Evaluation support system, information processing device, evaluation support method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a system, apparatus, method, and program that allows the registration of evaluations of an evaluation target into a second system that manages evaluations of an evaluation target using a first system for communication among multiple users. [Solution] An evaluation support system connected via a network to a first system for communication among multiple users and a second system for managing evaluations of an evaluation target, comprising: a receiving unit that receives communication information from the first system, which includes first information for identifying an evaluation target, conducted among multiple users in the first system; a generating unit that generates a registration request for an evaluation of the evaluation target identified based on the first information contained in the communication information, based on predetermined communication to the second system; and a transmitting unit that transmits the generated registration request to the second system via the network.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Communication systems for performing communication among a plurality of users, such as video conferences, voice calls, information sharing, chats, or instant messages, are widespread.

[0003] Also, a chat analysis device that analyzes chats between users and outputs analysis results regarding communication is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an organization such as a company, personnel information such as evaluation information of users within the organization is often managed by a system such as a personnel system based on organization information managed for each organization. In such a system, for example, even if a new mechanism is introduced that allows users to evaluate each other, the system may not be effectively utilized because users have to log in to the system every time they evaluate or do not know how to use it.

[0005] Note that such problems are not limited to a personnel system that manages user evaluation information, but are also common to other systems that manage evaluation information of various evaluation targets such as products, stores, or services. Further, such problems cannot be solved merely by applying the technology disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and enables registration of evaluations of evaluation targets in a second system that manages evaluations of evaluation targets, by using a first system that performs communication among a plurality of users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, an evaluation support system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an evaluation support system connected via a network to a first system for communicating among multiple users and a second system for managing the evaluation of an evaluation target, comprising: a receiving unit that receives from the first system via the network communication information relating to a predetermined communication conducted among the multiple users in the first system, the communication information including first information for identifying an evaluation target; a generating unit that generates a registration request to the second system for the evaluation of an evaluation target identified based on the first information contained in the received communication information, the registration request for the evaluation based on the predetermined communication relating to the communication information; and a transmitting unit that transmits the generated registration request to the second system via the network. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first system for communication among multiple users can be used to register the evaluation of an evaluation target in a second system for managing the evaluation of an evaluation target. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the system configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the outline of the process according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a computer hardware configuration according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of an evaluation support system according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows another example of the functional configuration of the evaluation support system according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of processing by the evaluation support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of information handled by the evaluation support device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of a detection bot according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a thank-you message according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of a detection bot according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a display screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the evaluation support device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of information handled by the evaluation support device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the evaluation support system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of point information according to the third embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of a detection bot according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the evaluation support system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the evaluation support device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] This figure shows an example of a thank-you message according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a flowchart showing an example of information provision processing according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] Figure (1) shows an example of the information provided by the evaluation support system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 23]It is a diagram (2) showing an example of information provided by the evaluation support system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] It is a diagram (3) showing an example of information provided by the evaluation support system according to the fourth embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes, for example, a communication system 10, a personnel system 20, a user information management system 30, an evaluation support device 100, etc., connected to a communication network 2 such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0012] The communication system (first system) 10 is a system including an information processing device having a computer configuration or a plurality of information processing devices, and is an example of a first system that communicates between a plurality of users. The communication system 10 provides a communication service for communicating, for example, video conferencing, voice calls, information sharing, chat, or instant messages between a plurality of users (User A, User B,...).

[0013] For example, User A can use an information terminal 40a such as a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, or a tablet terminal to connect to the communication system 10 via the communication network 2 and participate in a video conference or the like. Similarly, User B can use the information terminal 40b to connect to the communication system 10 via the communication network 2 and participate in the same video conference as User A to send and receive video and audio with User A. Note that three or more users may participate in this video conference.

[0014] Furthermore, user A can use information terminal 40a to send and receive text messages with user B, who is using information terminal 40b, by utilizing chat or instant messaging functions provided by the communication system 10.

[0015] Examples of communication systems 10 include Microsoft Trams®, ZOOM®, LINE®, and Slack®. For illustrative purposes, the following explanation will assume that communication system 10 is Microsoft Teams (hereinafter referred to as Teams).

[0016] Teams is an example of a communication system 10 that provides services such as a chat service for sending and receiving text messages within a group, a meeting service for sending and receiving audio or video, and a sharing service for sharing files, etc.

[0017] The personnel system (second system) 20 is an information processing device having a computer configuration, or a system including multiple information processing devices, and is an example of a second system that manages the evaluation of the evaluation target. The personnel system 20 is, for example, a system that manages personnel information of multiple users belonging to an organization such as a company. The personnel system 20 may be a system unique to each organization, or it may be a general-purpose system such as Talent Palette (registered trademark). Here, as an example for explanation, the following explanation will be given assuming that the personnel system 20 is Talent Palette, which manages personnel information of multiple users.

[0018] Talent Palette is an example of a human resources system 20 that centralizes the talent information of multiple users to realize human resources services such as user recruitment, training, placement, evaluation, promotion, and success.

[0019] The user information management system (third system) 30 is an information processing device having the configuration of a computer, or a system including multiple information processing devices, and is an example of a third system that manages information related to the evaluation target. The user information management system 30 manages, for example, user information of users whose personnel information is managed by the personnel system 20, and organizational information, etc. The user information management system 30 may be a system unique to each organization, or it may be a general-purpose system such as Microsoft Outlook (registered trademark).

[0020] Preferably, the provider of the communication system 10 and the user information management system 30 is the same company or an affiliated company. Here, as an example for illustrative purposes, the following explanation will be given assuming that the user information management system 30 is Microsoft Outlook (hereinafter referred to as Outlook).

[0021] Outlook is an example of a user information management system 30 that manages, for example, a user's name, ID, contacts, affiliation, job title, calendar, and to-do list.

[0022] The evaluation support device (information processing device) 100 is an information processing device having the configuration of a computer, or a system including multiple information processing devices. The evaluation support device 100 is connected to a communication system 10, a personnel system 20, and a user information management system 30, etc., via a communication network 2, for example.

[0023] Here, the HR system 20 is assumed to have a thank-you message service that allows employees to send and receive thank-you messages to each other in order to foster mutual understanding and a culture of gratitude. For example, Talent Palette, an example of the HR system 20, has a thank-you points function that allows employees to send each other thank-you messages (thank-you messages) and points. Here, gratitude is an evaluation of communication between users that arises from daily communication.

[0024] However, even if such a thank-you message service is introduced, it may not be widely used by employees for reasons such as having to access the HR system 20 every time they want to send a thank-you message, or not knowing how to use it.

[0025] Therefore, the evaluation support device 100 according to this embodiment is configured to register a thank-you message in the personnel system (second system) 20 using the communication system (first system) 10.

[0026] <Process Overview> Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the process according to one embodiment. For example, it is assumed that user A and user B send and receive text messages to each other using information terminals 40a and 40b and the communication system 10 (step S1).

[0027] The communication system 10 has a detection bot 11 that detects predetermined communications, and detects predetermined communications, such as thank-you messages, from messages sent and received between user A and user B (step S2).

[0028] Here, the detection bot 11 can be implemented, for example, by applying technologies such as a chatbot that automatically responds to natural language inquiries from users. The chatbot is implemented through "intent interpretation," which determines what the user wants to do from the voice or text input by the user, and "dialogue control," which generates response content according to the interpreted intent.

[0029] For example, detection bot 11 has multiple example sentences and their corresponding intentions pre-registered so that when it receives text data such as "Thank you for ○○," it will determine that the intention is "gratitude." Alternatively, detection bot 11 may detect gratitude messages using a machine learning model that has been pre-trained to extract gratitude messages from text data.

[0030] Here, machine learning is a technique for enabling computers to acquire human-like learning abilities. It refers to a technique in which a computer autonomously generates algorithms necessary for judgment, such as data identification, from pre-inputted training data, and applies these algorithms to new data to make predictions. The learning method for machine learning can be supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, reinforcement learning, or deep learning, or a combination of these learning methods; the learning method for machine learning is not limited.

[0031] Furthermore, when the detection bot 11 detects a predetermined communication, such as a thank-you message, it transmits communication information indicating that the predetermined communication has been detected to the evaluation support device 100 via the communication network 2 (step S3). This communication information includes, for example, text data such as a thank-you message, the sender's username, and the recipient's username. Preferably, this communication information includes thank-you points, which are score information representing the degree of gratitude.

[0032] When the evaluation support device 100 receives communication information from the communication system 10, it uses the username and other information contained in the received communication information to obtain user information from the user information management system 30 (step S4).

[0033] For example, the evaluation support device 100 uses the recipient's username contained in the received communication information to obtain identification information for the personnel system 20 from the user information management system 30 to identify the recipient user. The evaluation support device 100 also, if necessary, uses the sender's username contained in the received communication information to obtain identification information for the personnel system 20 from the user information management system 30 to identify the sender user. Identification information for user identification in the personnel system 20 may include, for example, a user ID, employee ID, or email address.

[0034] The user information held by the user information management system 30 may also be held by, for example, the evaluation support device 100 or the personnel system 20. In this case, the information processing system 1 does not need to have the user information management system 30.

[0035] Furthermore, the evaluation support device 100 generates an evaluation registration request for the recipient user (step S5). For example, if a predetermined communication is a thank-you message, the evaluation support device 100 generates a thank-you message registration request from the sending user to the recipient user. This thank-you message registration request includes, for example, identification information to identify the sending user, identification information to identify the recipient user, a thank-you message, and information such as thank-you points.

[0036] Furthermore, the evaluation support device 100 transmits the generated registration request to the personnel system 20 via the communication network 2 (step S6).

[0037] Through the processes described in steps S1 to S6 above, the user can easily register a thank-you message in the personnel system 20 using the communication system 10.

[0038] Note that the information processing system 1 described in Figures 1 and 2 is just one example. For example, the predetermined communication detected by the detection bot 11 is not limited to thank-you messages, but may also be evaluation messages that evaluate various evaluation targets such as organizations, stores, exhibitions, concerts, goods, products, food, vehicles, entertainment facilities, accommodations, tourist destinations, or services. In this case, the personnel system 20 may be various systems that manage the evaluation of the aforementioned evaluation targets.

[0039] Furthermore, the evaluation registration request transmitted by the evaluation support device 100 does not necessarily have to include identification information to identify the user who sent the evaluation, or score information, depending on the subject of evaluation.

[0040] Furthermore, the number of users sending and receiving messages may be three or more. For example, if the communication system 10 is Teams, users can specify a mention name and send messages only to the specified recipient. The detection bot 11 may use this mention name to identify the recipient's username.

[0041] Furthermore, the detection bot 11 is not limited to text messages; for example, it may detect predetermined messages such as thank-you messages from voice calls. In this case, the detection bot 11 may identify the recipient user or the sender user using technologies such as speaker recognition, or obtain them from the communication system 10. In this case, the detection bot 11 may also use speech recognition technology to convert voice messages into text messages, thereby detecting predetermined communications in the same way as text messages.

[0042] As described above, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to easily register the evaluation of an evaluation target in a second system that manages the evaluation of an evaluation target by using a communication system (first system) 10 that communicates among multiple users.

[0043] <Hardware Configuration> The communication system 10, personnel system 20, user information management system 30, evaluation support device 100, and information terminals 40a, 40b, etc., shown in Figure 1, have, for example, a computer 300 hardware configuration as shown in Figure 3. Alternatively, the communication system 10, personnel system 20, user information management system 30, or evaluation support device 100, etc., are composed of multiple computers 300.

[0044] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a computer according to one embodiment. The computer 300 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, HD (Hard Disk) 304, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 305, display 306, external device connection I / F (Interface) 307, network I / F 308, keyboard 309, pointing device 310, DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 312, media I / F 314, and bus line 315, etc.

[0045] Of these components, the CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the computer 300. The ROM 302 stores programs used to start the CPU 301, such as the IPL (Initial Program Loader). The RAM 303 is used as the work area for the CPU 301. The HD 304 stores various data, such as programs. The HDD controller 305 controls the reading or writing of various data to the HD 304 according to the control of the CPU 301.

[0046] Display 306 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, text, or images. External device connection I / F 307 is an interface for connecting various external devices. Network I / F 308 is an interface for data communication using the communication network N.

[0047] The keyboard 309 is a type of input means equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, and various instructions. The pointing device 310 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting processing targets, and moving a cursor. The DVD-RW drive 312 controls the reading or writing of various data to the DVD-RW 311, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that the DVD-RW 311 is not limited to DVD-RW; it may be other recording media. The media I / F 314 controls the reading or writing (storage) of data to the media 313, such as flash memory. The bus line 315 includes an address bus, a data bus, and various control signals for electrically connecting the above components.

[0048] <Functional Configuration> Next, the functional configuration of the evaluation support device and evaluation support system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0049] Figure 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of an evaluation support system according to one embodiment. When the communication system (first system) 10 has the functions of the detection bot 11 described in Figure 2, the evaluation support system is realized by the evaluation support device (information processing device) 100, as shown in Figure 4.

[0050] (Functional configuration of the evaluation support device) The evaluation support device 100, for example, has a CPU 301 that executes a program stored in a storage medium such as an HD 304, thereby realizing a receiving unit 401, an acquisition unit 402, a generation unit 403, a transmission unit 404, an information management unit 405, and a storage unit 406, etc.

[0051] The receiving unit 401 performs a receiving process to receive communication information transmitted by the communication system (first system) 10, for example, using the network I / F 308. This communication information is information relating to a predetermined communication that took place between multiple users in the communication system (first system) 10, and includes information for identifying the evaluation target (first information).

[0052] In the example shown in Figure 2, the receiving unit 401 receives communication information from the communication system 10 indicating that it has detected a thank-you message. This communication information includes, for example, the username of the sending user (an example of second information), the username of the receiving user (an example of first information), the detected thank-you message, and information such as thank-you points. Preferably, this communication information includes identification information that identifies the communication system 10 (for example, system name, system ID, etc.).

[0053] The acquisition unit 402 performs an acquisition process to acquire information about the evaluation target based on the first information contained in the communication information received by the receiving unit 401.

[0054] In the example shown in Figure 2, the acquisition unit 402 uses the username of the recipient user (an example of the first information) included in the communication information to acquire the user information of the recipient user from the user information management system 30. This user information includes, for example, identification information (e.g., user ID or email address) used in the personnel system (second system) 20 to identify the recipient user. Preferably, this user information includes organizational information such as the department or position to which the recipient user belongs.

[0055] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 402 acquires information about the sender user based on the second information contained in the communication information received by the receiving unit 401, as needed.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 2, the acquisition unit 402 uses the sender's username (an example of the second information) contained in the communication information to acquire the sender's user information from the user information management system 30. This user information includes, for example, identification information used in the personnel system (second system) 20 to identify the sender's user. Preferably, this user information includes organizational information such as the department to which the sender's user belongs or their position.

[0057] Furthermore, if the communication information includes identification information that identifies the recipient user in the personnel system 20 (e.g., user ID, email address, etc.), the acquisition unit 402 may acquire the identification information that identifies the recipient user from the communication information. Similarly, if the communication information includes identification information that identifies the sender user in the personnel system 20, the acquisition unit 402 may acquire the identification information that identifies the sender user from the communication information.

[0058] The generation unit 403 performs a generation process to generate a registration request for the evaluation target identified based on the first information contained in the communication information received by the receiving unit 401. This registration request includes the evaluation target based on a predetermined communication corresponding to the communication information.

[0059] In the example shown in Figure 2, the generation unit 403 generates a registration request for a thank-you message in the personnel system 20, which includes identification information to identify the recipient user, identification information to identify the recipient user, a thank-you message, and thank-you points. The thank-you message and thank-you points are examples of evaluation targets.

[0060] The transmitting unit 404 performs a transmission process to send the registration request generated by the generating unit 403 to the personnel system 20 via the communication network 2. The transmitting unit 404 sends the registration request for the evaluation to be evaluated to the personnel system 20, for example, by using the Web API (Application Programming Interface) provided by the personnel system (second system) 20.

[0061] Furthermore, since the evaluation support device 100 according to this embodiment uses the existing Web API provided by the personnel system 20 to send evaluation registration requests, it can be used as is without modifying the existing personnel system 20.

[0062] The information management unit 405 performs information management processing to store and manage the registration requests for evaluation targets generated by the generation unit 403, or the registration requests for evaluations transmitted by the transmission unit 404, in the storage unit 406, etc. In the example in Figure 2, the information management unit 405 stores the registration requests for thank-you messages generated by the generation unit 403, or the registration requests for thank-you messages transmitted by the transmission unit 404, in the storage unit 406, etc.

[0063] The memory unit 406 is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the CPU 301, the HD 304, and the HDD controller 305, and stores various information, including the registration request for the evaluation of the evaluation target or the registration request for a thank-you message. The memory unit 406 may also be implemented by, for example, an external storage server of the evaluation support device 100.

[0064] Figure 5 shows another example of the functional configuration of an evaluation support system according to one embodiment. If the communication system 10 does not have the functions of the detection bot 11 described in Figure 2, the evaluation support system 400 can be realized by installing a program for the detection bot 11 in the communication system 10. In this case, the evaluation support system 400 includes an evaluation support device 100 and a detection bot 11, as shown in Figure 5. This detection bot 11 is realized by a program that causes the computer 300 provided in the communication system 10 to function as each of the functional configurations of the detection bot 11 shown in Figure 5.

[0065] (Detection bot functionality configuration) The detection bot 11 is realized by the computer 300 of the communication system 10 executing a program for the detection bot 11, which enables the detection unit 501, notification unit 502, control unit 503, and storage unit 504, etc.

[0066] The detection unit 501 performs detection processing to detect predetermined communications from messages sent and received by multiple users in the communication system 10. In the example in Figure 2, the detection unit 501 detects a thank-you message (an example of predetermined communications) by performing the aforementioned intent interpretation on messages sent and received by user A and user B. Here, a thank-you message includes various messages that express an intention to thank the recipient user. The thank-you message may (or may not) include thank-you points, which are numerical information representing feelings of gratitude.

[0067] When the detection unit 501 detects a predetermined communication, the notification unit 502 performs a notification process to notify the evaluation support device 100 via the communication network 2 of communication information indicating that a predetermined communication has been detected. This communication information includes, for example, a thank you message (text data), the sender's username, the recipient's username, and thank you points.

[0068] The control unit 503 performs a setting process to set gratitude points in the communication information that the notification unit 502 notifies the evaluation support device 100 of, for example, when the gratitude message detected by the detection unit 501 does not contain information on gratitude points. Preferably, the control unit 503 further performs a reply process in the communication system 10, for example, when user B replies to a gratitude message sent from user A to user B. The setting process and reply process performed by the control unit 503 will be described later with specific embodiments as examples.

[0069] The memory unit 504 is implemented by, for example, a program executed by the computer 300, HD 304, HDD controller 305, and RAM 303, and stores various information, such as point information used by the control unit 503 when determining the gratitude points.

[0070] Note that the functional configuration of the evaluation support system 400 described in Figures 4 and 5 is just one example. For example, each functional configuration of the evaluation support device 100 may be distributed and provided on multiple information processing devices.

[0071] Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the detection bot 11 may be performed by the evaluation support device 100. For example, the process of setting appreciation points, which is performed by the control unit 503 of the detection bot 11, may be performed by the evaluation support device 100.

[0072] Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the evaluation support device 100 may be performed by the detection bot 11. For example, the acquisition process performed by the acquisition unit 402 of the evaluation support device 100 may be performed by the detection bot 11.

[0073] <Processing flow> Next, the processing flow of the evaluation support method according to this embodiment will be described.

[0074] [First Embodiment] (Processing by the evaluation support device) Figure 6(A) is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the evaluation support device according to the first embodiment. This processing shows a specific example of processing performed by the evaluation support device 100 having a functional configuration as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0075] In step S601, when the receiving unit 401 receives communication information from the communication system 10 via the communication network 2, the evaluation support device 100 executes the processing from step S602 onward.

[0076] Figure 7(A) shows an example of communication information that the communication system 10 transmits to the evaluation support device 100. In the example in Figure 7(A), the communication information 701a includes items such as "sender username," "recipient username," "thank you message," "thank you points," and "system name."

[0077] "Sender username" is, for example, the username of the user who sent the thank-you message (an example of a predetermined communication) detected by the detection bot 11. Note that the sender username is an example of second information used to identify the user who sent the predetermined communication.

[0078] The "recipient username" is, for example, the username of the user to whom the thank-you message was sent, as detected by detection bot 11. Note that the recipient username is just one example of the first piece of information used to identify the person being evaluated.

[0079] A "thank you message" is, for example, a message that the detection bot 11 detected and expressed its intention to thank the recipient user.

[0080] "Gratitude points" are, for example, score information representing the degree of gratitude detected by the detection bot 11 along with the "gratitude message." If the detection bot 11 does not detect gratitude points along with the gratitude message, the communication information 701a does not need to include information on "gratitude points."

[0081] "System name" is, for example, an example of identification information that identifies the communication system 10 that sent the communication information.

[0082] Figure 7(B) shows an image of another example of communication information that the communication system 10 transmits to the evaluation support device 100. In the example in Figure 7(B), the communication information 701a includes items such as "Sender User ID," "Recipient User ID," "Thank You Message," "Thank You Points," and "System ID."

[0083] The "Sender User ID" is, for example, identification information (e.g., employee ID, login ID, etc.) that identifies the user who sent the thank-you message detected by the detection bot 11. The Sender User ID is another example of the second piece of information used to identify the user who sent the predetermined communication. The second piece of information may be the sender's email address, etc.

[0084] The "Recipient User ID" is, for example, identification information that identifies the user to whom the thank-you message was detected by the detection bot 11. The Recipient User ID is just another example of the first piece of information used to identify the evaluation target. The first piece of information may also be the recipient user's email address, etc.

[0085] The "Thank You Message" and "Thank You Points" are the same as those explained in Figure 7(A), so we will omit their explanation here.

[0086] "System ID" is, for example, another example of identification information that identifies the communication system 10 that sent the communication information. The identification information that identifies the communication system 10 may also be, for example, address information such as the IP address of the communication system 10.

[0087] Here, as an example, we will assume that the communication information received by the receiving unit 401 has the format of communication information 701a as shown in Figure 7(A), and will provide the following explanation.

[0088] Now, let's return to Figure 6(A) and continue explaining the flowchart. In step S602, the acquisition unit 402 acquires information about the sending user and information about the receiving user from the user information management system (third system) 30 based on the communication information received by the receiving unit 401. For example, the acquisition unit 402 uses the sending user name "User A" contained in the communication information 701a shown in Figure 7(A) as a key to acquire the user information 702a of the sending user from the user information management system 30, as shown in Figure 7(C).

[0089] Figure 7(C) shows an example of user information acquired by the acquisition unit 402 from the user information management system 30. In the example in Figure 7(C), the user information 702a includes items such as "user name," "user ID," "email address," "department," and "job title."

[0090] "Username" is the username used as a key when the acquisition unit 402 retrieved user information 702a from the user information management system 30. "User ID" is, for example, identification information used to identify a user in the personnel system 20. "Email address" is the user's email address.

[0091] "Department" refers to the name of the department to which the user belongs. "Job Title" refers to the name of the user's job title. Note that the department and job title are examples of the user's organizational information.

[0092] Similarly, the acquisition unit 402 uses the recipient username "User B" contained in the communication information 701a as shown in Figure 7(A) as a key to acquire the user information of the recipient user from the user information management system 30.

[0093] In step S603, the generation unit 403 generates a registration request for a thank-you message from the sending user to the receiving user (an example of a registration request for evaluation).

[0094] Figure 7(D) shows an example of a registration request for a thank-you message generated by the generation unit 403. In the example in Figure 7(D), the registration request for a thank-you message 703a includes information such as "sender user ID," "recipient user ID," "thank-you message," and "thank-you points" as items.

[0095] The "Sender's User ID" is, for example, the "User ID" included in the user information 702a of the sender's user acquired by the acquisition unit 402. The "Recipient's User ID" is the "User ID" included in the user information of the recipient's user acquired by the acquisition unit 402. The "Thank You Message" is, for example, the "Thank You Message" included in the communication information 701a, as shown in Figure 7(a), that the receiving unit 401 receives. The "Thank You Points" are, for example, the "Thank You Points" included in the communication information 701a, as shown in Figure 7(a), that the receiving unit 401 receives.

[0096] Figure 7(E) shows an image of another example of a registration request for a thank-you message generated by the generation unit 403. In the example in Figure 7(E), the registration request for a thank-you message 703b includes information such as "sender user's email address," "recipient user's email address," "thank-you message," and "thank-you points" as items.

[0097] The "sender's email address" is, for example, the "email address" included in the sender's user information 702a obtained by the acquisition unit 402. The "recipient's email address" is the "email address" included in the recipient's user information obtained by the acquisition unit 402. The "thank you message" is, as mentioned above, the "thank you message" included in the communication information received by the receiving unit 401. The "thank you points" are, as mentioned above, the "thank you points" included in the communication information received by the receiving unit 401.

[0098] Now, let's return to Figure 6(A) and continue the explanation of the flowchart. In step S604, the transmission unit 404 sends a registration request for the thank-you message generated by the generation unit 403 to the personnel system 20 via the communication network 2.

[0099] In step S605, the information management unit 405 stores the registration request for the thank-you message generated by the generation unit 403, or the registration request for the thank-you message sent by the transmission unit 404 to the personnel system 20, in the storage unit 406, etc. For example, the information management unit 405 stores the registration request for the thank-you message 703a shown in Figure 7(D) in the storage area corresponding to the communication system 10.

[0100] Figure 6(B) is a flowchart showing another example of the processing of the evaluation support device according to the first embodiment. This processing shows, for example, another example of the specific processing that the evaluation support device 100 performs when it receives communication information from the communication system 10 in step S3 of Figure 2.

[0101] In the process shown in Figure 6(A), an example was described in which a thank-you message from user A to user B is registered in the personnel system 20. However, the evaluation of the evaluation target does not necessarily need to include information about the sending user. In this case, the evaluation support device 100 performs the process shown in Figure 6(B), for example. Note that the basic processing content is the same as the process described in Figure 6(A), so a detailed explanation of the process similar to that in Figure 6(A) is omitted here.

[0102] In step S611, when the receiving unit 401 receives communication information from the communication system 10 via the communication network 2, the evaluation support device 100 executes the processing from step S612 onward.

[0103] In step S612, the acquisition unit 402 acquires information about the recipient user from the user information management system (third system) 30 based on the communication information received by the receiving unit 401. For example, the acquisition unit 402 uses the recipient username "User B" contained in the communication information 701a shown in Figure 7(A) as a key to acquire the user information of the recipient user from the user information management system 30.

[0104] In step S613, the generation unit 403 generates a registration request for the evaluation to the recipient user.

[0105] Figure 7(F) shows an example of a registration request for a thank-you message generated by the generation unit 403. In the example in Figure 7(F), the registration request for a thank-you message 703c includes information such as "email address of the recipient user," "thank-you message," and "thank-you points" as items. Thus, the registration request for a thank-you message 703c may not include information about the sender user.

[0106] In step S614, the transmission unit 404 sends a registration request for the thank-you message generated by the generation unit 403 to the personnel system 20 via the communication network 2.

[0107] In step S615, the information management unit 405 stores the evaluation registration request generated by the generation unit 403, or the evaluation registration request transmitted by the transmission unit 404 to the personnel system 20, in the storage unit 406, etc.

[0108] (Processing by the detection bot) Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by a detection bot according to the first embodiment. This process shows a specific example of processing performed by a detection bot 11 having a functional configuration as shown in Figure 5.

[0109] In step S801, when the detection unit 501 detects a thank-you message (an example of a predetermined communication), the detection bot 11 executes the processing from step S802 onward. As mentioned above, the detection unit 501 detects thank-you messages by performing diagrammatic interpretation on messages sent and received by multiple users.

[0110] In step S802, the notification unit 502 extracts the sender's username from the information of the message poster detected by the detection unit 501.

[0111] Figure 9 shows an example of a thank-you message according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the thank-you message 900 includes, as an example, information such as the poster's information 901, the recipient of the mention 902, the thank-you message (body) 903, a mention to the evaluation support device 100 904, and thank-you points 905.

[0112] The poster information 901 includes, for example, the username of the user who posted the thank you message 900 (sender username). The mentioned recipient information 902 includes, for example, the username of the recipient user who will be evaluated for the thank you message 900 (recipient username). The thank you message (body) 903 includes a string representing the body of the thank you message 900. The mention to the evaluation support device 100 904 includes, for example, a string representing the evaluation support device 100 to which the thank you points will be sent (here, "ThanksBot"). The thank you points 905 includes, for example, the number of thank you points to be given to the recipient user who will be evaluated for the thank you message 900.

[0113] Here, a mention is a function in the communication system 10 that allows a specific recipient to be notified by entering the recipient's username or system name after "@".

[0114] The notification unit 502 obtains, for example, the sender username "User A" from the information 901 of the poster of the thank-you message 900, as shown in Figure 9.

[0115] In step S803, the notification unit 502 extracts the recipient username from the mention information of the thank-you message detected by the detection unit 501. For example, the notification unit 502 obtains the recipient username "User B" from the mention information 902 of the thank-you message 900, as shown in Figure 9.

[0116] In step S804, the notification unit 502 determines whether or not the thank-you message detected by the detection unit 501 contains a designation of thank-you points. For example, if the thank-you message 900, as shown in Figure 9, contains information about thank-you points 905, the notification unit 502 determines that the message contains a designation of thank-you points. On the other hand, if the thank-you message does not contain information about thank-you points 905, the notification unit 502 determines that the message does not contain a designation of thank-you points.

[0117] If the message specifies gratitude points, the notification unit 502 proceeds to step S805. On the other hand, if the message does not specify gratitude points, the notification unit 502 proceeds to step S806.

[0118] When the process moves to step S805, the notification unit 502 extracts the designated thank-you points from the thank-you message. For example, the notification unit 502 obtains "5 points" designated as thank-you points 905 from the thank-you message 900 shown in Figure 9.

[0119] When the process moves to step S806, the notification unit 502 sets a pre-set thank you point (for example, 1 point) to the thank you message detected by the detection unit 501.

[0120] In step S807, the notification unit 502 transmits communication information 701a, including the sender's username, recipient's username, thank you message (body), thank you points, and system name, to the evaluation support device 100, for example, as shown in Figure 7(A).

[0121] (Processing by information processing systems) Figure 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing of the information processing system according to the first embodiment. This process shows the overall processing flow of the information processing system 1, corresponding to the processing of the detection bot described in Figure 8 and the processing of the evaluation support device described in Figure 6(A). It is assumed that at the start of the processing shown in Figure 10, multiple users are sending and receiving messages using the communication system 10.

[0122] In step S1001, when the detection bot 11 of the communication system 10 detects a thank you message, the information processing system 1 executes the processes from step S1002 onward.

[0123] In step S1002, the detection bot 11 creates communication information 701a as shown in Figure 7(A) by executing the processes in steps S802 to S807 in Figure 8, for example, and notifies the evaluation support device 100. As a result, the receiving unit 401 of the evaluation support device 100 receives the communication information 701a from the communication system 10.

[0124] In step S1003, the acquisition unit 402 of the evaluation support device 100 acquires user information of the sending user and the receiving user from the user information management system (third system) 30 based on the communication information received by the receiving unit 401. This process corresponds, for example, to the process in step S602 of Figure 6(A).

[0125] In step S1004, the generation unit 403 of the evaluation support device 100 generates a thank-you message registration request 703a, as shown in Figure 7(D), using, for example, the user information acquired by the acquisition unit 402. This process corresponds, for example, to the process in step S603 of Figure 6(A).

[0126] In step S1005, the transmission unit 404 of the evaluation support device 100 sends a registration request for the thank-you message generated by the generation unit 403 to the personnel system 20. This process corresponds, for example, to the process in step S604 of Figure 6(A).

[0127] In step S1006, the information management unit 405 of the evaluation support device 100 stores the registration request 703a of the thank-you message generated by the generation unit 403, or the registration request 703a of the thank-you message transmitted by the transmission unit 404, in the storage unit 406, etc. This process corresponds, for example, to the process in step S605 of Figure 6(A).

[0128] In step S1007, when the personnel system 20 receives a registration request for a thank-you message sent by the evaluation support device 100, it registers the received thank-you message. As a result, the personnel system 20 sends a thank-you message from the sending user to the receiving user, similar to how a sending user might log in to the personnel system 20 and register a thank-you message addressed to the receiving user.

[0129] Thus, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to easily register the evaluations of the evaluation target in the personnel system (second system) 20, which manages the evaluations of the evaluation target, by using the communication system (first system) 10 that enables communication between multiple users.

[0130] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, user A can send a thank you message to user B in the personnel system 20 by using the communication system 10 to send a thank you message 900, for example, as shown in Figure 9, to user B.

[0131] However, with this method alone, user B, who received the thank-you message in the HR system 20, cannot reply to the thank-you message received from user A in the HR system 20 unless they log in to the HR system 20.

[0132] Therefore, in the second embodiment, user B, who has received a thank-you message from user A, can use the communication system 10 to easily reply to the thank-you message received from user A in the personnel system 20.

[0133] <Processing flow> (Processing by the detection bot) Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of a detection bot according to the second embodiment. At the start of the processing in Figure 11, it is assumed that, for example, the information processing system described in Figure 10 has already sent a thank you message 900, as shown in Figure 9, from user A to user B. Furthermore, it is assumed that, as a result, a thank you message 1210, as shown in Figure 12, is displayed on the chat screen 1200 of the information terminal 40b used by user B.

[0134] At this time, the detection bot 11 may display a message 1220 indicating that it has registered a thank you message in the personnel system 20, as shown in Figure 12, on the chat screens of the information terminals 40a and 40b.

[0135] In step S1101 of Figure 11, when the detection bot 11 detects that user B has performed a predetermined action in response to the thank you message 1210 received from user A, it executes the processes from step S1102 onward.

[0136] For example, as shown in Figure 12, the thank-you message 1210 received by user B displays the content of the thank-you message 900 sent by user A, as well as one or more operation buttons 1211 for responding to the thank-you message. Furthermore, user B can perform a positive reply operation to the thank-you message 1210 by selecting the first button 1212 from among the one or more operation buttons 1211.

[0137] In this case, the detection unit 501 of the detection bot 11 detects the selection operation of the first button 1212 as a predetermined operation in response to the thank you message 1210.

[0138] In step S1102, when the detection unit 501 detects a predetermined operation in response to the thank you message 1210, the control unit 503 of the detection bot 11 creates a reply message corresponding to the thank you message 1210. For example, the detection bot 11 applies chatbot technology to create a reply message such as "You're welcome!" in response to the thank you message "Thank you for your review" from user A.

[0139] In step S1103, the control unit 503 of the detection bot 11 sends the created reply message back to user A, who sent the thank you message, from user B, who received the thank you message 1210.

[0140] As a result, the chat screens of the information terminals 40a and 40b will display a message 1230 indicating that user B has automatically sent a reply message to user A, as shown in Figure 12.

[0141] In step S1104, the notification unit 502 of the detection bot 11 transmits communication information indicating that a reply message has been sent to the evaluation support device 100 via the communication network 2. This communication information includes, for example, the sender username of the replied message (User B), the recipient username (User A), and the reply message "You're welcome!".

[0142] (Processing by the evaluation support device) Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the evaluation support device according to the second embodiment. This processing shows an example of the processing of the evaluation support device 100, which corresponds, for example, to the processing of the detection bot described in Figure 11. Of the processing shown in Figure 13, steps S601 and S602 are the same as the processing of the evaluation support device 100 according to the first embodiment described in Figure 6(A), so their explanation is omitted here.

[0143] In step S1301, the generation unit 403 generates a registration request from the sending user for a thank-you message or a reply message to the receiving user.

[0144] Figure 14(A) shows an example of communication information that the communication system 10 transmits to the evaluation support device 100 in step S1104 of Figure 11. In the example in Figure 14(A), the communication information 1401 includes items such as "sender username," "recipient username," "reply message," and "system name."

[0145] "Sender username" is the username of the user who sent the reply message (for example, User B). "Recipient username" is the username of the user who is sending the reply message (for example, User A).

[0146] The "reply message" is, for example, a reply message created by the detection bot 11 to the recipient user (for example, user A). The "system name" is, for example, an example of identification information that identifies the communication system 10 that sent the communication information.

[0147] Thus, the communication information 1401 that the communication system 10 transmits to the evaluation support device 100 in step S1104 of Figure 11 does not necessarily (but may) include "gratitude points".

[0148] If the communication information received by the receiving unit 401 includes a "reply message", the generating unit 403 generates a registration request 1402 for a reply message that includes the "reply message", for example as shown in Figure 14(B). On the other hand, if the communication information received by the receiving unit 401 includes a "thank you message", the generating unit 403 generates a registration request 703 for a thank you message that includes the "thank you message", for example as shown in Figure 7(D).

[0149] In step S1302, the transmission unit 404 transmits the registration request generated by the generation unit 403 to the personnel system 20.

[0150] In step S1303, the information management unit 405 stores the registration request for the thank-you message or reply message generated by the generation unit 403, or the registration request for the thank-you message or reply message sent by the transmission unit 404 to the personnel system 20, in the storage unit 406, etc.

[0151] Through the above process, user B, who has received a thank-you message 1210 from user A as shown in Figure 12, can easily reply to the thank-you message 1210 by, for example, simply selecting the first button 1212 that is displayed along with the thank-you message 1210.

[0152] Thus, according to the second embodiment, user B, who has received a thank-you message from user A, can easily reply to the thank-you message received from user A in the personnel system 20 using the communication system 10.

[0153] [Third Embodiment] In the first embodiment, for example, in step S804 of Figure 8, if the gratitude message detected by the detection unit 501 does not specify any gratitude points, the detection bot 11 sets a predetermined amount of gratitude points (for example, 1 point) in step S806.

[0154] However, this is just one example, and the detection bot 11 may change the gratitude points set for gratitude messages detected by the detection unit 501 depending on, for example, the communication system 10 that detected the gratitude message. Also, the detection bot 11 may set gratitude points for gratitude messages detected by the detection unit 501 at a different point multiplier than usual, depending on a predetermined campaign period. Furthermore, the detection bot 11 may add gratitude points depending on, for example, pre-set keywords included in the gratitude message.

[0155] <Functional Configuration> Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the evaluation support system according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 15, the control unit 503 of the detection bot 11 according to the third embodiment is configured to acquire point information, which will be described later, from the point information management system (fourth system) 1500.

[0156] The point information management system (fourth system) 1500 is, for example, an information processing device having a computer 300 configuration, or a system including multiple computers 300, and is communicably connected to the communication system 10 via the communication network 2.

[0157] The point information management system 1500 stores and manages point information 1601, 1602, and 1603, for example, as shown in Figure 16, in a memory unit, and provides point information 1601, 1602, and 1603 in response to requests from the control unit 503, etc.

[0158] Figure 16(A) shows an example of point information according to the third embodiment. In the example in Figure 16(A), the point information 1601 stores the system IDs (SYSTEM01, SYSTEM02, ...) of multiple communication systems 10 in association with the point multiplier. The point multiplier may be an added point, etc.

[0159] In the example shown in Figure 16(A), if the system ID of the communication system 10 on which the detection bot 11 is installed is "SYSTEM01", the control unit 503 doubles the pre-set gratitude points (for example, 1 point) to set the gratitude points. On the other hand, if the system ID of the communication system 10 on which the detection bot 11 is installed is "SYSTEM02", the control unit 503 doubles the pre-set gratitude points to set the gratitude points. Using this point information 1601, the control unit 503 of the detection bot 11 can weight multiple communication systems 10 and set gratitude points for the gratitude messages.

[0160] Figure 16(B) shows another example of point information according to the third embodiment. In the example in Figure 16(B), the point information 1602 stores multiple periods and point multipliers in association with each other. The point multiplier may be an additional point multiplier, etc.

[0161] In the example in Figure 16(B), if the current date falls within the period from March 1st to May 10th, the control unit 503 indicates that it will set the gratitude points by multiplying a pre-set gratitude point (e.g., 1 point) by three. On the other hand, if the current date falls outside of the above period, the control unit 503 indicates that it will set the gratitude points by multiplying a pre-set gratitude point by 1. Using this point information 1602, the control unit 503 of the detection bot 11 can set more points for gratitude messages, for example, during a campaign period.

[0162] Figure 16(C) shows another example of point information according to the third embodiment. In the example in Figure 16(C), the point information 1603 stores multiple keywords and added points in association. The added points may be a point multiplier or the like.

[0163] In the example in Figure 16(C), if keyword 1 is included in the thank-you message, the control unit 503 indicates that 2 points will be added to the pre-set thank-you points (for example, 1 point). Similarly, if keyword 2 is included in the thank-you message, the control unit 503 indicates that 1 point will be added to the pre-set thank-you points. Using this point information 1603, the control unit 503 of the detection bot 11 can, for example, weight the keywords included in the thank-you message and set thank-you points for the thank-you message.

[0164] <Processing flow> Figure 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the detection bot according to the third embodiment. Note that steps S801 to S805 and S807 of the processing shown in Figure 17 are the same as the processing of the detection bot according to the first embodiment described in Figure 8, so their explanation is omitted here.

[0165] When the system moves from step S804 to step S1701, the control unit 503 of the detection bot 11 acquires one or more point information from the point information management system 1500, for example, from the point information 1601, 1602, and 1603 described in Figure 16. The point information provided to the detection bot 11 of the communication system 10 is assumed to be pre-configured in the point information management system 1500.

[0166] In step S1702, the control unit 503 of the detection bot 11 determines the thank-you points to be set in the thank-you message based on one or more points of information acquired.

[0167] For example, suppose the control unit 503 has obtained point information 1601 and point information 1603 from the point information management system 1500. Also, suppose the thank you message contains "keyword 1" and the system ID of the communication system 10, including the detection bot 11, is "SYSTEM01".

[0168] In this case, the control unit 503 determines the thank-you points to be 4 points, which is 2 points (2 times the pre-set thank-you points of 1 point) plus 2 bonus points (2 points) based on the point information 1603, based on the point information 1601.

[0169] Through the above process, if the detection bot 11 detects a thank you message from the detection unit 501 and no thank you points are specified, it can set thank you points in the thank you message according to the point information obtained from the point information management system 1500.

[0170] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the weighting of appreciation points or the campaign period is to be changed, only the point information managed by the user information management system 30 needs to be changed, and there is no need to update the detection bot 11 of the communication system 10.

[0171] [Fourth Embodiment] The evaluation support device 100 has an information provision function that provides, for example, the usage status of the services provided by the evaluation support device 100, based on a registration request for a thank-you message (an example of a registration request for an evaluation) stored in the memory unit 406, etc. In the fifth embodiment, the information provision function of the evaluation support device 100 will be described.

[0172] <Functional Configuration> Figure 18 shows an example of the functional configuration of the evaluation support system according to the fourth embodiment. The information management unit 405 of the evaluation support device 100 according to the fourth embodiment has, in addition to the functions described in the first to third embodiments, a collection unit 1801, a first output unit 1802, and a second output unit 1803, etc. In Figure 18, the detection bot 11 is assumed to have a functional configuration similar to that of the detection bot 11 according to the first embodiment, for example, as shown in Figure 5.

[0173] The collection unit 1801 is implemented, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 301, and collects from the personnel system (second system) 20 the transmission history of thank-you messages sent by the personnel system 20 in response to requests from the evaluation support device 100. The collection unit 1801 also obtains from the storage unit 406, etc., the transmission history of registration requests for thank-you messages sent by the transmission unit 404 to the personnel system 20.

[0174] As a preferred example, the generation unit 403 according to the third embodiment has a function to add identification information to the thank-you message (body) included in the registration request for the thank-you message to be sent to the personnel system 20, indicating that it is a registration request from the evaluation support system 400. For example, the generation unit 403 adds a predetermined string to the thank-you message (body) as identification information indicating that it is a registration request from the evaluation support system 400.

[0175] As a result, the collection unit 1801 can selectively collect the history of thank-you messages sent by the personnel system 20 in response to a request from the evaluation support device 100, using a predetermined string of characters attached to the thank-you message as a key.

[0176] Alternatively, the collection unit 1801 may collect a history of thank-you messages sent by the personnel system 20 and selectively obtain from the collected history of thank-you messages that do not contain a predetermined string.

[0177] The first output unit 1802 is implemented, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 301, and outputs a report on users (evaluation targets) managed by the personnel system 20 based on the transmission history of thank-you message registration requests stored in the memory unit 406, etc. For example, the first output unit 1802 creates a report analyzing the usage status of thank-you messages for each user based on the history collected by the collection unit 1801, and sends the created report to an information terminal 1811, etc. used by a supervisor, etc., via email or the like.

[0178] The second output unit 1803 is implemented, for example, by a program executed by the CPU 301, and outputs a report showing the usage status of the evaluation support system 400 based on the transmission history of thank-you message registration requests stored in the memory unit 406, etc. Alternatively, the second output unit 1803 may output a report showing the usage status of the evaluation support system 400 based on the reception history of communication information stored in the memory unit 406, etc. The first output unit 1802 and the second output unit 1803 may be different output units or the same output unit.

[0179] Furthermore, the second output unit 1803 may output a report showing the usage status of the evaluation support system 400 to an information terminal 1812 used by HR personnel, etc., via a dashboard 1813, as shown in Figure 18. Here, the dashboard 1813 is a data visualization tool that summarizes various data into graphs or tables, etc., to make them easy to understand. The dashboard 1813 may be a proprietary program for each organization, such as a company, or it may be a general-purpose program such as Microsoft Power BI®.

[0180] The second output unit 1803 may output a report showing the usage status of the evaluation support system 400 to an information terminal 1812 used by personnel personnel or the like, without going through the dashboard 1813.

[0181] <Processing flow> (Processing by the evaluation support device) Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the evaluation support device according to the fourth embodiment. Of the processing shown in Figure 19, steps S601 and S602 are the same as the processing of the evaluation support device according to the first embodiment described in Figure 6(A), so their explanation is omitted here. Also, the basic processing content is the same as the processing of the evaluation support device according to the first embodiment described in Figure 6(A), so a detailed explanation of the processing content similar to that of the first embodiment is omitted here.

[0182] In step S1901, the generation unit 403 of the evaluation support device 100 adds identification information to identify the communication system 10 to the thank-you message included in the communication information received from the communication system 10.

[0183] For example, if the received communication information includes a thank-you message 2010 as shown in Figure 20(A), the generation unit 403 adds a string 2021 that identifies the communication system 10 to the end of the thank-you message, as shown in Figure 20(B). In the example in Figure 20(B), the generation unit 403 creates a thank-you message 2020 by adding the string "thanks" as the string 2021 that identifies the communication system 10.

[0184] In step S1902, the generation unit 403 generates a registration request for a thank-you message from the sending user to the receiving user.

[0185] In step S1903, the transmission unit 404 transmits the registration request generated by the generation unit 403 to the personnel system 20 via the communication network 2. This registration request for the thank-you message includes, for example, a thank-you message 2020 with a string 2021 that identifies the communication system 10 added to it.

[0186] In step S1904, the information management unit 405 stores the registration request for the thank-you message generated by the generation unit 403, or the registration request for the thank-you message sent by the transmission unit 404 to the personnel system 20, in the storage unit 406, etc.

[0187] (Information provision processing 1) Figure 21(A) shows an example of information provision processing according to the fourth embodiment. This processing shows an example of information provision processing executed by the information management unit 405 in response to a request from an information terminal 1812 used by, for example, a human resources officer.

[0188] In step S2101, the collection unit 1801 collects from the personnel system 20 a history of thank-you messages that do not contain the string 2021 (hereinafter referred to as the predetermined string) that identifies the communication system 10. For example, the collection unit 1801 may obtain a history of thank-you messages that do not contain the predetermined string by sending a request to the personnel system 20 to obtain a history of thank-you messages that do not contain the predetermined string.

[0189] Alternatively, the collection unit 1801 may obtain the history of thank-you messages sent from the personnel system 20, and selectively obtain from the obtained history of thank-you messages that do not contain a predetermined string.

[0190] In step S2102, the collection unit 1801 retrieves the transmission history of thank-you message registration requests stored in the storage unit 406, etc.

[0191] In step S2103, the second output unit 1803 creates a report on the usage status of the evaluation support system 400 based on the information collected by the collection unit 1801.

[0192] In step S2104, the second output unit 1803 outputs the created report to, for example, a dashboard 1813 or an information terminal 1812.

[0193] Figure 22(A) shows an example of information provided by the evaluation support device 100. For example, in step S2104 of Figure 21(A), the second output unit 1803 may output the graph 2210, as shown in Figure 22(A), to the dashboard 1813 or the information terminal 1812, etc.

[0194] In Graph 2210 shown in Figure 22(A), the horizontal axis represents the period (days) since the introduction of the performance evaluation support system 400, and the vertical axis represents the number of times thank-you messages have been sent. Graph 2210 also displays the number of times thank-you messages sent using the communication system 10 (2211) and the number of times thank-you messages sent using the HR system 20 (2212) for all companies using the HR system 20. This graph allows HR personnel to easily understand, for example, that the number of thank-you messages sent has increased since the introduction of the performance evaluation support system 400, and that the number of thank-you messages sent using the communication system 10 has been particularly high.

[0195] Furthermore, the second output unit 1803 can graph the number of times thank-you messages were sent using the communication system 10 by aggregating the transmission history of thank-you messages collected by the collection unit 1801 from the storage unit 406, etc., in step S2101. In addition, the second output unit 1803 can graph the number of times thank-you messages were sent using the personnel system 20 by aggregating the transmission history of thank-you messages collected by the collection unit 1801 from the personnel system 20 in step S2101.

[0196] Figure 22(B) shows another example of the information provided by the evaluation support device 100. For example, in step S2104 of Figure 21(A), the second output unit 1803 may output graph 2220, as shown in Figure 22(B), to the dashboard 1813 or the information terminal 1812, etc.

[0197] In Graph 2220 shown in Figure 22(B), the horizontal axis represents the period (days) since the introduction of the evaluation support system 400, and the vertical axis represents the number of thank-you messages sent (times). Graph 2220 also displays the number of thank-you messages sent by each organization (2221, 2222, and 2223). For example, using Graph 2220 in Figure 22(B), HR personnel can easily see that the number of thank-you messages sent by the design group (2223) is increasing, while the number of thank-you messages sent by the marketing group (2221) is not increasing. Furthermore, HR personnel can use Graph 2220 to determine, for example, why the marketing group has a low number of thank-you messages sent, by comparing it with the case of the design group.

[0198] Furthermore, the second output unit 1803 obtains, for example, the sender user ID included in the transmission history of thank-you messages collected by the collection unit 1801, and uses the obtained sender user ID to obtain information about the department to which the sender user belongs from the user information management system 30. As a result, the second output unit 1803 can aggregate and graph the transmission history of thank-you messages collected by the collection unit 1801 by organization.

[0199] Figure 23(A) shows another example of the information provided by the evaluation support device 100. For example, in step S2104 of Figure 21(A), the second output unit 1803 may output the graph 2310, as shown in Figure 23(A), to the dashboard 1813 or the information terminal 1812, etc.

[0200] In Graph 2310 shown in Figure 23(A), the horizontal axis represents the period (days) since the introduction of the performance evaluation support system 400, and the vertical axis represents the number of times a thank-you message has been sent. Graph 2310 also displays the number of thank-you messages sent by job title 2311 and 2312. For example, HR personnel can easily check whether supervisors are using thank-you messages in departments where the number of thank-you messages is not increasing by displaying Graph 2220, as shown in Figure 23(A).

[0201] The second output unit 1803, for example, obtains the sender user ID included in the transmission history of thank-you messages collected by the collection unit 1801, and uses the obtained sender user ID to obtain information on the sender user's department and job title from the user information management system 30. As a result, the second output unit 1803 can aggregate and graph the transmission history of thank-you messages collected by the collection unit 1801 by job title.

[0202] Figure 23(B) shows another example of the information provided by the evaluation support device 100. For example, in step S2104 of Figure 21(A), the second output unit 1803 may output the graph 2320, as shown in Figure 23(B), to the dashboard 1813 or the information terminal 1812, etc.

[0203] In Graph 2320 shown in Figure 23(B), the horizontal axis represents the period (days) since the introduction of the evaluation support system 400, and the vertical axis represents the number of times thank-you messages have been sent. Graph 2320 also displays the number of thank-you messages sent to people outside the department (2321) and the number of thank-you messages sent to people within the department (2322).

[0204] Graph 2320 allows HR personnel to easily understand that the number of thank-you messages sent within the same department is increasing, while the number of thank-you messages sent outside the department is not increasing significantly.

[0205] Figure 24(A) shows another example of information provided by the evaluation support device 100. For example, in step S2104 of Figure 21(A), the second output unit 1803 may output Table 2401, as shown in Figure 24(A), to the dashboard 1813 or the information terminal 1812, etc. This Table 2401 is a summary in tabular format of further analysis of the results of graph 2320 explained in Figure 23(B) and the results of graph 2210 explained in Figure 22(A), etc.

[0206] Figure 24(B) shows another example of information provided by the evaluation support device 100. For example, in step S2104 of Figure 21(A), the second output unit 1803 may output Table 2402, as shown in Figure 24(B), to the dashboard 1813 or the information terminal 1812, etc. This Table 2402 is a summary in tabular format of further analysis of the results of graph 2320 described in Figure 23(B) and the results of graph 2310 described in Figure 23(A), etc.

[0207] Thus, the second output unit 1803 can output a report on the usage status of the evaluation support system 400, for example, in the form of a graph or a table. Alternatively, the evaluation support system 400 may only perform data aggregation in the second output unit 1803 and use the functions of the dashboard 1813 to create and output a graph or table.

[0208] (Information provision processing 2) Figure 21(B) shows another example of the information provision process according to the fourth embodiment. This process shows an example of information provision processing that is executed by the information management unit 405 of the evaluation support device 100, for example, at predetermined time intervals or at a specified date and time. A detailed explanation of the processing content, which is the same as that described in Figure 21(A), is omitted here.

[0209] In step S2111, the collection unit 1801 collects the transmission history of thank-you messages that do not contain a predetermined string from the personnel system 20.

[0210] In step S2112, the collection unit 1801 retrieves the transmission history of registration requests for thank-you messages stored in the storage unit 406, etc.

[0211] In step S2113, the first output unit 1802 creates a report on users managed by the personnel system 20. For example, based on the information collected by the collection unit 1801, the first output unit 1802 creates a report showing the usage status of thank-you messages by multiple users belonging to a given department.

[0212] In step S2114, the second output unit 1803 sends the created report to the supervisor of the designated department, for example, by email. Alternatively, the second output unit 1803 may send the created report to the personnel officer by email, instead of (or in addition to) the supervisor of the designated department.

[0213] Figure 24(C) shows an example of information provided by the first output unit 1802. For example, in step S2114 of Figure 21(B), the first output unit 1802 may send a report including table 2403, as shown in Figure 24(C), to information terminals 1811, 1812, etc., via email.

[0214] In the example shown in Figure 24(C), Table 2403 aggregates information such as "gratitude within the department," "gratitude outside the department," "gratitude from outside the department," "gratitude points," and "utilization rate of the evaluation support system" for each of the multiple users (User A, User B, ...).

[0215] "Departmental Gratitude" indicates the number of gratitude messages a user has sent to other users within the same department. For example, in the example in Figure 24(C), it shows that user A has sent 30 gratitude messages to other users within the same department.

[0216] "External thanks" indicates the number of thank-you messages a user has sent to users in other departments. For example, in the example in Figure 24(C), it shows that User A has sent 10 thank-you messages to users in other departments.

[0217] "Thanks from outside the department" indicates the number of thank-you messages a user has received from users in other departments. For example, in the example in Figure 24(C), it shows that user A has received 11 thank-you messages from users in other departments.

[0218] "Appreciation Points" represent the total appreciation points a user has received from other users. For example, in the example in Figure 24(C), it shows that user A has received 280 appreciation points within a specified period.

[0219] The "utilization rate of the evaluation support system" indicates, for example, the percentage of thank-you messages sent by users that were sent using the communication system 10. For example, in the example in Figure 24(C), it shows that 75% of the thank-you messages sent by user A were sent using the communication system 10.

[0220] Furthermore, the first output unit 1802 may transmit a report to information terminals 1811, 1812, etc., that includes, in addition to (or instead of) Table 2403 as shown in Figure 24(C), the graphs described in Figures 22(A), (B) and Figures 23(A), (B). Similarly, the first output unit 1802 may transmit a report to information terminals 1811, 1812, etc., that includes, in addition to (or instead of) Table 2403 as shown in Figure 24(C), the table described in Figures 14(A), (B).

[0221] As described above, according to each embodiment of the present invention, it becomes possible to easily register user evaluations in a personnel system 20 that manages user evaluations by utilizing a communication system 10 that communicates among multiple users.

[0222] The user is an example of an evaluation target, and the personnel system 20 is an example of a second system that manages the evaluation of the evaluation target. For example, the second system may be a system that manages the evaluation of various evaluation targets such as organizations, stores, exhibitions, concerts, goods, products, food, vehicles, entertainment facilities, accommodations, tourist destinations, or services.

[0223] For example, if the target of evaluation is a predetermined service, the detection bot 11 detects evaluation messages evaluating the predetermined service from communications between multiple users, and transmits the communication information, including the detected evaluation messages, to the evaluation support device 100.

[0224] Furthermore, the evaluation support device 100, which receives communication information from the detection bot 11, may send a registration request for the evaluation of a predetermined service to a second system that manages the evaluation of a predetermined service.

[0225] Similarly, if the target of evaluation is a designated tourist destination, the detection bot 11 detects evaluation messages evaluating the designated tourist destination from communications between multiple users and transmits the communication information, including the detected evaluation messages, to the evaluation support device 100.

[0226] Furthermore, the evaluation support device 100, which receives communication information from the detection bot 11, may send a request to register the evaluation of a given tourist destination to a second system that manages evaluations of a given tourist destination.

[0227] Thus, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to easily register the evaluation of an evaluation target in a second system that manages the evaluation of an evaluation target by using a first system that enables communication among multiple users.

[0228] <Supplement> Each function of the embodiments described above can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Hereinafter, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as processors implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each function described above.

[0229] Furthermore, the apparatus described in the examples represents only one of several computing environments for carrying out the embodiments disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the evaluation support apparatus 100 includes multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster. The multiple computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via any type of communication link, including a network or shared memory, and perform the processing disclosed herein. Similarly, the communication system 10 may include multiple computing devices configured to communicate with each other.

[0230] Furthermore, the evaluation support device 100 and the communication system 10 can be configured to share the disclosed processing steps, for example, Figure 10, in various combinations. For example, a process performed by a given unit may be performed by the evaluation support device 100. Similarly, the functions of a given unit may be performed by the communication system 10. Also, the elements of the evaluation support device 100 and the detection bot 11 may be combined into a single device or divided into multiple devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0231] 1. Information Processing System 2. Communication Network 10. Communication System (First System) 20. Human Resources System (Second System) 30. User Information Management System (Third System) 100 Evaluation support device (an example of an information processing device or evaluation support system) 400 Evaluation Support System 401 Receiver 402 Acquisition Department 403 Generation part 404 Transmitter 701a, 701b Communication Information [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0232] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-57067

Claims

1. An evaluation support system that connects via a network to a first system for communication among multiple users and a second system for managing the evaluation of the subject being evaluated, A receiving unit that receives communication information relating to a predetermined communication between the plurality of users in the first system, which includes first information for identifying the object to be evaluated, from the first system via the network, A generation unit that generates the registration request for the evaluation of an evaluation subject to evaluation, which is identified based on the first information contained in the received communication information, to be used to register the evaluation to the second system, the generation unit that generates the registration request for the evaluation based on the predetermined communication relating to the communication information, A transmission unit that transmits the generated registration request to the second system via the network, An evaluation support system that has the following features.

2. The system includes an acquisition unit that acquires information about the object to be evaluated based on the first information contained in the received communication information, The registration request is a registration request for an evaluation of the evaluation target identified based on the information about the evaluation target acquired by the acquisition unit. The evaluation support system according to claim 1.

3. The communication information further includes second information for identifying the user who initiated the predetermined communication from among the plurality of users, The acquisition unit acquires information about the sender user in the predetermined communication based on the second information contained in the received communication information. The registration request is a registration request for an evaluation of the evaluation target from the user who is the sender, who is identified based on the information about the user who is the sender obtained by the acquisition unit. The evaluation support system according to claim 2.

4. The evaluation support system is further connected via the network to a third system that manages information related to the subject of evaluation. The acquisition unit acquires information regarding the evaluation target from the third system via the network. The evaluation support system according to claim 2.

5. The evaluation support system is further connected via the network to a third system that manages information related to the subject of evaluation. The acquisition unit acquires information regarding the evaluation target from the third system via the network. The evaluation support system according to claim 3.

6. The third system is a system that further manages information about the user of the sender, The acquisition unit acquires information about the source user from the third system via the network. The evaluation support system according to claim 5.

7. The first information includes information relating to the subject of evaluation, The acquisition unit acquires information relating to the evaluation target from the first information contained in the received communication information. The evaluation support system according to claim 2.

8. The second information includes information about the sender user, The acquisition unit acquires information about the user of the sender from the second information contained in the received communication information. The evaluation support system according to claim 3.

9. The evaluation support system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the target of evaluation is the user who is the recipient of the predetermined communication among the plurality of users.

10. The subject of the evaluation is the user among the multiple users to whom the predetermined communication is sent, The information to be evaluated is information about the recipient user. The evaluation support system according to any one of claims 2 to 8.

11. The information relating to the recipient user is information that identifies the recipient user in the second system, The registration request includes information that identifies the recipient user in the second system. The evaluation support system according to claim 10.

12. The subject of the evaluation is the user among the multiple users to whom the predetermined communication is sent, The information to be evaluated is information about the recipient user, which is information that identifies the recipient user in the second system. The information relating to the sending user is information that identifies the sending user in the second system, The registration request includes information that identifies the sending user in the second system, and information that identifies the receiving user in the second system. The evaluation support system according to any one of claims 3, 5, 6, and 8.

13. The evaluation support system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the evaluation includes a thank-you message expressing gratitude to the recipient user.

14. The evaluation support system according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the evaluation includes score information for evaluating the recipient user.

15. The transmission unit transmits the registration request to the second system via the Web API of the second system. The evaluation support system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The evaluation support system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a first output unit that outputs a report relating to the evaluation target managed by the second system based on the transmission history of the registration request.

17. The communication information includes identification information that identifies the first system, The evaluation support system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a second output unit that outputs a report showing the usage status of the second system from the first system based on the history of receiving the communication information or the history of sending the registration request.

18. The first system is installed on a computer, and the computer, In the communication between the multiple users in the first system, a detection process for detecting the predetermined communication, When the predetermined communication is detected, a notification process is performed to notify the evaluation support system of the communication information via the network. An evaluation support system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising a program that causes the execution of the evaluation support system.

19. The evaluation support system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the predetermined communication in the first system is either a chat for sending and receiving messages between the plurality of users, or a voice call between the plurality of users.

20. The evaluation support system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the second system is a human resources system for managing the personnel information of the plurality of users.

21. The evaluation support system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the provider of the first system and the provider of the third system are the same company or affiliated company.

22. An information processing device connected via a network to a first system for communication among multiple users and a second system for managing the evaluation of the subject being evaluated, A receiving unit that receives communication information relating to a predetermined communication between the plurality of users in the first system, which includes first information for identifying the object to be evaluated, from the first system via the network, A generation unit that generates the registration request for the evaluation of an evaluation subject to evaluation, which is identified based on the first information contained in the received communication information, to be used to register the evaluation to the second system, the generation unit that generates the registration request for the evaluation based on the predetermined communication relating to the communication information, A transmission unit that transmits the generated registration request to the second system via the network, An information processing device having

23. A computer connected via a network to a first system for communication among multiple users and a second system for managing the evaluation of the subject being evaluated, A receiving process that receives communication information relating to a predetermined communication between the plurality of users in the first system, which includes first information for identifying the object to be evaluated, from the first system via the network, A registration request to the second system for an evaluation of an evaluation target identified based on the first information contained in the received communication information, comprising a generation process that generates the registration request for an evaluation based on the predetermined communication relating to the communication information, A transmission process that sends the generated registration request to the second system via the network, An evaluation support method for performing this task.

24. A computer connected via a network to a first system for communication among multiple users and a second system for managing the evaluation of the subject being evaluated, A receiving process that receives communication information relating to a predetermined communication between the plurality of users in the first system, which includes first information for identifying the object to be evaluated, from the first system via the network, A registration request to the second system for an evaluation of an evaluation target identified based on the first information contained in the received communication information, comprising a generation process that generates the registration request for an evaluation based on the predetermined communication relating to the communication information, A transmission process that sends the generated registration request to the second system via the network, A program that executes something.

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