Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To more accurately estimate where a user is positioned among the intermediate goals they have set to achieve their target behavior. [Solution] An information processing device comprising: a target action setting unit that sets a target action for the user and a plurality of sub-target actions to achieve the target action; a user information acquisition unit that acquires user information, which is information about the user; a sub-target action recording unit that, based on the acquired user information, distinguishes and records each of the plurality of sub-target actions into determinable sub-target actions for which it can be determined whether or not the sub-target action has been achieved, and undeterminable sub-target actions for which it cannot be determined; and a user position estimation unit that estimates the user's current position from among the determinable sub-target actions based on the sub-target action the user was immediately positioned in and the acquired user information, in order to determine which sub-target action the user is currently in.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to achieve a target action including a target related to a user's habituation of a certain action, a plurality of intermediate targets are set step by step, a gap between adjacent intermediate targets is recognized, and measures for the user to transition to the next-stage intermediate target beyond the gap are implemented. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that analyzes action data including various data measured about a user's actions and supports the user to achieve a target action.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there has been a problem of low accuracy in estimating at which intermediate target a user is located at present or at a specific time point among the set intermediate targets.

[0005] Therefore, one of the objectives of the disclosed technology is to more accurately estimate at which position among the intermediate targets set by the user to achieve the target action.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a target action setting unit that sets a user's target action and a plurality of sub-target actions to achieve the target action; a user information acquisition unit that acquires user information, which is information about the user; a sub-target action recording unit that, based on the acquired user information, distinguishes and records each of the plurality of sub-target actions into determinable sub-target actions, which can be determined as to whether or not the sub-target action has been achieved, and undeterminable sub-target actions, which cannot be determined; and a user position estimation unit that estimates the user's current position from among the determinable sub-target actions, based on the sub-target action the user was immediately positioned in and the acquired user information, in order to determine which sub-target action the user is currently in.

[0007] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by a computer setting a user's target action and a plurality of sub-target actions to achieve the target action; acquiring user information, which is information about the user; recording each of the plurality of sub-target actions based on the acquired user information, by distinguishing between determinable sub-target actions, which can be determined as to whether or not the sub-target action has been achieved, and undeterminable sub-target actions, which cannot be determined; and estimating the user's current position from among the determinable sub-target actions, based on the sub-target action the user was immediately positioned in and the acquired user information, in order to determine which sub-target action the user is currently in.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present invention involves causing a computer to perform the following actions: setting a user's target action and a plurality of sub-target actions to achieve the target action; acquiring user information, which is information about the user; recording each of the plurality of sub-target actions based on the acquired user information, by distinguishing between determinable sub-target actions, which can be determined as to whether or not the sub-target action has been achieved, and undeterminable sub-target actions, which cannot be determined; and estimating the user's current position from among the determinable sub-target actions, based on the sub-target action the user was immediately positioned in and the acquired user information, in order to determine which sub-target action the user is currently in. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Disclosure technology allows for a more accurate estimation of where a user is positioned among the intermediate goals they have set to achieve their target behavior. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device and terminal device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the functional block configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a survey data database according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a target data database according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a user information database according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on the terminal device according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows another example of a screen displayed on the terminal device according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the functional block configuration of the terminal device according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart of the processing procedure of the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the disclosed technology will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, components denoted by the same reference numerals have the same or similar configuration.

[0012] <Information Processing System 1> The following describes the information processing system 1 in the disclosed technology. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 includes an information processing device 10, one or more terminal devices 20, and a measuring device 30. The information processing device 10, the terminal devices 20, and the measuring device 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network N. Note that there may be multiple measuring devices 30, but they are not essential components for configuring the information processing system 1.

[0013] Network N is a network for communication between the information processing device 10, the terminal device 20, and the measuring device 30. For example, Network N may be the Internet, an intranet, a LAN, a mobile communication network, a dedicated line, a packet communication network, a telephone line, an internal corporate network, other communication lines, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, Network N may be wired or wireless.

[0014] <Information Processing Device 10> The information processing device 10 is composed of a server or a personal computer, etc. The information processing device 10 is an information processing device 10 that performs some of the functions of information processing provided by the information processing system 1, such as managing various information for the user to achieve behavioral goals. The information processing device 10 may be composed using a virtual server or a cloud server, etc. The information processing device 10 may also be called a computer. The information processing device 10, for example, receives a target action from the user's terminal device 20 and sets multiple sub-target actions according to the received target action. In this embodiment, sub-target actions are distinguished into determinable sub-target actions and undeterminable sub-target actions, but when both determinable and undeterminable sub-target actions are included, they are simply called sub-target actions.

[0015] The target action refers to, for example, the goal set by the user in the form of an action. Examples of target actions may include "habitualize running", "habitualize reading", "lose xx kg of weight and maintain it", "achieve the annual quota", "save ○○ ten thousand yen", "start an independent business", "build a personal home", "travel around the world", etc. Also, the target action may be something that is not easily achievable, and multiple target actions may be set for a single user.

[0016] The sub-target action refers to, for example, an intermediate target action set to achieve the target action. The sub-target action may divide the target action into multiple phases and be set for each phase. Specifically, the target action may be divided into five phases such as the disinterest phase, the interest phase, the preparation phase, the execution phase, and the maintenance phase, and staged sub-target actions corresponding to each phase may be set. By setting multiple sub-target actions for one target action and achieving those sub-target actions, the feasibility of achieving the target action can be enhanced. Hereinafter, when the target action and the sub-target action are not distinguished, it is simply referred to as the target.

[0017] The sub-target action may be relatively easy. Examples of sub-target actions may include "recognize the merits of achieving the target action", "recognize the demerits of not achieving the target action", "recognize one's own current state", "install an app for managing the schedule", "purchase the tools necessary to achieve the target action", "participate in an online event", "post specified content on SNS (Social Networking Service)", "find people with the same goal", "follow people with the same goal on SNS", "participate in an offline event", "make a plan to go out", "go shopping on foot", etc.

[0018] Goals should preferably be specific. Clear and specific goals allow for a concrete definition of what needs to be achieved, eliminating ambiguity. Goals should also preferably be measurable. Setting goals that allow for measurement of progress and achievement enables evaluation using specific numbers and indicators. Goals should also preferably be achievable. Unrealistic goals can decrease motivation, while setting realistic goals helps maintain motivation. Goals should also preferably be relevant to the user. For example, goals that are related to the user or the organization they belong to can help maintain motivation.

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferable to set deadlines for goals. Setting clear deadlines makes it easier to manage the schedule for advancing the plan. In addition, it is preferable to regularly measure progress toward achieving the goals and understand the progress toward achieving them. Regularly measuring progress allows you to understand the degree of achievement toward the goals and revise or adjust the plan as needed. <Terminal device 20>

[0020] The terminal device 20 is a device used by the user, and is, for example, a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a tablet, or a personal computer. By operating the terminal device 20, the user can measure various user information such as answers to questionnaires according to this embodiment, information on the user's exercise, and information on the user's sleep, and output this information to the information processing device 10. The terminal device 20 may also notify the information processing device 10 of its own location information acquired using GPS (Global Positioning System), etc. Furthermore, the user can display questionnaires and recommendation messages output by the information processing device 10 via the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 may also be called a computer.

[0021] Furthermore, the terminal device 20 may have an application program (app) installed for using various functions provided by the information processing system 1. The app may be web browsing software. The app may cause the terminal device 20 to execute at least a part of the processing disclosed in the embodiments shown below, among the various functions provided by the information processing system 1. When the app is executed, the terminal device 20 may access the information processing device 10 to send and receive information used to execute the app. <Measuring device 30>

[0022] The measuring device 30 is a device that measures predetermined information, and may be, for example, a wearable terminal equipped with various sensors carried by the user. The measuring device 30 may be, for example, a ring-shaped wearable terminal equipped with functions for electronic money payment and vital information measurement, a so-called smart ring and / or smartwatch, or it may be a pedometer. The measuring device 30 may, for example, acquire the user's exercise amount and transmit the acquired exercise amount to the information processing device 10 via the network N. For example, if the measuring device 30 is a pedometer, it may transmit the measured number of steps to the information processing device 10. The measuring device 30 may also have a function to measure sleep-related information such as sleep duration, sleep quality, time to fall asleep, number of snores, and snoring level, and may transmit the information obtained from the measurement to the information processing device 10.

[0023] The measuring device 30 may be a device equipped with various sensors that the user does not carry, such as a blood pressure monitor or a weighing scale. The blood pressure monitor may measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure in response to user operation. The weighing scale may measure weight, etc., in response to user operation. The measuring device 30 may also be connected to the terminal device 20 according to a communication method such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), transmit the information obtained from the measurement to the terminal device 20, and transmit the information obtained from the measurement from the terminal device 20 to the information processing device 10. The measuring device 30 may also transmit the information obtained from the measurement to the information processing device 10 according to a communication method such as wireless LAN. Furthermore, the terminal device 20 and the measuring device 30 do not necessarily have to be configured as separate devices; a single device may be configured to have the functions of both the terminal device 20 and the measuring device 30.

[0024] <Hardware Configuration> Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 and terminal device 20 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 10 and terminal device 20 include a processor 11 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a storage device 12 such as memory (e.g., RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory)), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and / or SSD (Solid State Drive), a network interface 13 for wired or wireless communication, an input device 14 for receiving input operations, and an output device 15 for outputting information. The input device 14 is, for example, a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, and / or microphone. The output device 15 is, for example, a display, touch panel, and / or speaker. The measuring device 30 may also have the same hardware configuration as described above.

[0025] <Functional Block Configuration> (Information processing device 10) Figure 3 shows an example of the functional block configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 10 includes a storage unit 100, a target action setting unit 101, a user information acquisition unit 102, a sub-target action recording unit 103, and a user position estimation unit 104. The information processing device 10 may further include a target achievement path generation unit 105 and a recommendation information output unit 106.

[0026] The memory unit 100 can be implemented using the storage device 12 provided by the information processing device 10. Furthermore, the target action setting unit 101, the user information acquisition unit 102, the sub-target action recording unit 103, the user position estimation unit 104, the target achievement path generation unit 105, and the recommendation information output unit 106 can be implemented by the processor 11 of the information processing device 10 executing a program stored in the storage device 12.

[0027] Furthermore, the program may be stored in a storage medium. The storage medium on which the program is stored may be a computer-readable, non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory storage medium is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory).

[0028] The storage unit 100 stores the data necessary for the information processing device 10 to perform information processing. The storage unit 100 includes a questionnaire data DB 100a, a target data DB 100b, and a user information DB 100c. It is possible to add data items to each DB as needed.

[0029] Figure 4 shows an example of the questionnaire data DB 100a according to this embodiment. The questionnaire data DB 100a shown in Figure 4 manages various information of the questionnaire data. The questionnaire data DB 100a may store the questionnaire ID, target behavior ID, question ID, questionnaire content, response information, and remarks information in association with each other.

[0030] The survey ID is information that identifies the survey. The target behavior ID is information that identifies the target behavior. The question ID is information that identifies the content of the survey. The survey content is information about the content of the survey questions. The response information is information about the answer method, such as the answer choices used to answer the survey. The remarks information stores information necessary for collecting survey responses, such as information about how the survey questions are conducted.

[0031] Furthermore, the survey content may include, for example, information about the user's mood, physical condition, diet, exercise habits, sleep patterns, smoking habits, and drinking habits at the time of the survey response. It may also include information about the user's profile, such as their nickname, gender, age, and family structure, or it may include questions about the user's daily life.

[0032] Figure 5 shows an example of the target data DB 100b according to this embodiment. The target data DB 100b shown in Figure 5 manages various information related to the target. The target data DB 100b may store the following in association: target action ID, target action, sub-target action ID, sub-target action, phase ID, phase title, judgment category, necessary user information, achievement flag, and deadline information.

[0033] The target action ID is the same as above. The target action is information about a specific target action. The sub-target action ID is information that identifies a sub-target action. The sub-target action is information about a specific sub-target action. The phase ID is information that identifies each phase. The phase title is information about the title of each phase. The judgment category is information that identifies whether a sub-target action is a judgmentable sub-target action or an unjudgable sub-target action. The required user information is information about the user information necessary to determine whether the user has achieved the sub-target action. The achievement flag is information about whether the user has achieved the sub-target action. The achievement flag may be set to the unachieved state by default. The deadline information is information about the deadline set for the target.

[0034] Figure 6 shows an example of a user information DB 100c according to this embodiment. The user information DB 100c shown in Figure 6 manages acquired user information. The user information DB 100c may store the following in association with each other: user ID, user information acquisition source, acquired information, add flag, delete flag, survey ID, survey response result, target action ID, sub-target action ID, and goal achievement path information.

[0035] The User ID is information that identifies the user. The User Information Source is information that identifies the source from which the user information was obtained. The Acquired Information is information obtained from terminal device 20 and / or measuring device 30. The Addition Flag is information used to identify the added acquired information when it is added. The Deletion Flag is information used to identify the deleted acquired information when it is deleted. The Survey ID is information that identifies the survey. The Survey Response Results are information about the results of the user's responses to the survey questions. The Goal Achievement Path Information is information about the generated goal achievement path.

[0036] The acquired information may include, for example, communication history, web page activity history, application usage history, location information, and photographic information. Communication history may include call content, call history, email content, email sending / receiving history, etc., stored in the terminal device 20. Web page activity history may include the user's browsing history, purchase history, input history, etc., on web pages, stored in the terminal device 20. Application usage history may include the user's application usage history, recorded data, system usage history, etc., stored in the terminal device 20. Location information may include location information measured by GPS, etc., installed in the terminal device 20, location registration information transmitted to base stations, etc. Photographic information may include photographs and videos taken with the terminal device 20, etc., stored in the terminal device 20. The acquired information may further include purchase history, SNS information, exercise information, sleep information, weight information, etc. Information related to exercise includes, for example, the number of steps the user walked, the time taken, the number of steps taken by the user at different times of the day, the distance run, the time taken, the distance run by the user at different times of the day, the number of times the user performed exercises such as sit-ups, the time taken, the number of times the user performed exercises at different times of the day, and information about the user's activity history. Information related to sleep includes, for example, the user's sleep duration, sleep quality, the time the user fell asleep and woke up, and the time the user ate meals. Information related to weight may include information such as weight, body fat percentage, skeletal muscle percentage, and measurement time, and may also include information such as systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and measurement time.

[0037] The target action setting unit 101 sets the user's target action. The target action setting unit 101 may also set the target action that the user inputs by operating the terminal device 20. Alternatively, the target action setting unit 101 may output a list of target actions to the user, the user may select a target action from the list, and the target action setting unit 101 may set the selected target action.

[0038] Furthermore, the target action setting unit 101 sets multiple sub-target actions to achieve the received target action. The target action setting unit 101 may set sub-target actions that have been previously stored in the target data DB 100b based on the received target action. Alternatively, the target action setting unit 101 may input prompts to the generation AI for generating the received target action and multiple sub-target actions, and set multiple sub-target actions based on the output of the generation AI. Alternatively, the target action setting unit 101 may set sub-target actions by having the user input them by operating the terminal device 20, and associating the received sub-target actions with the target action.

[0039] Furthermore, the target action setting unit 101 may receive deadline information from the user regarding the target action and / or sub-target action. For example, the target action setting unit 101 may receive from the user a deadline indicating when the target action and / or sub-target action is scheduled to be achieved, and store it in association with the target data DB 100b.

[0040] Figure 7 shows an example of a screen displayed on the terminal device 20 according to this embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 7, the target action setting unit 101 is described as having set a target action 700, which is "to make running a habit." The target action 700 may be divided into phases 710. The target action setting unit 101 may obtain information regarding the setting of each phase from the target data DB and set it, or it may set a fixed phase at all times. A fixed phase at all times may be, for example, five phases such as the precontemplation phase, the interest phase, the preparation phase, the execution phase, and the maintenance phase. The target action setting unit 101 may accept settings regarding the phases from the user, or it may set them automatically. The target action setting unit 101 may output the set content to the terminal device 20 so that it can be displayed in a way that is recognizable to the user.

[0041] The target action setting unit 101 may assign a title 720 to each phase. For example, the target action setting unit 101 sets the title of Phase 1 to "Indifference". The target action setting unit 101 may set sub-target actions 730 according to each phase set in the target action. Note that the target action setting unit 101 does not have to set all sub-target actions when setting the target action, and may add or delete new sub-target actions at predetermined timings. The sub-target actions 730 are distinguished into determinable sub-target actions 730a and undeterminable sub-target actions 730b. The target action setting unit 101 may output the determinable sub-target actions 730a and undeterminable sub-target actions 730b to the terminal device 20 so that they can be displayed in a way that is recognizable to the user.

[0042] The user information acquisition unit 102 acquires user information, which is information about the user. The user information acquisition unit 102 may, for example, acquire predetermined information such as momentum measured by the terminal device 20 and / or measuring device 30, date and time information, location information, etc., associate it with the user ID, and store it in the user information DB 100c.

[0043] The user information acquisition unit 102 may acquire information on the user's method of movement and the distance traveled by the user using that method, as user information, in relation to the goal behavior of making running a habit. Specifically, the user information acquisition unit 102 may acquire information on the method of movement based on the estimated speed of the user estimated from data such as acceleration sensors and GPS sensors equipped in the terminal device 20 carried by the user. For example, if the estimated speed of movement is above a predetermined speed (e.g., 5 km / h) and below a predetermined speed (e.g., 10 km / h), the terminal device 20 may determine that the user's method of movement is "running" and acquire information on the method of movement. The user information acquisition unit 102 may also acquire information on the distance traveled by estimating the distance traveled from data acquired from measuring devices 30 such as acceleration sensors and GPS sensors. In addition, the user information acquisition unit 102 may also acquire information on the number of steps by detecting the user's vertical vibration from an acceleration sensor or the like.

[0044] Furthermore, the user information acquisition unit 102 may acquire user information such as the number of abdominal exercises and the duration of the abdominal exercises (start date and time and end date and time) obtained from information entered by the user into the terminal device 20, for a sub-objective action of performing 100 abdominal exercises. In addition, the user information acquisition unit 102 may acquire user information such as information comparing location information obtained from the terminal device 20 with the location information and time information of the park, and information such as a participation certificate given when participating in radio calisthenics held in the park, for a sub-objective action of participating in radio calisthenics held in the park.

[0045] The user information acquisition unit 102 may store the acquired user information in the user information database 100c in predetermined units. For example, the user information acquisition unit 102 may acquire the running distance as follows: "2km" on Monday, "4km" on Wednesday, and "3km" on Saturday. The user information acquisition unit 102 may then update the total running distance for the week as "2km", "6km", and "9km". In this way, the user information acquisition unit 102 may store information such as the amount of exercise over a predetermined period, such as a week, in the user information database 100c as it is acquired. As a result, it is possible to determine whether or not a sub-target action that is achieved over a predetermined period of time has been achieved, based on the stored user information.

[0046] The sub-target action recording unit 103 records each of the multiple sub-target actions by classifying them into determinable sub-target actions, which can be determined as to whether or not the sub-target action has been achieved, and undeterminable sub-target actions, which cannot be determined, based on the user information acquired.

[0047] For example, suppose the sub-target action is "walk 1000 steps." In this case, when the user information acquisition unit 102 acquires step count information from the user as user information, the sub-target action recording unit 103 determines whether or not the sub-target action has been achieved based on the acquired step count information, and records this sub-target action as a determinable sub-target action for that user.

[0048] For example, suppose the sub-target action is "purchase running shoes." And suppose the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 102 does not contain any information about the user's purchases. In this case, the sub-target action recording unit 103 determines, based on the acquired user information, that it is impossible to determine whether or not the sub-target action has been achieved, and records this sub-target action as an undeterminable sub-target action for that user.

[0049] If the sub-target action recording unit 103 determines that the sub-target action is determinable, it may associate the user information necessary for the determination with the action and store it in the target data DB 100b. Alternatively, if the sub-target action recording unit 103 determines that the sub-target action is not determinable, it may store the user information necessary for the determination as not having been acquired in the target data DB 100b.

[0050] The sub-target behavior recording unit 103 may distinguish sub-target behaviors using, for example, a learning model. The learning model may be trained using training data stored in the target data DB 100b, which includes previously stored sub-target behaviors, acquired user information, and judgment categories.

[0051] The sub-target action recording unit 103 may input the sub-target action and the user information to be acquired into a learning model, and based on the output from the learning model, distinguish and record whether it is a determinable sub-target action or an undeterminable sub-target action.

[0052] As an example of training data, for instance, sub-target actions, user information to be acquired, and information on whether or not the sub-target action is determinable may be used. For example, the sub-target action recording unit 103 trains the learning model so that when it receives input of a sub-target action related to distance traveled (e.g., running 2km) and user information related to distance traveled, it outputs a determination result indicating that the sub-target action is a determinable sub-target action. In addition, the sub-target action recording unit 103 trains the learning model so that when it receives input of a sub-target action related to declaration (e.g., publicly announcing that you will run) and user information that does not include information related to declaration, it outputs a determination result indicating that the sub-target action is an undeterminable sub-target action.

[0053] Through the above process, a learning model can be generated that determines whether a sub-target behavior is determinable or undeterminable.

[0054] Furthermore, the learning model may calculate a score on a range of, for example, 0 to 100%, where a higher score indicates a higher probability that the behavior is a divisible sub-target behavior.

[0055] The sub-target action recording unit 103 may, for example, distinguish whether a sub-target action is determinable or undeterminable based on the score output by the learning model. The sub-target action recording unit 103 may determine that a sub-target action is undeterminable if the score is below a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the sub-target action recording unit 103 may distinguish that a sub-target action is determinable if the score is greater than a predetermined threshold. In addition, the sub-target action recording unit 103 may distinguish and record each of multiple sub-target actions as determinable or undeterminable based on acquired user information, either rule-based or manually.

[0056] The user position estimation unit 104 estimates the user's current position (hereinafter also referred to as the user's current position) from among the determinable sub-target actions, based on the sub-target action the user was in immediately before and the acquired user information, in order to determine which sub-target action the user is currently in.

[0057] The user location estimation unit 104 may first output a questionnaire to the user and receive the results of the questionnaire as user information. The user location estimation unit 104 may estimate the initial current location of the user based on the results of the questionnaire.

[0058] Let's explain this in more detail using the example shown in Figure 7. For example, suppose the user location estimation unit 104 receives a response of "No" to the question "Are you interested in running?" in a questionnaire regarding the goal behavior of making running a habit. In this case, the user location estimation unit 104 may estimate that the user's current location is "Becoming aware of being indifferent," which corresponds to Phase 1 shown in Figure 7, is included in the phase title "Indifference," and is a determinable sub-target behavior 730a. If multiple sub-target behaviors are set for each phase, the user's current location may be estimated to be any of the determinable sub-target behaviors.

[0059] The user location estimation unit 104 may directly estimate the user's current location based on the survey response. For example, suppose the sub-target action "Determine a target" is set. If the survey response is "Not yet determined a target," the user's current location may be estimated to be at the sub-target action "Determine a target."

[0060] With the above configuration, sub-target actions set to enable the achievement of the target action are recorded by distinguishing between determinable sub-target actions and determinable sub-target actions based on acquired user information. Then, from among the determinable sub-target actions, it is estimated which sub-target action the user is currently on in order to achieve the target action. This allows for a more accurate estimation of the user's current location.

[0061] Furthermore, the user information acquisition unit 102 may update the user information it acquires. If, for example, the user wears a measuring device 30 that can measure sleep duration, the user information acquisition unit 102 can acquire additional user information related to the user's sleep.

[0062] Furthermore, the user information acquisition unit 102 may delete acquired user information if it is unnecessary or if it becomes impossible to acquire previously acquired user information. The user information acquisition unit 102 may also update the acquired user information when it receives information from a user who operates the terminal device 20 indicating that user information should be added and / or deleted.

[0063] When user information to be acquired is updated, the sub-target behavior recording unit 103 may re-determine, based on the updated user information, whether each of the multiple sub-target behaviors is a determinable sub-target behavior or an undeterminable sub-target behavior. For example, if the sub-target behavior recording unit 103 acquires additional user information regarding the user's sleep, it may determine that the sub-target behavior "sleep for 8 hours or more" is a determinable sub-target behavior after the update, even if it was an undeterminable sub-target behavior before the update.

[0064] Through the above process, when the acquired user information is updated (added and / or deleted), it is possible to re-determine whether a sub-target behavior is a determinable sub-target behavior or an undeterminable sub-target behavior based on the updated user information.

[0065] Furthermore, the sub-target action recording unit 103 may accept changes to the distinction between each sub-target action, specifically whether it is a determinable sub-target action or an undeterminable sub-target action. The sub-target action recording unit 103 may accept changes to the distinction, for example, through user input.

[0066] The user information acquisition unit 102 may also be configured to acquire new user information necessary to determine whether or not a sub-target action has been achieved when an undeterminable sub-target action is changed to a determinable sub-target action. For example, suppose the sub-target action "purchase running shoes" was recorded as an undeterminable sub-target action. Suppose the user changes this undeterminable sub-target action to a determinable sub-target action. In this case, the user information acquisition unit 102 will be configured to acquire information from the user as user information necessary to determine whether or not the sub-target action "purchase running shoes" has been achieved. For example, if images have not been acquired from the user, the unit may be configured to acquire images taken by the user as user information, and then determine whether or not the sub-target action has been achieved based on images of purchased items or receipts taken by the user.

[0067] Through the above process, it is possible to change the distinction between whether a sub-target behavior is a determinable sub-target behavior or an undeterminable sub-target behavior. Furthermore, it is possible to obtain new user information necessary to determine whether or not a sub-target behavior has been achieved by working backward.

[0068] The goal achievement path generation unit 105 generates a goal achievement path by combining multiple sub-goal actions. The goal achievement path generation unit 105 may also generate a goal achievement path by combining determinable sub-goal actions based on the determination categories in the goal data DB 100b.

[0069] Figure 8 shows another example of a screen displayed on the terminal device 20 according to this embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 8, the goal achievement path generation unit 105 generates goal achievement paths "A, B, C, D, E, F, G" based on the goal action 700 and sub-goal action 730 shown in Figure 7. The goal achievement path generation unit 105 may select one sub-goal action in each phase to generate a goal achievement path, or it may select multiple sub-goal actions in the same phase to generate a goal achievement path. The goal achievement path generation unit 105 may store the generated goal achievement paths in a memory unit in association with the user. The goal achievement path generation unit 105 may output the generated goal achievement paths to the terminal device 20 so that they can be displayed to the user in a recognizable manner.

[0070] The goal achievement path generation unit 105 may generate a goal achievement path based on the information set for sub-target actions stored in the goal data DB 100b. For example, the goal achievement path generation unit 105 may select sub-target actions so that the "source of user information" set for each sub-target action is not all the same, and generate a goal achievement path. Alternatively, the goal achievement path generation unit 105 may select sub-target actions so that the "necessary user information," which is information related to user information necessary to determine whether or not a user has achieved a sub-target action, is not all the same, and generate a goal achievement path.

[0071] Furthermore, the goal achievement path generation unit 105 may identify a second user similar to the first user based on the survey responses, and generate the goal achievement path of the identified second user as the goal achievement path of the first user. This allows for the generation of a goal achievement path suitable for the user based on the goal achievement paths of other similar users. In addition, if the user is unable to achieve a sub-target action, the goal achievement path generation unit 105 may receive input from the user indicating this, for example, via the terminal device 20. The goal achievement path generation unit 105 may then regenerate a goal achievement path that includes a sub-target action considered easier to achieve and output it to the user. As a result, it is possible to help maintain the user's motivation.

[0072] Through the above processing, the goal achievement path generation unit 105 can generate a goal achievement path by combining determinable sub-target actions. By outputting the generated goal achievement path to the user, the user can aim to achieve the target action after understanding the overall picture of where they are on the goal achievement path.

[0073] The goal achievement path generation unit 105 may generate a goal achievement path by combining at least one undeterminable sub-target action between the first determinable sub-target action and the second determinable sub-target action.

[0074] Through the above process, by generating goal achievement paths that include sub-target actions that cannot be determined, it is possible to generate goal achievement paths that combine sub-target actions from various perspectives. Furthermore, by generating goal achievement paths that are appropriate for each diverse user to achieve their respective target actions, it is possible to accurately support those target actions.

[0075] The recommendation information output unit 106 outputs recommendation information, including recommendations for actions suggested to the user, based on the current location estimated by the user location estimation unit 104. The recommendation information output unit 106 may also output recommendation information based, for example, on information regarding sub-target actions associated with the estimated user's current location.

[0076] Specifically, the recommendation information output unit 106 may input a prompt to the generation AI for generating sub-target actions associated with the user's current location and recommendation information for those sub-target actions, and generate recommendation information based on the output of the generation AI.

[0077] Furthermore, the recommendation information output unit 106 may output recommendation information that includes content to actively encourage the user to take actions to achieve sub-target actions. The recommendation information may also include information regarding the deadline set for the target.

[0078] The recommendation information output unit 106 may output recommendation information when it obtains information about a change in the user from the user location estimation unit 104, such as when the user transitions to a sub-target action in the next phase. When the recommendation information output unit 106 obtains information that the user has transitioned to a sub-target action in the next phase, it may output recommendation information that includes a message congratulating or encouraging the user for achieving the sub-target action. It may also output recommendation information that includes the sub-target action to be achieved in the next phase. Furthermore, if it is determined that the user has not achieved the next sub-target action to be achieved, the recommendation information output unit 106 may output recommendation information that includes encouragement to help the user achieve it.

[0079] The user location estimation unit 104 may periodically estimate user location information based on the response results to the recommendation information. This allows for a more accurate estimation of the user's current location and improves the frequency with which the user performs actions to achieve their target behavior.

[0080] Through the above processing, the recommendation information output unit 106 outputs recommendation information including recommendations for actions suggested to the user, thereby maintaining or improving the user's motivation to achieve their target actions.

[0081] (Terminal device 20) Figure 9 shows an example of the functional block configuration of the terminal device 20 according to this embodiment. The terminal device 20 includes a storage unit 200, a UI (User Interface) unit 201, and a control unit 202. The storage unit 200 can be realized using a storage device 12 provided by the terminal device 20. The UI unit 201 and the control unit 202 can be realized by the processor 11 of the terminal device 20 executing a program stored in the storage device 12. The program can be stored in a storage medium. The storage medium on which the program is stored may be a computer-readable non-temporary storage medium. The non-temporary storage medium is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a USB memory or a CD-ROM.

[0082] The memory unit 200 stores data and other information necessary for the control unit 202 to perform information processing.

[0083] The UI unit 201 has the function of receiving various inputs from the user and displaying various screens on the display. In addition, the UI unit 201 may display questionnaires, recommendation information, etc. on the display (display unit) of the terminal device 20 according to the instructions of the information processing device 10.

[0084] The control unit 202, in cooperation with the information processing device 10, provides various functions necessary for executing information processing. For example, the control unit 202 may receive recommendation information from the information processing device 10 and notify the user of the recommendation information by displaying the received recommendation information on the display unit. In this embodiment, the control unit 202 may receive recommendation information from the information processing device 10 when a goal is set by the information processing device 10, when it is confirmed that the goal has been achieved, or when it is confirmed that the goal has not been achieved.

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 202 measures and acquires various user information. The control unit 202 may also be controlled to transmit the acquired user information to the information processing device 10.

[0086] Regarding the functional block configuration described above, it is also possible to configure the terminal device 20 to provide all or part of the following components included in the information processing device 10: the storage unit 100, the target action setting unit 101, the user information acquisition unit 102, the sub-target action recording unit 103, the user position estimation unit 104, the target achievement path generation unit 105, and the recommendation information output unit 106. In other words, the various processes according to this embodiment may be executed by the processor of the information processing device 10, by the processor of the terminal device 20, or by the processors of the information processing device 10 and the terminal device 20 working together.

[0087] <System Operation>

[0088] Next, the operation of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the processing procedure of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0089] In step S101, the target action setting unit 101 sets the user's target action. The user may input the target action by, for example, operating the terminal device 20, and the target action setting unit 101 may set the input target action.

[0090] In step S102, the target action setting unit 101 sets multiple sub-target actions to achieve the target action. The target action setting unit 101 may set sub-target actions that have been previously stored in the target data DB 100b based on the received target action. Alternatively, the target action setting unit 101 may input prompts to the generation AI to generate the received target action and multiple sub-target actions, and set multiple sub-target actions based on the output of the generation AI. The target action setting unit 101 may also receive deadline information for the target action and / or sub-target actions from the user.

[0091] In step S103, the sub-target action recording unit 103 records each of the multiple sub-target actions, distinguishing between determinable sub-target actions (for which it can be determined whether or not the sub-target action has been achieved) and undeterminable sub-target actions (for which it cannot be determined) based on user information obtained from each user.

[0092] In step S104, the user information acquisition unit 102 actually acquires user information, which is information about the user. The user information acquisition unit 102 may, for example, acquire predetermined information such as momentum acquired by the terminal device 20 and / or measuring device 30, information such as the date and time of acquisition and location information, associate it with the user ID, and store it in the user information DB 100c.

[0093] The user location estimation unit 104 estimates the user's current location from among the determinable sub-target actions based on the user information acquired so far. For example, in step S105, the user location estimation unit 104 first identifies the sub-target action the user was immediately in. Then, in step S106, the user location estimation unit 104 determines whether the user has achieved the next determinable sub-target action on the goal achievement path, based on the immediately inclined sub-target action and the user information acquired by the user information acquisition unit 102 in step S103. If the user location estimation unit 104 determines that the user has achieved the sub-target action, it proceeds to step S107 (step S106: YES) and estimates that the user's current location is on the next determinable sub-target action. If the user determines that the user has not achieved the sub-target action, it proceeds to step S108 and estimates that the user is still on the immediately inclined sub-target action (step S106: NO).

[0094] The user location estimation unit 104 may periodically estimate the user's current location. For example, if it is estimated that the user is still at the sub-target action they were at immediately before, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the system may return to step S106, and the user location estimation unit 104 may estimate the user's current location from among the determinable sub-target actions based on the user information acquired so far. Alternatively, the system may return to step S104 instead of step S106.

[0095] In step S109, the user position estimation unit 104 determines whether the target action has been reached. If the target action has been reached, the process ends (step S109: YES). If the target action has not been reached, the process returns to step S104 (step S109: NO).

[0096] Furthermore, the user information acquisition unit 102 may update the user information it acquires. If the user information is updated, the process returns to step S103, and the sub-target action recording unit 103 may record each of the multiple sub-target actions, based on the updated user information, by distinguishing between determinable sub-target actions (where it can be determined whether or not the sub-target action has been achieved) and undeterminable sub-target actions (where it cannot be determined). Alternatively, the process may return to step S102 instead of step S103.

[0097] Through the above process, by distinguishing and recording sub-target actions set to make the target action achievable as either determinable or undeterminable, it becomes possible to more accurately estimate which sub-target action the user is currently on in order to achieve the target action.

[0098] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments or examples are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. The present invention can be modified or improved without departing from its spirit, and equivalents thereof are also included. Furthermore, the present invention can form various disclosures by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments or examples. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Moreover, components may be appropriately combined in different embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 1...Information processing system, 10...Information processing device, 11...Processor, 12...Storage device, 13...Network interface, 14...Input device, 15...Output device, 20...Terminal device, 30...Measurement device, 100...Storage unit, 100a...Questionnaire data DB, 100b...Target data DB, 100c...User information DB, 101...Target action setting unit, 102...User information acquisition unit, 103...Sub-target action recording unit, 104...User position estimation unit, 105...Target achievement path generation unit, 106...Recommendation information output unit, 200...Storage unit, 201...UI unit, 202...Control unit, 700...Target action, 710...Phase, 720...Title, 730...Sub-target action

Claims

1. A target action setting unit sets a user's target action and a number of sub-target actions to achieve the target action, A user information acquisition unit that acquires user information, which is information about the aforementioned user, A sub-target action recording unit records each of the multiple sub-target actions by distinguishing them into determinable sub-target actions, which can be determined as to whether or not the sub-target action has been achieved, and undeterminable sub-target actions, which cannot be determined, based on the user information obtained. The system includes a user position estimation unit that estimates the user's current position from among the determinable sub-target actions, based on the sub-target action the user was immediately in and the acquired user information, in order to determine which sub-target action the user is currently in. Information processing device.

2. The user information acquisition unit is capable of adding and / or deleting the user information to be acquired. The sub-target action recording unit determines, based on the acquired user information, whether each of the multiple sub-target actions is a determinable sub-target action or an undeterminable sub-target action. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The sub-target action recording unit is capable of accepting changes to the distinction for each of the sub-target actions as to whether the sub-target action is a determinable sub-target action or an undeterminable sub-target action. The user information acquisition unit acquires new user information necessary to determine whether or not the sub-target action has been achieved when the sub-target action that cannot be determined is changed to the sub-target action that can be determined. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The system includes a goal achievement path generation unit that generates a goal achievement path by combining the aforementioned multiple sub-target actions, The goal achievement path generation unit generates a goal achievement path by combining the determinable sub-target actions. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The goal achievement path generation unit generates the goal achievement path by combining at least one of the undeterminable sub-target actions between the first determinable sub-target action and the second determinable sub-target action. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The system includes a recommendation information output unit that outputs recommendation information, including recommendations for actions suggested to the user, based on the current location estimated by the user location estimation unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. Computers Setting a user's target behavior and multiple sub-target behaviors to achieve the said target behavior, Obtaining user information, which is information about the aforementioned user, Based on the user information obtained, each of the multiple sub-target actions is recorded by distinguishing between determinable sub-target actions, which can be determined as to whether or not the sub-target action has been achieved, and undeterminable sub-target actions, which cannot be determined. To determine which sub-target action the user is currently in, the system estimates the user's current position from among the determinable sub-target actions based on the sub-target action the user was in immediately before and the acquired user information. An information processing method that performs the following.

8. On the computer, Setting a user's target behavior and multiple sub-target behaviors to achieve the said target behavior, Obtaining user information, which is information about the aforementioned user, Based on the user information obtained, each of the multiple sub-target actions is recorded by distinguishing between determinable sub-target actions, which can be determined as to whether or not the sub-target action has been achieved, and undeterminable sub-target actions, which cannot be determined. This includes estimating the user's current location from among the determinable sub-target actions, based on the sub-target action the user was immediately in and the acquired user information, in order to determine which sub-target action the user is currently in. A program that executes the command.

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