Program, method, and information processing device

Abstract

This will make it easier for professionals such as lawyers to obtain consultation cases that meet their needs. [Solution] A storage unit is configured to manage the setting of notification conditions based on the question items to be presented to a first user who is seeking advice, and for each of multiple second users who are experts who will respond to the advice of the person seeking advice. The program causes one or more computer processors to present questions to the first user based on the question items, accept input of answers to the items from the first user who submitted the questions, store the answers accepted as input from the first user in association with the items related to the questions in the storage unit, determine whether the accumulation status of the first user's input content for each item in the storage unit satisfies the notification conditions managed in the storage unit, and if it is determined that the notification conditions are met, output the consultation content of the first user to the second user who set the conditions.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Various stakeholders, including ordinary consumers and businesses, carry out legal procedures. The Internet is also used to match people seeking advice with experts (such as lawyers). There are also services, such as a question-and-answer format, where people seeking advice post their concerns and experts such as lawyers respond to their posts.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technology that assumes browsing via the Internet and addresses the following issue: "A method is conceivable in which, by using Internet browsing, lawyers are registered online and various information about the lawyers, such as telephone numbers, addresses, and other information obtained at the time of registration, is presented, thereby making it easier to select a desired lawyer or law firm. However, since anyone can register using Internet browsing, there is a risk of fraudulent registrations being made by people posing as lawyers." Thus, Patent Document 1 describes a technology that aims to "provide a lawyer introduction system that makes it easier to select a desired lawyer or law firm and prevents fraudulent registrations." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-024455 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] On the other hand, even if a professional such as a lawyer accepts a consultation appointment, the details of the consultation cannot be known until the lawyer interviews the client. Therefore, the professional will have to spend time responding to inquiries that are unlikely to be accepted as a case, which will reduce the time available for other consultations and may result in the value being provided less effectively.

[0006] Furthermore, in a system that matches consultants with experts, if the expert is notified by email or other means based on the information entered by the consultant, it is possible to make it so that a telephone response is not required. However, for the expert, the information used to decide whether or not to accept a consultation depends on the information entered by the consultant, who may be unfamiliar with consultations, making it difficult to make a decision.

[0007] Furthermore, the nature of the cases that experts take on and the value they provide to clients may differ. For example, some experts want to provide advice to a wide range of clients, while others want to focus on specific cases that require a high level of expertise.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for technology that makes it easier for professionals such as lawyers to obtain consultation cases that suit their own intentions, thereby further encouraging the provision of professional services in accordance with the differences in the intentions of each professional. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a program for operating a computer including one or more computer processors. The program is configured in a storage unit to manage question items to be presented to a first user who is seeking advice. The storage unit is configured in such a way that each of a plurality of second users, who are experts who respond to the advice of the person seeking advice, manages notification condition settings based on the question items. The program causes the one or more computer processors to execute the following steps: presenting a question to the first user based on the question items; accepting an answer to the question from the first user who presented the question; storing the answer accepted from the first user in association with the question item in the storage unit; determining whether the accumulation status of the first user's input content for each item in the storage unit satisfies the notification conditions managed in the storage unit; and, if it is determined that the notification conditions are met, outputting the first user's consultation content to the second user who set the condition. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to make it easier for professionals such as lawyers to obtain consultation cases that are in line with their own intentions, thereby further encouraging the provision of professional services in accordance with the differences in the intentions of each professional. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the terminal 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user database 211. As shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the consultation and response history database 212. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the question item setting database 213. As shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the reservation slot database 214. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the chat consultation history database 215. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the LLM usage history database 216. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of the item-specific response database 217. As shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the data structure of the matching database 218. As shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for accepting weighting settings for each question item from an expert user. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for accepting settings of reservation acceptance conditions for each reservation time slot from an expert user. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for accepting a consultation from a user via chat and updating the input of the consultation content for each item. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for matching an expert with a client in accordance with whether the expert satisfies the conditions for each user. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows an example of an operation screen for accepting weighting settings for each question item from an expert user. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows an example of an operation screen for accepting settings of conditions for releasing a reservation time slot from an expert user. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows an example of an operation screen for accepting a consultation from a user seeking advice via chat. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows an example of an operation screen for matching a client with an expert. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the data structure of the channel reservation condition database 219. As shown in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the data structure of the reservation request database 220. As shown in FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the flow of processing in which an intermediary accepts a consultation from a client and finalizes a reservation. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for accepting a consultation from a client, extracting a time slot available for reservation, and finalizing a reservation according to the client's specification. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows an example of an operation screen for accepting an operation to make a reservation from an intermediary user according to the contents of the request. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 shows an example of an operation screen that accepts an operation from a requesting user to make a reservation for a time slot extracted according to the content of the request. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] <Outline of embodiment> In the first embodiment, we will explain a technology in which an expert lawyer sets the questions to ask a client, and a chat system presents the content of the questions to the client, accumulates the client's answers, and enables the client to contact a lawyer according to a threshold for each lawyer.

[0014] This will eliminate the situation where people seeking advice are discouraged from using expert services because they do not know which lawyer to consult, and will encourage people to be matched with experts who can address their issues, further facilitating the resolution of legal consultations.

[0015] Furthermore, from the perspective of the expert, the content of the consultations accumulated in the chat system will be matched with people who have consultations they would like to handle as part of their work, making it easier for the expert to focus on responding to consultations in line with their intentions. In this way, from the expert's perspective, it is possible to reduce the amount of work required to respond to unintended inquiries and inquiries that the expert is unlikely to accept, making it easier to respond to the inquiries that the expert intended.

[0016] As described above, in the first embodiment, the following techniques will be described. · Lawyers can set the questions Accept legal advice from clients in chat format. Present questions according to each item to clients and accept their answers. Store the answers of clients for each item. - Present the client's consultation details to the lawyer based on the accumulated response information for each item Matching clients with lawyers, allowing clients to make appointments with lawyers <1.1 Overall system configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system 1.

[0017] 1 includes a legal consultation service server 20, a user terminal 10, a precedent search service server 91, a law search service server 92, a book browsing service server 93, an information media service server 94, an artificial intelligence (large-scale language model) service server 95 (hereinafter also referred to as the "large-scale language model service server 95"), a business operator server 96, an SNS server 97, and a user terminal 10A. These devices are connected for communication via a network 80.

[0018] In the illustrated example, terminals such as terminal 10 and terminal 10A are shown as terminals used by users of the legal consultation service provided by server 20, and each user operates a terminal.

[0019] In this embodiment, each device (terminal device, server, etc.) can also be considered as an information processing device. That is, a collection of devices can be considered as one "information processing device," and system 1 can be formed as a collection of multiple devices. The way in which multiple functions required to realize system 1 according to this embodiment are allocated to one or multiple pieces of hardware can be determined appropriately in consideration of the processing capacity of each piece of hardware and / or the specifications required for system 1.

[0020] The terminal 10 is a device operated by a user. In this embodiment, the terminal 10 is operated by a user who seeks legal advice from an expert, or a user who conducts legal research, judgment, etc. The terminal 10 and the terminal 10A have similar functional configurations. The terminal 10 is realized, for example, as follows. · Handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets Desktop PCs (Personal Computers), laptop PCs Wearable devices worn by users (wristwatches, glasses, etc.) The terminal 10 includes a communication IF (Interface) 12 , an input device 13 , an output device 14 , a memory 15 , a storage 16 , and a processor 19 .

[0021] The communication IF 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the terminal 10 can communicate with an external device.

[0022] The input device 13 is a device for receiving input operations from a user (for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc.).

[0023] The output device 14 is a device (such as a display or speaker) for presenting information to the user.

[0024] The memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs, and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0025] The storage 16 is for storing data, and is, for example, a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0026] The processor 19 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, a register, a peripheral circuit, and the like.

[0027] The server 20 is a device for providing a legal consultation service to a user. In this embodiment, the server 20 receives legal consultation requests from users of the terminals 10 in free text chat format, causes the artificial intelligence (large-scale language model) service server 95 to generate answers to the received legal consultation requests, and returns the generated answers to the users, thereby providing the legal consultation service.

[0028] In this embodiment, the server 20 provides legal consultation services to the following users. Users who are considering consulting a lawyer or other legal professional. Possible users include general consumers and businesses. The server 20 may accept requests for legal consultation from clients to legal experts by matching users who provide legal consultation as experts, such as law firms, with users who request legal consultation from experts, such as business companies or individuals. For example, the content of the consultation may be posted on a bulletin board that can be viewed by third parties, and the expert's response may also be made public. Alternatively, the content of the consultation may be kept private and not disclosed to third parties, allowing the client to consult with the expert. The server 20 stores the content of the consultation from the client and the response from the expert in a consultation and response history database 212, which will be described later.

[0029] The server 20 includes a communication IF 22 , an input / output IF 23 , a memory 25 , a storage 26 , and a processor 29 .

[0030] The communication IF 22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 can communicate with external devices.

[0031] The input / output IF 23 functions as an interface with an input device for receiving input operations from the user and an output device for presenting information to the user.

[0032] The memory 25 is for temporarily storing programs and data to be processed by the programs, and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0033] The storage 26 is for storing data, and is, for example, a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0034] The processor 29 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0035] The precedent search service server 91 has a database of precedents and allows users to search for judgments made by courts and the like.

[0036] The server 92 for the legal search service has a database of legal documents and allows users to search for legal documents.

[0037] The book browsing service server 93 is a service that allows users to browse electronic content such as magazines, books, etc. For example, by paying a fixed fee periodically, users can browse electronic books in fields such as law.

[0038] The information media service server 94 provides information services, such as collecting and making available blog posts, Q&A sites, news articles, IR information, etc. The information media service server 94 stores information on interpretations based on laws and regulations, as well as guidelines prepared by government agencies and other organizations to publicize operational rules.

[0039] The large-scale language model service server 95 is a server that executes language processing tasks using a language model constructed by a learning process including artificial intelligence (AI). An LLM (Large Language Model) is a server that has previously learned a large amount of large-scale data (text data, etc.), such as web content on the Internet, or a large amount of data stored in a specified database, and can execute various language processing tasks by providing the task.

[0040] The large-scale language model service server 95 accepts prompt inputs such as text, images, and voice, and generates and responds to the prompts. Examples of LLMs include GPT-3 and GPT-4 developed by OpenAI, and BERT developed by Google.

[0041] The business's server 96 stores data generated in the course of business activities. This data has access rights, and access to the data is restricted to users belonging to the business and external users not belonging to the business.

[0042] The SNS server 97 provides services that encourage interaction between users, such as a service that allows users to view each other's posts. For example, there are services that allow users to view posts by searching the Internet even if they do not have a user account on the SNS, and services that allow users to view posts by other users if they have a user account.

[0043] <1.2 Functional configuration of server 20> 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

[0044] The communication unit 201 performs processing for the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

[0045] The memory unit 202 stores various databases such as a user database 211, a consultation and response history database 212, a question item setting database 213, a reservation slot database 214, a chat consultation history database 215, an LLM usage history database 216, an item-by-item response database 217, a matching database 218, a channel-by-channel reservation condition database 219, and a reservation request database 220.

[0046] The user database 211 is a database that manages information about each user, as will be described in detail later.

[0047] The consultation and response history database 212 is a database that manages the history of responses posted by experts in response to consultation contents posted by clients. Details will be described later.

[0048] The question item setting database 213 is a database that manages the items of questions that experts present to clients through the chat system. Details will be described later.

[0049] The appointment slot database 214 is a database that manages the time slots during which experts can accept appointments from clients and the conditions under which appointments can be made. Details will be described later.

[0050] The chat consultation history database 215 is a database showing the history of consultations that users have had using the services provided by the server 20. Details will be described later.

[0051] The LLM usage history database 216 is a database showing the history of answers generated by the artificial intelligence service server 95 in response to user inquiries. Details will be described later.

[0052] The answer-by-item database 217 is a database that manages answers accumulated by the client for each question item through the chat system. Details will be described later.

[0053] The matching database 218 is a database that manages matching that allows a client to make an appointment with a specialist, as will be described in detail later.

[0054] The channel-specific reservation condition database 219 is a database that manages the conditions under which an expert accepts a reservation for each channel of consultation with the expert, as will be described in detail later.

[0055] The reservation request database 220 is a database for managing reservations of experts, as will be described in detail later. The control unit 203 is realized by the processor 29 reading a program stored in the storage unit 202 and executing instructions included in the program. By operating in accordance with the program, the control unit 203 exhibits functions shown as a reception control module 2041, a transmission control module 2042, a user management module 2043, a chat consultation processing module 2044, an LLM usage module 2045, a learning processing module 2046, a matching processing module 2047, a question setting module 2048, a reservation condition setting module 2049, and a schedule setting module 2050.

[0056] The reception control module 2041 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0057] The transmission control module 2042 controls the process in which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0058] The user management module 2043 is a module for managing information about each user who uses the system 1. Specifically, the user management module 2043 accepts registration of information about each user and updates the user database 211.

[0059] The chat consultation processing module 2044 is a program module that accepts and responds to consultation inputs from users via chat.

[0060] Specifically, the chat consultation processing module 2044 receives input of the content of the consultation from the user, causes the large-scale language model service server 95 to generate a response, and updates the chat consultation history database 215 .

[0061] The LLM usage module 2045 is a program module that generates prompts based on the content of the consultation input by the user in free text, voice, images, etc., and generates answers by sending the generated prompts to the large-scale language model service server 95.

[0062] Specifically, the LLM usage module 2045 manages a series of texts entered by the user, and updates the LLM usage history database 216 based on prompts sent to the large-scale language model service server 95 and responses from the large-scale language model service server 95.

[0063] The learning processing module 2046 is a program module that causes the server 20 to learn a trained model that outputs answers to consultation contents based on data accumulated as the consultation response history database 212, the chat consultation history database 215, etc.

[0064] The matching processing module 2047 is a program module that extracts candidates for experts who can make an appointment with a client, matches the client with the experts, and updates the matching database 218 and the like.

[0065] The question setting module 2048 is a program module that receives settings of questions to be presented to the consultant from the expert user via the chat system and updates the question item setting database 213 .

[0066] The reservation condition setting module 2049 is a program module that receives settings from expert users, such as the time period for accepting reservations and the conditions for accepting reservations, and updates the reservation slot database 214 .

[0067] In the second embodiment, the reservation condition setting module 2049 mainly updates the channel reservation condition database 219 in response to operations by expert users.

[0068] The schedule setting module 2050 is a program module that performs processing to reserve a time slot for an expert and updates the reservation request database 220, as will be mainly described in the second embodiment.

[0069] <1.3 Configuration of Terminal 10> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the terminal 10. As shown in FIG.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal 10 includes multiple antennas (antenna 111, antenna 112), communication units (first communication unit 120, second communication unit 121) corresponding to the respective antennas, an input device 130 (including a touch-sensitive device 131), a display 132, an audio processing unit 140, a microphone 141, a speaker 142, a position information sensor 150, a camera 160, a motion sensor 170, a memory unit 180, and a control unit 190. The terminal 10 also has functions and configurations (e.g., a battery for storing power, a power supply circuit for controlling the supply of power from the battery to each circuit, etc.) that are not specifically shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the blocks included in the terminal 10 are electrically connected by a bus or the like.

[0071] The antenna 111 emits a signal emitted by the terminal 10 as a radio wave. The antenna 111 also receives a radio wave from space and provides the received signal to the first communication unit 120.

[0072] The antenna 112 emits a signal emitted by the terminal 10 as a radio wave. The antenna 112 also receives a radio wave from space and provides the received signal to the second communication unit 121.

[0073] The first communication unit 120 performs modulation / demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 111 so that the terminal 10 can communicate with other wireless devices. The second communication unit 121 performs modulation / demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 112 so that the terminal 10 can communicate with other wireless devices. The first communication unit 120 and the second communication unit 121 are communication modules including a tuner, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) calculation circuit, a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) calculation circuit, a high-frequency circuit, and the like. The first communication unit 120 and the second communication unit 121 perform modulation / demodulation, frequency conversion, and the like for wireless signals transmitted and received by the terminal 10, and provide the received signals to the control unit 190.

[0074] Input device 130 has a mechanism for accepting input operations by a user. Specifically, input device 130 is configured as a touch screen and includes touch-sensitive device 131. Touch-sensitive device 131 accepts input operations by a user of terminal 10. Touch-sensitive device 131 detects the user's touch position on the touch panel, for example, by using a capacitive touch panel. Touch-sensitive device 131 outputs a signal indicating the user's touch position detected by the touch panel to control unit 190 as an input operation.

[0075] The display 132 displays data such as images, videos, and text under the control of the control unit 190. The display 132 is realized by, for example, an LCD, an organic EL display, or the like.

[0076] The audio processing unit 140 modulates and demodulates audio signals. The audio processing unit 140 modulates a signal provided from the microphone 141 and provides the modulated signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 140 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 142. The audio processing unit 140 is realized, for example, by a processor for audio processing. The microphone 141 accepts audio input and provides an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 140. The speaker 142 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 140 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal 10.

[0077] The location information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the location of the terminal 10, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. The GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. The satellite positioning system receives signals from at least three or four satellites, and detects the current location of the terminal 10 equipped with the GPS module based on the received signals.

[0078] The camera 160 is a device that receives light with a light receiving element and outputs the received light as a captured image. The camera 160 is, for example, a depth camera that can detect the distance from the camera 160 to a subject being photographed.

[0079] The motion sensor 170 includes an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, etc., and detects the movement of the terminal 10 .

[0080] The storage unit 180 is configured with, for example, a flash memory, and stores data and programs used by the terminal 10. The various types of information stored in the storage unit 180 will be described later.

[0081] The control unit 190 controls the operation of the terminal 10 by reading a program stored in the storage unit 180 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 190 is, for example, an application processor. By operating in accordance with the program, the control unit 190 fulfills the functions of an operation reception unit 191, a transmission / reception unit 192, a data processing unit 193, a notification control unit 194, and a storage control unit 195.

[0082] Operation acceptance unit 191 performs processing to accept a user's input operation to an input device such as touch-sensitive device 131. Operation acceptance unit 191 determines the type of operation, such as whether the user's operation is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a drag (swipe) operation, based on information about the coordinates where the user has touched touch-sensitive device 131 with a finger or the like.

[0083] The transmitting / receiving unit 192 performs processing for the terminal 10 to transmit and receive data to and from an external device such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0084] The data processing unit 193 performs calculations on data that the terminal 10 has received as input in accordance with a program, and outputs the calculation results to a memory or the like.

[0085] The notification control unit 194 performs processing for displaying a display image on the display 132, processing for outputting sound from the speaker 142, and processing for generating vibrations.

[0086] The storage control unit 195 controls the storage of data in the storage unit 180 .

[0087] A description will be given of various types of information stored in storage unit 180. In one aspect, storage unit 180 stores various types of information such as user information 181.

[0088] The user information 181 is information about a user who uses the services of the server 20 .

[0089] <2 Data Structure (First Embodiment)> 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user database 211. The user database 211 includes an item "user ID," an item "name," an item "email address," an item "attributes," an item "business ID," an item "qualifications held," an item "registration date," an item "status," an item "field," and an item "evaluation value."

[0090] The item "user ID" is information that identifies each user.

[0091] The item "Name" is information indicating the name of the user.

[0092] The item "email address" is information about the email address used to contact the user.

[0093] The item "attribute" is information indicating the attribute of the user.

[0094] Specifically, the item "attributes" includes the following as user attributes: · Legal counselors - Professionals who provide legal advice, such as lawyers and other qualified professionals The item "business ID" is information that identifies the organization to which the user belongs.

[0095] Specifically, the item "business ID" is information for identifying the organization to which the user belongs, and the following organizations are possible. ·Law firm Business companies The item "Qualifications held" is information indicating qualifications held by the user.

[0096] Specifically, the item "Qualifications held" is information for identifying the qualifications held by the user, and may include the following qualifications. · National qualifications such as lawyers Qualifications certified by businesses, general incorporated associations, and other organizations The item "registration date" is information indicating the date and time when the user registered for the service.

[0097] The item "status" is information indicating the user's status regarding legal advice.

[0098] Specifically, the item "status" includes the following as the user's status: Accepting consultation: The expert user is able to accept consultations from the client. · Consultation suspended: A state in which an expert user is not accepting consultations. For example, it is possible that the number of consultations is above a certain level and new consultations are not being accepted. The item "field" is information indicating the field in which the user has expertise.

[0099] Specifically, the item "field" includes information on each field classified as a field of legal consultation. For example, if the information media service server 94 provides a service that introduces lawyers and other experts and classifies the fields of the experts according to the type of consultation (debt consolidation, traffic accidents, divorce, inheritance, etc.), the field may include information on each of these classified fields.

[0100] The item "evaluation value" is information indicating an evaluation value obtained by evaluating the manner of legal consultation by the user.

[0101] Specifically, the item "evaluation value" includes the following as user evaluation values: Expert rating: A rating based on the number of inquiries and frequency of responses from clients. Evaluation value as a consultant: an evaluation value based on the track record of the consultant consulting with an expert and being entrusted by the expert, the track record of the consultant organizing the content of the consultation (inputting the content of the consultation) using the legal consultation service provided by the server 20, etc. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the consultation and response history database 212. The consultation and response history database 212 includes the following items: a "consultation ID," a "consultant user ID," an "expert user ID," a "consultation content," a "consultation date and time," a "response content," a "response date and time," a "consultant evaluation," a "consultation category," and a "best answer designation." The server 20 accepts consultations posted by clients regarding legal consultations, accepts responses posted by one or more experts, and provides a service that enables users to view the consultation posts and the expert responses, and manages the history of these posts in the consultation and response history database 212.

[0102] The item "Consultation ID" is information that identifies each consultation of the client.

[0103] The item "consultant user ID" is information for identifying the client who is making a consultation.

[0104] Specifically, the item “consultant user ID” corresponds to the item “user ID” of the user database 211.

[0105] The item "expert user ID" is information for identifying the expert who will answer the question of the client.

[0106] Specifically, the item “expert user ID” corresponds to the item “user ID” of the user database 211 .

[0107] The item "content of consultation" is information about the content of consultation of the consultant.

[0108] Specifically, the item "contents of consultation" includes the following as information on the contents of consultation of the consultant: Text questions Video or audio questions The item "consultation date and time" is information about the time when the client registered the consultation.

[0109] The item "content of response" is information about the content of the expert's response to the consultation content.

[0110] The item "answer date and time" is information about the timing when the expert registered the answer.

[0111] The item "consultant evaluation" is information on the evaluation made on the expert's answer.

[0112] Specifically, the item "consultant evaluation" may include the following evaluations. Rating by the person who asked the question -Ratings by users who view questions and answers The item "consultation category" is information indicating the field of the consultation.

[0113] Specifically, the "Consultation Category" item includes information on each field classified as a legal consultation field. For example, it includes information that identifies each field, such as the following. Furthermore, each field may include information on further subdivided fields. Divorce and gender issues (divorce compensation, child support, custody, etc.) ·debt ·inheritance ·Traffic accident ·internet Consumer harm ·Crime / Criminal case Labor Debt collection ·Real Estate ·Construction · International and Foreign Issues ·medical care ·Corporate legal affairs Tax litigation ·Administrative cases Civil dispute resolution procedures ·Civil The item "Best answer designation" is information indicating the best answer selected by the person who made the inquiry from among the answers provided by experts in response to the inquiry.

[0114] 6 is a diagram showing the data structure of the question item setting database 213. The question item setting database 213 includes an item "question item ID," an item "major category," an item "expert user ID," an item "question content," an item "question category," an item "weighting," an item "setting date," an item "valid / invalid," an item "reason for setting question," and an item "whether weighting setting can be disclosed."

[0115] The item "question item ID" is information that identifies each item of a question set by an expert.

[0116] The item "major category" is information indicating a major division of the field of the question.

[0117] Specifically, the item "major category" may be information on each of the major categories stored in advance by the server 20, and may correspond to information on each of the categories shown in the item "consultation category" in the consultation response history database 212. Furthermore, the information on the major categories of the question category may be arbitrarily set by the expert user.

[0118] Furthermore, the server 20 may refer to the consultation and response history database 212, identify consultations and responses similar to the content of the question included in the item "question content," and set a category of the question corresponding to the item "major category" in the question item setting database 213 based on the field associated with the consultation and response (the item "question category" in the consultation and response history database 212). The item "expert user ID" is information for identifying the expert user who asks the question to the client.

[0119] Specifically, the item “expert user ID” corresponds to the item “user ID” of the user database 211 .

[0120] The item "question content" is information indicating the content of a question posed to the client.

[0121] Specifically, the item "question content" includes information on the content of the question set by each expert depending on the field of the question. For example, the server 20 may acquire information on each item of a hearing sheet (interview items) when an expert responds to a consultation from a client, and register the information as the content of the question to the client in the question item setting database 213.

[0122] The item "question category" is information indicating a more detailed question category among the divisions indicated in the item "major category."

[0123] Specifically, the item "question category" may include information on categories set as follows. Categories prepared in advance by the operator of the server 20 Categories arbitrarily set by expert users The server 20 analyzes the content of the question included in the item "Question Content" to determine the category set by the server 20. For example, the server 95 of the large-scale language model service may identify the category of the question based on the information about the content of the question included in the item "question content," and store the identified question category in the item "question category." Furthermore, the consultation and response history database 212 may be referenced to identify consultations and responses similar to the content of the question included in the item "Question Content," and the category of the question may be set based on the field associated with the consultation and response (the item "Question Category" in the consultation and response history database 212). The item "weighting" is information about the weighting set by the expert user for the question.

[0124] Specifically, the item "weighting" may be configured to allow the following weighting information to be set. -Multi-level evaluation - Arbitrary numerical value (if there is an answer to the question, the numerical value will be added, and if the answer of the person seeking advice exceeds the threshold, the consultation appointment may be released) - Requiring specific answers (if a question is left unanswered or if the information is insufficient, the client may not be able to make an appointment for a consultation) The item "setting date" is information about the timing when the expert user set the question item.

[0125] The item "Valid / Invalid" is a specification by the expert as to whether or not the question item should be presented to the client, and whether or not the answer to the question item will be used as material for accepting a consultation appointment from the client.

[0126] Specifically, the item "valid / invalid" may accept the user's designation of each expert for the question item as follows. When a question becomes unnecessary or a new question becomes necessary due to legal amendments or changes in the interpretation of precedents, the system accepts settings from expert users to enable or disable the question and the timing of the setting. The item "Reason for setting question" is information about the reason why the expert set the question in the item "Question content." Specifically, the item "Reason for setting question" may accept input of the following information from the expert as the reason for setting the question. (Regarding questions about the presence or absence of evidence) Having evidence increases the chances of winning a dispute. - (Regarding questions about facts and desired amount of compensation, etc.) Is there any specific precedent? The server 20 may present the content input by each expert in the item "Reason for setting the question" to the person seeking advice together with the question, while accepting input from the person seeking advice. In this case, the server 20 may present to the person seeking advice, together with the question to be presented to the person seeking advice, the situation set by the expert for the question based on the question item setting database 213. For example, the server 20 may present to the person seeking advice the following information as information on the situation in which the expert set the question: Many lawyers have included this as a question. Many lawyers consider this question to be important (e.g., many lawyers assign a high weight to this question, and the average, median, and standard deviation of the weighting for this question are higher than those for other questions) This allows the person seeking advice to check the reason why the expert has set the question and the circumstances under which the expert has set the question, which can further increase the person seeking advice to provide input in response to the expert's question, further improving the resolution of the consultation content of the person seeking advice and making it possible to more easily match the person seeking advice with the expert. The item "Whether weighting settings are disclosed" is information relating to the expert's designation as to whether the weighting settings for each question set by the expert in the item "weighting" are to be disclosed to other experts. Specifically, the item "Whether to disclose weighting settings" may accept a setting from the expert as to whether or not to disclose weighting information for each question set by the expert, or for all questions set by the expert, to other experts (or clients). This allows the intentions of each expert to be more fully realized as follows. Some experts may aim to develop their own professional development by disclosing their questioning methods to other experts. Some professionals may be able to visualize their competence as practitioners by having other professionals evaluate their own practice methods. Some experts may intend to make it easier for the client to communicate the content of their consultation and promote understanding of the content by presenting the items they consider important in their questions to the client in advance. The server 20 may accept a setting as to whether each question set by an expert is to be disclosed to other experts. Furthermore, when an expert discloses the weightings set for each question to another expert, the server 20 may accept payment of a fee from the expert receiving the disclosure, and may grant a special benefit, such as monetary value, to the expert who disclosed the weightings for the question. the field of the expert disclosing the weighting (e.g., the "Field" item in the user database 211); The expert's track record of responding to inquiries from clients (the consultation response history database 212, the matching database 218), The number of times and frequency of questions set by the expert (question item setting database 213) presented to the client (chat consultation history database 215), The above may be presented to an expert or the like who wishes to have the weightings disclosed, and an operation to request disclosure of the weightings may be received from the expert. As described above, by enabling experts to disclose information about the questions they have set and the weightings they have assigned to these questions, the following can be realized: · It will be possible to provide reference information to specialists who need training as trainees, making it easier to develop trainees. If a lawyer becomes independent immediately after obtaining his / her attorney license, he / she may be required to respond to various consultations, and the lawyer will be able to easily obtain information that will be useful in answering questions from clients. - It can be used as a practical reference for what kind of questions experts ask in areas they are unfamiliar with. 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the appointment slot database 214. The appointment slot database 214 includes an item "appointment slot ID," an item "expert user ID," an item "available appointment time slot," an item "number of meetings that can be set," an item "meeting time," an item "repeated setting," an item "appointment release conditions," and an item "appointment availability."

[0127] The item "reservation slot ID" is information that identifies each reserved time slot during which an expert will provide consultation with a client.

[0128] The item "expert user ID" is information for identifying the expert who will answer the question of the client.

[0129] Specifically, the item “expert user ID” corresponds to the item “user ID” of the user database 211 .

[0130] The item "reservation available time slot" is information about the time slot during which reservations can be accepted.

[0131] The item "number of meetings that can be scheduled" is information indicating the number of times that meetings can be scheduled within the time slot in which reservations are accepted.

[0132] Specifically, the item "number of meetings that can be set" may accept a designation of the number of meetings to be held depending on the circumstances of the expert as follows. A number that is less than the maximum number of meetings that can be set based on the meeting time setting (for example, meetings can be held within a certain time range, but the number of meetings themselves can be set below a certain number to ensure that experts have time to work on their own). - Not placing any particular limit on the number of meetings (for example, there may be no limit on the number of meetings that can be held in order to build up a track record of handling a particular case. Also, there may be cases where it is not necessary to limit the number of meetings based on an estimate of the amount of work to be done in the near future). The item "meeting time" is a setting for the duration of the meeting.

[0133] Specifically, the item "meeting time" may be set as follows to set the duration of the meeting. - Fixed within a certain time period (for example, a time shorter than the time period in the "Available Reservation Time Period" field) Unlimited (no specific meeting time is set, for example, all time slots set in the "Available Reservation Time Slots" field are available for reservations) The item "Repetition setting" is information indicating whether or not a time slot for which reservations can be made is to be set periodically.

[0134] Specifically, the item "repetition setting" may accept a time period designation from an expert user as follows. - Specific date and time slot (spot meetings possible) -Time periods for repeat settings (weekly, monthly, daily, etc.) The item "reservation opening conditions" is information on whether or not to open the facility to clients so that they can make reservations for meetings.

[0135] Specifically, the item "reservation release conditions" may accept the specification of the conditions for releasing reservations from each expert as follows. When a client answers questions shown in the question item setting database 213 (each expert has a "weighting" set for the item), a numerical value corresponding to the weighting is accumulated (item-specific answer database 217) for each expert. When these accumulated numerical values ​​exceed a threshold, the appointment with the client is opened. Since the weighting setting differs for each expert, the accumulated numerical value for the client's answers may differ for each expert. Furthermore, since the threshold setting may differ for each expert, whether or not to open up an appointment for a meeting may differ depending on the expert (for example, some experts may be more likely to accept a consultation appointment from a client by setting a low threshold, while other experts may be less likely to accept a reservation from a client if the weighting is set low except for specific question items, - If there is no answer to a specific question item, the appointment will not be accepted. For example, the expert may specify the conditions for accepting or not accepting an appointment in relation to the accumulation of answers, depending on the conditions under which the expert considers accepting the case, such as accepting an appointment if the client's answer to the question includes an answer as to "whether or not there is evidence." Also, it may be possible to set whether or not to open the appointment depending on whether the answer is specific. For example, if the client's answer to the question is entered in the answer-by-item database 217 but is an incomprehensible sentence, the answer may be considered not specific and may be treated as no answer. Accept reservations if specific questions are answered The item "reservation availability" is information on whether or not a reservation is accepted from a client during a time slot available for reservation.

[0136] Specifically, the item "reservation availability" may hold status information regarding the availability of reservations, as follows: Unavailable (no slots). The limit on the number of meetings that can be scheduled has been reached, and no further reservations can be accepted for that time slot. Reservations available Unavailable (other). For example, an expert may decide not to accept reservations for a certain time period (due to vacation, etc.). 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the chat consultation history database 215. The chat consultation history database 215 includes an item "consultation thread ID," an item "consultant user ID," an item "posting ID," an item "posting content," an item "related posts," an item "posting date and time," an item "search target database," an item "search results," an item "LLM output," an item "answer," and an item "user rating."

[0137] The item "Consultation thread ID" is information for identifying each consultation thread in which a user seeking legal advice makes a consultation via chat in the legal consultation service provided by the server 20.

[0138] The item "consultant user ID" is information for identifying the user making the consultation.

[0139] Specifically, the item “consultant user ID” corresponds to the item “user ID” of the user database 211.

[0140] The item "Post ID" is information that identifies each post associated with a thread.

[0141] The item "Posted Content" is information indicating the content posted by the user.

[0142] The item "related post" is information indicating other posts related to the post indicated in the item "post ID" for multiple posts managed in a thread.

[0143] Specifically, the item "related post" is information that identifies the most recent post made by a user among multiple posts managed in a thread. In this way, every time a user posts a consultation in a thread indicated by the item "consultation thread ID," the consultation is associated with the item "post ID" of the most recent post made and managed in the chat consultation history database 215, thereby making it possible to manage the order of a series of posts in a thread.

[0144] The item "Posting date and time" is information indicating the timing when the user posted.

[0145] Specifically, the item "posting date and time" may be the time when a question was received from a user in free text or the like.

[0146] The item "database to be searched" is information that specifies the database to be referenced by search when generating an answer by the server 95 of the large-scale language model service.

[0147] Specifically, the item "database to be searched" may include the following information as the database to be referenced. Information provided by the case law search service server 91 Information provided by legal search service server 92 Information provided by the book browsing service server 93 Information provided by the information media service server 94 Information provided by the artificial intelligence (large-scale language model) service server 95 Information provided by the operator's server 96 Information provided by SNS server 97 The item "search results" is information indicating the search results of a search performed on the referenced database based on the user's posted content.

[0148] Specifically, the item "search results" includes the results of a search performed by the server 20 as follows based on the content posted by the user indicated in the item "post ID." The semantics of user posts is analyzed and vectorized using techniques such as Word2Vec. Documents in the database to be referenced are also vectorized in the same way, and documents stored in the database are searched for based on the proximity of the vectors. The item "LLM output" is information indicating the results generated by the large-scale language model service server 95 based on user posts.

[0149] Specifically, the item "LLM output" includes the result of having the large-scale language model service server 95 generate an answer as follows. The results of searching each database shown in the "Search Results" section are summarized by the large-scale language model service server 95. When generating an answer, the background information such as "a user from the legal department will make the decision" was included in the prompt, and the answer was generated by the large-scale language model service server 95. The item "answer" is information indicating the answer presented to the user.

[0150] Specifically, for the item "Answer," an answer may be presented to the user that includes the results generated by the large-scale language model service server 95 based on the content posted by the user seeking advice, and information generated by the server 20, as follows: - Responses including links to the sources of information that can be used to refer to the results summarized by the large-scale language model service server 95 The server 20 also identifies the field of the consultation content based on the consultation content input by the seeker (the "Posted Content" item). For example, it may identify a field such as the field indicated in the "Consultation Category" item in the consultation and response history database 212 or the "Major Category" item in the question item setting database 213 from keywords included in the consultation content. It may also identify the field of the consultation content based on the result obtained by issuing a prompt to the server 95 of the large-scale language model service as to which field the consultation content of the seeker falls into. The server 20 may present questions from each field included in the question item setting database 213 to the seeker according to the field of the consultation content, and store the answers of the seeker in the item-by-item answer database 217. The item "user evaluation" is information indicating the user's evaluation of the answer presented by the server 20.

[0151] 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the LLM usage history database 216. The LLM usage history database 216 includes an item "usage ID," an item "consultation thread ID," an item "posting ID," an item "prompt," an item "LLM output result," and an item "usage date and time."

[0152] The item "Usage ID" is information that identifies each history of answers generated by the server 95 of the large-scale language model service.

[0153] The item "consultation thread ID" is information for identifying a thread in which a user seeks advice in the legal consultation service provided by the server 20.

[0154] Specifically, the item “consultation thread ID” corresponds to the item “consultation thread ID” in the chat consultation history database 215 .

[0155] The item "Post ID" is information for identifying a consultation post entered by a user, for which an answer is to be generated by the large-scale language model service server 95.

[0156] Specifically, the item “Posting ID” corresponds to the item “Posting ID” in the chat consultation history database 215 .

[0157] The item "prompt" is information indicating the content of the prompt applied when sending to the server 95 of the large-scale language model service.

[0158] Specifically, the item "prompt" may include the content of a prompt that is defined as follows and sent to the server 95 of the large-scale language model service. The prompt template is used to generate a prompt to be sent to the large-scale language model service server 95, after adding the search results (item "Search Results" of the chat consultation history database 215) obtained by searching each database based on the content of the consultation entered by the user. The item "LLM output result" is information indicating the content output by the server 95 of the large-scale language model service by sending a prompt to the server 95 of the large-scale language model service.

[0159] The item "Date and time of use" is information on the date and time when the answer was generated by the server 95 of the large-scale language model service.

[0160] 10 is a diagram showing the data structure of the item-specific response database 217. The item-specific response database 217 includes an item "consultation thread ID," an item "consultant user ID," an item "category," an item "contents of first item," an item "response status of first item," an item "contents of second item," an item "response status of second item," an item "contents of third item," and an item "response status of third item." The chat consultation processing module 2044 of the server 20 presents questions stored in the question item setting database 213 to the person seeking advice in the chat system, and stores the person's answers to the questions in the item-by-item answer database 217. In the example shown in the figure, the questions presented to the person seeking advice include the first to third items, but more question items and the person's answers may be stored depending on the number of questions presented to the person seeking advice. The chat consultation processing module 2044 refers to the question item setting database 213, and if the questions set by each expert are of the same gist (for example, questions entered by each expert for which the same item "major category" and item "question category" are set in the question item setting database 213), it will present the question from one of the experts, and if the person seeking advice answers that question, it may be treated as an answer to a question of the same gist from each expert, and processing may be performed in accordance with the item "weighting."

[0161] The item "consultation thread ID" is information for identifying a thread in which a user seeks advice in the legal consultation service provided by the server 20.

[0162] Specifically, the item “consultation thread ID” corresponds to the item “consultation thread ID” in the chat consultation history database 215 .

[0163] The item "consultant user ID" is information for identifying the user making the consultation.

[0164] Specifically, the item “consultant user ID” corresponds to the item “consultant user ID” in the chat consultation history database 215 .

[0165] The item "category" is information about the field of the consultation content of the consultant.

[0166] Specifically, the item "category" may hold information on the field of the consultation content as follows. · Field specified by the consultant · Fields pre-associated with keywords in the consultation content The server 20 refers to the consultation response history database 212 and identifies similar answers according to the content of the consultation. - The results of determining the field of the consultation content using the large-scale language model service server 95 The item "content of first item" is information indicating the content of a question to be presented to the user of the consulter by referring to the question item setting database 213.

[0167] The item "answer status of first item" is information on the content of the answer given by the user who is the requester to the question in the item "content of first item."

[0168] The item "content of second item" is information indicating the content of the question to be presented to the user of the consultation by referring to the question item setting database 213.

[0169] The item "answer status of second item" is information on the content of the answer given by the user who is the requester to the question in the item "content of second item."

[0170] The item "content of third item" is information indicating the content of a question to be presented to the user of the consultation by referring to the question item setting database 213.

[0171] The item "answer status of third item" is information on the content of the answer given by the user who is the requester to the question in the item "content of third item."

[0172] 11 is a diagram showing the data structure of the matching database 218. The matching database 218 includes an item "matching ID," an item "consultant user ID," an item "expert user ID," an item "consultation thread ID," an item "matching date and time," an item "status," an item "reservation slot ID," an item "reservation time," and an item "opening conditions."

[0173] The item "matching ID" is information that identifies each matching in which a time slot for consultation with a specialist is open to the client so that the client can make a reservation.

[0174] The item "consultant user ID" is information for identifying the user making the consultation.

[0175] Specifically, the item “consultant user ID” corresponds to the item “consultant user ID” in the chat consultation history database 215 .

[0176] The item "expert user ID" is information for identifying the expert user who asks the question to the client.

[0177] Specifically, the item “expert user ID” corresponds to the item “user ID” of the user database 211 .

[0178] The item "consultation thread ID" is information for identifying a thread in which a user seeks advice in the legal consultation service provided by the server 20.

[0179] Specifically, the item “consultation thread ID” corresponds to the item “consultation thread ID” in the chat consultation history database 215 .

[0180] The item "matching date and time" is information indicating the timing when the time slot set by the expert was matched to become available for reservation.

[0181] The item "status" is information indicating the status of the appointment between the client and the specialist.

[0182] Specifically, the item "status" may include the following status information: · Consultant under consideration (reservations can be made for the time slots set by the specialist, but the reservation has not yet been made) · Reservation established (a reservation has been established with the client for the time period set by the expert) -Reservation not completed and closed The item "reservation slot ID" is information that identifies each reserved time slot during which an expert will provide consultation with a client.

[0183] Specifically, the item “reservation slot ID” corresponds to the item “reservation slot ID” of the reservation slot database 214 .

[0184] The item "reservation time" is information about the time period when the reservation was made.

[0185] The item "Opening conditions" is information indicating the conditions under which a time slot set by an expert is made available for reservation.

[0186] Specifically, the item "Opening conditions" includes information on the conditions under which a reservation is judged to be possible based on the conditions shown in the item "Reservation opening conditions" in the reservation slot database 214 (such as the sum of the client's answer to the question in each item and the weighting value assigned to the question exceeding a threshold set by an expert).

[0187] <3. Operation (First Embodiment)> FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for accepting weighting settings for each question item from an expert user.

[0188] In step S1221, the question setting module 2048 of the server 20 presents the expert with an operation screen for setting question items, weighting, and a threshold for accepting a reservation as conditions for notifying the expert of a consultation from a client.

[0189] The server 20 manages question items to be presented to the first user who is the seeker in a question item setting database 213. The question item setting database 213 is configured so that each of a plurality of second users who are experts who respond to the seeker's consultation manages the setting of notification conditions based on the question item.

[0190] In step S1211, the terminal 10 accepts an operation from the expert user to set the contents of the question items and the weighting of each item on the operation screen.

[0191] In step S1223, the question setting module 2048 of the server 20 updates the question item setting database 213 based on the settings for each question item (question content, weighting, etc.) received from the experts.

[0192] Specifically, the question setting module 2048 receives an operation to set a weight for each of the plurality of question items from each of the plurality of second users. In response to receiving the weight setting from the second user, the question setting module 2048 stores the setting of the second user in the question item setting database 213.

[0193] In step S1225, the question setting module 2048 of the server 20 analyzes the content of the question, sets a category for the question, and updates the question item setting database 213.

[0194] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for accepting settings of reservation acceptance conditions for each reservation time slot from an expert user.

[0195] In step S1321, the reservation condition setting module 2049 of the server 20 presents the expert with an operation screen for setting a time period during which the expert can accept reservations for consultation from clients.

[0196] In step S1311, the terminal 10 of the expert accepts an operation from the expert user on the operation screen to set time periods for accepting reservations and conditions for accepting reservations for each time period.

[0197] In step S1323, the reservation condition setting module 2049 of the server 20 updates the reservation slot database 214 based on the settings for each time period received from the expert.

[0198] In this way, the reservation condition setting module 2049 accepts settings from each of the multiple second users (experts) of the time slot for consultation with the first user (consultant) and the conditions to be used for making a reservation for that time slot with the first user, and stores them in the reservation slot database 214.

[0199] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for accepting a consultation from a user via chat and updating the input of the consultation content for each item.

[0200] In step S1421, the chat consultation processing module 2044 of the server 20 presents an operation screen for accepting input of a consultation in a chat format to the user of the client.

[0201] In step S1411, the client's terminal 10 accepts an input of a consultation from the client's user on the operation screen.

[0202] In step S1423, the chat consultation processing module 2044 of the server 20 generates an answer to the received consultation using a large-scale language model. The chat consultation processing module 2044 presents a question to the person seeking advice by referring to information on the expert's question items in the question item setting database 213. The chat consultation processing module 2044 updates the item-by-item answer database 217 in accordance with the person seeking advice's input for each item of the question.

[0203] In this way, the chat consultation processing module 2044 presents a question to the first user (consultant) based on the question item in the question item setting database 213. The chat consultation processing module 2044 accepts input of an answer to the item from the first user who presented the question. The chat consultation processing module 2044 stores the answer accepted as input from the first user in the item-by-item answer database 217 in association with the item related to the question.

[0204] The server 20 receives an input of an answer from the first user by the chat system responding to the first user through the processing of the chat consultation processing module 2044. The chat consultation processing module 2044 stores an answer in a corresponding item among a plurality of question items in the item-by-item answer database 217 based on the content of the first user's input in the chat system.

[0205] The chat consultation processing module 2044 may present a question to the first user by referring to the question item setting database 213 and the item-specific answer database 217, and if the accumulated answers of the first user for one of the multiple question items are below a certain level (for example, there is no answer, or the answer is not specific and does not contain enough information), may present a question based on that item to the first user.

[0206] The server 20 stores the consultation contents of the client and the answers of the experts to the consultation contents in the consultation and answer history database 212. The question setting module 2048 may generate questions to be presented to the first user based on the consultation contents of the client and the answers of the experts stored in the consultation and answer history database 212, present the questions to the expert user, and register the questions in the question item setting database 213.

[0207] Furthermore, the chat consultation processing module 2044 may generate questions to be presented to the first user based on the consultation content of the seeker and the answers of the experts stored in the consultation and response history database 212, and present the questions to the first user. For example, the chat consultation processing module 2044 may identify the field of the consultation of the seeker based on information input by the seeker, and refer to the consultation content of the seeker and the answers of the experts stored in the consultation and response history database 212 for that field, and present the questions to the seeker, for example, matters (such as facts) that the experts have confirmed with the seeker, or the content of the consultation that the seeker is asking about (for example, if a consultation has been stored that asks about possible measures or possibilities, such as "Can you do...", the chat system may ask the seeker, "Do you want...?" to confirm the seeker's intention).

[0208] In step S1413, the client's terminal 10 presents a question to the client and accepts an answer to the question from the client. The terminal 10 displays the answer generated by the chat consultation processing module 2044 in response to the client's consultation.

[0209] In step S1425, the chat consultation processing module 2044 of the server 20 presents a question to the person seeking advice and accepts input from the person seeking advice via chat. The matching processing module 2047 refers to the answer-by-item database 217 and the appointment slot database 214, identifies an expert who can accommodate the appointment depending on the accumulation status of the person's answers, and updates the matching database 218.

[0210] In this way, the matching processing module 2047 determines whether the accumulation status of the first user's input content for each item in the item-specific answer database 217 satisfies the conditions for notification to the expert managed in the appointment slot database 214.

[0211] The matching processing module 2047 refers to the reservation slot database 214 and determines whether the notification conditions for each of the multiple second users are met, depending on the accumulation status of the first user's input for each question item in the item-by-item answer database 217 and the weighting settings for each question item for each second user stored in the question item setting database 213.

[0212] For example, the matching processing module 2047 determines whether the notification conditions are met by referring to the reservation slot database 214 to determine whether the input content of the first user exceeds a threshold value, depending on the accumulation status of the input content of the first user for each question item in the item-by-item answer database 217 and the weighting setting of each question item of each second user stored in the question item setting database 213.

[0213] Furthermore, for example, the matching processing module 2047 may determine that the condition for notification to an expert is met if there is an answer to a predetermined item among the multiple question items in the question item setting database 213.

[0214] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for matching an expert with a client in accordance with whether the expert satisfies the conditions for each user.

[0215] In step S1521, the matching processing module 2047 of the server 20 refers to the matching database 218 and presents to the client information on experts who meet the availability conditions for the reserved time slot.

[0216] The matching processing module 2047 may present the first user with different pricing plans for the cost of the second user's consultation depending on whether or not the first user has answered multiple question items or the content of the answer.

[0217] In step S1511, the client's terminal 10 presents information about the expert and information about the time slots when appointments with the expert are available, and accepts an operation to make an appointment from the client.

[0218] In step S1523, the matching processing module 2047 of the server 20 updates the matching database 218 and the reservation slot database 214 in response to the requester's operation to make a reservation with the specialist, and establishes a reservation between the requester and the specialist.

[0219] The match processing module 2047 updates the match database 218 by associating the first user with a time slot for a consultation with a second user who meets the notification criteria, thereby scheduling the consultation.

[0220] The matching processing module 2047 refers to the item-specific answer database 217, the reservation slot database 214, and the question item setting database 213, and if the input content of the first user satisfies the conditions used for reservation regarding the time slot, it reserves a consultation between the second user and the first user for the time slot that satisfies the conditions.

[0221] In step S1525, the matching processing module 2047 of the server 20 notifies the client and the specialist that a reservation has been made between the client and the specialist.

[0222] When it is determined that the notification conditions are met, the matching processing module 2047 may output the consultation content of the first user to the second user who set the conditions. In this way, when the client is able to make a reservation with an expert, information about the client and information about the consultation content of the client may be output to the expert.

[0223] In step S1513, the client's terminal 10 displays that an appointment with the specialist has been made. <4. Screen Example (First Embodiment)> FIG. 16 shows an example of an operation screen for accepting weighting settings for each question item from an expert user.

[0224] The operation screen 1600 is a screen that accepts the setting of questions to be asked to the client from the expert user.

[0225] The operation screen 1600 corresponds to the example of the processing described with reference to FIG.

[0226] The account area 1602 is an area that displays information about the expert user's account.

[0227] In the illustrated example, the account area 1602 displays the user's name, the organization to which the user belongs, the qualifications held, and so on.

[0228] The question setting area 1604 is an area for displaying details of the question items.

[0229] The setting designation section 1606 is an operation member that accepts detailed designations from the expert user regarding the question items.

[0230] In the illustrated example, the setting specification unit 1606 receives the following specifications from the expert user: Major category (corresponding to the item "major category" in the question item setting database 213. For example, the major category may be set in advance by the server 20, and specifications may be accepted from expert users) Question content (accepts input from expert users) Weighting of question items (used to calculate the accumulation status of responses when a response is received from the inquirer) Medium category (corresponding to the item "question category" in the question item setting database 213. For example, the server 20 may prepare medium categories in advance and the expert user may specify them, or the expert user may be able to set any medium category, or the server 20 may analyze the input content of the question and automatically set the medium category) Specifying whether to validate or invalidate a question (corresponding to the "valid / invalid" item in the question item setting database 213. For example, a question may be invalidated if the expert does not place importance on the question item, or if the question itself becomes unnecessary due to a revision of the law or a change in the interpretation of a legal precedent. In this case, even if the respondent answers the question, it may not be added to the score of the answer status for comparison with the threshold value.) The question item acquisition unit 1608 is an operation member that accepts an operation to acquire a file in which question items are described.

[0231] The question item acquisition unit 1608 acquires a file in a document format, a spreadsheet format, or the like from the expert user. The server 20 may extract question items contained in the file and present the extracted results in an editable format to the expert user in the setting designation unit 1606. This makes it even easier for the expert user to set question items by utilizing a document file or the like that he or she is already using.

[0232] The template reading operation unit 1610 is an operation member that accepts an operation to read a template prepared by the server 20 as a question item.

[0233] The template read operation unit 1610 may present question item templates prepared in advance by the server 20 for each major category in an editable manner in the setting designation unit 1606 by the expert user's designation.

[0234] The record area 1612 is an area that displays the record of the client making a reservation for a consultation with a specialist.

[0235] In the illustrated example, the track record area 1612 displays not only past reservation cases of the expert user who is logged in to the service, but also cases in which other expert users have made reservations with clients, and the reservation cases may be made available for reference by, for example, accepting an operation from the client user to allow sharing of reservation cases. This makes it easy for expert users to set the content of questions in question items, and also makes it easy to set question items such as weighting by using the weighting as a reference for setting weighting (which also serves as a criterion for whether to accept a reservation).

[0236] The detailed display area 1614 is an area for displaying past cases that satisfied the matching conditions.

[0237] As shown in the figure, the details display area 1614 may refer to the matching database 218 and display the following as reservation records: The content of the consultation input by the person seeking advice via chat (the database of answers for each question 217 may be referenced to show how many consultations have been input for each question item). Whether or not a reservation was made (by referencing the matching database 218 and displaying cases where the matching conditions were met and a reservation was made, and cases where the matching conditions were met but the reservation was not made, the expert user can use this as a reference when setting up question items, making it even easier to set up question items) The past record search operation section 1616 is an operation member that accepts an operation to search for past cases that satisfied the matching conditions.

[0238] The performance search operation unit 1616 provides an operation screen for the expert user to search various databases such as the item-specific answer database 217 and the matching database 218 in response to the expert user's operation.

[0239] FIG. 17 shows an example of an operation screen for accepting settings of conditions for releasing a reservation time slot from an expert user.

[0240] The reservation slot setting screen 1618 is an operation screen that accepts an operation from the user to set the time period during which reservations are accepted and the conditions under which reservations are accepted.

[0241] The reservation slot setting screen 1618 corresponds to the example of the processing described with reference to FIG.

[0242] The detailed setting area 1620 is an area for displaying detailed settings of the time period during which reservations are accepted and the conditions under which reservations are accepted.

[0243] The reservation slot designation section 1622 is an operation member that accepts designation of various settings for accepting reservations.

[0244] The reservation slot designation unit 1622 receives settings such as those shown in the figure from the expert user and updates the reservation slot database 214. The server 20 may communicate with a computer that provides a tool for managing the expert user's schedule to obtain information on reservation-available time slots from the user's calendar (for example, time slots designated by the user using a calendar tool, time slots set with a specific character string such as "reservation available" in the schedule, etc.) and reflect this information in the reservation slot designation unit 1622.

[0245] The fee plan area 1624 is an area that displays the fee plan that the expert user presents to the client user.

[0246] The plan details specification section 1626 is an operation member that accepts specification of the details of the rate plan.

[0247] As shown in the figure, the plan details specification unit 1626 may be configured so that the expert user can set multiple pricing plans and present the appropriate pricing plan to the consulting user depending on the accumulation status of answers entered by the consulting user in the chat system (chat consultation history database 215, item-specific answer database 217) or the conditions that led to the opening of an appointment with an expert (appointment slot database 214, matching database 218). In the example shown in the figure, different pricing plans are presented depending on whether or not there is evidence for the consultation content.

[0248] FIG. 18 shows an example of an operation screen for accepting a consultation from a user seeking advice via chat.

[0249] The chat operation screen 1628 is an operation screen on which inputs about legal advice are received from the client via chat, and the chat system responds while presenting questions to the client.

[0250] The chat operation screen 1628 corresponds to the example of the processing described with reference to FIG.

[0251] The client account area 1630 is an area that displays information about the client's user account.

[0252] The chat display area 1632 is an area for displaying the content of the consultation input by the client, the answer generated by the large-scale language model service server 95, and the question to be presented to the client.

[0253] The chat display area 1632 corresponds to step S1421 in FIG.

[0254] The posting content area 1634 is an area where a question entered by the user as the content of the consultation is displayed.

[0255] The answer question area 1636 is an area that displays an answer generated by the large-scale language model service server 95 in response to a question entered by a user, and a question to be presented to the client by referring to the question item setting database 213.

[0256] The answer question area 1636 corresponds to step S1423 etc. in Fig. 14. In the example shown, the server 20 refers to the item "Reason for setting the question" in the question item setting database 213, and displays to the user the question (in the example shown, "Do you have any evidence?"), as well as information on the reason why the expert set the question (in the example shown, "Reason for setting the question: If you have evidence, you are more likely to win the dispute") and the circumstances under which the expert set the question (in the example shown, "Many lawyers set this as a question"). This can increase the willingness of the person seeking advice to answer the question, and can encourage the person seeking advice to input the details of the consultation.

[0257] The consultation content designation section 1638 is an operation member that accepts designation of an area for accepting input of consultation from the user.

[0258] The consultation content designation section 1638 may accept input from the client in the form of text as shown in the figure, or may accept input in the form of voice, image, etc. In the example shown in the figure, in response to the answer content "Collect evidence" displayed in the answer question area 1636, the client's user is shown inputting an answer to the question, "I already have evidence."

[0259] The past consultation display area 1640 is an area for displaying an operation screen for accepting an operation from the user to search for past consultations and answers stored in the consultation and answer history database 212 .

[0260] The past consultation display area 1640 may be configured so that the client can set the consultation to be public in the consultation and response history database 212, and the history of responses by experts to consultations that have been set to be public may be searchable.

[0261] The field designation section 1642 is an operation member that accepts designation of the field of consultation.

[0262] As shown in the figure, the field specification section 1642 may allow the user to specify a field indicated in the "Consultation Category" item in the consultation and response history database 212. This makes it even easier to search for past consultations and responses.

[0263] The search result area 1644 is an area that displays the search results of past consultation and answer cases.

[0264] The search result area 1644 may refer to the consultation and response history database 212 and, for example, preferentially present answers with a high rating in the item "consultant evaluation" to the client.

[0265] The narrowing search operation section 1646 is an operation member that refers to the matching database 218 and accepts an operation to search for past consultation cases in which a consultation with a client via the chat system led to an appointment with a specialist.

[0266] In response to a user's operation, the narrowed search operation unit 1646 may accept an operation from the user to search for cases by searching each item in the matching database 218. The narrowed search operation unit 1646 may also accept a search for cases that are set as publicly available (for example, the consulter sets the case as publicly available).

[0267] FIG. 19 shows an example of an operation screen for matching a client with an expert.

[0268] The reservation slot area 1648 is an area that displays the time slots when the accumulated answers of the user who is seeking advice meet the conditions set by the expert and reservations become possible.

[0269] The specialist designation section 1650 is an operation member that receives designation from the client to designate a specialist with whom to make a reservation.

[0270] The expert designation unit 1650 refers to the matching database 218, presents the client with information to help them decide whether or not to make a reservation, as shown in the figure, and accepts operations from the client to designate the time period for the reservation, the expert to make the reservation, etc.

[0271] The reservation slot operation section 1652 is an operation member that accepts an operation to make a reservation for a specified time period and expert.

[0272] The reservation slot operation unit 1652 updates the matching database 218 in response to the operation of the user of the client, assuming that the reservation has been established.

[0273] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0274] In the second embodiment, we will explain a technology that allows a lawyer, who is an expert, to set an appointment time with a client during a time period when the lawyer is available for a meeting, without the lawyer having to confirm the appointment himself, thereby reducing the effort required to arrange a schedule and preventing the appointment time from being filled with content that the lawyer did not intend.

[0275] In the second embodiment, a telephone answering service or a user designated by a lawyer (such as a secretary) may act as an intermediary in making an appointment with a client.

[0276] In the second embodiment, as explained in the first embodiment, the server 20 responds to the client in a chat format, and may also allow the client to make an appointment to meet with a lawyer depending on the accumulated status of the consultation content.

[0277] In the second embodiment, reservations may also be accepted via messages or call functions on the SNS.

[0278] In the second embodiment, the range of available appointment times for lawyers can be set depending on the route (channel) through which consultations are accepted. For example, when reservations are accepted through a telephone answering service or secretary, the lawyer may be allowed to accept appointments over a wide range of times, while inquiries from other channels may be allowed to have a narrower range of available appointment times. In this way, appointment times can be set without the lawyer having to confirm the appointment himself, reducing the lawyer's adjustment efforts and preventing unintended appointments from being booked.

[0279] In addition, in the second embodiment, the nature of the meeting (for example, a specific type of legal consultation, a job interview, etc.) can be set for the time periods during which reservations can be made, and reservations can be accepted according to that nature, thereby preventing excessive bias in the content of work (for example, if a ratio is set between a specific type of legal consultation and other types of legal consultation, work can be done according to that ratio), making it easier for lawyers to carry out the work they intend and to provide expert services.

[0280] As described above, in the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the degree to which reservation slots are released is determined depending on the contents of the reservation or the route (channel) of the reservation.

[0281] <5. Data Structure (Second Embodiment)> 20 is a diagram showing the data structure of the channel-specific reservation condition database 219. The channel-specific reservation condition database 219 includes an item "reservation slot ID," an item "expert user ID," an item "available reservation time slot," an item "number of meetings that can be set," an item "meeting time," an item "repetition setting," an item "reservation authority setting," an item "reservation availability," an item "reservation slot characteristics," and an item "reservation conditions."

[0282] The item "reservation slot ID" is information that identifies each reservation time slot during which an expert can provide consultation with a client, similar to the reservation slot database 214.

[0283] The item "expert user ID" is information for identifying the expert who will answer the client's question, similar to the appointment slot database 214.

[0284] The item "reservation available time slot" is information about the time slots during which reservations can be accepted, similar to the reservation slot database 214.

[0285] The item "number of meetings that can be scheduled" is information that indicates the number of times that meetings can be scheduled within a time slot in which reservations are accepted, similar to the appointment slot database 214.

[0286] The item "meeting time" is a setting of the time span for the meeting, similar to the reservation slot database 214.

[0287] The item "repetition setting" is information indicating whether or not a time slot available for reservation is set periodically, similarly to the reservation slot database 214.

[0288] The item "reservation authority setting" is information indicating the setting of authority to permit reservations for a time period during which reservations are accepted, for each channel that accepts reservations.

[0289] Specifically, the item "Reservation Authorization Settings" holds information on the settings for whether or not to accept reservations for available time slots depending on the channel, such as: For example, the settings for whether or not to accept reservations may differ for each channel, such as allowing telephone answering services to set reservations but not accepting reservations from clients contacted via social media. Bookings mediated by telephone answering services (telephone answering services contracted by the expert user) Bookings mediated by a specific user (e.g., a user acting as a secretary) designated by the expert user A reservation request from the chat consultation system provided by the server 20 (the chat consultation processing module 2044 responds to the consultation from the client in chat format while referring to the chat consultation history database 215) Reservations made through contact methods (messaging, telephone, etc.) such as SNS (SNS server 97, etc.) · Reservations made through a service that matches consultants with experts The item "reservation availability" is information indicating whether or not a reservation is accepted from a client for a time slot available for reservation, similar to the reservation slot database 214.

[0290] The item "reservation slot characteristics" is information about the characteristics of the meeting for which a reservation is accepted.

[0291] Specifically, the item "nature of appointment slot" allows the expert to specify the nature of the meeting in advance as follows, thereby providing the telephone answering service, etc. with information to decide whether or not to set up an appointment depending on the content of the meeting. Also, the server 20 may analyze the content of the consultation of the client, extract available time slots that match the item "nature of appointment slot", and present them to the client, expert, intermediary, etc. Legal consultation (furthermore, it may include specification of fields such as the item "major category" and the item "question category" in the question item setting database 213) ·Recruitment interview The item "reservation conditions" is information about the conditions under which reservations can be accepted for a time slot available for reservation.

[0292] Specifically, the item "reservation conditions" may receive from the expert the specification of opening conditions for accepting reservations, as follows: The person seeking advice has the intention to take action (for example, if the meeting is a job interview, the person seeking advice has either indicated that they have the intention to change jobs, or the intermediary has specified this). The subject of the consultation must be a specific field (for example, if the nature of the available time slot is "legal consultation" and more specifically "divorce consultation," the subject of the consultation must be divorce-related). The content of the consultation by the person seeking advice must be more specific than a certain level (for example, there must be enough information to identify the field of the consultation. For example, the server 95 of the large-scale language model service must be able to determine the field of the consultation based on the text entered by the person seeking advice). 21 is a diagram showing the data structure of the reservation request database 220. The reservation request database 220 includes an item "reservation request ID," an item "consultation channel," an item "expert user ID," an item "reservation slot ID," an item "reservation time," an item "participants," and an item "request conditions."

[0293] The item "reservation request ID" is information that identifies each reservation request to an expert.

[0294] The item "consultation channel" is information indicating a channel for consulting with an expert.

[0295] The item "expert user ID" is information for identifying the expert who will answer the question of the client.

[0296] The item "reservation slot ID" is information that identifies each reserved time slot during which an expert will provide consultation with a client.

[0297] Specifically, the item “reservation slot ID” corresponds to the item “reservation slot ID” of the channel-specific reservation condition database 219 .

[0298] The item "reservation time" is information about the time period when the reservation was made, similar to the matching database 218.

[0299] The item "Participants" is information about participants in the meeting related to the reservation.

[0300] Specifically, the item "Participants" acquires and stores information about participants in the meeting as follows: - Information such as participant names and email addresses entered voluntarily by the person acting as the intermediary for the reservation - Information such as the name and email address of the participant voluntarily entered by the inquirer The item "request conditions" is information about the conditions under which a reservation is accepted for a time slot available for reservation.

[0301] <6. Operation (Second Embodiment)> FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the flow of processing in which an intermediary accepts a consultation from a client and finalizes a reservation.

[0302] In step S2211, the terminal 10 accepts access to the operation screen from a user who is an intermediary who mediates the consultation request.

[0303] In step S2221, the schedule setting module 2050 of the server 20 refers to the channel reservation condition database 219 in accordance with the information on the channel that accepts consultations with experts, and presents to the intermediary user candidate time slots for the experts to accept reservations.

[0304] The server 20 is configured to manage information on time slots of second users who will accept reservations in the channel reservation condition database 219. The schedule setting module 2050 acquires information on channels that will accept inquiries from first users who wish to make reservations to second users who will accept reservations.

[0305] The schedule setting module 2050 accepts an operation from a second user to specify candidate time slots for accepting reservations from a first user in association with each of a plurality of channels. In response to the accepted specification from the second user, the schedule setting module 2050 updates, for each channel, information on time slots for accepting reservations by the second user in the channel-specific reservation condition database 219. The schedule setting module 2050 determines time slots for accepting reservations by the second user based on information on time slots corresponding to information on the channel inquired by the first user.

[0306] More specifically, in the channel-specific reservation conditions database 219, channel information includes at least one of the following: information on a telephone answering service that mediates reservation requests, information on a chat system that allows interaction with the first user in chat format, and information on a messaging tool that can send and receive messages with the first user.

[0307] The schedule setting module 2050 acquires at least one of the following channel information: information about a telephone answering service that mediates reservation requests, information about a chat system that allows chat-style interaction with the first user, and information about a messaging tool that can send and receive messages to and from the first user.

[0308] In the channel-specific reservation condition database 219, information on the time slots for second users to accept reservations and information on the number of reservations accepted within a certain period are managed for each channel in association with channel information. When the number of reservations accepted for each channel within a certain period reaches an upper limit, the schedule setting module 2050 determines that the time slots for accepting reservations for that channel within the certain period cannot be reserved, and updates the channel-specific reservation condition database 219.

[0309] Here, the schedule setting module 2050 may refer to information about the second user's schedule (for example, the server 20 communicates with a schedule management service used by the second user and obtains information about the schedule registered in the second user's calendar. The schedule information includes information about the schedule title, meeting time slots, etc. Also, for example, the server 20 obtains information about the second user's tasks from a task management service used by the second user), and by referring to information about the second user's business tasks, determine a time slot for accepting reservations with the first user in accordance with the second user's business tasks.

[0310] For example, if a specific task (e.g., working toward a court proceeding deadline, a case of a specific nature such as a criminal case) exists as a schedule or task for the second user's business tasks, the schedule setting module 2050 determines a time slot for accepting appointments with the first user that avoids the schedule or coincides with the estimated time for completing the task.

[0311] The scheduling module 2050 may determine a time slot for accepting an appointment with the first user depending on the information regarding the nature of the content of the first user's inquiry.

[0312] For example, if the urgency of the client's consultation request is low (for example, the request is not related to a specific case and is a general legal question, etc.), the schedule setting module 2050 may set the meeting for a later time than the immediate time slot.

[0313] Furthermore, the schedule setting module 2050 may also adjust the nearest available time slot if the level of urgency of the consultation request from the client is high (for example, if a warning letter has been sent in a dispute, or if a job interview needs to be prioritized). Furthermore, the schedule setting module 2050 may allow a client to make a reservation if the level of urgency of the consultation request from the client is high in this way, giving priority to other time slots for which adjustments are possible (for example, giving priority to schedules such as an internal one-on-one meeting, which involve a limited number of people and for which adjustments of the time slot are relatively easy).

[0314] The schedule setting module 2050 may refer to an evaluation score, which is evaluated by a first user on an external service based on the first user's use of the external service, and determine a time slot during which the second user can accept a reservation from the first user based on the evaluation score. For example, external services may include messaging services, payment services, and deposit / withdrawal management services, and these services may calculate user evaluation scores. The schedule setting module 2050 may set an appointment with the user of the client in a manner that enhances convenience for the client, such as by expanding the range of available time slots or allowing reservations to be made during preferentially available time slots, if the user's score on the external service is good.

[0315] In step S2213, the terminal 10 receives, from the intermediary user, information about the client regarding the conditions for accepting a reservation request and an operation to specify a time frame.

[0316] In step S2223, if the conditions for accepting a reservation are met, the schedule setting module 2050 of the server 20 updates the reservation request database 220 by determining that the reservation has been made according to the time frame specified by the intermediary. The schedule setting module 2050 notifies the intermediary that the reservation between the client and the expert has been made.

[0317] In this way, the schedule setting module 2050 determines the time slot for the second user to accept the reservation according to the acquired inquiry channel information, updates the reservation request database 220, and confirms the reservation request from the first user as a reservation in the determined time slot.

[0318] The schedule setting module 2050 determines the time slot for accepting reservations from the first user without requiring the second user to perform an operation to confirm the time slot.

[0319] The schedule setting module 2050, upon commission from a second user (expert), causes a third user (intermediary) to accept an inquiry from a first user (client). The schedule setting module 2050 accepts an operation from the third user to determine a time slot for an appointment between the first user and the second user. The schedule setting module 2050 accepts an operation from the third user to determine one or more time slots for accepting reservations for each of multiple inquiries from the first user. The schedule setting module 2050 accepts reservations collectively from the intermediary user for multiple inquiries from clients and updates the reservation request database 220.

[0320] In step S2215, the terminal 10 displays that the appointment between the client and the expert has been established.

[0321] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the flow of processing for accepting a consultation from a client, extracting a time slot available for reservation, and finalizing a reservation according to the client's specification.

[0322] In step S2311, the terminal 10 accepts access to the operation screen from the user who is the client.

[0323] In step S2321, the schedule setting module 2050 of the server 20 presents the client with an operation screen for accepting input of consultation details related to the reservation request.

[0324] In step S2313, the terminal 10 receives input from the client regarding conditions for accepting a reservation request.

[0325] In step S2323, the schedule setting module 2050 of the server 20 refers to the channel reservation condition database 219 in accordance with the information on the channel for receiving the consultation from the client, and if the conditions for accepting a reservation are met, extracts a time slot in which a reservation request can be accepted and presents it to the client.

[0326] The schedule setting module 2050 presents the first user with time slots for accepting reservation requests, accepts an operation from the first user to specify a time slot for making a reservation from the presented time slots, and confirms the reservation based on the time slot specified by the first user, thereby updating the reservation request database 220.

[0327] The schedule setting module 2050 accepts an operation from a second user to specify candidate time slots for accepting reservations from a first user in association with each of a plurality of channels. In response to the accepted specification from the second user, the schedule setting module 2050 updates, for each channel, information on time slots for accepting reservations by the second user in the channel-specific reservation condition database 219. The schedule setting module 2050 determines time slots for accepting reservations by the second user based on information on time slots corresponding to information on the channel inquired by the first user.

[0328] In the channel-specific reservation condition database 219, information on the time slots for second users to accept reservations and information on the number of reservations accepted within a certain period are managed for each channel in association with channel information. When the number of reservations accepted for each channel within a certain period reaches an upper limit, the schedule setting module 2050 determines that the time slots for accepting reservations for that channel within the certain period cannot be reserved, and updates the channel-specific reservation condition database 219.

[0329] Here, the schedule setting module 2050 may refer to information about the second user's schedule (for example, the server 20 communicates with a schedule management service used by the second user and obtains information about the schedule registered in the second user's calendar. The schedule information includes information about the schedule title, meeting time slots, etc. Also, for example, the server 20 obtains information about the second user's tasks from a task management service used by the second user), and by referring to information about the second user's business tasks, determine a time slot for accepting reservations with the first user in accordance with the second user's business tasks.

[0330] The scheduling module 2050 may determine a time slot for accepting an appointment with the first user depending on the information regarding the nature of the content of the first user's inquiry.

[0331] The schedule setting module 2050 may refer to an evaluation score given by an external service to a first user based on the first user's use of the external service, and determine a time slot during which a second user can accept a reservation from the first user based on the evaluation score.

[0332] In step S2315, the terminal 10 accepts an operation from the client to request a reservation by specifying a time slot.

[0333] In step S2325, the schedule setting module 2050 of the server 20 updates the reservation request database 220 to assume that the reservation has been accepted for the specified time frame, and notifies the client and the specialist.

[0334] The schedule setting module 2050 may determine the time slot for accepting reservations from the first user without requiring the second user to perform an operation to confirm the time slot.

[0335] In step S2315, the terminal 10 displays that the reservation has been accepted.

[0336] <7 Screen Example (Second Embodiment)> FIG. 24 shows an example of an operation screen for accepting an operation to make a reservation from an intermediary user according to the contents of the request.

[0337] The operation screen 2400 is an operation screen for accepting an operation from the intermediary user to make a reservation for an expert to act on behalf of the client regarding the consultation.

[0338] The operation screen 2400 corresponds to the example in FIG.

[0339] The account area 2402 is an area that displays information about the intermediary user's account.

[0340] The client information area 2404 is an area for displaying information about the client.

[0341] The client name designation section 2406 is an operation member for receiving designation of information for identifying a client, such as the client's name or appellation.

[0342] The consultation content designation section 2408 is an operation member that accepts the designation of the consultation content of the client.

[0343] The consultation content designation section 2408 corresponds to step S2213 in FIG.

[0344] The reservation slot area 2410 is an area that displays the reservation of the time slot for a meeting with a specialist regarding the consultation of the client.

[0345] The reservation frame area 2410 corresponds to step S2213 in FIG.

[0346] The expert designation section 2412 is an operation member that receives, from the intermediary, the designation of the time period for the consultation to be reserved by the client.

[0347] As shown in the figure, the expert designation unit 2412 refers to the channel-specific reservation condition database 219 and displays candidate time slots for when an expert can be booked, depending on the channel that accepts the client's consultation (in the example of FIG. 24, an intermediary such as a telephone answering service), the content of the client's consultation, etc.

[0348] The reservation confirmation operation section 2414 is an operation member that accepts an operation to confirm a reservation with a specialist for a specified time period.

[0349] The reservation confirmation operation unit 2414 updates the reservation request database 220 in response to the operation of the intermediary user, assuming that the reservation has been established.

[0350] FIG. 25 shows an example of an operation screen that accepts an operation from a requesting user to make a reservation for a time slot extracted according to the content of the request.

[0351] The reservation slot area 2416 is an area that displays the time slots during which a reservation with an expert is accepted for the user of the consultation, depending on the input status of the consultation content of the user in the chat system.

[0352] The reservation frame area 2416 corresponds to an example of the processing of step S2315 in FIG.

[0353] The expert designation section 2418 is an operation member that accepts from the client a designation of a time period for which the client will make a reservation with an expert.

[0354] <Modification> The above-described embodiments (first embodiment and second embodiment) may be combined. In addition to the aspects described in the above-described embodiments, the following may be adopted.

[0355] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the inventions.

[0356] The functions performed by the components described herein may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to perform the described functions. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is considered to be circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may also be a programmed processor that executes programs stored in memory.

[0357] In this specification, a circuitry, unit, or means is hardware that is programmed to realize or performs the described functions, which may be any hardware disclosed herein or any hardware known to be programmed to realize or perform the described functions.

[0358] If the hardware is a processor considered to be a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of the hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0359] <Additional Notes> The matters explained in the above embodiment will be supplemented below.

[0360] <Additional notes on the first embodiment>

[0361] (Appendix 1) a storage unit configured to manage question items to be presented to a first user who is seeking advice; and a storage unit configured to have each of a plurality of second users, who are experts in responding to the advice of the person seeking advice, manage settings of notification conditions based on the question items. The program causes the one or more computer processors to execute the following steps: presenting a question to the first user based on the question items; accepting input of an answer to the item from the first user who presented the question; storing the answer accepted from the first user in association with the item related to the question in the storage unit; determining whether the accumulation status of the first user's input content for each item in the storage unit satisfies the notification conditions managed in the storage unit; and, if it is determined that the notification conditions are met, outputting the consultation content of the first user to the second user who set the conditions.

[0362] (Appendix 2) The program further causes one or more computer processors to execute the steps of accepting an operation to set a weight for each of a plurality of question items from each of a plurality of second users, and storing the setting of the second user in a memory unit in response to accepting the weight setting, and in the determining step, determines whether the notification conditions for each of the plurality of second users are met depending on the accumulation status of the input content of the first user for each item and the weight setting of each item for each second user stored in the memory unit.

[0363] (Appendix 3) The program of Appendix 2, wherein in the determining step, the program determines whether the input content of the first user exceeds a threshold value based on the accumulation status of the first user's input content for each item and the weighting settings for each item of each second user stored in the memory unit, thereby determining whether the notification conditions are met, and the program further causes one or more computer processors to execute a step of booking a consultation by associating a time slot for consultation with the second user who meets the notification conditions with the first user.

[0364] (Appendix 4) The program according to appendix 3, wherein in the determining step, it is determined that the notification conditions are met if a predetermined item among a plurality of question items is answered.

[0365] (Appendix 5) The program described in any of Appendices 3 to 4, further configuring one or more computer processors to present different pricing plans to the first user for the cost of the second user's consultation depending on whether or not the first user has answered the multiple question items or the content of the answer.

[0366] (Appendix 6) A program as described in any of Appendices 3 to 5, wherein in the step of reserving a consultation, settings of a time slot for consultation with the first user and conditions to be used for reserving the time slot with the first user are accepted from each of a plurality of second users and stored in a memory unit, and if the input content of the first user satisfies the conditions to be used for reserving the time slot, a consultation between the second user and the first user is reserved for the time slot that satisfies the conditions.

[0367] (Appendix 7) A program described in any of Appendices 1 to 6, wherein in the step of presenting a question and the step of accepting answer input, the chat system responds to the first user and accepts answer input from the first user, and in the storing step, the answer is accumulated in a corresponding item among multiple question items based on the input content of the first user in the chat system.

[0368] (Appendix 8) A program as described in Appendix 7, in which, in the step of presenting a question, a memory unit is referenced, and if the accumulated answers of the first user to one of a plurality of question items are below a certain level, a question based on that item is presented to the first user.

[0369] (Appendix 9) The program according to claim 8, wherein a storage unit stores consultation contents of a client and answers from experts to the consultation contents, and generates questions to be presented to the first user based on the consultation contents of the client and the answers from the experts stored in the storage unit.

[0370] (Appendix 10) a storage unit configured to manage question items to be presented to a first user who is seeking advice; and a storage unit configured to allow each of a plurality of second users, who are experts in responding to the advice of the person seeking advice, to manage notification condition settings based on the question items. The method includes the following steps executed by the one or more computer processors: presenting a question to the first user based on the question items; accepting an answer to the item from the first user who presented the question; storing the answer accepted from the first user in association with the question item in the storage unit; determining whether the accumulation status of the first user's input content for each item in the storage unit satisfies the notification conditions managed in the storage unit; and, if it is determined that the notification conditions are met, outputting the consultation content of the first user to the second user who set the condition.

[0371] (Appendix 11) an information processing device configured in a memory unit to manage question items to be presented to a first user who is a seeker; and configured in the memory unit for each of a plurality of second users who are experts who respond to the seeker's consultation to manage settings of notification conditions based on the question items; a control unit of the information processing device executes the following steps: presenting a question to the first user based on the question items; accepting input of an answer to the item from the first user who presented the question; storing the answer accepted from the first user in association with the item related to the question in the memory unit; determining whether the accumulation status of the first user's input content for each item in the memory unit satisfies the notification conditions managed in the memory unit; and, if it is determined that the notification conditions are satisfied, outputting the consultation content of the first user to the second user who set the condition.

[0372] <Additional notes on the second embodiment>

[0373] (Appendix 1) A program for operating a computer having one or more computer processors, configured to manage, in a memory unit, information on time slots for second users who accept reservations, the program causing the one or more computer processors to execute the steps of: acquiring information on a channel that accepts inquiries from a first user who wishes to make a reservation to the second user who accepts the reservation; determining a time slot for the second user to accept reservations based on the acquired information on the channel of the inquiry; and confirming the reservation request from the first user as a reservation for the determined time slot.

[0374] (Appendix 2) A program as described in Appendix 1, in which, in the determining step, a time slot is determined without requiring the second user to confirm the time slot for accepting reservations from the first user.

[0375] (Appendix 3) The program described in Appendix 2, wherein in the confirmation step, the time slot determined in the determination step is presented to the first user, an operation is received from the first user to specify a time slot to make a reservation from among the presented time slots, and the reservation is confirmed based on the time slot specified by the first user.

[0376] (Appendix 4) A program described in any of Appendices 1 to 3, wherein in the determining step, an operation is received from a second user specifying candidate time slots for accepting reservations from a first user in association with each of a plurality of channels, and information on time slots for accepting reservations by the second user is updated for each channel in a memory unit in accordance with the received designation from the second user, and the time slots for accepting reservations by the second user are determined based on information on time slots corresponding to information on the channel inquired by the first user.

[0377] (Appendix 5) A program as described in Appendix 4, wherein in the acquiring step, the channel information to be acquired is at least one of information about a telephone answering service that mediates reservation requests, information about a chat system that interacts with the first user in chat format, and information about a messaging tool that can send and receive messages with the first user.

[0378] (Appendix 6) A program described in any of Appendices 4 to 5, in which a memory unit manages, for each channel, information on the time slots for second users to accept reservations and information on the number of reservations to be accepted within a certain period, in association with channel information, and in the determining step, when the number of reservations to be accepted for each channel within a certain period reaches an upper limit, the program determines that the time slot for accepting reservations for that channel within that certain period cannot be reserved.

[0379] (Appendix 7) A program described in any of Appendices 1 to 6, in which, in the determining step, a time slot for accepting reservations with the first user is determined based on the second user's business tasks by referring to information about the second user's business tasks.

[0380] (Appendix 8) A program described in any of appendices 1 to 7, wherein in the determining step, a time slot for accepting a reservation with the first user is determined depending on information regarding the nature of the content of the first user's inquiry.

[0381] (Appendix 9) A program described in any of Appendices 1 to 8, wherein in the determining step, the program determines a time slot in which the second user can accept a reservation from the first user based on the evaluation score obtained by the first user on an external service through use of the external service.

[0382] (Appendix 10) The program described in any of Appendices 1 to 9 further causes one or more computer processors to execute the steps of having a third user accept an inquiry from the first user at the request of the second user, and accepting from the third user an operation to determine a time slot for reservations between the first user and the second user, and accepting from the third user an operation to determine one or more time slots for accepting reservations for each of a plurality of inquiries from the first user.

[0383] (Appendix 11) A method executed by a computer having one or more computer processors, configured to manage, in a memory unit, information on time slots for second users who accept reservations, wherein the one or more computer processors execute the following steps: acquiring, from a first user who wishes to make a reservation, information on a channel that accepts inquiries to the second user who accepts the reservation; determining, in accordance with the acquired information on the channel of the inquiry, a time slot for the second user to accept reservations; and confirming the reservation request from the first user as a reservation for the determined time slot.

[0384] (Appendix 12) An information processing device configured to manage information on time slots for a second user who accepts a reservation in a memory unit, wherein a control unit of the information processing device executes the steps of: acquiring information on a channel that accepts inquiries from a first user who wishes to make a reservation to the second user who accepts the reservation; determining a time slot for the second user to accept the reservation according to the acquired information on the channel of the inquiry; and confirming the reservation request from the first user as a reservation for the determined time slot.

Claims

1. A program for operating a computer having one or more computer processors, The storage unit is configured to manage question items to be presented to the first user who is the seeker, the storage unit is configured such that each of a plurality of second users who are experts who respond to the consultation of the client manages a setting of a notification condition based on the item of the question, The program causes the one or more computer processors to: presenting a question to the first user based on the question item; receiving an input of an answer to the item from a first user who posed the question; storing an answer input from the first user in association with an item related to the question in the storage unit; determining whether the storage status of the input contents of the first user for each item in the storage unit satisfies the notification condition managed by the storage unit; and when it is determined that the notification condition is met, outputting the consultation content of the first user to the second user who set the condition.

2. The program further causes the one or more computer processors to: receiving an operation to set a weight for each of the plurality of question items from each of the plurality of second users; and in response to receiving the weighting setting, causing the storage unit to store the setting of the second user; The program of claim 1, wherein in the determining step, it is determined whether the notification conditions for each of the multiple second users are met based on the accumulation status of the input content of the first user for each item and the weighting settings for each item of each second user stored in the memory unit.

3. In the determining step, determining whether the input content of the first user exceeds a threshold value according to an accumulation status of the input content of the first user for each item and a weighting setting for each item of each second user stored in the storage unit, thereby determining whether the condition for notification is satisfied; The program further causes the one or more computer processors to: The program of claim 2 , further comprising the step of reserving a consultation by associating a time slot for a consultation with the second user who meets the notification condition with the first user.

4. 4. The program according to claim 3, wherein in the determining step, it is determined that the condition for notification is met if a predetermined item among the plurality of question items is answered.

5. The program further causes the one or more computer processors to: The program according to claim 3, wherein different fee plans for the cost of the consultation by the second user are presented to the first user depending on whether or not the first user has answered the plurality of question items or the content of the answer.

6. In the step of reserving a consultation, a time slot for a consultation with the first user and a setting of a condition for using the time slot for a reservation with the first user are accepted from each of the second users, and the setting is stored in the storage unit; The program according to claim 3, wherein if the input content of the first user satisfies the conditions used for reservation for the time slot, a consultation between the second user and the first user is booked for the time slot that satisfies the conditions.

7. In the step of presenting the question and the step of accepting the input of the answer, a chat system responds to the first user to accept the input of the answer from the first user; 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein said storing step stores an answer to a corresponding item among said plurality of question items based on the input contents of said first user in said chat system.

8. The program of claim 7, wherein in the step of presenting the question, the storage unit is referenced, and if the accumulated answers of the first user for one of the multiple question items are below a certain level, a question based on that item is presented to the first user.

9. The storage unit stores consultation contents of the client and answers of the expert to the consultation contents, 9. The program according to claim 8, further comprising: generating a question to be presented to the first user based on the consultation content of the client and the answer of the expert stored in the storage unit.

10. 1. A computer-implemented method having one or more computer processors, comprising: The storage unit is configured to manage question items to be presented to the first user who is the seeker, the storage unit is configured such that each of a plurality of second users who are experts who respond to the consultation of the client manages a setting of a notification condition based on the item of the question, The method further comprises the step of: presenting a question to the first user based on the question item; receiving an input of an answer to the item from a first user who posed the question; storing an answer input from the first user in association with an item related to the question in the storage unit; determining whether the storage status of the input contents of the first user for each item in the storage unit satisfies the notification condition managed by the storage unit; and when it is determined that the notification condition is met, outputting the consultation content of the first user to the second user who set the condition.

11. An information processing device, The storage unit is configured to manage question items to be presented to the first user who is the seeker, the storage unit is configured such that each of a plurality of second users who are experts who respond to the consultation of the client manages a setting of a notification condition based on the item of the question, a control unit of the information processing device, presenting a question to the first user based on the question item; receiving an input of an answer to the item from a first user who posed the question; storing an answer input from the first user in association with an item related to the question in the storage unit; determining whether the storage status of the input contents of the first user for each item in the storage unit satisfies the notification condition managed by the storage unit; and when it is determined that the notification condition is met, outputting the consultation content of the first user to the second user who set the condition.

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