance data (common data ComD1 or individual data IndD1) of the same voice code as the voice code of the acquired additional utterance data AddD1 is stored in the additional data table 111, the additional data acquisition unit 102: Execute the process. That is, the additional data acquisition unit 102 of the refrigerator 5b moves the utterance data stored in the additional data table 111 having the same voice code as the acquired additional utterance data AddD1 to the random data table 113 (data evacuate). Thereafter, the additional data acquisition unit 102 of the refrigerator 5b stores the additional utterance data AddD1 acquired from the communication unit 12 in the additional data table 111.

  In the random data table 113, the additional data acquisition unit 102 stores the utterance data stored in the additional data table 111 having the same voice code as the voice code of the additional utterance data AddD1 received by the communication unit 12 from the server 2. Is done.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the random data table 113 of the server 2.

  The random data table 113 stores random utterance data in which the utterance period is not particularly set or a time period other than the “important utterance time period” is set as the utterance period.

  The refrigerator 1b overwrites the utterance data of the same voice code as the voice code of the additional utterance data AddD1 stored in the additional data table 111 with the additional utterance data AddD1 received from the server 2. Therefore, after the additional utterance data AddD1 is stored in the additional data table 111, the utterance data stored in the additional data table 111 having the same voice code as the voice code of the additional utterance data AddD1 is lost. That is, after storing the additional utterance data AddD1 in the additional data table 111, the refrigerator 1b utters the utterance data stored in the additional data table 111 having the same voice code as the voice code of the additional utterance data AddD1. I can't.

  On the other hand, the refrigerator 5b moves the utterance data of the same voice code as the voice code of the additional utterance data AddD1 received from the server 2 and stored in the additional data table 111 to the random data table 113. Therefore, after storing the additional utterance data AddD1 in the additional data table 111, the refrigerator 5b utters the utterance data stored in the additional data table 111 having the same voice code as the voice code of the additional utterance data AddD1. Can do.

  For example, the common data ComD1 of “voice code: VC99” and “voice ID: VI0003” stored in the fifth row of the additional data table 111 in FIG. 11B is executed by the refrigerator 1b and the refrigerator 5b. Processing differs in the following points. That is, the refrigerator 1b overwrites the common data ComD1 with the individual data IndD1 of “voice code: VC99” and “voice ID: VI3456” acquired from the server 2. On the other hand, the refrigerator 5b moves the common data ComD1 to the random data table 113 and then adds the individual data IndD1 of “voice code: VC99” and “voice ID: VI3456” acquired from the server 2 in the additional data table 111. Store in line 5. Accordingly, after storing the individual data IndD1 in the additional data table 111, the refrigerator 1b cannot utter the common data ComD1, but the refrigerator 5b can utter the common data ComD1 as random utterance data.

[Embodiment 3]
In the family message board systems 100 and 200 described above, a plurality of processes (functions) described below are distributed and executed by a plurality of devices and servers. That is, the function of accepting a schedule input by the user has been executed by the smartphone 3. In addition, a function for receiving information about a schedule input by the user, a function for generating individual data IndD1 for the schedule, a function for generating common data ComD1, and each of the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 are supported in advance. The server 2 executes the function of controlling the output of the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 to the home device 1 based on the assigned priority. Further, when the individual data IndD1 or the common data ComD1 is uttered at the utterance timing, and when the individual data IndD1 is acquired, the common data ComD1 having the same voice code as the voice code of the individual data IndD1 is stored in the random data table 113. The function was executed by the home appliances 1 and 5.

  However, each function may be realized in one server or apparatus, or a plurality of servers or apparatuses having each function may exist individually, and each server is managed by different operators. May be. For example, in addition to the function of receiving a schedule input by the user, the smartphone may execute the function that has been executed by the server 2. That is, the smartphone according to the present embodiment receives an input of a schedule by the user, generates individual data IndD1 for the schedule, and generates common data ComD1. Then, the smartphone controls the output of the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 to the home device 1 based on the priorities associated with the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 in advance. .

  Note that the smartphone according to the present embodiment may further include the functions provided in the home devices 1 and 5. That is, when the smartphone acquires the function of uttering the individual data IndD1 or the common data ComD1 at the utterance timing, and the individual data IndD1, the smartphone uses the common data ComD1 having the same voice code as the voice code of the individual data IndD1. A function of storing in the random data table 113 may be provided.

[Embodiment 4]
The household device (refrigerator) according to the present embodiment further includes the function of smartphone 3 and the function of server 2 in addition to the functions of household devices 1 and 5 (refrigerators 1b and 5b).

  That is, the home device (refrigerator) according to the present embodiment accepts a schedule input by the user, generates individual data IndD1 for the schedule, and generates common data ComD1. Then, the home device (refrigerator) outputs the audio of the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1 based on the priority (utterance priority) associated with each of the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1. To control. That is, if there are a plurality of individual data IndD1 and common data ComD1 with the same utterance period (that is, the same voice code), the home device (refrigerator) can select the individual data IndD1 or the highest priority associated with it. Speak the common data ComD1.

[Modification]
(Recognition of the user who listens to the utterance data to be spoken)
As described above, each home device 1 (speech device) may recognize and speak which user listens to the utterance data uttered by the home device 1. For example, the home device 1 may include a camera and an image recognition unit, a microphone and a voice recognition unit, a fingerprint acquisition unit, and a fingerprint recognition unit for recognizing a user. In addition to these examples, the home device 1 recognizes which user listens to the utterance data uttered by the home device 1 using other methods for user recognition. Also good. Then, the home device 1 may recognize the user who hears the utterance and utter the utterance data having contents related to the user (corresponding to the attribute of the user).

  Note that the utterance data of contents related to a certain user uttered by the home device 1 may be utterance data stored in advance in the storage unit 11 of the home device 1 The speech data acquired from the server 2 immediately after the device 1 detects the speech timing may be used. That is, the home device 1 recognizes a user who hears an utterance, acquires utterance data having contents related to the user from utterance data stored in advance in the storage unit 11 of the own device, and acquires the acquired utterance. You may speak data. Further, when the home device 1 recognizes a user who listens to an utterance, the home device 1 may notify the server 2 of the recognized user. Then, the server 2 may transmit utterance data having contents related to the notified user to the home device 1, and the home device 1 may utter the utterance data.

  Further, the home device 1 that recognizes the user who listens to the utterance may not be the same as the home device 1 that utters the utterance data to the user. For example, the robot cleaner 1a may recognize a user who hears utterance data uttered by the refrigerator 1b, and the refrigerator 1b may utter the utterance data.

  Furthermore, when the robot cleaner 1a or the refrigerator 1b recognizes a user who hears utterance data uttered by the refrigerator 1b, the utterance data uttered by the refrigerator 1b may be the following utterance data. That is, the utterance data uttered by the refrigerator 1b may be utterance data having contents corresponding to the user attributes (for example, gender, age, hobby, address, and school or workplace position). Specifically, it may be utterance data of contents introducing products and stores according to the user's age, sex, and the like.

(Determining which home device 1 will utter utterance data)
The server 2 determines an utterance device determination unit (speech device determination) that determines to which home device 1 (speech device) utterance data (at least one of the individual data IndD1 and the common data ComD1) during a certain utterance period is transmitted. Means). In other words, the server 2 may determine which utterance device utters the utterance data.

  As described above, for example, the refrigerator 1b or the household device 1 other than the refrigerator 1b (for example, the robot cleaner 1a) recognizes the user who listens to the utterance data uttered by the refrigerator 1b, and the refrigerator 1b or the robot cleaner 1a. May notify the server 2 of the user. In that case, the server 2 may transmit utterance data having contents related to the notified user to the refrigerator 1b, and cause the refrigerator 1b to utter the utterance data.

  Moreover, as already explained, there is a high possibility that the home device 1 (speech device) is used in a predetermined time zone in each home. For example, in a certain home, the home device 1 that is frequently used at “5:00 am to 9:00 am” is the refrigerator 1 b, and the home device 1 that is frequently used at “16:00 to 19:00 pm” is the air conditioner 1 e, “ The household device 1 that is frequently used at “19: 00-21: 00 pm” may be the washing machine 1c. In that case, in the above-mentioned home, the refrigerator 1b is used for "5:00 am to 9:00 am", the air conditioner 1e is used for "16:00 to 19:00 pm", and the washing machine 1c is used for "19:00 to 21:00 pm". (That is, the use of the household device 1 by the user) is highly likely to be detected. When each home device 1 detects the utterance timing, it utters utterance data in which an utterance period including the utterance timing is set. For example, when the utterance timing is detected at 8:30 in the morning, the utterance data including the 8:30 in the morning, for example, the utterance period in which “5-5-9 am” is set, is not included in the morning at 8:30, For example, utterance data for which the utterance period of “16: 00-19: 00 in the evening” is set is not uttered.

  Therefore, the server 2 has the utterance data whose utterance period is “5 am to 9 am” in the refrigerator 1 b, the utterance data whose utterance period is “16:00 to 19:00” in the air conditioner 1 e, The utterance data “from 19:00 to 21:00” may be transmitted to the washing machine 1c.

  The server 2 generates utterance data by setting an utterance period in which the utterance data is to be uttered by the home device 1. For example, the server 2 sets an utterance period of “the morning of the scheduled date (for example, from 5:00 to 9:00 on the current day)” for the schedule registered by the user by specifying the scheduled date. Utterance data (individual data IndD1) is generated. Therefore, the server 2 may detect the utterance timing of the utterance data in which the utterance period of “5:00 am to 9:00 am on the scheduled date and day” is set within the “5 am to 9:00 am on the scheduled date and day”. Is transmitted to the household device 1 having a high value. That is, the server 2 transmits the utterance data to the home device 1 that is likely to be used by the user within the above-mentioned “from 5:00 to 9:00 am on the scheduled date”. The server 2 transmits the utterance data to the home device 1 having a high possibility of detecting the utterance timing within the utterance period set in the utterance data, so that the utterance data is efficiently uttered to the home device 1. It becomes possible to make it.

  Note that the server 2 supplies the home device 1 that is likely to detect the utterance timing within the utterance period, that is, the home device 1 that is likely to be used by the user within the utterance period, to the home by the user. The determination may be made based on the usage history of the device 1. That is, for example, the server 2 acquires information about “what home appliance 1 the user has used every day, what time, and how many times”, and is used by the user within the utterance period based on the information. It is also possible to determine the household device 1 that has a high possibility of being detected. In addition, the user may register the household device 1 that is highly likely to detect the utterance timing within the utterance period. That is, it is preferable that the user registers the home device 1 that utters the utterance data in which the utterance period is set for each utterance period. For example, the user causes the refrigerator 1b to utter the utterance data whose utterance period is “morning 5 to 9 o'clock”, and causes the air conditioning apparatus 1e to utter the utterance data whose utterance period is “evening 16:00 to 19:00”. May be registered. Based on the registration by the user, the server 2 transmits the utterance data to the home device 1 associated with the utterance period of the utterance data.

(About utterance timing)
Up to now, the utterance timing has been detected when the home device 1 detects that the home device 1 is used (will be used) by the user (for example, the door of the refrigerator 1b is opened) The explanation has been focused on an example of (timing). However, the utterance timing is not limited to this. For example, when a trouble such as a power failure occurs, the utterance timing may be set immediately after the recovery from the trouble.

(About network adapters)
About the following two functions with which refrigerator 1b, 5b (home appliance 1, 5) is provided, the network adapter attached to refrigerator 1b, 5b may be provided. That is, the network adapter attached to the refrigerators 1b and 5b has the function of acquiring the individual data IndD1 or the common data ComD1 in the order of priority and speaking the last acquired individual data IndD1 or the common data ComD1. Also good. Further, when neither individual data IndD1 nor common data ComD1 that can be uttered at the utterance timing is acquired from the server 2, the network adapter has a function of uttering basic utterance data BasD1 that can be uttered at the utterance timing. May be.

[Embodiment 5]
Each block of the home devices 1 and 5, the server 2, and the smartphone 3 may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). And may be realized by software. In the latter case, each of the above servers, devices, or devices can be configured using a computer (electronic computer) as shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a computer 1000 that can be used as the home devices 1 and 5, the server 2, and the smartphone 3.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the computer 1000 includes a computing device 1200, a main storage device 1300, an auxiliary storage device 1400, and an input / output interface 1500 that are connected to each other via a bus 1100. The computing device 1200, the main storage device 1300, and the auxiliary storage device 1400 may be, for example, a CPU, a random access memory (RAM), and a hard disk drive, respectively. Note that the main storage device 1300 may be a computer-readable “non-temporary tangible medium”. For example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used.

  An input device 2000 and an output device 3000 are connected to the input / output interface 1500. The home devices 1 and 5, the server 2, and the input device 2000 and the output device 3000 of the smartphone 3 receive data transmitted from other servers or devices and transmit data to other servers or devices. The home devices 1, 5, the server 2, and the input device 2000 and the output device 3000 of the smartphone 3 further perform acquisition of input operations from the user, output of utterances to the user, and the like.

  The auxiliary storage device 1400 stores various programs for causing the computer 1000 to operate as the home devices 1 and 5, the server 2, and the smartphone 3. Then, the arithmetic device 1200 expands each program stored in the auxiliary storage device 1400 on the main storage device 1300, and executes instructions included in each program expanded on the main storage device 1300. The computer 1000 is caused to function as each unit included in the home devices 1 and 5, the server 2, and the smartphone 3.

  Here, a configuration has been described in which the computer 1000 is caused to function using each of the programs recorded in the auxiliary storage device 1400, which is an internal recording medium. However, a program recorded in an external recording medium may be used. . The program may be supplied to the computer via an arbitrary transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) that can transmit the program. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[Summary]
An utterance device (refrigerators 1b and 5b) according to aspect 1 of the present invention is an utterance device having an utterance function by voice, and utterance data in which an utterable period (utterance period) is set in advance at the time of utterance. A determination unit (determination unit 103) that determines whether there is two or more utterance data that can be uttered (additional utterance data AddD1 and basic utterance data BasD1), and two or more utterances that can be uttered at the time of the utterance by the determination unit When it is determined that there is data, the utterance means (speech output unit 13) that utters by giving priority to utterance data having a high priority that is associated in advance with each of two or more utterance data that can be uttered during the utterance. And.

  According to the above configuration, when there are two or more pieces of utterance data that can be uttered at the time of utterance, the utterance device outputs utterance data having a high priority associated with each of the two or more pieces of utterance data in advance. Speak first. Therefore, since the utterance device can utter the utterance data to be notified with priority to the user, the convenience of the user can be improved.

  The utterance device according to aspect 2 of the present invention is the utterance data associated with a specific period (for example, a specific date such as a scheduled date) in the above aspect 1, and a plurality of utterance data having overlapping utterance periods (Additional utterance data AddD1) is further provided with acquisition means (additional data acquisition unit 102) for acquiring the additional utterance data AddD1 from the server in descending order of priority associated with each of the utterance data. During the period, only the utterance data acquired last by the acquisition means may be uttered.

  According to the above configuration, the utterance device receives the utterance data having the highest priority from the server last, and utters only the last received utterance data. That is, since the utterance device only needs to acquire and utter only the last received utterance data, the configuration of the utterance device can be simplified.

  In the utterance device according to aspect 3 of the present invention, the utterance data (basic utterance data BasD1) in which the utterable period is set in advance and is not associated with the specific period in the above aspect 1 or 2 is prepared in advance. The determination means determines whether a utterable period that can be uttered at the time of the utterance is set in advance and there is utterance data associated with a specific period, and the utterance corresponding to the utterance is determined by the determination means If it is determined that there is no data, the utterance means may utter utterance data that is uttered during the utterance, the utterable period is set in advance, and is not associated with a specific period .

  According to the above configuration, when there is no utterance data associated with a specific period that can be uttered at the time of utterance, the utterance device utters utterance data that can be uttered at the time of utterance and is not associated with the specific period. Can do.

  In the speech device according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in the aspect 3, the speech data associated with the specific period is speech data associated with the specific period and associated with a specific user (individual data IndD1 ) And utterance data (common data ComD1) that is associated with the specific period and not associated with a specific user.

  According to the above configuration, the utterance device is associated with the specific period and utterance data associated with the specific user, or is associated with the specific period and is associated with the specific user. The utterance data that cannot be uttered can be uttered based on the priority associated with each utterance data.

  The utterance device according to aspect 5 of the present invention is the utterance data associated with the specific period and the utterance data associated with the specific user in the aspect 4, with the utterance having the schedule related to the specific user as content. It may be data.

  According to the above configuration, the utterance device can utter utterance data having a schedule related to a specific user.

  The utterance control device (server 2) according to aspect 6 of the present invention sets utterance data by setting a period during which the utterance device can utter, and generates the utterance data generation means (the utterance data generation unit 20) and the utterance data. Priority of the plurality of utterance data (additional utterance data AddD1) generated by the generation means and associated with the specific period, and overlapping the utterable period, with each of the utterance data Utterance data transmission means (individual data transmission control unit 25) for transmitting to the utterance device in the order from the lowest to the utterance device, and causing the utterance device to utter only the utterance data last transmitted to the utterance device. I have.

  According to the above configuration, the utterance control device transmits the plurality of additional utterance data AddD1 to the utterance device in descending order of priority associated with each of the plurality of additional utterance data AddD1. Only the last transmitted utterance data is uttered by the utterance device. Therefore, the utterance control device can reduce the amount of utterance data held as utterance data to be uttered, and can reduce the cost.

  In the utterance control device according to aspect 7 of the present invention, in the above aspect 6, the utterance data generated by the utterance data generation means and associated with the specific period is a device individual utterance that only a specific utterance device can utter. Data (individual data IndD1) and device common utterance data (common data ComD1) that can be uttered by an unspecified utterance device, and the utterance data transmitting means converts the device individual utterance data into the device individual utterance data. You may transmit only to the said specific speech apparatus matched.

  According to said structure, the said utterance control apparatus transmits only the specific utterance apparatus matched with the said apparatus separate utterance data for the apparatus separate utterance data in which only a specific utterance apparatus can utter. Therefore, only the specific utterance device can utter the device individual utterance data that can be uttered only by the specific utterance device.

  The utterance control system (family message board system 100, 200) according to the aspect 8 of the present invention generates utterance data by setting a period during which the utterance apparatus can utter the utterance data, and generates utterance data generation means (utterance data generation). Unit 20) and the utterance data generated by the utterance data generation means and associated with a specific period, and a plurality of utterance data having overlapping utterance periods are associated with each of the utterance data. An utterance data transmission unit (individual data transmission control unit 25) for transmitting to the utterance device in the order of low priority, and utterance data associated with the specific period from the utterance data transmission unit, and the utterable period Acquisition means (additional data acquisition unit 10) that acquires a plurality of utterance data with overlapping in order of increasing priority associated with each of the utterance data A), contain only speech data acquired last by the acquisition means, the speech means to speak (audio output unit 13) in the speech period available, the. According to this aspect, the same effects as those of the above aspect 1 are obtained.

  The control method of the utterance device (refrigerator 1b) according to the aspect 9 of the present invention is a control method of the utterance device having a voice utterance function. A determination step for determining whether there is two or more utterance data that can be uttered, and if it is determined in the determination step that there are two or more utterance data that can be uttered during the utterance, the utterance can be performed during the utterance An utterance step of giving priority to utterance data having a high priority associated with each of the two or more utterance data in advance. Therefore, the same effect as in aspect 1 is produced.

  The control method of the speech control apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention includes a speech data generation step (S31) for generating speech data by setting a period during which the speech apparatus can speak the speech data, and the speech data generation described above. A plurality of utterance data associated with a specific period, which are generated in the step and are overlapped with the utterable period, the utterance device in descending order of priority associated with each of the utterance data And utterance data transmission step (S35) for causing the utterance apparatus to utter only the utterance data last transmitted to the utterance apparatus during the utterable period. Therefore, the same effect as in aspect 6 is obtained.

  The utterance device and the utterance control device according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the utterance device is operated by causing the computer to operate as each unit included in the utterance device and the utterance control device. The utterance device that realizes the utterance control device by a computer, a control program for the utterance control device, and a computer-readable recording medium that records the control program also fall within the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a new technical feature can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for an utterance device that utters a user and control thereof.

1 Domestic equipment 1b Refrigerator (speaker)
2 server (speech control device)
13 Voice output unit (speech means)
20 Utterance data generation unit (utterance data generation means)
25 Individual data transmission control unit (utterance data transmission means)
100, 200 Family message board system (speech control system)
102 Additional data acquisition unit (acquisition means)
103 determination unit (determination means)
AddD1 additional utterance data (utterance data in which a utterable period is set in advance and associated with a specific period)
BasD1 basic utterance data (utterance data in which a utterable period is set in advance and is not associated with a specific period)
ComD1 common data (device common utterance data / utterance data associated with a specific period and not associated with a specific user)
IndD1 individual data (device individual utterance data / utterance data associated with a specific period and associated with a specific user)

Claims (11)

An utterance device having a voice utterance function,
A determination means for determining whether there is two or more utterance data that can be uttered at the time of utterance for the utterance data for which a utterable period is set in advance,
If the determination means determines that there are two or more utterance data that can be uttered at the time of the utterance, an utterance having a high priority that is associated in advance with each of the two or more utterance data that can be uttered at the time of the utterance Utterance means to give priority to data,
Acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of utterance data, which are utterance data associated with a specific period, in which the utterable periods overlap, from the server in order of decreasing priority associated with each of the utterance data; equipped with a,
It said speech means, in the speech period available, speech and wherein the Rukoto speaking originating only speech data acquired last by said acquisition means. An utterance period is set in advance, and utterance data that is not associated with a specific period is prepared in advance,
The determination means determines whether there is utterance data associated with a specific period in which a utterable period that can be uttered at the time of the utterance is set in advance,
If it is determined by the determination means that there is no corresponding utterance data, the utterance means has a preset utterable period during which the utterance is possible and is not associated with a specific period. The utterance device according to claim 1, wherein the utterance device utters data. The utterance data associated with the specific period is associated with the utterance data associated with the specific period and associated with the specific user, and associated with the specific period and not associated with the specific user. The utterance device according to claim 2 , comprising utterance data. 4. The utterance device according to claim 3 , wherein the utterance data associated with the specific period and associated with the specific user is utterance data having a schedule related to the specific user. . Utterance data generation means for generating utterance data by setting a period during which the utterance apparatus can speak, and
A plurality of pieces of utterance data associated with a specific period, which are generated by the utterance data generation unit and overlap with the utterance period, are assigned in descending order of priority associated with each of the utterance data. Utterance data transmission means for transmitting to the utterance device and causing the utterance device to utter only the utterance data last transmitted to the utterance device during the utterable period;
An utterance control device comprising: The utterance data associated with the specific period generated by the utterance data generation means includes device individual utterance data that can be uttered only by a specific utterance device, device common utterance data that can be uttered by an unspecified utterance device, and Including
The utterance control device according to claim 5 , wherein the utterance data transmission unit transmits the device individual utterance data only to the specific utterance device associated with the device individual utterance data. Utterance data generation means for generating utterance data by setting a period during which the utterance apparatus can utter the utterance data; and
A plurality of pieces of utterance data associated with a specific period, which are generated by the utterance data generation unit and overlap with the utterance period, are assigned in descending order of priority associated with each of the utterance data. Speech data transmitting means for transmitting to the speech device;
From the utterance data transmitting means, a plurality of utterance data associated with the specific period, the utterance data overlapping in the utterance possible period, in ascending order of priority associated with each of the utterance data. Acquisition means for acquiring;
An utterance control system comprising: utterance means for uttering only the utterance data last acquired by the acquisition means during the utterable period. A method of controlling an utterance device having a speech utterance function,
A determination step of determining whether there is two or more utterance data that can be uttered at the time of utterance for the utterance data for which a utterable period is set in advance;
If it is determined in the determination step that there are two or more utterance data that can be uttered at the time of the utterance, a priority that is associated in advance with each of the two or more utterance data that can be uttered at the time of the utterance is high. An utterance step for giving priority to utterance data;
An acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of utterance data that are utterance data associated with a specific period and in which the utterable periods overlap, from the server in order of decreasing priority associated with each of the utterance data; only including,
In the utterance step, during the utterable period, only the utterance data acquired last in the acquisition step is uttered . Utterance data generation step for generating utterance data by setting a period during which the utterance apparatus can utter the utterance data; and
The utterance data associated with a specific period, which is generated in the utterance data generation step, and a plurality of utterance data having overlapping utterance periods are associated with each of the utterance data with low priority An utterance data transmission step for transmitting to the utterance device in order and causing the utterance device to utter only the utterance data last transmitted to the utterance device;
A control method for an utterance control device comprising : A control program for causing a computer to function as the speech device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the control program causes the computer to function as each of the means. A control program for causing a computer to function as a speech control apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or 6, a control program for causing a computer to function as each means described above.

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