JP4051784B2 - User requirement clarification method using virtual reality technology - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a user requirement clarification method for clarifying a user's request and reflecting it specifically in the design by using a virtual reality display means using a stereoscopic image when designing a new product design or function. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
When designing a new product design or function, a questionnaire survey is often used as a means of clarifying a user request in order to reflect the user request. In the questionnaire survey, it is known that the setting of the questionnaire item has a great influence on the result, and it is not easy to find out the true request of the user.
[0003]
In addition, in order to clarify specific requirements for a specific user, design and functional design specialists, such as planners, should conduct interviews to clarify the user requirements. Is also common. In this method, the difference between the user and the planner's way of thinking is difficult to surface, and it is not easy for the user himself to express his / her own requirements clearly. It was difficult to accurately digitize requirements.
[0004]
Recently, with the advance of computers, attempts have been made to clarify user requests as specifically as possible by operating a CAD or, in some cases, a virtual reality display device by a planner. Furthermore, considering the limitations on communication with the planner, the user's requirements can be clarified in the process by simplifying the operation of CAD and allowing the user to perform design work directly. It is starting to take place. In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-160946 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-30674 disclose design decision making systems by selecting an image database, but do not use virtual reality technology.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the method based on the questionnaire survey, it is not easy to set the questionnaire items to be set in advance so as to correctly extract the user's request, and as a result, the user is often forced to compromise. In addition, if an attempt is made to draw out the user's request as accurately as possible, the questionnaire items and the contents of the answers become enormous and the user's burden is heavy, and on the contrary, the user's request cannot be clarified.
[0006]
In interviews with planners, it is difficult to avoid the difference between the user and the planner's mindset. It's not a method. In addition, there is a method for clarifying the user request by operating a simple CAD etc., which has recently started to solve these problems, but a user who is not an expert makes his request. It is not easy to embody the design and function in the level of expression.
[0007]
The object of the present invention is to create and present candidates that can be realized by the virtual reality technology in such a way that the system approaches the user's request. It is an object to provide a method capable of accurately converting user requests into data without particularly being conscious of the structure of candidate data.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, initial candidate data characterized in advance by various factors related to the user request is prepared, and the candidate data is not directly presented to the user but the candidate data. The virtual reality data creating means and the virtual reality display means for converting into virtual reality data and presenting it as a stereoscopic image are provided so that the user can easily recognize the above feature. Further, the user can experience the presented virtual reality data, select whether the virtual reality data has characteristics close to the user request, and the user among candidate data corresponding to the selected virtual reality data. The analysis means for detecting the direction of the user request by comparing the characteristics of the factors related to the request and analyzing the degree of similarity and difference, and the degree thereof, and to reflect the direction of the detected user request Next candidate creation means is provided for creating new candidate data characterized by factors related to the user request.
[0009]
Whether or not the virtual reality data presented in the form of a stereoscopic video that allows the user to easily recognize the feature without the user's particular awareness of the internal candidate data structure, etc., by these means. By simply repeating the process of selecting on the basis of the user request, the user request is accurately converted into data by the internal candidate data. Candidate data to be converted into virtual reality data and displayed is not simply used comprehensively, but rather newly created in accordance with the direction of user requests, The user is not forced to select an enormous number of times, and initial candidate data can be arbitrarily created.
[0010]
According to the invention of claim 2, in the invention of claim 1, in addition to the features that the user can easily experience and select by converting to virtual reality data related to the design and function, the price and delivery date, By associating additional information such as manufacturing restrictions with the candidate data, additional information can be displayed when virtual reality data is presented to the user. User requests under the constraints that can be expressed can be accurately converted into data.
[0011]
In the invention of claim 1, further user with a case where the respective corresponding plurality of virtual reality plurality of stereoscopic image data presented to the user, the user selects only one of them to a plurality of candidate data It is characterized in that it is determined that the request has been clarified and the process ends, and the user's operation can be simplified.
[0012]
In the invention of claim 3 , the virtual reality display means additionally displays at least one of auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory sensation together with a stereoscopic image so that the user can experience virtual reality data. And
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to embodiments. 2, 3 and 4 show an example of an embodiment of a user request clarification method using the virtual reality technology of the present invention, and a recording medium recording a series of processing programs for user request clarification A floppy disk 1 and a virtual reality display means which can be input by the user, store initial candidate data, and read and execute a program recorded on a recording medium It consists of two.
[0014]
In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the user can experience the features assigned to the candidate data in a form closer to reality by immersing and experiencing the virtual reality data in the virtual space through the head-mounted display 3. , Easy to select. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, since virtual reality data is displayed on the screen 4, a plurality of users can experience the characteristics at the same time, and it is possible to clarify the user request based on the agreement of the plurality of users. It is. Here, the image projected on the screen 4 by the projector 7 can be experienced as a stereoscopic image by looking through the shutter glasses 8. The embodiment of FIG. 4 is an example in which a display 5 of a general personal computer is used as a virtual reality display means, and there are limitations on the features that can be experienced, but the cost on the device side can be reduced. .
[0015]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a specific embodiment of a user request clarification method using the virtual reality technology of the present invention as an example. In the figure, the virtual reality display means a includes a virtual reality display unit a1 such as the head-mounted display 3 shown in FIG. 2 and an operation unit a2 such as a mouse 6, and provides the user with virtual reality data. And input data selected by the user. The data communication means b transmits virtual reality data from the computer system main body c to the virtual reality display means a, and transmits data selected by the user from the virtual reality display means a to the system main body c. By interposing the data communication means b, the virtual reality display means a can be used at a remote place away from the system body c. The system main body c is realized by the computer 2 shown in FIG. 2, and the presentation candidate data c1 is created from the initial candidate data d, virtual reality data is created by the virtual reality data creation means c2, and the data It is sent to the virtual reality display means a via the communication means b. Also, the user's selected data sent from the virtual reality display means a through the data communication means b is input, the tendency preferred by the user is analyzed by the analysis means c3, and then presented by the next candidate creation means c4. Create candidate data to be used. By repeating the process of presenting virtual reality data and selection by the user, the user's request can be clarified and converted into data.
[0016]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of a series of processes for clarifying a user request using the virtual reality technology of the present invention. When the user request clarification process is started, candidate data is arbitrarily extracted from the initial candidate data. Virtual reality data is created from the extracted candidate data. The created virtual reality data is presented to the user by the virtual reality display means. When data is selected by the user, it is determined whether or not it matches the user request. If not, the corresponding candidate data is selected according to the user's selection. The difference and similarity between the selected candidate data and unselected candidate data and the degree thereof are analyzed using the factors used for characterization, and the direction of the user request is obtained. New candidate data characterized according to the directionality of the requested user request is created, and virtual reality data is created from the candidate data. Thereafter, the same process is repeated, and if candidate data that matches the user request is selected, the candidate data that matches the user request is output assuming that the user request is clarified, and the process is terminated.
[0017]
FIG. 6 is an image diagram representing an example of a case where a plurality of virtual reality data respectively corresponding to a plurality of candidate data is collectively presented to the user and the user makes a selection. In this example, six candidate data are collectively presented to the user, and the user selects two candidate data among them. The feature of the two selected candidate data is that the number of constrictions is one. After this selection, the candidate data presented to the user has one constriction and various other factors. Different candidate data will be created as the next candidate.
[0018]
FIG. 7 is an example in which the user request clarification method using the virtual reality technology of the present invention is applied to the design of a vase, and is a schematic diagram showing the flow of clarifying the user request. The flow of user request clarification according to the present invention will be described with reference to the example of FIG. In order to clarify the vase design desired by a user and at the same time accurately convert it into data, the factors related to the vase design are size (X, Y, Z), number of constrictions N, color (R, G, B) and the like are prepared, and initial candidate data characterized by them is prepared. Some candidate data is extracted from the input initial candidate data, and virtual reality data corresponding to each of the candidate data is created. The created virtual reality data is displayed in a form in which features are easily recognized by the user by the virtual reality presentation means. From the displayed information, the user selects the one close to his / her request. Candidate data corresponding to the virtual reality data selected by the user is selected from the candidate data. Compares and analyzes features between selected candidate data and non-selected candidate data, selected candidate data and non-selected candidate data, and based on differences and similarities and their degrees, the user The directionality of the request is obtained, and the directionality is used to characterize the next candidate data.
[0019]
In the example of FIG. 7, the user can easily obtain the analysis result that he does not like the vertically long shape, prefers a dark color, prefers not to have a lot of constriction, etc. Since there is no exact match for the request, new candidate data with these characteristics will be created. Corresponding virtual reality data is created from the newly created candidate data, and the user's selection is received again. In this example, some of the newly displayed virtual reality presentation means matches the user request, so the user request is converted into data as candidate data corresponding to the selected user, and the user request is clearly defined. Has been completed.
[0020]
If there is no new user presentation that matches the user requirements, the new user selection is performed to analyze the characteristics again, create new candidate data, and present virtual reality data as virtual reality data. To the user and receive user selection. This process is repeated until the user request is met.
[0021]
In the above embodiment, the virtual reality data is experienced visually. However, if other virtual reality display means are used, the virtual reality data can also be used for experiences such as hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Further, by using a data communication means such as a computer network, the virtual reality display means and a part other than a part for inputting selection by the user can be installed at a place away from the user. As a procedure for analyzing candidate data based on the user's selection, not only a simple comparison for each factor as used in the above embodiment, but also generally known according to the target design and function. A statistical analysis method, a fuzzy reasoning method, a neural network, an expert system, or the like can be used.
[0022]
Furthermore, although a floppy disk is used as the recording medium in the above embodiment, various recording media used for storing computer programs, such as other magnetic disks, magnetic tapes, CD-ROMs, and semiconductor memories, can be used.
[0023]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, initial candidate data characterized in advance by various factors related to a user request, and virtual reality data for creating virtual reality data for allowing the user to experience features based on the candidate data are provided. Data creation means, virtual reality display means for allowing the user to experience virtual reality data as a stereoscopic image, analysis means for analyzing similarities and differences between candidate data selected by the user based on the experience, and analysis 3D image close to the user's request from among a plurality of 3D images displayed by the virtual reality display unit , comprising a next candidate creating unit that creates the next candidate data by changing the characteristics of the candidate data based on the result action of the features of the candidate data corresponding to the stereoscopic image selected by the user at the same time continue to clarify the direction of the user request by causing the selection by the following candidate creating unit And data the user requests to go to reflect the next candidate data, with a case where only one stereoscopic image from a plurality of stereoscopic images displayed by the virtual reality display means is selected by the user request A user request clarification method using a virtual reality technology that is determined to be clarified, in the form of a stereoscopic image in which the user can easily recognize features without being particularly conscious of the structure of internal candidate data. It is only necessary to repeat the process of selecting whether or not the presented virtual reality data has a feature close to the user's request, and the candidate data to be converted into virtual reality data and displayed is simply prepared in advance. Users are not forced to choose a huge number of times because they create new features that are tailored to the direction of user requests rather than using them comprehensively. There is an effect that the user request is data accurately by internal candidate data.
[0024]
According to the invention of claim 2, in the invention of claim 1, in addition to the features that the user can easily experience and select by converting to virtual reality data related to the design and function, the price and delivery date, By associating additional information such as manufacturing restrictions with the candidate data, additional information can be displayed when virtual reality data is presented to the user. There is an effect that the user request under the constraint condition that can be expressed can be accurately converted into data.
[0025]
In the present invention of claim 1, and with each corresponding plurality of virtual reality data to a plurality of stereoscopic images presented to the user in a plurality of candidate data, the user requests with a case where the user selects one only from the since ends is determined to have been clarified, there is an effect that it is possible to simplify the operation of the user.
[0026]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the virtual reality display means additionally displays at least one of hearing, touch, smell and taste together with a stereoscopic image so that the user can experience virtual reality data. Therefore, in addition to visual experiences, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and taste experiences can also be used.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an apparatus for implementing a user request clarification method using virtual reality technology of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment using a head-mounted display as a virtual reality display means of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment using a screen and shutter glasses as virtual reality display means of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment using a display of a personal computer as the virtual reality display means of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of a series of processes for clarifying a user request using the virtual reality technology of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a case where a plurality of virtual reality data is collectively presented to a user and selection is performed by the user in the user request clarification of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of clarifying a user request in an embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Floppy disk (recording medium)
2 Computer 3 Head mounted display 4 Screen 5 Display 6 Mouse 7 Projector 8 Shutter glasses

Claims (3)

Virtual reality data creation means for creating initial reality data pre-characterized by various factors related to user requirements, virtual reality data for allowing the user to experience features based on the candidate data, and virtual reality Virtual reality display means that allows the user to experience sensation data as a stereoscopic image, analysis means for analyzing similarities and differences between candidate data selected by the user based on the experience, and candidate data based on the analysis results A next candidate creating means for creating the next candidate data by changing the characteristics of the image , and selecting a stereoscopic video close to the user's request from a plurality of stereoscopic videos displayed by the virtual reality display means. the next candidate de created when going to clarify the direction of the user requesting a feature of the candidate data corresponding to the stereoscopic image selected by the user at the same time by the following candidate creating unit And data the user requests to go to reflect the data, determines that the user requests with a case where only one stereoscopic image from a plurality of stereoscopic images displayed is selected is clarified by the virtual reality display means user request clarification method using the virtual reality technology, characterized by.     The user request clarification method according to claim 1, wherein additional information such as price, delivery date, and manufacturing restrictions is added to the candidate data, and the additional information is displayed together with virtual reality data. . The virtual reality display means additionally displays at least one of auditory, tactile, olfactory and gustatory sensation together with the stereoscopic image to allow the user to experience virtual reality data. User request clarification method described in .

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