Support apparatus, support method, and support program

Abstract

To support "cooperation" in which users provide their resources to each other.SOLUTION: A support apparatus includes: a support resource registration unit which receives resource data input from a first user, the data including a provision available period of a resource, and registers the resource data on a database; a support request receiving unit which receives, from a second user, a support request including a support request period; and a support service determination unit which determines combinations of resources according to the request by referring to the database, and outputs the determined combinations of the resources, as a support service to be provided to the second user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Techniques for allocating resources required for work to people and things have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system for allocating personnel to work transporting and installing machinery and equipment. Patent Document 2 discloses a system for allocating personnel using a trained model that uses data related to workers, such as work qualifications, personal abilities, attendance, and past personnel allocations. Patent Document 3 discloses a system for generating a process plan that includes allocation of resources to processes, using shipping orders, work network information related to processes required for shipping, and information on resources available for the work. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-122888 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-47433 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-33873 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in particular in certain local businesses (e.g., businesses related to the primary industry), there is a demand for users to "help each other" by providing resources to each other (mutual aid) in order to improve the productivity of the entire region in that business. For example, in agriculture, it is conceivable that local farmers could provide each other with resources such as agricultural machinery or farmwork help, thereby improving the productivity and quality of farmwork and making agriculture sustainable throughout the region. However, the above-mentioned technology has difficulty supporting "mutual aid" between users who provide each other with resources, such as when it is difficult to determine which multiple resources need to be provided at the same time, or when there are multiple combinations of resources that can be used for "mutual aid" depending on the period.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an assistance device, an assistance method, and an assistance program that can support "mutual assistance" in which users provide each other with resources. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem is a support device having a processor and a memory, and including: a support resource registration unit that receives input of resource data including a period during which resources can be provided from a first user and registers the resource data in a database; a support request reception unit that receives a request for support including a period during which a support request is made from a second user; and a support service determination unit that refers to the database to determine a combination of multiple resources in response to the request and output the determined combination of resources as a support service to be provided to the second user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to support "mutual assistance" in which users provide each other with resources. Configurations and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a support system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first example of assistance in rice planting work. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second example of assistance in rice planting work. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third example of assistance in rice planting work. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a support resource management table. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conversion rule definition table. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of simultaneous support resource definition data. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of hardware included in a resource management device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram illustrating details of the support resource registration process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram illustrating details of simultaneous support resource setting processing. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an updated support resource management table. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a processing flow diagram illustrating details of the support service determination process. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of support request data. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a support order setting process. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram illustrating details of the assistance order setting process. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram illustrating details of the support scheduling process. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a support service display screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following description and drawings are examples for explaining the present invention, and some omissions and simplifications have been made as appropriate for clarity of explanation. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms. Unless otherwise specified, each component may be singular or plural. In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the position, size, shape, range, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may not represent the actual position, size, shape, range, etc. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the position, size, shape, range, etc. disclosed in the drawings. In the following explanation, various types of information may be described using expressions such as "table," "list," and "queue," but the various types of information may also be expressed using data structures other than these. To indicate that the information is not dependent on the data structure, "XX table," "XX list," etc. may be referred to as "XX information." When describing identification information, expressions such as "identification information," "identifier," "name," "ID," and "number" are used, but these are interchangeable. When there are multiple components with the same or similar functions, they may be described using the same reference numeral with different subscripts. However, when there is no need to distinguish between these multiple components, the subscripts may be omitted. Furthermore, in the following description, processing performed by executing a program may be described, but the program is executed by a processor (e.g., a CPU or a GPU) to perform the specified processing while appropriately using storage resources (e.g., a memory) and / or interface devices (e.g., a communication port), and therefore the subject of the processing may be the processor. Similarly, the subject of the processing performed by executing a program may be a controller, device, system, computer, or node having a processor. The subject of the processing performed by executing a program may be any computing unit, and may include a dedicated circuit (e.g., an FPGA or an ASIC) that performs a specific processing. A program may be installed on a device such as a computer from a program source. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable storage medium. If the program source is a program distribution server, the program distribution server may include a processor and storage resources for storing the program to be distributed, and the processor of the program distribution server may distribute the program to be distributed to other computers. Also, in the following description, two or more programs may be realized as one program, and one program may be realized as two or more programs.

[0010] <Support System> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a support system 1. The support system 1 is an information processing system that supports "mutual assistance" between users, in which users provide each other with resources. For example, the support system 1 supports "mutual assistance" between users in operations for acquiring specified natural objects (for example, operations related to primary industries such as agriculture, forestry, mining, or fishing (marine industry)) so that the industry of the entire region can be sustainable. The support system 1 is configured to include a resource management device 10 (support device), a provider terminal 20, and a requester terminal 30.

[0011] The provider terminal 20 is an information processing device related to a provider (first user) that provides resources (hereinafter referred to as "support resources") to support other users in their work, such as a personal computer, tablet terminal, or smartphone.

[0012] The requester terminal 30 is an information processing device related to a requester (second user) who requests support related to a business, such as a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone.

[0013] The resource management device 10 is an information processing device that combines a plurality of support resources provided by one or a plurality of providers into one support service and provides the support service to a requester.

[0014] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which support is provided for "mutual help" between users involved in agricultural work in a local area. Specific examples will be described below using <Case 1> to <Case 3> relating to a support service that supports the rice planting work of requester K, a part-time farmer. For example, requester K, a part-time farmer, is requesting support (help) only during the rice planting season in order to improve the efficiency of his agricultural work. Meanwhile, each provider supports requester K's agricultural work by providing him with support resources related to agricultural work that are surplus (unused) from their own businesses.

[0015] <Case 1> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating Case 1 of supporting rice planting work. In Case 1, in response to a support request from requester K for "help with rice planting work," the resource management device 10 combines a support resource of provider A, a support resource of provider B, a support resource of provider C, a support resource of provider D, a "tractor," a "rice planter (attached to the tractor)," a support resource of provider C, a "light truck (transporting agricultural equipment)," and a support resource of provider D, a "work supporter (rice planting helper)," to provide one support service to requester K. The support resource, "tractor," and the support resource, "rice planter (attached to the tractor)," are examples of tools for acquiring natural objects. Furthermore, the support resource, "work supporter (rice planting helper)," is an example of a person involved in acquiring natural objects. Furthermore, the support resource, "light truck (transporting agricultural equipment)," is an example of a means for transporting the acquired natural objects or tools.

[0016] <Case 2> 3 is a diagram illustrating Case 2 of supporting rice planting work. In Case 2, in response to a support request from requester K for "help with rice planting work," the resource management device 10 combines a support resource from provider E, "rice planter (self-propelled)," a support resource from provider C, "light truck (transportation of agricultural machinery)," and a support resource from provider D, "work supporter (help with rice planting)," into one support service to be provided to requester K. The support resource, "rice planter (self-propelled)," is an example of a tool for acquiring natural objects.

[0017] <Case 3> 4 is a diagram illustrating Case 3 of supporting rice planting work. In Case 3, in response to a support request from requester K for "help with rice planting work," the resource management device 10 combines support resources "work supporters (rice planting helpers)" from providers G, H, and I, and provides them as one support service to requester K. That is, in Case 3, the resource management device 10 provides a support service that is a human wave tactic using multiple work supporters (rice planting helpers).

[0018] As shown in Cases 1 to 3, even if the support request content from requester K is the same, the support resources available vary depending on the region and time of the support, and the support service content presented by the resource management device 10 may differ. In other words, even if the support request is the same, the support service content may differ depending on the lineup of support resources available at that time. For example, rice planting and labor may be treated as one support service, or manual labor tactics may be treated as a support service. Also, there may be multiple combinations of support resources that can accommodate "mutual assistance" depending on the period.

[0019] 1, the resource management device 10 includes the functions of an assist resource registration unit 101, an assist request receiving unit 102, and an assist service determination unit 103. The resource management device 10 also stores an assist resource management table 400, a conversion rule definition table 500, and a simultaneous assist resource definition table 600.

[0020] The support resource registration unit 101 receives support resource data from the provider terminal 20, and writes and registers the received support resource data in the support resource management table 400. The support resource data is data related to the support resource provided by the provider, and includes information such as the name, type, provider, available period, and available area of the support resource.

[0021] (Support resource management table) 5 is a diagram showing an example of the support resource management table 400. The support resource management table 400 is a database in which support resource data is stored. The support resource management table 400 has the following data items: ID 401, in which an ID for identifying each support resource is set; support resource name 402, in which the name of the support resource is set; type 403, in which the type of the support resource is set; provider 404, in which the provider of the support resource is set; available period 405, in which the period during which the support resource can be provided is set; and available area 406, in which the area in which the support resource can be provided is set.

[0022] The support request receiving unit 102 receives support request data from the requester terminal 30, and converts the content of the received support request data into a request for one or more support resources that satisfy the content by referring to the conversion rule definition table 500. The support request data is data that represents the content of support requested by the requester, and includes the support request content, support request period, and support request area.

[0023] (Conversion rule definition table) 6 is a diagram showing an example of a conversion rule definition table 500. The conversion rule definition table 500 is data that defines rules for converting support request content into one or more support resources. The conversion rule definition table 500 has data items for target 501, in which the conversion target is set, and rule 502, in which the conversion rule is set. In the example shown, it is defined that the support request content "help with rice planting work" is converted into a combination of support resources of the types "power," "work implement," "transport," and "operator," or into a support resource of the type "worker."

[0024] In the illustrated example, the target 501 is a support request content, but the target 501 is not limited to this, and may be a support resource. For example, the conversion rule definition table 500 may define a rule for converting a major support resource into a medium or minor support resource.

[0025] The support service determination unit 103 determines a support service to be provided to the requester by combining multiple support resources, by referring to the support request content converted into a request for one or multiple support resources, the support request period, the support request area, the support resource management table 400, and the simultaneous support resource definition table 600. Then, the support service determination unit 103 transmits support service data representing the determined support service to the requester terminal 30.

[0026] (Simultaneous support resource definition data) 7 is a diagram showing an example of a simultaneous support resource definition table 600. The simultaneous support resource definition table 600 is data that defines simultaneous support resources 601 that need to be provided simultaneously. In the example shown in the figure, the support resource "rice planter (attached to a tractor)", the support resource "tractor", and the support resource "work supporter (operating the rice planter)" are defined as simultaneous support resources. In addition, the support resource "rice planter (self-propelled)" and the support resource "work supporter (operating the rice planter)" are defined as simultaneous support resources.

[0027] 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of hardware included in the resource management device 10. The resource management device 10 includes, for example, a processing device 11 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory 12 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a storage device 13 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), an input device 14 such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel, an output device 15 such as a display or a printer, and a communication device 16 configured by a NIC (Network Interface Card), a wireless communication module, a USB (Universal Serial Interface) module, a serial communication module, or the like.

[0028] Each function of the resource management device 10 described above is realized by the processing device 11 reading out each program that realizes each function, stored in the storage device 13, into the RAM of the memory 12, and executing the program. Note that each program may be pre-recorded on an external storage medium, or may be installed when needed via a predetermined communication network. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on, for example, a portable or fixed recording medium and distributed. Next, the processing performed by the resource management device 10 will be described.

[0029] <Support resource registration process> 9 is a process flow diagram illustrating details of the assisting resource registration process. The assisting resource registration process shown in this drawing is executed when a provider registers an assisting resource in the resource management device 10, for example.

[0030] First, the support resource registration unit 101 displays an input screen on the provider terminal 20 and accepts input of support resource data from the provider (S101). The provider inputs the content of the support resource (support resource name, type, etc.), the available period, and the available area on the input screen displayed on the provider terminal 20. The provider terminal 20 transmits the input support resource data to the resource management device 10.

[0031] Next, the support resource registration unit 101 receives the support resource data from the provider terminal 20, and converts (decomposes) the contents of the received support resource data into support resources of the smallest unit (S102). For example, the support resource registration unit 101 refers to the conversion rule definition table 500 and decomposes the support resources of the large item into support resources of the smaller item (smallest unit).

[0032] Next, the supporting resource registration unit 101 writes and registers supporting resource data for each supporting resource of the smallest unit in the supporting resource management table 400 (S103).

[0033] Next, the support resource registration unit 101 executes a simultaneous support resource setting process (S104) to combine support resources that need to be provided simultaneously and set them as one support resource by referring to the simultaneous support resource definition table 600. Then, the support resource registration process is terminated.

[0034] <Simultaneous support resource setting process> FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram illustrating the simultaneous support resource setting process in detail.

[0035] First, the support resource registration unit 101 refers to the simultaneous support resource definition table 600 and determines whether or not the simultaneous support resource is registered in the support resource management table 400 (S1041).

[0036] 5 and 7, the support resource registration unit 101 identifies the combination of the support resource "tractor" with ID "001", the support resource "rice transplanter (attached to the tractor)" with ID "002", and the support resource "work supporter (operating the rice transplanter)" with ID "006" registered in the support resource management table 400 as simultaneous support resources for the available period "2023 / 05 / 01 to 2023 / 05 / 31" and the available area "first area". In addition, the support resource registration unit 101 identifies the combination of the support resource "rice transplanter (self-propelled)" with ID "005" and the support resource "work supporter (operating the rice transplanter)" with ID "006" registered in the support resource management table 400 as simultaneous support resources for the available period "2023 / 06 / 01 to 2023 / 06 / 30" and the available area "first area".

[0037] If the simultaneous support resource is not registered in the support resource management table 400 (S1041: No), the support resource registration unit 101 ends this simultaneous support resource setting process.

[0038] On the other hand, if the simultaneous support resource is registered in the support resource management table 400 (S1041: Yes), the support resource registration unit 101 sets the identified simultaneous support resource (combination of multiple support resources) as one support resource (S1042), updates the support resource management table 400, and returns to processing of S1041.

[0039] (Updated support resource management table) 11 is a diagram showing an example of the support resource management table 400 after updating. In the example shown, a combination of support resources "tractor", "rice planter (mounted on tractor)", and "work supporter (operating rice planter)" is registered as one support resource (simultaneous support resources for the available period "2023 / 05 / 01 to 2023 / 05 / 31" and available area "first area") for ID "011". Also, a combination of support resource "rice planter (self-propelled)" and support resource "work supporter (operating rice planter)" is registered as one support resource (simultaneous support resources for the available period "2023 / 06 / 01 to 2023 / 06 / 30" and available area "first area") for ID "012". In addition, the availability period of the support resource ID "002" "Rice planter (mounted on a tractor)" and the support resource ID "006" "Work supporter (operating the rice planter)" has been updated to a period excluding the availability period of simultaneous support resources. By treating simultaneous support resources as one support resource in this way, it is possible to distinguish between multiple support resources that need to be provided simultaneously.

[0040] In this embodiment, the resource management device 10 executes the simultaneous support resource setting process during the support resource registration process, but this is not limited to this, and the simultaneous support resource setting process may also be executed during the support service determination process described next.

[0041] <Support service determination process> 12 is a process flow diagram illustrating the details of the support service determination process, which is executed, for example, when a requester requests support.

[0042] First, the support request receiving unit 102 displays an input screen on the requester terminal 30 and receives input of support request data from the requester (S201). The requester inputs the support request details, support request period, and support request area on the input screen displayed on the requester terminal 30. The requester terminal 30 transmits support request data including the input support request details, support request period, and support request area to the resource management device 10.

[0043] (Assistance Request Data) 13 is a diagram showing an example of support request data. In the example shown, the support request data includes support request content "help with rice planting work," a support request period "2023 / 05 / 01 to 2023 / 07 / 31," and a support request region "first region."

[0044] Next, the support request receiving unit 102 receives support request data from the requester terminal 30, and converts (decomposes) the support request content of the received support request data into requests for the smallest unit of support resources (hereinafter referred to as "requested support resources") by referring to the conversion rule definition table 500 (S202). In the data example shown in Fig. 6, the support request receiving unit 102 converts the support request content "help with rice planting work" into a combination of requested support resources {power, work equipment, transportation, operator} (hereinafter referred to as "first request") and requested support resources {worker} (hereinafter referred to as "second request") in accordance with the rules defined in the conversion rule definition table 500.

[0045] Next, the support service determination unit 103 extracts a combination of support resources (hereinafter referred to as "support service candidates") that match the requested support resource, support request period, and support request area from the support resource management table 400. A support resource that matches the support request period is a support resource whose support available period is included in the support request period. Also, a support resource that matches the support request area is a support resource whose support available area is included in the support request area.

[0046] In the data example shown in FIG. 11, the support service determination unit 103 extracts, in response to the first request, a combination of support resources with ID "011" - "tractor," "rice transplanter (attached to tractor)," and "work supporter (operating rice transplanter)" - and a support resource with ID "003" - "light truck (transporting agricultural equipment)" - as a first support service candidate. In response to the first request, the support service determination unit 103 extracts, in response to the first request, a combination of support resources with ID "012" - "rice transplanter (self-propelled)," and "work supporter (operating rice transplanter)" - and a support resource with ID "003" - "light truck (transporting agricultural equipment)" - as a second support service candidate. In response to the second request, the support service determination unit 103 extracts one or more support resources - "work supporter (helping with rice planting)" - as a third support service candidate.

[0047] Then, the support service determination unit 103 executes a support order setting process for setting the support order of each extracted support resource for each support service candidate (S203).

[0048] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an outline of the support order setting process. In the example shown in this figure, the support service candidates include support resource RA, support resource RB, support resource RC, support resource RD, and support resource RE. Support resource RB and support resource RC are simultaneous support resources. Therefore, support resource RB and support resource RC are provided to the requester during the same period. The support service determination unit 103 determines the order in which to provide each support resource so that the support request period RP included in the support request data includes the provision period for each support resource and the provision period of the entire support service (support service period SP) is minimized. In the example shown in the figure, the order is set as support resource RA (provision period (1)), support resource RB and support resource RC (provision period (2)), support resource RE (provision period (3)), and support resource RD (provision period (4)). In this example, the support service period SP is the entire period from provision period (1) to provision period (4) of each support resource.

[0049] <Support order setting process> FIG. 15 is a process flow diagram illustrating the details of the assistance order setting process.

[0050] First, the support service determination unit 103 determines a support resource to be provided first (S2031). For example, the support service determination unit 103 determines a support resource with the earliest available period as the support resource to be provided first. In the example shown in Fig. 14, the support service determination unit 103 determines a support resource RA with the earliest available period P1 as the support resource to be provided first.

[0051] Next, the support service determining unit 103 determines the next support resource to be provided (S2032).

[0052] Next, the support service determination unit 103 determines whether there is a support resource whose order can be interchanged with the support resource determined in S2023 (S2033). For example, the support service determination unit 103 determines that a support resource whose provision period is earlier than the support resource determined in S2022 is a support resource whose order can be interchanged.

[0053] If there is a support resource whose order can be changed (S2033: Yes), the support service determination unit 103 changes the order of the support resource determined in S2032 and the support resource whose order can be changed (S2034), and returns to the processing of S2032.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 14, the support service determination unit 103 swaps the order of the support resource RD and the support resource RE whose available period P5 is earlier than the available period P4 of the support resource RD, so that the period for providing each support resource is not interrupted (so that the next support resource can be provided as soon as possible).

[0055] On the other hand, if there is no support resource whose order can be changed (S2033: No), the support service determination unit 103 determines whether there is a next support resource whose support order has not been set (S2035). If there is a next support resource (S2035: Yes), the support service determination unit 103 returns to the processing of S2032. On the other hand, if there is no next support resource (S2035: No), the support service determination unit 103 ends this support order setting processing.

[0056] Following the support order setting process, the support service determining unit 103 executes a support scheduling process (S204).

[0057] <Support scheduling process> FIG. 16 is a process flow diagram illustrating the details of the support scheduling process.

[0058] First, the support service determination unit 103 sets the provision period for each support service candidate (the support resource candidates that have been assembled (set the support order)) (S2041). For example, the support service determination unit 103 sets the shortest provision period when each support resource candidate is provided in the determined support order. For example, the support service determination unit 103 sets the provision period for each support service candidate so that the time between the provision period of one support resource candidate and the provision period of the next support resource candidate is the shortest (as uninterrupted as possible).

[0059] Next, the support service determination unit 103 determines whether the set provision period is within the support request period included in the support request data (S2042). If the provision period is not within the support request period (S2042: No), the support service determination unit 103 returns to the processing of S2041.

[0060] On the other hand, if the provision period is within the support request period (S2042: Yes), the support service determination unit 103 determines (selects) the support service candidate (assembled support resource candidate) with the shortest provision period as the support service (S2043), and then terminates this support scheduling process.

[0061] Following the support scheduling process, the support service determination unit 103 outputs support service data indicating the content of the confirmed support service (S205), and ends this support service determination process. For example, the support service determination unit 103 causes the requester terminal 30 to display a support service display screen 1600 indicating the content of the support service to be provided to the requester.

[0062] (Support service display screen) 17 is a diagram showing an example of a support service display screen 1600. The support service display screen 1600 includes a first area 1610 that displays the content of the support request data, and a second area 1620 that displays the content of the support service to be provided. For example, the support service determination unit 103 displays the support request content "help with rice planting work," the support request period "2023 / 05 / 01 to 2023 / 07 / 31," and the region "first region" included in the support request data in the first area 1610. Furthermore, the support service determination unit 103 displays the provision period "2023 / 05 / 01 to 2023 / 06 / 30" of the determined support service, as well as the support resource name, provider, provision period, and provision order of each support resource included in the support service in the second area 1620. In the illustrated example, the provision period for the support resource "Tractor" (provider "A") and the support resource "Rice transplanter (attached to tractor)" (provider "B") is "2023 / 05 / 01 to 2023 / 05 / 31", and the provision order is "1". Furthermore, the provision period for the support resource "Work supporter (operating rice transplanter)" (provider "D") is "2023 / 05 / 01 to 2023 / 05 / 31", and the provision order is "2". Furthermore, the provision period for the support resource "Light truck (transporting agricultural machinery)" (provider "C") is "2023 / 06 / 01 to 2023 / 06 / 30", and the provision order is "3".

[0063] The above-described support service determination process can be executed by solving an optimization problem that determines a combination of support resources that minimizes the period for providing the support service, using support request data (support request content, support request period, and support request area) as constraints. Therefore, in the support service determination process, the support service determination unit 103 may determine the support service using mathematical optimization (mathematical programming) or a heuristic combinatorial optimization method (optimization algorithm), or deep reinforcement learning that combines reinforcement learning and deep learning.

[0064] In addition, in the above-mentioned support service determination process, the provision period for each support resource is set so that simultaneous support resources that need to be provided simultaneously are provided simultaneously, but this is not limited to this, and the provision period for each support resource may also be set so that support resources that can be provided simultaneously are provided during the same period.

[0065] As described above, the resource management device 10 of this embodiment includes an assistance resource registration unit 101 that receives input of assistance resource data including the period during which the assistance resource can be provided from a provider (first user) and registers the assistance resource data in an assistance resource management table 400 (database), an assistance request receiving unit 102 that receives an assistance request including the assistance request period from a requester (second user), and an assistance service determination unit 103 that refers to the assistance resource management table 400 to determine a combination of multiple assistance resources in accordance with the assistance request and output the combination of multiple assistance resources as an assistance service to be provided to the requester (second user).

[0066] That is, the resource management device 10 of this embodiment automatically determines a support service to support a requester by combining multiple support resources provided by one or multiple providers. This makes it possible to support a requester by combining multiple support resources from different providers, for example. It is also possible to handle cases where there are multiple resource combinations that can support "mutual assistance" depending on the period. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently support "mutual assistance" in which users help each other by providing each other with support resources.

[0067] In addition, the resource management device 10 of this embodiment selects, from the combinations of support resources identified from the support resource management table 400, a combination of multiple support resources that will result in the shortest period for providing the support service to the requester, and outputs the selected combination of support resources as the support service to be provided to the requester.

[0068] This makes it possible to provide a support service that can solve the requester's problem (trouble) in a short period of time, i.e., a more efficient support service that meets the requester's needs can be provided to the requester.

[0069] Furthermore, the resource management device 10 of this embodiment determines the provision period of each of the plurality of support resources that will result in the shortest provision period of the support service based on the support request period and the provision period of each of the plurality of resources, and outputs the determined period as the support service.

[0070] That is, the resource management device 10 of this embodiment can determine the provision period of each support resource so that the interval between the provision of each support resource (the period from the provision of one support resource to the provision of the next support resource) is shorter (for example, so that the provision period of each support resource is not interrupted). Therefore, a more efficient support service can be provided to the requester.

[0071] In addition, the resource management device 10 of this embodiment refers to the simultaneous support resource definition table 600 regarding simultaneous support resources that need to be provided simultaneously, determines the provision period for each of the multiple support resources so that the simultaneous support resources are provided to the requester (second user) during the same period, and outputs it as a support service.

[0072] That is, the resource management device 10 of this embodiment combines items that need to be supported simultaneously in response to a support request (for example, a tractor and a rice transplanter attached to the tractor) and provides them as a single support resource. In other words, it is possible to distinguish between multiple resources that need to be provided simultaneously. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, support resources that cannot function unless used simultaneously from being provided at different times. In other words, it is possible to determine a support service that can reliably utilize the support resource.

[0073] In addition, the resource management device 10 of this embodiment determines the support order (provision order) and provision period of each of the multiple support resources that will shorten the provision period of the support service based on the support request period and the respective provision periods of the multiple support resources, and outputs this as a support service.

[0074] This allows the order in which support resources are provided to be changed and optimization can be performed to shorten the period for providing support services, thereby enabling more efficient support services to be provided to the requester.

[0075] In addition, the resource management device 10 of this embodiment converts a request for assistance into a request for multiple assistance resources in accordance with the conversion rule definition table 500 (predetermined rules), extracts multiple assistance resources that match the converted resources from the assistance resource management table 400 (database), determines a combination of assistance resources according to the request, and outputs the determined combination of assistance resources as an assistance service to be provided to the requester (second user).

[0076] This automatically converts the requester's request into multiple support resources that satisfy the request, thereby saving the requester the trouble of specifying the support resources one by one, and allowing the support service that satisfies the request to be automatically determined.

[0077] The support resource data also includes the period and area in which the support resource can be provided, and the resource management device 10 receives a request for support from the requester (second user) including the support request period and the support request area, refers to the support resource management table 400 (database), determines a combination of resources whose available period is included in the support request period and whose available area is included in the support request area, and outputs the determined combination of resources as a support service to be provided to the requester (second user).

[0078] This will support "mutual assistance" in which users in a specific area provide each other with resources.

[0079] In addition, the support source in this embodiment is a tool (e.g., a tractor, rice transplanter, etc.) for acquiring a natural object in a task for acquiring a specified natural object (e.g., a task related to a primary industry such as agriculture, forestry, mining, or fishing (aquaculture)), a person involved in acquiring the natural object (e.g., a work assistant), or a means for transporting the acquired natural object or tool (e.g., a light truck, etc.).

[0080] This allows users to "help each other" in the business of acquiring specified natural resources (for example, business related to the primary industry), thereby helping to ensure the sustainability of that industry.

[0081] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented using any components within the scope of the present invention. The above-described embodiments and modifications are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these contents as long as the characteristics of the invention are not impaired. Furthermore, although various embodiments and modifications have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these contents. Other aspects conceivable within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0082] For example, part of the hardware provided in each device of this embodiment may be provided in another device.

[0083] In addition, each program of the resource management device, provider terminal, or requester terminal may be provided in another device, a program may consist of multiple programs, or multiple programs may be integrated into a single program.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the support system 1 that supports "mutual assistance" has been described, focusing mainly on work related to the primary industry (agriculture), but the present invention can also be applied to any industry, such as the service industry. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1. Support System 10 Resource Management Device 20 Provider terminal 30 Requester Terminal 101 Support Resources Registration Department 102 Support Request Reception Department 103 Support Service Decision Department 400 Support Resource Management Table 500 Conversion Rule Definition Table 600 Concurrent Support Resource Definition Table

Claims

1. a processor and a memory; a support resource registration unit that receives input of resource data including a period during which the resource can be provided from the first user and registers the resource data in a database; a support request receiving unit that receives a support request including a support request period from a second user; a support service determination unit that refers to the database, determines a combination of a plurality of resources in response to the request, and outputs the determined combination of resources as a support service to be provided to the second user; A support device comprising:

2. the support service determination unit selects, from among the resource combinations identified from the database, a resource combination that will result in the shortest provision period for providing the support service to the second user, and outputs the selected resource combination as the support service to be provided to the second user. The support device according to claim 1 .

3. the support service determination unit determines a provision period for each of the plurality of resources that will result in the shortest provision period of the support service based on the support request period and the provision available period of each of the plurality of resources, and outputs the determined provision period as the support service. The support device according to claim 2 .

4. the support service determination unit refers to data on resources that need to be provided simultaneously, determines a provision period for each of the plurality of resources so that the resources that need to be provided simultaneously are provided to the second user during the same period, and outputs the determined period as the support service. The support device according to claim 3 .

5. the support service determination unit determines a provision order of the plurality of resources that will minimize the provision period of the support service and a provision period for providing each of the plurality of resources to the second user based on the support request period and the provision available period of each of the plurality of resources, and outputs the determined order as the support service. The support device according to claim 3 .

6. the support request receiving unit converts the request into requests for a plurality of resources in accordance with a predetermined rule; the support service determination unit extracts from the database a combination of resources that matches the converted plurality of resources, determines a combination of resources that meets the request, and outputs the determined combination of resources as a support service to be provided to the second user. The support device according to claim 1 .

7. the resource data includes a resource availability period and an available area; the support request receiving unit receives a support request from a second user, the support request request including a support request period and a support request area; the support service determination unit refers to the database, determines a combination of resources whose available period is included in the support request period and whose available area is included in the support request area, and outputs the determined combination of resources as a support service to be provided to the second user. The support device according to claim 1 .

8. The resource is, in a task of acquiring a predetermined natural object, a tool for acquiring the natural object, a person involved in the acquisition of the natural object, or a means for transporting the acquired natural object or the tool. The support device according to claim 1 .

9. The information processing device an assistance resource registration process for receiving input of resource data including a resource availability period from a first user and registering the resource data in a database; a support request receiving process for receiving a support request including a support request period from a second user; a support service determination process for determining a combination of a plurality of resources in response to the request by referring to the database, and outputting the determined combination of resources as a support service to be provided to the second user; How to support the implementation.

10. In the information processing device, an assistance resource registration process for receiving input of resource data including a resource availability period from a first user and registering the resource data in a database; a support request receiving process for receiving a support request including a support request period from a second user; a support service determination process for determining a combination of a plurality of resources in response to the request by referring to the database, and outputting the determined combination of resources as a support service to be provided to the second user; A support program to help implement this.

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