JP7777866B2 - Information Processing Systems - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to an information processing system, and more particularly to an information processing system in which an operator controls a predetermined service by operating a remotely located avatar.

An example of this type of background technology is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the system of this background technology, one or more robots placed in a space, a robot router for controlling the robots, and a space manager that manages the status of the robots in the space and collects and manages environmental information are connected via a communications network. When a user registers user attributes in the robot router, the system controls the robots in the space where the robot router exists based on the user attributes and environmental information held in the robot router and provides services. In this way, by linking user attributes and environmental information, users can receive optimal services in the latest environment.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-111637

However, in the background art of Patent Document 1, the robot is simply controlled by the system, and no consideration is given to using the robot as an avatar to provide services.

Therefore, the primary object of this invention is to provide a novel information processing system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system that can assign an avatar to an operator and provide a specified service.

The first invention is an information processing system comprising an information processing device that provides a platform service, which is a base service for providing one or more specified services using avatars, and an operator terminal of an operator that operates an avatar used in the specified services. The information processing system comprises: first storage means that stores avatar identification information and an avatar password, which are identification information of the avatars used in the one or more specified services; second storage means that stores operator identification information and an operator password, which are identification information of the operator; operator authentication means that authenticates the operator identification information and operator password when the operator uses the platform service; selection means that selects one specified service in accordance with the operation of an operator who has been successfully authenticated by the operator authentication means; assignment means that, when one specified service is selected by the selection means, assigns an avatar to be used in the specified service to the operator terminal of the selected operator; avatar authentication means that authenticates the avatar identification information and avatar password of the avatar assigned by the assignment means; and permission means that, in response to successful authentication by the avatar authentication means, permits the start of a session between the operator terminal of the operator who selected the specified service and the avatar assigned by the assignment means.

This invention allows operators to be assigned avatars and provide specific services.

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the operator terminal shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an operator management DB and a service user management DB included in the user management DB shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the avatar management DB shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a service providing system in which a tutoring service is provided using the information processing system shown in FIG. FIG. 6 shows an example of a tutor management DB, a student management DB, and a registered avatar management DB. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a service providing system in which an aquarium tour service is provided using the information processing system shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows an example of a visitor management DB and another example of a registered avatar management DB.

Referring to FIG. 1, the information processing system 10 of this embodiment includes a server 12, which is communicatively connected to a plurality of operator terminals 16 and a plurality of avatars 18 via a network 14.

Server 12 is an example of an information processing device and is a general-purpose server. Server 12 includes circuit components such as a CPU 12a, RAM 12b, and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication I/F") 12c.

Network 14 consists of an IP network (or IP network) including the Internet, and an access network (or access network) for accessing this IP network. Access networks that can be used include public telephone networks, mobile phone networks, wired LANs, wireless LANs, and CATV (Cable Television).

The operator terminal 16 is an information processing device other than the server 12. One example is a general-purpose notebook PC or desktop PC, but in other examples, other general-purpose terminals such as smartphones or tablet PCs can also be used.

In this embodiment, the avatar 18 is a stationary robot, a mobile robot, or a character (CG character) displayed on a computer display device. As a stationary robot, Sota™ manufactured and sold by Vstone Co., Ltd. can be used. As a mobile robot, Robovie™ developed by the applicant or the Double 3 robot sold by Double Robotics, Inc. can be used. Furthermore, the computer that displays the CG character on the display device is, for example, a tablet terminal, and in other examples, a desktop PC, a notebook PC, or a smartphone.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the operator terminal 16 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the operator terminal 16 includes a CPU 50, which is connected to a RAM 52, a communication I/F 54, and an input/output interface (hereinafter referred to as "input/output I/F") 56 via an internal bus.

The CPU 50 is responsible for the overall control of the operator terminal 16. However, instead of the CPU 50, a SoC (System-on-a-chip) including multiple functions such as CPU functionality and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) functionality may be provided. The RAM 52 is the main memory device of the operator terminal 16 and is used as the work area and buffer area for the CPU 50. Although not shown, the operator terminal 16 is also provided with auxiliary memory devices such as an HDD and ROM. However, non-volatile memory such as an SSD may be used instead of the HDD or in addition to the HDD and ROM.

The communication I/F 54 has a wired interface for transmitting and receiving control signals and data to and from external computers such as the server 12 and avatar 18 via the network 14 under the control of the CPU 50. However, a wireless interface such as a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can also be used as the communication I/F 54.

The input/output I/F 56 is connected to an input device 58, a display device 60, a microphone 62, and a speaker 64. The microphone 62 and speaker 64 form a headset with a microphone that the operator uses to communicate with the user.

The input device 58 is a keyboard and a computer mouse. However, if a smartphone or tablet PC is used as the operator terminal 16, a touch panel and hardware buttons are provided as the input device 58. The display device 60 is an LCD or organic EL display device.

The input/output I/F 56 outputs operation data (or operation information) input from the input device 58 to the CPU 50, and also outputs image data generated by the CPU 50 to the display device 60, causing the display device 60 to display a screen corresponding to the image data.

In addition, the input/output I/F 56 converts the operator's voice detected by the microphone 62 into digital voice data and outputs it to the CPU 50, and also converts the voice data output by the CPU 50 into an analog voice signal and outputs it from the speaker 64. However, in this embodiment, the voice data output by the CPU 50 is voice data received from the avatar 18.

The operator terminal 16 also includes a sensor I/F 66 and a camera 68. The CPU 50 is connected to the camera 68 via the bus and the sensor I/F 66. The camera 68 is a camera that uses an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS.

Note that the configuration of the operator terminal 16 shown in Figure 2 is an example and should not be considered limiting. The camera 68 may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1, multiple databases (hereinafter referred to as "DBs") are connected to the server 12. In this embodiment, a user management DB 30, an avatar management DB 32, a session management DB 34, a service management DB 36, and a service history DB 38 are connected to the server 12.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, each DB 30-38 is directly connected to the server 12, but each DB 30-38 may also be connected to the server 12 via the network 14.

The user management DB 30 includes an operator management DB 30a that registers information about operators who provide specified services, and a service user management DB 30b that registers information about users (hereinafter referred to as "service users") who use specified services by interacting with avatars 18. The avatar management DB 32 registers information about avatars 18 used to provide specified services.

The session management DB 34 stores information necessary for establishing and terminating sessions between an operator terminal 16 and an avatar 18 when a specified service is provided using the avatar 18. Here, a session refers to the state in which a communication path is secured between the operator, avatar 18, and user participating in the specified service when the specified service is provided (the state from the start of communication to its end). In response to a request from a specified service, the CPU 12a of the server 12 secures a communication path for exchanging video, audio, commands, sensor information, etc. between one or more operator terminals 16 and one or more avatars 18, and starts or ends communication.

The service management DB 36 registers and manages the services (hereinafter referred to as "CA services") that form the basis for providing specific services using cybernetic avatars provided by the server 12 (or the information processing system 10), as well as one or more specific services constructed by combining CA services. When a request is made by an operator or user, the CPU 12a of the server 12 presents and allows the operator or user to select a specific service that can be used by the operator or user from one or more specific services registered in the service management DB 36.

The service history DB38 records the history of a service. In other words, the content of conversations and operations performed while a specific service is being provided is recorded in chronological order. However, the service history is recorded as a collection of the content of conversations and operations performed from the start to the end of the provision of a specific service, and is associated with the specific service.

<Tutoring services>
The information processing system 10 will be described below using specific service examples. In the first example, a company X provides a tutoring service (hereinafter referred to as a "T service") in which the tutor interacts with the student through his or her own avatar 18.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the user management DB 30 shown in Figure 1, and Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the avatar management DB 32 shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a service providing system 100 when providing tutoring services using the information processing system 10 shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a diagram showing examples of a tutor management DB, student management DB, and registered avatar management DB managed by company X, which provides service T. Below, an example of providing tutoring services will be explained using Figures 3 to 6.

In the case of this T Service, on the tutor side, first, person P, who will use the T Service as a tutor, registers as a tutor with Company X's T Service via the information processing system 10. Next, person P receives training from Company X, which provides the T Service, to teach lessons using an avatar 18. Then, person P teaches students as a tutor for the T Service.

On the student side, first, person Q, who will be using the T service as a student, registers as a student with Company X's T service via information processing system 10. Next, Company X sends Person Q an avatar 18 (robot or tablet device) and text. Then, Person Q takes lessons taught by a tutor as a student of the T service.

<Register as a tutor>
Specifically, a person P who wishes to work part-time as a tutor is registered with the server 12 as an operator in order to use the information processing system 10. As an example, on an internet site for user registration operated by the server 12, the person P operates his/her own terminal (operator terminal 16) to provisionally register as an operator of an avatar 18 with the CA service provided by the server 12.

The server 12 then notifies person P's operator terminal 16 of the URL of the official registration site, along with the operator ID and temporary password. When person P uses his or her operator terminal 16 to access the official registration site and register his or her password, person P is officially registered as an operator of the CA service. Specifically, the server 12 registers person P in the user management DB 30 (here, the operator management DB 30a).

Figure 3 shows an example of the user management DB 30 shown in Figure 1, and includes an operator management DB 30a and a service user management DB 30b. The operator management DB 30a stores the name and password corresponding to the operator ID.

The operator ID is the operator's identification information and consists of a character string (OP) that identifies the operator and a serial number (e.g., a five-digit number). The operator ID is issued using the serial number next to the last serial number when the operator is officially registered (added). The temporary password is issued randomly.

The name is the name of the operator and is entered by the person who registers as the operator on the user registration internet site.

The password is required to access the CA service's Internet site, and is entered (or determined) by the person registering as an operator at the time of registration. As an example, the password is determined to be 8 to 12 letters and numbers, and is indicated by asterisks in Figure 3.

In the example shown in Figure 3, Takahashi Saburo is registered in the operator management DB 30a as an operator with operator ID OP03940, and a password is also registered. Also, Suzuki Hanako is registered as an operator with operator ID OP03941, and a password is also registered.

Next, the operator (here, person P) logs in to the CA service by entering their operator ID and password on the CA service login screen, selects the tutoring service (T service) from the CA service's service menu, and then selects to register as a tutor in the submenu. The operator also selects the subjects to teach and the desired dates and times to teach in each menu.

Then, in response to an instruction from server 12, the operator of the operator ID is registered as a tutor in tutor management DB 104 (omitted from Figure 1) managed by company X that provides the T service. However, tutor management DB 104 is connected directly or via network 14 to company X's server 102 (a server separate from server 12; hereinafter referred to as the "T service server"), which operates an internet site for providing the T service. The same is true for student management DB 106 and registered avatar management DB 108, which will be described later. Furthermore, server 102 for the T service is a general-purpose server, and is equipped with components such as a CPU, RAM, and communications I/F.

The tutor management DB 104 stores the operator ID, subjects taught, and desired teaching dates and times in correspondence with the teacher registration number. The teacher registration number includes an alphabet (in this example, a T) indicating that the teacher is a tutor and a serial number, and is determined when the teacher is registered in the tutor management DB. The operator ID is the operator ID assigned when registering for the CA service.

The subject you are teaching is the subject you will teach as a tutor. The desired teaching date and time refers to the day (in this example, the day of the week, either a weekday (Monday to Saturday) or a holiday (Sunday or public holiday)) and time (start time and end time) you will teach the subject.

<Training>
After completing registration with the CA service and the T service, person P undergoes training to teach a lesson using the CA service. In the training, a mock lesson is conducted using avatar 18. An instructor from company X plays the role of a student in the mock lesson.

As an example, person P logs in to the CA service using their own operator terminal 16, selects the T service from the service menu, and selects training (simulated lesson) from the submenu. The T service server receives notification of the training from the CA service server 12, selects one of the training avatars 18 within company X, and assigns it to person P's operator terminal 16. The operation screen of person P's operator terminal 16 displays that it is waiting for the avatar 18 to connect. The training avatar 18 also notifies the instructor in front of (or near) the avatar 18 that there is a connection request by flashing a lamp or outputting a message (visual or audio). The instructor notifies the instructor of connection permission through the avatar 18.

In accordance with the session management program, the server 12 connects person P's operator terminal 16 and the training avatar 18 so that they can communicate with each other, and notifies them that they are connected to the task of processing the service program (the control program for the T service).

In accordance with the service program, the server 12 displays a message on the operation screen of the operator terminal 16 of person P indicating that connection has been established with the training avatar 18, as well as an interface such as operation buttons for operating the avatar 18. In the T service of this embodiment, a stationary robot or CG displayed on a tablet terminal is used as the avatar 18, and an interface for operating the stationary robot or CG is displayed on the operation screen of the operator terminal 16.

Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, the operation buttons used to control the avatar 18 are assigned commands that cause the avatar 18 to perform a specific action, make a specific utterance, or perform both a specific action and specific utterance. Specific actions include bowing, nodding or shaking the head, and spreading both arms. Specific utterances include good morning, hello, good evening, goodbye, nice to meet you, and thank you. The utterances are pre-recorded in the voice of person P, and the avatar 18 plays back the recorded voice in response to commands.

For example, person P presses the "bow" operation button and says "Thank you for your cooperation" to the instructor to begin the mock lesson. The content of the mock lesson varies, and as it is not essential to the present application, a detailed explanation will be omitted. When the mock lesson is over, person P greets the instructor and then logs out of the CA service. At this time, the communication connection between the operator terminal 16 and the training avatar 18 is terminated.

<Teaching as a private tutor>
After completing the training, person P uses avatar 18 to teach students as a tutor. Person P receives shift information by email from company X. For example, person P will teach arithmetic to two elementary school students for one hour every Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Shortly before 7 PM on Wednesday (for example, 6:50 PM), person P logs in to the CA service using his or her operator terminal 16, selects Company X's T service from the service menu, and then selects the start of classes from the submenu. However, at the time of login, the server 12 authenticates the operator ID and password of the operator terminal 16, and if authentication is successful, the operator terminal 16 logs in to the CA service.

Then, the T service server receives notification from the CA service server 12 that the lesson is about to begin, selects a predetermined number of students (for example, two) who are scheduled to take math class on Wednesday from 7 p.m., and assigns the avatars 18 at the homes of each of the selected students to the operator terminal 16 of person P. However, students who have notified the CA service server 12 in advance that they will be absent are excluded from the selection.

The operation screen of person P's operator terminal 16 displays that it is waiting for a connection from an avatar 18 at a student's home. In addition, each avatar 18 at a student's home notifies students in front of (nearby) the avatar 18 that there is a connection request by flashing a lamp or outputting a ringtone. A predetermined number of students each notify the acceptance of the connection request through their avatar 18.

In accordance with the session management program, the server 12 connects person P's operator terminal 16 and each student's avatar 18 so that they can communicate with each other, and notifies the service program (the control program for the T service) that they are connected.

In accordance with the service program, the server 12 displays a message on the operation screen of person P's operator terminal 16 indicating that connection has been established with the avatars 18 at each student's home, and also displays an interface such as operation buttons for operating the avatars 18.

When person P confirms on the operation screen that the avatars 18 at each student's home have already connected, he or she may, for example, press the bow operation button to make the avatar 18 bow, and greet (speak) the students by saying, "I'll be in charge of your math class starting today. Nice to meet you," and begin the lesson. However, the voice spoken by person P is transmitted from the operator terminal 16 to the avatars 18 at each student's home and output from the avatars 18.

When person P finishes the lesson, he or she says, "That's all for today. See you next week," and then presses the end button to log out of the CA service. At this time, the communication connection between the operator terminal 16 and the avatars 18 at each student's home is terminated.

The history of conversations and operations that take place during class is recorded in chronological order. By analyzing the history of conversations and operations, the quality of the T service can be improved. As an example, conversations can be promoted by automatically generating a nodding gesture for the avatar 18 at a timing deemed appropriate based on the history of conversations and operations. In other words, a service (module) that automatically generates a nodding gesture is added to the control program for the avatar 18.

<Register as a student>
Furthermore, person Q, who wishes to take lessons from a private tutor, is registered with server 12 as a service user in order to use information processing system 10. As an example, on a user registration internet site operated by server 12, person Q or his/her parent operates their own terminal (user terminal) to provisionally register with the CA service operated by server 12 as a service user who will use the CA service.

The server 12 then notifies person Q's user terminal of the URL of the official registration site, along with the service user ID and temporary password. Person Q or their parent then uses their own user terminal to access the official registration site and register a password, thereby officially registering person Q as a service user of the CA service. Specifically, the server 12 registers person Q in the user management DB (service user management DB 30b).

As shown in Figure 3, the service user management DB 30b stores names and passwords corresponding to service user IDs.

The service user ID is the service user's identification information and consists of a string of characters (SU) that identifies the service user and a serial number (e.g., a five-digit number). The service user ID is issued using the serial number next to the last serial number when a service user is officially registered (added). The temporary password is issued randomly.

The name is the name of the service user and is entered by the person registering as a service user on the user registration internet site.

The password is required to access the CA service's Internet site, and is entered (or determined) by the person registering as a service user at the time of registration. As an example, the password is determined to be 8 to 12 letters and numbers, and is indicated by a # symbol in Figure 3.

In the example shown in Figure 3, Haruko Tanaka is registered in the service user management DB 30b as a service user with the service user ID SU08301, and a password is also registered. Taro Sato is also registered as a service user with the service user ID OP08302, and a password is also registered.

Next, the service user (here, Person Q) logs in to the CA service by entering their service user ID and password on the CA service login screen, selects the tutoring service (T service) from the CA service's service menu, and then selects to register as a student in the submenu. The service user also selects the desired subjects and desired lesson dates and times from each menu.

Then, in response to an instruction from server 12, the service user with the service user ID is registered as a student in student management DB 106 (see Figure 5) managed by company X that provides the T service. However, student management DB 106 is connected to the server for the T service directly or via network 14.

As shown in Figure 5, the student management DB 106 stores a service user ID, desired subject, and desired date and time of attendance corresponding to the student registration number. The student registration number includes an alphabet (in this embodiment, S) indicating the student and a serial number, and is determined when the student is registered in the student management DB 1106. The service user ID is the service user ID assigned when registering for the CA service. The desired subject is the subject that the student will take. The desired date and time of attendance refers to the day (in this embodiment, the day of the week) and time (start time and end time) that the desired subject will be taken.

<Avatar registration 1>
An avatar registration clerk at company X prepares an avatar 18 to be distributed (lend) to a service user of service T (e.g., person Q), and registers the prepared avatar 18 with the CA service. As an example, the avatar registration clerk uses his/her own terminal to open a login screen for the CA service, enters his/her own service user ID and password, and logs in.

The avatar registration person has already registered as a service user of the CA service.

When the avatar registration officer logs in to the CA service, they select the avatar registration service from the CA service's service menu and provisionally register the avatar 18 with the CA service by entering or selecting the avatar 18's unique information, the avatar 18's owner, and the avatar 18's attributes.

The server 12 then notifies the terminal of the avatar registration clerk of the URL of the official registration site, along with the avatar ID and temporary password. The avatar registration clerk then uses their own terminal to access the official registration site and register the password, thereby officially registering the avatar 18 as an avatar 18 to be used in the CA service. Specifically, the server 12 registers the avatar 18 in the avatar management DB 32.

As shown in Figure 4, the avatar management DB32 stores unique information, owner ID, attributes, and passwords corresponding to an avatar ID.

The avatar ID is identification information for the avatar 18 and consists of a string of characters (AV) that identifies the avatar 18 and a serial number (e.g., a five-digit number). The avatar ID is issued using the serial number next to the last serial number when the avatar 18 is officially registered (added). The temporary password is issued randomly.

The unique information is, for example, a MAC address, but may be other information such as a serial number. In Figure 4, the MAC address is omitted by adding a horizontal bar.

The owner ID is identification information for the owner of the avatar 18 and is indicated by a multi-digit number, a string of letters, or a symbol that combines these (for example, a five-digit number).

The attribute is the type of avatar 18, and indicates whether it is stationary, mobile, or CG. In this example, stationary refers to a stationary robot, mobile refers to a mobile robot, and CG refers to CG displayed on a tablet device.

The password is required to access the CA service's Internet site, and is entered (or determined) by the avatar registration officer who registers the avatar 18 during the actual registration process. As an example, the password is determined to be 8 to 12 letters and numbers, and is indicated by an "x" in Figure 4.

In the example shown in Figure 4, the avatar management DB 32 stores, in association with the avatar 18 whose avatar ID is AV13853, the MAC address of the communication device equipped with the avatar 18 as unique information, 234012 as the owner ID, "stationary" as an attribute, and a password.

In addition, for avatar 18 with avatar ID AV13854, the MAC address of the communication device equipped with that avatar 18 is registered as unique information, 234012 is registered as the owner ID, CG is registered as an attribute, and a password is also registered.

Furthermore, for avatar 18 with avatar ID AV13855, the MAC address of the communication device equipped with that avatar 18 is registered as unique information, 000396 is registered as the owner ID, mobile type is registered as an attribute, and a password is also registered.

In the example shown in Figure 4, it can be seen that avatar 18 with avatar ID AV13853 and avatar 18 with avatar ID AV13854 are owned by the same owner.

The avatar registration officer also sets (stores) the registered avatar ID and password in the internal memory of the corresponding avatar 18 (robot or computer).

<Avatar Registration 2>
Next, the avatar registration person selects T Service from the service menu, selects Service Management from the submenu, and further selects Avatar Registration from the submenu. Subsequently, the avatar registration person registers the avatar ID of the avatar 18 registered in Avatar Registration 1 in the T Service. At this time, the avatar registration person also registers the student registration number of the user of the avatar 18, i.e., the student (here, Person Q), and the attributes of Person Q in the T Service.

Then, in response to an instruction from the server 12, the avatar ID of the avatar 18 registered in the T service and the student to whom the avatar 18 is loaned are registered in association with each other in the registered avatar management DB 108 managed by company X that provides the T service. However, the registered avatar management DB 108 is connected to the server for the T service directly or via the network 14.

As shown in Figure 5, the registered avatar management DB 108 stores the avatar ID, student registration number, and attributes corresponding to the avatar registration number. The avatar registration number includes an alphabet (in this example, RA) and a serial number that indicate that the avatar 18 is registered, and is determined when the avatar is registered in the registered avatar management DB 108. The avatar ID is the avatar ID assigned when registering for the CA service.

The student registration number is the student registration number assigned when registering for the T service. The attribute is the student's attribute (permanent or temporary) registered for the student registration number. Permanent means that there is no set limit for using the T service, and temporary means that there is a set limit for using the T service.

Once the registration of the avatar 18 and the registration of the registered avatar 18 and the user to whom the avatar 18 will be loaned are complete, the avatar 18 and the text (or materials to be used in class) will be sent to the user's home.

<Attending classes as a student>
When a student Q receives the avatar 18 and the text, he or she uses the avatar 18 to take lessons from the tutor.

Shortly before 7 PM on Wednesday (for example, 6:50 PM), person Q prepares for the class by opening the textbook and powering on the avatar 18. When the avatar 18 is powered on, it sends the avatar ID and password stored in its internal memory to the CA service server 12 and enters a state of waiting for connection. However, the server 12 authenticates the avatar ID and password, and if authentication is successful, allows the start of a session between the operator terminal 16 used by the tutor and the avatar 18 assigned to this operator terminal 16.

At 7 p.m., as described above, the lamp on the avatar 18 will flash or a call will sound, notifying person Q that there is a connection request from the tutor's operator terminal 16. In response, the student will take action to accept the connection request. For example, if the avatar 18 is a robot, the student will shake hands with the robot or input acceptance by voice. If the avatar 18 is CG, the student will turn on the acceptance button or input acceptance by voice.

Avatar 18 then bows and greets the students, saying (spoken), "I'll be in charge of your math class starting today. Nice to meet you." and begins the lesson.

When the class ends, avatar 18 says, "That's all for today. See you next week," and then shuts down. Person Q then turns off avatar 18.

As mentioned above, the history of interactions and operations that take place during class is recorded in chronological order.

<Aquarium tour service>
The second case is when a certain aquarium Y provides a tour service (hereinafter referred to as an “F service”). In such an F service, visitors, i.e., participants, tour the aquarium through their own avatars 18.

In the case of this F service, visitor person R makes a reservation by clicking a link on the aquarium Y's homepage and selecting or specifying the desired date and time for the tour on the web page of the F service reservation site managed by server 12, as well as entering their own service user ID and operator ID.

Note that person R is the operator of the remotely located avatar 18, and is also a service user who tours the site through the avatar 18. In this case, person R is registered with the CA service as both an operator and a service user. The registration methods for each are as shown in the example of the T service.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing another example of a service providing system 200 when providing the F service using the information processing system 10. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a visitor management DB 204 and a registered avatar management DB 206 managed by aquarium Y that provides the F service. Below, the tour service at aquarium Y will be explained using Figures 7 and 8, but the same content as the tutor service described above will only be briefly explained.

In the case of this F service, the applicant (here, person R) registers as an operator with Aquarium Y's F service via information processing system 10, and also registers as a service user with Aquarium Y's F service via information processing system 10. Next, person R makes a reservation for a guided tour on the web page of the F service's reservation site, as described above.

<Register as a visitor>
Specifically, person Q, who wishes to take a guided tour of aquarium Y, is registered with server 12 as an operator and service user in order to use information processing system 10. As an example, on an internet site for user registration operated by server 12, person R operates his/her own terminal (operator terminal 16) to provisionally register as an operator of avatar 18 with the CA service operated by server 12.

The server 12 then notifies person R's operator terminal 16 of the URL of the official registration site, along with the operator ID and temporary password. When person R uses his or her operator terminal 16 to access the official registration site and register a password, person P is officially registered as an operator of the CA service. Specifically, the server 12 registers person R in the user management DB (operator management DB 30a). The operator management DB 30a has been described using Figure 3, so a detailed description will be omitted.

Subsequently, person Q is registered with server 12 as a service user in order to use information processing system 10. As an example, on a user registration internet site operated by server 12, person Q operates his/her own terminal (here, operator terminal 16) to provisionally register with the CA service operated by server 12 as a service user who will use the CA service.

The server 12 then notifies person R's operator terminal 16 of the URL of the official registration site, along with the service user ID and temporary password. Person R uses his or her operator terminal 16 to access the official registration site and register a password, thereby officially registering person R as a service user of the CA service. Specifically, the server 12 registers person R in the user management DB (service user management DB 30b). The service user management DB 30b has been described using Figure 3, so a detailed description will be omitted.

Next, the applicant (person R in this case) logs in to the CA service by entering their service user ID (or operator ID) and password on the CA service login screen, selects the guided tour service for Aquarium Y (Service F) from the CA service's service menu, and then selects "Book a guided tour" from the submenu. The applicant also selects (or specifies) the desired date and time for the tour from the menu.

Then, in response to an instruction from server 12, the applicant for the service user ID and operator ID is registered as a visitor in visitor management DB 204 managed by aquarium Y, which provides the F service. However, visitor management DB 204 is connected directly or via network 14 to aquarium Y's server 202 (a server separate from server 12 and the server for the T service; hereinafter referred to as the "server for the F service"), which operates an internet site for providing the F service. The same is true for registered avatar management DB 206, which will be described later. Furthermore, server 202 for the F service is a general-purpose server, and is equipped with components such as a CPU, RAM, and a communications I/F.

The visitor management DB 204 stores the service user ID, operator ID, and reservation date and time corresponding to the visitor number. The visitor number includes an alphabet (in this example, a V) indicating the visitor and a serial number, and is determined when the visitor is registered in the visitor management DB. The service user ID and operator ID are the service user ID and operator ID assigned when registering for the CA service. The reservation date and time indicates the date (year, month, day) and time (start time and end time) for the applicant to visit Aquarium Y.

<Avatar registration 1>
The avatar registration staff at Aquarium Y prepares avatars 18 to be used by service users of Service F and registers the prepared avatars 18 with the CA service. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, the registered avatars 18 are registered (added) to the avatar management DB 32. The avatar registration 1 and the avatar management DB are as described above, and therefore a repeated explanation will be omitted.

<Avatar Registration 2>
Next, the avatar registration clerk selects F Service from the service menu, selects Service Management from the submenu, and further selects Avatar Registration from the submenu. Subsequently, the avatar registration clerk registers the avatar ID of the avatar 18 registered in Avatar Registration 1 in the F Service. At this time, the avatar registration clerk also registers the visitor number of the user of the avatar 18, i.e., the visitor (here, person R), and the attributes of person R in the F Service.

Then, in response to an instruction from the server 12, the avatar ID of the avatar 18 registered in the F service and the visitor who will use that avatar 18 are registered in association with each other in the registered avatar management DB 206 managed by the aquarium Y that provides the F service. However, the registered avatar management DB 206 is connected to the server 202 for the F service directly or via the network 14.

As shown in Figure 8, the registered avatar management DB 206 stores the avatar ID, visitor number, and attributes corresponding to the avatar registration number. The avatar registration number and avatar ID are the same as those described above, so a duplicate explanation will be omitted.

The visitor number is the number assigned when registering for the F service. The attribute is the attribute of the visitor with the visitor number (one day or one year), and the period of use of the F service is registered.

Once the registration of the avatar 18 and the registration of the registered avatar 18 and the visitor who will use that avatar 18 are complete, that avatar 18 is placed in aquarium Y. However, the avatar 18 may also be placed in aquarium Y in advance.

<Visiting Aquarium Y as a visitor>
Person Q logs in to the CA service using his/her operator terminal 16 shortly before 2:00 PM on the reservation date and time, for example, January 15, 2022 (for example, 1:50 PM), selects service F for aquarium Y from the service menu, and then selects to start a tour (guided tour) from the submenu. However, at the time of login, the server 12 authenticates the operator ID and password of the operator terminal 16, and if the authentication is successful, the operator terminal 16 logs in to the CA service.

Then, the server 202 for the F service receives notification from the server 12 for the CA service that the tour has begun, selects a visitor (here, person Q) who is scheduled to tour from January 15, 2022, and assigns the avatar 18 registered for the selected visitor to the operator terminal 16 of person R. Also, guide G, an employee of aquarium Y, is assigned to the avatar 18.

When the avatar 18 is powered on, it sends the avatar ID and password stored in its internal memory to the CA service server 12 and waits for a connection. However, the server 12 authenticates the avatar ID and password, and if authentication is successful, allows the start of a session between the operator terminal 16 used by the visitor and the avatar 18 assigned to this operator terminal 16.

At 2 p.m., a lamp on the avatar 18 will flash or a call will sound, informing the guide G that there has been a connection request from the visitor's operator terminal 16. In response, the guide G will perform an operation to accept the connection request. For example, if the avatar 18 is a robot, the guide G will shake hands with the robot or vocally input acceptance.

Meanwhile, the operation screen of person Q's operator terminal 16 displays that it is waiting for a connection from avatar 18 located in aquarium Y, and avatar 18 located in aquarium Y notifies guide G, who is in front of (nearby) avatar 18, that there is a connection request by flashing a lamp or outputting a ringtone. Guide G notifies avatar 18 that the connection request has been accepted through avatar 18.

In accordance with the session management program, the server 12 connects person R's operator terminal 16 and avatar 18 so that they can communicate with each other, and notifies them that they are connected to the task of processing the service program (the control program for the F service).

In accordance with the service program, the server 12 displays a message on the operation screen of person R's operator terminal 16 indicating that connection has been established with the avatar 18 located in aquarium Y, and also displays an interface such as operation buttons for operating the avatar 18. Person R confirms on the operation screen that the avatar 18 located in aquarium Y has been connected.

When guide G accepts the connection request through avatar 18, he or she begins the tour by saying, "Hello, and welcome to Aquarium Y." Person R controls avatar 18 to move avatar 18 around the aquarium, and through avatar 18 enjoys the guided tour by admiring the fish, listening to guide G's explanations, and interacting with him or her.

The history of interactions and operations that occur during the tour (tour) is recorded in chronological order. By analyzing the history of interactions and operations, the quality of the F service can be improved. As an example, a guided tour along a recommended guided route can be provided by automatically setting the movement route and stopping positions of the avatar 18 at a timing deemed appropriate based on the history of interactions and operations. In other words, a service (module) that provides guidance along a recommended guided route is added to the control program of the avatar 18.

This embodiment provides a CA service that registers, manages, and authenticates avatars, avatar operators, and avatar users. Therefore, when providing various services that use this CA service as a base, an avatar can be assigned to the operator and the specified service can be provided.

In this embodiment, the service history DB is connected to a server that provides the CA service, but it may also be connected to another server that provides a specified service using the CA service. Alternatively, a separate service history DB may be provided that is connected to another server that provides a specified service.

Furthermore, by constructing various service provision systems such as those shown in the above examples, it is possible to dynamically assign combinations of operators and avatars when providing a specified service by taking into account the characteristics of the user, operator, and avatar in the CA service and a specified service that uses the CA service, as well as the service history. However, the characteristics may be common to all specified services or individual.

Note that the various databases and specified services listed in this example are merely examples and can be modified as needed.

10... Information processing system 12, 102, 202... Server 12a, 50... CPU
12b, 52...RAM
12c, 54...Communication I/F
14 Network 16 Operator terminal 18 Avatar 30 User management DB
32...Avatar management DB
34...Session management DB
36...Service management DB
38...Service history DB
56... Input/output I/F
58 ... input device 60 ... display device 62 ... microphone 64 ... speaker 66 ... sensor I/F
68 ... Camera 100, 200 ... Service providing system 104 ... Tutor management DB
106...Student management DB
108 ...Registered avatar management DB
204... Visitor management DB
206 ...Registered avatar management DB

Claims (1)

An information processing system including: an information processing device that provides a platform service that is a platform service for providing one or more predetermined services using avatars; and an operator terminal for an operator that operates an avatar used in the predetermined services,
a first storage means for storing avatar identification information and an avatar password, which are identification information of the avatar used in the one or more predetermined services;
a second storage means for storing operator identification information and an operator password, which are identification information of the operator;
an operator authentication means for authenticating the operator identification information and the operator password when the operator uses the infrastructure service;
a selection means for selecting one of the predetermined services in accordance with an operation of the operator who has been successfully authenticated by the operator authentication means;
an allocation means for allocating, when one of the predetermined services is selected by the selection means, the avatar to be used in the predetermined service to the operator terminal of the selected operator;
an avatar authentication means for authenticating the avatar identification information and the avatar password of the avatar assigned by the assignment means; and an authorization means for authorizing, in response to successful authentication by the avatar authentication means, start of a session between the operator terminal of the operator who selected the predetermined service and the avatar assigned by the assignment means.