Information processor, information processing method and information processing program

Abstract

To solve the problem that a thinking structure cannot be expressed by a link between a center element such as a subject and a proposition as a center of thinking and its peripheral element.SOLUTION: An information processor includes: a center element acquisition part for acquiring a center element as a center o thinking; a center element display instruction part for instructing a user terminal to display the center element; a peripheral element acquisition part for acquiring a first peripheral element related to the center element; a peripheral element display instruction part for instructing the user terminal to display the first peripheral element around the center element; a link acquisition part for acquiring a first link between the center element and the first peripheral element; and a link display instruction part for instructing the user terminal to display the first link between the center element and the first peripheral element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] In the above technical field, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that expresses an individual's thought pattern as a topological graph, arranges conceptual corresponding data, which is a component, as connection nodes, and connects the connection nodes with connection links. In addition, Cited Document 2 discloses a technology that extracts and consolidates analysis, opinions, and criticism from multiple users for a structured thought and discussion process, and confirms the relationship between elements. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-317070 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2013-105234 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in the above document links from parent nodes to child nodes, and it was not possible to express thought structures by links between central elements such as a theme or proposition that is at the center of a thought and its peripheral elements.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for solving the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device according to the present invention comprises: a central element acquisition unit for acquiring a central element that is the center of thought; a central element display instruction unit for instructing a user terminal to display the central element; a peripheral element acquisition unit that acquires a first peripheral element associated with the central element; a peripheral element display instruction unit that instructs the user terminal to display the first peripheral element around the central element; a link acquisition unit that acquires a first link between the central element and the first peripheral element; a link display instruction unit that instructs the user terminal to display the first link between the central element and the first peripheral element; Equipped with:

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing method according to the present invention comprises: A central element acquisition step of acquiring a central element that is the center of thought; a central element display instruction step of instructing a user terminal to display the central element; a peripheral element acquisition step of acquiring a first peripheral element associated with the central element; a peripheral element display instruction step of instructing the user terminal to display the first peripheral element around the central element; a link acquisition step of acquiring a first link between the central element and the first peripheral element; a link display instruction step of instructing the user terminal to display the first link between the central element and the first peripheral element; Includes.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing program according to the present invention comprises: A central element acquisition step of acquiring a central element that is the center of thought; a central element display instruction step of instructing a user terminal to display the central element; a peripheral element acquisition step of acquiring a first peripheral element associated with the central element; a peripheral element display instruction step of instructing the user terminal to display the first peripheral element around the central element; a link acquisition step of acquiring a first link between the central element and the first peripheral element; a link display instruction step of instructing the user terminal to display the first link between the central element and the first peripheral element; to be executed by the computer. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, thought structures can be effectively expressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 2C] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of operations of a user terminal in an information processing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 2D] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of subject input in a user terminal of an information processing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 2E] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of element input in a user terminal of an information processing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 2F] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of a link input in a user terminal of an information processing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 2G] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an overview of a request to register a thought structure diagram in a user terminal of the information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 2H] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an outline of an editing instruction from a user terminal of the information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3B]FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an operation procedure of the information processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a ShareB server as an information processing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a database according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a database according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5C] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a thinking structure diagram generating table according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a ShareB server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a ShareB server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing the steps of a thought structure diagram generation process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a user terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a user terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a voting operation of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal based on voting in the information processing system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal based on voting in the information processing system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12A] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12B] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an operation procedure of the information processing system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12C] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an operation procedure of the information processing system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a ShareB server as an information processing device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a database configuration according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a database configuration according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vote result tally table according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14D] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a thinking structure diagram correction table relating to the third embodiment. [Figure 14E] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a database configuration according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14F] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the configuration of a vote result tally table according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15A] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a voting result display process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15B] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process for tallying vote results according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15C] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the reflection process to the thought structure diagram in the third embodiment. [Figure 15D] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the reflection process to the thought structure diagram in the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a user terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a user terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a ShareB server as an information processing device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a database configuration according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a database configuration according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20C]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a comment display table according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21A] 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a ShareB server according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21B] 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a ShareB server according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a user terminal according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a user terminal according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 24B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another display screen of the user terminal in the information processing system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 24C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another display screen of the user terminal in the information processing system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 24D] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another display screen of the user terminal in the information processing system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 25A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a voting operation of a user terminal in an information processing system according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 25B] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing a voting operation procedure in the information processing system according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 26A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a database according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 26B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a database according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 26C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a database according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 26D] 23 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a voting result display process according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 26E] 23 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process for tabulating voting results regarding appropriate / inappropriate elements according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 27A]FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a voting operation of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 27B] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a database configuration according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 27C] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a database configuration according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 27D] 23 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process for tallying vote results according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 28A] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 28B] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a link generation table according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 28C] 20 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an information processing device according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the ninth embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the tenth embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the 11th embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the twelfth embodiment. [Diagram 33] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 34A] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 34B] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 34C] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 35A] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 35B]FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 35C] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 36A] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 36B] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 36C] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 37A] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 37B] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal in the information processing system according to the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an information processing device according to an 18th embodiment. [Figure 39] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the configuration of a thinking structure diagram generating table according to the 18th embodiment. [Figure 40A] 23 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an information processing device according to the eighteenth embodiment. [Figure 40B] 23 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an information processing device according to the eighteenth embodiment. [Figure 41A] The functions and specific contents of the thought structure diagram according to the embodiment of the present invention are summarized in a table. [Figure 41B] The functions and specific contents of the thought structure diagram according to the embodiment of the present invention are summarized in a table. [Diagram 42] Other functions and their specific contents of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention are summarized in a table. [Diagram 43] Other functions and their specific contents of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention are summarized in a table. [Diagram 44]Other functions and their specific contents of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention are summarized in a table. [Diagram 45] Other functions and their specific contents of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention are summarized in a table. [Diagram 46] Other functions and their specific contents of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention are summarized in a table. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the components described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to these. The term "thinking structure diagram" used in the specification refers to an information correlation diagram in which peripheral elements for thinking about a central element, which is a specific subject or proposition, are connected by links indicating the relationship between the central element and the peripheral elements. Here, the term "element" is used as a concept that includes not only news, statistics, dictionaries, wiki contents, videos, audio data, SNS posts, people, living things, events, all kinds of substances, concepts, ideas, words, real or imaginary existences, but also everything that humans can recognize, whether tangible or intangible. In addition, the thinking structure diagram itself can become an "element," and it is possible to create an even larger hierarchical thinking structure diagram. In addition, the central element, which is a "subject" or "proposition," represents the title or problem that is the center of thinking. In addition, the "peripheral elements" represent materials and information that serve as thinking materials for deriving the "central element." For example, peripheral elements can import news, wikis, images, etc. from external sites by inputting a URL. A "link" expresses a connection that shows the relationship between a central element and a peripheral element, or between peripheral elements. When a certain "peripheral element" is taken up as the central topic or problem of thought, that "peripheral element" can become a "central element." A proposition is a content expressed by a declarative sentence that is either true or false, and a topic is an object that the sentence talks about.

[0012] [First embodiment] An information processing device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The information processing device 100 is a device for expressing a thought structure.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 100 includes a central element acquisition unit 101, a central element display instruction unit 102, a peripheral element acquisition unit 103, a peripheral element display instruction unit 104, a link acquisition unit 105, and a link display instruction unit 106. The central element acquisition unit 101 acquires a central element as a graphic element that is the center of thinking. The central element display instruction unit 102 instructs the user terminal 110 to display the central element. The peripheral element acquisition unit 103 acquires peripheral elements as graphic elements related to the central element. The peripheral element display instruction unit 104 instructs the user terminal 110 to display the peripheral elements around the central element. The link acquisition unit 105 acquires links between the central element and the peripheral elements. The link display instruction unit 106 instructs the user terminal 110 to display links between the central element and the peripheral elements.

[0014] According to this embodiment, the thought structure can be effectively visualized.

[0015] [Second embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, a configuration and a processing procedure for generating a thinking structure diagram by repeatedly inputting central element data, peripheral element data, and link data from a display screen of a user terminal will be described. Editing of the generated thinking structure diagram will also be described. In this embodiment, an example is taken in which "medieval Europe" is arranged as the subject of the central element, and "heliocentric theory", "Renaissance", and "Reformation" are arranged as its peripheral elements. Then, the generation and publication / sharing of a thinking structure diagram centered on the proposition "Heliocentric theory is correct!", which is displayed by zooming in on the proposition "Heliocentric theory is correct!", which is a further peripheral element of "Heliocentric theory", which is one of the peripheral elements, will be described. However, this is not limited to this example. That is, in this example, "Heliocentric theory is correct!" (proposition), which was one of the peripheral elements in the second layer, is treated as the subject. In this way, a thinking structure diagram may contain elements that can be multiple subjects or propositions.

[0016] <User device display screen> (Overall thinking structure diagram) 2A is a diagram showing a display screen 201 of a user terminal 210 according to this embodiment. The display screen 201 is also called a canvas, and is a representation in which various elements are arranged via links so that the thought structure can be understood at a glance.

[0017] On the display screen 201, there is a theme 202, which is a central element that is the center of thinking, called "Medieval Europe". And there are three peripheral elements, called themes 203, called "Heliocentric Theory", "Renaissance", and "Reformation". These themes 203 are also linked to each other or through peripheral elements 204 (for example, the element "typography"). One of the themes 203, "Heliocentric Theory", is linked to the proposition 212 "The Heliocentric Theory is correct!" as a peripheral element. Here, by zooming in on the proposition 212 "The Heliocentric Theory is correct!", a thought structure diagram with the proposition "The Heliocentric Theory is correct!" as the central element appears. In this embodiment, one thought structure diagram itself becomes an "element" in this way, and it is possible to create a larger hierarchical thought structure diagram.

[0018] (Thinking structure diagram used in this embodiment) 2B is a diagram showing a display screen 211 of a user terminal 210 in the information processing system according to this embodiment. The display screen 211 shows a thought structure centered on a proposition 212, which is one peripheral element of the display screen 201, "the heliocentric theory is correct."

[0019] A display screen 211 of a user terminal 210 of a user who generates a thought structure diagram displays a thought structure diagram consisting of a proposition 212 as a central element that is the center of thought, multiple peripheral elements 213 related to the proposition 212, links 214 connecting the proposition 212 and the peripheral elements 213, and links 215 connecting the multiple peripheral elements 213. The links 214 and 215 include links indicated by arrows (triangles △), links indicated by rectangles (□), and links indicated by diamonds (◇). Links indicated by arrows (triangles △) indicate the direction of a causal relationship (parent-child relationship), that is, a relationship in which one side acts but the other way around is not possible. Links indicated by rectangles (□) indicate a relationship in which there is no causal relationship or in which there is no superiority or inferiority of information, but which may interact with each other. Links indicated by diamonds (◇) indicate a relationship of conflict or contradictory information. The shape of the link on the display screen 211 is merely an example, and may be changed depending on differences in expression standards in the thought structure diagram or voting results, which will be described later.

[0020] In the display screen 211, the proposition 212 as the central element is "The heliocentric theory is correct!", and as a peripheral element 213 linked to the proposition 212, for example, "Copernicus" as a peripheral element that supports the proposition 212 is linked to the proposition 212 with a rectangle that has no causal relationship. On the other hand, "Eudoxus" as a peripheral element that does not support the proposition 212 is linked with a diamond (◇) opposing link. However, "Eudoxus" may also be linked to the proposition 212 with a rectangle that has no causal relationship. Also, as a peripheral element 213 that links to the peripheral element 213 and each other, for example, "Ptolemy's geocentric theory" as a peripheral element that supports the peripheral element "Eudoxus" is linked with a triangle that has a causal relationship. Proposition 212, "The heliocentric theory is correct!", is a proposition that asks "Yes" or "No", but it could also be, for example, "What is the true nature of the universe?", asking whether it is heliocentric or geocentric.

[0021] In addition, on the display screen 211, the size of the figure representing the peripheral element 213 indicates the degree of influence of the peripheral element 213 on the proposition 212 of the central element as considered by the user generating the thinking structure diagram, with the larger the size, the greater the influence (in the third embodiment described later, the number of votes also has an influence). Furthermore, the influence on the central element can be indicated by the opacity of the peripheral element rather than the size. Note that, without being limited to size and opacity, any display method can be used that allows the user to easily visually grasp the configuration of the thinking structure diagram and the influence of the peripheral elements on the central element. For example, the elements may be displayed with dashed lines or in different colors.

[0022] Hereinafter, an overview of the operation from the user terminals 210 and 220 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2C. For convenience, the user terminal 210 that creates the thought structure diagram and the user terminal 220 that views the thought structure diagram will be described separately, but they may be the same user terminal.

[0023] Display screen 205 on user terminal 210, 220 is a menu that is displayed when the application of this embodiment is started. The menu includes structural diagram creation and structural diagram viewing. When the user selects structural diagram creation, the screen transitions to structural diagram creation screen 206. On the other hand, when the user selects structural diagram viewing, the screen transitions to structural diagram viewing screen 216 if the user has viewing authority.

[0024] When the user creates a structural drawing on creation screen 206, a menu for structural drawing registration and structural drawing modification is displayed on creation screen 206. When the user selects structural drawing registration, a transition is made to structural drawing registration screen 207, where menus for viewing authority setting, editing authority setting, and voting authority setting are displayed. If authority setting is required, at least one of viewing authority setting, editing authority setting, and voting authority setting is selected and the authority setting is accepted. Note that the voting authority setting is an authority setting related to the third embodiment.

[0025] The structural diagram to be viewed and a menu for editing the structural diagram are displayed on the viewing screen 216. When a user selects editing the structural diagram on the viewing screen 216, if the user has editing authority, the screen transitions to an editing screen 217. On the editing screen 217, editing by the user is accepted.

[0026] On the other hand, when a user selects one element on the viewing screen 216, if the user has voting authority, the screen transitions to a voting screen 218 that accepts votes for each element (topic / proposition, peripheral element, link). For example, voting for peripheral elements accepts user selections of "supporting the topic" (topic support), "rejecting the topic" (topic rejection), and "not appropriate for the topic" (element inappropriate).

[0027] Next, the operational procedure for the user to generate a thought structure diagram on the display screen of the user terminal 210 will be described with reference to Fig. 2D to Fig. 2G. Note that Fig. 2D to Fig. 2F show a case where the user terminal 210 is a personal computer, but the user terminal 210 may be a portable terminal such as a tablet or a smartphone. Also, to explain the operation in an easy-to-understand manner, the operation is shown as an operation on a touch panel, but it is clear that the same operation can be performed by cursor operation using a mouse and a keyboard.

[0028] (Summary of topic input) 2D is a diagram showing an outline of input of a subject as a central element in the user terminal 210 of the information processing system according to this embodiment. For example, there are the following two procedures for inputting a subject, but the procedures are not limited to these.

[0029] One is the sequence of display screen 221 → display screen 222 → display screen 224. When the "ShareB application" is started (or when a browser is connected to the ShareB server), display screen 221 is displayed and the mode becomes a theme setting mode (central element setting mode). Here, for example, when display screen 221 is double-clicked, "ShareB application" opens a theme input field in the center of the screen as in display screen 222. When theme data is keyed in on display screen 222, "The heliocentric theory is correct!" is confirmed and displayed as the theme as in display screen 224, and the display screen transitions to the element setting mode. Note that the input of theme data is not limited to keying, and may be, for example, copying and inputting a display sentence in another application.

[0030] The other is the procedure from display screen 223 to display screen 224. When the "ShareB application" is started (or when a browser is connected to the ShareB server), display screen 223 is displayed and the mode changes to theme setting mode. Here, for example, if a display sentence from another application is "dragged and dropped" onto a blank area of ​​display screen 223, the theme "The heliocentric theory is correct!" is confirmed and displayed, as in display screen 224, and the display screen transitions to the element setting mode.

[0031] (Overview of element input) 2E is a diagram showing an outline of input of peripheral element data in the user terminal 210 of the information processing system according to this embodiment. There are, for example, the following two procedures for inputting peripheral elements, but the procedures are not limited to these.

[0032] One is the sequence of display screen 231 → display screen 232 → display screen 234. For example, when display screen 231 is double-clicked in the element setting mode (peripheral element setting mode), the "ShareB application" opens an input field for the peripheral element around the subject as in display screen 232. When the peripheral element is input by keying in display screen 232, "Copernicus" is confirmed and displayed as the peripheral element as in display screen 234, and the display screen transitions to the link setting mode display screen. Note that input of the peripheral element is not limited to keying, and may be copy input or linking of a display image (including a moving image) or a display text in another application.

[0033] The other is a procedure from display screen 233 to display screen 234. In the display screen 231 in the element setting mode, for example, when a display image (including a moving image) or a display text in another application is "drag-and-dropped" into a blank area of ​​the screen of the display screen 233 in order to copy-input or link the image or text, "Copernicus" is confirmed and displayed as a peripheral element as in the display screen 234, and the display screen transitions to the display screen in the link setting mode. Furthermore, by copying-inputting and "drag-and-dropping" a web URL, the information of the linked element can be stored in the element. Then, in the display screen 234, the degree of influence of "Copernicus" as a peripheral element on the subject as a central element is input from the influence input section 236. The degree of influence is represented by the size, color, etc. of "Copernicus" as a peripheral element, and is stored in the database.

[0034] (Link Input Overview) 2F is a diagram showing an outline of link data input in the user terminal 210 of the information processing system according to this embodiment. There are, for example, the following three links, but the links are not limited to these. Also, the operation of link input is not limited to these.

[0035] In the link setting mode display screen 241, when the subject and peripheral element to be linked are touched, a menu 245 is displayed showing three types of links to be used to connect them. When "□ Equal" is selected, the subject "The heliocentric theory is correct!" and the element "Copernicus" are linked by a link with no causal relationship, as shown in display screen 242. Display screen 242 also displays a strength input section 246 for inputting the strength of the link. The input link strength is represented by the thickness and color of the link, and is stored in the database.

[0036] When the peripheral elements to be linked are touched on the display screen 243 in the link setting mode and "△ parent-child relationship" (causal relationship) is selected from the menu 245, the peripheral elements are connected by a causal link, as shown in the display screen 243. The direction of the causal relationship (parent-child relationship) may be determined by the order in which the peripheral elements to be linked are touched, but is not limited to this. Also, the display screen 243 displays a strength input section 246 for inputting the strength of the link. The input link strength is represented by the thickness and color of the link, and is stored in the database. Although three types of links ("△ parent-child relationship", "□ equality", and "◇ conflict") are shown, the present invention is not limited to these, and multiple types of links may be prepared.

[0037] (Setting the scope of disclosure and editing permissions) 2G is a diagram showing an outline of a request to register a thought structure diagram in a user terminal 210 of the information processing system according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, prior to a request to register a thought structure diagram, it is possible to set the disclosure range of the thought structure diagram to other users and the editing authority of other users.

[0038] The top diagram in FIG. 2G shows a setting screen 251 for setting the range of disclosure. A user who generates a thinking structure diagram and requests registration selects one from three types of selection menu 255 for the range of disclosure. The three types of range of disclosure are full disclosure, limited disclosure, and private. When full disclosure is selected, the diagram can be viewed by all users. When limited disclosure is selected, the diagram can be viewed only by members designated by the creator of the thinking structure diagram. Members may be designated on an individual basis or on an attribute basis such as age. When private is selected, the diagram can be viewed only by the creator of the thinking structure diagram. The range of disclosure is not limited to these three types. For example, it is possible to select members to whom the diagram should not be made public for limited disclosure.

[0039] The lower diagram of FIG. 2G shows a setting screen 252 for editing authority. A user who generates a thought structure diagram and requests registration selects one from a selection menu 256 for three types of editing authority. The three types of editing authority are full grant, limited grant, and no grant. When full grant is selected, full editing authority is granted, and peripheral elements (nodes), links, and central elements such as propositions and themes can be added or deleted immediately. Note that editing authority is not limited to the three types of editing authority exemplified here, and other editing authorities may be set. For example, a setting between full editing authority and limited editing authority, in which only limited editing authority is basically given to users, but full editing authority is granted only to users who have garnered a lot of support in the past in limited editing, etc., can be considered. In this case, a hidden parameter is set for each user, and the reliability of the user as an editor is scored and stored, and the user who generates the thought structure diagram can set whether to grant full editing authority or limited editing authority depending on the score. For example, a setting such as "full editing authority is given to people with a score of 500 or more." can be set.

[0040] Also, when limited grant is selected, limited editing authority is given, and immediate addition of peripheral elements (nodes), links, and central elements such as propositions and themes is not possible. Instead, the editing request becomes an addition proposal. "Addition proposal" is a function that literally allows you to propose the addition of peripheral elements (nodes), links, and central elements such as propositions and themes. The proposed addition elements and links are displayed in a semi-transparent state in the thought structure diagram, for example, and are in a state of waiting for approval voting by other users for a certain period of time (for example, about 48 to 168 hours). If the result of the approval vote exceeds a certain level of the number of votes (or voting rate), the requested addition elements are displayed completely opaque, and are treated the same as existing elements thereafter. On the other hand, if the result of the approval vote falls below a certain level and is rejected, the requested addition elements disappear from the thought structure diagram. Note that with limited editing authority, existing elements and links cannot be deleted. Existing elements and links can be deleted by voting for each existing element as "unreliable, weakly relevant" and waiting for it to disappear if the number of users who support the deletion (approval rate) is high. Note that peripheral elements that have received a large number of votes for "unreliable, weakly relevant" and peripheral elements proposed for addition with limited editing privileges may be displayed completely differently or the same.

[0041] Also, if no editing authority is selected, no editing authority will be granted and no editing action will be possible. In this way, the creator of the thinking structure diagram can set the editing authority for each thinking structure diagram. For example, it is possible to grant full editing authority only to the creator (oneself) and not give any editing authority to other users. On the other hand, it is also possible to set a fair thinking structure diagram generation environment in which all users, including the creator, have limited editing authority. These editing authority grant settings are made visible to all users. Furthermore, a function may be provided that sets it so that the thinking structure diagram cannot be changed to an impossible structure by editing.

[0042] After setting the disclosure range and editing authority of the generated thought structure diagram, the creator registers the generated thought structure diagram from the user terminal 210 in an information processing device (ShareB server).

[0043] (Summary of editorial instructions) FIG. 2H is a diagram showing an outline of an editing instruction from a user terminal 220 of the information processing system according to this embodiment. The user terminal 220 is shown as a terminal that requests editing of a thinking structure diagram, and is different from the user terminal 210 of the creator of the thinking structure diagram, but they may be the same. In this embodiment, in addition to whether or not the user who created the thinking structure diagram allows other users to edit the thinking structure diagram that has been created, published, and shared by the user (creator), a process is performed to restrict the editing authority of other users. This is to prevent the original thinking structure diagram from being changed into an impossible structure or deviating from the intention of the user who created it if editing of the thinking structure diagram is freely permitted. It is also possible to approve the user who made the editing request, but this would restrict the freedom of editing instead, so in this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which editing authority, which is ranked into three types as described above, is given to each user in advance.

[0044] A case will be described where a user attempts to add a new element to the thinking structure diagram by double-clicking on the display screen 261 in the element setting mode of another user terminal 220. Editing authority is checked based on the user ID of the user using the user terminal 220, and if the user has full editing authority, an element column opens as in the display screen 262, and the display screen transitions to the link setting mode display screen 263. After that, a new element is added on the screen of the user terminal 220 in the same manner as the operation procedures in Figs. 2D and 2E, and the thinking structure diagram is edited. Furthermore, the user who generated the thinking structure diagram can check the setting contents (information) in the opened element column to restrict editing.

[0045] On the other hand, if the user using the user terminal 220 does not have editing authority, or if the rank of the editing authority is lower than the editing permission rank of the thought structure diagram to be edited, a warning such as "Note! No editing authority" is displayed on display screen 264.

[0046] Furthermore, if the user using the user terminal 220 is granted limited editing authority, the element or link to be added is displayed, for example, semi-transparently (indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 2H), as in display screen 265, and the addition of the element to the thought structure diagram is put on hold until the result of the user's approval vote is announced. If the vote is approval, the requested element is added, as in display screen 263. On the other hand, if the vote is rejection, the requested element disappears, as in display screen 266.

[0047] <Configuration of information processing system> FIG. 3A is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system 300 according to this embodiment.

[0048] The information processing system 300 includes a ShareB server 310 as an information processing device connected via a network 320, a user terminal 210 of a user who generates, posts, and publishes a thought structure diagram, and a user terminal 220 of a user who shares and edits the published thought structure diagram. The ShareB server 310 has a database 311, accumulates registered users and posted thought structure diagrams, and makes them publicly available and shareable. The user terminal 210 generates a thought structure diagram according to the operation procedures of Figures 2C to 2F while communicating with the ShareB server 310, and posts it to the ShareB server 310. The user terminal 220 browses the thought structure diagram accumulated in the ShareB server 310 according to the operation procedures of Figure 2G, and requests editing of the thought structure diagram if necessary. In Figure 3A, the user terminals 210 and 220 are drawn separately for convenience of explanation, but the same user terminal may provide both functions.

[0049] <Operation procedure of information processing system> FIG. 3B is a sequence diagram showing the operation procedure of the information processing system 300 according to this embodiment.

[0050] In step S301, the ShareB server 310, the user terminal 210 (of the thinking structure diagram generating user), and the user terminal 220 (of the thinking structure diagram viewing user) can communicate with each other by starting the ShareB application or connecting via a browser. Then, the ShareB server 310 and the user terminal 210 transition to a theme setting mode and wait for the setting of a theme as a central element.

[0051] In step S303, when a subject is input from the user terminal 210, in step S305, the ShareB server 310 acquires the subject and displays it in the center of the screen of the user terminal 210, and the ShareB server 310 and the user terminal 210 transition to element setting mode and wait for the setting of peripheral elements.

[0052] In step S307, when peripheral elements are input from the user terminal 210, in step S309, the ShareB server 310 acquires the elements and displays them around the subject on the screen of the user terminal 210, and the ShareB server 310 and the user terminal 210 transition to link setting mode and wait for the link to be set.

[0053] When a link is input from the user terminal 210 in step S311, the ShareB server 310 acquires the link and displays the link between the subject and element or between elements selected on the screen of the user terminal 210 in step S313.

[0054] The setting of elements and links in steps S307 to S313 is repeated until the thought structure diagram is completed. Although Fig. 3B shows a procedure for linking each added element, the procedure is not limited to this, and a procedure for linking multiple elements together after adding them may be used. Also, a procedure for checking the completion of the thought structure diagram may be provided. For example, if there is an element in the thought structure diagram that is not connected to any link, an error message may be displayed, and if the user still does not connect the element with a link, the element may disappear when the process of completing the thought structure diagram is completed.

[0055] When the thought structure diagram is completed, the user of the user terminal 210 sets the public range and editing authority in step S315 and instructs posting (registration) of the thought structure diagram. In step S317, the ShareB server 310 sets the public range and editing authority for the thought structure diagram posted from the user terminal 210 and stores it, and publishes the thought structure diagram according to the public range set in the user terminals 210 and 220. The published thought structure diagram is viewed and shared in the user terminals 210 and 220. Note that when the thought structure diagram is stored or viewed, the ShareB server 310 performs a process of automatically adjusting the arrangement of elements and links and rearranging them so that they are easy to see, for thought structure diagrams that are difficult to see, such as when links pass over elements or links cross each other. In addition, the process of automatically adjusting the arrangement of elements and links and rearranging them so that they are easy to see may be performed during the generation of the thought structure diagram. Furthermore, when creating a new thought structure diagram, for example, by referring to a past database, the server may automatically prepare the size of the peripheral elements, the type of links, and the peripheral elements themselves according to the subject.

[0056] In step S321, when editing (addition or change) of the thought structure diagram being viewed is requested from the user terminal 210 or 220, the ShareB server 310 checks in step S323 whether the user who requested the edit has full editing authority or has a sufficient rank of editing authority. If the user who requested the edit has full editing authority or has a sufficient rank of editing authority, the ShareB server 310 permits editing (addition or change) of the thought structure diagram in step S325 and instructs the display of the edited thought structure diagram. The user terminals 210 and 220 share the edited thought structure diagram in step S327.

[0057] On the other hand, if the user who requested the edit does not have the editing authority or the rank of the editing authority is not sufficient, the ShareB server 310 notifies the user that he / she does not have the editing authority in step S331. The user terminal 220 notifies (warns) the user that he / she does not have the editing authority in step S333.

[0058] Also, when limited editing authority is granted to the user who requested the editing, the ShareB server 310 requests an approval vote for the editing to the user terminal 220 (and the user terminal 210) in step S341. The user terminal 220 requests the user for an approval vote for the editing in step S343. Then, if there is an approval vote, the user terminal 220 notifies the ShareB server 310 of the approval vote in step S345. Also, if receiving the request for the approval vote, the user terminal 210 requests the user for an approval vote for the editing in step S347. Then, if there is an approval vote, the user terminal 210 notifies the ShareB server 310 of the approval vote in step S349.

[0059] The ShareB server 310 totals the approval votes from the user terminal 220 (and the user terminal 210) in step S351, and determines whether to approve or deny the editing in step S353. Then, the ShareB server 310 performs the processing according to the determination result, the processing of step S325 if it is an edit approval / the processing of step S331 if it is an edit denial, in step S355.

[0060] <Functional Configuration of ShareB Server> FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ShareB server 310 as the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0061] The ShareB server 310 includes a communication control unit 401, a subject acquisition unit 402, a subject display instruction unit 412, a peripheral element acquisition unit 403, a peripheral element display instruction unit 413, a link acquisition unit 404, a link display instruction unit 414, and a database 311. The ShareB server 310 also includes a thinking structure diagram generating unit 405, a browsing request receiving unit 406, a thinking structure diagram publishing unit 407, a thinking structure diagram editing instruction receiving unit 408, an editing authority confirmation unit 409, an editing authority notification unit 410, and a thinking structure diagram registration unit 411. In FIG. 4, the inputs of the subject display instruction unit 412, the peripheral element display instruction unit 413, and the link display instruction unit 414 are simplified to avoid complexity. The ShareB server 310 also includes an approval vote tallying unit 415 and an approval vote judging unit 416.

[0062] The communication control unit 401 controls communication with the user terminals 210 and 220 via the network 320. The subject acquisition unit 402 acquires a subject as a central element transmitted from the user terminal 210. The subject display instruction unit 412 instructs the acquired subject to be displayed at a predetermined position (e.g., the center of the screen) of the user terminal 210. The peripheral element acquisition unit 403 acquires peripheral elements transmitted from the user terminal 210. The peripheral element display instruction unit 413 instructs the acquired peripheral elements to be displayed at a predetermined position (e.g., around the subject) of the user terminal 210. The link acquisition unit 404 acquires links transmitted from the user terminal 210 together with their types. The link display instruction unit 414 instructs the acquired links to be displayed at a predetermined position (e.g., between the subject and peripheral elements, or between peripheral elements) of the user terminal 210 according to their types.

[0063] The database 311 stores data, parameters and programs required for processing by the ShareB server 310, as well as a thought structure diagram including a subject, peripheral elements and links.

[0064] The thinking structure diagram generating unit 405 has a thinking structure diagram generating table 451, and generates a thinking structure diagram using the acquired or stored subject, peripheral elements, and links. The viewing request receiving unit 406 receives a viewing request for the thinking structure diagram from the user terminal 220. In response to the viewing request for the thinking structure diagram, the thinking structure diagram publishing unit 407 publishes the thinking structure diagram to the user terminals 210 and 220, taking into consideration the set disclosure range. The thinking structure diagram publishing unit 407 has a disclosure restriction unit that restricts the disclosure of the thinking structure diagram by the thinking structure diagram publishing unit 407, based on information on the disclosure range.

[0065] The thinking structure diagram editing instruction receiving unit 408 receives an instruction to edit the thinking structure diagram from the user terminals 210 and 220. The editing authority confirmation unit 409 confirms the editing authority of the user who instructed the editing of the thinking structure diagram. If the user is granted full editing authority, the editing authority confirmation unit 409 permits the editing of the thinking structure diagram. On the other hand, if the user who instructed the editing of the thinking structure diagram does not have editing authority, or if the level of editing authority is lower than the editing authority level of the thinking structure diagram, the editing authority confirmation unit 409 causes the editing authority notification unit 410 to notify the user that there is no editing authority from the user terminal 220. Also, if the user is granted limited editing authority, the editing authority confirmation unit 409 causes the editing authority notification unit 410 to notify the user of the approval vote from the user terminal 220. The approval vote counting unit 415 counts the approval votes from the user terminal 220 (and the user terminal 210) within a predetermined time. The approval vote determination unit 416 determines whether to approve or reject the edit requested by the user terminal 220 based on the tally of the approval votes. If the edit is approved, the approval vote determination unit 416 instructs the thought structure diagram generation unit 405 to confirm the edit, and if the edit is rejected, it instructs the edit to be deleted.

[0066] (Database) 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the configuration of the database 311 according to this embodiment. The database 311 stores data, parameters, and programs required for processing by the ShareB server 310, as well as thought structure diagrams including themes, elements, and links. The database 311 includes a theme storage section 510, a peripheral element storage section 520, a link storage section 530, and a disclosure range / editing authority registration section 540. Note that FIG. 5A shows data acquired from the user terminals 210 and 220, and basic stored data such as user registration is not shown in FIG. 5A.

[0067] The subject storage unit 510 stores a subject 513 as a central element set by the user terminal 210 in association with a user ID 511 for generating a thought structure diagram and a terminal ID 512 of the user terminal 210. The subject 513 may include a position on the display screen where the subject is displayed.

[0068] The peripheral element storage unit 520 stores peripheral elements 523 set in the user terminal 210 and a subject 524 related to the peripheral elements 523 in association with a user ID 521 who generates a thought structure diagram and a terminal ID 522 of the user terminal 210. The peripheral elements 523 may include positions on the display screen where the peripheral elements are displayed.

[0069] The link storage unit 530 stores a link 533 set in the user terminal 210, a subject 534, peripheral elements 535, and peripheral elements 536 connected by the link 533, and a link type 537 of the link 533, in association with a user ID 531 for generating a thought structure diagram and a terminal ID 532 of the user terminal 210. The link storage unit 530 also stores a subject 538 related to the link 533. Two of the subject 534, peripheral elements 535, and peripheral elements 536 connected by the link 533 are selected. The link 533 may also include a position on the display screen where the link is displayed, and the position of the link may be adjusted from the two positions connected by the link 533.

[0070] The disclosure range / editing authority registration unit 540 stores, in association with a user ID 541, whether or not the user has editing authority 542, a rank of editing authority 543, and a disclosure range 544.

[0071] Furthermore, the database 311 may store a threshold value to be compared with the rank 543 of the editing authority, or an editing threshold value for each thought structure diagram.

[0072] Fig. 5B is a diagram showing the configuration of the thinking structure diagram storage unit 570 stored in the database 311. Note that Fig. 5B shows the configuration of one thinking structure diagram, but many registered thinking structure diagrams are stored.

[0073] In the thought structure diagram storage unit 570, a user ID 572 who registered this thought structure diagram and elements 573 that compose the thought structure diagram are stored in association with a thought structure diagram ID 571. As the elements 573, the subject of the element name, peripheral elements, and links, and pointers to the subject data storage unit 580, peripheral element data storage unit 590, and link data storage unit 500 that represent the respective elements are stored. In addition, in Fig. 5B, if it is desired to hold the history of the editing process, the editing user ID can be recorded separately from the user ID registered in the user ID 572 in association with the element 573 of the editing result.

[0074] The subject data storage unit 580 stores subject content 581, display information 582, link destination peripheral elements 583, etc. The display information 582 includes the display position, shape, size, color, etc. of the subject. The link destination peripheral elements 583 store, for example, that a link is connected to peripheral element A via link a, and that a link is connected to peripheral element B via link b.

[0075] Peripheral element data storage unit 590 (peripheral element A) stores contents 591 of peripheral element A, display information 592, link destination element 593, etc. Display information 592 includes the display position, shape, size, color, etc. of peripheral element A. Link destination element 593 stores, for example, that it is connected to the main subject by link a. If there is a link with peripheral element B, peripheral element B and the link name are stored.

[0076] The link data storage unit 500 (link a) stores the content 501 of link a, the display information 502, the link information 503, etc. The display information 502 includes the display position, shape, size, color, etc. of link a. The link information 503 stores, for example, that this link represents a parent-child relationship, and the direction is that the parent is the subject and the child is the peripheral element A. If the link relationship is equal or opposing, it is stored in the link information 503.

[0077] (Thought structure diagram generation table) FIG. 5C is a diagram showing the configuration of the thought structure diagram generation table 451 according to the present embodiment. The thought structure diagram generation table 451 is used when the thought structure diagram generation unit 405 generates a thought structure diagram using the obtained or stored subject as the central element, the peripheral element, and the link.

[0078] The thought structure diagram generation table 451 includes an attribute table 550 indicating the attributes of the generated thought structure diagram and a configuration table 560 indicating the configuration of the thought structure diagram. The attribute table 550 stores, in association with the user ID 551 that generated the thought structure diagram and the terminal ID 552 of the user terminal, the thought structure diagram ID 553, the generation date 554, the set public range 555, and the set editing authority 556. The configuration table 560 stores, in association with the thought structure diagram ID 561, the subject 562 and the peripheral elements 563 related to each subject 562. The subject 562 includes the content of the subject and the display position. The peripheral element 563 includes the content of the peripheral element, the display position, the link with the subject and the type of the link, and the link with other peripheral elements and the type of the link. Note that for the peripheral element 563 that does not link to the subject 562, the data of "link with the subject" and "link type" is not significant. Also, when one peripheral element 563 links to a plurality of subjects 562, the same peripheral element has a plurality of "links with the subject" and "link types".

[0079] <Hardware configuration of the ShareB server> FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the ShareB server 310 according to this embodiment.

[0080] In Fig. 6, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 610 is a processor for arithmetic control, and executes programs to realize the components in Fig. 4. A ROM (Read Only Memory) 620 stores fixed data and programs such as initial data and programs. A network interface 630 controls communication with the user terminals 210 and 220 via the network 320.

[0081] The RAM (Random Access Memory) 640 is a random access memory used by the CPU 610 as a work area for temporary storage. An area for storing data required for realizing this embodiment is secured in the RAM 640. The user ID (terminal ID) 641 is the ID of the user or user terminal in communication with the ShareB server 310. The subject 642 is data of the subject as a central element received from the user terminal. The peripheral element 643 is data of the peripheral element received from the user terminal. The link 644 is data of the link received from the user terminal. The thought structure diagram generation table 451 is a table used by the thought structure diagram generation unit 405 described in FIG. 6B to generate a thought structure diagram. The thought structure diagram data 645 is data of the thought structure diagram that is generated and shared with the user. The editing authority comment 646 is a comment for notifying the user when the user does not have editing authority for the thought structure diagram or has a low level of editing authority. The editing authority comment 646 also includes a comment requesting an approval vote for the edit. The transmission / reception data 647 is data transmitted to and received from the user terminals 210 and 220 via the network 320 .

[0082] The storage 650 stores a database, various parameters, or the following data or programs necessary for implementing this embodiment. The database 311 is a database for accumulating synthetic data, and as shown in FIG. 5A, includes storage units 510 to 530 for each of the subject / peripheral elements / links, and a publication range / editing right registration unit 540.

[0083] The following programs are stored in the storage 650. The processing program 651 of the ShareB server is a program for controlling the entire ShareB server 310. The subject / peripheral element / link acquisition module 652 is a module for acquiring the setting of the subject, peripheral elements, and links from the user terminal. The thought structure diagram generation module 653 is a module for generating a thought structure diagram using the acquired subject, peripheral elements, and links. The thought structure diagram sharing module 654 is a module for publishing the thought structure diagram in response to a viewing request from the user terminal and facilitating the sharing of the thought structure diagram by the user, and also includes a determination process for the publication range. The thought structure diagram editing module 655 is a module for editing the thought structure diagram by the user, and also includes a determination process for the editing right.

[0084] Note that programs and data related to general functions and other realizable functions of the ShareB server 310 are not shown in the RAM 640 and the storage 650 in FIG. 6.

[0085] <Processing Procedure of ShareB Server> FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the ShareB server 310 according to this embodiment. This flowchart is executed by the CPU 610 in FIG. 6 using the RAM 640 to realize the components in FIG. 4.

[0086] In step S711, the ShareB server 310 determines whether it is for generating a thought structure diagram. If it is for generating a thought structure diagram, in step S713, it executes the thought structure diagram generation process.

[0087] If the request is not for the generation of a thought structure diagram, the ShareB server 310 determines in step S721 whether or not the request is for the viewing of a thought structure diagram. If the request is for the viewing of a thought structure diagram, the ShareB server 310 determines in step S722 whether or not the viewing user has viewing authority. If the viewing authority is not present, the ShareB server 310 notifies the viewing user that the viewing authority is not present in step S724. If the viewing authority is present, the ShareB server 310 obtains the corresponding thought structure diagram requested for viewing in step S723. Then, the ShareB server 310 publishes the thought structure diagram as a sharing process for the thought structure diagram (sharing with terminals with access rights) in step S725.

[0088] If the request is not for the creation of a thinking structure diagram but for browsing of a thinking structure diagram, the ShareB server 310 judges in step S731 whether or not the request is for editing of the thinking structure diagram. If the request is for editing of the thinking structure diagram, the ShareB server 310 acquires the user ID of the user who requested the editing in step S733. Then, the ShareB server 310 checks the editing authority for the thinking structure diagram to be edited from the acquired user ID in step S735. If the check result of the editing authority in step S737 shows that the full authority is given, the ShareB server 310 executes the editing process of the thinking structure diagram and shares the editing result in step S739. If the user does not have the editing authority, the ShareB server 310 notifies the user that the editing authority is not given in step S741 from the user terminal. If the user has limited editing authority, the ShareB server 310 executes the editing process in step S743 according to the voting result for the editing approval. That is, if the voting result is for the editing approval, the edited part is confirmed. On the other hand, if the voting result is for the editing denial, the edited part is erased.

[0089] (Thinking structure diagram generation process) FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the thought structure diagram generation process S713 according to this embodiment.

[0090] In step S801, the ShareB server 310 waits to receive a subject as a central element from the user terminal 210. When the subject is received, in step S803, the ShareB server 310 stores the received subject in the database 311 and instructs the user terminal 210 to display the subject at a predetermined position (for example, the center of the screen) on the display screen.

[0091] In step S805, the ShareB server 310 waits for reception of the peripheral element from the user terminal 210. When the peripheral element is received, in step S807, the ShareB server 310 stores the received peripheral element in the database 311 and instructs the user terminal 210 to display the peripheral element at a predetermined position (for example, around the subject) on the display screen.

[0092] In step S809, the ShareB server 310 waits for a link to be received from the user terminal 210. When the link is received, in step S811, the ShareB server 310 stores the received link in the database 311 and instructs the display of the link in a predetermined position on the display screen of the user terminal 210 (for example, between a subject and a peripheral element, or between peripheral elements). Note that, although Fig. 8 shows a procedure for connecting elements with a link each time an element is added, the procedure is not limited to this, and a procedure for connecting multiple elements together with a link may also be used.

[0093] In step S813, the ShareB server 310 judges whether the generation of the thinking structure diagram is completed. If the generation of the thinking structure diagram is not completed, the ShareB server 310 returns to step S801 and repeats the setting of the peripheral elements and links in steps S805 to S811. If the generation of the thinking structure diagram is completed, the ShareB server 310 checks in step S815 whether the thinking structure diagram is complete or incomplete. For example, it checks whether there are any irrational parts in the structure of the thinking structure diagram (for example, whether there are any dangling elements that are not linked at all). Then, in step S817, the ShareB server 310 judges whether the thinking structure diagram is incomplete, and if it is incomplete, returns to step S801 and repeats the setting of the subject, peripheral elements, and links in steps S801 to S811.

[0094] If the thinking structure diagram is complete, the ShareB server 310 receives the editing authority and the disclosure range from the user terminal 210 in step S819 and sets them in the generated thinking structure diagram. Then, the ShareB server 310 registers the thinking structure diagram with the editing authority and the disclosure range set in step S821. Note that the ShareB server 310 may perform a process of rearranging elements, links, etc. in step S821 to make the thinking structure diagram easier to view before registration. Also, in FIG. 8, the editing authority and the disclosure range are set when the thinking structure diagram is complete, but they may be set or changed during the generation of the thinking structure diagram, or may be changed after the generation of the thinking structure diagram.

[0095] <Functional configuration of user terminal> FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the user terminals 210 and 220 according to this embodiment.

[0096] The user terminal 210 includes a communication control unit 901 and an input / output interface 902. The communication control unit 901 controls communication with the ShareB server 310 via the network 320. In this embodiment, a display unit 921 and an operation unit 922 are connected to the input / output interface 902. The display unit 921 displays a display screen when generating, viewing, or editing a thought structure diagram. It also notifies the user of the status of the user terminal 210. The operation unit 922 accepts user inputs and operations when generating, viewing, or editing a thought structure diagram. In this embodiment, when a smartphone, tablet, or the like is used as the user terminal 210, the display unit 921 and the operation unit 922 are integrated as a touch panel.

[0097] The user terminal 210 also includes a subject acquisition unit 903, a subject transmission unit 904, a peripheral element acquisition unit 905, a peripheral element transmission unit 906, a link acquisition unit 907, a link transmission unit 908, a thinking structure diagram reception unit 909, and a thinking structure diagram display instruction unit 910. In order to avoid complexity of the illustration, functional units for instructing the display of the subject, peripheral elements, and links on the display unit 921 are omitted in Fig. 9. The user terminal 210 also includes an editing authority / public range acquisition unit 917, and a thinking structure diagram registration request unit 918.

[0098] The subject acquisition unit 903 acquires a subject as a central element input from the operation unit 922. Then, the subject transmission unit 904 transmits the acquired subject to the ShareB server 310. The peripheral element acquisition unit 905 acquires peripheral elements input from the operation unit 922. Then, the peripheral element transmission unit 906 transmits the acquired peripheral elements to the ShareB server 310. The link acquisition unit 907 acquires a link input from the operation unit 922. Then, the link transmission unit 908 transmits the acquired link to the ShareB server 310. The thinking structure diagram receiving unit 909 receives a thinking structure diagram being generated or after generation is completed from the ShareB server 310. The thinking structure diagram display instruction unit 910 instructs the display unit 921 to display the received thinking structure diagram. The thinking structure diagram receiving unit 909, the thinking structure diagram display instruction unit 910, and the display unit 921 function as a central element display unit, a peripheral element display unit, and a link display unit. The editing authority / public range acquisition unit 917 acquires the editing authority and public range of the generated thought structure diagram from the operation unit 922. The thought structure diagram registration request unit 918 transmits the thought structure diagram in association with the acquired editing authority and public range, and requests the ShareB server 310 to post (register).

[0099] Furthermore, the user terminal 210 includes a thinking structure diagram browsing request acquisition unit 911, a thinking structure diagram browsing request unit 912, a thinking structure diagram editing instruction acquisition unit 913, a thinking structure diagram editing transmission unit 914, an editing authority reception unit 915, and an editing authority notification unit 916. The thinking structure diagram browsing request acquisition unit 911 acquires a browsing request for the thinking structure diagram by an operation from the operation unit 922. Then, the thinking structure diagram browsing request unit 912 transmits the browsing request to the ShareB server 310. The thinking structure diagram corresponding to the browsing request is displayed on the display unit 921 by the thinking structure diagram receiving unit 909 and the thinking structure diagram display instruction unit 910. The thinking structure diagram editing instruction acquisition unit 913 acquires an editing request for the thinking structure diagram by an operation from the operation unit 922. Then, the thinking structure diagram editing transmission unit 914 transmits the editing request to the ShareB server 310. When the editing authority of the user is not satisfied in response to the editing request for the thought structure diagram, the editing authority receiving unit 915 receives a message indicating that the editing authority is not satisfied. Then, the editing authority notifying unit 916 notifies the user of the absence of editing authority through the display unit 921.

[0100] <User terminal processing procedure> Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the user terminals 210, 220 according to this embodiment. This flowchart is executed by the CPU of the user terminals 210, 220 using the RAM, and realizes the components of Fig. 9. The following description will be given taking the user terminal 210 as a representative.

[0101] In step S1011, the user terminal 210 judges whether or not a thought structure diagram is to be generated. If a thought structure diagram is to be generated, in step S1013, the user terminal 210 displays a screen for generating a thought structure diagram (see FIG. 2C). In step S1015, the user terminal 210 transmits the input subject to the ShareB server 310 and displays it on the display screen. In step S1017, the user terminal 210 transmits the input peripheral elements to the ShareB server 310 and displays them on the display screen. In step S1019, the user terminal 210 transmits the input link to the ShareB server 310 and displays them on the display screen. Note that, although the procedure of linking each time a peripheral element is added has been shown, the procedure is not limited to this procedure, and a procedure of linking multiple peripheral elements together after adding them may also be used.

[0102] In step S1021, the user terminal 210 determines whether the generation of the thought structure diagram is complete or not, based on a user instruction. If the generation of the thought structure diagram is not complete, the user terminal 210 returns to step S1015, and repeats input of themes, elements, and links in steps S1015, S1017, and S1019 until the generation of the thought structure diagram is complete. When the generation of the thought structure diagram is complete, the user terminal 210 accepts the settings of editing authority and public range in step S1023. Then, in step S1025, the user terminal 210 posts and saves the thought structure diagram with the settings of editing authority and public range to the ShareB server 310 for sharing the thought structure diagram.

[0103] If the request is not to generate a thinking structure diagram, the user terminal 210 determines in step S1031 whether or not the request is to view the thinking structure diagram. If the request is to view the thinking structure diagram, the user terminal 210 waits in step S1033 for the result of whether or not the viewing authority from the ShareB server 310 is satisfied. If the viewing authority is granted, the user terminal 210 receives and displays the thinking structure diagram to be viewed in step S1035. If the viewing authority is not granted, the user terminal 210 notifies the user that the viewing authority is not granted in step S1037. The user terminal 210 determines in step S1039 whether or not an instruction to edit the thinking structure diagram has been issued. If there is no instruction to edit the thinking structure diagram, the process ends.

[0104] If there is an instruction to edit the thinking structure diagram, the user terminal 210 waits in step S1041 for the result of whether the editing authority from the ShareB server 310 is satisfied. If full editing authority or limited editing authority is granted, the user terminal 210 inputs the editing of the thinking structure diagram in step S1043. If there is no editing authority, the user terminal 210 informs the user that there is no editing authority in step S1045.

[0105] In the case of limited editing authority, the user terminal 210, after inputting the edit of the thinking structure diagram in step S1039, is notified that the input edit from the ShareB server 310 has become an approval vote, and waits for approval or rejection. Also, the user can cast an approval vote by himself. These processes may be performed in parallel with the thinking structure diagram generation process and the thinking structure diagram browsing process, since they wait for the result of the approval vote, but are omitted in FIG. 10.

[0106] According to this embodiment, a thought structure diagram can be easily generated on the user terminal 210 of the user who wants to make the thought structure diagram public, and can be shared on the user terminals 220 of other users.

[0107] In addition, when publishing a thought structure diagram, the publication is restricted based on the setting of the publication range, so that it is possible to flexibly select whether the thought structure diagram is to be used publicly or in a special limited range depending on the type of thought structure diagram. In addition, when editing a shared thought structure diagram, the editing is restricted based on the setting of the editing authority, so that it is possible to suppress unnecessary editing of the thought structure diagram. In particular, in the case of limited editing authority, whether to approve or reject an edit is decided by the approval vote of the user, so that it is possible to generate a thought structure diagram that is fair and based on the agreement of a large number of users.

[0108] [Third embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system according to this embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that it changes the thinking structure diagram in response to the user's vote for the displayed subject or element. Since the other configurations and operations are the same as those of the second embodiment, the same configurations and operations are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations thereof are omitted. The following voting operation by the user may be performed on the thinking structure diagram generated and registered by the generating user in the second embodiment, or on the thinking structure diagram edited by the user after registration. Also, a voting model of the thinking structure diagram in which the size of the elements and the strength of the links are not set may be provided, and the voting may be performed on the voting model of the thinking structure diagram. Such a voting model of the thinking structure diagram may be registered or edited by the user.

[0109] <Voting operations from user terminals> FIG. 11A is a diagram showing voting operations of user terminals 1110 and 1120 in the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0110] The upper diagram of Fig. 11A shows a display screen 1111 of a thought structure diagram generated by a user on a user terminal 1110. On the display screen 1111 of the user terminal 1110, a thought structure is displayed, consisting of a theme 212 as a central element, peripheral elements 213, and links 214. A ring 1112 for displaying the voting results by users is displayed around the peripheral elements 213. However, since the users have not yet voted, the peripheral elements 213 can be of any size (they all have the same importance), and neither the theme 212 nor the ring 1112 are colored in a way that corresponds to the theme support rate / theme rejection rate in the voting results.

[0111] The central diagram in Fig. 11A shows a state in which the user has selected "Eudoxus", which is a peripheral element 213, as the item to vote for. A window 1101 explaining Eudoxus opens, and along with the explanation of Eudoxus, soft buttons are displayed to vote for either "Supports the theme" (hereinafter, "Supports the theme"), "Rejects the theme" (hereinafter, "Rejects the theme"), or "Not appropriate for the theme" (or "Unreliable": hereinafter, "Element inappropriate"). Note that if another peripheral element is selected as the item to vote for, the same soft buttons are displayed along with an explanation of that peripheral element.

[0112] The lower diagram in Fig. 11A shows the state where the user has voted for "Reject the topic." The voting results are sent to the ShareB server 1210 and stored in a database 1211. The display (size, shape, color, etc.) of the peripheral elements is changed according to the accumulated voting results, and the changes are reflected in other peripheral elements and topics associated with the peripheral elements by links, and also in the links.

[0113] <User device display screen> FIG. 11B is a diagram showing changes that reflect votes on display screens 1111 of user terminals 1110 and 1120 in the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0114] The center diagram of FIG. 11B corresponds to FIG. 11A and shows a state in which no votes have yet been cast by users.

[0115] The upper diagram of FIG. 11B is a display screen 1141 of a thought structure diagram in the case where users voted and the voting result was that there were many votes in support of the subject for the peripheral element of Copernicus. The display screen 1141 displays the votes obtained by subtracting the inappropriate votes from the total number of votes and the percentage of votes as the voting results such as subject support / subject negation / inappropriateness for the subject 212 as the central element and the peripheral element 213 from the users who viewed the thought structure diagram. The votes obtained by subtracting the inappropriate votes from the total number of votes are represented by the size of each peripheral element 213. That is, the peripheral element 213 of Copernicus, which has a large size, has many votes obtained by subtracting the inappropriate votes from the total number of votes, which shows that it has a large impact on the subject 212. On the other hand, the peripheral element 213 of Regiomontanus, which has a small size, has few votes including subject support / subject negation, or many votes for the element inappropriateness, which shows that it has a small impact on the subject 212. There were not many votes for the other peripheral elements 213 either, and they are small in size.

[0116] In addition, in terms of the proportion (rate) of votes, the proportion of votes for theme support (grid) 1113 and theme negation (halftone dot) 1114 is displayed in different colors for the theme 212, for example (different colors are shown by different patterns in each drawing). In each peripheral element 213, the proportion of votes for theme support 1113 and theme negation 1114 is displayed in a ring 1112 around the element figure (for example, a circle) in association with different colors of the theme. The votes for each peripheral element 213 are reflected in the theme 212 and other peripheral elements 213 associated with the link 214. Whether or not to reflect votes between elements may be selected when the link 214 is set. In addition, since the votes for the link 214 are easy to see and affect the thought structure diagram visually, it is desirable that the shape of the link 214 is determined according to the peripheral elements. For example, if the user sets "Equal (rectangle □)" when generating or editing the thought structure diagram, but one of the two surrounding elements connected by the link votes in favor of "heliocentrism" and the other votes in favor of "geocentrism" as a result of subsequent voting, the shape of the link between them may be automatically changed to "Conflict (diamond ◇)". Note that the shape of the link 214 may be determined according to the surrounding elements when it is set, or the shape may be selected by the user who sets the link 214. The influence of the vote on the link 214 is not limited to a method of expressing it as an influence on opacity, and various display methods that can be understood visually, such as the shape of the link or a dashed line, may be considered.

[0117] From the display screen 1141 in the upper diagram of Fig. 11B, it can be seen that the proportion of theme support 1113 is high in theme 212. Furthermore, at a glance of the display screen 1141, it can be understood that the reason why the proportion of theme support 1113 is high in theme 212 is due to positive interest in the peripheral element 213 of Copernicus, and that the voting results for other peripheral elements 213 do not have much influence on thinking about theme 212. For example, the display screen 1141 well represents the thought structure after Newton that has the theme "The heliocentric theory is correct!", and the current situation is that the number of supporters of the geocentric theory is gradually decreasing, and this thought can be structurally grasped from the display screen 1141.

[0118] The lower diagram of FIG. 11B is a display screen 1151 of a thought structure diagram in the case where users voted and the voting result was that there were many votes for rejecting the topic in the peripheral elements of Eudoxus. The display screen 1151 displays the votes obtained by subtracting the inappropriate votes from the total number of votes as the voting results such as topic support / topic rejection / element inappropriateness for the topic 212 as the central element and the peripheral elements 213 from the users who viewed the thought structure diagram, and the percentage (rate) of the votes for topic support / topic rejection. The votes obtained by subtracting the inappropriate votes from the total number of votes are represented by the size of each peripheral element 213. That is, the peripheral elements 213 of Eudoxus, which are large in size, have many votes including topic support / topic rejection, while there are few votes for element inappropriateness, which shows that they have a large impact on the topic 212. On the other hand, the peripheral elements 213 of Copernicus, which are small in size, have few votes including topic support / topic rejection, or there are many votes for element inappropriateness, which shows that they have a small impact on the topic 212. Even if the votes, including those supporting the topic and those rejecting the topic, are the same, elements with many votes for inappropriate elements and those with few votes for inappropriate elements are displayed in a distinguishable manner. In other words, the size of the element is displayed according to its importance in the thought structure diagram shown by the voting results, and the importance is expressed by, for example, "the total number of votes minus the number of inappropriate votes," "the difference or ratio between appropriate votes and inappropriate votes," or "the sum of the supporting votes and the rejecting votes."

[0119] In the display screen 1151 in the lower part of FIG. 11B, for example, the size of the peripheral elements 213 of Eudoxus is large and the size of the peripheral elements 213 of Copernicus is small, and as a result, a case is analyzed in which the theme 212 shows less theme support 1113 than theme negation 1114. In this case, it is found that the user's interest in Eudoxus is greater than that of Copernicus, and the interest in Eudoxus is positive interest. This result is thought to be the thought structure of people before Newton, for example, at the time of the trial of Galileo. If the current voting results were correct, such a result would not be obtained, but from the display screen 1151 in the lower part of FIG. 11B, it is also possible to infer the thought structure of an era in which "The heliocentric theory is correct!" was denied.

[0120] As described above, by comparing the upper and lower figures in Fig. 11B, the thought structure leading to the result of supporting / rejecting the topic and the voting results can be understood at a glance. In addition, if the structure of the thought structure diagram generated by the user and the size and color indicating the vote are consistent with the analysis of thought trends, this thought structure diagram can be evaluated as a good representation of the thought structure shared by the majority, and can be effectively used in generating future thought structure diagrams.

[0121] In this embodiment, a vote for the subject 212 (or proposition) as the central element is a vote for or against, and a vote for a peripheral element or link is not a vote for or against, but a vote to determine the attribute or importance of information. For example, when a user looks at the peripheral element 213 of Copernicus, if the user feels that "this peripheral element supports the heliocentric theory", the user votes for "this peripheral element supports the heliocentric theory". On the other hand, if the user feels that "this peripheral element supports the geocentric theory", the user votes for "this peripheral element supports the geocentric theory". Depending on the ratio, the color and shape of the ring 1112, which is a pie chart around the periphery, and the link 214 extending from the peripheral element are determined. In FIG. 11B, the links from the peripheral elements of Copernicus, which support the heliocentric theory, are shown in a grid pattern, and the links from the peripheral elements of Eudoxus, which support the geocentric theory, are shown in a halftone pattern. Moreover, both the votes for "This peripheral element supports the geocentric model" and the votes for "This peripheral element supports the heliocentric model" have the effect of expanding the size of the peripheral element, indicating the degree of interest in this peripheral element, that is, the degree of influence on the subject 212. Furthermore, when the degree of interest is expressed by opacity, if the opacity is low, an increase in the number of votes has the effect of raising the opacity and materializing it.

[0122] Also, if a user feels that "this peripheral element is not very credible" or "this peripheral element is not very relevant to the subject (or proposition) of this central element" and votes accordingly, the peripheral element will be reduced in size, and when it is reduced to its minimum size, its opacity will further decrease. Then, it will reach its minimum opacity, and after a certain period of time, the element will disappear. Note that as long as the low importance or low credibility of the peripheral element is indicated in an efficiently visible manner, other display methods may be used, not limited to "reducing the size" or "reducing the opacity."

[0123] In this way, voting for the proposition (or theme) as the central element represents each user's support / negation of the theme, and the size of the peripheral elements corresponding to the number of votes represents their importance in the thought structure diagram. Such changes in the peripheral elements and links due to voting have the effect of bringing the thought structure for the central element shown in the thought structure diagram closer to a more universal thought structure, making it easier to see and more organized. Furthermore, changes in the thought structure diagram due to voting allow users to gain an intuitive understanding of the thought structure.

[0124] (Filtering process) FIG. 11C shows the filtered thought structure diagram displayed on the user terminals 1110 and 1120.

[0125] The display screen 1141 in the center of Fig. 11C is the same as the top diagram in Fig. 11B. Here, the thought structure diagram on the display screen 1141 reflecting the user voting results is filtered under various conditions. The top, bottom, left and right diagrams in Fig. 11C show the changed thought structure diagram as a result of filtering under different conditions.

[0126] The left and right display screens 1161 and 1181 in FIG. 11C are the results of filtering by the nationality of the user who voted. The left display screen 1161 is a thought structure diagram in which the votes of users who have the nationality of country A are searched for and the voting results are reflected. The right display screen 1181 is a thought structure diagram in which the votes of users who have the nationality of country B are searched for and the voting results are reflected. Meanwhile, the upper display screens 1171 and 1191 in FIG. 11C are the results of filtering by the religion practiced by the user who voted. The upper display screen 1171 is a thought structure diagram in which the votes of users who believe in religion a are searched for and the voting results are reflected. The lower display screen 1191 is a thought structure diagram in which the votes of users who believe in religion b are searched for and the voting results are reflected.

[0127] In this way, by filtering user votes according to various conditions, it is possible to know changes and differences in the thought structure diagram under the set conditions. The filtering conditions are not limited to other conditions related to user attributes (such as age and gender), but include any conditions necessary for analyzing the thought structure, such as voting period, voting time, and geographical conditions.

[0128] <Configuration of information processing system> FIG. 12A is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system 1200 according to this embodiment.

[0129] The information processing system 1200 is connected via network 320 to a user terminal 1120 that can view the thought structure diagram and vote for the subject, peripheral elements, and links, and a ShareB server 1210 that serves as an information processing device that tallys up the votes from the user terminal 1120 and reflects them in the thought structure diagram.

[0130] <Operation procedure of information processing system> Fig. 12B is a sequence diagram showing the operation procedure of the information processing system 1200 according to this embodiment. In addition, in Fig. 12B, the editing of the thought structure diagram in Fig. 3B is omitted, but the editing of the thought structure diagram is also included.

[0131] In step S1221, the user terminals 1110 and 1120 vote for the subject or element of the thought structure diagram being viewed. In step S1223, the ShareB server 1210 receives the voting results and tallies the voting results for the subject, each peripheral element, and each link of each thought structure diagram. In step S1225, the ShareB server 1210 reflects the statistical values ​​of the voting tallies (e.g., the total number of votes and the ratio of support and negation) in the display of the subject, each peripheral element, and each link, and transmits them to the user terminals 1110 and 1120. In step S1227, the user terminals 1110 and 1120 share the thought structure diagram in which the votes are reflected.

[0132] Fig. 12C is a sequence diagram showing the operation procedure of the information processing system according to this embodiment, Fig. 12C shows a filtering process of the voting result.

[0133] In step S1231, the age group of the users who voted is specified as a filtering condition from the user terminal 1110. In step S1233, the ShareB server 1210 tally up the voting results stored in the database by age group. Then, in step S1235, the ShareB server 1210 reflects the statistical values ​​by age group in the subject, peripheral elements, and links, and transmits the thought structure diagram to the user terminal 1110. In step S1237, the user terminal 1110 displays the received thought structure diagram by age group.

[0134] In step S1241, the religion of the user who voted is specified as a filtering condition from the user terminal 1120. In step S1243, the ShareB server 1210 tally up the voting results stored in the database by religious affiliation (and further by denomination). Then, in step S1245, the ShareB server 1210 reflects the statistical values ​​by religious affiliation in the themes, peripheral elements, and links, and transmits a thought structure diagram to the user terminal 1120. In step S1247, the user terminal 1120 displays the received thought structure diagram by religious affiliation.

[0135] In step S1251, the gender of the user who voted as a filtering condition is instructed from the user terminal 1110. In step S1253, the ShareB server 1210 performs aggregation by gender from the voting results accumulated in the database. Then, in step S1255, the ShareB server 1210 reflects the statistical value of gender in the theme, peripheral elements, and links, and transmits the thought structure diagram to the user terminal 1110. In step S1257, the user terminal 1110 displays the thought structure diagram reflecting the received gender voting results.

[0136] <Functional Configuration of ShareB Server> FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ShareB server 1210 as the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Also, in FIG. 13, the functional elements related to the editing of the thought structure diagram in FIG. 4 are omitted.

[0137] The ShareB server 1210 includes a voting result acquisition unit 1307, a voting result tallying unit 1308, a thinking structure diagram correction unit 1309, and a database 1211. The voting result acquisition unit 1307 acquires the voting results for the subject of the thinking structure diagram, each peripheral element, and each link from the user terminal 1120. The voting results include the identifier of the user who voted (user ID), the identifier of the thinking structure diagram (thinking structure diagram ID), the identifier of the subject, each peripheral element, and each link (element ID), and a flag of subject support / subject negation / inappropriateness. The voting result tallying unit 1308 has a voting result tallying table 1381, and calculates a statistical value (total number, rate, etc.) by tallying the acquired statistical results for each thinking structure diagram, each subject, each peripheral element, and each link. The thinking structure diagram correction unit 1309 has a thinking structure diagram correction table 1391, and reflects the tallying results in the generation of the subject of the thinking structure diagram, each peripheral element, and each link by the thinking structure diagram generation unit 405. That is, the total number of votes is expressed by the size or opacity of the peripheral elements, or the color or opacity of the link, and the rate is expressed in a identifiable manner (for peripheral elements, the length of the arc around the peripheral elements, etc.) (see Figs. 11A to 11C). These display methods are not limited to those exemplified here, and various methods are possible as long as they are visible when viewing. The thought structure diagram publishing unit 407 also functions as a voting result display instruction unit that reflects the voting results when there are votes. Although not shown in Fig. 13, when a filtering process that changes the tallying conditions of the voting results is executed during viewing, the ShareB server 1210 has a condition acquisition unit that acquires the filtering conditions for filtering the voting results. The thought structure diagram correction unit 1309 functions as a filtering reflection unit that reflects the voting results tallied in accordance with the filtering conditions in at least one of the display of the subject, the peripheral elements, and the links included in the thought structure diagram.

[0138] (Database) 14A is a diagram showing the configuration of the database 1211 according to this embodiment. The database 1211 stores data, parameters, and programs required for processing by the ShareB server 1210, as well as a thought structure diagram including a subject, peripheral elements, and links.

[0139] The database 1211 includes a voting result storage section 1450 in addition to the subject storage section 510, the peripheral element storage section 520, the link storage section 530, and the editing authority registration section 540 in FIG. 5A. The voting result storage section 1450 accumulates the voting results from the user terminal 1120 and the counting results thereof. The voting result storage section 1450 stores votes 1452 for the subject as a central element, votes 1453 for peripheral elements, and votes 1454 for links in association with a thought structure diagram ID 1451. The votes 1452 for the subject include, for example, the contents of the subject, the number of votes in support of the subject for the subject, the number of votes against the subject for the subject, and the number of votes for inappropriateness of the subject for the subject. The votes 1453 for peripheral elements include, for example, the contents of the peripheral elements, the number of votes in support of the subject for the subject in the peripheral elements, the number of votes against the subject for the subject in the peripheral elements, and the number of votes for inappropriateness of elements for the peripheral elements, for multiple peripheral elements. Also, the votes 1454 for links include, for example, for multiple links, the contents of the link, the number of votes required for linking to the link, the number of votes not required for linking to the link, and the number of votes for link types to the link. Note that the configuration of the vote result storage unit 1450 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 14A. When one thought structure diagram has multiple themes, votes 1452 for multiple themes are stored in association with one thought structure diagram ID 1451.

[0140] Fig. 14B is a diagram showing the configuration of the thinking structure diagram storage unit 1470 stored in the database 1211 according to this embodiment. Note that Fig. 14B shows the configuration of one thinking structure diagram, but many registered thinking structure diagrams are stored.

[0141] The subject data storage unit 1410 stores voting results 1414 and voting result display information 1415. Information regarding subject support votes, information regarding subject reject votes, and information regarding subject inappropriate votes is stored in the voting result 1414. The voting result display information 1415 stores, for example, information for displaying the subject support rate and the subject reject rate in different colors within the area of ​​the subject display shape.

[0142] The peripheral element data storage unit 1420 stores element attributes 1424, voting results 1425, and voting result display information 1426. The element attributes 1424 are information indicating whether the voting results for the peripheral element A are directly reflected / reversely reflected on, for example, the subject connected by a link. In the voting method of this embodiment, the voting method is fixed to an "order relationship" that directly reflects the results. For example, the voting results 1425 store information on the subject support votes and the subject reject votes cast on the peripheral element A, and information on the element inappropriate votes. For example, the voting result display information 1426 stores information for displaying the periphery (circumference in the case of a circle) of the display shape of the peripheral element A in different colors according to the subject support rate and the subject reject rate.

[0143] The link data storage unit 1430 stores voting results 1434 and voting result display information 1435. The voting results 1434 store, for example, information on the link-needed votes and the link-unnecessary votes, and information on votes for link types. The votes for link types include, for example, parent-child relationship, equality, conflict, and the like. Note that parent-child relationship, equality, conflict, and the like may be selected from the voting results for the elements connected by the link a. The voting result display information 1435 stores, for example, information such as the display shape, thickness, opacity, and the like for displaying the link a.

[0144] (Voting results table) 14C is a diagram showing the configuration of the vote result tally table 1381 according to this embodiment. The vote result tally table 1381 is used by the vote result tally unit 1308 to tally the vote results acquired from the user terminal 1120.

[0145] The vote result tally table 1381 stores a vote tally 1462 for the topic as a central element, a vote tally 1463 for peripheral elements, and a vote tally 1464 for links, in association with the thought structure diagram ID 1461. The vote tally 1462 for the topic stores, for example, the contents of the topic, the total number of votes for the topic, the number of inappropriate topic votes for the topic, the number of valid topic votes, the topic support vote rate, and the topic reject vote rate. Here, the number of valid topic votes is the number of votes obtained by subtracting the number of inappropriate topic votes from the total number of votes. The topic support vote rate is the value obtained by dividing the number of inappropriate topic votes for the topic by the number of valid topic votes. The topic reject vote rate is the value obtained by dividing the number of invalid topic votes for the topic by the number of valid topic votes. The vote tally 1463 for the peripheral elements stores, for example, the contents of the peripheral elements, the total number of votes for the peripheral elements, the number of inappropriate topic votes for the peripheral elements, the number of valid topic votes, the topic support vote rate, and the topic reject vote rate. Here, the number of valid element votes is the number of votes obtained by subtracting the number of inappropriate element votes from the total number of votes. The subject support vote rate is the value obtained by dividing the number of subject support votes for peripheral elements by the number of valid element votes. The subject reject vote rate is the value obtained by dividing the number of rejection votes for peripheral elements by the number of valid element votes. The vote tally 1464 for links stores, for example, the contents of the link, the total number of votes for the link, the number of votes required for the link, the number of votes not required for the link, the required link vote rate, and the link type vote rate. Here, the required link vote rate is the value obtained by dividing the required number of votes for the link by the sum of the required number of votes and the unnecessary number of votes. For example, the size and opacity of the peripheral elements are determined by the ratio of the "valid element vote number" and the "inappropriate element vote number" or the difference in the number of votes. The opacity of the link is determined by the required link vote rate. The configuration of the vote result tally table 1381 is not limited to FIG. 14C. When one thought structure diagram has a plurality of themes, the vote totals 1462 of the plurality of themes are stored in association with one thought structure diagram ID 1461.

[0146] In FIG. 14C, the relationship between the subject, each element, and each link is not shown, but a vote for a peripheral element may be reflected in the votes of the subject and other peripheral elements associated with the link. Also, it may be reflected in the votes of the links connected to the peripheral element. For example, if a peripheral element receives many "inappropriate" votes, affecting the opacity, etc. of the peripheral element, the opacity, etc. of the links connected to it will also be lowered. Alternatively, if the voting results of one of two peripheral elements connected by a link are contradictory to the voting results of the other, the link is changed to a shape or color that indicates the conflict.

[0147] (Voting results display table) 14D is a diagram showing the configuration of the thinking structure diagram correction table 1391 according to this embodiment. The thinking structure diagram correction table 1391 is used by the thinking structure diagram correction unit 1309 to correct the thinking structure diagram in response to the tallying of the voting results.

[0148] The thought structure diagram correction table 1391 stores display information 1472 for the subject, display information 1473 for peripheral elements, and display information 1474 for links in association with the thought structure diagram ID 1471. The display information 1472 for the subject stores, for example, the contents of the subject, (number of valid votes for subject-number of inappropriate votes for subject), the display size of the subject, the vote rate in support of the subject, the display size of the vote rate in support of the subject, the vote rate in negation of the subject, and the display size of the vote rate in negation of the subject. Here, although an example in which the display size of the subject does not change is shown in Figs. 11A to 11C, it is preferable that the display size of the subject changes when, for example, there are multiple subjects in the thought structure diagram. The change is not limited to the display size, and other visible expression methods such as opacity may be used. Moreover, the display size of the subject support rate and the display size of the subject negation rate are expressed as the ratio of the area within the display size of the subject that does not change in Figs. 11A to 11C.

[0149] Moreover, the display information 1473 for the peripheral elements stores, for example, the contents of the peripheral elements, (number of valid votes for element-number of inappropriate votes for element), the display size and opacity of the peripheral elements, the display size of the main topic support vote rate, the display size of the main topic support vote rate, the display size of the main topic negation vote rate, and the display size of the main topic negation rate for a plurality of peripheral elements. Here, the display size of the peripheral elements changes according to the number of (number of valid votes for element-number of inappropriate votes for element), and the opacity of the peripheral elements becomes transparent after becoming the smallest circle (not shown). Note that the expression method is not limited to the display size and opacity of the peripheral elements, and other visible expression methods may be used. Also, the display size of the main topic support rate and the display size of the main topic negation rate for the peripheral elements are expressed by the ratio of the length of each color of the arc around the circle in Figs. 11A to 11C (in Figs. 11A to 11C, the difference in color is shown by the difference in pattern). However, the display size is not limited to the ratio of the length of each color of the arcs around the circle, and other visible expression methods may be used. In addition, the color of the link display information 1474 changes depending on the voting results of the surrounding elements, and the required voting rate or (required votes - unnecessary votes) is expressed by opacity or its shape. Furthermore, it is not limited to opacity or shape, and other visible expression methods may be used. The configuration of the thought structure diagram correction table 1391 is not limited to FIG. 14D. The shape of the link may be selected by voting. For example, a method may be used in which the viewing user is asked to choose from the options of "No causal relationship - equal □", "Parent-child △", and "Conflict ◇" and votes directly for each link. In addition, a method may be considered in which the link changes from "Equal □" to "Conflict ◇" or from "Conflict ◇" to "Equal □" depending on the attributes of the two surrounding elements located at both ends of the link (attributes determined as a result of the viewing user's vote for each surrounding element, such as "Supports the heliocentric theory!" or "Does not support the heliocentric theory!").

[0150] Fig. 14E is a diagram showing the configuration of database 1211 when performing the filtering processes shown in Fig. 11C and Fig. 12C. Note that the configuration of database 1211 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 14E.

[0151] The database 1211 in FIG. 14E has a filtering storage unit 1480 in addition to the subject storage unit 510, the peripheral element storage unit 520, the link storage unit 530, the editing authority registration unit 540, and the voting result storage unit 1450 in FIG. 14A. The filtering storage unit 1480 stores, in association with the thought structure diagram ID 1481, the user ID (voting source) 1482 that voted on this thought structure diagram, the user attributes 1483 and voting period 1484 that are filtering conditions, etc., and the votes for the subject, the votes for the peripheral elements, and the votes for the links, which are the voting results. Note that the configuration of the filtering storage unit 1480 is not limited to FIG. 14E. For example, in order to maintain the fairness of voting, filtering can also be performed to invalidate duplicate votes from the same user terminal.

[0152] When filtering conditions are set, the user attributes 1483, the voting period 1484, etc. are searched using the filtering conditions as search keys, and the voting contents that match the filtering conditions are collected. Then, the thought structure diagram is changed according to the collected contents.

[0153] FIG. 14F is a diagram showing the configuration of a voting result aggregation table 1381 that has collected voting contents that match the filtering conditions. At the time of filtering, FIG. 14C is replaced with FIG. 14F. The thought structure diagram correction unit 1309 changes the thought structure diagram with reference to this voting result aggregation table 1381 and using the thought structure diagram correction table 1391.

[0154] The voting result aggregation table 1381 stores a collection instruction 1491 and a collection target 1492 in association with the thought structure diagram ID 1461. This collection instruction 1491 and / or the collection target 1492 correspond to the filtering conditions. The votes collected based on each filtering condition have the same configuration as FIG. 14C.

[0155] <Processing Procedure of ShareB Server> 15A is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the ShareB server 1210 of this embodiment. This flowchart is executed by the CPU 610 in FIG. 6 using the RAM 640 to realize the components in FIG.

[0156] After viewing the thought structure diagram in step S725, the ShareB server 1210 determines whether to perform filtered aggregation (whether there is a request from the user terminal) in step S1519. If filtered aggregation is to be performed, the ShareB server 1210 proceeds to step S1591 in FIG. 15D.

[0157] If the thought structure diagram is neither being generated nor viewed, the ShareB server 1210 determines in step S1511 whether or not voting results have been obtained from the user terminal 1120. If voting results have been obtained, the ShareB server 1210 executes a process of tallying the obtained voting results in step S1513. The ShareB server 1210 executes a process of reflecting the voting results in the thought structure diagram in step S1515. Then, the ShareB server 1210 executes a sharing process of the reflected thought structure diagram (sharing with terminals with access rights) in step S1517.

[0158] (Counting of voting results) FIG. 15B is a flowchart showing the procedure of the voting result tallying process S1513 according to this embodiment.

[0159] In step S1520, the ShareB server 1210 acquires the thought structure diagram ID of the voting target included in the voting information acquired from the user terminal 1120. In step S1521, the ShareB server 1210 judges whether the voting target is the topic as a central element. If the voting target is the topic, the ShareB server 1210 adds 1 to the total number of votes for the topic in step S1523. Next, in step S1525, the ShareB server 1210 judges whether the vote content is support for the topic / denial of the topic / inappropriate topic. If the vote content is support for the topic, the ShareB server 1210 adds 1 to the number of support votes in step S1527, and calculates the support vote rate (=number of support votes / total valid votes) in step S1529. If the vote content is denial of the topic, the ShareB server 1210 adds 1 to the number of negative votes in step S1531, and calculates the negative vote rate (=number of negative votes / total valid votes) in step S1533. If the vote is for an inappropriate subject, the ShareB server 1210 adds 1 to the number of inappropriate votes in step S1535, and calculates the total valid votes and the valid vote rate in step S1537. Here, the total valid votes is (=total votes-number of inappropriate votes), and the valid vote rate is (=total valid votes / total votes).

[0160] If the voting target is not the subject, the ShareB server 1210 judges in step S1541 whether the voting target is a peripheral element. If the voting target is a peripheral element, the ShareB server 1210 adds 1 to the total number of votes for the target element in step S1543. Next, the ShareB server 1210 performs the same process as the process of steps S1525 to S1537 for the subject on the peripheral element in step S1545. Then, the ShareB server 1210 performs a process of reflecting the voting result for the peripheral element on the subject or other peripheral elements, links, etc. in step S1547. Also, if the voting target is neither the subject nor a peripheral element, the ShareB server 1210 judges in step S1551 whether the voting target is a link. If the voting target is a link, the ShareB server 1210 adds 1 to the total number of votes for the target link in step S1553. Next, in step S1555, the ShareB server 1210 performs the same process for the link as the process in steps S1525 to S1537 for the theme. In addition, in the voting for the link, a vote may be performed to select the shape of the link, such as "parent-child △", "equal □", or "conflict ◇". Then, as an option, in step S1557, the ShareB server 1210 may perform a process of reflecting the voting result for the link to the theme, peripheral elements, or other links. In addition, the reflection process may be determined when the thought structure diagram is generated or when an existing thought structure diagram is edited. In addition, although not shown in FIG. 15B, a data reflection process may be added to reflect the voting result for the theme to other themes, peripheral elements, or links.

[0161] (Reflection process to thought structure diagram) FIG. 15C is a flowchart showing the procedure of the reflection process S1515 to the thought structure diagram in this embodiment.

[0162] In step S1561, the ShareB server 1210 determines whether or not to reflect the vote in the display of the subject. If there is a vote for the subject and it is to be reflected in the display of the subject, in step S1562, the ShareB server 1210 acquires the valid total number of votes for the subject or the valid voting rate. Then, in step S1563, the ShareB server 1210 sets the display size of the subject corresponding to the valid total number of votes or the valid voting rate. In step S1564, the ShareB server 1210 acquires the subject support voting rate and the subject negation voting rate for the subject. Then, in step S1565, the ShareB server 1210 sets the display size of the subject support rate and the display size of the subject negation rate in the subject. In step S1566, the ShareB server 1210 corrects the display size of the subject (no correction in this example), corrects the display size of the support rate of the subject and the display size of the negation rate of the subject, and generates a display image of the subject. In steps S1562 to S1566, when the reflection of the voting result in the subject display is expressed by something other than the size, other visible display changes may be set.

[0163] If the vote is not a vote for the subject, the ShareB server 1210 determines in step S1571 whether the vote is a vote for a peripheral element and whether the vote should be reflected in the display of the peripheral element. If the vote is to be reflected in the display of the peripheral element, the ShareB server 1210 acquires the valid total number or valid vote rate of the votes for the target element in step S1572. Then, the ShareB server 1210 sets the display size or opacity of the target element corresponding to the valid total number or valid vote rate of the votes in step S1573. The ShareB server 1210 acquires the subject support vote rate and the subject negation vote rate of the target element in step S1574. Then, the ShareB server 1210 sets the display size of the subject support rate and the display size of the subject negation rate of the target element in step S1575. The ShareB server 1210 modifies the display size of the target element in step S1576, modifies the display size of the subject support rate and the display size of the subject negation rate of the target element, and generates a display image of the target element. In steps S1572 to S1576, when the voting result is reflected in the peripheral element display by something other than size or opacity, other visible display changes may be set.

[0164] If the vote is neither a vote for the subject nor a vote for a peripheral element, the ShareB server 1210 determines in step S1581 whether the vote is a vote for a link and whether the vote should be reflected in the display of the link. If the vote is to be reflected in the display of the link, the ShareB server 1210 acquires the required or unnecessary vote rate for the link in step S1582. Then, the ShareB server 1210 sets the opacity of the display of the target link corresponding to the total valid votes or the valid vote rate in step S1583. Note that, when the reflection of the voting result in the link display is expressed by something other than opacity, other visible display changes may be used. The ShareB server 1210 acquires the shape or color as the type of the target link in step S1584. Then, the ShareB server 1210 sets the color of the target link in step S1585. Alternatively, the ShareB server 1210 may acquire the subject support vote rate and subject reject vote rate of the subject peripheral element connected by the subject link in step S1584, and set the color of the subject link based on the subject support vote rate and subject reject vote rate of the subject peripheral element in step S1585. Then, in step S1587, the shape of the link is set according to the voting result for the shape of the subject link or the voting result for the element connected by the subject link.

[0165] FIG. 15D is a flowchart showing the procedure of the filtering process in the case where the result is YES in step S1519 in FIG. 15A.

[0166] In step S1591, the ShareB server 1210 waits to receive the filter conditions set from the user terminals 1110 and 1120 for the filtering process. When the filter conditions are received, the ShareB server 1210 stores the received filter conditions in step S1593. In step S1595, the ShareB server 1210 searches and collects votes that match the filter conditions from the database 1211. Then, in step S1513, the ShareB server 1210 executes the vote tallying process shown in FIG. 15B for the votes that match the filter conditions. Next, in step S1515, the ShareB server 1210 executes the reflection process to the thought structure diagram shown in FIG. 15C using the tallying results of the votes that match the filter conditions.

[0167] <Functional configuration of user terminal> Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the user terminals 1110 and 1120 according to this embodiment. Since the user terminals 1110 and 1120 have similar functions, the user terminal 1110 will be described as a representative. In Fig. 16, the functions related to editing the thought structure diagram in Fig. 9 are omitted.

[0168] The user terminal 1110 includes a voting content acquisition unit 1613 and a voting content transmission unit 1614. The voting content acquisition unit 1613 acquires the voting content for the subject, each peripheral element, each link, etc., input by the user from the operation unit 922. The voting content transmission unit 1614 transmits information including the user ID, the thought structure diagram ID being viewed, the subject ID of the voting target, the peripheral element ID of the voting target, the link ID of the voting target, the voting content, etc., to the ShareB server 1210.

[0169] <User terminal processing procedure> Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the user terminals 1110 and 1120 according to this embodiment. Note that in Fig. 17, instructions to edit the thought structure diagram in Fig. 10 are omitted.

[0170] In step S1745, the user terminal 1110 determines whether or not a filtering condition has been input. If a filtering condition has been input, the user terminal 1110 receives and displays a thought structure diagram of the filtering result from the ShareB server 1210 in step S1747. If a filtering condition has not been input, the user terminal 1110 proceeds to step S1737.

[0171] In step S1737, the user terminal 1110 judges whether or not the input is a vote. If the input is a vote, in step S1739, the user terminal 1110 acquires the vote contents and transmits the vote target (thinking structure diagram ID, subject ID, peripheral element ID, link ID, etc.) and the vote contents to the ShareB server 1210. Then, in step S1741, the user terminal 1110 waits for a response that the vote is reflected in the thought structure diagram being viewed, and when there is a response, in step S1743, receives and displays the thought structure diagram in which the vote is reflected. Note that, although FIG. 17 shows the operation of the user terminal that voted, reflection in the thought structure diagram in a user terminal other than the user terminal that voted can be realized by separately processing steps S1741 and S1743 following step S1747.

[0172] In addition, in order to prevent the same user from voting in large quantities or the same group from voting in large quantities, which may result in biased voting results, it is desirable to prohibit duplicate votes by the same user or group, or to set a limit on the number of votes. On the other hand, such restrictions can be lifted in order to obtain more votes. Furthermore, by combining this vote control with the scope of disclosure and the scope of editing, it is possible to realize the generation of a thought structure diagram that reflects the intentions of users more fairly. Furthermore, voting for the first peripheral element or the second peripheral element does not necessarily affect the voting result of the central element. In other words, it is possible to set it so that voting for a certain peripheral element affects other peripheral elements connected by a link. On the other hand, it is also possible to consider a configuration in which the voting result for the first peripheral element or the second peripheral element is used independently to organize the directionality of the information of the first peripheral element or the second peripheral element, and the result does not affect the voting result of the central element. These settings can also be arbitrarily switched by the user who generated the thought structure diagram, or the user who views and edits the thought structure diagram, when generating, editing, or viewing the thought structure diagram.

[0173] In addition, in filtering, for example, the ratio of pros and cons of the central element, the size and opacity of the peripheral elements, the shape and thickness of the link, and the filtering of information that affects them may be performed, for example, by invalidating votes from the same user terminal, gender, place of origin, etc. The filtering function may be provided when displaying the thought structure diagram. In addition, the user who generated the thought structure diagram or the information processing device can switch settings to refer to the attributes of the viewing user and switch the presence or absence of the filtering function and the contents, or the filtering for the viewing user who is the target of filtering. In the filtering function, the votes for each peripheral element, subject, proposition, etc. are recounted according to the attributes of each user, such as "voter's gender," "voter's place of origin," and "voter's age," and are reflected in the thought structure diagram displayed on the screen.

[0174] According to this embodiment, since the voting results of users on themes and elements are reflected in the thought structure diagram, a universal thought structure diagram that is not overly biased can be obtained. In addition, since the voting results of many users are reflected in the structure of the thought structure diagram, there is also an effect of forming collective intelligence and allowing many users to share logical thinking circuits. As a result, a fair and more accurate collective intelligence can be formed.

[0175] [Fourth embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system according to this embodiment differs from the second and third embodiments in that it inputs and displays comments linked to the displayed subject or peripheral elements. Since the other configurations and operations are the same as those of the second and third embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations and operations, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0176] <User device display screen> FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display screen 1811 of a user terminal 1810 in the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0177] A display screen (canvas) 1811 of the user terminal 1810 displays a comment section 1812 of users for the viewed and displayed thought structure diagram. As shown in the comment section 1812 of FIG. 18, the surroundings and backgrounds of the comments and user names in the comment section are colored in a color corresponding to the vote for or against the proposition or theme, which is the central element, so that it is clear whether each user in the comment section has cast a vote for or against the proposition or theme, which is the central element. The comment may be associated with and reflected as a vote (for the user's theme) in the elements linked to the comment in the comment section. The comment section 1812 may be integrated with the thought structure diagram, or may be a comment posted by an SNS or the like, which is independent of the thought structure diagram. However, it is preferable that each comment in the comment section is displayed so that the link with the theme and each element of the thought structure diagram being viewed is clear. Furthermore, the comments in the comment section can be tagged or associated according to the central element or peripheral element, and when the mouse is over a comment, the corresponding central element, peripheral element, link, etc. are highlighted. It is also possible to reply to an existing comment, and in that case, the parent-child relationship of the comment is displayed so that it is easy to see. Furthermore, buttons are attached to media and URL links, which allow one-click (one-tap) to import them as new peripheral elements (or central elements) into the thought structure diagram. Comments are linked to each object (central element, peripheral elements, links, etc.) (selected with the pull-down menu 1813), and when the mouse is placed over each corresponding object in the display screen 1811, the comment (thread) linked to that object is simultaneously highlighted. The reverse process is similar. There may be a dedicated tag (channel) for each link, or a comment on a link may be substituted by selecting both tags (channels) corresponding to the two elements located at both ends of the link. A new tag (channel) can be added to a reply comment by associating it with other elements, links, etc. A user's comment may be processed by a large-scale language model (LLM) and treated as a vote for each element.

[0178] For example, when there are N nodes (peripheral elements) in one thought structure diagram, there are (N + 1) tags (or channels), and the user selects and comments on one of these tags (channels). Among these, one tag (channel) is used when commenting on the overall theme or proposition itself. When there are multiple themes or propositions, the number of tags increases accordingly. If the number of themes or propositions is M, then (N + M) tags are required. Note that multiple tags (channels) can be selected, but when replying to an existing comment, the tag (channel) of the reply destination comment (parent comment) is forcibly assigned to the reply comment (child comment) as well. For example, when wanting to mention the relevance of multiple peripheral elements, multiple tags are set for one comment.

[0179] In addition, the user's comments obtained from the user terminal may be analyzed to generate an information correlation diagram that includes at least two graphic elements (central elements or peripheral elements) that can distinguish differences in the importance of information and represents the comments. Then, in order to convey the comments to other users, an instruction may be given to display the information correlation diagram on the user terminal operated by other users.

[0180] <Functional Configuration of ShareB Server> FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a ShareB server 1910 as an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Also, in FIG. 19, the functional elements related to the editing of the thought structure diagram in FIG. 4 and the functional elements related to voting in FIG. 13 are omitted.

[0181] The ShareB server 1910 includes a comment acquisition unit 1908, a comment display instruction unit 1909, and a database 1911. The comment acquisition unit 1908 acquires comments from the user terminal 1120 on the thought structure diagram or on the subject, each peripheral element, and each link. The comments include an identifier (user ID) of the user who made the comment, an identifier (thinking structure diagram ID) of the thought structure diagram, an identifier (element ID) of the subject, each peripheral element, and each link, and the comment content. The comment display instruction unit 1909 has a comment display table 1991, and links the acquired comments to the generation of the subject, each peripheral element, and each link of the thought structure diagram by the thought structure diagram generation unit 405, and reflects the comments in the generation of the subject, each peripheral element, and each link.

[0182] (Database) 20A is a diagram showing the configuration of a database 1911 according to this embodiment. The database 1911 stores data, parameters, and programs required for processing by the ShareB server 1910, as well as a thought structure diagram including a subject as a central element, peripheral elements, and links.

[0183] The database 1911 has a comment storage section 2060 in addition to the subject storage section 510, the peripheral element storage section 520, the link storage section 530, the editing authority registration section 540, and the voting result storage section 1450. The comment storage section 2060 collects and accumulates comments input from the user terminals 1810 and 1820. The comment storage section 2060 stores a time stamp 2062 at which the comment was input and a user ID 2063 who input the comment in association with a comment ID 2061. It also stores a thought structure diagram ID 2064 that the comment targets, a subject 2065 that targets, peripheral elements 2066 that targets, a target link 2067, a comment content 2068, and, if there is a vote from the comment section, a vote content 2069. The comment content 2068 may be a pointer to the comment content. Here, the comment contents 2068 include external sites to which links are directed (news sites, Wikipedia (registered trademark), SNS, etc.), and media such as images, videos, and audio (including both those uploaded from the user's PC and those linked from the Internet). In other words, things of the same type and content as those that can be posted on Twitter (registered trademark), or other media, can be posted as comments. Note that the configuration of the comment storage unit 2060 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 20A.

[0184] Fig. 20B is a diagram showing the configuration of the thought structure diagram storage section 1470 and the comment storage section 2070 stored in the database 1911 according to this embodiment. Note that Fig. 20B shows the configuration of one thought structure diagram, but many registered thought structure diagrams are stored.

[0185] The user input comments stored in the comment memory unit 2070 are associated with the themes, peripheral elements, and links in the thought structure diagram memory unit 1470. The comment memory unit 2070 stores an identification mark 2071 for identifying the peripheral elements and links targeted by the comment (if there are multiple themes, the identification marks of the themes are also stored). And corresponding to the theme or each peripheral element / link, parameters of a plurality of displayed comments are stored. As the parameters of the comment, a time-stamped time stamp 2072, a user ID and a terminal ID 2073, a comment content 2074, a link destination to the comment content 2075, a type of support / negation / inappropriateness associated with the comment 2076, etc. are stored. Note that the configuration of the comment memory unit 2070 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 20B.

[0186] (Comment display table) FIG. 20C is a diagram showing the configuration of a comment display table 1991 according to the present embodiment. The comment display table 1991 is used for the comment display instruction unit 1909 to display the comments acquired from the user terminals 1810 and 1820 together with the thought structure diagram. Note that FIG. 20C shows the case where there is one theme in the thought structure diagram, but it is not limited thereto. Also, the configuration of the comment display table 1991 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 20C.

[0187] The comment display table 1991 stores a plurality of peripheral elements / links 2083 and an identification mark 2084 for identifying the peripheral elements and links targeted by the comment, in association with the thought structure diagram ID 2081 and its theme 2082. And corresponding to the theme 2082 or each peripheral element / link 2083, parameters of a plurality of displayed comments are stored. As the parameters of the comment, a time-stamped time stamp 2085, a user ID and a terminal ID 2086, a comment content 2087, a link destination to the comment content 2088, a type of support / negation / inappropriateness associated with the comment 2089, etc. are stored.

[0188] <Processing procedure of the ShareB server> 21A and 21B are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the ShareB server 1910 according to this embodiment. This flowchart is executed by the CPU 610 in FIG. 6 using the RAM 640 to realize the components in FIG.

[0189] In step S2111, the ShareB server 1910 judges whether or not to acquire a comment from the user terminal 1810. If it is an acquisition of a comment, the ShareB server 1910 acquires the user ID (terminal ID) who made the comment in step S2113. In step S2115, the ShareB server 1910 acquires the thought structure diagram, subject, peripheral elements, and link of the comment target. In step S2117, the ShareB server 1910 links the comment content to the thought structure diagram, subject, peripheral elements, and link of the comment target and inserts it into the comment list. Then, in step S2119, the ShareB server 1910 updates the comment field of the target thought structure diagram and displays it on the user terminals 1810 and 1820 together with the thought structure diagram. In step S2120, the ShareB server 1910 judges whether or not to acquire a vote from the comment field. If it is judged that a vote is to be acquired, the ShareB server 1910 proceeds to step S2121 of FIG. 21B.

[0190] In FIG. 21B, in step S2121, the ShareB server 1910 judges whether or not the vote is from the voting window of the comment section. If the vote is from the voting window, the ShareB server 1910 acquires the vote content in step S2123. The voting window may be similar to that of the third embodiment (FIG. 11A, etc.), the sixth embodiment (FIG. 25A, etc.) and the seventh embodiment (FIG. 27A, etc.), or may be of another format corresponding to the comment section. In step S2125, the ShareB server 1910 reflects the vote content in the database 1911 in correspondence with the thought structure diagram, themes, peripheral elements and links. Then, in step S2127, the ShareB server 1910 generates a thought structure diagram updated by the vote and instructs to display it.

[0191] On the other hand, if the vote is not from a voting window, the ShareB server 1910 analyzes the comment in the comment section in step S2131 to determine whether or not to use it as a vote. If the comment is analyzed to use it as a vote, the ShareB server 1910 acquires the target comment in step S2133. Then, the ShareB server 1910 analyzes the presence or absence of a corresponding vote content from the comment in step S2135. Note that the analysis of the corresponding vote content from the comment is performed by document recognition or the like, but a detailed description is omitted here. The ShareB server 1910 determines in step S2137 whether or not there is a vote content, and if there is a vote content, proceeds to step S2125 and reflects the vote content in the database 1911 in correspondence with the thought structure diagram, the subject, the peripheral elements, and the link.

[0192] <Functional configuration of user terminal> Fig. 22 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the user terminals 1810 and 1820 according to this embodiment. Since the user terminals 1810 and 1820 have similar functions, the user terminal 1810 will be described as a representative. In Fig. 22, the functions related to editing the thought structure diagram in Fig. 9 and the functions related to voting for the subject and peripheral elements in Fig. 16 are omitted.

[0193] The user terminal 1810 includes a comment acquisition unit 2213, a comment transmission unit 2214, a comment column receiving unit 2215, and a comment column display instruction unit 2216. The comment acquisition unit 2213 acquires a comment input from the operation unit 922 for the thought structure diagram being viewed. The comment transmission unit 2214 assigns the user ID who input the comment, the thought structure diagram ID of the comment target, the subject ID, the peripheral element ID, and the like to the acquired comment content, and transmits it to the ShareB server 1910. The comment column receiving unit 2215 receives an updated comment column corresponding to the thought structure diagram being viewed from the ShareB server 1910. The comment column display instruction unit 2216 displays the comment column associated with the thought structure diagram being viewed on the display unit 921.

[0194] <User terminal processing procedure> Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the user terminals 1810 and 1820 according to this embodiment. Note that in Fig. 23, the instruction to edit the thought structure diagram in Fig. 10 and the vote input in Fig. 17 are omitted.

[0195] In step S2337, the user terminal 1810 judges whether or not a comment has been input. If a comment has been input, in step S2339, the user terminal 1810 acquires the comment contents and transmits the comment target (thought structure diagram ID, subject ID, peripheral element ID, etc.) and the comment contents to the ShareB server 1910. Then, in step S2341, the user terminal 1810 waits for a response in which the comment has been reflected in the comment field corresponding to the thought structure diagram being viewed, and when there is a response, in step S2343, receives and displays the comment field in which the comment has been reflected. Note that, although FIG. 23 shows the operation of the user terminal that made the comment, reflection in the comment field in a user terminal other than the user terminal that made the comment can be realized by separately processing steps S2341 and S2343 following step S1035.

[0196] It is also possible to generate peripheral elements from links or images attached to the comment section and add them as new elements to the thought structure diagram and display them. In this case, it is also desirable to take into consideration editing authority. Also, the comment section may be configured to have a button that allows the user to import the element as a new peripheral element (or central element) into the thought structure diagram.

[0197] According to this embodiment, users can confirm the details of the voting results for themes, elements, and links. In addition, there is an effect that constructive discussions can be held to form the collective intelligence of users regarding suggestions for editing the thought structure diagram, peripheral elements to be added, links to be connected, etc.

[0198] [Fifth embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system according to this embodiment differs from the second to fourth embodiments in that voting for a proposition as a subject is three-way. There is no particular limit to the number of branches, and the number may be four, five, etc., instead of three. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the second embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations and operations and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0199] <User device display screen> 24A is a diagram showing a display screen 2411 of a user terminal 2410 in the information processing system according to this embodiment. On the display screen 2411 of the user terminal 2410, a subject 2412 has three options. The three options are associated with each other based on the content of each element. The number of options is not limited, and may exceed three as long as it does not become too complicated for the user to understand the thought structure. In addition, when editing the thought structure diagram, it is also possible to add options if necessary based on the content of the thought structure diagram.

[0200] Fig. 24B is a diagram showing another display screen 2421 of a user terminal 2420 in the information processing system according to this embodiment. In addition to the three options in Fig. 24A, another display screen 2421 of the user terminal 2420 allows an instruction 2423 that "the information is not appropriate" for voting in a peripheral element 2422. Note that "the information is not appropriate" may be included in "meaningless (low credibility, low relevance)".

[0201] FIG. 24C is a diagram showing other display screens 2431 and 2433 of the user terminal 2420 in the information processing system according to this embodiment. In FIG. 24C, a display screen 2431 in which a part of the thought structure diagram is enlarged is displayed from the display screen 2433 by the user's pinch-out operation 2432. This operation is useful for narrowing down the target to a part of the thought structure diagram when the thought structure diagram has many elements and is complex, or when the thought structure diagram has multiple themes and is complex. It corresponds to the zoom-in of FIG. 2A. Conversely, in FIG. 24C, a display screen 2433 in which the thought structure diagram is reduced is displayed from the display screen 2431 by the user's pinch-in operation 2434. This operation is useful for expanding the target toward the whole of the thought structure diagram when you want to know where a part of the thought structure diagram is located in the whole thought structure diagram, or when you want to know how it is connected to other parts.

[0202] FIG. 24D is a diagram showing another display screen of the user terminal 2420 in the information processing system according to this embodiment. In FIG. 24D, two elements are linked as one group. When the user draws a closed curve 2444 including two peripheral elements, the two peripheral elements become one group. After that, simplified operations are realized as one group. The number of elements to be grouped may be three or more, and may include a theme. If the thought structure diagram includes multiple themes, the group may include multiple themes. In addition, a name that symbolizes the group may be given to the group, and operations can be performed on a group basis by the name. In addition, although the grouping is shown as a closed curve 2444 in FIG. 24D, it may be an open curve. For example, a method in which the two ends are not closed by crossing each other like a lasso, but the two ends are automatically connected with straight lines to surround the operation target can be applied.

[0203] According to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain a thought structure diagram that expresses more delicate thoughts that cannot be grasped by choosing between two options. Also, it is possible to enlarge a part of the thought structure diagram to view the detailed structure and make it an object of operation, or to reduce the thought structure diagram to view a wide range or the entire structure and make it an object of operation. Also, it is possible to group a plurality of elements in a part of the thought structure diagram and present them as one element.

[0204] [Sixth embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system according to this embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that voting for each element or link is divided into a first-stage vote (voting on the presence or absence of the element) for voting on appropriateness / inappropriateness, and a second-stage vote (voting on approval or rejection of the element content) for voting on support / rejection. Other configurations and operations are similar to those of the second and third embodiments, so the same configurations and operations are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed explanations thereof are omitted.

[0205] In this embodiment, an example of two-stage voting consisting of a first stage voting and a second stage voting is shown, however, a predetermined thought structure diagram may be provided, and the first stage voting regarding the existence or non-existence of an element may be omitted, and only the second stage voting regarding the approval or rejection of the element content may be directly performed.

[0206] <Voting operations from user terminals> FIG. 25A is a diagram showing the voting operation of the user terminals 1110 and 1120 in the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0207] The central diagram in Fig. 25A shows the state in which the user has selected "Eudoxus", which is a peripheral element 213, as the voting destination. A window 2501 explaining Eudoxus opens, and along with the explanation of Eudoxus, soft buttons are displayed to vote for either "Appropriate for the topic" (hereafter, "Appropriate for the topic") or "Inappropriate for the topic" (hereafter, "Inappropriate for the topic"). Note that if another peripheral element is selected as the voting destination, the same soft buttons are displayed along with the explanation of that peripheral element.

[0208] The lower diagram of FIG. 25A shows the state in which the user has voted for "appropriate for the topic" in the window 2501 in the center diagram. A new window 2502 opens, displaying soft buttons for voting for either "supports the topic" (hereinafter, "supports the topic") or "rejects the topic" (hereinafter, "rejects the topic"). The user's voting results are transmitted to the ShareB server 1210 and stored in the database 2611. The display (size, shape, color, etc.) of the peripheral element is then changed according to the accumulated voting results, and are reflected in other peripheral elements and topics associated with the peripheral element by links, and are also reflected in the links.

[0209] In FIG. 25A, the first stage voting for appropriateness / inappropriateness and the second stage voting for support / negation are described as consecutive operations, but the first stage voting and the second stage voting may be carried out independently, counted independently, and reflected in the thought structure diagram. In this case, the first stage voting or the second stage voting is selected before the vote. Also, after the first stage voting for appropriateness / inappropriateness is completed and the basic thought structure diagram is determined, the second stage voting for support / negation may be started to change the basic thought structure diagram. In this case, a combination such as entrusting the first stage voting to experts and opening the second stage voting to the public may be considered.

[0210] <Operation procedure of information processing system> Fig. 25B is a sequence diagram showing the operation procedure of the information processing system 2500 according to this embodiment. Steps S301 to S315 in Fig. 3B and Fig. 12B are omitted in Fig. 25B. The editing process in Fig. 3B is also omitted, but includes editing of the thought structure diagram.

[0211] In step S2521, the user terminals 1110 and 1120 perform a first-stage vote to vote for the subject, element, and link of the viewed thought structure diagram as appropriate / inappropriate. The ShareB server 2510, which receives the voting results, tallies the first-stage voting results for the subject, each peripheral element, and each link of each thought structure diagram in step S2523. Then, in step S2525, the ShareB server 2510 reflects the statistical values ​​of the tallied results of the first-stage vote (for example, the total number of votes and the proportion of appropriate and inappropriate) in the display of the subject, each peripheral element, and each link of the thought structure diagram, and transmits them to the user terminals 1110 and 1120. In step S2527, the user terminals 1110 and 1120 share the thought structure diagram to which the first-stage vote is reflected.

[0212] In step S2531, the user terminals 1110 and 1120 perform a second-stage vote, including support / negation of the subject or element of the thought structure diagram reflecting the first-stage vote being viewed, or a vote for the link type for the link. The ShareB server 2510, which has received the vote results, counts the second-stage vote results for the subject, each peripheral element, and each link of each thought structure diagram in step S2533. Then, in step S2535, the ShareB server 2510 reflects the statistics of the count results of the second-stage vote (for example, the total number of votes, the ratio of support and negation, and the ranking of types) in the display of the subject, each peripheral element, and each link of the thought structure diagram, and transmits them to the user terminals 1110 and 1120. In step S2537, the user terminals 1110 and 1120 share the thought structure diagram reflecting the second-stage vote.

[0213] (Database) 26A and 26B are diagrams showing the configuration of a database 2611 according to this embodiment. The database 2611 stores data, parameters, and programs required for processing by the ShareB server 2510, as well as a thought structure diagram including a subject, peripheral elements, and links.

[0214] The database 2611 has a first-stage voting result storage section 2650 and a second-stage voting result storage section 2660 in addition to the subject storage section 510, the peripheral element storage section 520, the link storage section 530, and the editing authority registration section 540 of FIG. 5A.

[0215] The first-stage voting result storage unit 2650 accumulates the first-stage voting results from the user terminal 1120 and the counting results thereof. The voting result storage unit 2650 stores a first-stage vote 2652 for the subject as a central element, a first-stage vote 2653 for peripheral elements, and a first-stage vote 2654 for links in association with the thought structure diagram ID 1451. The first-stage vote 2652 for the subject includes, for example, the content of the subject, the number of subject appropriate votes for the subject, and the number of subject inappropriate votes for the subject. The first-stage vote 2653 for peripheral elements includes, for example, the content of the peripheral elements, the number of element appropriate votes in the peripheral elements, and the number of element inappropriate votes in the peripheral elements, for a plurality of peripheral elements. The first-stage vote 1454 for links includes, for example, the content of the links, the number of votes required for a link to the link, and the number of votes not required for a link to the link, for a plurality of links. The configuration of the first-stage voting result storage unit 2650 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 26A. When one thought structure diagram has a plurality of themes, first-stage votes 2652 for the plurality of themes are stored in association with one thought structure diagram ID 1451.

[0216] The second-stage voting result storage unit 2660 accumulates the second-stage voting results from the user terminal 1120 and the counting results thereof. The second-stage voting result storage unit 2660 stores a second-stage vote 2662 for the subject as a central element, a second-stage vote 2663 for peripheral elements, and a second-stage vote 2664 for links in association with the thought structure diagram ID 1451. The second-stage vote 2662 for the subject includes, for example, the content of the subject, the number of votes in support of the subject for the subject, and the number of votes against the subject for the subject. The second-stage vote 2663 for peripheral elements includes, for example, the content of the peripheral elements, the number of votes in support of the subject for the subject in the peripheral elements, and the number of votes against the subject in the peripheral elements for the subject, for example, for multiple peripheral elements. The second-stage vote 2664 for links includes, for example, the content of the links and the number of votes for the link type to the links for multiple links. The configuration of the second-stage voting result storage unit 2660 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 26B. When one thought structure diagram has multiple themes, second-stage votes 2662 for multiple themes are stored in association with one thought structure diagram ID 1451.

[0217] Fig. 26C is a diagram showing the configuration of the thinking structure diagram storage unit 2670 stored in the database 2611 according to this embodiment. Note that Fig. 14B shows the configuration of one thinking structure diagram, but many registered thinking structure diagrams are stored.

[0218] The subject data storage unit 2610 stores a first-stage voting result 2613 and a second-stage voting result 2614. For example, information on appropriate votes for the subject and inappropriate votes for the subject is stored in the first-stage voting result 2613. For example, information on supporting votes for the subject and information on disapproving votes for the subject is stored in the second-stage voting result 2614.

[0219] The peripheral element data storage unit 2620 stores a first-stage voting result 2624 and a second-stage voting result 2625. The first-stage voting result 2624 stores, for example, information regarding appropriate votes for elements and inappropriate votes for elements. The second-stage voting result 2625 stores, for example, information regarding topic support votes and topic reject votes cast in peripheral element A.

[0220] The link data storage unit 2630 stores the first-stage voting results 2633 and the second-stage voting results 2634. In the first-stage voting results 2633, for example, information regarding necessary link votes and unnecessary link votes is stored. In the second-stage voting results 2634, as votes for link types, for example, parent-child relationship, equivalence, opposition, etc. are included. Note that the parent-child relationship, equivalence, opposition, etc. may be selected from the voting results for the elements connected by the link a.

[0221] <Processing Procedure of ShareB Server> Figure 26D is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the ShareB server 2510 of the present embodiment. Also, this flowchart is realized by the CPU 610 in FIG. 6 using the RAM 640 to execute the components that execute the processing in FIG. 25B.

[0222] In step S2611, the ShareB server 2510 determines whether to acquire the first-stage voting results of whether the elements from the user terminal 1120 are appropriate or inappropriate. If it is to acquire the first-stage voting results, the ShareB server 2510 executes the aggregation process of the acquired first-stage voting results in step S2612. The ShareB server 2510 executes the reflection process of the first-stage voting results on the thought structure diagram in step S2613. Then, in step S1517, the ShareB server 2510 performs the sharing process (sharing on terminals with access rights) of the thought structure diagram after reflecting the first-stage voting results.

[0223] In step S2614, the ShareB server 2510 judges whether the second-stage voting result, which is support or denial for the subject, is acquired from the user terminal 1120. If the second-stage voting result is acquired, the ShareB server 2510 executes a counting process of the acquired second-stage voting result in step S2615. In step S2616, the ShareB server 2510 executes a process of reflecting the second-stage voting result in the thought structure diagram. Then, in step S1517, the ShareB server 2510 executes a sharing process (sharing with terminals with access rights) of the thought structure diagram after reflecting the first-stage voting result and / or the second-stage voting result. In step S1519, the ShareB server 2510 judges whether to perform filtered counting (whether there is a request from the user terminal). If filtered counting is to be performed, the ShareB server 2510 proceeds to step S1591 of FIG. 15D.

[0224] (Counting of first round voting results) FIG. 26E is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first-stage voting result tallying process S2612 according to this embodiment.

[0225] If the voting target is a topic, the ShareB server 2510 judges in step S2625 whether the first-stage voting content indicates that the topic is appropriate or inappropriate. If the topic is appropriate, the ShareB server 2510 adds 1 to the number of appropriate votes in step S2627, and calculates the appropriate vote rate (= number of appropriate votes / total valid votes) in step S2629. If the topic is inappropriate, the ShareB server 2510 adds 1 to the number of inappropriate votes in step S2635, and calculates the inappropriate vote rate (= number of inappropriate votes / total valid votes) in step S2637.

[0226] If the voting target is not the main subject but a peripheral element, the ShareB server 2510 performs a process for the peripheral element in step S2645 to determine whether the peripheral element is appropriate or inappropriate, similar to the process in steps S2625 to S2637 for the main subject. Then, the ShareB server 2510 performs a process for reflecting the first-stage voting result for the peripheral element in the data of the main subject or other peripheral elements, links, etc. in step S1547.

[0227] If the voting target is not the subject or the peripheral element but a link, the ShareB server 2510 performs a process for determining whether the link is appropriate or inappropriate in step S2655, similar to the process in steps S2625 to S2637 for the subject. The ShareB server 2510 may optionally perform a process in step S1557 to reflect the voting result for the link to the subject, the peripheral element, or other links.

[0228] The procedure for counting the support / negative votes in step S2615 in Fig. 26D is obvious to those skilled in the art with reference to Fig. 15B and Fig. 26E, so a duplicated explanation will be omitted. Also, the procedure for reflecting the voting results in steps S2613 and S2616 in Fig. 26D to the displayed thought structure diagram is obvious to those skilled in the art with reference to Fig. 15C, so a duplicated explanation will be omitted.

[0229] [Seventh embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system according to this embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the votes in the peripheral elements are not votes on the "subject" but votes on the contents of the "peripheral elements". The other configurations and operations are the same as those in the second embodiment, so the same configurations and operations are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed explanations thereof are omitted.

[0230] <Voting operations from user terminals> FIG. 27A is a diagram showing the voting operation of the user terminals 1110 and 1120 in the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0231] The central diagram in Fig. 27A shows a state in which the user has selected "Eudoxus", which is a peripheral element 213, as the voting destination. A window 2701 explaining Eudoxus opens, and along with the explanation of Eudoxus, soft buttons are displayed to vote for either "Eudoxus is correct" (hereinafter, element support), "Eudoxus is wrong" (hereinafter, element rejection), or "Not appropriate for the topic" (hereinafter, element inappropriate). Note that if another peripheral element is selected as the voting destination, the same soft buttons are displayed along with an explanation of that peripheral element.

[0232] The lower diagram of Fig. 27A shows a state where a user has voted for "Edoctos is wrong." The voting results are transmitted to the ShareB server 1210 and stored in the database 2711. The display (size, shape, color, etc.) of the peripheral element is changed according to the accumulated voting results, and may be reflected in other peripheral elements or themes associated with the peripheral element by links. The results may also be reflected in links connected to the voted peripheral element.

[0233] (Database) 27B is a diagram showing the configuration of the database 2711 according to this embodiment. The database 2711 stores data, parameters, and programs required for processing by the ShareB server 1210, as well as a thought structure diagram including a subject, peripheral elements, and links. This configuration is merely an example, and the configuration is not limited to this.

[0234] 5A, the database 2711 has a voting result storage section 2750 in addition to the subject storage section 510, the peripheral element storage section 520, the link storage section 530, and the editing authority registration section 540. The voting result storage section 2750 accumulates the voting results from the user terminal 1120 and the counting results thereof. The voting result storage section 2750 associates with the thought structure diagram ID 1451, and the votes 2753 for peripheral elements include, for example, the contents of the peripheral elements, the number of element support votes for the contents of the peripheral elements, the number of element reject votes for the contents of the peripheral elements, and the number of element inappropriate votes for the peripheral elements for a plurality of peripheral elements.

[0235] Fig. 27C is a diagram showing the configuration of the thinking structure diagram storage unit 2770 stored in the database 2711 according to this embodiment. Note that Fig. 27C shows the configuration of one thinking structure diagram, but many registered thinking structure diagrams are stored.

[0236] The peripheral element data storage unit 2720 stores an element attribute 2724, a voting result 2725, and voting result display information 2726. The element attribute 2724 is information indicating whether the voting result for the peripheral element A is reflected as it is (hereinafter, "forward relationship") or reflected in reverse (hereinafter, "reverse relationship") on, for example, a subject connected by a link. In the voting method of this embodiment, a "forward relationship" or an "reverse relationship" is determined and stored based on the link setting when creating and editing the thought structure diagram, the voting result for the peripheral element and the link, and the like. Note that the element attribute 2724 may be determined by a "ratio" of an intermediate relationship between 100% "forward relationship" and 100% "reverse relationship". This "ratio" may be set by the user when creating and editing the thought structure diagram, or may be determined based on the user's voting result, etc. The voting result 2725 stores information on the element support votes and element rejection votes cast for the peripheral element A, and information on the element inappropriate votes. The voting result 2725 is reflected in the subject of the link destination and other peripheral elements according to the element attribute 2724. The voting result display information 2726 stores display information of the voting result generated based on the voting result 2725. This display information of the voting result corresponds to the user's voting result of "correct", "incorrect", or "inappropriate" for the content of the peripheral element.

[0237] In addition, while FIG. 27C shows an example of storing element attributes 2724 in peripheral element data storage unit 2720, the “forward relationship” or “reverse relationship” may be determined when the voting results are reflected by referring to link information 503 in link data storage unit 1430 or the relationship between the two elements connected by the link stored in voting results 1434.

[0238] (Counting of voting results) FIG. 27D is a flowchart showing the procedure of the voting result tallying process S1513 according to this embodiment.

[0239] If the subject is a topic, the ShareB server 1210 judges in step S2725 whether the vote is correct / wrong / inappropriate. If the subject is correct, the ShareB server 1210 adds 1 to the number of correct votes representing the number of votes for correctness in step S2727, and calculates the correct vote rate (= number of correct votes / total valid votes) in step S2729. If the subject is incorrect, the ShareB server 1210 adds 1 to the number of incorrect votes representing the number of votes for incorrectness in step S2731, and calculates the incorrect vote rate (= number of incorrect votes / total valid votes) in step S2733. If the subject is an inappropriate vote, the ShareB server 1210 adds 1 to the number of inappropriate votes in step S2735, and calculates the total valid votes and the valid vote rate in step S2737. Here, the total valid votes is (=total votes - number of inappropriate votes), and the valid vote rate is (=total valid votes / total votes).

[0240] If the voting target is not the subject but a peripheral element, the ShareB server 1210 performs the same processing as the processing of steps S2725 to S2737 for the subject on the peripheral element in step S2745. The ShareB server 1210 determines whether to reflect the link destination as a "forward relationship" or an "inverse relationship" by referring to the element attribute 2724 of the peripheral element, or the link destination element 593 or the voting result 2725 in step S2746. Then, the ShareB server 1210 performs a process of reflecting the voting result for the peripheral element on the subject or other peripheral elements, links, etc. according to the element attribute 2724 in step S1547. Note that the reflection process may be determined whether to reflect when generating a thinking structure diagram or editing an existing thinking structure diagram.

[0241] If the voting target is neither the subject nor a peripheral element, the ShareB server 1210 performs the same processing for the link as that performed in steps S2725 to S2737 for the subject in step S2755. The ShareB server 1210 may optionally perform processing for reflecting the voting result for the link to the subject, peripheral elements, or other links in step S1557.

[0242] According to this embodiment, it is possible to make it easier for a user to intuitively decide on a vote for a peripheral element based on the content of the peripheral element.

[0243] [Eighth embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system according to this embodiment is different in that, whereas the second to seventh embodiments have a structure in which "elements" play a leading role and "links" connect "central element (subject, proposition) ← peripheral elements", the present embodiment has a structure in which "links" are at the center and how "elements" are linked is set by voting. Since the other configurations and operations are the same as those of the second to seventh embodiments, the same configurations and operations are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed explanations thereof are omitted. In addition, the techniques described in the second to seventh embodiments can be easily applied, and similar effects are achieved.

[0244] (User device display screen) Fig. 28A is a diagram showing a display screen 2810 of a user terminal 210 in an information processing system according to this embodiment. Fig. 28A shows the generation of a thought structure diagram with a link 2814 showing the relationship between element 2812 and element 2813 in a link generation frame 2811 as the subject or proposition. In this embodiment, a thought structure diagram is generated in the form of "Considering various peripheral information, is there a relationship between element A and element B?", rather than a vote that asks about the validity of the link in creating the thought structure diagram.

[0245] (Link Generation Table) 28B is a diagram showing a link generation table 2820 according to this embodiment. When a link generation frame 2811 is generated, the link generation table 2820 is used to generate a link 2814 between an element 2812 and an element 2813 in the link generation frame 2811. This configuration of the link generation table is merely an example, and the configuration of the link generation table is not limited to this.

[0246] The link generation table 2820 stores one element (A) 2822 and the other element (B) 2823 in the link generation frame in association with a link ID (identifier) ​​2821 that is the subject of a vote for whether or not a relationship is found. A voting period is set for the vote for link generation. Alternatively, if the link is to be permanently discussed, the voting period is not limited. Then, for example, a vote 2824 for whether or not a link between elements is necessary, a vote 2825 for the link direction, and a vote 2826 for the link content are stored as the vote contents. The vote 2824 for whether or not a link is necessary stores the number of votes that the link is necessary, the number of votes that the link is not necessary, and the voting result at the end of the vote or the current vote. The link generation based on the voting result may be determined by a majority, or a link with a thickness or darkness corresponding to the ratio may be generated. Also, a link may be generated with a thickness or darkness corresponding to the required number, or a link may be generated with a thickness or darkness corresponding to the number obtained by subtracting the number of unnecessary votes from the number of required votes. The votes for link direction 2825 store the number of votes for the direction from element A to element B, the number of votes for the direction from element B to element A, and the voting result at the end of voting or at the current time. The votes for link direction 3225 also include votes related to other shapes, such as whether the link is in an antagonistic relationship (◇) or an equal relationship (□). The display of the link direction may be displayed so that the accuracy of the direction reflecting the result of the number of votes can be distinguished. The votes for link content 2826 store the number of votes for link content a, the number of votes for link content b, the number of votes for other contents, and the voting result at the end of voting or at the current time. The display of the link contents may be the content with the maximum number of votes, multiple contents in order from the top of the number of votes, or other display formats.

[0247] <Processing procedure of information processing device> 28C is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the information processing device according to this embodiment. This flowchart is executed by the CPU of the information processing device using the RAM.

[0248] In step S2801, the information processing device waits to see whether a link generation frame has been set. If the link generation frame has been set, in step S2803, the information processing device acquires an identifier (ID) of an element in the link generation frame. In step S2805, the information processing device generates a voting screen regarding link generation and transmits it to the user terminal. Then, in step S2807, the information processing device waits to receive votes from the user terminal.

[0249] When the information processing device receives a vote from the user terminal, in step S2809, the information processing device adds the received vote to the corresponding number of votes in the link generation table 2820. In step S2811, the information processing device reflects the thought structure diagram by generating or not generating a link based on the voting result in the link generation table 2820. In step S2813, the information processing device determines whether the voting period has ended. If the voting period has not ended, the information processing device returns to step S2807 to wait for the next vote. Note that if the vote is for a relationship based on a permanent link and the voting period has not been set, step S2813 is replaced with "View thought structure diagram?", and after step S2813 ends, the process returns to step S2807 again to wait for votes.

[0250] According to this embodiment, the relevance between elements is questioned through user votes, and it is possible to determine whether or not to link elements, the linking method, and the link contents according to a theme.

[0251] [Ninth embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition to the second to eighth embodiments, the information processing system according to this embodiment differs in that it includes a structure in which a window pops up in which details can be confirmed by clicking (or hovering the mouse over) an "element" including information such as a news node. Other configurations and operations are similar to those of the second to eighth embodiments, so the same configurations and operations are denoted with the same reference numerals and detailed explanations thereof are omitted. Furthermore, the techniques described in the second to eighth embodiments can be easily applied, and similar effects are achieved.

[0252] (User device display screen) 29 is a diagram showing a display screen 2910 of a user terminal 210 in an information processing system according to this embodiment. When an information element 2911 is moused over (or clicked on, etc.), a window 2912 in which the article details can be confirmed, as shown to the left of the same location, pops up. That is, when the mouse is placed over a node (element), the text of the article pops up. Furthermore, reactions from SNS, etc. may be randomly extracted and multiple items may be displayed.

[0253] According to this embodiment, the contents of each element of the thought structure diagram can be known step by step. That is, even if the size of each element is reduced by voting, the detailed contents of each element can be known quickly. Even if the size is not reduced, the original detailed information that is not omitted can be quickly confirmed.

[0254] [Tenth embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system according to this embodiment differs from the second to ninth embodiments in that it includes a structure that displays the entire configuration using a reduced thumbnail screen. Since the other configurations and operations are similar to those of the second to ninth embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations and operations, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. In addition, the technology described in the second to ninth embodiments can be easily applied, and similar effects can be obtained.

[0255] (User device display screen) FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a display screen 3010 of the user terminal 210 in the information processing system according to this embodiment. In FIG. 30, the entire configuration is displayed by a reduced thumbnail screen 3012. That is, as shown in FIG. 30, the entire thought structure diagram is displayed in the thumbnail screen 3012 in the corner of the screen by instructing the thumbnail 3011 button or other operations (for example, double touch on the screen, etc.), and "which part is being displayed" is clearly indicated by, for example, a red frame 3013. The thumbnail screen 3012 may be made to disappear by clicking (touch operation) outside the frame 3013 and inside the thumbnail screen 3012. That is, when zooming in on the canvas (display area of ​​the thought structure diagram) of the thought structure diagram, a thumbnail showing the currently displayed area in a red frame in the reduced overall diagram is displayed small in the corner of the thought structure diagram so that "which part of the thought structure diagram is currently being displayed" can be understood.

[0256] According to this embodiment, the whole or a part of the thought structure diagram can be freely grasped. In other words, the whole or a part of the thought structure diagram can be freely grasped, and it becomes possible to quickly move to the part that one wants to see.

[0257] [Eleventh embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system according to this embodiment differs from the second to tenth embodiments in that it includes a structure that displays links by directions (arrows), shapes, etc., and simple comments that indicate the links. Since other configurations and operations are similar to those of the second to tenth embodiments, the same configurations and operations are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. In addition, the techniques described in the second to tenth embodiments can be easily applied, and similar effects are achieved.

[0258] (User device display screen) Fig. 31 is a diagram showing a display screen 3110 of the user terminal 210 in the information processing system according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 31, in the thought structure diagram on the display screen 3110, the links 3111 and 3112 have small comments added to the arrows to give them special names and special meanings. For example, if the element is "human being", the editor of the thought structure diagram can give the link a special meaning by writing "master-disciple relationship", "friendship", "husband and wife", or "former colleague". Note that this is not limited to human relationships, but also includes things such as "gravitational action", "electrical conductivity", "evolution (using triangular lines)", and "predator-prey relationship".

[0259] According to this embodiment, it is possible to set associations between simple elements that are not necessarily related to thinking.

[0260] [Twelfth embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system according to this embodiment differs from the second to eleventh embodiments in that the central element (proposition) is not illustrated, and the elements are connected by two or more links. Other configurations and operations are similar to those of the second to eleventh embodiments, so the same configurations and operations are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. In addition, the techniques described in the second to eleventh embodiments can be easily applied, and similar effects are achieved.

[0261] (User device display screen) FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a display screen 3210 of the user terminal 210 in the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0262] For example, in FIG. 32, when "Saigo Takamori" is set as one element on the theme of "Meiji Restoration (late Edo period)" which is not displayed, the elements such as "Shogunate", "Emperor", "Sonno Joi Movement", "Restoration of Imperial Rule", "Restoration of Imperial Rule", "Sakamoto Ryoma", "Boshin War", "Satsuma Domain", "Saigo Statue in Ueno", and "Shiroyama Decisive Battle" are linked. Among them, the link to "Sakamoto Ryoma" is a link 3212 named "Alliance / Allies". The link 3213 from the "Satsuma Domain" to "Saigo Takamori" is a "lower-ranking samurai", but the link 3214 from "Saigo Takamori" to the "Satsuma Domain" is named "Reform of Domain Government". This is an example where two different types of links are connected as vectors in opposite directions between two elements. For example, in a case where the link from "A" to "B" is "love," but the link from "B" to "A" is "indifference," this embodiment can also create a thought structure diagram.

[0263] Furthermore, between "Saigo Takamori" and the "Battle of Shiroyama", there is a link 3215 "died in battle". This is an example where not only "people" and "people" are linked, but here a "person" and a "historical event" are linked. Furthermore, between "Saigo Takamori" and "Beppu Shinsuke", there is a link 3217 "executed beheading". However, there are various theories on this point, and opinions are divided that "Saigo Takamori" committed suicide, so a partial voting function may be set up for this part.

[0264] In this series of functions, "elements" are not limited to "people" and can be any element, tangible or intangible. Furthermore, multiple links accompanied by "vectors" can be set between two specific elements, and each link can be given a "unique name indicating the relationship value." Although it is possible to vote for some "elements" and "links," if there is no voting for each element, it is possible to change the size of each element according to the number of views of each element, the arbitrary settings of the creator of the thought structure diagram, and the automatic placement function of links and elements (nodes). In other words, the thought structure diagram serves the function of organizing and integrating information.

[0265] Changing the shape of each element according to the type of element can contribute to creating an easy-to-read thought structure diagram. For example, in the thought structure diagram of "Saigo Takamori," displaying "elements other than people" such as "The Battle of Shiroyama" and "Satsuma Domain" as rectangles plays a major role in creating an easy-to-read thought structure diagram. In addition, when creating an easy-to-read thought structure diagram, it is possible to change not only the shape of the links, but also by using various methods such as color and other visible expressions. For example, alliance relationships can be displayed in blue and master-subordinate relationships in red.

[0266] According to this embodiment, the range of expression by the thought structure diagram can be significantly expanded without limiting the contents of the elements and links.

[0267] That is, in this embodiment, elements can be people, animals, phenomena, religions, historical events, and all kinds of events, rather than questions with options. Each link connecting elements can be given a name that explains the relationship. It is also possible to connect two or more links between two elements. In addition, it is possible to group elements such as "Satsuma Domain" and "Tokugawa Shogunate" using the element grouping function. Each element can be changed in size not by voting, but according to the number of views of each element, arbitrary settings by the creator of the thought structure diagram, and automatic placement function of links and elements (nodes), making it possible to create an easy-to-read thought structure diagram.

[0268] [Thirteenth embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system according to this embodiment is different from the second to twelfth embodiments in that it has a structure for displaying a three-dimensional thought structure diagram. Since the other configurations and operations are similar to those of the second to twelfth embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations and operations, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. In addition, the technology described in the second to twelfth embodiments can be easily applied, and similar effects are achieved.

[0269] (User device display screen) FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a display screen 3310 of the user terminal 210 in the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0270] It is most efficient for the elements to be circular, but they do not necessarily have to be "circular." Furthermore, the thought structure diagram is not limited to a two-dimensional representation viewed on a monitor or the like. Three-dimensional display is also possible, as shown in Figure 33. It can be displayed on a monitor using 3D CG, or it can be a thought structure diagram that can actually be touched (and thus operated with a sense of touch) using VR or AR. In that case, the elements can be spherical, hexagonal, or of other shapes. Monitors capable of three-dimensional display already exist, and it can also be implemented using holograms.

[0271] FIG. 33 shows three-dimensional thought structure diagrams 3311, 3312, and 3313 being rotated in response to a user instruction.

[0272] According to this embodiment, the relationship between elements of the thought structure diagram can be expressed more abundantly, and the user's viewpoint can be changed. In addition, in the two-dimensional display such as the second to twelfth embodiments, problems such as links crossing each other occur, but in the three-dimensional display, a complex thought structure diagram can be clearly expressed.

[0273] [Fourteenth embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to a 14th embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system according to this embodiment differs from the above-mentioned 2nd to 13th embodiments in that it shows a thought structure for policy making as another example of a thought structure diagram. Since other configurations and operations are similar to those of the 2nd to 13th embodiments, the same configurations and operations are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations thereof are omitted. In addition, the technology described in the 2nd to 13th embodiments can be easily applied, and similar effects are achieved.

[0274] (User device display screen) FIG. 34A is a diagram showing a display screen of a user terminal 3410 in the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0275] FIG. 34A is a structural diagram showing the relationship of each issue to one policy goal. In FIG. 34A, the "subject" in the above embodiment corresponds to one policy goal 3412, and each "peripheral element" corresponds to each issue 3413 in a related field. Here, the promoting opinions for each issue 3413 are expressed by a checkered pattern 3414 (corresponding to "support: favorable opinion"), and the suppressing opinions are shown by a diagonal line pattern 3415 (corresponding to "negative: opposing opinion"). These promoting opinions and suppressing opinions are expressed by the user's vote in the third embodiment. In FIG. 34A, the degree of reflection of the voting results for the lower issue to the higher issue may be set by the user at the time of generating or editing the thought structure diagram, or may be set automatically. In addition, the reflection degree may be adjusted in real time when opinions are collected.

[0276] 34B is a diagram showing another display screen 3422 of a user terminal 3410 in the information processing system according to this embodiment. The display screen 3422 of the user terminal 3410 shows how the voting results 3416 of lower-level tasks are reflected in the voting for higher-level tasks. The higher the task, the less the influence on the voting results.

[0277] 34C is a diagram showing another display screen 3433 of the user terminal 3410 in the information processing system according to this embodiment. The display screen 3433 of the user terminal 3410 shows a case where consensus has been reached on one task 3417. The consensus may be reached by maintaining the original task or by changing the task. When the task is changed, the link with the upper task is also modified. The task 3417 decided by consensus or majority vote is displayed in an identifiable manner (in this embodiment, it is displayed semi-transparently, but the display form is not limited as long as it can be clearly distinguished from uncompleted tasks).

[0278] In this embodiment, if the filtering function described in the third embodiment is used, for example, in the case of a thought structure diagram related to a political party's manifesto, if the policy "Pay maternity and childcare allowances" is an element, filtering "women" by the "voter's gender" or filtering only for young people will display the element very prominently. Or, if there is an element of "pension policy," and the XX Party has expressed its intention to "increase pension payments," filtering only for elderly people will greatly increase the number of votes for "This element supports the XX Party," and the element will be displayed as "supports the XX Party." However, filtering only for young people will greatly increase the number of votes for "This element opposes the XX Party," and the element will be redisplayed as "opposes the XX Party."

[0279] According to this embodiment, the technical idea of ​​the present invention can be applied to structuring in other fields such as policy making. Although policy making has been described in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this as long as it is the management of information and thoughts that branch out from large items to small items. For example, it may be budget management or an individual's mind map. According to this embodiment, by classifying information by category, it is possible to organize complex information in an easy-to-read manner so that the user can understand it at a glance.

[0280] [Fifteenth embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system according to this embodiment differs from the second to fifth embodiments in that the technical idea of ​​the present invention is applied to task management, such as grasping the progress of development. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the second embodiment, so the same configurations and operations are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0281] <User device display screen> (Development progress) FIG. 35A is a diagram showing a display screen 3511 of a user terminal 3510. A structural diagram showing the progress of a fighting game development project is displayed on the display screen 3511. A progress icon 3512 of the entire project is displayed as a "subject", and tasks 3513 of each group or member who has undertaken the development of a particular element are displayed as each "peripheral element". The degree of progress of tasks 3513 of each group or member is shown by a checkered pattern 3514 (corresponding to "positive: degree of achievement") or a diagonal line pattern 3515 (corresponding to "negative: degree of inadequacy"). The degree of progress of a lower-level task directly affects the degree of progress of a higher-level task. In other words, the higher-level development task will be completed when the development of all lower-level tasks is completed.

[0282] 35B is a diagram showing a display screen 3522 of a user terminal 3510 in the information processing system according to this embodiment. The display screen 3522 of the user terminal 3510 shows how an increase 3516 in the progress degree of a lower-level task is reflected in the progress status of a higher-level task. The reflection on the progress degree decreases as one moves to a higher-level task.

[0283] 35C is a diagram showing a display screen 3533 of a user terminal 3510 in the information processing system according to this embodiment. The display screen 3533 of the user terminal 3510 shows a case where the progress degree of a task 3517 of one group (member) has reached 100% (completed). The completed task 3517 is displayed so as to be identifiable. In this embodiment, it is displayed semi-transparently, but the display form is not limited as long as it can be clearly distinguished from an uncompleted task.

[0284] According to this embodiment, the progress of a project can be visualized in an easily understandable manner.

[0285] [Sixteenth embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to a 16th embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system according to this embodiment differs from the above-mentioned embodiments in that it visualizes the relative evaluation of companies. Since the other configurations and operations are the same as those of the other embodiments, the same configurations and operations are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0286] <User device display screen> (Company evaluation) FIG. 36A is a diagram showing a display screen 3611 of a user terminal 3610 displaying a comparison of evaluation results of a plurality of companies in the information processing system according to this embodiment.

[0287] Display screen 3611 is a two-dimensional graph in which the evaluation results of prices and reliability of multiple passenger car brands are arranged as elements on the vertical and horizontal axes, respectively. Also, the size of the elements of each passenger car brand indicates its sales.

[0288] When a company icon 3612, which is one of the elements of a plurality of automobile brands, is clicked on in the display screen 3611, a display screen 3622 in FIG. 36B is displayed.

[0289] Display screen 3622 shows the evaluation of the selected company in a thought structure. In display screen 3622, five major elements (sales amount, vehicle fuel efficiency, safety, environmental measures, and company environment) are linked as examples of elements that determine the evaluation of a company. In addition, smaller elements related to the major elements are linked. Display screen 3622 shows only three levels, the passenger car brand element (theme), the major element, and the smaller element, but more detailed elements may be linked in multiple levels.

[0290] The operability, ride comfort, ease of working for employees, etc. are influenced by the tally of votes for positive or negative evaluation of each element from the user terminal 3610. It is not necessarily limited to votes, and may be determined by other factors such as statistics.

[0291] FIG. 36C is a diagram showing an example of a correction operation for the evaluation result on the display screen 3633 of the user terminal 3610 according to this embodiment.

[0292] In the display screen 3633, it is possible to change the price and reliability by moving the position of the passenger car brand element on the two-dimensional graph. However, the moving distance is inversely proportional to the total number of votes for that passenger car brand element. In this way, it is possible to have a configuration in which detailed evaluation elements are tallied as in FIG. 36B, or a configuration in which the overall evaluation (votes) are reflected in the passenger car brand element as in FIG. 36C.

[0293] In this embodiment, the evaluation of a company has been described, but the evaluation target is not limited to this as long as it has the same attributes as the evaluation of a company. For example, it may be food or medicine. According to this embodiment, each peripheral element that appears can be compared, parameterized, and organized in an easy-to-read manner so that the user can understand complex information at a glance. In addition, the embodiments shown in FIG. 36A and FIG. 36B do not necessarily need to be used as a set, and each can be used alone. For example, FIG. 36B can be used alone to apply to structuring in household management, etc.

[0294] [Seventeenth embodiment] Next, an information processing system according to a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Whereas the second to seventh embodiments have a structure of "central element (subject, proposition)←peripheral elements", this embodiment differs in that it has a structure of "central element (subject, proposition)→option←peripheral elements". Other configurations and operations are similar to those of the second to seventh embodiments, and therefore the same configurations and operations are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0295] <User device display screen> 37A is a diagram showing a display screen 3711 of a user terminal 3710. The display screen 3711 shows an initial thought structure diagram.

[0296] In the display screen 3711, when four options 3713 are generated around a subject ("What should I have for lunch today?") 3712, common peripheral elements common to the four options 3713 are automatically generated and displayed. In the display screen 3711, the options 3713 are "Italian food", "fast food", "Japanese food", and "don't eat". In the display screen 3711, "meal time", "price", and "nutrition" are common peripheral elements 3714, and further below nutrition, "calories" is automatically displayed as a common peripheral element 3715. This configuration simplifies the operation by the user who creates the thought structure diagram. Common peripheral elements may be added or deleted at the user's discretion.

[0297] FIG. 37B is a diagram showing a display screen 3721 displaying the completed thought structure diagram. In the display screen 3721, peripheral elements 3724 showing the distance to the store and the like are added and displayed as unique peripheral elements uniquely linked to each option 3713. Other peripheral elements 3724 may be added, such as "nutrition (information from the viewpoint of nutrition)", "mood of the day", "type of meal of the previous day", "length of lunch break time devoted to meals", "advantages of Italian cuisine", and "quick preparation time of fast food". Peripheral elements 3724 may be linked to lower peripheral elements 3725. In the display screen 3721, for example, peripheral element 3714 "nutrition" is linked to lower peripheral elements 3725 "calories", "fat", "vitamins", and the like. The user refers to the display screen 3721 and votes for option 3713. At that time, peripheral elements 3714 providing information linked to 1813 and lower peripheral elements 1815 are referred to. The voting result for the option 3713 is expressed by the size of the option 3713. In other words, the structure is "central element (topic, proposition) → option←peripheral element".

[0298] In this way, in the case of the "central element (subject, proposition) → option←element" type thought structure diagram of this embodiment, it is possible to have "independent and exclusive peripheral element 3714" for each option 3713. For example, if there is a peripheral element "olives are good for the body", this is clearly related only to the option "Italian cuisine", so it is easier to see the thought structure diagram if the peripheral element 3714 "olives are good for the body" is directly connected to the option 3713 "Italian cuisine". In addition, it is possible to compare the same elements, display their rankings, and display specific parameters, allowing for visually efficient comparison.

[0299] According to this embodiment, options that may have multiple common parameters can be connected as "common peripheral elements" as child elements of each "option element" and compared and examined. In other thought structure diagrams, it is not common for each option to have multiple common parameters. For example, although "The heliocentric theory is correct!" and "The geocentric theory is correct!" have different peripheral elements supporting each opinion, it is difficult to imagine a situation in which they compete on the same parameter. This is a point that differentiates this embodiment from other embodiments.

[0300] In this embodiment, the screen is composed of the following four types of nodes and links. Central element: Issues to consider, topics to discuss Choice elements: Shows options according to the considerations of the central element Common peripheral elements Shows common categories for each option element Unique peripheral elements: Special elements that can only be applied to that option element

[0301] It is desirable to give each of these four types of elements (nodes) a different color and shape depending on the type, making it an easy-to-read thought structure diagram. For common peripheral elements, different colors and shapes can be given to "price," "nutritional balance," "waiting time," etc., so that they can be compared and considered at a glance. There are the same peripheral elements, and each option should be compared. Common parameters such as "price," "nutritional balance," "taste," "distance to the store," "waiting time," "physical condition," "likes and dislikes," etc. can be compared and considered.

[0302] When the mouse is placed over one of the same peripheral elements, other similar peripheral elements are also highlighted. The size of the peripheral elements (not necessarily the size) or the pie chart around the peripheral elements is displayed as a quantified parameter. For example, the size can indicate the "importance of the element in the considerations" and the pie chart can indicate the "quantified parameter" (e.g., the element "price" is important, so it is relatively large, and the pie chart shows the "average price"). Clicking on a peripheral element may display the ranking of each option element in that peripheral element. Alternatively, each peripheral element may have a color or shape determined for the same content (common peripheral element) (e.g., the node for "meal time" is yellow), and a specific numerical value may be entered in each node. A score may be set for each peripheral element with the same content according to its ranking, and the total score according to the ranking may be displayed.

[0303] When the thought structure diagram of this embodiment is created, multiple common peripheral elements are automatically generated around each option element. The content entered into one of the peripheral elements (here, the content refers to a common category such as "price", "nutritional balance", "taste", etc., not the "value" stored in the element) is also entered into the same peripheral elements connected to the other option elements. For example, when creating a thought structure diagram with the consideration of "today's lunch" as the central element, the automatically created blank common peripheral element is given the category content of "price". Then, the category content of "price" is also given to the common peripheral elements connected to other option elements corresponding to the common peripheral element. The unique peripheral element is connected as a child element of the peripheral element labeled "unique element (or it can be written as "benefit of XX"). It is possible to set whether the element is positive or negative when the thought structure diagram is created, and the evaluation of each option element may be influenced based on the voting results of "high influence" / "low influence" described later.

[0304] The degree of influence can be determined by voting (the degree of influence is visually indicated by the size of the element, etc.). In other words, the degree of influence of each peripheral element can be determined by voting for the option of "high influence" / "low influence", and this can be reflected in the size of the peripheral element. The pie chart part shows the parameter value, so you can actually enter the numerical value directly, or you can enter a five-level rating of "A to E" (it does not necessarily have to be five-level, six-level or three-level is also acceptable) (for example, a five-level rating is preferable for "nutritional balance"). Meal times and prices are fixed amounts, so they are displayed in a pie chart around the element (their numerical values ​​can be displayed within each node). For nutritional balance, a five-level rating of "A to E" can be displayed in a pie chart (the arc can be divided into five parts, and the proportion of "positive" shades increases as the rank increases, for example).

[0305] Depending on the category and characteristics, each peripheral element may have either a fixed parameter or the parameter may be determined by the viewing users' votes. For example, for a peripheral element in the "price" category, the average meal price at the restaurant can be entered, and since there is no room for discussion between viewing users, the parameter is fixed. On the other hand, for a peripheral element in the "taste" category, the viewing users will naturally have different evaluations of each restaurant, so in that case, a five-point rating of "A to E" (it does not necessarily have to be five-point, six-point or three-point ratings are also acceptable) can be entered as options, and the parameters can be determined by tallying them up. Influence x the value stored in the pie chart around each neighbor = the score of that neighbor

[0306] To tally up the voting results and parameters of hierarchical peripheral elements, a method such as task management may be used in which the results of lower-level peripheral elements influence higher-level peripheral elements (however, the degree of influence decreases the higher up the hierarchy).

[0307] The total score of each peripheral element is reflected in the size of each option element. In addition, depending on the considerations, the viewing user may also vote for each option element. This is shown in the pie chart on the periphery. Of course, the opposite is also true: the size may represent the voting result, and the pie chart may represent the total score of each peripheral element.

[0308] It is also possible to convert the information written in the thinking structure diagram into a table, or conversely, a table may be created first and then automatically converted into a thinking structure diagram. For example, if you input a table like the one below, a thinking structure diagram may be automatically created. Topic | Choice elements | Evaluation items | | | | What to have for lunch today |Italian food |Nutrition | |Fast Food|Prices | |Japanese food |Waiting time | | |Distance to store | | | | | | |

[0309] [Embodiment 18] Next, an information processing system according to the 18th embodiment of the present invention will be described. The information processing system according to this embodiment is different from the above embodiment in that option elements are arranged. Since the other configurations and operations are the same, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations and operations, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0310] <Functional Configuration of ShareB Server> FIG. 38 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a ShareB server 3810 as an information processing apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0311] The ShareB server 3810 includes an option element acquisition unit 3803, an option element display instruction unit 3813, a database 3811, and a thought structure diagram generation unit 3805. The option element acquisition unit 3803 receives and acquires option elements input by the user from the user terminal, and stores them in the database 3811 in association with the theme. The option element display instruction unit 3813 instructs the user terminal to display the acquired option elements at positions linked by a link to the display position of the theme as the central element. The database 3811 stores option elements in addition to the contents of the database 311. The thought structure diagram generation unit 3805 has a thought structure diagram generation table 3851, and generates a thought structure diagram by associating and arranging the theme, option elements, peripheral elements, and links.

[0312] In this embodiment, the option elements are described separately from the peripheral elements. However, the option elements can also be regarded as the first peripheral elements linked to the theme as the central element, and the peripheral elements linked to the option elements can be regarded as the second peripheral elements. In that case, although the content expressed by the thought structure diagram is different, it may be regarded that the structure of each element among the central element, the first peripheral element, and the second peripheral element is the same.

[0313] (Thought Structure Diagram Generation Table) 39 is a diagram showing the configuration of the thinking structure diagram generating table 3851 according to this embodiment. The thinking structure diagram generating table 3851 includes a common element table 3950 that stores common peripheral elements and a configuration table 3960 that shows the configuration of the thinking structure diagram.

[0314] A common element table 3950 that stores common peripheral elements is used to generate and display common peripheral elements related to a plurality of option elements. The common element table 3950 that stores common peripheral elements stores a set of option elements 3952 in association with a subject content 3951. Then, it stores common peripheral elements 3953 in association with each of the sets of option elements 3952. The common peripheral elements 3953 include the contents of the peripheral elements and links to the option elements. The configuration table 3960 stores option elements 3963 related to a subject 562 as a central element, and peripheral elements 3964 related to the option elements 3963, in association with a thought structure diagram ID 561. The option elements 3963 include the content of the option elements, a display position, and a link to the subject. The peripheral elements 3964 referenced in the selection of the option elements include the content of the peripheral elements, a display position, and a link to the option elements.

[0315] (Procedure for generating thought structure diagram) FIG. 40A is a flowchart showing the procedure of the thinking structure diagram generation process according to this embodiment. In step S4001, the ShareB server 3810 judges whether or not the setting of the option element is received. When the setting of the option element is received, in step S4003, the ShareB server 3810 sets the option element, stores it in the database, and instructs the setting user terminal to additionally display it in the thinking structure diagram. In step S4005, the ShareB server 3810 searches whether or not a common peripheral element common to a plurality of option elements is stored in the common element table 3950, and if it is stored, obtains a link between the common peripheral element and the option element. Then, in step S4007, the ShareB server 3810 stores the link between the common peripheral element and the option element in the configuration table 3960 of the thinking structure diagram generation table 3851, stores it in the database, and instructs the setting user terminal to additionally display it in the thinking structure diagram.

[0316] (Procedure for counting vote results and reflecting them in the thought structure diagram) FIG. 40B is a flowchart showing the procedure of the tallying process of the voting results and the procedure of the reflection process in the thought structure diagram (corresponding to S1513 and S1515 in A of FIG. 15) according to this embodiment.

[0317] In step S4041, the ShareB server 3810 judges whether the voting target is an option element. If the voting target is an option element, in step S4043, the ShareB server 3810 adds 1 to the total number of votes for the option element that is the target element. Next, in step S4045, the ShareB server 3810 performs the same process as in steps S1525 to S1537 on the option element. In step S4047, the ShareB server 3810 may perform a process of reflecting the voting results for the option element in the topic A. Note that the reflection process may be performed by deciding whether or not to reflect when generating / editing a thought structure diagram.

[0318] In step S4071, the ShareB server 3810 judges whether or not the vote for the option element is to be reflected in the display of the option element. If the vote is to be reflected in the display of the option element, the ShareB server 3810 acquires the total valid number of votes for the option element that is the target element in step S4072. Then, in step S4073, the ShareB server 3810 sets the display size or opacity of the target option element corresponding to the total valid number of votes. In step S4074, the ShareB server 3810 acquires the positive vote rate and the negative vote rate of the target option element. Then, in step S4075, the ShareB server 3810 sets the display size of the positive rate and the display size of the negative rate of the target option element. In step S4076, the ShareB server 3810 corrects the display size of the target option element, corrects the display size of the positive rate and the display size of the negative rate of the target option element, and generates a display image of the target option element.

[0319] According to this embodiment, the user can organize information at a glance from the thought structure diagram and grasp the thought tendency. In particular, by providing "option elements" and "common peripheral elements", it is possible to organize information on options that have similar properties and share the same parameters, which helps to compare and consider them.

[0320] In addition, by giving each element a different shape or color depending on the type, it is possible to create an easy-to-read thought structure diagram. Regarding common peripheral elements, when the mouse is placed over one of the same items, the same common peripheral elements connected to other option elements may also be highlighted (for example, when the mouse is placed over the peripheral element of "price" connected to fast food, the peripheral elements of "price" connected to Italian food and Japanese food are also highlighted). For example, the size of an element may indicate the "importance of the element in the considerations," and the pie chart may indicate the "quantified parameters." When a common peripheral element is clicked, the ranking of each option element in that common peripheral element may be displayed. The color and shape of each peripheral element are determined for each item with the same content (common peripheral element) (for example, the node for "meal time" is yellow), and specific numerical values ​​may be entered in each node.

[0321] A score may be set for each common peripheral element according to its rank, and the sum of the scores according to the rank and the sum of the scores set for the unique peripheral elements may affect the size of the option elements and the pie chart. In the case of generation of common peripheral elements at the user's discretion, rather than automatic generation, if a category theme of "fee" is input to one common peripheral element, the category theme of "fee" is also input to the same common peripheral element connected to other option elements. The unique peripheral elements may be set as positive or negative elements when the thought structure diagram is generated (when editing), and may affect the evaluation of each option element based on the voting results of "high influence" / "low influence" as described later.

[0322] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, the peripheral elements do not necessarily have to be circular, and the central element does not necessarily have to be rectangular with rounded corners, and various shapes can be adopted. However, it is desirable that each element in the thought structure diagram, such as the shape of the peripheral elements and the central element, is easily visible and identifiable according to its function. The lines (links) connecting each element (node) do not necessarily have to be straight lines as illustrated in the above embodiment, and special linear shapes are used in situations where the lines are curved or overlap, or special forms are used for the shape and display method of the links depending on the behavior of the user's mouse. For example, when the mouse is over a specific node, the transparency of links other than those connected to that node increases, or the links connected to that node are highlighted, and all sorts of possibilities are possible. Furthermore, the links may be links connecting three or more elements, such as "Y-shaped", "cross-shaped", and "large-shaped". Figures 41A to 41C are tables that summarize the functions related to the thought structure diagram and their specific contents. Figures 42 to 46 are tables that summarize other functions of the above system and their specific contents.

[0323] Groups of peripheral elements may be considered as one large peripheral element, and voting may be possible for each group. If there are three or more options, in addition to selecting only one of them, "A, B, or C," the order of A, B, and C may be determined. The pie chart may be divided into 120-degree increments and voting may be allowed (in this case, voting for "the credibility of the information" may be allowed at the bottom, or by pinching in). The thought structure diagram also supports three or more options (4, 5, 6...). It is also possible to display multiple thought structure diagrams on one canvas. These thought structure diagrams do not necessarily need to be linked. They can also be linked together to set a larger proposition or theme. A function may be provided that allows screenshots of thought structure diagrams to be easily displayed on other SNS. Nodes may be searched not only by tags, but also by node type. A function may be provided to search for thought structure diagrams that have the same or similar nodes in the thought structure diagram. A function may be provided to search for and compare the same or similar thought structure diagrams. A function may be provided to extract only discussions related to each node by specially clicking on each node, and display a threaded comment section.

[0324] The thought structure diagram itself can be stored as a central element or a peripheral element of another thought structure diagram. A detailed confirmation window (with reactions from SNS, etc.) may be displayed by clicking or hovering the mouse over a node. When creating a new thought structure diagram, an automatic processing function may be provided that brings up information from news sites, etc. as information element candidates as "recommended articles and information", and it may be recommended to link, compare, or refer to thought structure diagrams of other topics that have the same (or very similar) information node. Cross-searching may be possible for each information element. A function to automatically place links and elements (nodes) may be provided. Parts of text such as news used as information elements may be highlighted. The method of displaying the thought structure diagram is not necessarily limited to two-dimensional display. It may be possible to display it in three dimensions, or using holograms, VR, AR, etc. It may be possible to use a browser extension or app to return to the thought structure diagram with one touch and to have a function to import favorite news sources.

[0325] Different public settings may be possible for each thought structure diagram, and access rights for each thought structure diagram may be managed. A threaded comment posting function open only to registered users (non-registered users may also view it), a tagging function that matches each comment with a thought structure diagram component, etc. may also be provided. Also, a function that highlights comments with the same tag as the corresponding thought structure diagram component when the mouse is hovered over each comment, etc. (Conversely, when the mouse is hovered over a component (etc.), the corresponding comment is highlighted) may be provided.

[0326] It may be possible to upload web links, images, etc. within comments, and a user with authority to edit the thought structure diagram may be able to add links, images, etc. from the comment to the thought structure diagram by dragging and dropping them or by clicking a "button with the function of adding to the thought structure diagram."

[0327] It may be possible to drag and drop images, URLs, etc. from outside the screen and convert them into components. When multiple images are dragged and dropped at the same time, it may be possible to select whether to treat them as a single peripheral element or as independent peripheral elements. The components may be displayed larger the closer they are to the subject, and smaller the closer they are to the edge. The components of the thought structure diagram may be automatically tagged, and a function may be provided that reflects this in the tagging when making a comment in the comment window. A comment function for the components of the thought structure diagram (displayed in the comment thread on the right side of the screen), or a function that displays a pop-up comment for that component when you hover your mouse over it (or long tap), etc., and click on it to scroll to the corresponding comment in the comment thread on the right side of the screen.

[0328] When a component is clicked on, a window for confirming details about the component opens, and at the same time, comments other than those tagged with that component are omitted from the comment section, and only comments posted by viewing users about that component are displayed (in addition, comments with tags corresponding to the subject itself may also be displayed at the same time. The important thing is to extract comments related to the component and temporarily omit all others).

[0329] When zooming out, the image basically shrinks normally, and when it shrinks beyond a certain point, the subject and group name of each thought structure diagram are displayed. In this state, each thought structure diagram can be treated as a component, and a function may be provided that allows for large-scale editing of thought structure diagrams by linking it to other thought structure diagrams. Votes from the same IP address may be accepted based on age, gender, region, etc., and counted multiple times. However, a filtering function may be provided with an option to "count votes from the same IP address as one vote." A function may be provided to group and highlight voting users according to the content of their vote (for or against).

[0330] The above embodiment has explained the processing and effects of various fields to which the present invention is applied, but the present invention can also be applied to, for example, generating a set diagram, organizing documents on an image board, creating a flow chart, etc., and will provide similar effects.

[0331] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, systems or devices that combine the separate features included in each embodiment in any way are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0332] The present invention may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices, or to a single device. Furthermore, the present invention is also applicable to a case where an information processing program for implementing the functions of the embodiments is supplied to a system or device and executed by a built-in processor. In order to implement the functions of the present invention with a computer, a program installed on a computer, a medium storing the program, a server for downloading the program, and a processor for executing the program are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. In particular, at least a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the processing steps included in the above-mentioned embodiments is included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0333] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-137221, filed on August 30, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

Claims

1. An element acquisition unit that acquires multiple elements including a central element that is central to thought and peripheral elements related to the central element, A link acquisition unit acquires a link indicating the relationship between two of the aforementioned multiple elements, A display unit in the user terminal that displays all elements to be displayed that are connected by the link as elements separate from the canvas, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The display unit displays the link on the user terminal by associating the surrounding elements with the entire central element. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. A voting result acquisition unit that acquires votes from users for a first option and a second option for the central element for at least one of the peripheral elements, A voting result aggregation unit that aggregates the votes acquired by the voting result acquisition unit, Equipped with, The display unit reflects the vote count results in the display of the surrounding elements or links on the user terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The display unit, on the user terminal, displays the votes for the first option and the votes for the second option, respectively, as a ratio of the length of the circumference of the peripheral element, based on the number or percentage of votes for the first option and the votes for the second option, respectively. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The display unit displays the peripheral elements in a display mode that changes according to the number or percentage of votes for the first option and the second option, respectively, on the user terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

6. The display unit displays the link in a display manner determined on the user terminal based on the number or percentage of votes for the first option and the number of votes for the second option, respectively. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

7. The degree of influence of the peripheral elements on the central element is determined according to the number of votes for the first option and the number of votes for the second option. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

8. The system includes an influence input unit that receives input on the degree of influence of the peripheral elements on the central element, The display unit reflects the degree of the influence in the display of the surrounding elements on the user terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

9. The link acquisition unit further acquires the strength of the links between the plurality of elements, The display unit reflects the strength of the link in the display of the link on the user terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

10. A comment acquisition unit that acquires user comments on either the aforementioned element or the aforementioned link, A voting analysis unit processes the comments acquired by the comment acquisition unit using a large-scale language model and treats them as votes for either the element or the link. Equipped with, The display unit, in the user terminal, reflects the comments acquired by the comment acquisition unit in the generation of the display of the element or the link. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

11. The system includes a reflection degree setting unit that sets the degree to which the voting results for the lower-level element are reflected in the display of the higher-level element on the user terminal, among the higher-level and lower-level elements connected by the aforementioned link. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

12. The system includes a common peripheral element generation unit that automatically generates a common peripheral element that indicates an evaluation category common to each of the multiple choice elements among the aforementioned peripheral elements. The display unit connects the common peripheral elements to each of the multiple selection elements and displays them on the user terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

13. The common peripheral element generation unit, upon acquiring the content input to the common peripheral element connected to one of the multiple selection elements, reflects the acquired content to the common peripheral elements of the same category connected to other selection elements. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12.

14. The display unit, on the user terminal, displays a unique peripheral element that is individually associated with each of the multiple selection elements, by connecting it only to the selection element corresponding to that unique peripheral element. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12.

15. The aforementioned display unit is In the user terminal, the multiple elements are displayed on a two-dimensional coordinate system where the first parameter of each element is on one axis and the second parameter is on the other axis, with the elements positioned at locations corresponding to the values ​​of the first and second parameters of each element. Upon receiving an operation from the user terminal to select one of the multiple elements, the user terminal displays a diagram centered on that element, with multiple elements linked to it. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

16. The display unit, upon receiving an operation from the user terminal to change the display position of an element on the two-dimensional coordinate system, changes the display position of the element on the user terminal. The display unit limits the amount of change in the display position due to the modification operation according to the total number of votes for that element. The information processing apparatus according to claim 15.

17. The display unit, upon receiving an operation on the peripheral element from the user terminal, causes the user terminal to display the peripheral element as a new central element. The display unit causes the user terminal to display the surrounding elements associated with the new central element around the new central element. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

18. The link acquisition unit acquires named links between one of the multiple elements and other elements. The display unit displays the link on the user terminal with the name attached. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

19. The link acquisition unit further acquires a link between one of the plurality of elements and another element, which has a different name from the link and is in the opposite direction to the link. The display unit displays the link in the reverse direction on the user terminal, assigning it a different name from the link. The information processing apparatus according to claim 18.

20. The element acquisition unit performs an element acquisition step in which it acquires multiple elements, including a central element that is central to the thought process and peripheral elements related to the central element, The link acquisition unit performs a link acquisition step in which it acquires a link that indicates the relationship between two of the multiple elements, The display unit performs a display step in which it causes the user terminal to display all elements to be displayed that are connected by the link as elements separate from the canvas, Information processing methods including

21. The element acquisition unit performs an element acquisition step in which it acquires multiple elements, including a central element that is central to the thought process and peripheral elements related to the central element, The link acquisition unit performs a link acquisition step in which it acquires a link that indicates the relationship between two of the multiple elements, The display unit performs a display step in which it causes the user terminal to display all elements to be displayed that are connected by the link as elements separate from the canvas, An information processing program that causes a computer to execute something.

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