Information processing device and program

Abstract

To increase the efficiency of input from a user.SOLUTION: A server device 2 that performs display on a screen of a user terminal 3 and receives an input from a user includes: a display unit that displays on a screen a first reception part where an input from user is received; an acquisition unit that after receiving an input at the first reception part, obtains information relating to input information in the first reception part from an external device 4; and a setting unit that sets a second reception part to be displayed on the screen, by using the obtained information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of an interface for collecting data input is a questionnaire, in which questions are displayed on a user's mobile device, input is received from the user, and the next question in the questionnaire is then displayed, and the user answers the questions in order.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes that a questionnaire is created by setting a question to be displayed next from among a plurality of options depending on the answer to a question. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-046354 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the case of the questionnaire in Patent Document 1, for example, the user simply inputs information in a predetermined order. In other words, there is room for utilizing the user's input and information in an interface that receives input from the user.

[0006] In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing device and a program that can improve the efficiency of input from a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, an information processing device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device that displays on a screen and accepts input from a user, and includes a display unit that displays on the screen a first reception site that accepts input from the user, an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the input information for the first reception site from an external device after accepting input for the first reception site, and a setting unit that uses the acquired information to set a second reception site to be displayed on the screen.

[0008] In addition, in the information processing device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the first reception location and the second reception location include a question and an input portion where the user enters input in response to the question.

[0009] In addition, in the information processing device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the second aspect, the input portion is an input form.

[0010] Furthermore, in the information processing device relating to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the second to third aspects, the setting unit inputs data into the input section of the second reception site based on the information, and the display unit displays the second reception site on the screen with the data input into the input section.

[0011] In addition, in the information processing device according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the second to third aspects, the setting unit sets the question and the input portion regarding matters not included in the information at the second reception site, and the display unit displays the second reception site including the set question and the input portion on the screen.

[0012] Furthermore, in the information processing device according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the second to third aspects, the setting unit sets multiple options as the second reception site for the first reception site, and uses the acquired information to set the question and the input portion of the second reception site to be displayed after the first reception site.

[0013] In addition, in the information processing device according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the second to third aspects, when there are multiple candidates in the acquired information that correspond to the input information of the first reception site, the setting unit sets the second reception site to accept selection input by the user for the candidates.

[0014] In addition, in the information processing device according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first to third aspects, the acquisition unit acquires information linked to the user from the external device.

[0015] In addition, in the information processing device according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in the first to third aspects, the acquisition unit acquires the information from a plurality of the external devices.

[0016] Furthermore, in an information processing device according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, after accepting input for the second reception site, the acquisition unit acquires information related to the input information for the second reception site from an external device, and the setting unit uses the acquired information to set a third reception site to be displayed on the screen.

[0017] In addition, in the information processing device according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the acquisition unit outputs the information related to the input information to the first reception site to the external device.

[0018] Moreover, the information processing device according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure further includes a storage unit that holds the information acquired from the external device.

[0019] In addition, in the information processing device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the acquisition unit communicates with each of the plurality of external devices in parallel and acquires the information from each of the plurality of external devices.

[0020] In addition, an information processing device according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device that displays information on a screen and accepts input from a user, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires information linked to the user from an external device, and a setting unit that uses the acquired information to set a reception location to be displayed on the screen to accept input from the user.

[0021] In addition, an information processing device according to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device that displays on a screen and accepts input from a user, and includes a display unit that displays on the screen a reception point that accepts input from the user, an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the input information for the reception point from an external device after accepting input for the reception point, and a setting unit that uses the acquired information to set a display point to be displayed on the screen.

[0022] In addition, in an information processing device relating to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the setting unit has multiple options set as the display location to be displayed after the reception location, and sets the display location using the acquired information.

[0023] In addition, an information processing device according to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device that accepts input from a user, and includes: a notification unit that notifies the user of a first question; an acquisition unit that, after accepting input for the first question, acquires information related to the input information for the first question from an external device; and a setting unit that sets a second question using the acquired information.

[0024] In addition, in an information processing device according to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the notification unit notifies the user of the first question by voice, and the acquisition unit, after receiving the voice as the user's input for the first question, acquires the information related to the input information for the first question from the external device.

[0025] Furthermore, a program according to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a program that displays on a screen and accepts input from a user, and causes a computer to function as a display unit that displays on the screen a first reception point that accepts input from the user, an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the input information for the first reception point from an external device after accepting input for the first reception point, and a setting unit that uses the acquired information to set a second reception point to be displayed on the screen.

[0026] Furthermore, a program according to a twentieth aspect of the present disclosure is a program that displays information on a screen and accepts input from a user, and causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires information linked to the user from an external device, and a setting unit that uses the acquired information to set a reception location to be displayed on the screen to accept input from the user.

[0027] Furthermore, a program relating to a twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure is a program that displays on a screen and accepts input from a user, and causes a computer to function as a display unit that displays on the screen a reception point that accepts input from the user, an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the input information for the reception point from an external device after accepting input for the reception point, and a setting unit that uses the acquired information to set the display point to be displayed on the screen.

[0028] In addition, a program according to a twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure is a program that accepts input from a user and functions as a notification unit that notifies the user of a first question, an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the input information for the first question from an external device after accepting the input for the first question, and a setting unit that sets a second question using the acquired information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the information processing device and program according to the present disclosure, input from the user can be made more efficient. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a processing system including an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of various functions of the server device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of a first specific example in which information from an external device is utilized. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the flow of the first specific example in which information from an external device is utilized. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the flow of the first specific example in which information from an external device is utilized. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of a second specific example in which information from an external device is utilized. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a flow of a third specific example in which information from an external device is utilized. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of another specific example in which information from an external device is utilized. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of a server device. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of various functions of a server device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of a server device. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a voice conversation between a user terminal and a user. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat conversation between a user terminal and a user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0032] ===First Embodiment=== First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0033] <Overall structure> 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The processing system 1 is a system that processes input information received from a user.

[0034] The processing system 1 includes a server device 2 and a user terminal 3. The server device 2 and the user terminal 3 are capable of communicating with each other via a network NT. An external device 4 is also connected to the server device 2 and the user terminal 3 via the network NT.

[0035] In this embodiment, a case will be described as an example in which the server device 2 displays a questionnaire on the user terminal 3 and accepts input. Note that the present invention is not limited to a questionnaire as long as it accepts input. For example, a hearing sheet or other input interface may be used.

[0036] The server device 2 is an information processing device (computer) that displays information on a screen and accepts input. The screen is, for example, the screen of the user terminal 3. The screen is not limited to a display. For example, in the case of a questionnaire, the server device 2 displays a survey of satisfaction with a particular product or service, a survey of usage status, etc. on the user terminal 3. The server device 2 may be a cloud-based or on-premise type.

[0037] The server device 2 is capable of communicating with an external device 4. The external device 4 is a device different from the server device 2 of the processing system 1 and the user terminal 3. Various information is stored in the external device 4, and the server device 2 can obtain the information via the network NT. While FIG. 1 shows an example in which multiple external devices 4 are connected, the number of external devices 4 may be one, and the number is not limited.

[0038] For example, the external device 4 is a server device that provides a service used by the user. That is, the external device 4 is a server device related to the external service. For example, if a user uses multiple services, multiple external devices 4 corresponding to the respective services are linked to the processing system 1. Note that the external device 4 is not limited to a server device related to the external service, and may be a device owned by the same company that is different from the processing system 1.

[0039] The user terminal 3 is a terminal device and an information processing device (computer) used by a user. The user terminal 3 is, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, a tablet, etc. In this embodiment, the user terminal 3 is a smartphone as an example. The user can input input information using the user terminal 3.

[0040] The user receives a questionnaire from the server device 2 via the user terminal 3. The user then answers the questionnaire via the user terminal 3.

[0041] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server device 2. As shown in FIG.

[0042] 2, the server device 2 includes a control device 10, a communication device 11, a storage device 12, an operation device 13, and a display device 14. The control device 10 is mainly configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 15 and a memory 16.

[0043] In the control device 10, the CPU 15 executes predetermined programs stored in the memory 16 or the storage device 12, etc., thereby functioning as various functional components described below. The memory 16 is a computer-readable storage medium, and may be composed of at least one of, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable program read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable program read-only memory (EEPROM), etc. The memory 16 can store various types of data, such as programs required to execute processes in the server device 2.

[0044] The communication device 11 is configured with a communication interface and the like for communicating with an external device.

[0045] The storage device 12 is a computer-readable instruction recording medium, and is configured, for example, with a hard disk or a solid state drive. The storage device 12 stores various programs and information required for executing processes in the control device 10, as well as information on the processing results. Note that other examples of non-transitory computer-readable instruction recording media include portable recording media such as magnetic tape, flexible disks, optical disks, digital versatile disks, Blu-ray disks, magneto-optical disks, memory cards, and USB memory.

[0046] The operation device 13 is an input device (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that accepts an input. The operation device 13 accepts an operation from a user and inputs the operation to the server device 2.

[0047] The display device 14 is a display device (for example, a display) that outputs characters and images.

[0048] The server device 2 can be realized using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose computer. The server device 2 may be configured with a single information processing device or multiple information processing devices. FIG. 2 shows only a portion of the main hardware configuration of the server device 2, and the server device 2 may have other configurations. The user terminal 3, like the server device 2, is equipped with a control device (CPU and memory), a communication device, a storage device, an operation device, and a display device.

[0049] <Functional configuration> 3 is a block diagram showing an example of various functions in the server device 2. Various processes are executed by the functions in each block.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, the server device 2 has, as its functional configuration, a display unit 31, an acquisition unit 32, a storage unit 33, and a setting unit 34 as main components.

[0051] The display unit 31 displays on the screen a reception point Q for receiving input from the user. Specifically, the display unit 31 displays the reception point Q on the screen of the user terminal 3.

[0052] In this embodiment, the reception point Q includes a question and an input section corresponding to the question. The question is a question for a survey that accepts input from the user. For example, the question is a question from a survey. The input section is a section where the user inputs an answer to the question. Specifically, the input section is an input form. For example, the user can input text information into the input form, or select and input one option from multiple options displayed as the input form. Information input by the user into the input section is referred to as "input information." Note that one reception point Q may include multiple questions and input sections.

[0053] The input section is not limited to a form format as long as it allows the user to input information. For example, the input section may be in a format where an image is designated in the input section or a format where voice is input, and the specific format is not limited. That is, the input information is not limited to character strings (text or numbers), but may be options, pull-down menus, images, videos, voice, CSV files, etc. Also, information obtained by OCR, etc., after photographing a business card, etc., may be used as input information.

[0054] When the user inputs information at the reception point Q displayed on the display unit 31, the server device 2 can obtain responses to the questionnaire.

[0055] In this embodiment, a case will be described as an example in which the display unit 31 displays a first reception site Q1, a second reception site Q2, and a third reception site Q3 as reception sites Q. For example, the display unit 31 displays the first reception site Q1 on the screen, and after accepting input into the first reception site Q1, displays the second reception site Q2 on the screen. Then, after accepting input into the second reception site Q2, the display unit 31 displays the third reception site Q3. In this embodiment, a case will be described as an example in which the screen displaying the first reception site Q1, the screen displaying the second reception site Q2, and the screen displaying the third reception site Q3 are switched in sequence (page transition).

[0056] Note that the reception areas Q are not limited to being displayed by switching screens (pages). For example, the reception areas Q may be displayed sequentially by scrolling, chatting, or the like.

[0057] Note that the first reception site Q1 is not limited to the reception site Q that is displayed first in the survey. That is, another reception site Q may be displayed before the display of the first reception site Q1. Furthermore, the third reception site Q3 is not limited to the reception site Q that is displayed last in the survey. That is, another reception site Q may be displayed after the display of the third reception site Q3. Furthermore, the second reception site Q2 is not limited to the reception site Q that is displayed immediately after the first reception site Q1. The third reception site Q3 is not limited to the reception site Q that is displayed immediately after the second reception site Q2. That is, among the multiple reception sites Q that are displayed sequentially, any reception site Q can be the first reception site Q1, the second reception site Q2, or the third reception site Q3.

[0058] The acquisition unit 32 acquires information from the external device 4 after accepting input at the reception point Q. For example, the acquisition unit 32 makes an API request to the external device 4 and acquires information from the external device 4 as an API response. In particular, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to the input information entered by the user at the reception point Q from the external device 4. Note that if authentication or permission is required in the external device 4 at the time of acquisition, the acquisition unit 32 may include information necessary for the authentication in the request. Furthermore, when making a request to the external device 4, the acquisition unit 32 may transmit information necessary for authentication in a confidential manner. Furthermore, various settings may be configured in advance for the response from the external device 4. For example, if the data format is JSON, a root node may be set. Furthermore, the external device 4 may be able to set items to be mapped for each piece of information.

[0059] The acquisition unit 32 can acquire information from the external device 4 without being limited in format. For example, the acquisition unit 32 may acquire a response to a request such as an API, or may acquire error information or a processing result output from the external device 4.

[0060] For example, when input into the first reception point Q1 is completed and the user presses the "Next" button, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to the input information from the external device 4 before displaying the second reception point Q2, which is the next reception point Q. Specifically, the acquisition unit 32 sends a request to the external device 4 using the input information as a condition, and receives information that meets the condition, i.e., information related to the input information, from the external device 4 as a response.

[0061] The timing at which the acquisition unit 32 acquires information from the external device 4 is not limited to when the "Next" button is pressed by the user (when the page changes), but may be set to acquire the information before the next reception point Q is displayed, for example, depending on the amount of page scrolling, time, coordinates, user operation, etc.

[0062] The acquisition unit 32 may acquire information associated with a user from the device. The information associated with a user is information related to the user. The information associated with a user is, for example, various information associated with the user's account stored in the external device 4 for the service used by the user. The information associated with a user is, for example, a history of the user's use of the service, information recorded using the service, etc. Note that various information can be used as long as it is information associated with the user and stored in the external device 4.

[0063] In this case, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to the input information input by the user to the reception site Q and linked to the user from the external device 4. The acquisition unit 32 may acquire information linked to the user from the external device 4 separately from information related to the input information input by the user to the reception site Q. That is, the external device 4 is searched for relevant information based on a combination of multiple conditions, and the information is acquired by the acquisition unit 32. The search may be an exact match search, a partial match search, or a fuzzy search. To acquire the information linked to the user, the acquisition unit 32 may use information capable of identifying the user, such as the user's account information, authentication information, or user information received as input information. The account information is, for example, information related to the user's account using a service such as a survey. The authentication information is, for example, API authentication information. For example, chat may be used as an interface using AI technology such as LLM technology such as GPT, enabling chat-based communication (or speech conversion may be used to create a dialogue format). The acquisition unit 32 may not only acquire information linked to a user, but also create, update, delete, or the like the information.

[0064] In the above example, the cases of acquiring information related to the user's input information and acquiring information related to the user's input information and linked to the user have been described as examples. However, information already acquired from the external device 4 may also be acquired from the external device 4 by utilizing information already acquired from the external device 4. For example, information related to the input information at the first reception site Q1 may be acquired from the external device 4, and after input at the third reception site Q3, information related to the information related to the input information at the first reception site Q1 may be acquired from the external device 4. Information related to information acquired from one external device 4 may also be acquired from another external device 4. The acquisition unit 32 may also output information to the external device 4. For example, the acquisition unit 32 may output the input information and various information acquired from the external device 4 to the external device 4. For example, at an exhibition, a user's business card image, input information, information such as a booth guide, etc. may be linked and output (provided) to the external device 4. For example, information acquired from one external device 4 may be output to another external device 4. When outputting, a response may also be received.

[0065] The storage unit 33 stores input information input by the user to each reception point Q. The storage unit 33 also stores various information acquired from the external device 4. That is, the input information from the user and the information acquired from the external device 4 are stored and accumulated. The information acquired from the external device 4 may be displayed to the user or may not be displayed, or may be held as reference information related to the questionnaire.

[0066] The setting unit 34 sets the reception site Q to be displayed next to the reception site Q displayed by the display unit 31. Specifically, when the display unit 31 displays the first reception site Q1, the setting unit 34 sets the second reception site Q2 to be displayed next. Furthermore, when the display unit 31 displays the second reception site Q2, the setting unit 34 sets the third reception site Q3 to be displayed next. Note that the method for setting the third reception site Q3 may be the same as or different from the method for setting the second reception site Q2.

[0067] The setting unit 34 sets the reception location Q to be displayed on the screen next, using the information acquired from the external device 4. A first specific example, a second specific example, and a third specific example of the utilization method will be described below.

[0068] (First example of how to use it) First, a first specific example will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of the first specific example. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the display unit 31 displays a question 41 as the first reception location Q1. FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which the user is prompted to enter a "company name" and an "email address" as the question 41. After the input for the question 41 is made, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to the input information for the question 41 from the external device 4. Then, the setting unit 34 sets a question 42 as the second reception location Q2. For example, the question 42 for the second reception location Q2 to be displayed next is set according to a predetermined question order. Then, the setting unit 34 inputs data into the input form for the question 42 to be displayed next based on the information acquired from the external device 4. Specifically, if the information acquired by the acquisition unit 32 includes data suitable as input information for the question 42, the setting unit 34 inputs the data into the input form. The display unit 31 displays the question 42 with the data entered into the input form. Note that the question 42 may be a question that asks the user to confirm whether the data entered into the input form is correct. In addition, a message such as "Automatically entered into input form" may be displayed in response to the input form into which data has been entered. If the information acquired by the acquisition unit 32 does not contain suitable data, the data will not be entered into the input form. Question 42 in Figure 4 shows a case where "transaction status" and "person in charge" have been entered, but "negotiation status" has not been entered.

[0069] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the flow of the first specific example. Fig. 4 has described an example in which information is acquired from one external device 4, but as shown in Fig. 5, information may be acquired from multiple external devices 4. The acquisition unit 32 may communicate with each of the multiple external devices 4 in parallel and acquire information from each of the multiple external devices 4. In other words, information is acquired by communicating with each of the multiple external devices 4 simultaneously in parallel. Furthermore, when acquiring information from multiple external devices 4, it is preferable that each external device 4 corresponds to a different external service.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of the flow of the first specific example. FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which a user is prompted to enter a "company name" and an "email address" as question 61 at a first reception site Q1. Also, an example in which a user is prompted to enter a "what product are you inquiring about?" as question 62 at a second reception site Q2. As illustrated in FIG. 6, after input for questions 61 and 62 is made, the acquisition unit 32 may combine the input information for question 61 and the input information for question 62 to acquire related information from the external device 4. Then, the setting unit 34 sets question 63 as a third reception site Q3. Specifically, the setting unit 34 inputs data into an input form for question 63 to be displayed next based on the information acquired from the external device 4. Then, the display unit 31 displays question 63 on the screen with the data entered into the input form. For question 63 in FIG. 6, the "transaction status" and "person in charge" have been entered, but the "negotiation status" has not been entered. In this manner, information may be acquired from the external device 4 by combining multiple pieces of previously input information.

[0071] (Second example of how to use it) Next, a second specific example of the determination process will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the second specific example. As shown in FIG. 7, the display unit 31 displays a question 71 as a first reception location Q1. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the question 71 prompts the user to input a "company name" and an "email address." After the input for the question 71 is made, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to the input information for the question 71 from the external device 4. Then, the setting unit 34 sets the question 72 as a second reception location Q2. Specifically, the setting unit 34 sets the question 72 to be displayed next using the information acquired by the acquisition unit 32. The setting unit 34 sets the question 72 so that information regarding matters not included in the acquired information can be received from the user.

[0072] For example, the setting unit 34 compares each of a plurality of pre-set questions with the information acquired by the acquisition unit 32, and associates the question with information suitable as input information for the question. For the associated question, the input information is set to have been acquired. Then, a question for which there is no information suitable as input information among the information acquired by the acquisition unit 32 is set as an uninputted question, and the setting unit 34 sets this uninputted question as the question 72 to be displayed next. Note that the question 72 in FIG. 7 shows a case where "negotiation status" is displayed as an uninputted question.

[0073] Furthermore, for questions that have been associated, the input information is considered to have been acquired, and the question and the input information are associated and stored as shown in hidden items 73. Hidden items are information that is not displayed to the user, but is stored as response information to a questionnaire or the like. Hidden items 73 in Figure 7 show a case where "transaction status" and "person in charge" are stored as having their input information acquired.

[0074] The display unit 31 then displays the set question 72 on the screen, thereby efficiently requesting the user to enter information that needs to be input by the user in the questionnaire.

[0075] (Third concrete example of how to use it) Next, a third specific example of the determination process will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the third specific example. As shown in FIG. 8, the display unit 31 displays a question 81 as a first reception location Q1. FIG. 8 illustrates an example in which the user is prompted to input a "company name" and an "email address" as the question 81. After the input for the question 81 is made, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to the input information for the question 81 from the external device 4. Then, the setting unit 34 sets a question 82 or a question 83 as a second reception location Q2. Specifically, the setting unit 34 sets a question to be displayed next using the information acquired by the acquisition unit 32. For the displayed question 81, multiple options (question 82 or question 83) are set in advance as the question to be displayed next. Each option is selected based on a branching condition 84. Therefore, the setting unit 34 applies the information acquired from the external device 4 to the branching condition 84, determines one option, and sets the question 82 or question 83.

[0076] For example, as shown in Fig. 8, it is assumed that branch condition 84 is set to indicate whether the company name input by the user in question 81 is a target company. In this case, if information indicating that the company name input by the user in question 81 is a target company is acquired from external device 4, branch condition 84 proceeds to YES. On the other hand, if information indicating that the company name is a target company cannot be acquired (or if information indicating that the company name is not a target company is acquired), branch condition 84 proceeds to NO. If the result is YES, question 82 corresponding to the case where the company is a target company is set, and if the result is NO, question 83 corresponding to the case where the company is not a target company is set.

[0077] In this way, the setting unit 34 applies the information acquired from the external device 4 to the branching condition 84, and sets the question 82 or the question 83 as the second reception site Q2.

[0078] The display unit 31 then displays the set question 82 or question 83 on the screen, thereby enabling the user to select an appropriate branch in the questionnaire.

[0079] Although the first, second, and third specific examples have been described as methods for utilizing the acquired information, the specific methods are not limited to those described above as long as the acquired information is utilized at the subsequently displayed reception point Q. It is also possible to combine some or all of the first, second, and third specific examples described above.

[0080] For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , the display unit 31 displays a question 91 as a first reception location Q1, and the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to input information for the question 91 from the external device 4. For example, the example in FIG. 9 illustrates a case where "YYY" is input in response to the question 91, "What is your favorite game title?" If the acquired information includes multiple candidates corresponding to the input information "YYY" for the question 91, a question 92 is set as a second reception location Q2 that accepts a user's selection input for the candidate. A candidate corresponding to the input information is a candidate that is a correct expression (e.g., a formal name) of the input information. The example in FIG. 9 illustrates a case where two candidates, "YYY1" and "YYY2," are acquired and displayed in the question 92, and "YYY1" is selected. The selected candidate may then be displayed on the display 93. Note that the question 92 may be omitted, and a candidate may be automatically selected and displayed.

[0081] <Processing flow> 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the server device 2 according to this embodiment. The processing of each of the following steps is started, for example, when a user issues an instruction to start a survey. Note that the order and content of each of the following steps can be changed as appropriate. In the following flow, an example will be described in which a first reception site Q1, a second reception site Q2, and a third reception site Q3 are displayed.

[0082] (Step SP10) The display unit 31 displays the first reception point Q1 on the user terminal 3. For example, the reception point Q that is displayed first in a questionnaire displays preset questions and an input form. Then, the process proceeds to step SP11.

[0083] (Step SP11) The display unit 31 determines whether or not an input has been received from the user at the first reception point Q1. For example, the display unit 31 determines that an input has been received when the user has made an input or when the user has made an input and pressed the Next button. If an input has not been received from the user, step SP11 is executed again, and if an input has been received from the user, the process proceeds to step SP12.

[0084] (Step SP12) The acquisition unit 32 acquires information from the external device 4. For example, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to input information input by the user to the first reception site Q1 from the external device 4. Then, the process proceeds to step SP13.

[0085] (Step SP13) The setting unit 34 sets the second reception site Q2 to be displayed next, using the information acquired from the external device 4. Then, the process proceeds to step SP14.

[0086] (Step SP14) The display unit 31 displays the second reception site Q2 on the user terminal 3. Then, the process proceeds to step SP15.

[0087] (Step SP15) The display unit 31 determines whether or not an input has been received from the user at the second reception site Q2. If no input has been received from the user, step SP15 is executed again, and if an input has been received from the user, the process proceeds to step SP16.

[0088] (Step SP16) The acquisition unit 32 acquires information from the external device 4. For example, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to the input information entered by the user at the second reception site Q2 from the external device 4. Note that the acquisition unit 32 may also acquire information related to the input information received in step SP11 or the information acquired in step SP12 from the external device 4. Then, the process proceeds to step SP17.

[0089] (Step SP17) The setting unit 34 sets the third reception site Q3 to be displayed next, using the information acquired from the external device 4. Then, the process proceeds to step SP18.

[0090] (Step SP18) The display unit 31 displays the third reception site Q3 on the user terminal 3. Then, the process proceeds to step SP16.

[0091] (Step SP19) The display unit 31 determines whether or not an input has been received from the user at the third reception point Q3. If no input has been received from the user, step SP19 is executed again, and if an input has been received from the user, the process proceeds to step SP20.

[0092] (Step SP20) The display unit 31 displays a message that the survey has been completed.

[0093] In this way, the questionnaire proceeds while acquiring necessary information from the external device 4.

[0094] In the above example, three reception points Q are displayed: a first reception point Q1, a second reception point Q2, and a third reception point Q3. However, the number of reception points Q to be displayed is not limited to the above.

[0095] <Action and effect> As described above, the information processing device of this embodiment is an information processing device that displays on a screen and accepts input from a user, and is equipped with a display unit 31 that displays on the screen a first reception site Q1 that accepts input from a user, an acquisition unit 32 that acquires information related to the input information to the first reception site Q1 from an external device 4 after accepting input to the first reception site Q1, and a setting unit 34 that uses the acquired information to set a second reception site Q2 to be displayed on the screen.

[0096] According to this configuration, by obtaining information related to input information for the first reception site Q1 from the external device 4 and setting the second reception site Q2, it is possible to efficiently receive input from the user using the information from the external device 4.

[0097] In addition, in the information processing device, the first reception site Q1 and the second reception site Q2 include a question and an input portion where the user inputs information in response to the question.

[0098] According to this configuration, the inclusion of a question and an input portion allows the user to input necessary information.

[0099] In the information processing device, the input section is an input form.

[0100] According to this configuration, since it is an input form, the user can use the form to make input.

[0101] In addition, in the information processing device, the setting unit 34 inputs data into the input section of the second reception site Q2 based on the information, and the display unit 31 displays the second reception site Q2 on the screen with the data input into the input section.

[0102] According to this configuration, the second reception site Q2 can be set as already input, thereby reducing the effort required for the user to input information.

[0103] In addition, in the information processing device, the setting unit 34 sets questions and input sections regarding matters not included in the information at the second reception site Q2, and the display unit 31 displays the second reception site Q2 including the set questions and input sections on the screen.

[0104] According to this configuration, questions and input portions relating to matters not included in the information acquired from the external device 4 can be set, thereby making input by the user more efficient.

[0105] In addition, in the information processing device, the setting unit 34 sets multiple options as the second reception site Q2 for the first reception site Q1, and uses the acquired information to set the questions and input section of the second reception site Q2 to be displayed after the first reception site Q1.

[0106] According to this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine the branch based on the information acquired from the external device 4.

[0107] Furthermore, in the information processing device, if there are multiple candidates corresponding to the input information of the first reception site Q1 in the acquired information, the setting unit 34 sets a second reception site Q2 that receives selection input from the user for the candidates.

[0108] According to this configuration, when there are multiple candidates, the user can select the correct candidate.

[0109] In addition, in the information processing device, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information associated with the user from the external device 4.

[0110] According to this configuration, by acquiring information linked to a user from the external device 4, it is possible to acquire appropriate information from the external device 4 corresponding to the user.

[0111] In addition, in the information processing device, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information from a plurality of external devices 4.

[0112] According to this configuration, by acquiring information from a plurality of external devices 4, it is possible to easily collect necessary information.

[0113] In addition, in the information processing device, after accepting input to the second reception site Q2, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to the input information to the second reception site Q2 from the external device 4, and the setting unit 34 uses the acquired information to set the third reception site Q3 to be displayed on the screen.

[0114] According to this configuration, it is possible to acquire information from the external device 4 and further set the third reception site Q3.

[0115] In addition, in the information processing device, the acquisition unit 32 outputs to the external device 4 information related to the input information to the first reception site Q1.

[0116] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide information to the external device 4.

[0117] The information processing device further includes a storage unit 33 for holding information acquired from the external device 4.

[0118] According to this configuration, it is possible to store and utilize information acquired from the external device 4. For example, the stored information may be used as reference for a questionnaire.

[0119] In the information processing device, the acquisition unit 32 communicates with each of the plurality of external devices 4 in parallel and acquires information from each of the plurality of external devices 4.

[0120] According to this configuration, when information is acquired from a plurality of external devices 4, the processing time can be reduced.

[0121] === Second Embodiment === Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0122] In the first embodiment, a case where the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to input information and linked to a user from the external device 4 has been described as an example, but in the second embodiment, a case where the acquisition unit 32 acquires information linked to a user from the external device 4 will be described. Note that a description of points similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted. Also, the second embodiment can be combined with the first embodiment.

[0123] In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information associated with a user from the external device 4. Then, the setting unit 34 uses the acquired information to set a reception area Q to be displayed on the screen to receive input from the user.

[0124] Specifically, the acquisition unit 32 requests information related to the user of the user terminal 3 from the external device 4 and acquires the information from the external device 4. Note that in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information linked to the user, not just information related to input information entered by the user, from the external device 4. For example, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information from the external device 4 using information capable of identifying the user, such as the user's account information, authentication information, or user information received as input information.

[0125] The timing at which the acquisition unit 32 acquires information from the external device 4 is not limited to after an input to the reception point Q is received. That is, similar to the first embodiment, the acquisition unit 32 may acquire information from the external device 4 after an input to the reception point Q and before displaying the next reception point Q to be displayed, and the acquisition of information is not limited to this timing. For example, when information that can identify a user is available, such as account information, the acquisition unit 32 may acquire information related to a user from the external device 4 before starting to display a reception point Q such as a questionnaire. That is, the acquisition unit 32 may acquire information from the external device 4 while the reception point Q is being displayed, or may acquire information from the external device 4 before starting to display the reception point Q (before displaying the first reception point Q).

[0126] The information acquired from the external device 4 is used in the setting unit 34, as in the first embodiment. For example, as in the first specific example of the utilization method, by using the information acquired from the external device 4 to set the reception point Q to be displayed later as already entered, it is possible to reduce the effort required for the user to enter information.

[0127] <Action and effect> As described above, the information processing device of this embodiment is an information processing device that displays information on a screen and accepts input from a user, and includes an acquisition unit 32 that acquires information linked to the user from an external device 4, and a setting unit 34 that uses the acquired information to set a reception area Q to be displayed on the screen to accept input from the user.

[0128] According to this configuration, by obtaining information linked to the user from the external device 4 and setting the reception point Q, it is possible to efficiently receive input from the user using the information from the external device 4.

[0129] ===Third Embodiment=== Next, a third embodiment will be described.

[0130] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the next reception point Q to be displayed is set using input information for the reception point Q, but a case in which the next display is a display point will be described. Note that a description of points similar to those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted. Furthermore, the third embodiment can also be combined with the first and second embodiments.

[0131] In this embodiment, the setting unit 34 acquires information from the external device 4 based on input information to the reception area Q, and then sets a display area to be displayed on the screen. The display area is an area where information is presented to the user. The display area may not include an area where input from the user is accepted.

[0132] Specifically, the setting unit 34 sets the content to be displayed in the display area based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 32, and displays it on the screen. The content to be displayed in the display area is, for example, advice on branch results, graphs, the content of acquired information, error information, etc., and the content is not limited to these.

[0133] A plurality of options are set in advance as the content of the display area to be displayed after the reception area Q. Each option is selected based on a branching condition. Therefore, the setting unit 34 applies the information acquired from the external device 4 to the branching condition, determines one option, and sets the content of that option in the display area.

[0134] Take a seminar application page as an example. When a user inputs a company name at the first reception site Q1, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to the company name from the external device 4 using the company name as input information. It is assumed that a display indicating that the user can participate in the seminar and a display indicating that the user cannot participate in the seminar are set as options for the display area to be displayed after the first reception site Q1. If the acquired information includes information indicating that the company name is not eligible to participate in the seminar, the setting unit 34 sets the display area to indicate that the user cannot participate in the seminar. On the other hand, if the acquired information does not include information indicating that the company name is not eligible to participate in the seminar, the setting unit 34 sets the display area to indicate that the user can participate in the seminar. The set display area is displayed on the screen by the display unit 31. It is also assumed that the setting unit 34 may set a participation application acceptance page as the second reception site Q2. Various information related to the application may be output to the external device 4 as appropriate.

[0135] Also, consider an example in which a partner company is introduced. When a user inputs a company name at the first reception site Q1, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to the company name from the external device 4 using the company name as input information. It is assumed that options are set for the display area to be displayed after the first reception site Q1: a display indicating that an introduction is possible and a display indicating that an introduction is not possible. If the acquired information includes information indicating that the company name can be introduced to a partner company (or does not include information indicating that an introduction is not possible), the setting unit 34 sets the display area to indicate that an introduction is possible. On the other hand, if the acquired information does not include information indicating that the company name can be introduced to a partner company (or includes information indicating that an introduction is not possible), the setting unit 34 sets the display area to indicate that an introduction is not possible. The set display area is displayed on the screen by the display unit 31. It is also possible to set the display indicating that an introduction is possible separately for each referral fee rate. In addition, the display indicating that an introduction cannot be made may be set separately in association with the reason why the introduction cannot be made, such as when a contract has already been signed or when the partner company has received a direct inquiry from the company name in question.

[0136] Furthermore, the content may be displayed directly in characters at the display location, or a mark indicating the content to be displayed may be displayed.

[0137] As described above, the setting unit 34 may set a display location where information is presented, instead of the reception location Q. In particular, by setting the display location based on the information acquired from the external device 4, the user is spared the trouble of inputting the information acquired from the external device 4.

[0138] <Action and effect> As described above, the information processing device of this embodiment is an information processing device that displays on a screen and accepts input from a user, and includes a display unit 31 that displays on the screen a reception point Q that accepts input from a user, an acquisition unit 32 that acquires information related to the input information to the reception point Q from an external device 4 after accepting input to the reception point Q, and a setting unit 34 that uses the acquired information to set the display point to be displayed on the screen.

[0139] According to this configuration, the information acquired from the external device 4 can be utilized, thereby making input from the user more efficient.

[0140] Furthermore, in the information processing device, a setting unit 34 has a plurality of options set as a display location to be displayed after the reception location Q, and sets the display location using the acquired information.

[0141] According to this configuration, it is possible to use information acquired from the external device 4 to display to the user.

[0142] ===Fourth Embodiment=== Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

[0143] In this embodiment, a case will be described in which additional processing is performed on information input by a user or information acquired from an external device 4. Note that in the fourth embodiment, explanations of points similar to those in the first, second, and third embodiments will be omitted. Also, the fourth embodiment can be combined with the first, second, and third embodiments.

[0144] As in the above embodiment, the user inputs (answers) into the input section of the reception point Q, and the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to the input information entered by the user from the external device 4. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 32 performs processing on the input information entered by the user and the information acquired from the external device 4. Note that, in this embodiment, processing is performed on both the input information entered by the user and the information acquired from the external device 4, but processing may also be performed on one of them.

[0145] In this embodiment, information input by the user is referred to as "input information," and information acquired from the external device 4 is referred to as "external information."

[0146] The processing includes, for example, summarization processing, OCR processing, calculation processing, and the like.

[0147] Summarization processing is processing for summarizing input information or external information. For example, summarization processing is processing for compiling necessary information by summarizing input information in response to a question. Furthermore, summarization processing may be processing for extracting important information by summarizing information obtained as input information or external information, for example, when the amount of text is large (when the amount of information is large).

[0148] OCR processing is a process that converts various information contained in image information into text data when the information obtained as input information or external information is image information. The OCR processing is preferably, for example, custom OCR processing. Custom OCR processing is OCR processing that utilizes AI.

[0149] Calculation processing is processing that performs calculations on various information obtained as input information or external information. For example, in a calculation process, if the information obtained is information regarding multiple invoices, the total amount related to each invoice is calculated. For example, the total amount of each invoice that meets a specified condition, such as the same billing source or billing destination, is calculated. Furthermore, when information on a user's age is obtained, the calculation processing may calculate the number of years until the user reaches a specified age. Note that the calculation processing is not limited to the above and can be designed as appropriate.

[0150] In this way, processing is performed on input information and external information. Note that the above is just one example of processing (correction, processing, etc.), and various other processing can be applied. For example, translation processing can also be applied as this processing. Translation processing is processing in which input information and external information are translated into a specified language.

[0151] Furthermore, the various processes described above may be performed using, for example, AI, or may be performed by a predetermined program without using AI. For example, processes suitable for AI, such as summarization and translation, are preferably performed using AI.

[0152] For example, after the input information has been processed as described above, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to the processed input information from the external device 4, similar to the above embodiment.

[0153] Furthermore, for example, after the above-described processing is performed on the external information, the storage unit 33 stores the processed external information, similar to the above embodiment. Note that the storage unit 33 may store both the external information before processing and the external information after processing. Furthermore, similar to the above embodiment, the setting unit 34 sets the reception point Q using the external information after processing.

[0154] In this way, by processing the input information and external information, it becomes possible to efficiently obtain information related to the input information from the external device 4, set up the reception point Q, and so on.

[0155] In the above example, the input information and the external information are separately summarised, but the input information and the external information may be combined and summarised. That is, the input information and the external information may be combined before summarising, and then summarising may be performed.

[0156] === Fifth Embodiment === Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.

[0157] In the above embodiment, for example, a case where the reception point Q is displayed and the user inputs information is described, but in this embodiment, a case where the display is not the only option is described. Note that in the fifth embodiment, explanations of points similar to those in the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments will be omitted. Also, the fifth embodiment can be combined with the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments.

[0158] Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of various functions of the server device 2. As shown in Fig. 11, in this embodiment, the server device 2 has, as its functional configuration, a notification unit 35, an acquisition unit 32, a storage unit 33, and a setting unit 34 as its main components. Note that the acquisition unit 32, the storage unit 33, and the setting unit 34 in this embodiment have the same functions as the acquisition unit 32, the storage unit 33, and the setting unit 34 in the above embodiment.

[0159] The notification unit 35 issues notifications related to the reception location Q. The notification unit 35 has the same functions as the display unit 31 in the above embodiment. Specifically, when the notification unit 35 issues notifications by display, the notification unit 35 has the same functions as the display unit 31. Furthermore, when the notification unit 35 issues notifications by a method other than display (for example, audio), the notification unit 35 has the same functions as the display unit 31, except for the different notification method.

[0160] In this embodiment, the notification unit 35 will be described taking as an example a case where the notification is made by voice in particular. For example, the notification unit 35 causes the user terminal 3 to make a notification by voice. Note that the notification method of the notification unit 35 is not limited to voice.

[0161] Specifically, the notification unit 35 performs notification regarding the reception point Q. The reception point Q includes a question and an input portion corresponding to the question. Therefore, the notification unit 35 notifies the question included in the reception point Q. That is, the notification unit 35 notifies the user of the question included in the reception point Q by voice. Note that the reception point Q may or may not be displayed on the screen of the user terminal 3. When the reception point Q is not displayed on the screen, it is treated as information used for internal processing, and may simply be referred to as question information, which is information including a question.

[0162] The user then answers the question by making an input in response to the notified voice question. In this embodiment, a case where the user makes an input by voice is exemplified. That is, a question is issued as voice from the user terminal 3, and the user answers by voice to the user terminal 3. Information input by the user, for example, by voice, is regarded as information corresponding to the input portion at the reception point Q. In this way, the question is notified and the answer (input) is performed.

[0163] In particular, when both the question notification and the answer to the question are given by voice, the survey is conducted in an interactive format. Therefore, the way in which the question notification is expressed may be modified so that the question notification and the answer become more natural conversational, or one question may be divided into multiple questions and the answer to that question may be obtained through a conversation. In the case of an interactive format, it is preferable that the dialogue be conducted using natural and efficient notification expressions and notification contents, based on various information such as the content of the survey (information required for the survey) and user information in advance.

[0164] In this embodiment, a question included in the first reception site Q1 as the reception site Q is referred to as the first question, a question included in the second reception site Q2 is referred to as the second question, and a question included in the third reception site Q3 is referred to as the third question. For example, the notification unit 35 notifies the user of the first question, and after receiving an input for the first question, notifies the user of the second question. Then, the notification unit 35 notifies the user of the second question, and after receiving an input for the second question, notifies the user of the third question.

[0165] As in the above embodiment, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information from the external device 4 after accepting input (e.g., voice) at the reception point Q. For example, when accepting input for a first question at the first reception point Q1, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to the input information for the first question from the external device 4. That is, after accepting voice as a user's input for the first question, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to the input information for the first question from the external device 4. Note that the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to the input information for the first question from the external device 4 before notifying the user of a second question at the next reception point Q, the second reception point Q2 (before setting the second question). The acquisition unit 32 may acquire information associated with the user from the device. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 32 may acquire information associated with the user that is related to the input information input by the user at the reception point Q from the external device 4. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 32 may acquire information from the external device 4 by utilizing information already acquired from the external device 4.

[0166] As in the above embodiment, the storage unit 33 stores input information that the user inputs, for example, by voice, to each reception point Q. The storage unit 33 also stores various types of information acquired from the external device 4.

[0167] As in the above embodiment, the setting unit 34 sets the reception point Q to be notified next after the reception point Q notified by the notification unit 35. Specifically, the setting unit 34 sets the reception point Q to be notified next by utilizing information acquired from the external device 4. In particular, the setting unit 34 sets a question for the reception point Q to be notified next by utilizing information acquired from the external device 4. For example, when the acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to input information in response to a first question from the external device 4, the setting unit 34 sets a second question by using the acquired information. The setting unit 34 can utilize the information acquired from the external device 4, for example, in the same manner as in the first specific example, the second specific example, and the third specific example.

[0168] For example, as in the first specific example, information related to the input information input by voice in response to the first question at the first reception site Q1 is acquired from the external device 4. Then, if the information acquired from the external device 4 contains appropriate data, the setting unit 34 marks the input to the second question at the second reception site Q2 as "entered." If there is a question among the second questions that could not be marked as "entered," the notification unit 35 notifies the user of that question. Furthermore, the content of the input for the second question is notified by voice or the like.

[0169] Also, as in a second specific example, information related to the input information input by voice in response to the first question at the first reception site Q1 is acquired from the external device 4. Then, the setting unit 34 sets the second question at the second reception site Q2 so as to receive information from the user regarding matters not included in the acquired information. For example, the setting unit 34 sets the second question to be a question for which there is no information suitable as input information among the information obtained by input from the user or from the external device 4. Note that, if there is information suitable as input information among the information obtained by input from the user or from the external device 4, the input information is marked as acquired and retained. In other words, by marking the input information as acquired, the question corresponding to the input information is marked as answered. Note that, if there is multiple pieces of information suitable as input information among the information obtained by input from the user or from the external device 4, the input information for multiple questions may be marked as acquired. In particular, if there is information suitable as input information for multiple questions among the input information obtained by a single user input (voice), the multiple questions may be marked as answered. In this way, questions for which input information can be determined to have been acquired using the input information obtained from the user or the information obtained from the external device 4 are sequentially determined to have been answered. Questions for which answering cannot be determined to have been completed using the input information obtained from the user or the information obtained from the external device 4 are determined to be secondary questions.

[0170] Also, as in the third specific example, information related to the input information input by voice in response to the first question at the first reception point Q1 is acquired from the external device 4. Then, the setting unit 34 applies the information acquired from the external device 4 to the branching conditions and sets the content of the second question at the second reception point Q2.

[0171] Although the first, second, and third specific examples have been described as methods for utilizing the acquired information, the specific methods are not limited to those described above as long as the acquired information is utilized for a question to be subsequently notified. For example, the setting unit 34 may use information acquired from the external device 4 to set a candidate for a correct expression (e.g., a formal name) in response to input information input by voice by the user in response to a question, and set this as the next question.

[0172] <Processing flow> 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the server device 2 according to this embodiment. The processing of each of the following steps is started, for example, when a user issues an instruction to start a survey. Note that the order and content of each of the following steps can be changed as appropriate. The following flow will be described using an example where notifications are made regarding a first reception site Q1, a second reception site Q2, and a third reception site Q3.

[0173] The steps shown in Fig. 12 correspond to the steps shown in Fig. 10. Specifically, the steps shown in Fig. 10 correspond to the case where a question is displayed and the user inputs text information, etc., whereas the steps shown in Fig. 12 correspond to the case where a question is notified by voice and the user inputs by voice. That is, the basic processing of each of steps SP30 to SP40 shown in Fig. 12 is the same as each of steps SP10 to SP20 shown in Fig. 10.

[0174] (Step SP30) The notification unit 35 causes the user terminal 3 to notify the first question at the first reception point Q1 by voice.

[0175] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a dialogue between the user terminal 3 and the user via voice. In Fig. 13, the user is shown as user U1. For example, as shown in voice notification S1, the notification unit 35 issues a voice notification saying, "Please tell me the name of your company and your email address" as the first question. Returning to Fig. 12, the process proceeds to step SP31.

[0176] (Step SP31) The notification unit 35 determines whether input has been received from the user in response to the first question at the first reception site Q1. For example, the notification unit 35 determines that input has been received when the user responds by voice. For example, as shown in the voice response S2 in FIG. 13, the user U1 can respond by voice, saying, "The company name is XX. The email address is △△." Returning to FIG. 12, if input has not been received from the user, step SP31 is executed again, and if input has been received from the user, the process proceeds to step SP32.

[0177] (Step SP32) The acquiring unit 32 acquires information related to the user's input information from the external device 4. For example, when the acquiring unit 32 acquires a company name or an email address as input information, it acquires information such as department, position, and name from the external device 4. Then, the process proceeds to step SP33.

[0178] (Step SP33) The setting unit 34 sets the second reception site Q2 to be notified next, using the information acquired from the external device 4. The second reception site Q2 includes the second question. Then, the process proceeds to step SP34.

[0179] (Step SP34) The notification unit 35 notifies the second question at the second reception point Q2 by voice at the user terminal 3. For example, the notification unit 35 notifies the second question by voice, "Please tell me the status of the negotiations," as shown in voice notification S3 in Fig. 13. Returning to Fig. 12, the process proceeds to step SP35.

[0180] (Step SP35) The notification unit 35 determines whether or not an input has been received from the user in response to the second question at the second reception point Q2. For example, as shown in the voice response S4 in FIG. 13, the user U1 can respond by voice, "The negotiation status is XXX." If no input has been received from the user, step SP35 is executed again. If an input has been received from the user, the process proceeds to step SP36.

[0181] (Step SP36) The acquisition unit 32 acquires information related to the user's input information from the external device 4. Note that the acquisition unit 32 may acquire information related to the input information accepted in step SP31 or the information acquired in step SP32 from the external device 4. Then, the process proceeds to step SP37.

[0182] (Step SP37) The setting unit 34 sets the third reception site Q3 to which the next notification is to be sent, using the information acquired from the external device 4. The third reception site Q3 includes the third question. Then, the process proceeds to step SP38.

[0183] (Step SP38) The notification unit 35 notifies the third question at the third reception point Q3 by voice at the user terminal 3. Then, the process proceeds to step SP39.

[0184] (Step SP39) The notification unit 35 determines whether or not an input has been received from the user in response to the third question at the third reception point Q3. If no input has been received from the user, step SP39 is executed again, and if an input has been received from the user, the process proceeds to step SP40.

[0185] (Step SP40) The notification unit 35 notifies the user that the survey has been completed, and the process then ends. Note that, although the first to third questions have been exemplified in the above example, the number of questions is not limited to this.

[0186] In this way, the questionnaire proceeds while acquiring necessary information from the external device 4. In particular, by using voice, the questionnaire can be conducted in a hearing format. For example, in the above example, the user inputs the company name, email address, and negotiation status, but other related information (information necessary for the questionnaire), such as the transaction status and the person in charge, can be acquired from the external device 4, eliminating the need for input from the user. In other words, input from the user is made more efficient.

[0187] While the example shown in FIG. 13 illustrates a case in which the user terminal 3 and the user communicate via voice, the dialogue may also be conducted via chat-based communication. FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a chat dialogue between the user terminal 3 and the user. FIG. 14 illustrates a screen display in chat format. Furthermore, voice communication may also be conducted along with the chat display, as shown in FIG. 13. Specifically, the notification unit 35 issues a first question, as shown in area E1, asking, "Please tell me your company name and email address." Along with the notification in area E1, a voice notification S1, as shown in FIG. 13, is also issued. The user then responds to the first question by saying, "The company name is XX. The email address is △△," as shown in area E2. The response may be provided via voice or text input. The acquisition unit 32 then acquires information related to the input information from the external device 4, and the setting unit 34 sets the second reception point Q2 using the information acquired from the external device 4. The notification unit 35 then issues a second question at the second reception point Q2, asking, "Please tell me the status of the negotiations," as shown in area E3. Along with the notification in area E3, a voice notification like the one shown in FIG. 13 is also issued. The user then responds to the second question with, "The negotiation status is XXX," as shown in area E4. The acquisition unit 32 then acquires information related to the input information from the external device 4, and then proceeds to the next question using the same process as described above.

[0188] The notification method and the user input method are not limited to those described above, and various methods can be applied. The notification method and the input method may be the same type (for example, voice), or different types. Each of the notification method and the input method may be compatible with multiple methods (for example, character input and voice input).

[0189] <Action and effect> As described above, the information processing device of this embodiment is an information processing device that accepts input from a user, and includes a notification unit 35 that notifies the user of a first question, an acquisition unit 32 that acquires information related to the input information for the first question from an external device 4 after accepting input for the first question, and a setting unit 34 that sets a second question using the acquired information.

[0190] According to this configuration, the second question is set by obtaining information related to the input information for the first question from the external device 4, so that input from the user can be efficiently accepted using the information from the external device 4.

[0191] In addition, in the information processing device, the notification unit 35 notifies the user of the first question by voice, and the acquisition unit 32 receives the voice as the user's input for the first question, and then acquires information related to the input information for the first question from the external device 4.

[0192] According to this configuration, the use of voice makes input from the user more efficient.

[0193] <Modification> The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, variations of the above-described embodiments, which are appropriately modified by a person skilled in the art, are also included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as they include the features of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the elements of the above-described embodiments and the modifications described below can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present disclosure as long as they include the features of the present disclosure.

[0194] For example, in the above embodiment, the server device 2 has each function, but each function may be provided in the user terminal 3. Furthermore, each function may be distributed between the server device 2 and the user terminal 3.

[0195] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given of obtaining information from the external device 4 and using it at the next reception point Q to be displayed, but the obtained information may also be used at a reception point Q to be displayed after the next reception point Q to be displayed.

[0196] Furthermore, input information input by the user may be transmitted to the external device 4. In other words, the external device 4 and the server device 2 may be able to cooperate bidirectionally.

[0197] The user may be allowed to specify the external device 4 from which the acquisition unit 32 acquires information. That is, the acquisition unit 32 acquires information by transmitting a request to the external device 4 specified by the user. Furthermore, if there is an external device 4 from which related information can be acquired, permission may be obtained from the user.

[0198] In addition, when the setting unit 34 determines that the reception point Q to be displayed later has been entered based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 32, it may also estimate the answer for the reception point Q from the acquired information and determine that it has been entered.

[0199] Furthermore, the external device 4 may cooperate with the external device 4 to provide information to the external device 4. For example, when an email address is input as input information at the first reception point Q1, the email address is output to the external device 4. If the external device 4 has an account for that email address, the account identification information is acquired. If the external device 4 does not have an account for that email address, a new account is created in the external device 4, and the account identification information is acquired. Then, the input information at the second reception point Q2 and thereafter is linked to the account identification information and output to the external device 4, thereby updating the account information in the external device 4. [Explanation of symbols]

[0200] 2: Server device (information processing device) 4: External device 31:Display section 32: Acquisition part 34: Setting section Q1: First reception area Q2: Second reception area

Claims

1. An information processing device that displays on a screen and accepts input from a user, a display unit that displays on the screen a first reception area that receives input from the user; an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the input information to the first reception site from an external device after receiving the input to the first reception site; a setting unit that sets a second reception site to be displayed on the screen using the acquired information; An information processing device comprising:

2. the first reception site and the second reception site include a question and an input site where the user inputs an input corresponding to the question; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The input portion is an input form. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. the setting unit inputs data into the input section of the second reception site based on the information; the display unit displays the second reception site on the screen with the data entered in the input section.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the setting unit sets the questions and the input portions regarding matters not included in the information at the second reception site, the display unit displays the second reception site including the set question and the input portion on the screen.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3.

6. the setting unit sets a plurality of options as the second reception site for the first reception site, and sets the question and the input portion of the second reception site to be displayed after the first reception site using the acquired information.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3.

7. When the acquired information includes a plurality of candidates corresponding to the input information of the first reception site, the setting unit sets the second reception site to receive a selection input by the user for the candidates.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 3.

8. The acquisition unit acquires information associated with the user from the external device. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. the acquiring unit acquires the information from a plurality of the external devices. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. the acquisition unit acquires information related to the input information at the second reception site from an external device after accepting the input at the second reception site; The setting unit uses the acquired information to set a third reception site to be displayed on the screen. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

11. The acquisition unit outputs the information related to the input information to the first reception site to the external device. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

12. a storage unit for storing the information acquired from the external device; The information processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

13. the acquiring unit communicates with each of the plurality of external devices in parallel and acquires the information from each of the plurality of external devices. The information processing device according to claim 9 .

14. An information processing device that displays on a screen and accepts input from a user, an acquisition unit that acquires information associated with the user from an external device; a setting unit that uses the acquired information to set a reception area to be displayed on the screen in order to receive an input from the user; An information processing device comprising:

15. An information processing device that displays on a screen and accepts input from a user, a display unit that displays on the screen an acceptance area for accepting an input from the user; an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the input information at the reception site from an external device after receiving the input at the reception site; a setting unit that sets a display location to be displayed on the screen using the acquired information; An information processing device comprising:

16. a plurality of options are set as the display location to be displayed after the reception location, and the setting unit sets the display location using the acquired information; The information processing device according to claim 15.

17. An information processing device that accepts input from a user, a notification unit that notifies the user of a first question; an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the input information in response to the first question from an external device after receiving the input in response to the first question; a setting unit that sets a second question using the acquired information; An information processing device comprising:

18. the notification unit notifies the user of the first question by voice; the acquiring unit acquires, from the external device, the information related to the input information for the first question after accepting speech as the user's input for the first question; The information processing device according to claim 17.

19. A program that displays on a screen and accepts input from a user, Computer, a display unit that displays on the screen a first reception area that receives input from the user; an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the input information to the first reception site from an external device after receiving the input to the first reception site; a setting unit that sets a second reception site to be displayed on the screen using the acquired information; A program that functions as a

20. A program that displays on a screen and accepts input from a user, Computer, an acquisition unit that acquires information associated with the user from an external device; a setting unit that uses the acquired information to set a reception area to be displayed on the screen in order to receive an input from the user; A program that functions as a

21. A program that displays on a screen and accepts input from a user, Computer, a display unit that displays on the screen an acceptance area for accepting input from the user; an acquisition unit that acquires information related to the input information at the reception site from an external device after receiving the input at the reception site; a setting unit that sets a display location to be displayed on the screen using the acquired information; A program that functions as a

22. A program that accepts input from a user, a notification unit that notifies the user of a first question; an acquisition unit that acquires, after receiving an input in response to the first question, information related to the input information in response to the first question from an external device; a setting unit that sets a second question using the acquired information; A program that functions as a

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