Information processing method

Abstract

An object of the present application is to improve a dialogue system. An information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus, the information processing method including the steps of: storing a URL of a web page that performs a prescribed function based on contents of one or more items selected by a user; extracting the contents of the one or more items from a question sentence input by the user; generating and displaying a response sentence including a link for accessing the web page based on the URL of the web page and the extracted contents of the one or more items; when the link is selected by the user, accessing the web page and passing the extracted contents of the one or more items as parameters to the web page; and displaying a result of the prescribed function performed based on the extracted contents of the one or more items.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing method. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for generating a domain-specific chatbot using a large-scale language model based on documents in a given domain. Patent Document 1 also describes a data expansion technique that utilizes synonyms and near-synonyms specific to the domain to which the target document belongs, during the fine-tuning of the search model.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-076413 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, existing dialogue systems sometimes become complex in their information gathering processes, leaving room for improvement. For example, existing machine learning-based dialogue systems do not collaborate sufficiently with external web services that perform the prescribed functions, requiring users to input separately into both the dialogue system and the web service.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to improve dialogue systems.

[0006] According to the present invention, the information processing method is executed by an information processing device, and the information processing method includes the following steps:

[0007] Stores the URLs of web pages that perform specified functions based on the content selected for one or more projects;

[0008] Extract the content of one or more items based on the question entered by the user;

[0009] Based on the URL of the webpage and the content of the extracted one or more items, generate and display an answer sentence that includes a link to access the webpage;

[0010] When the user selects the link, the webpage is accessed, and the content of one or more extracted items is passed to the webpage as parameters; and

[0011] Display the results of performing the specified function based on the content of one or more extracted items.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the dialogue system can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a structural example of system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 1 provides a dialog system that outputs answers to questions. (See reference...) Figure 1 The structure and overview of System 1, which is involved in the embodiments of the present invention, will be described.

[0018] System 1 includes an information processing device 10, a terminal device 20, and a network server 30. The information processing device 10, the terminal device 20, and the network server 30 are communicatively connected via a network 40.

[0019] The information processing device 10 is, for example, a server device. The information processing device 10 includes a language model. In this embodiment, the language model includes, for example, any dialogue system such as a Large Language Model (LLM) or a chatbot. The information processing device 10 can use the language model to perform chat operations that answer user questions. For example, the information processing device 10 can obtain questions from users via the terminal device 20. Furthermore, for example, the information processing device 10 can output answers to user questions via the terminal device 20.

[0020] Terminal device 20 can be any device used by the user. Terminal device 20 can be, for example, a general electronic device or a dedicated electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, wearable device, or personal computer (PC).

[0021] The web server 30 provides a webpage that performs prescribed functions based on the selection of one or more items. For example, the webpage provided by the web server 30 can receive selections of at least one item, including vehicle model, region, and class. As a prescribed function, the webpage can perform a test drive search function to search for test drive vehicles matching the selected vehicle model and region, and display the results. The functions of the webpage provided by the web server 30 are not limited to the test drive search function, but are arbitrary.

[0022] Network 40 is any communication network capable of communication between devices, such as the Internet and mobile communication networks. The number of information processing devices 10, terminal devices 20, and network servers 30 in system 1 is arbitrary.

[0023] The information processing device 10 performs a chat function, answering questions from users. For example, the information processing device 10 can provide information useful for business negotiations, such as that of a sales manager engaged in negotiations related to vehicle sales. The following description uses a terminal device 20 as an example of the device operated by the user during the chat, but it can also be the information processing device 10. During the chat, the user interacts with the information processing device 10 via text or voice through the terminal device 20. The information processing device 10 displays the chat screen via the terminal device 20.

[0024] In this structure, for example, when a question such as "Which dealership in Tokyo can test drive vehicle model A?" is entered, the information processing device 10 extracts the content of each item from the question (vehicle model → model A, region → Tokyo) and displays a link to a webpage as an answer. When the user selects the displayed link, the information processing device 10 redirects to the webpage via a web browser, and based on the extracted content of each item, the web server 30 performs a prescribed function. For example, if the webpage provided by the web server 30 has a test drive search function, the information processing device 10 can display a list of dealerships in Tokyo where vehicle model A can be test driven. Therefore, according to System 1, the sales manager of the dealership can avoid the tedious task of manually entering a question in the dialog system and accessing the test drive search function of the webpage, and instead manually specify the vehicle model and location to search for shops, thereby reducing their workload.

[0025] like Figure 1As shown, the information processing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, an input unit 14, and an output unit 15. The control unit 11 includes at least one processor. The processor is a general-purpose processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a dedicated processor for specific processing. The control unit 11 controls each part of the information processing device 10 and performs processing related to the operation of the information processing device 10. The storage unit 12 includes at least one semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory. The storage unit 12 functions as, for example, a main storage device or an auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 12 stores data used in the operation of the information processing device 10 and data obtained through the operation of the information processing device 10. The communication unit 13 includes at least one external communication interface. The communication interface can be either a wired or wireless communication interface. In the case of wired communication, the communication interface is, for example, a local area network (LAN). In the case of wireless communication, the communication interface is, for example, an interface corresponding to mobile communication standards such as 5G, or an interface corresponding to short-range wireless communication. The communication unit 13 receives data used in the operation of the information processing device 10 and transmits data obtained through the operation of the information processing device 10. The input unit 14 includes at least one input interface. The input interface may be, for example, a physical key, a touchscreen, a sound sensor (microphone) that accepts voice input, or a camera that accepts gesture input. The input unit 14 receives operations that input data for the operation of the terminal device 20. The output unit 15 includes at least one output interface. The output interface may be, for example, a display unit (monitor) that outputs information as an image, or a speaker that outputs sound. The output unit 15 outputs the data obtained through the operation of the terminal device 20. The information processing device 10 can be implemented by a single computer or by the collaboration of multiple computers.

[0026] The functions of the information processing device 10 are implemented by the processor, which corresponds to the control unit 11, executing the program involved in this embodiment. That is, the functions of the information processing device 10 are implemented through software. The program causes the computer to perform the actions of the information processing device 10, enabling the computer to function as the information processing device 10. In other words, the computer functions as the information processing device 10 by executing the actions of the information processing device 10 according to the program. In this embodiment, the program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Computer-readable recording media include non-transitory computer-readable media, such as magnetic recording devices, semiconductor memories, etc. The program can be distributed, for example, through the sale, transfer, or lending of removable recording media such as DVDs containing the program. Furthermore, the program can also be distributed by storing the program in the storage device of an external server and sending the program from the external server to other computers. The program can also be provided in the form of a program product. Some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 can also be implemented through a dedicated circuit, which corresponds to the control unit 11. That is, some or all of the functions of the information processing device 10 can also be implemented through hardware.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the terminal device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, and an output unit 25. The functions and structures of the control unit 21, storage unit 22, communication unit 23, input unit 24, and output unit 25 of the terminal device 20 are the same as those of the control unit 11, storage unit 12, communication unit 13, input unit 14, and output unit 15 of the information processing device 10, therefore detailed descriptions are omitted. The terminal device 20 can be implemented by a single computer or by the collaboration of multiple computers. Some or all of the functions of the terminal device 20 can be implemented in software, similar to the information processing device 10, or they can be implemented in hardware.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. (See reference) Figure 2 The actions of the system 1 described can be equivalent to one of the methods performed by the information processing device 10. Figure 2 The actions of each step can be executed according to the control of the control unit 11 based on the information processing device 10.

[0029] S1: The control unit 11 stores the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of a webpage that performs a prescribed function based on the content selected for one or more items in the storage unit 12. The control unit 11 can obtain various information (URL, items, content candidates for items (drop-down options), etc.) from the webpage through a web crawler and store it in the storage unit 12. The webpage storing the URL is not limited to the webpage with the aforementioned test drive search function, but can be any webpage that performs a prescribed function based on the content selected for one or more items. For example, the webpage storing the URL can be a webpage that provides image generation function based on image generation AI. Specifically, the control unit 11 can store the URL of a webpage that allows selection of the features of the image to be generated for each item ("subject category" = person / cat / landscape, "style" = realistic / impressionistic / animation, etc.). Furthermore, for example, the webpage storing the URL can be a webpage that provides information on subsidies / preferential tax systems for vehicles (economy-saving vehicle tax reduction, etc.) (webpages of vehicle manufacturers and municipalities, etc.). Specifically, the control unit 11 can store the URLs of web pages that allow users to select the desired subsidy / preferential tax system criteria for each item ("model" = model A / model B, "municipality" = Koto Ward / Chiyoda Ward, etc.).

[0030] S2: Control unit 11 extracts the content of one or more items that become input to the webpage from the question input by the user. Storage unit 12 stores a language model. The language model can be, for example, a Large Language Model (LLM). Control unit 11 can use the language model stored in storage unit 12 to perform chat with the user. Control unit 11 can use the language model to extract the content of one or more items. Control unit 11 performs chat via text, but can also perform chat via voice.

[0031] S3: The control unit 11 generates and displays an answer sentence including a link to access the webpage based on the webpage's URL and the content of one or more extracted items. The control unit 11 can use a language model to generate the answer sentence including a link to access the webpage. The control unit 11 can display the answer sentence generated based on the input question on the display unit (output unit 25). The link to access the webpage can be a URL with an attached active parameter representing the content of one or more extracted items.

[0032] S4: When a user selects a link, the control unit 11 accesses the webpage and passes the content of one or more extracted items as parameters to the webpage. Accordingly, the web server 30 providing the webpage executes the prescribed functions based on the content of one or more items.

[0033] S5: Control unit 11 displays the results of the web server 30 performing the prescribed functions based on the content of one or more output items. If the processing of S5 ends, control unit 11 terminates. Figure 2 The processing of flowcharts.

[0034] As described above, the information processing device 10 stores the URL of a webpage that performs a prescribed function based on the content selected for one or more items in the storage unit 12. The information processing device 10 extracts the content of one or more items from a question input by the user. Based on the webpage URL and the extracted content of one or more items, the information processing device 10 generates and displays an answer including a link to access the webpage. When the user selects a link, the information processing device 10 accesses the webpage and passes the extracted content of one or more items as parameters to the webpage. The information processing device 10 displays the result of performing the prescribed function based on the extracted content of one or more items. Thus, the information processing device 10 automatically extracts the content of the items required for the execution of the webpage's function from the input question, passes the extracted content of the items to the webpage according to the selected link, executes the function, and displays the result. Therefore, the user can refer to the result of the webpage simply by inputting a question and selecting a link, without having to manually input multiple items. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to smoothly cooperate with external network services that perform the prescribed function, thereby reducing the user's workload and improving the dialogue system.

[0035] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 can store the URLs of multiple web pages that perform different functions as web page URLs. For example, the information processing device 10 can store the URLs of web pages with test drive search functions, web pages providing image generation functions based on image generation AI, and web pages providing information on subsidies / preferential tax systems. The information processing device 10 can determine the function to be performed based on a question entered by the user, and generate and display a text including links to web pages that perform the determined function as an answer. According to this structure, users can utilize network services with various functions through chat.

[0036] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the multiple blocks shown in the block diagrams may be integrated, or a single block may be divided. Regarding the multiple steps shown in the flowcharts, instead of executing them in a described time sequence, they may be executed in parallel or in a different order, depending on the processing capacity of the device executing each step or as needed. Furthermore, modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention.

[0037] Symbol Explanation

[0038] 1-Information processing system, 10-Information processing device, 11-Communication unit, 12-Storage unit, 13-Input unit, 14-Output unit, 15-Control unit, 20-Terminal device, 21-Communication unit, 22-Storage unit, 23-Input unit, 24-Output unit, 25-Control unit, 30-Network server, 40-Network.

Claims

1. An information processing method, executed by an information processing device, characterized in that it includes the following steps: Stores the URLs of web pages that perform specified functions based on the content selected for one or more projects; Extract the content of one or more items based on the question entered by the user; Based on the URL of the webpage and the content of the extracted one or more items, generate and display an answer sentence that includes a link to access the webpage; When the user selects the link, the webpage is accessed, and the content of one or more extracted items is passed to the webpage as parameters; and Display the results of performing the specified function based on the content of one or more extracted items.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The webpage, as one or more items, receives selections of content for at least one of the items, including vehicle model, region, and class, and performs a test drive search function to search for test drive vehicles that match the selected vehicle model and region.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The link used to access the webpage is a URL with an additional active parameter representing the content of one or more extracted items.

4. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The URLs of multiple web pages that perform different functions are stored as the URLs of the web pages. The function to be executed is determined based on the question entered by the user. Generate and display a text containing links to web pages that allow access to perform the determined functions as the response statement.

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