Information processing systems, information processing methods, and programs

Abstract

To provide information processing systems and the like that can offer opportunities for communication to others. [Solution] According to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is provided comprising one or more processors, wherein in a first display step, the processor causes a first terminal used by a first user to display an input field for entering the contact information of a second user, and in a first instruction step, the processor instructs a conversational AI to contact the contact entered in the input field and have a conversation with the second user, and the conversational AI is configured to implement a function to converse in natural language.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, there is disclosed a first database that receives a question message from a user's communication terminal, transmits an answer message to the question to the user's communication terminal, and accumulates knowledge information combining the question and the answer, and an AI chatbot technology that analyzes the received question message, searches for knowledge information corresponding to the question message from the first database, and generates an answer message using the knowledge information obtained by the message analysis unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Some people can actively use technologies such as those in Patent Document 1, while others find it difficult to use them and cannot create communication opportunities.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an information processing system and the like that can provide communication opportunities to others.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an information processing system is provided comprising one or more processors, wherein in a first display step, the processor causes a first terminal used by a first user to display an input field for entering the contact information of a second user, and in a first instruction step, the processor instructs a conversational AI to contact the contact entered in the input field and have a conversation with the second user, and the conversational AI is configured to implement a function of conversing in natural language.

[0007] This approach can provide opportunities for communication with others. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of conversation support system 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the conversation support server 10. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of user terminal 20. [Figure 4] This is an activity diagram showing an example of the registration process. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the displayed first registration screen. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a database. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a contact notification screen. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the second registration screen. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a confirmation instruction screen. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the third registration screen. [Figure 11] This figure shows another example of the third registration screen. [Figure 12] This is an activity diagram illustrating an example of conversation processing. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing an example of a summary screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The various features shown in the embodiments below can be combined with each other.

[0010] Incidentally, the program for implementing the software appearing in one embodiment may be provided as a non-transitory computer-readable medium, or it may be provided as a downloadable medium from an external server, or it may be provided so that the program is launched on an external computer and its functions are realized on a client terminal (so-called cloud computing).

[0011] Furthermore, in various information processing according to one embodiment, an input and an output corresponding to the input can be realized. Here, as long as an output is obtained as a result of the input, the form of the information referenced in such information processing (hereinafter referred to as "reference information") is not limited. The reference information may be, for example, rule-based information such as a database, a lookup table, or a predetermined function (including a decision formula such as a regression equation constructed by a statistical method), or a pre-trained model that has learned the correlation between input and output in advance, or a large-scale language model that can output a desired result by inputting a prompt.

[0012] Furthermore, in one embodiment, "part" may include, for example, hardware resources implemented by a circuit in a broad sense, and the information processing of software that can be specifically realized by these hardware resources. Also, in one embodiment, various types of information are handled, and this information can be represented, for example, by the physical values ​​of signal values ​​representing voltage and current, the high or low values ​​of signal values ​​as a set of binary bits composed of 0s or 1s, or by quantum superposition (so-called qubits), and communication and calculations can be performed on a circuit in a broad sense.

[0013] Furthermore, a circuit in a broad sense is a circuit realized by appropriately combining at least a circuit, circuitry, a processor, a memory, etc. The processor may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated circuit. That is, it includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), etc.

[0014] <Embodiment 1> Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 of a conversation support system for supporting conversation between a machine and a user will be described. 1. System Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the conversation support system 1. In FIG. 1, each device included in the conversation support system 1 and an overview of the users who use those devices are shown. The conversation support system 1 has a conversation function for conversing with a user in natural language, and provides a conversation opportunity providing service that provides a conversation opportunity to the user through that conversation function.

[0015] The users of the conversation support system 1 include a first user and a second user. The first user is a person who uses the conversation opportunity providing service to provide a communication opportunity to the second user, and registers the contact information of the second user, etc. in the conversation support system 1. The second user is a person who has their contact information, etc. registered in the conversation support system 1 by the first user and uses the conversation opportunity providing service.

[0016] The conversation support system 1 includes a communication line 2, a conversation support server 10, a user terminal 20, and a communication device 30. The communication line 2 is not particularly limited. For example, it is composed of the Internet and the public switched telephone network. Further, the communication line 2 may include a local area network, a mobile communication network, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), etc. The communication line 2 mediates the exchange of data or signals between devices connected to its own line. In the example of FIG. 1, the conversation support server 10 and the communication device 30 are wired-connected to the communication line 2, and the user terminal 20 is wirelessly connected. Note that the connection of each device to the communication line 2 may be wired or wireless.

[0017] The conversation support server 10 is an information processing device that executes the main information processing related to the conversation opportunity providing service. The conversation support server 10 includes an AI module 3. The AI module 3 is a module adjusted (tuned) to realize various functions using AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology. The AI module 3 is adjusted, for example, to realize a conversation function that outputs a response corresponding to a speech input from a person.

[0018] The AI module 3 has, for example, a natural language processing model with improved accuracy by machine learning using a large dataset called LLM (Large Language Models). By performing machine learning with LLM, the AI module 3 can realize various conversations. The AI module 3 can not only simply answer questions from the user, but also, for example, respond to the user's speech, develop the current topic, switch the topic, provide a new topic, or touch on a past topic. Further, the AI module 3 can also have a conversation touching on the provided topic by providing a specific topic.

[0019] Furthermore, AI Module 3 can implement the above conversational function using at least one of several communication methods. These communication methods include, for example, landlines, mobile phones, IP (Internet Protocol) phones, email, or SNS (Social Networking Service). AI Module 3 implements both the function of sending information (making phone calls, sending emails, and posting on SNS, etc.) and the function of receiving information (receiving phone calls, receiving emails, and receiving SNS messages, etc.) through these communication methods. The virtual person with whom the user engages in conversation through the conversational function implemented by AI Module 3 will be referred to below as the "Conversational AI."

[0020] The user terminal 20 is an information processing device that has display means and input means and functions as the UI (User Interface) for the first user. The user terminal 20 is, for example, a smartphone, tablet terminal, or laptop computer. The communication device 30 is a device used by the second user when communicating with the conversational AI. In the example in Figure 1, the communication device 30 is a landline telephone. However, the communication device 30 is not limited to this and may be a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet terminal, or laptop computer.

[0021] The conversation support server 10 performs authentication processing to authenticate users using the user terminal 20, and display processing to display images on the user terminal 20. The conversation support server 10 stores authentication information (user ID and password, etc.) for authenticating users using the conversation support system 1, and authenticates users who enter the authentication information. By authenticating users, the conversation support server 10 can restrict access to data or make user-input data identifiable by adding identification information.

[0022] Furthermore, the conversation support server 10 performs display processing, such as generating and sending HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) files, and displays a web page showing the system screen on the user terminal 20 using the browser's functions. Alternatively, the user terminal 20 may install an application program to use the conversation support system 1, and the conversation support server 10 may perform display processing, such as generating and sending display data for that application. The conversation support server 10 controls the display on the user terminal 20 by performing these display processing. If the communication device 30 is a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer with a display means, the conversation support server 10 also controls the display on the communication device 30.

[0023] 2. Hardware Configuration The hardware configuration for Embodiment 1 will be described below. Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the conversation support server 10. The conversation support server 10 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, and a bus 14. The bus 14 electrically connects each part of the conversation support server 10.

[0024] (Control Unit 11) The control unit 11 has at least one processor. The at least one processor may consist of, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), one or more integrated circuits, one or more discrete circuits, or a combination thereof.

[0025] The control unit 11 is a computer that realizes various functions related to the conversation support system 1 by reading predetermined programs stored in the memory unit 12. In other words, information processing by software stored in the memory unit 12 is concretely realized by the control unit 11, which is an example of hardware, and can be executed as each functional unit included in the control unit 11. Note that the control unit 11 is not limited to being a single unit, and may be implemented with multiple control units 11 for each function, or a combination thereof.

[0026] (Storage unit 12) The memory unit 12 stores various types of information as defined above. This can be done, for example, as a storage device such as a solid-state drive (SSD) or hard disk drive (HDD) that stores various programs related to the conversation support system 1 executed by the control unit 11, or as a memory such as random access memory (RAM) that stores temporarily necessary information (arguments, arrays, etc.) related to program calculations. The memory unit 12 stores various programs and variables related to the conversation support system 1 executed by the control unit 11.

[0027] (Communications Section 13) The communication unit 13 is composed of a communication module. The communication module may be a wireless communication module compliant with standards such as IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax, LTE, 5G, 6G, or a wired communication module compliant with standards such as IEEE 802.3. The communication unit 13 is configured to transmit various electrical signals from the conversation support server 10 to external components. The communication unit 13 is also configured to receive various electrical signals from external components to the conversation support server 10. More preferably, the communication unit 13 has a network communication function, thereby enabling the communication of various information between the conversation support server 10 and external devices via the communication line 2.

[0028] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, an output unit 25, and a bus 26. The bus 26 electrically connects each part of the user terminal 20. The control unit 21, storage unit 22, and communication unit 23 are similar hardware to the control unit 11, storage unit 12, and communication unit 13 shown in Figure 2, although their specifications and models may differ.

[0029] (Input section 24) The input unit 24 has keys, buttons, a touchscreen, and a mouse, and accepts user input. The input unit 24 also has a microphone, which is a sound sensor, and outputs sound data indicating the sound detected by the microphone to the control unit 21. Through the microphone's function (sound detection function), the input unit 24 accepts input such as voices spoken by the user or sounds generated around the user terminal 20.

[0030] (Output section 25) The output unit 25 has a display and a speaker, and outputs visual information such as screens, images, icons, and text to the display surface of the display in a manner that is visible to the user (display function), and outputs sounds such as human voices through the speaker (sound output function). The output unit 25 also has a vibration means that outputs vibrations, and is controlled by the control unit 21 to vibrate the casing of the user terminal 20 (vibration function). The output unit 25 also has a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and is controlled by the control unit 21 to output light (light emission function). The output unit 25 also has a positioning means such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) and outputs position information indicating the location of the terminal (positioning function).

[0031] If the communication device 30 shown in Figure 3 is a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer, it will have the same hardware configuration as the user terminal 20. In that case, only the control unit 31 of the communication device 30 will be given a different reference numeral than the control unit 21 of the user terminal 20.

[0032] 3. Information Processing The following describes the information processing according to the embodiment. In the following description, the conversation support server 10 and the user terminal 20 (and possibly the communication device 30) are described as the main entities of each information processing, but these information processing operations are performed by at least one processor in the conversation support system 1, that is, the processor in the control unit of each device. The conversation support system 1 first performs a registration process for the first user to register the contact information of the second user.

[0033] Figure 4 is an activity diagram showing an example of the registration process. The registration process shown in Figure 4 is executed when the first user uses the conversation support system 1 for the first time. The conversation support server 10 first performs a suggestion process (Activity A11) that proposes to the first user that they experience a conversation with the conversation AI described above. After the conversation experience has progressed, the conversation support server 10 displays a first registration screen on the user terminal 20 for registering the information necessary for the conversation (Activity A12).

[0034] Figure 5 shows an example of the displayed first registration screen. System screen G1 shown in Figure 5 is an example of the first registration screen. System screen G1 displays the text "Let's experience a conversation," an input field C11 for "How to address me," an input field C12 for "Your contact information," and a registration button B11. Input field C11 is for specifying how the conversational AI will address the first user during the conversation experience. Input field C12 is for specifying the contact information that the conversational AI will contact to have a conversation with the first user.

[0035] The contact information that can be registered includes, for example, a mobile phone number, but is not limited to this; email addresses or social media accounts can also be registered as contact information. In any case, the user terminal 20 can be used as is for the conversation experience. If the first user uses a landline phone, they may register the landline phone number.

[0036] The user terminal 20 accepts input into input fields C11 and C12 and operation of the registration button B11 as registration operations for information necessary for the conversation experience (Activity A13). The user terminal 20 sends the name and contact information entered through the registration operation to the conversation support server 10 as the registration information of the first user. The conversation support server 10 stores the received registration information of the first user in its database (Activity A14).

[0037] Figure 6 shows an example of a database. Figure 6 shows the conversation database 4, which stores data related to conversations supported by the conversation support system 1. The conversation database 4 stores the first user's registration information, including how they address the user and their contact information. Other data stored in the conversation database 4 will be described later.

[0038] The conversation support server 10 contacts the registered first user's contact person (Activity A15). Specifically, if the registered contact person is a mobile or landline phone number, the conversation support server 10 stores, for example, the number of an IP phone for conversation AI that has been acquired in advance, and instructs the AI ​​module 3 to call the registered contact person from the stored phone number. The AI ​​module 3 then contacts the first user using the instructed phone number.

[0039] Furthermore, if the registered contact is an email address or SNS account, the conversation support server 10 stores, for example, a pre-obtained email address or SNS account for conversation AI, and instructs the AI ​​module 3 to send an email or SNS post to the registered contact. When the conversation support server 10 contacts the first user's contact, it displays a screen on the user terminal 20 notifying them that a contact will be made (Activity A16).

[0040] Figure 7 shows an example of a contact notification screen. System screen G2 shown in Figure 7 is an example of a contact notification screen. System screen G2 displays the text "You will receive a call from 050-XXXX-XXXX", the text "If you wish to apply for the conversation opportunity service, please press the button below", and an application button B21. If the contact will be made by email or SNS, a text indicating that the contact will be made from the email address or SNS account for the conversational AI will be displayed. By displaying this contact notification screen, the contact information for the conversational AI is provided in advance, preventing the first user from not answering the call from an unfamiliar contact.

[0041] When the first user receives a call on the landline or user terminal 20, the conversation support server 10 uses the AI ​​module 3 to perform conversation processing to initiate a conversation with the first user (Activity A17). At this time, the conversation support server 10 instructs the AI ​​module 3 to address the other party using a registered form of address. Based on this instruction, the conversation AI conducts a conversation based on the first user's registered information. Specifically, the AI ​​module 3 conducts the conversation while addressing the first user using the instructed form of address.

[0042] The first user, after conversing with the conversational AI, decides to use the conversation opportunity service and operates the application button B21. The user terminal 20 receives this operation as an application for the conversation opportunity service (Activity A18) and notifies the conversation support server 10 accordingly. Upon receiving this notification, the conversation support server 10 displays the second registration screen on the user terminal 20 (Activity A21).

[0043] Figure 8 shows an example of the second registration screen. System screen G3 shown in Figure 8 is an example of the second registration screen. System screen G3 displays the text "Please enter the information of the first user," input fields C31, C32, C33, and C34 for name, gender, date of birth, and residential area, and a registration button B31. User terminal 20 accepts the input operation of registration information such as name by the first user (activity A22).

[0044] When user terminal 20 receives an operation on registration button B31, it sends the registration information entered in each input field to conversation support server 10. Conversation support server 10 stores the received registration information of the first user in conversation database 4 shown in Figure 6 (Activity A23). Next, conversation support server 10 generates an instruction screen instructing the second user to confirm whether it is OK for the conversation AI to contact the second user (Activity A24), and displays the generated confirmation instruction screen on user terminal 20 (Activity A25).

[0045] Figure 9 shows an example of a confirmation instruction screen. System screen G4 shown in Figure 9 is an example of a confirmation instruction screen. System screen G4 displays the text "Let's confirm with the second user whether it is OK for the conversational AI to contact you" and a confirmation complete button B41. The first user contacts the second user by phone or other means to perform the above confirmation. If the second user gives their consent, the first user operates the confirmation complete button B41. When the user terminal 20 accepts this operation as a confirmation complete operation (Activity A31), it notifies the conversation support server 10 of this. Upon receiving this notification, the conversation support server 10 displays a third registration screen for registering the second user's registration information on the user terminal 20 (Activity A32).

[0046] Figure 10 shows an example of the third registration screen. System screen G5 shown in Figure 10 is an example of the third registration screen. System screen G5 displays the text "Please enter the information of the second user," input fields C51, C52, C53, C54, and C55 for name, nickname, contact information, date of birth, and relationship to the first user, and a next page button B51. User terminal 20 accepts the input operation of registration information such as name by the first user (Activity A33). When the next page button B51 is pressed, the conversation support server 10 displays the next third registration screen on user terminal 20 (Activity A32).

[0047] Figure 11 shows another example of the third registration screen. System screen G6 shown in Figure 11 is another example of the third registration screen. System screen G6 displays the text "Please tell us when you would like to be contacted," input fields C61, C62, C63, C64, C65, C66, and C67 for the days and times when contact is desired (corresponding to Monday through Sunday, respectively), and a registration button B61.

[0048] The first user checks the days of the week they want to be contacted and enters the time slot. User terminal 20 accepts the input from the first user (Activity A33). When user terminal 20 accepts the operation of the registration button B61, it sends the registration information entered in the input fields of system screens G5 and G6 to the conversation support server 10. The conversation support server 10 stores the registration information of the second user that has been sent to it in the conversation database 4 shown in Figure 6 (Activity A34).

[0049] The conversation support system 1 has now completed the registration process to register the information of the first and second users. Next, the conversation support system 1 executes a conversation process to provide the second user with an opportunity to converse, based on the registered information.

[0050] Figure 12 is an activity diagram showing an example of conversation processing. The conversation processing shown in Figure 12 is executed when the contact time registered on the system screen G6 shown in Figure 11 arrives. First, the conversation support server 10 determines whether the registered contact time has arrived based on the current date and time (Activity A41). If the conversation support server 10 determines that the contact time has arrived, it contacts the registered contact of the second user (Activity A42).

[0051] Specifically, the conversation support server 10 instructs the AI ​​module 3 to make a call to the registered second user's contact number, such as a landline phone number. If the second user's contact number is a mobile phone number, email address, or SNS account, the conversation support server 10 instructs the AI ​​module 3 to perform information transmission processing appropriate to the respective communication method (such as making a call on a mobile phone, sending an email, or posting on an SNS).

[0052] Communication device 30 receives information transmitted from AI module 3 and performs information reception processing (Activity A43). Communication device 30 receives, for example, a phone call from the conversational AI. Communication device 30 also performs information reception processing according to the communication method used for contact (e.g., receiving a mobile phone call, receiving an email, or receiving an SNS message).

[0053] Next, the conversation support server 10 processes the conversation with the second user using the AI ​​module 3 (Activity A44), and the communication device 30 receives the conversation input from the second user (Activity A45). At this time, the conversation support server 10 instructs the AI ​​module 3 to conduct the conversation based on the second user's registration information. Specifically, the conversation support server 10 instructs the AI ​​module 3 to address the second user using the form of address included in the second user's registration information. In addition, the conversation support server 10 instructs the AI ​​module 3 to conduct the conversation taking into account the second user's date of birth and relationship with the first user, as needed, as included in the second user's registration information.

[0054] Based on these instructions, AI Module 3 engages in conversation based on the second user's registration information. Specifically, AI Module 3 will, for example, address the second user using the instructed form of address while conversing. Furthermore, AI Module 3 will converse using language appropriate to the second user's age, as indicated by their date of birth, and their relationship with the first user. Specifically, AI Module 3 will speak using polite language, friendly language, casual language, or a tone similar to that used when speaking to a child.

[0055] The conversation support server 10 stores the statements of the conversational AI and the second user as a conversation log in the conversation database 4 (Activity A51). The conversation log is audio data in the case of a telephone conversation, and text data in the case of an email or SNS conversation. Next, the conversation support server 10 determines the emotion of the second user based on the stored conversation log (Activity A52).

[0056] The conversation support server 10, for example, if the conversation with the conversational AI is conducted via voice, uses an AI module 3 that has been adjusted to implement a function to determine emotions based on the pitch, volume, and tempo of the voice to determine the emotion. Furthermore, if the conversation with the conversational AI is conducted via text, the conversation support server 10 determines the emotion associated with a keyword based on, for example, the number or proportion of emotion-related keywords included in the text. The conversation support server 10 may also determine emotions by combining voice and text. Additionally, the conversation support server 10 may determine the emotion of a second user from the conversation log using other well-known technologies.

[0057] Next, the conversation support server 10 creates a conversation summary (Activity A53). The conversation support server 10 creates a conversation summary from the conversation log, for example, using an AI module 3 that has been adjusted to implement a function for creating text summaries. Note that the method of creating the summary is not limited to this, and the conversation support server 10 may also use a well-known algorithm for creating summaries or a service that provides a summary creation function. The conversation support server 10 displays the created conversation summary and a summary screen showing the determined emotions on the user terminal 20 (Activity A54).

[0058] Figure 13 shows an example of a summary screen. System screen G7 shown in Figure 13 is an example of a summary screen. System screen G7 displays the text "Summary of conversation with the second user," time display fields C71-1, C71-2, C71-3 and C71-4 (referred to as "time display field C71" if they are not distinguished), emotion icons C72-1, C72-2, C72-3 and C72-4 (referred to as "emotion icons C72" if they are not distinguished), conversation summaries C73-1, C73-2, C73-3 and C73-4 (referred to as "conversation summary C73" if they are not distinguished), and a contact button B71.

[0059] The date and day of the week in the time display field C71 show the date and day of the week in which the conversation took place. The emotion icon C72 is an image representing the emotion determined from the conversation log, and in the example in Figure 13, the emotion is represented by a person's facial expression. For example, emotion icon C72-1 represents a positive emotion, and emotion icon C72-2 represents a sad emotion. Also, emotion icon C72-3 represents a happy emotion, and emotion icon C72-4 represents a dissatisfied emotion. The conversation summary C73 is a string of characters that indicates the conversation summary created in activity A53.

[0060] The first user can understand when, under what circumstances, and what kind of conversation the second user is having by looking at the displayed time display field C71, emotion icon C72, and conversation summary C73. As a result, if the first user becomes concerned about the second user's situation, they operate the contact button B71. When the user terminal 20 receives a contact operation to the second user, including an operation of the contact button B71 (Activity A55), it contacts the second user (Activity A56).

[0061] If the registered contact information for the second user is a telephone number (landline or mobile phone), the conversation support server 10 simply accepts the operation of the contact button B71 as an operation to contact the second user and proceeds to make a call to that telephone number. If the registered contact information for the second user is an email address or SNS account, the user terminal 20 also accepts the operation of launching the email application or SNS application and entering a message into those applications as an operation to contact the second user, and the conversation support server 10 sends the entered message to the communication device 30.

[0062] The communication device 30 processes the information received from the user terminal 20 (Activity A57). Then, the first user and the second user converse via the user terminal 20 and the communication device 30. In this way, if the first user has any concerns after looking at the summary screen, they can immediately contact the second user.

[0063] As described above, the conversation support server 10 functions as an example of a first display unit that displays an input field for entering the contact information of the second user on the first terminal used by the first user. User terminal 20 is an example of the first terminal. The input field C51 shown in Figure 10 is an example of an input field for entering the contact information of the second user. The conversation support server 10 also functions as an example of a first instruction unit that instructs the conversation AI to contact the contact entered in the input field and have a conversation with the second user. AI module 3 is an example of a conversation AI. As mentioned above, the conversation AI is tuned to enable conversation in natural language.

[0064] In this configuration, the first user can provide the second user, who is a different person, with the opportunity to communicate with the conversational AI. The first user is the applicant for the conversation opportunity service and is, for example, a relative, caregiver, or doctor of the second user. On the other hand, the second user is, for example, someone being monitored by the first user and is, for example, an elderly person living alone or a child waiting for their parent to return home. Thus, one of the advantages of conversational support system 1 is that it can provide the opportunity to communicate with the conversational AI to a second user who does not have the IT literacy to apply for the conversational support service with the conversational AI themselves. Furthermore, for example, if the second user is an elderly person living alone, providing the opportunity to communicate with the conversational AI can suppress the onset and progression of dementia compared to when such an opportunity is not provided.

[0065] Furthermore, the conversation support server 10 (an example of the first display unit) displays a naming input field on the first terminal for entering how to address the second user. The input field C52 shown in Figure 10 is an example of a naming input field. The conversation support server 10 (an example of the first instruction unit) then instructs the conversation AI to address the second user using the naming input field. With this configuration, for example, by instructing the conversation AI on how the first user addresses the second user, the conversation AI can give the second user the impression that they are mutual acquaintances, thereby increasing the conversation AI's sense of familiarity with the second user compared to when it is not possible to instruct the conversation AI on how to address the second user.

[0066] Furthermore, the conversation support server 10 (an example of the first display unit) also displays attribute input fields on the first terminal for inputting user attributes such as the second user's date of birth and their relationship to the first user. The conversation support server 10 (an example of the first instruction unit) then instructs the conversation AI to converse based on the attributes of the second user entered in the attribute input fields. In this case, the conversation AI can give the second user the impression that it is a mutual acquaintance of someone close to the second user (for example, the first user) who knows the second user's attributes, thereby increasing the conversation AI's sense of familiarity with the second user compared to when the second user's attributes cannot be specified.

[0067] Furthermore, the conversation support server 10 (an example of the first display unit) displays a timing input field for entering the timing of contacting the second user. The input field C61 shown in Figure 11 is an example of a timing input field. The conversation support server 10 (an example of the first instruction unit) then instructs the conversation AI to contact the second user at the timing entered in the timing input field. Since the first user is somewhat familiar with the second user, they often know the best timing to contact the second user. By allowing such a first user to specify the timing of contact, the likelihood of a conversation between the second user and the conversation AI can be increased compared to when no timing is specified.

[0068] Furthermore, the conversation support server 10 functions as an example of a notification unit that notifies the first terminal of the content of the conversation AI's conversation with the second user. The conversation summary C73 shown in Figure 13 is an example of the content of the conversation AI's conversation with the second user. With this configuration, the first user can know the status of the communication opportunities provided to the second user by the conversation support system 1. In addition, by displaying the time display field C71 shown in Figure 13, the first user can know exactly when the communication opportunity was provided.

[0069] Furthermore, the conversation support server 10 functions as an example of a determination unit that determines the emotions of the second user from the conversation AI's interaction with the second user. The conversation support server 10 also functions as an example of a notification unit that notifies the determined emotions. The emotion icon C72 shown in Figure 13 is an example of a notified emotion. In this configuration, the first user can learn about the psychological state of the second user.

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the conversation support server 10 displays an operation image (contact button B71) for contacting the second user on the screen that notifies the above conversation content and emotions. With this configuration, if the first user wants to contact the second user immediately based on the notified information, they do not need to spend time searching for a contact app or the like, and can contact the second user right away.

[0071] <Variation: Sharing communication status> In the example above, the content of the conversation, which shows the communication status between the second user and the conversational AI, was notified to the first user, but it may also be shared with others. In that case, the conversation support server 10 functions as an example of a distribution unit that distributes the content of the conversation between the conversational AI and the second user to the requesting terminal that has requested sharing of that content.

[0072] Specifically, the conversation support server 10 delivers the conversation content by, for example, sending link information to system screen G7 shown in Figure 13 to the requesting terminal. The requesting terminal can then display system screen G7 using the received link information. In this case, the conversation support server 10 also delivers the timing of the conversation and the emotions of the second user at the time of the conversation to the requesting terminal.

[0073] Users of the requesting terminal may be, for example, family members or relatives of the first user, doctors or caregivers in charge of the second user, or acquaintances of the second user. In these cases, compared to when the conversation content is not distributed, those related to the second user can easily learn about the second user's communication status. Furthermore, users of the requesting terminal may be other people who are not directly related to the second user, as long as they are users of the conversation opportunity provision service. In this case, the content of the second user's conversation, the timing of the conversation, and the emotions at the time of the conversation will be shared among many users, similar to a social networking service (SNS).

[0074] The first or second user can set the scope of users who can share conversation content, etc. (hereinafter referred to as the "sharing scope"). The sharing scope may be, for example, the scope of users authorized by the first or second user, the scope of users residing in the same area as the second user, or it may be unlimited. In any case, the conversation with the conversational AI will not be limited to the narrow scope of the conversational AI and the first user, but will be shareable with many people. As a result, the second user will feel connected to many people through their conversation with the conversational AI, and will be more motivated to converse with the conversational AI compared to when the above distribution is not performed.

[0075] Furthermore, the conversation support server 10 may acquire comments entered into the requesting terminal by the person sharing the conversation content, and instruct the AI ​​module 3 to reflect the acquired comments in the conversation between the conversation AI and the second user. This allows the second user to have others empathize with the content of their conversation with the conversation AI, and to receive helpful information from others about the topics they discussed. Compared to cases where comments from the person sharing the conversation are not reflected in the conversation, this makes the second user feel more strongly connected to many people through the conversation AI.

[0076] <Variation example: Provides an opportunity for communication> The conversation support server 10 may function as an example of a second display unit that displays status information on the first terminal indicating the status of the conversation between the second user and the conversation AI (hereinafter simply referred to as "conversation status"). Conversation status refers to, for example, the frequency of conversations, the length of conversations, or the time of day of conversations. In detail, when the conversation status satisfies predetermined conditions (hereinafter referred to as "display conditions"), the conversation support server 10 displays status information on the first terminal indicating the contact information for the second user and the status of the conversation that met the display conditions.

[0077] The conversation support server 10 determines, for example, whether the conversation status meets the display conditions based on the conversation log stored in A51 as shown in Figure 12. The conversation support server 10 determines that the conversation status meets the display conditions when, for example, the frequency of conversations indicated in the conversation log is less than the threshold Th1, and displays the status information on the first user terminal. In this case, the status information is, for example, a message indicating that the frequency of communication between the second user and the conversation AI has decreased and prompting the first user to contact the second user.

[0078] Furthermore, the situation information may include messages prompting the first user to contact the second user, such as when the second user's communication time with the conversational AI has decreased, or when conversations between the second user and the conversational AI are taking place late at night. In either case, it is assumed that the second user is in a different situation than before, so compared to not displaying situation information even when the display conditions are met, it is possible to provide a conversation starter at an appropriate time.

[0079] Furthermore, the conversation status may include the content of the conversation. In this case, the display condition is met when the conversation content includes specific keywords. Specific keywords include, for example, words representing a specific event (such as a birthday), words indicating poor health, words representing a specific request (such as a visit from the first user), or the name of a specific person (for example, the name of the first user or their family). In this case as well, for example, the status information will be displayed when a conversation containing keywords of interest to the first user takes place, so that the second user does not miss the opportunity to contact them.

[0080] <Variation example: Conversation with the first user> In the example shown in Figure 4, the first user only had a trial conversation with the conversational AI initially. However, even after the conversation with the second user begins, the first user may have opportunities to converse with the conversational AI. In this case, the conversation support server 10 functions as an example of a second instruction unit that instructs the conversational AI to contact the first user's contacts. The conversation support server 10 may, for example, give this instruction periodically, or it may give this instruction when the display conditions described above are met.

[0081] The first user can grasp the general outline of the conversation from the conversation summary displayed on the user terminal 20, but they cannot understand the details. If they want to know more, they can ask the conversational AI. In addition, if the first user wants to know anything else about the second user, they can ask the conversational AI to ask the second user.

[0082] The conversation support server 10 (an example of the first instruction unit) then instructs the AI ​​module 3 to have a conversation with the second user based on the content of the conversation between the first user and the conversational AI. In response to this instruction, the AI ​​module 3 conveys to the second user what the first user was concerned about or what they were directly asked about. As a result, the second user becomes aware that the conversational AI is also conversing with the first user. In this configuration, the second user can feel a stronger connection to the first user through the conversational AI compared to when the conversational AI does not converse with the first user.

[0083] <Variations in configuration> The configuration shown in Figure 1, etc. (overall configuration, hardware configuration, and functional configuration, etc.) is just an example, and other configurations can be adopted as long as they do not cause inconvenience in implementation. For example, the conversation support server 10 may be distributed across two or more devices, or it may be provided in the form of SaaS (Software as a Service) or a cloud computing system. Also, the user terminal 20 may perform some or all of the information processing performed by the conversation support server 10, or conversely, the conversation support server 10 may perform some or all of the information processing performed by the user terminal 20. In short, as long as the necessary information processing is performed throughout the conversation support system 1, the devices that perform that information processing can be configured in any way.

[0084] Furthermore, the artificial intelligence module (AI module 3) may be an internal or external component of the conversation support server 10, or an internal or external component of the conversation support system 1. Also, the functions realized by one artificial intelligence module may be realized by two or more artificial intelligence modules in a distributed manner, or the functions realized by two or more artificial intelligence modules may be realized by one artificial intelligence module in an integrated manner.

[0085] The output destination for information or data (hereinafter referred to as "information, etc.") may be other devices, displays, storage units (including built-in and external storage units), etc. Acquisition of information, etc. includes not only acquiring information, etc. transmitted from other devices, but also acquiring information, etc. generated by the device itself.

[0086] The embodiments described above were information processing devices such as a conversation support server 10 and a user terminal 20, or an information processing system such as a conversation support system 1 equipped with such information processing devices, but they may also be information processing methods. The information processing method comprises the same steps as those performed by the information processing system. Furthermore, the embodiments described above may also be programs. The programs cause a computer to perform the same steps as those performed by the information processing system.

[0087] <Note> Furthermore, they may be provided in the following embodiments.

[0088] (1) An information processing system comprising one or more processors, wherein in a first display step, the processor causes a first terminal used by a first user to display an input field for entering the contact information of a second user, and in a first instruction step, the processor instructs a conversational AI to contact the contact entered in the input field and have a conversation with the second user, and the conversational AI is configured to implement a function for conversing in natural language.

[0089] This approach can provide opportunities for communication with others.

[0090] (2) An information processing system as described in (1) above, wherein in the first display step, the processor displays an input field for inputting a name for the second user, and in the first instruction step, the processor instructs the conversation AI to call the second user by the name entered in the input field.

[0091] This approach can enhance the sense of intimacy in conversational AI.

[0092] (3) An information processing system according to (1) or (2) above, wherein in the first display step, the processor displays an input field for inputting the timing to contact the second user, and in the first instruction step, the processor instructs the conversation AI to contact the second user at the timing entered in the input field.

[0093] This approach can increase the likelihood of conversation taking place.

[0094] (4) An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein in the notification step, the processor notifies the first terminal of the content of the conversation between the conversational AI and the second user.

[0095] This approach allows us to understand the extent to which communication opportunities are being provided.

[0096] (5) An information processing system as described in (4) above, wherein in the determination step, the processor determines the emotion of the second user from the conversation that the conversational AI has had with the second user, and in the notification step, the processor also notifies the determined emotion.

[0097] In this manner, it is possible to understand the psychological state of the second user.

[0098] (6) An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein in the distribution step, the processor distributes the content of the conversation between the conversational AI and the second user to the requesting terminal that requested the sharing of said content.

[0099] This approach can increase the motivation to converse.

[0100] (7) An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein in the second display step, the processor causes the first terminal to display contact information for the second user and status information indicating the status of the conversation that satisfies the conditions, when the status of the conversation between the second user and the conversation AI satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0101] This approach allows for providing a conversation starter at the appropriate time.

[0102] (8) An information processing system as described in (7) above, wherein the conversation situation includes the content of the conversation, and the condition is met when the content of the conversation includes a specific keyword.

[0103] This approach ensures that you don't miss the opportunity to contact someone.

[0104] (9) An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein in the second instruction step, the processor instructs the conversational AI to contact the first user's contact person, and in the first instruction step, the processor instructs the conversational AI to have a conversation with the second user based on the content of the conversation between the first user and the conversational AI.

[0105] In this configuration, the second user can feel a connection with the first user through the conversational AI.

[0106] (10) An information processing method comprising each of the steps described in any one of (1) to (9) above, which is performed by a processor.

[0107] This approach can provide others with opportunities for communication.

[0108] (11) A program that causes a computer to perform any one of the steps described in (1) to (9) above. Of course, this is not always the case. Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above may be implemented in any combination.

[0109] Finally, various embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1: Conversation support system 2: Communication lines 3: AI Module 4: Conversation Database 10: Conversation support server 11: Control Unit 20: User terminal 21: Control Unit 30: Communication devices 31: Control Unit

Claims

1. An information processing system comprising one or more processors, In the first display step, the processor displays an input field on the first terminal used by the first user for entering the contact information of the second user. In the first instruction step, the processor instructs the conversational AI to contact the contact entered in the input field and have a conversation with the second user. The aforementioned conversational AI is configured to enable conversation in natural language. Information processing system.

2. In the information processing system described in claim 1, In the first display step, the processor displays an input field for entering the name of the second user. In the first instruction step, the processor instructs the conversational AI to call the second user by the name entered in the input field. Information processing system.

3. In the information processing system described in claim 1, In the first display step, the processor displays an input field for inputting the timing of contacting the second user. In the first instruction step, the processor instructs the conversational AI to contact the second user at the time the input is entered in the input field. Information processing system.

4. In the information processing system described in claim 1, In the notification step, the processor notifies the first terminal of the content of the conversation between the conversational AI and the second user. Information processing system.

5. In the information processing system described in claim 4, In the determination step, the processor determines the emotions of the second user from the conversation that the conversational AI had with the second user. In the notification step, the processor also notifies the determined emotion. Information processing system.

6. In the information processing system described in claim 1, In the distribution step, the processor distributes the content of the conversation between the conversational AI and the second user to the requesting terminal that requested the sharing of said content. Information processing system.

7. In the information processing system described in claim 1, In the second display step, the processor causes the first terminal to display status information indicating the contact information for the second user and the status of the conversation that met the conditions, when the status of the conversation between the second user and the conversational AI meets predetermined conditions. Information processing system.

8. In the information processing system described in claim 7, The circumstances of the aforementioned conversation include the content of that conversation. The above condition is met if the content of the conversation includes a specific keyword. Information processing system.

9. In the information processing system described in claim 1, In the second instruction step, the processor instructs the conversational AI to contact the first user's contacts. In the first instruction step, the processor is instructed to have a conversation with the second user based on the content of the conversation between the first user and the conversational AI. Information processing system.

10. Information processing method, The processor comprises each step according to any one of claims 1 to 9, Information processing methods.

11. It is a program, Cause the computer to perform each of the steps described in any one of claims 1 to 9. program.

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