Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To support updating the project schedule. [Solution] In the management server S100's CPU 11, when an inquiry (message) is sent by a user, the management unit 113 considers the process on the quick reference table that was inquired about by that inquiry as a difficult process and instructs the quick reference table update unit 119 to update the quick reference table. In response to this instruction, the quick reference table update unit 119 generates a branch route to pass through the difficult process, or subdivides the difficult process, and updates the quick reference table.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique for outputting a process table representing the path until a user achieves an objective. As a conventional technique, for example, there is one that outputs the consumption period of a milestone buffer for absorbing a delay in the construction period and the progress rate of the construction period based on the construction period and progress in a plurality of work processes (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The created process table is not always appropriate. In fact, there are many process tables that have room for improvement. From this, it is considered important to support the update of the created process table.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to enable support for updating a process table.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing system having: a first receiving means for receiving a first message for a user-created inquiry transmitted from a user terminal operated by a user acting in accordance with a process chart that includes a stem route indicating the path to achieving the objective, and one or more branch routes branching off from the stem route and returning to the stem route; and a process chart updating means for updating the process chart based on the first message.

[0007] An information processing method and program corresponding to the above-mentioned information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention are also provided as an information processing method and program corresponding to the information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to support the updating of process schedules. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of the information processing system S100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of management server 1. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of user terminal 2 and instructor terminal 3. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the stem root generation process. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of another stem root generation process. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the branch route generation process. [Figure 8] This diagram shows a concrete example of a stem root. [Figure 9] This figure shows a concrete example of a quick reference chart that includes branch routes. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing specific examples of information displayed in association with the stem root and branch roots included in the forecast table. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the information processing system S200 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration in the management server 31. [Figure 13] It is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration in the generation AI processing device 6. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing an example of the support information generation process. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing a specific example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 2 that constitutes the information processing system S200 and uses the applied service. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing a specific example of the provided information to be uploaded. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing a specific example of the provided information to be uploaded. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing a specific example of the provided information to be uploaded. [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing a specific example of the provided information to be uploaded. [Figure 20] It is a diagram showing a specific example of the support information generated by the generation AI processing device 6. [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing a specific example of the support information generated by the generation AI processing device 6. [Figure 22] It is a diagram showing a specific example of the support information generated by the generation AI processing device 6. [Figure 23] It is a diagram showing a specific example of the support information generated by the generation AI processing device 6. [Figure 24] It is a diagram showing a specific example of the support information generated by the generation AI processing device 6. [Figure 25] It is a diagram showing a specific example of the support information generated by the generation AI processing device 6. [Figure 26]This figure shows a specific example of support information generated by the AI ​​generation processing device 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] <Information Processing System> Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the information processing system S100 according to the first embodiment. The information processing system S100 includes a management server 1 that generates a process chart, including a route (hereinafter referred to as the "stem route") showing the path to achieving the user's objective, based on information necessary for user registration, which at least includes the user's objective (hereinafter referred to as "user information"), and presents it to the user. The management server 1 identifies difficult processes (nodes) that are challenging for the user as they follow the stem route, and adds one or more detours (hereinafter referred to as "branch routes") that show alternative routes to pass through those difficult processes to the process chart. In other words, the process chart shows the optimal route for the user to achieve their objective by guiding the user along the stem route and adding branch routes when the user encounters difficult processes where they stumble.

[0011] When a user is presented with a project schedule from management server 1, they begin taking actions along the stem route to achieve their objective using the schedule. Subsequently, even if the user reaches a difficult stage and the actions indicated at that stage are difficult, they can overcome that stage by taking actions along the branch route of the project schedule. This makes it easier for users to achieve their objectives by taking actions along the project schedule. Furthermore, the provision of branch routes supports the user's self-help efforts. As a result, the burden on those in a supervisory position (hereinafter referred to as "supervisors") is reduced.

[0012] The information processing system S100 consists of the management server 1, user terminals 2-1 to 2-n (where n is an integer of 1 or more), instructor terminals 3-1 to 3-m (where m is an integer of 1 or more), mail server 4, and chat server 5, all connected via network N. Network N is, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). When it is not necessary to explain each of the user terminals 2-1 to 2-n individually, they are collectively referred to as "user terminal 2." Similarly, when it is not necessary to explain each of the instructor terminals 3-1 to 3-m individually, they are collectively referred to as "instructor terminal 3."

[0013] (Management Server) Management server 1 acquires various types of information sent from user terminal 2, instructor terminal 3, mail server 4, chat server 5, and other external sources, and performs various processing. Management server 1 also sends various types of information to user terminal 2, instructor terminal 3, mail server 4, chat server 5, and other external sources.

[0014] For example, management server 1 acquires, stores, and manages user information, including at least the user's purpose. Management server 1 also identifies, stores, and manages the processes in which the user has performed actions according to the process chart. This management server 1 was installed by a human resource development service company, separate from schools and other institutions, for example, by a company that provides human resource development services to train business personnel. The human resource development service company, for example, establishes one or more courses intended for the general public, and provides human resource development services to the general public who participate in these courses. Therefore, the schedule is based on the assumption of course participants. In this case, the starting point of the schedule is based on the assumption of the corresponding course. Hereafter, the schedule will be referred to as the "quick reference chart." Note that the courses are not particularly limited. The leader is the achiever who has accomplished the user's objective. Management Server 1 acquires, stores, and manages information (hereinafter referred to as "action record information") that shows the series of actions taken by the leader to achieve that objective. Action record information may also be acquired from achievers other than the leader. It may also be acquired from achievers other than the leader.

[0015] Management Server 1 generates a quick reference table including stem routes and branch routes based on activity history information, etc. When generating the quick reference table, Management Server 1 associates one or more steps in the stem route with time information (hereinafter referred to as "milestones") that serve as estimates of the time required to reach or pass through a point, in chronological order. Management Server 1 presents the generated quick reference table to the user. The method by which Management Server 1 generates the quick reference table, and specific examples of the quick reference table generated by Management Server 1, will be described later.

[0016] Furthermore, the management server 1 identifies difficult steps for users following the stem route. Once the management server 1 identifies difficult steps, it generates branch routes in the quick reference table, which includes the stem route, to allow users to traverse those difficult steps. A specific example of the quick reference table in which branch routes are generated will be described later.

[0017] A "difficult step" refers to a step in the process of following a stem route that is estimated to be relatively difficult for a user to perform smoothly. Difficult steps can be broadly categorized into those common to most users and those specific to individual users. Specifically, for example, a user who possesses many of the abilities necessary to achieve a certain objective will likely have few or no difficult steps. However, a user who lacks many of the abilities necessary to achieve that objective is expected to have many difficult steps. Thus, difficult steps can be broadly categorized based on the proportion of users for whom they are difficult steps.

[0018] Furthermore, management server 1 updates the stem routes included in the quick reference table at predetermined intervals. These predetermined intervals may include, for example, the time after a specified period has elapsed since the creation of the quick reference table containing the stem routes, the time when user inquiries and their responses are reflected in the quick reference table, or the time when a branch route is deemed more favorable than a stem route for achieving the user's objective. If the current route is deemed unfavorable, an operation may be performed on the quick reference table to swap some of the stem routes with branch routes. Furthermore, management server 1 stores and manages information indicating the process leading up to the generation of the quick reference table, including the stem root (hereinafter referred to as "generation history information"). This generation history information also includes information indicating the update history of the quick reference table.

[0019] Furthermore, the management server 1 acquires, stores, and manages information indicating the content of inquiries from users who take actions according to the quick reference chart (hereinafter referred to as "inquiry information"). Inquiry information is text data, audio data, or video data indicating the content of the inquiry. The management server 1 also transmits the acquired inquiry information to the instructor terminal 3 according to its content. The management server 1 then acquires information indicating the content of the instructor's response to the inquiry (hereinafter referred to as "response information"), stores, and manages it in association with the inquiry information. Response information is text data, audio data, or video data indicating the content of the response to the inquiry.

[0020] Furthermore, management server 1 identifies the difficult steps in the process for the user making the inquiry and, in response to that inquiry, adds branch routes that allow the user to bypass those difficult steps to the quick reference table as needed. The specific configuration and processing details of management server 1 will be described later.

[0021] (User terminal) User terminal 2 is an information processing device operated by the user, and consists of, for example, a personal computer, tablet terminal, or smartphone. User terminal 2 is assumed to have dedicated application software (hereinafter referred to as the "Next Action App") installed that enables the use of the information processing system S100. Based on the user's operations, user terminal 2 launches the Next Action App and performs various processes based on various information transmitted from the management server 1, instructor terminal 3, and other external sources, as well as information entered by the user. User terminal 2 also transmits various information to the management server 1, instructor terminal 3, mail server 4, chat server 5, and other external sources. Note that it is not necessary to prepare dedicated application software to be installed on user terminal 2.

[0022] For example, user terminal 2 accepts user information input and sends that input information to management server 1. User terminal 2 also receives and displays a quick reference table sent from management server 1.

[0023] Furthermore, user terminal 2 accepts the input of inquiry information and sends that input information to management server 1. User terminal 2 also retrieves and displays a quick reference table, including branch routes, sent from management server 1. Details of the specific configuration and processing of user terminal 2 will be described later.

[0024] (Leader's perspective) The instructor terminal 3 is an information processing device operated by the instructor, such as a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone. The instructor terminal 3 performs various processes based on various information transmitted from the management server 1, user terminal 2, and other external sources, as well as information entered by the instructor. The instructor terminal 3 also transmits various information to the management server 1, user terminal 2, mail server 4, chat server 5, and other external sources.

[0025] For example, instructor terminal 3 receives and displays a quick reference table sent from management server 1. Instructor terminal 3 also acquires and displays inquiry information sent via management server 1. Furthermore, instructor terminal 3 sends the answer information entered as a response to the user's inquiry to management server 1. The data format of the answer information is not particularly limited and can include, for example, text data, audio data, or video data. Details of the specific configuration and processing of instructor terminal 3 will be described later.

[0026] Mail server 4 is an information processing device that is always in operation to relay the sending and receiving of emails between user terminal 2 and instructor terminal 3, between user terminal 2 and management server 1, between user terminals 2, and between instructor terminals 3.

[0027] Chat Server 5 is an information processing device that operates continuously to enable multiple users and instructors to send and receive text messages and communicate via Network N. Chat Server 5 relays messages sent and received between users, between users and Management Server 1, between instructors, and between users and instructors.

[0028] The processing performed by each of the components of the information processing system S100—the management server 1, user terminal 2, instructor terminal 3, mail server 4, and chat server 5—as described above is merely an example; the information processing system S100 as a whole only needs to have the functionality to implement the above-described processing. For this reason, some or all of the functions for implementing the above-described processing may be shared or performed collaboratively within the information processing system S100.

[0029] For example, some or all of the functions of the management server 1 may be made into the functions of other information processing devices within the information processing system S100, or some or all of the functions of other information processing devices within the information processing system S100 may be made into the functions of the management server 1. This will accelerate the processing of the information processing system S100 as a whole, and will also enable the processing to complement each other.

[0030] <Hardware Configuration> (Management server hardware configuration) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 1 according to the first embodiment. The management server 1 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0031] The CPU 11 executes various processes according to the program stored in the ROM 12 or the program loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. The RAM 13 also stores data necessary for the CPU 11 to execute these processes. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14.

[0032] The input / output interface 15 is connected to an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20. The output unit 16 consists of a display, speaker, etc., and outputs various information as images and sounds. The input unit 17 consists of a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc., and accepts input of various information. The storage unit 18 consists of a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive), etc., and stores various data. The various data stored include applications developed to make the information processing device function as a management server 1 (hereinafter referred to as "development applications"), and the OS (Operating System). These applications run on the OS. The communication unit 19 enables communication with other devices via a network N, including the Internet.

[0033] The drive 20 is appropriately equipped with removable media 21, which may consist of a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory. Programs read from the removable media 21 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. The removable media 21 can also store various types of data stored in the storage unit 18, just like the storage unit 18. The above-described development application may be made installable on the management server 1 by storing it on removable media 21. It may also be sent and received via network N. Therefore, the development application may be stored on a recording medium that can be directly or indirectly accessed by other external information processing devices.

[0034] (Hardware configuration of user terminals, instructor terminals, mail servers, and chat servers) Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, user terminal 2, instructor terminal 3, mail server 4, and chat server 5 may each have the hardware configuration shown in Figure 2. That is, user terminal 2, instructor terminal 3, mail server 4, and chat server 5 may each have the CPU, ROM, RAM, bus, input / output interface, output unit 16, input unit 17, storage unit 18, communication unit 19, drive 20, and removable media 21, respectively, as shown in Figure 2. For convenience, we will assume this configuration here.

[0035] <Functional Configuration> (Management server functional configuration) Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration in management server 1. In the CPU 11 of the management server 1, the following functions operate during operation: reception control unit 111, authentication unit 112, management unit 113, route analysis unit 114, stem generation unit 115, identification unit 116, branch generation unit 117, additional information generation unit 118, quick reference table update unit 119, screen generation unit 120, and transmission control unit 121. In addition, in the storage unit 18 of the management server 1, the following are reserved for information storage: user information storage unit 181, setting information storage unit 182, action record information storage unit 183, quick reference table storage unit 184, inquiry information storage unit 185, response information storage unit 186, and analysis result storage unit 187.

[0036] The receiving control unit 111 processes various types of information received by the communication unit 19. For example, the receiving control unit 111 identifies the type of information received and, based on the identification result, determines where the information should be forwarded and forwards it. As a result, user information, inquiry information, various setting information, activity record information, and response information transmitted for user registration are passed to the management unit 113 and stored in the user information storage unit 181, inquiry information storage unit 185, setting information storage unit 182, activity record information storage unit 183, and response information storage unit 186, respectively, which are reserved in the storage unit 18. Thus, the management unit 113 mainly performs information management. User information, login information, and inquiry information are transmitted from the user terminal 2, while various setting information, activity record information, and response information are transmitted from the instructor terminal 3.

[0037] User information is a set of information that includes, for example, user identification information (hereinafter "User ID"), identification information of the course being taken (hereinafter "Course ID"), user personal information, login information, and course progress information. Each step (node) in the quick reference table is also assigned identification information (hereinafter "Step ID"). As a result, the progress information includes the Step ID of the step that the user most recently completed or is currently transitioning to. Such steps can be identified, for example, by setting the content that can be viewed for each step, based on the content the user has viewed. The progress information may also show the user's action history, such as the step the user took, and the date and time they transitioned to that step.

[0038] Inquiry information is, for example, information sent via chat server 5. Response information is also, for example, information sent via chat server 5. These may also be sent directly to management server 1. In that case, management server 1 will act as an intermediary for the information. Configuration information includes, for example, information on the trigger for updating the quick reference table, information on examples of process division, defect information showing examples of defects due to the content of the process, and specified creation information that specifies how the quick reference table is created. These are all examples of configuration information related to the creation of the quick reference table. Action record information is information that shows the series of actions (route) taken by the instructor to achieve the user's objective, that is, the objective of the lecture.

[0039] When the communication unit 19 receives login information, that login information is passed, for example, from the receiving control unit 111 to the authentication unit 112. The authentication unit 112 uses the received login information to refer to the user information stored in the user information storage unit 181 to confirm whether the user who sent the login information is a registered user or not. The result of this confirmation is notified to the screen generation unit 120. The screen generation unit 120 then generates a screen corresponding to the confirmation result and passes the generated screen to the transmission control unit 121. As a result, the screen generated by the screen generation unit 120 is transmitted to the user terminal 2 that sent the login information via the communication unit 19. Through this authentication, the correspondence between the registered user and the user terminal 2 that the user is using is identified. As a result, the user who sent any information is identified from the user terminal 2 that sent that information.

[0040] The transmission of inquiry information is performed either by enabling the transmission of inquiry information related to a process initiated by the user, or by having the user input information specifying the process to which they wish to inquire (e.g., process ID or process name). Therefore, the inquiry information includes the user ID that initiated the transmission, the course ID, the text data of the inquiry, and the identification information assigned to the inquiry information (hereinafter referred to as "inquiry ID"), as well as the course ID and process ID. The management unit 113 assigns an inquiry ID to the received inquiry information and stores it in the inquiry information storage unit 185. It also instructs, for example, the screen generation unit 120 or the transmission control unit 121 to process a notification to the instructor using the instructor terminal 3 that there is inquiry information that needs to be answered. For example, a message sent via the chat server 5 may be sent to the transmission control unit 121.

[0041] The instructor checks the inquiry information using the instructor terminal 3 and sends a response message as response information. The response information received by the management server 1 is assigned the instructor's identification information (hereinafter referred to as "instructor ID") to the response information by the management unit 113, and stored in the response information storage unit 186 along with the instructor ID. The response information also includes the inquiry ID assigned to the inquiry information. This makes it possible to identify the correspondence between the inquiry information and the response information.

[0042] The route analysis unit 114 identifies a series of actions actually taken by the leader to achieve the objective as a route for each stored action record information, analyzes the identified routes, and identifies the relationships between the routes. Here, the action record information is assumed to be that of the leader, but as mentioned above, it may also be that of other achievers, or a mixture of information from both the leader and other achievers. For example, the route analysis unit 114 extracts the shortest route with the fewest number of steps, extracts steps that are common to all of the routes or have a high proportion of common steps, extracts steps where branching occurs, and calculates the transition ratio between steps (which includes the branching ratio). Furthermore, steps with a very high proportion of common steps are considered important compared to other steps, and time information representing the timing of completion for those steps is identified as milestones. These are stored as analysis results in the analysis result storage unit 187 reserved in the memory unit 18. Furthermore, if the action record information is in the form of text that describes each step, the route analysis unit 114 may use its AI function to extract each step and its flow from that text.

[0043] The stem generation unit 115, the identification unit 116, and the branch generation unit 117 refer to the analysis results stored in the analysis result storage unit 187 and generate the stem route, identify difficult sections, and generate branch routes, respectively. These units, as well as the route analysis unit 114, actually function according to the contents of the specified generation information stored as setting information.

[0044] Inquiry information and response information are useful for many users who follow the quick reference chart. For this reason, in the first embodiment, this information is made accessible to other users as well. To make the existence of such information more easily visible, its presence is indicated on the process chart. The additional information generation unit 118 generates information indicating the existence of inquiry information and response information as additional information and adds it to the quick reference table. Figure 9, described later, shows an example in which two additional information items FJ1 and FJ2 are added to the quick reference table as link buttons for accessing inquiry information and response information. When such link buttons are placed in the quick reference table as additional information FJ1 and FJ2, the data format of the inquiry information and answer information is not particularly limited. However, it is desirable that the information be viewable as text data so that the content can be checked more quickly and accurately. By making the inquiry information and answer information viewable, similar inquiries can be avoided. Therefore, the burden on instructors will be reduced.

[0045] The fact that inquiry information has been sent to a process means that there are users who have questions about that process or who find it difficult to understand. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the process to which inquiry information has been sent is considered a difficult process, and based on the content of that difficult process or the content of the inquiry, a branch route is generated or the difficult process is divided, i.e., subdivided, and the quick reference table is updated. Such updates to the quick reference table are performed under the control of the management unit 113.

[0046] The management unit 113, for example, upon receiving response information, checks the contents of the inquiry information and the response information, and determines whether or not it is necessary to update the quick reference table. This determination may be made using AI. If it is determined that the quick reference table needs to be updated, the quick reference table update unit 119 is instructed to generate branch routes that anticipate difficult processes, or to subdivide difficult processes. The quick reference table update unit 119 then generates branch routes or subdivides difficult processes according to the instructions and updates the quick reference table. Difficult processes may include not only processes on the stem route, but also processes on existing branch routes. Such quick reference table updates are performed by referring to the necessary configuration information.

[0047] There are often subtle differences between the routes actually taken by each leader. Therefore, the branch routes generated by the branch generation unit 117 usually do not cover all routes. Focusing on this, the generation of branch routes and the subdivision of difficult processes may be performed by, for example, extracting useful routes from among the routes identified by the route analysis unit 114 and referring to the extracted routes. For example, branch routes may be generated or difficult processes may be subdivision by referring to the methods used in similar processes in other process charts, or by identifying the type of knowledge required for that difficult process. In addition, the quick reference table may be made updatable by methods other than the generation of branch routes and the subdivision of difficult processes. For example, information such as reference materials and checklists may be added.

[0048] For example, if the priority is to make the quick reference guide more desirable for the majority of users, the quick reference guide may be updated by replacing some of the stem routes with branch routes. Such quick reference guide updates can be performed by monitoring transitions between processes and calculating the transition rate for each process. If the activity record information indicates materials (books, videos, etc.) that the instructor consulted, those materials may be used as reference materials. Reference materials may be selected from pre-prepared materials.

[0049] Creating a quick reference guide reduces the knowledge and experience required to create the guide itself. By reviewing the created guide, identifying undesirable sections and making necessary corrections, the guide presented to users can be easily revised. Therefore, the burden of creating quick reference guides is significantly reduced. Furthermore, updating such a guide makes it more user-friendly. As a result, more users can more easily follow the steps outlined in the quick reference guide.

[0050] (Functional configuration of user terminals and instructor terminals) Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of user terminal 2 and instructor terminal 3. [User terminal function configuration] In the CPU of user terminal 2, the acquisition unit 51, the display control unit 52, and the transmission control unit 53 function during operation.

[0051] The acquisition unit 51 acquires various types of information. For example, the acquisition unit 51 acquires input information received by the input unit. For example, the acquisition unit 51 acquires user information that has been received as input. Also, for example, the acquisition unit 51 acquires inquiry information that has been received as input. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 51 acquires various types of information transmitted from the management server 1, the instructor terminal 3, the mail server 4, the chat server 5, and other external sources. For example, the acquisition unit 51 acquires a quick reference table transmitted from the management server 1. In this way, the acquisition unit 51 responds to information input by the input unit and information reception by the communication unit.

[0052] The display control unit 52 controls the display of various types of information on the output unit's display or the like. For example, the display control unit 52 controls the display of a quick reference chart on the output unit's display or the like. Also, for example, the display control unit 52 controls the display of answer information on the output unit's display or the like.

[0053] The transmission control unit 53 controls the transmission of various types of information via the communication unit to the management server 1, mail server 4, chat server 5, and other external parties. For example, the transmission control unit 53 controls the transmission of activity record information to the management server 1. Also, for example, the transmission control unit 53 controls the transmission of inquiry information to the management server 1, mail server 4, or chat server 5.

[0054] [Functional Configuration of the Instructor's Terminal] In the CPU of the instructor terminal 3, the acquisition unit 61, the display control unit 62, and the transmission control unit 63 function during operation.

[0055] The acquisition unit 61 acquires various types of information. For example, the acquisition unit 61 acquires input information received by the input unit. For example, the acquisition unit 61 acquires response information for which input has been received. The acquisition unit 61 also acquires various types of information transmitted from the management server 1, user terminal 2, mail server 4, chat server 5, and other external sources. For example, the acquisition unit 61 acquires inquiry information transmitted directly or indirectly from the management server 1. In this way, the acquisition unit 61 responds to information input by the input unit and information reception by the communication unit.

[0056] The display control unit 62 controls the display of various types of information on the output unit's display or the like. For example, the display control unit 62 controls the display of a quick reference table on the output unit's display or the like. Also, for example, the display control unit 62 controls the display of inquiry information on the output unit's display or the like.

[0057] The transmission control unit 63 controls the transmission of various types of information via the communication unit to the management server 1, mail server 4, chat server 5, and other external parties. For example, the transmission control unit 63 controls the transmission of activity record information to the management server 1. Also, for example, the transmission control unit 63 controls the transmission of response information to the management server 1, mail server 4, or chat server 5.

[0058] <Processing flow> (Processing flow of the management server) Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the stem route generation process. This process realizes the route analysis unit 114 and the stem generation unit 115. The CPU 11 of the management server 1 refers to the activity record information stored in the activity record information storage unit 183 and identifies a route for each instructor (step S1). Next, CPU 11 extracts the shortest path among the identified routes (step S2). Then, CPU 11 generates a stem route along the shortest path (step S3). After generating the stem route, the stem route generation process ends.

[0059] The stem route generation process shown in Figure 5 is an example where the generation of the stem route follows the shortest route, as specified by the specified generation information. The content of the stem route generation process changes depending on the specifications provided by the specified generation information. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing examples of other stem root generation processes. This generation process calculates the branching ratio and, based on that ratio, selects the processes that make up the stem route. By calculating the branching ratio, it is also possible to generate a stem route that is desirable for a wider range of users.

[0060] The CPU 11 refers to the activity record information stored in the activity record information storage unit 183 and identifies a route for each instructor (step S11). Next, the CPU 11 calculates the branching ratio for each branch destination for each process included in the identified route (step S12). Next, the CPU 11 determines the migration destination for each process based on the calculated branch ratio (step S13). Then, the CPU 11 generates a stem route connecting the determined processes (step S14). After the stem route is generated, the stem route generation process ends.

[0061] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the branch route generation process. The CPU 11 compares the routes identified for each leader and identifies the processes on the stem route where a branch exists (step S21). Next, the CPU 11 refers to routes that branch off from the identified process, for example, and identifies a route that returns to the stem route from the identified process (step S22). Then, the CPU 11 generates branch routes along the identified route (step S23). Note that branch routes are usually generated for each process where a branch has been identified.

[0062] <Specific example> (Example of a quick reference chart) Figure 8 shows a specific example of a stem root. When a user operates user terminal 2 and downloads a quick reference table from, for example, management server 1, a quick reference table 100 including the stem route SR is displayed, as shown in Figure 8. The stem route SR connects processes A1 to A5, which represent the actions the user should take, in chronological order as the main path to achieving objective G. In addition, milestones M1 to M3, which are time-based targets, are associated with each process that is considered important. Furthermore, an object U is displayed on the stem route SR to indicate the user's current position. By simply looking at the displayed object U, the user can easily grasp the path they have taken so far, their current position, the next action they should take, and the path they should take in the future.

[0063] Specifically, process A1 is labeled "Let's do a." Process A2 is labeled "Let's do b." Process A3 is labeled "Let's do c." Process A4 is labeled "Let's do d." Process A5 is labeled "Let's do e." Milestone M1 is labeled "〇〇 achieved." Milestone M2 is labeled "△△ achieved." Milestone M3 is labeled "□□ achieved." The user can achieve their objective G by completing processes A1 through A5 in that order, with milestones M1 through M3, indicated in A3 through A5 on the stem route SR, as their passing targets.

[0064] (Specific example of a branch route) Figure 9 shows a concrete example of a quick reference chart that includes branch routes. As described above, users can efficiently achieve their objectives by following the steps outlined in the quick reference guide. However, if the user encounters a difficult step, a branch route is added to allow them to pass through that step. Figure 9 shows an example where step A3 is determined to be a difficult step for the user, among steps A1 to A5 associated with the stem route SR included in the quick reference guide 100. Therefore, a branch route BR is added to the quick reference guide in Figure 9 to allow the user to pass through step A3. Additionally, in process A3, which was the subject of the inquiry, additional information FJ1 and FJ2 are placed.

[0065] The branch route BR for passing through process A3 has processes A3-1 through A3-3, which the user must perform in order to pass through process A3, mapped to it in chronological order. Specifically, process A3-1 is labeled "Let's do c1," process A3-2 is labeled "Let's do c2," and process A3-3 is labeled "Let's do c3." By completing the subdivided processes A3-1 through A3-3, the user can efficiently pass through process A3. In other words, the user can return from the branch route BR to the stem route SR and proceed to the subsequent processes. After that, the user can achieve their objective G by completing processes A4 and A5.

[0066] However, when following the steps along the branch route BR, users may encounter difficult steps. In such cases, although not shown in the diagram, a subdivided branch route is generated from the original branch route BR. Furthermore, when following the steps along the subdivided branch route BR, users may encounter difficult steps. In such cases, an even more subdivided branch route is generated. By performing these updates, a quick reference guide is ultimately created that allows all, or most, users to reach their objective G.

[0067] (Specific examples of information displayed in the quick reference chart) Figures 10(A) through (C) show specific examples of information displayed in the quick reference table, corresponding to stem routes and branch routes. Note that stem routes and branch routes generally proceed from left to right. Figures 8 and 9 above show simplified display examples to illustrate the functions of stem routes and branch routes included in the quick reference table. However, as shown in Figures 10(A) to (C), various types of information can be associated with and displayed for stem routes and branch routes.

[0068] For example, stem routes and branch routes can be branched based on the choices made. Figure 10(A) shows an example where the stem route or branch route is branched into two based on the choices "yes" and "no" in response to the question "Is it XX?". Figure 10(B) shows an example where the stem route or branch route is branched into three based on the choices "X", "Y", and "Z" in response to the question "Is it YY?".

[0069] Furthermore, for example, data that users can view or watch (e.g., text data, audio data, and video data) can be displayed in association with the processes of the stem route and branch route. The data that users can view or watch may be data that has been prepared in advance on the management server 1 as reference data for taking the processes along the stem route and branch route, or it may be inquiry information from the user, or answer information from the instructor or the system. In Figure 10(C), five video data D1 to D5 branched off from the notation "Reference Video" are associated with processes on the stem route or branch route in a manner that allows them to be downloaded and viewed.

[0070] <Advantageous effects of the first embodiment> According to the first embodiment, even if a user encounters a difficult step while following the stem route included in the quick reference table, they can efficiently navigate through the difficult step without getting lost and achieve their objective by following the generated branch route. Furthermore, since the content of user inquiries and the answers to those inquiries are reflected in the stem route and branch route included in the generated quick reference table, the stem route and branch route are refined, and the contents of the quick reference table can be made more desirable. Adding branch routes, subdividing processes, adding information such as reference materials or checklists, and exchanging parts of the stem route with branch routes are all effective in making the contents of the quick reference table more desirable.

[0071] [Second Embodiment] The information processing system according to the first embodiment described above creates a quick reference table that includes a stem route showing the path to achieving the user's objective, based on user information necessary for user registration which includes at least the user's objective, and supports the user in achieving their objective by refining that quick reference table. In contrast, the information processing system according to the second embodiment more effectively supports the user in achieving their objective by utilizing a predetermined AI model and a quick reference table.

[0072] Traditionally, when a generative AI is instructed to generate information via a predetermined prompt, it can search a designated database for information deemed necessary for generation. The generative AI then considers the retrieved information as correct and provides a response within the scope of that information. Many services utilize this type of generative AI functionality.

[0073] Even when a generation AI is given detailed instructions using prompts, if it involves multiple large processes, the accuracy of each process may decrease, and it may generate the final information by using the information in a predetermined database as the correct information.

[0074] For example, even if detailed instructions are given for processes such as combining a large amount of information into concise information and generating an answer based on that concise information, the accuracy of the answer may still be insufficient. Specifically, for example, the prompts might include instructions for structurally organizing information retrieved from a given database, and instructions for creating a quick reference table that includes a stem route showing the path to achieving the user's objective based on the structurally organized information. In such cases, the generating AI may not use structured information retrieved from a given database, but rather select only a portion of the retrieved information as the correct answer to generate the final information. In other words, the accuracy of the created quick reference table will be insufficient.

[0075] Therefore, in the second embodiment, by making more appropriate use of the generation AI, it is possible to generate more accurate final information (the "support information" described later).

[0076] In the second embodiment, it is assumed that a generative AI model employing a Large Language Model (LLM) is used as the predetermined AI model. A generative AI model is an AI model that can output new data and information based on data that the computer has learned. Furthermore, when a language model is input with a prompt (string) using natural language, it can output a string based on the input prompt and the context of previously input and output prompts. In particular, a large language model improves the accuracy of the answer, which indicates the quality of the answer, and the accuracy of appropriately responding to the questioner's requests, by scaling up elements such as "computational complexity," "data volume," and "number of model parameters" of the language model. As mentioned above, in the second embodiment, it is assumed that a large language model is employed, but it is not limited to this, and a language model using a predetermined natural language may be employed.

[0077] Furthermore, in processing using large-scale language models, prompt engineering is performed to obtain more suitable output strings and to define the output format. That is, instead of simply using question sentences or requests as prompts, prompt engineering embeds information such as assumptions, constraints, and definitions of the output format, resulting in more suitable output strings.

[0078] <Information Processing System> Figure 11 shows an example of the overall configuration of the information processing system S200 according to the second embodiment. The information processing system S200 is configured such that the management server 31, user terminals 2-1 to 2-n, instructor terminals 3-1 to 3-m, mail server 4, chat server 5, and generation AI processing device 6 are connected via network N. The following describes the differences from the first embodiment, specifically the configurations of the management server 31 and the generation AI processing device 6.

[0079] (Management Server) In addition to the functions of management server 1 described above, management server 31 has the following functions. Specifically, management server 31 acquires, stores, and manages information that may be provided to the user in courses that the user can take to achieve a predetermined objective (hereinafter referred to as "provided information"). Provided information includes, for example, information about the teaching materials used in the course, information about the user's current actions, information about the user's past actions, and information about the user's background. Specifically, for example, teaching materials and supplementary materials used in the course, examples of actions in the current quick reference chart, past questions and answers, and past chat content are acquired as provided information. Specific examples of provided information will be described later with reference to Figures 16 to 19.

[0080] Furthermore, the management server 31 acquires, stores, and manages information that specifies information to support course completion (hereinafter referred to as "support information") and information that specifies information (hereinafter referred to as "specified information"). Support information includes quick reference tables, refined quick reference tables, answers to questions, processes, hints, self-check points, and advice on self-check points. Specified information includes the generation of quick reference tables, the refinement of quick reference tables, the generation of answers to questions, the generation of processes, the generation of hints, the generation of self-check points, and the generation of advice on self-check points.

[0081] The management server 31 generates a prompt (hereinafter referred to as the "first prompt") that causes the system to execute a process to generate information related to the support information (hereinafter referred to as "related information") from the provided information, based on the acquired specified information. The management server 31 also causes the generation AI processing unit 6 to execute the process of generating related information based on the first prompt.

[0082] Here, the process of generating related information from the provided information based on the acquired specified information includes a process of structuring the provided information. The first prompt contains the matters to be considered in structuring the provided information. Structured information includes comprehensive, non-redundant information; in other words, it becomes structured related information. This means that structured related information is generated from unorganized, often redundant, source information.

[0083] Furthermore, the management server 31 generates a prompt (hereinafter referred to as the "second prompt") that causes the system to execute a process to generate support information based on the acquired specified information and the generated related information. The management server 31 also causes the generation AI processing unit 6 to execute a process to generate support information based on the second prompt. The management server 31 also acquires the generated support information and provides it to the user. In other words, in the second embodiment, instead of simply referencing provided information to generate support information as in conventional generation AI, related information related to the support information is generated from the provided information, and the support information is generated based on that related information. As a result, the accuracy of the generated support information is improved, allowing the user to efficiently achieve their objectives.

[0084] Furthermore, the management server 31 generates a prompt (hereinafter referred to as the "third prompt") that causes the system to execute a process to generate structured information (hereinafter referred to as "structured information") based on the acquired information. The management server 31 also causes the generation AI processing unit 6 to execute a process to generate structured information based on the third prompt. The management server 31 also generates a first prompt that causes the system to execute a process to generate related information from the structured information. As a result, structured information is generated by structuring the information provided, so redundant information, such as frequently asked questions from users and their answers, is removed from the information provided. As a result, the accuracy of the related information generated based on the first prompt is further improved. Details of the specific configuration and processing of the management server 1 will be described later.

[0085] (AI generation processing device) The generation AI processing unit 6 has a large-scale language model and performs generation AI processing based on prompts, which are instructions from the management server 31, and transmits the resulting output to the management server 31. Specifically, the generation AI processing unit 6 performs generation AI processing based on a first prompt, which is an instruction from the management server 31, generates related information as an output, and transmits it to the management server 31. Furthermore, the generation AI processing unit 6 performs generation AI processing based on a second prompt, which is an instruction from the management server 31, generates support information as an output, and transmits it to the management server 31. Furthermore, the generation AI processing unit 6 performs generation AI processing based on a third prompt, which is an instruction from the management server 31, generates structured provision information as an output, and transmits it to the management server 31. The specific configuration and processing details of the generation AI processing unit 6 will be described later.

[0086] <Hardware Configuration> (Hardware configuration of the management server and AI generation processing unit) Although not shown in the figures, the management server 31 and the generation AI processing unit 6 may each have the hardware configuration shown in Figure 2 above. That is, the management server 31 and the generation AI processing unit 6 may each have a CPU, ROM, RAM, bus, input / output interface, output unit, input unit, storage unit, communication unit, drive, and removable media corresponding to the CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, bus 14, input / output interface 15, output unit 16, input unit 17, storage unit 18, communication unit 19, drive 20, and removable media 21 in Figure 2. In the second embodiment, this is assumed for convenience.

[0087] <Functional Configuration> (Management server functional configuration) Figure 12 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration in the management server 31. In the CPU of the management server 31, when it is in operation, in addition to the functional configuration shown in Figure 3 above (receive control unit 111, authentication unit 112, management unit 113, route analysis unit 114, stem generation unit 115, identification unit 116, branch generation unit 117, additional information generation unit 118, quick reference table update unit 119, screen generation unit 120, and transmission control unit 121), the following functions are also active: provided information acquisition unit 122, memory control unit 123, specified information acquisition unit 124, first prompt generation unit 125, related information generation unit 126, second prompt generation unit 127, support information generation unit 128, third prompt generation unit 129, structured provided information generation unit 130, and support information provision unit 131.

[0088] Furthermore, in addition to the functional configuration shown in Figure 3 above (user information storage unit 181, setting information storage unit 182, action record information storage unit 183, quick reference table storage unit 184, inquiry information storage unit 185, response information storage unit 186, analysis result storage unit 187), the storage unit of the management server 31 also has a provision information storage unit 188, a designated information storage unit 189, a related information storage unit 190, a support information storage unit 191, and a structured provision information storage unit 192 reserved for information storage.

[0089] The information acquisition unit 122 acquires the information to be provided. The acquired information is passed to the management unit 113 and stored in the information storage unit 188 secured in the memory unit, where it is managed. The memory control unit 123 executes control to store the acquired provided information in the generation AI processing unit 6. For example, the memory control unit 123 may cause the transmission control unit 121 to transmit the provided information to the generation AI processing unit 6.

[0090] The designated information acquisition unit 124 acquires designated information. The acquired designated information is passed to the management unit 113, and stored and managed in the designated information storage unit 189 reserved in the memory unit.

[0091] The first prompt generation unit 125 generates a first prompt based on the acquired specified information. The first prompt generation unit 125 also generates a first prompt that causes the execution of a process to generate related information from the structured information. The related information generation unit 126 performs processing to generate related information. Specifically, the related information generation unit 126 functions as a generation processing execution unit 1261 as a means for controlling the execution of the generation process, and a related information acquisition unit 1262 as a means for acquiring related information. The generation processing execution unit 1261 causes the generation AI processing unit 6 to execute a process to generate related information based on a first prompt. For example, the generation processing execution unit 1261 may cause the transmission control unit 121 to send the first prompt to the generation AI processing unit 6. In this case, the first prompt may be sent via the chat server 5. The related information acquisition unit 1262 acquires the related information generated by the generation AI processing unit 6. The acquired related information is passed to the management unit 113, stored in the related information storage unit 190 reserved in the memory unit, and managed.

[0092] The second prompt generation unit 127 generates a second prompt based on the acquired specified information and the generated and acquired related information. The support information generation unit 128 performs processing to generate support information. Specifically, the support information generation unit 128 functions as a generation processing execution unit 1281 as a means for controlling the execution of the generation process, and a support information acquisition unit 1282 as a means for acquiring support information. The generation processing execution unit 1281 causes the generation AI processing unit 6 to execute the process of generating support information based on the second prompt. For example, the generation processing execution unit 1281 may cause the transmission control unit 121 to send the second prompt to the generation AI processing unit 6. In this case, the second prompt may be sent via the chat server 5. The support information acquisition unit 1282 acquires the support information generated by the generation AI processing unit 6. The acquired support information is passed to the management unit 113, stored in the support information storage unit 191 secured in the memory unit, and managed.

[0093] The third prompt generation unit 129 generates a third prompt based on the acquired provided information. The structured information generation unit 130 executes processing to generate structured information for the generation AI processing unit 6. Specifically, the structured information generation unit 130 includes a generation processing execution unit 1301 as a means of controlling the execution of the generation process, and a structured information acquisition unit 1302 as a means of acquiring support information. The generation processing execution unit 1301 causes the generation AI processing unit 6 to execute processing to generate structured information based on a third prompt. For example, the generation processing execution unit 1301 may cause the transmission control unit 121 to send the third prompt to the generation AI processing unit 6. In this case, the third prompt may be sent via the chat server 5. The structured information acquisition unit 1302 acquires the structured information generated by the generation AI processing unit 6. The acquired structured information is passed to the management unit 113 and stored and managed in the structured information storage unit 192 secured in the memory unit.

[0094] The support information provision unit 131 performs processing to provide the generated support information to the user. For example, the support information provision unit 131 may cause the transmission control unit 121 to transmit the support information to the user terminal 2.

[0095] (Functional configuration of the AI ​​generation processing unit) Figure 13 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the generation AI processing device 6. In the CPU of the generation AI processing device 6, the acquisition unit 71, the generation processing unit 72, and the transmission control unit 73 function during operation. In addition, in the memory unit of the generation AI processing device 6, the provided information storage unit 81 is reserved for information storage.

[0096] The acquisition unit 71 acquires various types of information. For example, the acquisition unit 71 acquires various types of information transmitted from the management server 31 and other external sources. The acquisition unit 71 also acquires provided information transmitted from the management server 31. The acquired provided information is stored and managed in the provided information storage unit 81, which is secured in the memory unit, under the control of the management server 31. The acquisition unit 71 also acquires a first prompt transmitted from the management server 31. The acquisition unit 71 also acquires a second prompt transmitted from the management server 31. The acquisition unit 71 also acquires a third prompt transmitted from the management server 31. In this way, the acquisition unit 71 responds to information reception by the communication unit.

[0097] The generation processing unit 72 performs generation AI processing based on prompts, which are instructions from the management server 31, and generates various types of information that will be the deliverables. For example, the generation processing unit 72 performs generation AI processing based on a first prompt sent from the management server 31 and generates related information as its deliverable. Also, for example, the generation processing unit 72 performs generation AI processing based on a second prompt sent from the management server 31 and generates support information as its deliverable. Also, for example, the generation processing unit 72 performs generation AI processing based on a third prompt sent from the management server 31 and generates structured provision information as its deliverable.

[0098] The transmission control unit 73 controls the transmission of various types of information to the management server 1 and other external parties via the communication unit. For example, the transmission control unit 73 controls the transmission of relevant information to the management server 31. The transmission control unit 73 also controls the transmission of support information to the management server 31. Furthermore, the transmission control unit 73 controls the transmission of structured information to the management server 31.

[0099] <Processing flow> (Processing flow of the management server) Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the support information generation process. This process realizes the provided information acquisition unit 122, the memory control unit 123, the specified information acquisition unit 124, the first prompt generation unit 125, the related information generation unit 126, the second prompt generation unit 127, and the support information generation unit 128.

[0100] The CPU of the management server 31 acquires the provided information (step S31). Subsequently, the CPU of the management server 31 executes control to store the acquired provided information in the generation AI processing unit 6 (step S32).

[0101] Next, the CPU of the management server 31 acquires the specified information (step S33). Then, the CPU of the management server 31 generates a first prompt based on the acquired specified information (step S34). After that, the CPU of the management server 31 performs processing to generate related information (step S35). Specifically, the CPU of the management server 31 causes the generation AI processing unit 6 to execute the process of generating related information based on the first prompt, and acquires the generated related information.

[0102] Next, the CPU of the management server 31 generates a second prompt based on the specified information and the generated and acquired related information (step S36). Subsequently, the CPU of the management server 31 performs processing to generate support information (step S37). Specifically, the CPU of the management server 31 causes the generation AI processing unit 6 to execute the process of generating support information based on the second prompt, and acquires the generated support information. After acquiring the support information, the support information generation process ends.

[0103] <Specific example> Figure 15 shows a specific example of a screen displayed on user terminal 2 using a service to which the information processing system S200 is applied (hereinafter referred to as "this service"). This service provides courses that users can take in order to achieve a predetermined objective. Users of this service upload the information they wish to provide from user terminal 2. The destination for uploading the information is the management server 31. Figure 15 shows an example of the screen displayed on user terminal 2 when a user uploads "learning material data" as information they wish to provide.

[0104] The screen shown in Figure 15 displays buttons for selecting whether to upload learning material data "by school" or "by course," as well as buttons for individually selecting schools or courses (schools in the example in Figure 15), as part of the menu for uploading learning material data.

[0105] Figures 16 to 19 show specific examples of information provided that can be uploaded from the screen shown in Figure 14. Figure 16 shows the framework of a quick reference table, which is an example of information provided. Figure 17 shows a process, which is an example of information provided. Figure 18(A) shows a question from a user, which is an example of information provided. Figure 18(B) shows an answer to a question, which is an example of information provided. Figure 19 shows the flow of a chat, which is an example of information provided. Note that the chat flow shown in Figure 19 is an example of the screen displayed on the instructor terminal 3.

[0106] Figures 20 to 26 show specific examples of support information generated by the AI ​​generation processing device 6. Figure 20 shows an example of a quick reference table as a concrete example of support information generated by the generation AI processing unit 6. The quick reference table shown in Figure 20 shows multiple examples of processes generated based on the user's objectives and needs.

[0107] Figure 21 shows an example of a refined quick reference table as a concrete example of support information generated by the generation AI processing device 6. The quick reference table shown in Figure 21 shows an example where a process has been added (dashed line area). Figure 22 shows an example of an answer to a question as a concrete example of support information generated by the generation AI processing device 6. Figure 23 shows an example of multiple processes as a concrete example of support information generated by the generation AI processing device 6.

[0108] Figure 24 shows an example of a hint as a concrete example of support information generated by the generation AI processing unit 6. Figure 25 shows an example of a self-checkpoint as a concrete example of support information generated by the generation AI processing unit 6. Figure 26 shows an example of advice for a self-checkpoint as a concrete example of support information generated by the generation AI processing unit 6.

[0109] <Advantageous effects of the second embodiment> According to the second embodiment, the generation of support information by the generation AI can include the generation of a quick reference table framework or the quick reference table itself. Furthermore, highly accurate answers can be obtained to questions from the user. The answers obtained include process breakdown. Therefore, the manual work of breaking down the process, as in the past, is no longer required. In addition, multiple answers may be obtained, and the user can select from among multiple answers. Furthermore, automatic determination of the dependency relationships of the processes becomes possible. As a result, users who take courses to achieve their goals can achieve their goals more efficiently by utilizing the support information generated using the generation AI.

[0110] <Other Embodiments> Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any modifications, improvements, etc. that can achieve the objectives of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0111] For example, the above embodiment helps users taking the course achieve their goals, but it is not limited to this. It can be applied to any business or field. For example, it can be applied to various training programs for client companies, and thus can generate revenue.

[0112] Furthermore, the series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. In other words, the functional configuration described above is merely illustrative and not particularly limiting. That is, it is sufficient for the information processing system to have the functionality to execute the series of processes described above as a whole, and the functional blocks used to realize this functionality are not particularly limited to the examples given above.

[0113] Furthermore, the location of a functional block is not particularly limited and can be arbitrary. For example, a functional block from management server 1 may be transferred to another device, or a functional block from another device may be transferred to a server. Also, a single functional block may consist of hardware alone, software alone, or a combination of both.

[0114] When a series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up that software are installed on a computer or other device from a network or storage medium. The computer may be a computer built into dedicated hardware. Alternatively, the computer may be a computer capable of performing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0115] Such recording media containing programs may consist not only of removable media (not shown) distributed separately from the main device to provide programs to users, but also of recording media provided to users in a state where they are pre-installed in the main device. Since programs can be distributed via a network, the recording media may be installed on or accessible from a computer connected to or capable of connecting to a network.

[0116] In this specification, the step of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium includes not only processes that are performed chronologically in that order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically, but are executed in parallel or individually. Furthermore, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall system composed of multiple devices, means, etc.

[0117] In other words, the information processing system to which the present invention is applied can take various forms having the following configurations. (1-1) That is, an information processing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the information processing system S200 in Figure 11) A means for acquiring information that can be provided to a user in courses that the user can take in order to achieve a predetermined objective (for example, the information acquisition unit 122 in Figure 12), A means for acquiring designated information (for example, the designated information acquisition unit 124 in Figure 12) that acquires designated information that specifies support information to assist in taking the aforementioned course, A first prompt generation means (for example, the first prompt generation unit 125 in Figure 12) generates a first prompt that causes the execution of a process to generate related information related to the support information from the provided information based on the specified information, Based on the first prompt, a related information generation means (for example, the related information generation unit 126 in Figure 12) generates the related information, A second prompt generation means (for example, the second prompt generation unit 127 in Figure 12) generates a second prompt that causes the process of generating the support information to be executed based on the specified information and the related information, Based on the second prompt, a support information generation means (for example, the support information generation unit 128 in Figure 12) generates the support information, Having that is sufficient.

[0118] (1-2) Furthermore, a third prompt generation means (for example, the third prompt generation unit 129 in Figure 12) generates a third prompt that causes the execution of a process to generate structured provided information based on the provided information obtained by the provided information acquisition means, Based on the third prompt, a structured information generation means (for example, the structured information generation unit 130 in Figure 12) generates the structured information, It further possesses, The first prompt generation means can generate a first prompt that causes the execution of a process to generate the related information from the structured information.

[0119] (1-3) Furthermore, the related information generation means can cause an information processing device (for example, the generation AI processing device 6 in Figure 11) that performs a process to generate a product using natural language based on the acquired prompt and the stored predetermined information (for example, the provided information) to generate the related information.

[0120] (1-4) In addition, a means for providing the support information to the user (for example, the support information providing unit 131 in Figure 12), It can also have.

[0121] (1-5) The information provided may include one or more of the following: teaching materials used in the course; a framework of a process chart showing the path the user takes to achieve their objective and the actions they should take along that path; actions the user should take; questions from the user and answers to those questions; and the flow of chats in which the user participated.

[0122] (1-6) Furthermore, the above-mentioned objective may be one or more of the following: creation of a quick reference chart, refinement of the quick reference chart, questions and answers to those questions, creation of actions that the user should take, creation of hints for the user, creation of self-check points, and creation of advice for the self-check points.

[0123] (1-7) Furthermore, a stem generation means (for example, the stem generation unit 115 in Figure 12) generates a stem route as part of a process chart, which shows the path the user takes to achieve their goal and indicates multiple steps representing the actions to be taken along that path. A means for identifying difficult steps on the stem route that are difficult for the user taking action along the stem route (for example, the identification unit 116 in Figure 12), A branch generation means (for example, the branch generation unit 117 in Figure 12) generates branch routes on the process chart that serve as detours to pass through the aforementioned difficult process and have one or more processes, It can also have.

[0124] (1-8) Furthermore, the branch generation means can arrange multiple processes on the branch route for the difficult process on the stem route.

[0125] (1-9) Furthermore, the branch generation means can anticipate problems that may occur in the difficult process and generate multiple branch routes if there are multiple anticipated problems.

[0126] (1-10) Furthermore, the stem generation means and the branch generation means can generate time information representing the period until the user performs the action indicated by one or more steps.

[0127] (1-11) The system further includes means for acquiring performance information (for example, the receiving control unit 111 in Figure 12) that acquires performance information indicating the actions taken by the achiever for the purpose of achieving the purpose, The identification means can refer to the action record information to identify the route taken by each achiever to achieve the objective, and identify the difficult steps based on the differences in the identified routes.

[0128] (1-12) The system further includes means for acquiring performance information, which acquires performance information indicating the actions taken by the achiever for the purpose of achieving the purpose, The stem generation means can refer to the action record information to identify the route taken by each achiever to achieve the objective, and generate the stem route based on the identified route.

[0129] (1-13) The stem generation means can also identify the shortest route among the routes identified for each achiever, and generate the stem route based on the shortest route.

[0130] (1-14) The stem generation means can also extract common steps from the routes identified for each achiever, identify the route containing the extracted common steps as a common route, and generate the stem route based on the identified common route.

[0131] (1-15) The stem generation means can also calculate the transition ratio between processes included in the route using the route specified for each achiever, and generate the stem route based on the calculated transition ratio.

[0132] (1-16) The stem generating means can also generate the stem route which includes the interprocesses that maximize the transition ratio.

[0133] (1-17) Furthermore, the stem generation means updates the stem route based on the transition ratio after creating the stem route. The branch generation means can update the branch route in conjunction with the update of the stem route by the stem generation means.

[0134] (1-18) Furthermore, the identifying means can identify the process that should be designated as the difficult process based on the proportion of the process that causes the difference in the route.

[0135] (1-19) In an information processing method executed by an information processing system, A step of obtaining information that may be provided to the user in a course that the user can take in order to achieve a predetermined objective, The steps include obtaining designated information that specifies support information to assist in taking the aforementioned course, A step of generating a first prompt that causes a process to be executed to generate related information related to the support information from the provided information based on the specified information, A step of generating the relevant information based on the first prompt, A step of generating a second prompt that causes the process of generating the support information to be executed based on the specified information and the related information, A step of generating the support information based on the second prompt, This can be an information processing method that includes this.

[0136] (1-20) Information processing system, To enable a user to obtain information that may be provided to them in courses they can take in order to achieve a predetermined objective, To provide support information for completing the aforementioned course, specify the required information. Based on the specified information, a first prompt is generated to perform a process that generates related information related to the support information from the provided information. Based on the first prompt, generate the relevant information, Based on the specified information and the related information, a second prompt is generated to cause the process of generating the support information to be executed. Based on the second prompt, the support information is generated. It can be used as a program to execute a process.

[0137] (2-1) Furthermore, an information processing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the information processing system S200 in Figure 11) A first receiving means (e.g., the receiving control unit 111 in Figure 12) that receives a first message for an inquiry created by a user, transmitted from a user terminal operated by a user acting in accordance with a process chart that includes a stem route indicating the path to achieving an objective, and one or more branch routes branching off from the stem route and returning to the stem route, Based on the first message, a process schedule update means (for example, the quick reference update unit 119 in Figure 12) updates the process schedule, Having that is sufficient.

[0138] (2-2) The process schedule update means can also update the process schedule by identifying the process on the process schedule that was inquired about by the first message, and by performing one of the following: dividing the identified process, adding a branch route, or adding reference materials.

[0139] (2-3) The system further includes a second receiving means (for example, the receiving control unit 111 in Figure 12) that receives a second message created by the person in charge as a response to the first message, which is transmitted from the person in charge's terminal operated by the person in charge. The process schedule updating means can identify the process on the process schedule that was queried by the first message, associate it with the identified process, and update the process schedule so that the presence of the first message and the second message can be visually confirmed.

[0140] (2-4) Furthermore, the first receiving means and the second receiving means are capable of receiving the first message and the second message as audio data, The process schedule updating means can convert the audio data into text data and associate it with the identified process.

[0141] (2-5) In addition, a means for acquiring information that can be provided to a user in courses that the user can take in order to achieve the purpose of the specified content, A means for obtaining designated information that specifies support information to assist in taking the aforementioned course, A first prompt generation means generates a first prompt that causes the execution of a process to generate related information related to the support information from the provided information based on the specified information, A related information generation means that generates the related information based on the first prompt, A second prompt generation means generates a second prompt that causes the process of generating the support information to be executed based on the specified information and the related information, A support information generation means that generates the support information based on the second prompt, It can also have.

[0142] (2-6) Furthermore, a third prompt generation means generates a third prompt that causes the execution of a process to generate structured provided information, which is structured information obtained by the provided information acquisition means, A structured information generation means that generates the structured information based on the third prompt, It further possesses, The first prompt generation means can generate a first prompt that causes the execution of a process to generate the related information from the structured information.

[0143] (2-7) The related information generation means can also cause an information processing device that performs a process to generate a product using natural language based on the acquired prompt and the stored predetermined information to generate the related information.

[0144] (2-8) In addition, a means for providing the support information to the user, It can also have.

[0145] (2-9) The information provided may include one or more of the following: teaching materials used in the course; a framework of a process chart showing the path the user should take to achieve their objective and the actions they should take along that path; actions the user should take; questions from the user and answers to those questions; and the flow of chats in which the user participated.

[0146] (2-10) Furthermore, the above-mentioned objective may be one or more of the following: creating a quick reference chart, refining the quick reference chart, creating questions and answers to those questions, creating actions that users should take, creating hints for users, creating self-check points, and creating advice for the self-check points.

[0147] (2-11) In an information processing method executed by an information processing system, The steps include receiving a first message for an inquiry created by a user, which is transmitted from a user terminal operated by a user acting in accordance with a process chart that includes a stem route indicating the path to achieving an objective, and one or more branch routes branching off from the stem route and returning to the stem route, Based on the first message, the process schedule is updated, This can be an information processing method that includes this.

[0148] (2-12) Information processing system, A first message for an inquiry created by a user is received from a user terminal operated by a user acting in accordance with a process chart that includes a stem route showing the path to achieving an objective, and one or more branch routes that branch off from the stem route and return to the stem route. Based on the first message, the process schedule is updated. It can be used as a program to execute a process.

[0149] (3-1) Furthermore, an information processing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the information processing system S100 in Figure 1) A stem generation means (for example, the stem generation unit 115 in Figure 3) generates a stem route as part of a process chart, which shows the path a user takes to achieve their goal and indicates multiple steps representing the actions to be taken along that path. A means for identifying difficult steps on the stem route that are difficult for the user taking action along the stem route (for example, the identification unit 116 in Figure 3), A branch generation means (for example, the branch generation unit 117 in Figure 3) generates branch routes on the process chart that serve as detours to pass through the aforementioned difficult process and have one or more processes, Having that is sufficient.

[0150] (3-2) The branch generation means can also arrange multiple processes on the branch route for the difficult process on the stem route.

[0151] (3-3) Furthermore, the branch generation means can anticipate problems that may occur in the difficult process and generate multiple branch routes if there are multiple anticipated problems.

[0152] (3-4) Furthermore, the stem generation means and the branch generation means can generate time information representing the period until the user performs the action indicated by one or more steps.

[0153] (3-5) The system further includes means for acquiring performance information (for example, the receiving control unit 111 in Figure 3) that acquires performance information indicating the actions taken by the achiever for the purpose of achieving the purpose, The identification means can refer to the action record information to identify the route taken by each achiever to achieve the objective, and identify the difficult steps based on the differences in the identified routes.

[0154] (3-6) The system further includes means for acquiring performance information, which acquires performance information indicating the actions taken by the achiever for the purpose of achieving the purpose, The stem generation means can refer to the action record information to identify the route taken by each achiever to achieve the objective, and generate the stem route based on the identified route.

[0155] (3-7) The stem generation means can also identify the shortest route among the routes identified for each achiever, and generate the stem route based on the shortest route.

[0156] (3-8) The stem generation means can also extract common steps from the routes identified for each achiever, identify the route containing the extracted common steps as a common route, and generate the stem route based on the identified common route.

[0157] (3-9) The stem generation means can also use the route specified for each achiever to calculate the transition ratio between processes included in the route, and generate the stem route based on the calculated transition ratio.

[0158] (3-10) The stem generating means can also generate the stem route which includes the interprocessing steps that result in the maximum transition rate.

[0159] (3-11) Furthermore, the stem generation means updates the stem route based on the transition ratio after creating the stem route. The branch generation means can update the branch route in conjunction with the update of the stem route by the stem generation means.

[0160] (3-12) Furthermore, the identifying means can identify the process that should be designated as the difficult process based on the proportion of the process that causes the difference in the route.

[0161] (3-13) Information processing system, The system generates a stem route as part of the process chart, which shows the path the user takes to achieve their goal and indicates multiple steps representing the actions to be taken along that path. To identify difficult steps on the stem route that would be challenging for the user taking action along the aforementioned stem route, This creates a detour to pass through the aforementioned difficult process, and generates a branch route on the process chart that has one or more processes. It can be used as a program to execute a process.

[0162] (4-1) Furthermore, an information processing system to which the present invention is applied (for example, the information processing system S100 in Figure 1) A first receiving means (e.g., receiving control unit 111 in Figure 3) that receives a first message for an inquiry created by a user, transmitted from a user terminal operated by a user acting in accordance with a process chart that includes a stem route indicating the path to achieving an objective, and one or more branch routes branching off from the stem route and returning to the stem route, Based on the first message, a process schedule update means (for example, the quick reference update unit 119 in Figure 3) updates the process schedule, Having that is sufficient.

[0163] (4-2) The process schedule update means can also update the process schedule by identifying the process on the process schedule that was inquired about by the first message, and by performing one of the following: dividing the identified process, adding a branch route, or adding reference materials.

[0164] (4-3) The system further includes a second receiving means (for example, the receiving control unit 111 in Figure 3) that receives a second message created by the person in charge as a response to the first message, which is transmitted from the person in charge's terminal operated by the person in charge. The process schedule updating means can identify the process on the process schedule that was queried by the first message, associate it with the identified process, and update the process schedule so that the presence of the first message and the second message can be visually confirmed.

[0165] (4-4) Furthermore, the first receiving means and the second receiving means are capable of receiving the first message and the second message as audio data, The process schedule updating means can convert the audio data into text data and associate it with the identified process.

[0166] (4-5) Information processing device, A first message for an inquiry created by a user is received from a user terminal operated by a user acting in accordance with a process chart that includes a stem route showing the path to achieving an objective, and one or more branch routes that branch off from the stem route and return to the stem route. Based on the first message, the process schedule is updated. It can be used as a program to execute a process. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0167] 1,31: Management Server, 2: User Terminal, 3: Instructor Terminal, 4: Mail Server, 5: Chat Server, 6: Generation AI Processing Unit, 11: CPU, 16: Output Unit, 17: Input Unit, 18: Storage Unit, 19: Communication Unit, 51: Acquisition Unit, 52: Display Control Unit, 53: Transmission Control Unit, 61: Acquisition Unit, 62: Display Control Unit, 63: Transmission Control, 71: Acquisition Unit, 72: Generation Processing Unit, 73: Transmission Control Unit, 111: Reception Control Unit, 112: Authentication Unit, 113: Management Unit, 114: Route Analysis Unit, 115: Stem Generation Unit , 116: Identification Unit, 117: Branch Generation Unit, 118: Additional Information Generation Unit, 119: Quick Reference Table Update Unit, 120: Screen Generation Unit, 121: Transmission Control Unit, 122: Provided Information Acquisition Unit, 123: Memory Control Unit, 124: Designated Information Acquisition Unit, 125: First Prompt Generation Unit, 126: Related Information Generation Unit, 127: Second Prompt Generation Unit, 128: Support Information Generation Unit, 129: Third Prompt Generation Unit, 130: Structured Provided Information Generation Unit, 131: Support Information Provision Unit, S: Information Processing System, N: Network.

Claims

1. A first receiving means for receiving a first message for an inquiry created by a user, transmitted from a user terminal operated by a user acting in accordance with a process chart that includes a stem route indicating the path to achieving an objective, and one or more branch routes branching off from the stem route and returning to the stem route, A process schedule update means updates the process schedule based on the first message, An information processing system having

2. The process schedule update means identifies the process on the process schedule that was queried by the first message, and updates the process schedule by performing one of the following: dividing the identified process, adding a branch route, or adding reference materials. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a second receiving means for receiving a second message created by the person in charge as a response to the first message, which is transmitted from a terminal operated by the person in charge. The process schedule updating means identifies the process on the process schedule that was inquired about by the first message, associates it with the identified process, and updates the process schedule so that the presence of the first message and the second message can be visually confirmed. The information processing system according to claim 1.

4. The first receiving means and the second receiving means are capable of receiving the first message and the second message as audio data, respectively. The process schedule updating means converts the audio data into text data and associates it with the identified process. The information processing system according to claim 3.

5. In the information processing system, A first message for an inquiry created by a user is received from a user terminal operated by a user who is acting in accordance with a process chart that includes a stem route indicating the path to achieving the objective, and one or more branch routes that branch off from the stem route and return to the stem route. Based on the first message, the process schedule is updated. A program that executes a process.

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