Information processing device, information processing method, program, and information processing system

Abstract

This will enable more consistent information input from the target individuals. [Solution] An information processing device comprising: a calculation unit that calculates the subject's self-efficacy data based on the subject's input status for one or more display items that request information input and the burden values ​​set for one or more display items presented to the subject; a determination unit that determines input condition data, which is data for display items to be presented to the subject, according to the self-efficacy data; and an output control unit that controls the output of the display items according to the input condition data.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known a service that manages data on the behavior of a target person on a server and provides appropriate advice to the target person via a smartphone or the like. The method for acquiring behavior data includes a method using sensors provided in a smartphone or the like and a method of manual input by the target person using a smartphone or the like. In the method using sensors, data on the behavior of the target person can be automatically acquired without making the target person aware, but for behaviors that are difficult to acquire with sensors, manual input by the target person is required.

[0003] As one of the data on behaviors that are difficult to automatically acquire by sensors, for example, those related to meals can be cited. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology of a meal recording system that causes a target person to take a picture of a meal and upload the taken image, and acquires various data on the content of the meal by analyzing the taken image on a server.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, if the recognition of the taken image is not correctly performed on the server, manual information input by the target person is required again. In manual information input, if there are many types of required data, the psychological burden on the target person increases, and there is a problem that the risk of service abandonment increases.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved information processing device, information processing method, program, and information processing system that can enable the subject to continue inputting information more continuously. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing device is provided, comprising: a calculation unit that calculates self-efficacy data of a subject based on the subject's input status to one or more display items that request information input and burden values ​​set for one or more display items presented to the subject; a determination unit that determines input condition data, which is data for display items to be presented to the subject, according to the self-efficacy data; and an output control unit that controls the output of the display items according to the input condition data.

[0008] The calculation unit may calculate the ratio of the daily burden value incurred by the information input operations performed by the subject to the sum of the burden values ​​set for one or more display items presented to the subject in one day, as the self-efficacy data.

[0009] The determination unit may determine the input condition data to reduce the amount of information input required from the subject if the self-efficacy data is smaller than the target range.

[0010] The determination unit may determine the input condition data to increase the amount of information input required from the subject if the self-efficacy data is greater than the target range.

[0011] The information processing device further comprises an adjustment rate calculation unit that calculates an adjustment rate according to the self-efficacy data, and a setting unit that sets a burden value used to determine the input condition data, wherein the setting unit may change the most recently set setting burden value based on the adjustment rate, and the determination unit may determine the input condition data according to the changed setting burden value.

[0012] The adjustment rate may be a negative value if the self-efficacy data is smaller than the target range, and a positive value if the self-efficacy data is larger than the target range.

[0013] The determination unit may use a prompt data control description, which describes the time at which the display item is presented and the prompt ID associated with the display item, as the input condition data.

[0014] The output control unit may perform control to output the prompt ID.

[0015] The output control unit may perform control to output prompt data, which includes the content of the display item, corresponding to the prompt ID.

[0016] The output control unit may perform control to output information for the display item presentation screen generated based on prompt data including the content of the display item, which corresponds to the prompt ID.

[0017] The calculation unit may calculate the self-efficacy data based on the input status of the subject over a certain period of time.

[0018] The aforementioned burden value may also be the estimated number of seconds that are expected to be required for the operation of inputting information for the aforementioned display item.

[0019] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing method is provided in which a processor calculates self-efficacy data of a subject based on the subject's input status to one or more display items that request information input and the burden values ​​set for one or more display items presented to the subject; determines input condition data, which is data for display items to be presented to the subject, according to the self-efficacy data; and controls the output of the display items according to the input condition data.

[0020] Also, according to another aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems, a computer is configured to calculate the self-efficacy data of the subject based on the input situation of the subject with respect to one or more display items that require information input and the burden value set for the one or more display items presented to the subject, and a determination unit that determines input condition data, which is data about the display items to be presented to the subject, according to the self-efficacy data, and an output control unit that performs control to output the display items according to the input condition data. A program is provided for causing the computer to function as such.

[0021] Also, according to another aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems, an information processing system including a server and an information processing terminal having a display unit, wherein the information processing system calculates the self-efficacy data of the subject based on the input situation of the subject with respect to one or more display items that require information input and the burden value set for the one or more display items presented to the subject, and a determination unit that determines input condition data, which is data about the display items to be presented to the subject, according to the self-efficacy data, and an output control unit that performs control to output the display items according to the input condition data. The information processing terminal performs control to display the display items on the display unit. An information processing system is provided.

Effect of the Invention

[0022] <U+ As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to make the information input by the subject more continuous.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an information input system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of prompt data according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4]It is a diagram showing an example of prompt data control description definition data according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of a display screen (information input screen) for presenting display items according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining an example of calculating self - efficacy data according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining the calculation of the adjustment rate according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of an advice display screen according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the client terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process flow of the information input system 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus 900 as an example of the server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0025] <1. Outline of Information Input System> Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information input system (an example of an information processing system) that enables more continuous information input by a target person.

[0026] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an information input system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the information input system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a server 10 and a client terminal 20. The server 10 and the client terminal 20 are communicatively connected via a network 30 and can transmit and receive data.

[0027] The client terminal 20 is an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, HMD (head-mounted display), or smartwatch used by the target person. The target person inputs information about a predetermined action into the client terminal 20, and the client terminal 20 transmits the input information to the server 10.

[0028] Server 10 analyzes the input information and performs processing to provide appropriate advice to the subject as needed. In this embodiment, the subject inputs information about their diet, and Server 10 provides the subject with advice to support healthy eating behaviors.

[0029] For such services, it is desirable for users to continuously input information. However, as mentioned above, a large variety of data required increases the psychological burden on users to input information, raising the risk of them abandoning the service.

[0030] Therefore, the inventor of this invention, focusing on the above circumstances, has created an information input system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to encourage the subject to continue inputting information by adjusting the information input request according to the subject's information input status. The configuration and operation of the information input system according to such an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0031] <2. Server 10 Configuration> Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the server 10 has a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, and a storage unit 130.

[0032] (Communications Department 110) The communication unit 110 is comprised of a communication interface and communicates with the client terminal 20 via the network 30.

[0033] (Control unit 120) The control unit 120 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and other components, and its functions can be realized when the program stored in the storage unit 130 is loaded into RAM (Random Access Memory) by the CPU and executed. In this case, a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded may also be provided. Alternatively, the control unit 120 may be composed of dedicated hardware or a combination of multiple hardware components.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 120 includes a burden value setting unit 121, an input condition determination unit 122, an output control unit 123, an input information acquisition unit 124, a self-efficacy data calculation unit 125, an advice generation unit 126, and an adjustment rate calculation unit 127.

[0035] The burden value setting unit 121 sets a burden value that quantifies the burden on the user to input information. The burden value may be, for example, the time it takes to input information. In this embodiment, the burden value is the number of seconds it takes to perform the information input operation per day. The burden value setting unit 121 may set the burden value to a default value when the user starts using the service, and then adjust the burden value according to the adjustment rate calculated by the adjustment rate calculation unit 127, which will be described later.

[0036] The input condition determination unit 122 determines the information input conditions based on the burden value set by the burden value setting unit 121. The information input conditions consist of a prompt data control description that includes a prompt ID associated with a display item (question sentence) that requests information input. A prompt ID is associated with a pre-prepared display item (question sentence), and by generating the prompt data control description, one or more display items (question sentences) to be presented to the subject can be determined.

[0037] In this embodiment, prompt data, which includes a display item (question) requesting information input, a burden value which is the estimated number of seconds required to input information for the display item, answer choices, and a prompt ID, can be stored in the storage unit 130 in advance. A detailed explanation will follow with reference to Figure 3.

[0038] Figure 3 shows an example of prompt data according to this embodiment. As shown in the prompt data 300 in Figure 3, each question (an example of a display item) for prompts ID1 to ID10 is assumed to take 10 seconds to answer (i.e., a burden value of 10), while the question for prompt ID11 is assumed to take 120 seconds to answer (i.e., a burden value of 120). The question for prompt ID11 is intended, for example, to prompt the subject to input details about the menu and quantity of a meal.

[0039] Furthermore, examples of prompt data include, for instance, Prompt ID 1: Question "Looking back on the day, was the amount of food you ate today appropriate?", and answer choices "Eat until you're 80% full, Eat too much, Eat too little". Note that the square marks in the question text shown in Figure 3 are replaced with either "morning," "noon," or "evening" depending on the time of day the question is presented. The prompt data shown in Figure 3 can be arbitrarily generated in advance by the service provider, for example.

[0040] The prompt data control description generated using the prompt ID will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 shows an example of prompt data control description definition data according to this embodiment. Such definition data can be arbitrarily generated in advance by, for example, the service provider.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the prompt data control description definition data 310 includes a prompt data control description for each set burden value. Each prompt data control description consists of the time (timing) of question presentation and the prompt ID of the question sentence to be presented at that time.

[0042] For example, if the "set burden value is 10", a question with prompt ID 1 (burden value 10) is presented at 22:00; if the "set burden value is 20", questions with prompt ID 1 (burden value 10) and prompt ID 2 (burden value 10) are presented at 22:00 (total burden value 20); and if the "set burden value is 100", questions with prompt IDs 6 to 8 (each with a burden value of 10) are presented at 9:00, similar questions are presented at 13:00, similar questions are presented at 20:00, and a question with prompt ID 5 (burden value 10) is presented at 22:00 (total burden value 100). The input condition determination unit 122 obtains a prompt data control description corresponding to the set burden value based on the burden value set by the burden value setting unit 121 (set burden value) and the prompt data control description definition data 310, and determines it as an input condition. The input condition determination unit 122 may also select a prompt data control description with the burden value closest to the burden value set by the burden value setting unit 121 from the prompt data control description definition data 310. Furthermore, the prompt data control description definition data 310 shown in Figure 4 is just one example; for example, a prompt data control description with more finely divided setting burden values ​​may be defined.

[0043] The input condition determination unit 122 outputs the determined prompt data control description to the output control unit 123 and the self-efficacy data calculation unit 125.

[0044] The output control unit 123 performs output control to output data from the communication unit 110 via the network 30. For example, at the timing included in the prompt data control description determined by the input condition determination unit 122, the output control unit 123 controls the transmission of prompt data corresponding to the prompt ID corresponding to that time from the communication unit 110 to the client terminal 20 via the network 30. As explained with reference to Figure 3, the prompt data includes at least a question (display items) and answer choices. The client terminal 20 generates a display screen that presents the question (display items) based on the prompt data and displays it on the display unit. The user inputs information for the display items on the client terminal 20.

[0045] Figure 5 shows an example of a display screen (information input screen) that presents display items according to this embodiment. Here, we assume a display screen that is displayed on the client terminal 20 when the prompt data control description for "Setting burden value 100" shown in Figure 4 is determined by the input condition determination unit 122, and the output control unit 123 sends each prompt data corresponding to prompt IDs 6 to 8 to the client terminal 20 at 20:00 based on the prompt data control description. If the client terminal 20 receives multiple prompt data corresponding to prompt IDs, it may sequentially display a display screen that presents a question and answer choices based on each prompt data. The display screen 400 shown in Figure 5 is an example of a display screen that is generated and displayed based on prompt data corresponding to prompt ID 7. In the prompt data question "Regarding the meal at □, was the amount of food appropriate?", the part marked with □ is replaced according to the time of day, so for example, as shown in Figure 5, the question "Regarding the evening meal, was the amount of food appropriate?" is displayed. Furthermore, based on the response options in the prompt data, the options "Eat until you're 80% full," "Eat too much," and "Eat too little" are displayed as shown in Figure 5, and the subject can input information (answer) by tapping any of the options. Once information is entered, the client terminal 20 presents a display screen based on the next prompt data (for example, the prompt data for prompt ID 8). The client terminal 20 sends the information entered by the subject (each answer to the displayed item) to the server 10.

[0046] In the example described above, the output control unit 123 is shown to send prompt data corresponding to the prompt ID to the client terminal 20, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The output control unit 123 may also send the prompt ID to the client terminal 20. In this case, assuming that the client terminal 20 has the prompt data shown in Figure 3 in advance, the client terminal 20 may generate a display screen based on the prompt data corresponding to the prompt ID sent from the server 10.

[0047] Alternatively, the output control unit 123 may generate a display screen based on prompt data corresponding to a prompt ID, transmit information of the generated display screen to the client terminal 20, and control the client terminal 20 to display the said display screen.

[0048] The input information acquisition unit 124 acquires information entered by the subject for each display item from the data received by the communication unit 110 from the client terminal 20. The input information acquisition unit 124 outputs the acquired input information to the self-efficacy data calculation unit 125 and the advice generation unit 126.

[0049] The self-efficacy data calculation unit 125 calculates the subject's self-efficacy data based on the subject's input status, which is determined from the subject's input information. The subject's self-efficacy data is a numerical value calculated based on the estimated number of seconds required for the operation, representing the degree to which the subject has performed information input. It can be considered as the subject's confidence in completing the information input operation (so-called self-efficacy). The self-efficacy data calculation unit 125 calculates the self-efficacy data based on the subject's input status at regular intervals and outputs the calculation result to the adjustment rate calculation unit 127.

[0050] A specific example of calculating self-efficacy data will be explained. The self-efficacy data calculation unit 125 calculates, for example, every three days, the ratio of the sum of the burden values ​​of the actual information input by the subject (an example of input status) to the sum of the burden values ​​(estimated number of seconds required for information input operations) of the input condition data (information input expected from the subject) output from the input condition determination unit 122, as self-efficacy data. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of self-efficacy data calculation according to this embodiment.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 6, we will explain using the case where the input condition data is the set burden value of 100 shown in Figure 5. First, the self-efficacy data calculation unit 125 calculates the sum of the burden values ​​per day based on the input condition data output from the input condition determination unit 122. As shown in Figure 6, based on the input condition data, it is understood that prompt IDs 5 to 8 are presented to the subject once, three times, three times, and three times, respectively, every day. The self-efficacy data calculation unit 125 refers to the prompt data (Figure 3) which includes the burden value (estimated number of seconds) for each prompt ID, and calculates the sum of the burden values ​​per day as 100 seconds, based on the fact that the burden value corresponding to prompt IDs 5 to 8 is 10 seconds for all of them.

[0052] Furthermore, the self-efficacy data calculation unit 125 obtains the number of responses to each of prompt IDs 5 to 8 over the past three days (more specifically, the number of times information is entered for the display items (question text) included in the prompt data corresponding to the prompt ID) from the subject's input status over the past three days, and calculates the total daily load value. For example, if the number of responses to the question with prompt ID 5 was 3, the number of responses to the question with prompt ID 6 was 1, the number of responses to the question with prompt ID 7 was 1, and the number of responses to the question with prompt ID 8 was 1, the self-efficacy data calculation unit 125 calculates the total load value of the subject for information input over the three days as 60 (seconds) using the formula 3 × 10 + 1 × 10 + 1 × 10 + 1 × 10, and further calculates the daily amount as 20 (seconds). Note that the calculation method is not particularly limited, and as shown in Figure 6, the daily load value of the subject may be calculated for each prompt ID and their sum (daily total) may be calculated.

[0053] The self-efficacy data calculation unit 125 then calculates a self-efficacy data of "20%" from the ratio of the total load value of the input condition data, "100," to the actual total load value of the subject per day, "20," calculated from the input status. The higher the self-efficacy data, the higher the subject's motivation to input information and the more leeway they can be considered to have in terms of the burden of information input.

[0054] The adjustment rate calculation unit 127 calculates an adjustment rate to adjust the burden value to be set based on the self-efficacy data calculated by the self-efficacy data calculation unit 125, and outputs the calculation result to the burden value setting unit 121. In this embodiment, by using the adjustment rate to adjust the burden value for determining the conditions for information input required of the target person, it is possible to reduce the psychological burden on the target person and reduce the risk of service dropout.

[0055] The adjustment rate indicates, for example as a percentage, how much the burden value (set burden value), which is the estimated number of seconds per day that a subject takes to input information, as set by the burden value setting unit 121, will be changed. For example, if the adjustment rate is -50%, the set burden value will be reduced by 50%, and if the adjustment rate is +20%, the set burden value will be increased by 20%.

[0056] The adjustment rate calculation unit 127 sets the adjustment rate to a negative value if the self-efficacy data is smaller than the defined target range, and to a positive value if the self-efficacy data is larger than the target range. A detailed explanation follows with reference to Figure 7.

[0057] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the calculation of the adjustment rate according to this embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 7, the target range for self-efficacy data is set to 80% to 90%. The adjustment rate calculation unit 127 calculates the adjustment rate such that if the self-efficacy data is 0% to 80%, the adjustment rate R is -80% to 0%, and if the self-efficacy data is 90% to 100%, the adjustment rate is 0% to +20%. In the example shown in Figure 7, the adjustment rate calculation unit 127 sets the adjustment rate R to -50% when the self-efficacy data is 20%. Note that the target range for self-efficacy data and the corresponding adjustment rate R shown in Figure 7 are just examples, and this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0058] The adjustment rate calculation unit 127 outputs the calculated adjustment rate to the burden value setting unit 121. The burden value setting unit 121 adjusts the most recently set burden value based on the adjustment rate output from the adjustment rate calculation unit 127.

[0059] The advice generation unit 126 generates advice for the subject based on the input information (the subject's answer to the question) output from the input information acquisition unit 124 and outputs it to the output control unit 123. The method of generating advice is not particularly limited, but for example, a list of advice associated with answer choices may be prepared in advance, and the advice generation unit 126 may acquire the advice associated with the answer selected by the subject from this list of advice and output it. The advice output from the advice generation unit 126 is transmitted from the communication unit 110 to the client terminal 20 by the output control unit 123 and provided to the subject at the client terminal 20. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of an advice display screen according to this embodiment. The advice display screen 410 shown in Figure 8 is an example of advice provided when the subject selects "I ate too much" regarding the previous dinner. The subject can review the advice and tap the "Do it" button or the "I'm not confident" button to provide feedback on the advice. The feedback is not limited to these, but may be just the "Confirm" button. Furthermore, feedback from the subject to the advice is not required.

[0060] The timing of providing advice may be during the immediate next meal or during a similar meal the following day. The recipient's meal times may be set by default or may be set arbitrarily by the recipient when they start using the service.

[0061] (Storage unit 130) The memory unit 130 is a storage device capable of storing programs and data for operating the control unit 120. The memory unit 130 can also temporarily store various data required during the operation of the control unit 120. For example, the storage device may be a non-volatile storage device.

[0062] The configuration of the server 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Note that the configuration shown in Figure 2 is just one example, and the configuration of the server 10 is not limited thereto. For example, each component of the server 10 may be implemented by a system consisting of multiple devices. Also, at least a part of the configuration of the server 10 may be implemented by the client terminal 20.

[0063] <3. Configuration of Client Terminal 20> Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a client terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 9, the client terminal 20 has a communication unit 210, a control unit 220, a storage unit 230, and an operation display unit 240.

[0064] (Communications Section 210) The communication unit 210 is configured with a communication interface and communicates with the server 10 via the network 30.

[0065] (Control unit 220) The control unit 220 may include a CPU and other components, and its functions may be realized when a program stored in the memory unit 230 is loaded into RAM by the CPU and executed. In this case, a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is stored may also be provided. Alternatively, the control unit 220 may be composed of dedicated hardware or a combination of multiple hardware components.

[0066] Here, as shown in Figure 9, the control unit 220 includes a display control unit 221 and a transmission control unit 222.

[0067] The display control unit 221 controls the operation display unit 240 to display various screens based on information received from the server 10 by the communication unit 210. For example, the display control unit 221 controls the operation display unit 240 to display a display screen that presents display items (question texts) requesting information input from the target person. The display control unit 221 also controls the operation display unit 240 to display an advice display screen.

[0068] The transmission control unit 222 controls the transmission of information entered by the target person from the communication unit 210 to the server 10. For example, the transmission control unit 222 controls the transmission of input information for display items (answers to questions) to the server 10.

[0069] (Storage unit 230) The memory unit 230 is a storage device that stores programs and data for operating the control unit 220. The memory unit 230 may also temporarily store various data necessary during the operation of the control unit 220. For example, the storage device may be a non-volatile storage device.

[0070] (Operation display section 240) The operation display unit 240 has the function of an operation unit that accepts operations from the user and the function of a display unit that displays various information according to the control unit 220. Specifically, the display unit displays display items that require information input, and the user can manually input information for the display items using the operation unit.

[0071] The operation display unit 240 may be implemented, for example, by a touch panel display that integrates the functions of the operation unit and the display unit. Alternatively, the operation display unit 240 may be implemented with the functions of the operation unit and the display unit as separate components. For example, the functions of the operation unit may be implemented by buttons, keypads, etc. Furthermore, in this embodiment, manual information input by the user is assumed to be operation input, but it is not limited to this, and may also be voice input using a microphone (not shown).

[0072] The configuration of the client terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Note that the configuration shown in Figure 9 is just one example, and the configuration of the client terminal 20 is not limited thereto. For example, some of the configuration of the client terminal 20 may be realized by other devices that communicate with the client terminal 20.

[0073] <4. Operation Process> Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process flow of the information input system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0074] As shown in Figure 10, first, the load value setting unit 121 of the server 10 sets the load value (step S103). The load value setting unit 121 may set a default value in the initial stage.

[0075] Next, the input condition determination unit 122 determines the input conditions according to the burden value (set burden value) set by the burden value setting unit 121 (step S106). Specifically, the input condition determination unit 122 generates a prompt control description (including time and prompt ID) as input condition data.

[0076] Next, the output control unit 123 controls the output of display items based on the input condition data generated by the input condition determination unit 122 (step S109). Specifically, the output control unit 123 transmits a prompt ID, or prompt data corresponding to the prompt ID (data of the question, which is a display item), from the communication unit 110 to the client terminal 20 at the time specified in the input condition data, and controls the client terminal 20 to present it to the target person. The client terminal 20 notifies the target person via push notification that there is a request for information input, and the target person inputs information for the displayed items. However, if the target person finds information input burdensome, information may not be entered.

[0077] Next, the input information acquisition unit 124 acquires input information for the display items (step S112). Specifically, the input information acquisition unit 124 receives and acquires input information for the display items from the client terminal 20 via the communication unit 110.

[0078] Next, the advice generation unit 126 generates advice according to the input information and controls the communication unit 110 to send it to the client terminal 20 to provide the advice to the subject (step S115). The advice generation unit 126 may also determine whether or not to provide advice based on the input information so far, and if so, generate the advice and control the system to provide it to the subject. For example, if the number of "I ate too much" answers to the question about the amount of dinner exceeds a threshold, the advice generation unit 126 may determine that the amount of dinner the subject ate was too much and advise the subject to reduce the amount of dinner before dinner started.

[0079] Furthermore, the self-efficacy data calculation unit 125 calculates the subject's self-efficacy data from the input condition data and the subject's input status (step S118). The subject's input status refers to the subject's information input status, such as the number of responses. Self-efficacy data may be calculated at regular intervals.

[0080] Next, the adjustment rate calculation unit 127 calculates the adjustment rate based on the self-efficacy data calculated by the self-efficacy data calculation unit 125 (step S121). The calculated adjustment rate is output to the burden value setting unit 121.

[0081] Then, if there is an instruction to terminate the operation (step S124 / Yes), the information input system 1 terminates this operation process. On the other hand, if there is no instruction to terminate the operation (step S124 / No), the process returns to step S103 and the operation process described above is repeated.

[0082] If the process returns to step S103, the burden value setting unit 121 adjusts the most recently set burden value based on the adjustment rate calculated by the adjustment rate calculation unit 127. For example, if the most recently set burden value is 100 seconds and the adjustment rate is -50%, the burden value setting unit 121 adjusts it to 50 seconds using the formula 100 × (1 - 0.5). In this case, the amount of information input required from the subject is reduced. Also, if the most recently set burden value is 100 seconds and the adjustment rate is +20%, the burden value setting unit 121 adjusts it to 120 seconds using the formula 100 × (1 + 0.2). In this case, the amount of information input required from the subject is increased. The burden value calculated by the burden value setting unit 121 may have a lower limit and an upper limit. The burden value setting unit 121 outputs the lower limit if the calculated value is below the lower limit, and the upper limit if it is above the upper limit.

[0083] As shown in Figure 7, if the self-efficacy data is within the target range (e.g., 80% to 90%), the current amount of information input is appropriate, so the adjustment rate is set to 0%. If the self-efficacy data is below the target range, the adjustment rate becomes negative to reduce the amount of information input, and if the self-efficacy data is above the target range, the adjustment rate becomes positive to increase the amount of information input. By repeatedly calculating the adjustment rate and adjusting the burden value, it is expected that the amount of information input will converge so that the self-efficacy data reaches 80% to 90%, and the subjects will generally be able to answer the questions.

[0084] In other words, the information input required from the target user (the content and number of questions presented) is determined by the input condition determination unit 122 according to the burden level. This allows for requesting less information input (less time estimated for the information input operation) from target users who feel a heavy burden from information input, and more information input from those who do not. By adjusting the amount of information input required to suit various target users with different levels of burden from information input, the risk of service drop-off can be reduced.

[0085] The operation process according to this embodiment has been described above.

[0086] <5. Operation example> A specific example of the repeated use of the information input system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. In the following, the adjustment rate will be calculated every three days, and this three-day period will be referred to as one cycle.

[0087] (Cycle 1: Days 1-3) When the information input system 1 according to this embodiment starts operating for a specific target person, the burden value setting unit 121 outputs a default value (e.g., 100) as the set burden value to the input condition determination unit 122. The input condition determination unit 122 determines the input condition data corresponding to the set burden value 100 (generates a prompt control description) and outputs it to the output control unit 123. At the time specified in the input condition data, the output control unit 123 sends prompt data corresponding to the prompt ID to the client terminal 20, and the client terminal 20 presents the question to the target person and prompts them to input information. When the target person inputs information, the input information is sent to the server 10.

[0088] The output control unit 123 presents the subject with questions according to the input condition data over a period of three days. The self-efficacy data calculation unit 125 then calculates the subject's self-efficacy data based on the subject's input status, which is understood from the information input by the subject over the three days. For example, if the subject felt burdened by the information input during the three days, and the subject's self-efficacy data, which can be calculated in terms of estimated seconds, is 20% (20% of the estimated number of seconds expected for the subject to input information), the adjustment rate calculation unit 127 calculates an adjustment rate of -50% based on the self-efficacy data of 20%, as shown in Figure 7.

[0089] (Cycle 2: Days 4-6) The load value setting unit 121 changes the set load value from the default 100 to 50 based on the adjustment rate of -50%, and outputs the changed set load value 50 to the input condition determination unit 122. The input condition determination unit 122 determines the input condition data corresponding to the set load value 50 and outputs it to the output control unit 123. At the time specified in the input condition data, the output control unit 123 sends prompt data corresponding to the prompt ID to the client terminal 20, and the client terminal 20 presents the question to the subject and prompts them to input information. If the subject inputs information, the input information is sent to the server 10.

[0090] As described above, by changing the set burden value from 100 to 50, the amount of information input required from the subjects is reduced, and it is expected that the burden on subjects to input information will be reduced during the three days of the second cycle, making it easier for them to input information. For example, if the self-efficacy data of the subjects during the three days of the second cycle, calculated by the self-efficacy data calculation unit 125, reaches 100% (100% of the expected number of seconds for information input expected from the subjects), the adjustment rate calculation unit 127 will calculate an adjustment rate of +20% based on the self-efficacy data of 100%, as shown in Figure 7.

[0091] (Cycle 3: Days 7-9) The load value setting unit 121 changes the set load value from 50 to 60 based on the adjustment rate of +20%, and outputs the changed set load value to the input condition determination unit 122. The input condition determination unit 122 determines the input condition data corresponding to the set load value of 60 and outputs it to the output control unit 123. At the time specified in the input condition data, the output control unit 123 sends prompt data corresponding to the prompt ID to the client terminal 20, and the client terminal 20 presents the question to the subject and prompts them to input information. If the subject inputs information, the input information is sent to the server 10.

[0092] In the second cycle, where the amount of information input was reduced by half, the self-efficacy data was 100%, indicating that the participants had psychological capacity to handle the information input. Therefore, in the third cycle, the amount of information input required from the participants was increased by 20%.

[0093] The information input system 1 continuously processes data by reducing the amount of information input required from subjects when their self-efficacy data is low, and increasing the amount of information input required when their self-efficacy data is high. This makes it possible to request an appropriate amount of information input from various subjects who have different levels of burden regarding information input.

[0094] Furthermore, the information input system 1 repeatedly calculates an adjustment rate so that the burden value remains unchanged if the self-efficacy data is within the target range (e.g., 80-90%), decreases the burden value if the self-efficacy data is below the target range, and increases the burden value if the self-efficacy data is above the target range. This converges the amount of information input required from the subject so that the self-efficacy data falls within the target range, allowing the subject to generally answer the questions. This reduces the psychological burden on the subject regarding information input and decreases the risk of service dropout.

[0095] <6. Effects> According to the embodiment described above, a variety of effects can be obtained. For example, according to the embodiment, by adjusting the amount of information input required from the subject according to the degree of the subject's psychological burden, the subject's self-efficacy regarding information input can be set to a high state (target range), and the risk of the subject dropping out of the service can be reduced.

[0096] <7. Other> (7-1) In the embodiments described above, the self-efficacy data calculation unit 125 calculates self-efficacy data every three days as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily set according to the service usage pattern. Furthermore, the timing for calculating self-efficacy data may be set according to the self-efficacy data most recently calculated by the self-efficacy data calculation unit 125. For example, if the most recently calculated self-efficacy data is above a threshold, the calculation timing (a certain period) may be increased, and if the most recently calculated self-efficacy data is below the threshold, the calculation timing (a certain period) may be decreased. When self-efficacy towards information input is low, the amount of information input can be reduced in a short period to reduce the psychological burden on the subject, and when self-efficacy towards information input is high, it becomes possible to have the subject input information without frequently changing the information input conditions.

[0097] (7-2) The information input system 1 may calculate self-efficacy data and determine input condition data for each predefined time, space, or event-based condition.

[0098] For example, the information input system 1 may divide the day into four time periods: "morning, noon, evening, and night," and calculate self-efficacy data and determine input condition data for each time period (i.e., processing for each time condition).

[0099] The target individuals have diverse ways of spending their time; for example, they may have more free time in the evening, making it easier to input information. In this case, by calculating self-efficacy data for each time of day, it is possible to request more information input in the evening and less at other times, thereby increasing self-efficacy and ensuring continuous information input at all times. The same effect can be obtained by substituting seasons or days of the week for the above times.

[0100] Furthermore, the information input system 1 may calculate self-efficacy data for each location depending on the space in which the subject is located (i.e., processing for each environmental condition).

[0101] The target individuals spend time in diverse spaces. For example, they may have more free time in places like the office cafeteria or communication areas, making it easier to input information. In this case, by calculating self-efficacy data for each space, it is possible to request more information input in some spaces and less in others, thereby increasing self-efficacy in all locations and enabling continuous information input. These spaces can be detected using various sensors. For example, a client terminal 20 can detect beacons installed in a space and transmit the space identification information to the server 10, which can then calculate self-efficacy data for each space.

[0102] Furthermore, the information input system 1 may also calculate self-efficacy data for each specific event (occurrence) that occurs to the subject (i.e., processing for each event condition).

[0103] The subject will encounter various events in their daily life, and it is conceivable that they may have ample time to input information while traveling on a train. In this case, they will be able to input a large amount of information immediately during that event. The occurrence of an event can be detected by various sensors installed on the client terminal 20. For example, the fact that the subject is traveling on a train can be detected by the client terminal 20 or the server 10 by combining the current location measured by the location measurement unit (e.g., using GPS (Global Positioning System)) installed on the client terminal 20 carried by the subject with map information obtained from an external service. The server 10 can perform calculations of self-efficacy data when an event occurs.

[0104] (7-3) Furthermore, the information input system 1 may calculate self-efficacy data based on the number of items actually entered by the subject and the number of operation steps involved in the information input. Also, the set burden value is not limited to the estimated number of seconds required for information input operations per day. The set burden value can be any data that represents the perceived burden of information input and can be arbitrarily defined depending on the usage pattern.

[0105] Furthermore, self-efficacy data may be calculated not only as a percentage of the estimated number of seconds, but also based on the estimated number of seconds and the results of a self-efficacy questionnaire conducted in advance by the service provider.

[0106] (7-4) Furthermore, the calculation of the adjustment rate according to this embodiment is not limited to the method based on the relationship between self-efficacy data and the adjustment rate shown in Figure 7. Any method may be set appropriately depending on the usage, as long as the adjustment rate decreases when the self-efficacy data is small.

[0107] (7-5) The client terminal 20 is not limited to a mobile device such as a smartphone carried by the target person, but may be implemented using any hardware that the target person can operate, such as a PC or a digital signage terminal.

[0108] (7-6) The prompt data shown in Figure 3 (prompt ID, burden value, question text, answer choices) and the prompt data control description shown in Figure 4 may be prepared in advance by the service provider, may be arbitrarily set by the user at the start of service use, or may be arbitrarily set by a registered dietitian or family member who manages the user's diet, etc. The user, registered dietitian, or family member may prepare in advance a set of questions and question content corresponding to the burden value, in accordance with the user's usage pattern.

[0109] (7-7) Furthermore, the method by which the input condition determination unit 122 determines the input condition data is not limited to referring to the pre-prepared prompt data control description definition data 310 as shown in Figure 4. The input condition determination unit 122 may also determine appropriate input condition data as appropriate based on the subject's input status. For example, questions that the subject answers frequently are easy for the subject to answer and are questions the subject prefers, so the input condition determination unit 122 may retain these questions when reducing the amount of information. Also, the input condition determination unit 122 may configure the input condition data with questions preferred by the subject, within the range of the set burden value, according to the subject's tendency to answer each question. Furthermore, the input condition determination unit 122 may adjust the presentation time and the number of questions specified in the input condition data so as to present more questions during times when the subject is more likely to answer, according to the subject's input status, within the range of the set burden value.

[0110] (7-8) In the embodiments described above, a service was envisioned that provides advice to support healthy eating behaviors for the target individual. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to services aimed at improving various behaviors, such as walking, resting and sleeping, drinking and smoking, communication, decarbonization behaviors (travel, consumption, eating), work behaviors, or disaster prevention behaviors.

[0111] <8. Hardware Configuration> Next, we will describe hardware configuration examples that can be applied to the server 10 and client terminal 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the following, we will describe a hardware configuration example of the information processing device 900 as an example of the hardware configuration of the server 10 or the client terminal 20.

[0112] The hardware configuration examples of the information processing device 900 described below are merely examples of the hardware configurations for the server 10 and client terminal 20. Therefore, the hardware configurations of the server 10 and client terminal 20 may be modified by removing unnecessary components from the hardware configuration of the information processing device 900 described below, or by adding new components.

[0113] Figure 11 shows the hardware configuration of an information processing device 900 as an example of a server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The information processing device 900 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 902, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 903, a host bus 904, a bridge 905, an external bus 906, an interface 907, an input device 908, an output device 909, a storage device 910, and a communication device 911.

[0114] The CPU 901 functions as both an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, controlling the overall operation of the information processing unit 900 according to various programs. The CPU 901 may also be a microprocessor. The ROM 902 stores programs and arithmetic parameters used by the CPU 901. The RAM 903 temporarily stores programs used in the execution of the CPU 901 and parameters that change as needed during its execution. These are interconnected by a host bus 904, which consists of a CPU bus and other components.

[0115] The host bus 904 is connected to an external bus 906, such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus, via a bridge 905. It is not always necessary to configure the host bus 904, bridge 905, and external bus 906 separately; these functions may be implemented on a single bus.

[0116] The input device 908 consists of input means for the user to input information, such as a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, buttons, microphone, switches, and levers, and an input control circuit that generates input signals based on the user's input and outputs them to the CPU 901. The user operating the information processing device 900 can input various types of data to the information processing device 900 or instruct it to perform processing operations by operating this input device 908.

[0117] The output device 909 includes, for example, display devices such as CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display devices, liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) devices, lamps, and audio output devices such as speakers.

[0118] The storage device 910 is a device for storing data. The storage device 910 may include a storage medium, a recording device for recording data on the storage medium, a reading device for reading data from the storage medium, and a deletion device for deleting data recorded on the storage medium. The storage device 910 is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). This storage device 910 drives the hard disk and stores programs executed by the CPU 901 and various data.

[0119] The communication device 911 is a communication interface composed of, for example, a communication device for connecting to a network. The communication device 911 may support either wireless or wired communication.

[0120] <9. Conclusion> Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are also understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0121] For example, in the embodiment described above, the server 10 performs tasks such as setting the load value, determining input conditions, and controlling the output of display items. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the client terminal 20 may also perform tasks such as setting the load value, determining input conditions, and controlling the output of display items. Specifically, the client terminal 20 has the various functional configurations of the control unit 120 shown in Figure 2, and various data stored in the storage unit 130. In this case, the client terminal 20 can perform control to output display items to the display unit of the client terminal 20 as a function of the output control unit 123. The client terminal 20 also acquires information input for display items from the operation input unit of the client terminal 20 as a function of the input information acquisition unit 124. Furthermore, the various functional configurations of the control unit 120 may be executed by an application installed on the client terminal 20.

[0122] Furthermore, in this specification, the term "information processing system" is not limited to the information input system 1 consisting of the server 10 and client terminal 20 shown in Figure 1, but may also refer to the server 10 or the client terminal 20.

[0123] Each step in the operation of the information input system 1 described herein does not necessarily have to be processed chronologically in the order shown in the flowchart. For example, each step in the operation of the information input system 1 may be processed in an order different from that shown in the flowchart, or may be processed in parallel.

[0124] Furthermore, it is possible to create one or more computer programs to enable the server 10 or client terminal 20 to perform its functions, using hardware such as the CPU, ROM, and RAM built into the server 10 or client terminal 20. A computer-readable storage medium on which such one or more computer programs are stored is also provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1. Information Input System 10 servers 110 Communications Department 120 Control Unit 121 Load value setting section 122 Input Condition Determination Unit 123 Output Control Unit 124 Input Information Acquisition Unit 125 Self-efficacy data calculation unit 126 Advice Generation Unit 127 Adjustment rate calculation section 130 Storage section 20 client terminals 210 Communications Department 220 Control Unit 221 Display Control Unit 222 Transmission Control Unit 230 Storage section 240 Operation display section 30 Networks

Claims

1. A calculation unit calculates the subject's self-efficacy data based on the subject's input status for one or more display items that require information input, and the burden values ​​set for one or more display items presented to the subject. A determination unit that determines input condition data, which is data for display items to be presented to the subject, in accordance with the self-efficacy data, An output control unit that controls the output of the display items according to the input condition data, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the ratio of the daily burden value incurred by the information input operations performed by the subject to the sum of the burden values ​​set for one or more display items presented to the subject in one day, as the self-efficacy data.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the input condition data to reduce the amount of information input required from the subject if the self-efficacy data is smaller than the target range.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the input condition data to increase the amount of information input required from the subject if the self-efficacy data is greater than the target range.

5. The aforementioned information processing device is An adjustment rate calculation unit that calculates an adjustment rate according to the self-efficacy data, A setting unit that sets the burden value used to determine the aforementioned input condition data, Furthermore, The setting unit modifies the most recently set load value based on the adjustment rate. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines the input condition data according to the changed setting burden value.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the adjustment rate is a negative value when the self-efficacy data is smaller than the target range, and a positive value when the self-efficacy data is larger than the target range.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit uses a prompt data control description that describes the time at which the display item is presented and a prompt ID associated with the display item as input condition data.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the output control unit performs control to output the prompt ID.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the output control unit performs control to output prompt data including the content of the display item corresponding to the prompt ID.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the output control unit performs control to output information of a display item presentation screen generated based on prompt data including the content of the display item corresponding to the prompt ID.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the self-efficacy data based on the input status of the subject over a certain period of time.

12. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the aforementioned burden value is the estimated number of seconds that are expected to be required for the operation of inputting information for the display item.

13. The processor, Based on the subject's input status for one or more display items that require information input, and the burden value set for one or more display items presented to the subject, the subject's self-efficacy data is calculated. Based on the aforementioned self-efficacy data, input condition data is determined, which is data for the display items to be presented to the subject. Control is performed to output the display items according to the input condition data, Information processing methods, including those mentioned above.

14. Computers, A calculation unit calculates the subject's self-efficacy data based on the subject's input status for one or more display items that require information input, and the burden values ​​set for one or more display items presented to the subject. A determination unit that determines input condition data, which is data for display items to be presented to the subject, in accordance with the self-efficacy data, An output control unit that controls the output of the display items according to the input condition data, A program designed to function as such.

15. An information processing system including a server and an information processing terminal having a display unit, The aforementioned information processing system is A calculation unit calculates the subject's self-efficacy data based on the subject's input status for one or more display items that require information input, and the burden values ​​set for one or more display items presented to the subject. A determination unit that determines input condition data, which is data for display items to be presented to the subject, in accordance with the self-efficacy data, An output control unit that controls the output of the display items according to the input condition data, Equipped with, The information processing terminal controls the display of the display items on the display unit. Information processing system.

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