Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program which can identify how much a user is in a dependent state.SOLUTION: An information processing device 1 includes: an acquisition section 131 for acquiring use result information indicating results of use of an information terminal by a user and desire degree information indicating the degree of user's desire for the use of the information terminal; an identification section 132 for identifying the degree of user's dependence on the use of the information terminal on the basis of the use results indicated by the use result information which has been acquired by the acquisition section 131 and the desire degree indicated by the desire degree information which has been acquired by the acquisition section 131; and an output section 134 for outputting information indicating the dependence degree identified by the identification section 132.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, especially among junior high school students and high school students, the time spent on Internet games has become longer, and so-called game addiction, which causes problems in daily life, has become a social problem. Such a state has come to be defined as "gaming disorder". Note that "gaming disorder" was officially adopted in "ICD-11 (11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases)" issued by the WHO (World Health Organization) in January 2022. In addition, users who are dependent on games on information terminals have become a social problem as so-called smartphone addiction, in which they cannot control the use of the information terminals. In response to such problems, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that restricts the use of a network application to be monitored based on the time during which the network application to be monitored is processed foremost on a computer used by a user.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, in order to treat a user's dependent state of being dependent on the use of an information terminal, it is preferable to grasp how much the user is dependent on the use of the information terminal. However, the conventional system has a problem in that it only restricts the use of the application based on the time during which the network application to be monitored is processed foremost, and cannot specify how much the user is dependent on the use of the information terminal.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object thereof is to enable identification of the degree to which a user depends on a dependent state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires usage record information indicating a usage record of a user's information terminal and demand degree information indicating a degree of demand for use of the user's information terminal, and a usage record indicated by the usage record information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a specific unit that specifies a degree of dependence on use of the user's information terminal based on the degree of demand indicated by the demand degree information acquired by the acquisition unit, and an output unit that outputs information indicating the degree of dependence specified by the specific unit.

[0007] The acquisition unit may acquire the demand degree information input by the user. The acquisition unit may acquire the demand degree information indicating the degree of demand by specifying the degree of demand for use of the user's information terminal based on the usage record indicated by the usage record information.

[0008] The acquisition unit may acquire the demand degree information indicating the degree of demand by specifying the degree of demand for use of the user's information terminal based on the relationship between the usage record indicated by the usage record information and a target value for use of the information terminal set for the user.

[0009] The information processing apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores information indicating an upper limit billing amount determined as an upper limit amount for which the user is billed by a predetermined usage method in the information terminal, and the acquisition unit specifies the degree of demand for the user's information terminal based on the relationship between the billing amount for which the user is billed by the predetermined usage method indicated by the acquired usage record information and the upper limit billing amount, whereby the demand degree information indicating the degree of demand may be acquired.

[0010] The information processing apparatus further has a storage unit that stores information indicating an upper charging limit set as an upper limit for charging a user for a predetermined content executed on an information terminal, and the acquisition unit may acquire the desire degree information indicating the desire degree by specifying the desire degree of the user for the predetermined content based on the relationship between the charging amount charged by the user for the predetermined content indicated by the acquired usage record information and the upper charging limit.

[0011] The information processing apparatus further has a selection unit that selects an improvement method corresponding to the dependence degree specified by the specifying unit from a plurality of improvement methods for improving the dependence state of the user on the use of the information terminal, and the output unit may output information indicating the improvement method selected by the selection unit to the user's information terminal.

[0012] The acquisition unit further acquires at least one of understanding degree information indicating the degree of understanding of the dependence state of the user on the use of the information terminal and intention information indicating the degree of intention for improving the dependence state, and the selection unit may select the improvement method based on at least one of the dependence degree specified by the specifying unit and at least one of the degree of understanding indicated by the understanding degree information acquired by the acquisition unit and the degree of intention indicated by the intention information.

[0013] The acquisition unit further acquires at least one of attribute information indicating the attributes of the user, biometric information of the user, obstacle degree information indicating the degree of obstacle to the user's life associated with the use of the user's information terminal, and improvement result information indicating the improvement result of the dependence state of another user different from the user, and the selection unit may select the improvement method based on at least one of the attribute information, the biometric information, the obstacle degree information, and the improvement result information acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0014] After the output unit outputs information indicating the improvement method selected by the selection unit, the acquisition unit further acquires behavior history information indicating the behavior history of the user, and based on the behavior history information, the specification unit specifies whether the user is following the improvement method selected by the selection unit. When the specification unit specifies that the user is not following the improvement method, the selection unit may select instruction information for instructing execution of the improvement method or another improvement method different from the improvement method, and the output unit may output the instruction information or information indicating another improvement method different from the improvement method.

[0015] After the output unit outputs information indicating the improvement method selected by the selection unit, the acquisition unit further acquires post-presentation usage record information indicating the usage record of the user's information terminal, and based on the usage record of the user's information terminal indicated by the usage record information and the usage record of the user's information terminal indicated by the post-presentation usage record information, the specification unit further specifies the improvement status of the user's dependence on the use of the information terminal. Based on the improvement status specified by the specification unit, the selection unit may newly select the improvement method.

[0016] The usage record of the user's information terminal is the usage record of a predetermined content using the user's information terminal, the degree of desire for using the user's information terminal is the degree of desire for using the predetermined content using the user's information terminal, and the degree of dependence on using the user's information terminal may be the degree of dependence on using the predetermined content using the user's information terminal.

[0017] An information processing method according to a second aspect of the present invention includes steps of: acquiring, by a computer, usage record information indicating a usage record of a user's information terminal and desire degree information indicating a degree of desire for using the user's information terminal; specifying, based on the usage record indicated by the acquired usage record information and the degree of desire indicated by the acquired desire degree information, a degree of dependence on using the user's information terminal; and outputting information indicating the specified degree of dependence.

[0018] The program according to the third aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires usage result information indicating the usage results of the user's information terminal and demand degree information indicating the degree of demand for the use of the user's information terminal, a specification unit that specifies the degree of dependence on the use of the user's information terminal based on the usage results indicated by the usage result information acquired by the acquisition unit and the degree of demand indicated by the demand degree information acquired by the acquisition unit, and an output unit that outputs information indicating the degree of dependence specified by the specification unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to specify the degree to which the user depends on the dependent state.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] [Outline of Information Processing Apparatus 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the information processing apparatus 1. The information processing apparatus 1 is a server that specifies the degree of dependence on the use of the information terminal 2 of a user who uses the information terminal 2. The information processing apparatus 1 is communicably connected to the information terminal 2.

[0022] The information terminal 2 is a computer such as a smartphone, a tablet, a home game console, a VR (Virtual Reality) goggles, and a personal computer. For example, a dependency improvement program, which is a program for improving the dependency on the use of the information terminal 2, is installed. The information processing apparatus 1 acquires, for example, from the information terminal 2, usage result information indicating the usage results of the user's information terminal 2 and desire degree information indicating the degree of desire for the use of the user's information terminal 2 ((1) in FIG. 1).

[0023] Based on the usage results of the user's information terminal 2 indicated by the acquired usage result information and the degree of desire of the user indicated by the acquired desire degree information, the information processing apparatus 1 specifies the degree of dependency on the use of the user's information terminal 2 ((2) in FIG. 1). The information processing apparatus 1 outputs dependency degree information indicating the specified degree of dependency to the information terminal 2 ((3) in FIG. 1). By doing so, the information processing apparatus 1 can specify how much the user depends on the use of the information terminal 2 and let the user grasp the specified degree of dependency.

[0024] [Functional Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus 1] Subsequently, the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 1. The information processing apparatus 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0025] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device such as the information terminal 2 and a communication device that manages a wireless communication network. The storage unit 12 is a storage medium that stores various data, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 12 stores a program that causes the control unit 13 to function as an acquisition unit 131, a specification unit 132, a selection unit 133, and an output unit 134.

[0026] The control unit 13 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). By executing the program stored in the storage unit 12, the control unit 13 functions as an acquisition unit 131, a specification unit 132, a selection unit 133, and an output unit 134.

[0027] [Specification of Dependency Degree] First, among the functions of the control unit 13, the function of specifying the degree of dependence on the use of the user's information terminal 2 will be described. The acquisition unit 131 acquires usage record information indicating the usage record of the user's information terminal 2 and demand degree information indicating the degree of demand for the use of the user's information terminal 2.

[0028] The usage record of the user's information terminal 2 is the record of the user's use of the information terminal 2 in a predetermined usage method. For example, it is the usage record of a predetermined content using the user's information terminal 2. The predetermined content is, for example, a program belonging to the game category or a specified program among the programs belonging to the game category. The specified program is, for example, a program designated by the user, a person related to the user, an expert on dependence, or the administrator of the information processing apparatus 1. The predetermined content may be a program for watching videos, a program for using SNS (Social Networking Service), a program for experiencing a virtual space such as a metaverse, etc. Hereinafter, the predetermined content will be simply referred to as a game.

[0029] The acquisition unit 131 acquires information indicating at least any one of the usage time, continuous usage time, usage time zone, usage frequency, and charging amount for the game executed on the information terminal 2 as the usage record information. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires history information indicating the execution history of the game executed on the information terminal 2 from the information terminal 2, and analyzes the history information to acquire information indicating at least any one of the usage time, continuous usage time, usage time zone, usage frequency, and charging amount for the game executed on the information terminal 2.

[0030] Also, when a target value is set for the user, the acquisition unit 131 may acquire, as usage record information, information indicating an excess usage record that is the usage record of games exceeding the user's target value. The user's target value is a target value for game usage using the information terminal 2 set for the user, and for example, is at least one of an upper limit usage time that is an upper limit of the game usage time, an upper limit continuous usage time that is an upper limit of the continuous usage time, a prohibited usage time zone that is a time zone when not using the game, a prohibited usage area that is an area where the game is not used, an upper limit usage frequency that is an upper limit of the usage frequency, and an upper limit charge amount that is an upper limit of the charge amount for the game. The user's target value is, for example, information set by the user, a person related to the user, an expert on dependence, or the administrator of the information processing apparatus 1.

[0031] The excess usage record of the game is, for example, at least one of an excess usage time that is the usage time exceeding the upper limit usage time of the game, an excess continuous usage time that is the continuous usage time exceeding the upper limit continuous usage time of the game, a prohibited area usage time when the game is used in the prohibited usage area of the game, a prohibited area usage frequency, a prohibited time zone usage time when the game is used in the prohibited usage time zone, a prohibited time zone usage frequency, an excess usage frequency that is the usage frequency exceeding the upper limit usage frequency of the game, and an excess charge amount that is the charge amount exceeding the upper limit charge amount of the game.

[0032] For example, when the information terminal 2 is constantly executing a dependence improvement program in which the user's target value is set in advance, when the game usage exceeds the user's target value or when the game usage violates the user's target value, the information terminal 2 causes its display unit to display a confirmation screen for confirming whether to continue the game usage. "When the game usage exceeds the user's target value" is, for example, immediately before the usage time of the game exceeds the upper limit usage time, upper limit continuous usage time, upper limit usage frequency, or upper limit charge amount set as the user's target value. "When the game usage violates the user's target value" is, for example, when the time zone of the game usage is the prohibited usage time zone set as the user's target value, or when the area of the game usage is the prohibited usage area set as the user's target value.

[0033] For example, on the confirmation screen, in addition to displaying messages such as "It is the prohibited time zone. Do you want to continue using the game?" and "You have exceeded the daily usage time. Do you want to continue using the game?", buttons are provided for the user to select either "Continue" or "Stop" the game usage. In this case, when the user selects "Continue", the information terminal 2 collects the actual record of excessive use of the game. Then, the acquisition unit 131 acquires, as the usage record information, information indicating the actual record of excessive use of the game collected by the information terminal 2. Note that the acquisition unit 131 may further acquire, as the usage record information, the number of times the confirmation screen is displayed and the number of times of continuation of use (for example, the operation of the user selecting "Continue") on the confirmation screen.

[0034] The degree of desire for using the user's information terminal 2 is, for example, the degree of desire for using the game using the user's information terminal 2. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the desire degree information input by the user.

[0035] For example, while the dependence improvement program is being executed, the information terminal 2 displays, on its display unit, a display screen for allowing selection from among three levels of "High", "Medium", and "Low" as the degree of desire. When the information terminal 2 accepts a selection of any one of the three levels, it transmits, to the information processing apparatus 1, desire degree information indicating the selected level of the degree of desire. Then, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the desire degree information from the user's information terminal 2.

[0036] The acquisition unit 131 may further function as a specifying unit that specifies the degree of desire, and may acquire desire degree information by specifying the degree of desire of the user. For example, while the dependency improvement program is being executed, the information terminal 2 causes its display unit to display a first questionnaire for specifying the degree of desire for using the game using the user's information terminal 2. When the information terminal 2 accepts the input of the answer to the first questionnaire, it transmits the answer information of the first questionnaire to the information processing apparatus 1. Then, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the answer information of the first questionnaire, and specifies the degree of desire for using the game using the user's information terminal 2 by analyzing the answer result of the first questionnaire indicated by the acquired answer information of the first questionnaire.

[0037] Note that the acquisition unit 131 may display the first questionnaire on the terminal of the user's acquaintance, and acquire desire degree information indicating the degree of desire of the user by receiving the answer to the first questionnaire from the user's acquaintance.

[0038] The acquisition unit 131 may specify the degree of desire for using the game using the user's information terminal 2 based on the usage record of the user's information terminal 2 indicated by the acquired usage record information. Specifically, the acquisition unit 131 calculates a desire score indicating the degree of desire for using the game using the user's information terminal 2 based on the excessive usage record of the game indicated by the acquired usage record information.

[0039] For example, in the storage unit 12, a desire score calculation table for calculating partial scores constituting the desire score is stored based on at least one of the excessive usage time of the game, the excessive continuous usage time, the prohibited area usage time, the prohibited area usage frequency, the prohibited time zone usage time, the prohibited time zone usage frequency, the excessive usage frequency, and the excessive charge amount.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the desire score calculation table. In the example shown in FIG. 3, it can be confirmed that the point addition conditions corresponding to the excessive usage time of the game, the excessive continuous usage time, the prohibited area usage time, the prohibited time zone usage time, and the excessive charge amount are associated with the points of the partial score given to the user when the point addition conditions are satisfied.

[0041] The acquisition unit 131 identifies the scoring conditions satisfied by the user's game's excess usage time, excess continuous usage time, prohibited area usage time, prohibited area usage frequency, prohibited time zone usage time, prohibited time zone usage frequency, excess usage frequency, and excess billing amount among the plurality of scoring conditions included in the desire score calculation table. For example, for each of the plurality of scoring conditions included in the desire score calculation table, the acquisition unit 131 identifies the number of scoring conditions satisfied by the user's game's excess usage time, excess continuous usage time, prohibited area usage time, prohibited area usage frequency, prohibited time zone usage time, prohibited time zone usage frequency, excess usage frequency, and excess billing amount during a predetermined period (for example, one week). For example, on a certain day, if the number of scoring conditions satisfied by the excess continuous usage time is 2, the acquisition unit 131 identifies 2 as the number of scoring conditions satisfied by the excess continuous usage time on that day. Note that the acquisition unit 131 may identify whether each scoring condition is satisfied on a daily basis. In other words, the upper limit of the number of scoring conditions on one day may be specified as 1, but it is desirable to identify the number of each scoring condition without an upper limit. Then, the acquisition unit 131 calculates the desire score by summing the multiplication results of the identified number of scoring conditions and the partial scores associated with the scoring conditions.

[0042] Based on the calculated desire score, the acquisition unit 131 identifies the degree of desire for the user's game usage using the information terminal 2. For example, the storage unit 12 stores a desire degree identification table associating the range of desire scores with the degree of desire.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a desire level specification table. As shown in FIG. 4, it can be confirmed that a desire level is associated with each of a plurality of ranges of desire scores. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the desire level is shown in three levels such as "high", "medium", and "low", but it is not limited to this. For example, the desire level may be shown as a numerical value between 0 and 100, or the desire level may be shown in more levels than "high", "medium", and "low". The acquisition unit 131 refers to the desire level specification table and specifies the desire level corresponding to the calculated desire score as the user's desire level.

[0044] The acquisition unit 131 may specify the user's desire level based on the relationship between the usage record indicated by the acquired usage record information and the user's target value. For example, in the storage unit 12, a target value is stored in association with the user.

[0045] In this case, first, the acquisition unit 131 specifies the user's excessive usage record of the game based on the relationship between the usage record of the game indicated by the acquired usage record information and the target value stored in association with the user in the storage unit 12. Then, the acquisition unit 131 specifies the desire level corresponding to the desire score based on the specified excessive usage record of the game as the user's desire level.

[0046] The acquisition unit 131 may specify at least any one of the number of times of continuation of use, which is the number of times of performing an operation for continuing game use on the confirmation screen, the usage excess rate, and the continuation usage rate as the user's desire level. The usage excess rate is the ratio of the excessive usage record to the usage record. For example, it is the ratio of the excessive game usage time to the game usage time. The continuation usage rate is, for example, the ratio of the number of times of continuation of use to the number of times of display of the confirmation screen.

[0047] The specifying unit 132 specifies the degree of dependence of the user on the use of the information terminal 2 based on the usage record indicated by the usage record information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 and the degree of desire indicated by the degree-of-desire information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. Here, the degree of dependence of the user on the use of the information terminal 2 is, for example, the degree of dependence on the use of games using the user's information terminal 2. Hereinafter, the description will proceed on the assumption that the degree of dependence of the user on the use of the information terminal 2 is the degree of dependence on the use of games using the user's information terminal 2.

[0048] The specifying unit 132 calculates a first score indicating the degree to which the user uses a game using the information terminal 2 based on the usage record of the game indicated by the usage record information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. For example, in the storage unit 12, a first score calculation table for calculating partial scores constituting the first score is stored based on at least any one of the game usage time, continuous usage time, usage time zone, usage frequency, the amount of money charged for the game, and the game usage time during the prohibited time zone.

[0049] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the first score calculation table. In the example shown in FIG. 5, it can be confirmed that the point addition conditions corresponding to the game usage time, continuous usage time, and usage time zone are associated with the points of the partial scores given to the user when the point addition conditions are satisfied. The first score calculation table may be provided for each attribute such as the user's age and occupation, and the specifying unit 132 may select the first score calculation table corresponding to the user's attribute.

[0050] The specific unit 132 identifies the scoring conditions satisfied by the user's game usage time, continuous usage time, usage time zone, usage frequency, and the amount charged for the game among the multiple scoring conditions included in the first score calculation table. For example, the specific unit 132 identifies the number of scoring conditions satisfied by the user's game usage time, continuous usage time, usage time zone, usage frequency, and the amount charged for the game within a predetermined period (e.g., one week) for each of the multiple scoring conditions included in the first score calculation table. For example, on a certain day, if the number of scoring conditions satisfied by the continuous usage time is 2, the specific unit 132 identifies 2 as the number of scoring conditions satisfied by the continuous usage time on that day. Note that the specific unit 132 may identify whether each scoring condition is satisfied on a daily basis. In other words, the upper limit of the number of scoring conditions on a single day may be specified as 1, but it is desirable to identify the number of each scoring condition without an upper limit. Then, the specific unit 132 calculates the first score by summing the multiplication results of the identified number of scoring conditions and the partial scores associated with the scoring conditions.

[0051] In addition, the specific unit 132 calculates a second score indicating the degree of desire for game usage using the information terminal 2 based on the degree of desire indicated by the desire degree information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. For example, the storage unit 12 stores a second score identification table associating the degree of desire and the score, and the specific unit 132 calculates, as the second score, the score associated with the degree of desire indicated by the desire degree information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 in the second score identification table. Note that when the acquisition unit 131 calculates the desire score, the specific unit 132 may use the desire score as the second score.

[0052] The specific unit 132 identifies the degree of dependence on game usage using the user's information terminal 2 based on the multiplication result of the calculated first score and the second score. For example, the storage unit 12 stores a dependence degree identification table associating the range of the multiplication result of the first score and the second score with the degree of dependence.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a dependency table. As shown in FIG. 6, it can be confirmed that a dependency is associated with each of a plurality of ranges of the multiplication result of the first score and the second score. Note that the dependency table may be provided for each user attribute, and the specifying unit 132 may select a dependency table corresponding to the user attribute.

[0054] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the dependency is shown in three levels such as "high", "medium", and "low", but it is not limited to this. For example, the dependency may be shown as a numerical value between 0 and 100, or the dependency may be shown in more levels than "high", "medium", and "low". The specifying unit 132 refers to the dependency table and specifies the dependency corresponding to the multiplication result of the calculated first score and second score as the dependency on the use of the game using the user's information terminal 2. Note that the specifying unit 132 has specified the dependency on the use of the game using the user's information terminal 2 based on the multiplication result of the calculated first score and second score, but it is not limited to this. Note that the specifying unit 132 may specify the dependency on the use of the game using the user's information terminal 2 based on the addition result of the calculated first score and second score.

[0055] In the above, an example in which the specifying unit 132 specifies the dependency on the use of the game using the user's information terminal 2 based on the multiplication result of the first score and the second score has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the specifying unit 132 may specify the dependency on the use of the game using the user's information terminal 2 based on the scale score corresponding to the game disability measure (IGDT-10).

[0056] In this case, the specifying unit 132 calculates a scale score based on, for example, the number of times of performing an operation to continue game use on the confirmation screen (hereinafter referred to as the "number of times of continued use"), the rate of excessive use with respect to the usage record (hereinafter referred to as the "excessive use rate"), and the ratio of the number of times of continued use to the number of times of display of the confirmation screen (hereinafter referred to as the "continuation utilization rate"). The acquisition unit 131 calculates a scale score, for example, by multiplying the number of times of continued use, the excessive use rate, and the continuation utilization rate. Then, the specifying unit 132 refers to a dependency table associating the range of the scale score with the degree of dependency, and specifies the degree of dependency corresponding to the calculated scale score as the degree of dependency on game use using the user's information terminal 2.

[0057] The specifying unit 132 may specify the user's degree of dependency using a dependency output model. The dependency output model is a machine learning model (for example, a regression model or the like) that is trained to output a degree of dependency when a predetermined score (for example, the multiplication result of a first score and a second score, a scale score, or the like) is input, and is, for example, a machine learning model trained using a plurality of combinations of a predetermined score and a degree of dependency as teacher data. The specifying unit 132 specifies, for example, the degree of dependency output by the dependency output model when the calculated scale score is input to the dependency output model as the user's degree of dependency.

[0058] [Selection of improvement method] Subsequently, a function of the control unit 13 for selecting an improvement method for improving the dependency state on game use using the user's information terminal 2 will be described. First, the acquisition unit 131 acquires stage information indicating the stage of the user's approach to dependency on game use using the user's information terminal 2. The stage of the user's approach is specified, for example, by the user receiving a consultation from an expert regarding dependency on the information terminal 2 such as a doctor.

[0059] As stages of how a user confronts dependence, for example, there are five stages: an indifferent stage, an interested stage, a preparatory stage, an action stage, and a maintenance stage. The indifferent stage is, for example, a stage where the user does not consider or notice the future adverse effects of dependence. The interested stage is, for example, a stage where the user notices the future adverse effects of dependence but has a negative attitude towards changing their behavior regarding dependence. The preparatory stage is a stage where the user has the will to improve their dependence and has actions for improvement. The action stage is a stage where the user is implementing improvement actions for dependence, but the improvement actions are not permanent. The maintenance stage is a stage where the user is permanently implementing improvement actions for dependence compared to the action stage.

[0060] The acquisition unit 131 acquires, for example, stage information indicating the stage of how the user confronts dependence, as judged by an expert, from the terminal of an expert regarding dependence, the terminal of a user's relative, or the user information terminal 2.

[0061] The selection unit 133 selects an improvement method corresponding to the degree of dependence specified by the specifying unit 132 from among a plurality of improvement methods for improving the state of dependence on game use using the user information terminal 2. Specifically, the selection unit 133 selects an improvement method corresponding to the stage of how the user confronts dependence indicated by the stage information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 and the degree of dependence specified by the specifying unit 132 from among the plurality of improvement methods. For example, in the storage unit 12, a method selection table associating the stage of how the user confronts dependence indicated by the stage information, the degree of dependence, and the improvement method is stored.

[0062] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the method selection table. As shown in Figure 7, it can be confirmed that one or more improvement methods corresponding to each of the plurality of degrees of dependence are associated with each of the plurality of stages indicating how to confront dependence.

[0063] Also, in FIG. 7, as improvement methods, methods for notifying various information, family therapy, presentation of alternative behaviors, and presentation of coping are shown, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the improvement methods may include various improvement methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, coaching, a method of proposing to keep the information terminal 2 out of sight, and a method of presenting questions for enhancing the user's willingness to improve.

[0064] The selection unit 133 refers to the method selection table and specifies an improvement method associated with the stage indicating how to face the user's dependence indicated by the stage information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 and the degree of dependence specified by the specifying unit 132.

[0065] Note that the selection unit 133 may select an improvement method based on further other information. For example, the selection unit 133 may select an improvement method based on at least one of the degree of understanding of the dependence state on the use of the game using the user's information terminal 2 and the degree of willingness to improve the dependence state.

[0066] In this case, the acquisition unit 131 acquires understanding degree information indicating the degree of understanding of the dependence state on the use of the game using the user's information terminal 2 and willingness information indicating the degree of willingness to improve the dependence state. The acquisition unit 131, for example, causes the information terminal 2 to display a second questionnaire for specifying the degree of understanding of the dependence state on the use of the game using the information terminal 2 and the degree of willingness to improve the dependence state, and acquires response information indicating the response to the second questionnaire from the information terminal 2.

[0067] The acquisition unit 131 acquires the understanding degree information and the willingness information by specifying the degree of understanding indicating the degree of understanding of the dependence state on the use of the game using the user's information terminal 2 and the degree of willingness indicating the degree of willingness to improve the dependence state based on the acquired response information. Note that although the acquisition unit 131 has acquired the understanding degree information and the willingness information, either one of the understanding degree information and the willingness information may be acquired.

[0068] Then, the selection unit 133 may select an improvement method based on at least either the degree of dependence specified by the specifying unit 132 or the degree of understanding indicated by the understanding degree information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 and the degree of willingness indicated by the willingness information. In this case, for example, in the method selection table shown in FIG. 7, for each stage indicating how to face the dependence, the improvement methods are associated for each degree of dependence, each degree of understanding, or each degree of willingness. Then, the selection unit 133 specifies the improvement method associated with the stage indicating how the user faces the dependence indicated by the stage information acquired by the acquisition unit 131, the degree of understanding indicated by the understanding degree information or the degree of willingness indicated by the willingness information, and the degree of dependence specified by the specifying unit 132.

[0069] In addition to the improvement method selected by referring to the method selection table, the selection unit 133 may further select an improvement method based on the degree of dependence specified by the specifying unit 132 and the degree of understanding indicated by the understanding degree information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 or the degree of willingness indicated by the willingness information. For example, when the degree of dependence specified by the specifying unit 132 is "medium" or "high" and the user's understanding degree of the dependence is less than the first threshold value, as an improvement method, a method of notifying information to promote the understanding of the dependence on using the game using the information terminal 2 may be further selected. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 1 can increase the understanding degree of a user with a low understanding degree of the dependence on using the game using the information terminal 2.

[0070] Similarly, for example, when the degree of dependence specified by the specifying unit 132 is "medium" or "high" and the user's willingness degree is less than the second threshold value, as an improvement method, at least one of a method of reminding the selected improvement method, a method of giving a reward such as relaxing the game use restriction when the selected improvement method is executed, and a method of asking a question to enhance the motivation for improving the dependence on the game use using the user's information terminal 2 may be further selected. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 1 can increase the willingness of a user with a low willingness for improving the dependence state.

[0071] Further, the selection unit 133 may change the stage of how the user confronts game use using the user's information terminal 2 based on at least one of the degree of understanding of the dependent state with respect to game use using the user's information terminal 2 and the degree of willingness to improve the dependent state. In this case, first, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the stage of how the user confronts, the degree of understanding of the dependent state, and the degree of willingness to improve the dependent state at the time of diagnosing the stage, and also acquires the current degree of understanding and the degree of willingness.

[0072] Subsequently, when either the current degree of understanding or the degree of willingness has improved with respect to the degree of understanding of the dependent state and the degree of willingness to improve the dependent state at the time of diagnosing the stage of how the user confronts, the selection unit 133 may change the stage of how the user confronts to a stage with a relatively high improvement tendency. For example, when the stage of how the user confronts is diagnosed as the "interest stage", if either the current degree of understanding or the degree of willingness has improved with respect to the degree of understanding of the dependent state and the degree of willingness to improve the dependent state at the time of diagnosis, the stage of how the user confronts may be changed to the "preparation stage". Then, the selection unit 133 may refer to the method selection table and select an improvement method associated with the changed stage and the degree of dependence.

[0073] Further, the selection unit 133 may select an improvement method based on the user's attributes. The user's attributes are, for example, the user's age, identity, occupation, and gender. For example, when the dependency improvement program is executed for the first time on the information terminal 2, or when a request for setting the user's attributes is received during the execution of the dependency improvement program on the information terminal 2, the information terminal 2 causes its display unit to display a setting screen for setting the attributes and receives the user's attributes. When the information terminal 2 receives the user's attributes, it transmits the attribute information indicating the received attributes and the user ID previously assigned to the user to the information processing apparatus 1. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the user ID and the attribute information acquired from the information terminal 2, associates the acquired user ID and the attribute information, and stores them in the storage unit 12 as user information.

[0074] The selection unit 133 may further select an improvement method based on the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. In this case, the storage unit 12 stores a method selection table shown in FIG. 7 in association with the user's attributes. Then, the selection unit 133 selects an improvement method associated with the stage indicated by the stage information acquired by the acquisition unit 131, the user's attributes indicated by the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 and stored in the storage unit 12, and the dependency degree specified by the specifying unit 132. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 1 can select an improvement method with a high probability of being suitable for the user.

[0075] Further, the selection unit 133 may select an improvement method based on the degree of interference with the user's life due to game use using the user's information terminal 2. In order for the selection unit 133 to be able to use the degree of interference, for example, the information terminal 2 periodically causes the display unit to display a third questionnaire regarding the degree of interference with the user's life due to game use using the user's information terminal 2, and accepts the degree of interference from the user. The information terminal 2 transmits the degree-of-interference information indicating the received degree of interference and the user ID to the information processing apparatus 1. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the user ID and the degree-of-interference information acquired from the information terminal 2, and stores the acquired user ID and the degree-of-interference information in the storage unit 12 in association with each other. Note that the acquisition unit 131 may acquire the degree-of-interference information indicating the degree of interference with the user's life due to game use using the user's information terminal 2 and the user ID of the user, which are input by the related party of the user.

[0076] Further, the acquisition unit 131 may acquire the degree-of-interference information by specifying the degree of interference based on the relationship between the usage record of the game indicated by the usage record information of the user and the action status of the predetermined action of the user. The predetermined action of the user is an action that the user regularly performs in daily life, for example, actions such as getting up, sleeping, eating, going to school, commuting, and going to a cram school. Further, the action status of the predetermined action is, for example, the actual action time of the user with respect to a schedule predetermined for the predetermined action, the health state of the user when the user is performing the predetermined action, and the emotion that the user has when the user is performing the predetermined action. Specifically, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the degree-of-interference information by performing the following two steps.

[0077] As a first step, the acquisition unit 131 acquires behavior information indicating the behavior information of a user's predetermined behavior. For example, while the information terminal 2 is executing the dependency improvement program, it displays on its display unit a schedule of a predetermined behavior and a fourth questionnaire for receiving the execution time of the predetermined behavior, the time zone of execution, the user's emotion at the time of execution, and the result of a health check as an answer regarding the behavior status of the predetermined behavior. When the information terminal 2 receives an answer to the fourth questionnaire, it transmits the answer information of the fourth questionnaire to the information processing apparatus 1. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the answer information of the fourth questionnaire as schedule information indicating the schedule of the predetermined behavior and behavior information indicating the behavior status of the user's predetermined behavior.

[0078] Note that the acquisition unit 131 may also acquire schedule information indicating the schedule of the predetermined behavior and behavior information indicating the behavior status of the user's predetermined behavior by causing the terminal of the user's relative to display the fourth questionnaire and receiving the answer to the fourth questionnaire from the user's relative. Further, the acquisition unit 131 may transmit the user ID for identifying the user to a storage management device (not shown) that stores the health check data in association with the user ID and the health check data of the user, and acquire, as behavior information, the health check data associated with the user ID from the management device.

[0079] Also, the terminal provided to the user at school, cram school, or workplace may be set to be communicable with the information processing apparatus 1, and the acquisition unit 131 may acquire, as behavior information indicating commuting, attending cram school, or working hours, information indicating the execution time of the terminal from the terminal. Further, the user ID of the user and the location of the school, cram school, or workplace attended by the user may be associated and stored in advance, and the acquisition unit 131 may acquire, as behavior information indicating commuting, attending cram school, or working hours, information indicating the time during which the location indicated by the location information of the information terminal 2 exists within a predetermined range from the location indicated by the location information associated with the user ID.

[0080] As a second step, the acquisition unit 131 identifies the degree of impairment based on the relationship between the usage achievement of the game indicated by the acquired usage achievement information and the behavior status of the predetermined behavior of the user indicated by the acquired behavior information. For example, when the behavior time of the predetermined behavior does not correspond to the schedule of the predetermined behavior, when the position of the information terminal 2 in the time zone corresponding to the schedule is different from the position previously associated with the predetermined behavior indicated by the schedule, or when the usage time of the game is equal to or more than a predetermined time in the time zone corresponding to the schedule, the acquisition unit 131 identifies the degree of impairment based on the usage achievement of the game of the information terminal 2 within a predetermined time from the schedule. Then, the acquisition unit 131 associates the acquired user ID with the impairment degree information and stores it in the storage unit 12.

[0081] The selection unit 133 selects an improvement method based on the impairment degree information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. In this case, in the method selection table shown in FIG. 7, an improvement method is associated with each level indicating how to face the dependence, for each degree of dependence and for each degree of impairment. Then, the selection unit 133 identifies the improvement method associated with the level indicated by the level information acquired by the acquisition unit 131, the degree of impairment to the user's life, and the degree of dependence identified by the identification unit 132. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 1 can select an improvement method suitable for the degree of impairment to the user's life.

[0082] Further, the selection unit 133 may select an improvement method based on the user's biological body. The biological body of the user is, for example, the heart rate or body temperature of the user measured by a measurement device such as a smart watch worn by the user. The acquisition unit 131 acquires biological information, for example, by acquiring biological history information including the user ID of the user and biological information at each of a plurality of times from the measurement device. Note that the information terminal 2 may acquire the biological information of the user via short-range wireless communication from the measurement device, and the acquisition unit 131 may acquire the biological information of the user from the information terminal 2.

[0083] The selection unit 133 selects an improvement method based on the user's biological information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. For example, the selection unit 133 identifies the heart rate or body temperature when the user is playing a game on the information terminal 2 based on the user's biological information and the usage record of the game indicated by the user's usage record information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. When the identified heart rate or body temperature exceeds a predetermined reference value, the selection unit 133 notifies the user of information prompting the user to reduce the game usage time or information prompting the user to leave the game, in addition to the improvement method identified based on the dependence degree, as an improvement method. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 1 can suppress the deterioration of the user's health condition.

[0084] Further, the selection unit 133 may select an improvement method based on the improvement results for the dependence states of other users different from the user. For example, the storage unit 12 stores improvement result information indicating the improvement results for the dependence states of the users corresponding to each of a plurality of users to whom an arbitrary improvement method has been presented. The improvement result information is information associating, for example, the dependence degree of the user, the stage indicating the way of facing the dependence of the user, and the degree of improvement after the improvement method has been presented to the user. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the improvement result information of other users whose stage indicating the way of facing the dependence and dependence degree are the same as those of the user of the information terminal 2 from the improvement result information stored in the storage unit 12. Here, the acquisition unit 131 may refer to the storage unit 12 and acquire the improvement result information of other users having attributes that match or are similar to the attributes of the user of the information terminal 2.

[0085] Then, the selection unit 133 selects an improvement method based on the acquired improvement result information. For example, the selection unit 133 selects, from the improvement methods presented to other users, an improvement method with a relatively high degree of improvement based on the acquired improvement result information. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 1 can select an improvement method that is expected to have a high improvement effect on the user.

[0086] [Output of Dependence Degree and Improvement Method] Next, the function of the control unit 13 that outputs the specified dependency and improvement method will be described.

[0087] The output unit 134 outputs dependency information indicating the dependency identified by the identification unit 132 and improvement method information indicating the improvement method selected by the selection unit 133 to the user's information terminal 2. For example, when the dependency improvement program is being executed, the information terminal 2 sends a request to the information processing apparatus 1 to obtain the dependency and improvement method. In response to receiving the acquisition request from the information terminal 2, the output unit 134 sends a determination result screen indicating the dependency identified by the identification unit 132 and the improvement method selected by the selection unit 133 to the information terminal 2 and causes the information terminal 2 to display the determination result screen.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the determination result screen. The determination result screen shown in FIG. 8 is the determination result screen of a user whose stage of showing how to face the dependency is the indifferent stage. It can be confirmed that the user's dependency is "medium" and information corresponding to "notify the adverse effects of the dependency" and "notify to keep the information terminal out of sight", which are the improvement methods when this stage is the indifferent stage, is displayed. By doing so, the user can confirm the improvement method suitable for the stage showing how to face their own dependency while confirming their own dependency. Note that the output unit 134 may include information indicating the stage showing how the user faces the dependency and explanatory information of the stage, which are acquired by the acquisition unit 131, in the determination result screen.

[0089] In addition, as the dependency information, the output unit 134 may output a moving average graph showing the transition from the scale score calculated in the past to the scale score calculated this time, which is the scale score calculated by the identification unit 132. In this case, the output unit 134 may output an intervention message for intervening in the improvement of the user's dependency according to the transition of the scale score.

[0090] For example, when the transition of the scale score shows an improving trend, the output unit 134 may output an intervention message for making the user recognize the improving trend, such as "Do you think it is currently showing an improving trend?" or a complimenting intervention message for the user, such as "The recent improving trend is wonderful." Also, when the transition of the scale score shows a deteriorating trend, the output unit 134 may output an intervention message for prompting the user's responsiveness, such as "Although there is a deteriorating trend, if you improve starting from tomorrow, this time I will overlook it." Further, for example, when the user is using the game beyond the upper limit usage time, the output unit 134 may output an intervention message using the cognitive bias of social influence at a predetermined interval, such as "80% of the patients in the same situation have succeeded in suppressing their desires. Will you do the same?"

[0091] The output unit 134 may output an intervention message using a message output model. The message output model is a machine learning model trained to output an intervention message suitable for the user when input with a scale score, information indicating the intervention message, and motivation information. For example, it is a machine learning model trained with teacher data that combines the transition of the scale score, information indicating a plurality of output intervention messages, and a plurality of obtained motivation information for each user. Note that the message output model may be further trained using the user's attributes (e.g., gender, age, occupation, etc.), biological information, dependency level, disability level information, and the improvement achievements of other users.

[0092] In this case, the output unit 134 inputs the scale score calculated by the specifying unit 132, information indicating the intervention message output by the output unit 134 before the specifying unit 132 calculates the scale score, and the motivation information obtained by the acquisition unit 131 at least either before or after the specifying unit 132 calculates the scale score into the message output model, and outputs the intervention message output by the message output model.

[0093] The output unit 134 may further output the demand degree information acquired by the acquisition unit 131, or may output only the demand degree information acquired by the acquisition unit 131.

[0094] [Re - selection of improvement method] After the determination result screen showing the dependency degree and the improvement method is displayed on the information terminal 2, it is preferable to continuously identify whether the dependency on the game use using the user's information terminal 2 according to the improvement method is improved, and to support the user. In contrast, the control unit 13 has a function of re - selecting the improvement method based on the improvement status of the dependency on the game use using the user's information terminal 2. Hereinafter, the function related to the re - selection of the improvement method by the control unit 13 will be described.

[0095] The acquisition unit 131 acquires behavior history information indicating the user's behavior history after the output unit 134 outputs a determination result screen including information indicating the improvement method selected by the selection unit 133. The behavior history information is, for example, position information indicating the position of the information terminal 2, the communication data volume of the information terminal 2, and presentation - after use performance information indicating the game use performance of the user's information terminal 2 after the output unit 134 outputs a determination result screen including information indicating the improvement method selected by the selection unit 133. The acquisition unit 131 acquires the behavior history information from, for example, the user's information terminal 2. Note that although the acquisition unit 131 acquires the behavior history information from the information terminal 2, it is not limited to this. For example, the acquisition unit 131 may control communication and acquire, as behavior history information, information indicating the communication data volume corresponding to the information terminal 2 from a communication control device that manages the communication data volume of the user of the information terminal 2 in association with the user ID of the user of the information terminal 2.

[0096] The specifying unit 132 specifies whether the user is following the improvement method selected by the selection unit 133 and notified to the user based on the behavior history information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. For example, behavior history patterns corresponding to each of a plurality of improvement methods are stored in advance in the storage unit 12. The specifying unit 132 specifies the behavior pattern corresponding to the improvement method selected by the selection unit 133, and specifies whether the behavior history information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 shows the specified behavior pattern.

[0097] For example, when the improvement method is counseling, the behavior pattern is a visit to the hospital. When the improvement method selected by the selection unit 133 is counseling, the specifying unit 132 determines whether the location information of the information terminal 2 as the behavior history information indicates the behavior pattern of visiting the hospital, thereby specifying whether the user is following the improvement method selected by the selection unit 133.

[0098] Note that the specifying unit 132 specifies whether the user is following the improvement method selected by the selection unit 133 and notified to the user, but it is not limited to this. The control unit 13 may have a determination unit that determines whether the user is following the improvement method selected by the selection unit 133 and notified to the user.

[0099] When the specifying unit 132 specifies that the user is not following the selected improvement method, the selection unit 133 selects instruction information for instructing the execution of the improvement method. Then, the output unit 134 outputs the instruction information to the information terminal 2. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 1 can increase the probability that the user acts in accordance with the improvement method.

[0100] Note that when the specifying unit 132 specifies that the user is not following the selected improvement method, the selection unit 133 may select another improvement method different from the improvement method notified to the user. In this case, the selection unit 133 selects another improvement method different from the improvement method already notified to the user among the improvement methods associated with the stage of the user's attitude towards the dependence on game use using the information terminal 2 indicated by the stage information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 and the dependence degree specified by the specifying unit 132. Then, the output unit 134 outputs information indicating the other improvement method. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 1 can present the user with another improvement method that the user may follow.

[0101] Further, the specifying unit 132 may further specify the improvement state of the user's dependence on the use of the game using the information terminal 2 based on the usage record of the game using the information terminal 2 shown in the usage record information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 before the improvement method selected by the selection unit 133 is notified, and the usage record of the game using the information terminal 2 shown in the post-presentation usage record information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 after the improvement method selected by the selection unit 133 is notified.

[0102] For example, the specifying unit 132 specifies at least one of the reduction amounts of the usage time, the number of usages, and the continuous usage time of the game using the information terminal 2 before the improvement method is notified, based on the usage record of the game using the information terminal 2 shown in the usage record information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 before the improvement method is notified, and the usage record of the game using the information terminal 2 shown in the post-presentation usage record information. Then, the specifying unit 132 specifies the improvement state of the user's dependence on the game using the information terminal 2 based on the specified reduction amount.

[0103] Then, the selection unit 133 newly selects an improvement method based on the improvement state specified by the specifying unit 132. For example, when the improvement state specified by the specifying unit 132 indicates an improvement in the dependence on the use of the information terminal 2, the selection unit 133 newly selects an improvement method to be presented to the user based on the method selection table, taking into account that the state indicates an improvement. Also, when the improvement state specified by the specifying unit 132 indicates a deterioration in the dependence on the use of the information terminal 2, the selection unit 133 newly selects an improvement method to be presented to the user based on the method selection table, taking into account that the state indicates a deterioration. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 1 can appropriately follow up the user with respect to the improvement state of the user's dependence on the use of the information terminal 2.

[0104] [Effect by Information Processing Apparatus 1] As described above, the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment acquires usage result information indicating the usage results of the user's information terminal 2 and desire degree information indicating the degree of desire for using the user's information terminal 2, and based on the usage results indicated by the acquired usage result information and the degree of desire indicated by the desire degree information, specifies the degree of dependence on game usage using the user's information terminal 2, and outputs information indicating the specified degree of dependence. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 1 can specify the degree to which the user depends on game usage using the information terminal 2. In particular, since game addiction has recently been recognized as a disease called "gaming disorder," the information processing apparatus 1 can improve "gaming disorder" by selecting an improvement method corresponding to the degree of dependence on game usage and presenting it to the user.

[0105] In addition, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to contribute to Goal 9, "Build the infrastructure for industry and technological innovation," of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) led by the United Nations.

[0106] As described above, the present invention has been described using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the information processing apparatus 1 specifies the degree of dependence on game usage using the user's information terminal 2 based on the usage results of the game using the user's information terminal 2, and specifies an improvement method based on the degree of dependence, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0107] The information processing apparatus 1 may specify whether the user depends on the use of the information terminal 2 itself based on the usage results of the information terminal 2, or may specify whether the user depends on the use of a specific application executed on the information terminal 2. For example, the information processing apparatus 1 may specify the degree of the user's dependence on gambling of the information terminal 2 based on the usage results of a horse racing or boat racing voting application executed on the information terminal 2.

[0108] In addition, the information processing device 1 may acquire position information indicating the position of the information terminal 2, and based on the frequency of the position information being located at a voting place such as horse racing or boat racing, or a pachinko parlor, and the behavior information indicating the behavior status of the user's predetermined actions, identify the user's dependence on gambling or pachinko. Further, the information processing device 1 may identify the dependence of the information terminal 2 on SNS based on the display performance of SNS (Social Networking Service) displayed on the information terminal 2 and the usage performance of the SNS application.

[0109] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 13 of the information processing device 1 as a server functioned as the acquisition unit 131, the identification unit 132, the selection unit 133, and the output unit 134. However, this is not limiting, and the control unit of the information terminal 2 may execute a program that functions as the acquisition unit 131, the identification unit 132, the selection unit 133, and the output unit 134 so that the control unit of the information terminal 2 functions as the acquisition unit 131, the identification unit 132, the selection unit 133, and the output unit 134.

[0110] In addition, all or part of the device can be configured by being functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit. Also, new embodiments resulting from any combination of a plurality of embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combination have the effects of the original embodiments combined.

Explanation of Signs

[0111] 1 Information processing device 11 Communication unit 12 Storage unit 13 Control unit 131 Acquisition unit 132 Identification unit 133 Selection unit 134 Output unit 2 Information terminal

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires usage result information indicating the usage results of the user's information terminal and demand degree information indicating the degree of demand for the use of the user's information terminal; A specifying unit that specifies the degree of dependence on the use of the user's information terminal based on the usage results indicated by the usage result information acquired by the acquisition unit and the degree of demand indicated by the demand degree information acquired by the acquisition unit; An output unit that outputs information indicating the degree of dependence specified by the specifying unit; An information processing apparatus having the above.

2. The acquisition unit acquires the demand degree information input by the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The acquisition unit acquires the demand degree information indicating the degree of demand by specifying the degree of demand for the use of the user's information terminal based on the usage results indicated by the usage result information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The acquisition unit acquires the demand degree information indicating the degree of demand by specifying the degree of demand for the use of the user's information terminal based on the relationship between the usage results indicated by the usage result information and the target value for the use of the information terminal set for the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The information processing apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores information indicating an upper limit charging amount determined as an upper limit amount for the user to be charged by a predetermined usage method on the information terminal, The acquisition unit acquires the demand degree information indicating the degree of demand by specifying the degree of demand for the user's information terminal based on the relationship between the charging amount charged by the user by the predetermined usage method indicated by the acquired usage result information and the upper limit charging amount. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The information processing apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores information indicating an upper limit charging amount determined as an upper limit amount for charging a predetermined content executed by the user on the information terminal, The acquisition unit acquires the demand degree information indicating the degree of demand by specifying the degree of demand for the user's predetermined content based on the relationship between the charging amount charged by the user for the predetermined content indicated by the acquired usage result information and the upper limit charging amount. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The information processing apparatus further includes a selection unit that selects an improvement method corresponding to the degree of dependence specified by the specifying unit from among a plurality of improvement methods for improving the user's dependent state with respect to the use of the information terminal. The output unit outputs information indicating the improvement method selected by the selection unit to the user's information terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The acquisition unit further acquires at least one of understanding degree information indicating the degree of understanding of the user's dependent state with respect to the use of the information terminal and willingness information indicating the degree of willingness to improve the dependent state. The selection unit selects the improvement method based on at least one of the degree of dependence specified by the specifying unit and at least one of the degree of understanding indicated by the understanding degree information acquired by the acquisition unit and the degree of willingness indicated by the willingness information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The acquisition unit further acquires at least one of attribute information indicating the user's attributes, biometric information of the user, impairment degree information indicating the degree of impairment to the user's life associated with the use of the user's information terminal, and improvement result information indicating the improvement result of the dependent state of another user different from the user. The selection unit selects the improvement method based on at least one of the attribute information, the biometric information, the impairment degree information, and the improvement result information acquired by the acquisition unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

10. The acquisition unit further acquires behavior history information indicating the behavior history of the user after the output unit outputs information indicating the improvement method selected by the selection unit. The specifying unit specifies whether or not the user is following the improvement method selected by the selection unit based on the behavior history information. When the specifying unit specifies that the user is not following the improvement method, the selection unit selects instruction information for instructing the execution of the improvement method or another improvement method different from the improvement method. The output unit outputs the instruction information or information indicating another improvement method different from the improvement method. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. The acquisition unit further acquires post-presentation usage record information indicating the usage record of the user's information terminal after the output unit outputs information indicating the improvement method selected by the selection unit. The specific part further specifies the improvement status of the user's dependence on the use of the information terminal based on the usage record of the user's information terminal indicated by the usage record information and the usage record of the user's information terminal indicated by the post-presentation usage record information. The selection part newly selects the improvement method based on the improvement status specified by the specific part. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

12. The usage record of the user's information terminal is the usage record of a predetermined content using the user's information terminal. The degree of desire for the use of the user's information terminal is the degree of desire for the use of the predetermined content using the user's information terminal. The degree of dependence on the use of the user's information terminal is the degree of dependence on the use of the predetermined content using the user's information terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

13. Executed by a computer, a step of obtaining usage record information indicating the usage record of the user's information terminal and desire degree information indicating the degree of desire for the use of the user's information terminal; a step of specifying the degree of dependence on the use of the user's information terminal based on the usage record indicated by the obtained usage record information and the degree of desire indicated by the obtained desire degree information; a step of outputting information indicating the specified degree of dependence; An information processing method having the above steps.

14. A computer, an acquisition part that acquires usage record information indicating the usage record of the user's information terminal and desire degree information indicating the degree of desire for the use of the user's information terminal, a specific part that specifies the degree of dependence on the use of the user's information terminal based on the usage record indicated by the usage record information obtained by the acquisition part and the degree of desire indicated by the desire degree information obtained by the acquisition part, and an output part that outputs information indicating the degree of dependence specified by the specific part, A program for causing the computer to function as the above.

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