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

Abstract

To provide an information processing device, an information processing method, a program, and an information processing system that improve the frequency with which a user performs an action for achieving a target.SOLUTION: In an information processing system in which an information terminal connects to a network via a wireless LAN or the like and communicates with a server, a server 20 includes: an achievement confirmation unit 212 that confirms whether an action actual result, which is an actual result of a user's action has achieved a target; and a reward provision control unit 213 that controls provision of a reward to the user when the achievement confirmation unit 212 confirms that the action actual result has achieved the target, controls notification to the user of alternative means for providing the reward when the achievement confirmation unit 212 confirms that the action actual result has not achieved the target, and controls provision of the reward to the user based on execution of the alternative means by the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, services operated on SNS (Social Network Service) have been spreading. In such services, a goal indicating an action proposed to a user may be displayed or notified on the user's information terminal.

[0003] Further, Patent Document 1 discloses a lifestyle improvement proposal device that proposes different goals for each user based on the user's related information. According to this lifestyle improvement proposal device, related information such as weight, activity level, or environmental information where the user is located is recorded, and different goals are set for each user based on the analysis result of the information. The user can receive the notification of the goal and perform health management by performing the action indicated by the goal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when the user does not receive any reward when the goal is achieved, it becomes difficult to maintain the user's action rate for the goal. Further, even when a reward is provided when the goal is achieved, if the achievement condition of the goal presented to the user is too high or the user does not have enough time to achieve the goal, it is assumed that the user will give up challenging the goal from the beginning. As a result, there is a concern that the frequency with which the user performs actions to achieve the goal will decrease.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and information processing system capable of improving the frequency with which a user executes actions for achieving a goal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, an achievement confirmation unit that confirms whether action results, which are the results of a user's actions, have achieved a goal, and when it is confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit that the action results have achieved the goal, controls the provision of a reward to the user, and when it is confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit that the action results have not achieved the goal, controls the notification to the user of alternative means for providing the reward, and controls the provision of the reward to the user based on the execution of the alternative means by the user, a reward provision control unit is provided. A target setting unit that sets the target and the reward, and controls the notification of the target, the deadline for achieving the target, and the reward to the user, and the reward providing control unit controls the notification to the user of the alternative means for providing the reward when it is confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit that the target has not been achieved when the deadline arrives, and controls the provision of the reward to the user based on the execution of the alternative means by the user. An information processing apparatus is provided.

[0008] The reward provision control unit may apply different means as the alternative means according to the level of the action results.

[0009] The reward provision control unit may apply means with a lower difficulty level as the alternative means as the action results are higher.

[0012] When it is confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit that the goal has not been achieved before the deadline arrives, the reward provision control unit may control the notification to the user of the alternative means applied based on the current action results.

[0013] When it is confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit that the goal has not been achieved before the deadline arrives, the reward provision control unit may control the notification to the user of additional action results and the alternative means applied when the additional action results are realized.

[0014] If the alternative means is executed by the user before the deadline arrives, the reward providing control unit may control the provision of the reward to the user before the deadline arrives.

[0015] The alternative means may be the provision of a medium having a monetary value.

[0016] The alternative means may be the provision of a virtual medium used in a social network service.

[0017] The reward may be a right to participate in a lottery.

[0018] The alternative means may be a means selected by the user from a plurality of candidate means.

[0019] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, it is confirmed whether or not the action result, which is the result of the user's action, has achieved the target, and when it is confirmed that the action result has achieved the target, the provision of the reward to the user is controlled, and when it is confirmed that the action result has not achieved the target, an alternative means for providing the reward is proposed to the user, and the provision of the reward to the user is controlled based on the fact that the alternative means has been executed by the user. It includes setting the target and the reward, and controlling the notification of the target, the deadline for achieving the target, and the reward to the user. Controlling the provision of the reward includes controlling the notification to the user of the alternative means for providing the reward when it is confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit that the target has not been achieved when the deadline arrives, and controlling the provision of the reward to the user based on the execution of the alternative means by the user. An information processing method executed by a computer is provided.

[0020] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a computer is provided with an achievement confirmation unit that checks whether an action achievement, which is a record of a user's actions, has achieved a target, and when the achievement confirmation unit confirms that the action achievement has achieved the target, controls the provision of a reward to the user, and when the achievement confirmation unit confirms that the action achievement has not achieved the target, proposes to the user an alternative means for providing the reward, and controls the provision of the reward to the user based on the execution of the alternative means by the user. Function as a target setting unit that sets the target and the reward, and controls the notification of the target, the deadline for achieving the target, and the reward to the user. The reward providing control unit controls the notification to the user of the alternative means for providing the reward when it is confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit that the target has not been achieved when the deadline arrives, and controls the provision of the reward to the user based on the execution of the alternative means by the user. A program is provided.

[0021] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a computer is provided with an achievement confirmation unit that checks whether an action achievement, which is a record of a user's actions, has achieved a target, and when the achievement confirmation unit confirms that the action achievement has achieved the target, controls the provision of a reward to the user, and when the achievement confirmation unit confirms that the action achievement has not achieved the target, proposes to the user an alternative means for providing the reward, and controls the provision of the reward to the user based on the execution of the alternative means by the user. A target setting unit that sets the target and the reward, and controls the notification of the target, the deadline for achieving the target, and the reward to the user, and the reward providing control unit controls the notification to the user of the alternative means for providing the reward when it is confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit that the target has not been achieved when the deadline arrives, and controls the provision of the reward to the user based on the execution of the alternative means by the user. An information processing system is provided.

Effect of the Invention

[0022] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the frequency with which a user executes actions for achieving a target.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0025] In the present specification and drawings, a plurality of components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by attaching different alphabets after the same reference numeral. However, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish each of a plurality of components having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numeral is attached to each of the plurality of components.

[0026] <1. Overall Configuration of the Information Processing System> Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing system that proposes alternative means for providing a reward to a user when it is confirmed that a proposed goal has not been achieved by the user. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide, to a user, an alternative means with a lower difficulty level as the performance of the actions taken by the user with respect to the goal (hereinafter referred to as "action performance") is higher when it is confirmed that the proposed goal has not been achieved by the user within the deadline, and provide the reward to the user based on the fact that the alternative means has been executed by the user. According to such an information processing system, even in a situation where it is difficult to achieve a goal within the deadline, the possibility that the user will act to obtain a reward by means of an alternative means with a lower difficulty level increases, so that it is possible to improve the frequency with which the user executes actions to achieve the goal. For example, the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied for proposing actions for promoting the health of a user. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1, a configuration example of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0027] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an information terminal 10, a server 20, a network 30, and a charging system 40. In FIG. 1, one information terminal 10 and one charging system 40 are shown from the viewpoint of clarity of the drawing, but actually, a plurality of information terminals 10 and a plurality of charging systems 40 may be included in the information processing system 1.

[0028] (Information Terminal) The information terminal 10 is a terminal used by a user and has a display unit for displaying various screens. The information terminal 10 is connected to the network 30 via, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) and communicates with the server 20 via the network 30. For example, the information terminal 10 receives a message from the server 20 and notifies the user of the message by displaying the received message on the display unit. In an embodiment of the present invention, when a target is set by the server 20, when it is confirmed that the target has been achieved, and when it is confirmed that the target has not been achieved, the information terminal 10 receives a message from the server 20. The message is notified to the user at a set time until the deadline set for the target arrives. Alternatively, the message may be notified to the user regularly or irregularly until the deadline set for the target arrives.

[0029] Also, the information terminal 10 collects related information indicating various information of the user. Examples of the related information include physical information such as the user's height or weight, position information, step count information, movement speed information, biological information such as body temperature or pulse, lifestyle information such as diet content or sleep time, and other information self-reported by the user. The collected related information is transmitted to the server 20 via the network 30. Examples of the information terminal 10 include a smartphone, a PC (Personal Computer), and a smartwatch.

[0030] (Server) The server 20 is configured by a computer. The server 20 receives the user's related information from the information terminal 10 via the network 30. Further, the server 20 transmits, to the information terminal 10, action information that the user should perform or action performance information of the user based on the received related information of the user. In addition, the server 20 sets a target for notifying the user and provides a reward when the target is achieved or when an alternative means replacing the target is executed.

[0031] (Network) The network 30 is a wired or wireless transmission path for information transmitted from devices connected to the network 30. For example, the network 30 may include public line networks such as the Internet, telephone line networks, satellite communication networks, various LANs (Local Area Networks) including Ethernet (registered trademark), WANs (Wide Area Networks), etc. Further, the network 30 may include a dedicated line network such as an IP-VPN (Internet Protocol-Virtual Private Network). Note that the reception and transmission of information between devices can be realized via the network 30 as appropriate.

[0032] (Billing System) The billing system 40 receives from the server 20 the user's billing information (for example, billing method and billing amount) transmitted from the information terminal 10 to the server 20. The billing system 40 executes a billing process based on the received billing information, and transmits information indicating whether or not the billing process has been successful to the server 20. Note that the billing system 40 may directly receive the user's billing information from the information terminal 10 without going through the server 20, or may directly transmit information indicating whether or not the billing process has been successful to the information terminal 10.

[0033] Examples of billing methods include carrier settlement in which the billing amount is added to the monthly usage fee of the information terminal 10, credit card settlement, gift code settlement, etc., but any billing means may be executed as long as the billing system 40 can handle it.

[0034] <2. Functional Configuration of Server> As described above, an example of the overall configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described. Subsequently, the configuration of the server 20 included in the information processing system 1 will be described in more detail.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the server 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the server 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a communication unit 230.

[0036] (Control Unit 210) The control unit 210 provides various functions that the server 20 has. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 210 includes a target setting unit 211, an achievement confirmation unit 212, a reward provision control unit 213, a billing confirmation unit 214, and a lottery function unit 215.

[0037] The target setting unit 211 sets a target indicating the action to be proposed to the user and a reward to be provided when the target is achieved. The target setting unit 211 may set a target based on the received relevant information of the user, or may set a target based on the set conditions. Further, the target setting unit 211 may further set a deadline by which the target should be achieved.

[0038] Furthermore, the target setting unit 211 generates a target notification message indicating the set target, reward, and deadline, and controls the notification of the target notification message to the user. The target setting unit 211 may control the notification of the target notification message to the user immediately after setting the target, or may control the notification of the target notification message to the user after a certain period of time from setting the target. Here, with reference to FIG. 3, a specific example of the target notification message notified to the user will be described.

[0039] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the target notification message M1 notified to the user. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the target notification message M1 is displayed on the screen of the information terminal 10 and includes a target notification part 81 and an OK button 89. The target notification part 81 indicates the deadline by which the target should be achieved, the target, and the reward to be provided when the target is confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit 212 as being achieved. The information terminal 10 closes the display of the target notification message M1 based on the selection of the OK button 89.

[0040] In the target notification message M1, other information may be added, or the information included in the target notification message M1 may be partially deleted. Further, the target notification message M1 may be transmitted to the information terminal 10 by the mail function, or may be transmitted to the information terminal 10 as a message on the application. Furthermore, the target notification message M1 may be notified to the user not only in the form of screen display but also in different forms such as voice notification. Note that matters applicable to the target notification message M1 in FIG. 3 are similarly applicable to other messages described later with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.

[0041] In addition, the target setting unit 211 sets alternative means that are conditions for the user to obtain a reward even if the target is not achieved. In this specification, an example in which the alternative means is a charge accompanied by payment (provision) of cash will be mainly described. However, the alternative means is not limited to charging, and the alternative means may be the provision of a medium having other monetary value or the provision of a virtual medium.

[0042] When the target setting unit 211 sets the target, reward, deadline, alternative means, etc. as described above, the storage unit 220 stores information indicating these target, reward, deadline, and alternative means in the setting table stored in the storage unit 220. Here, with reference to FIG. 4, a specific example of the setting table stored in the storage unit 220 will be described.

[0043] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the setting table stored in the storage unit 220. As shown in FIG. 4, in the setting table T1, the user ID, target, start time, end time, achievement reward, and alternative means are associated.

[0044] The user ID is identification information of the user of the information terminal 10. The target indicates the action proposed to the user. The start time indicates the time when the valid period of the target starts, and the user's action performance after the time indicated by the start time is the subject of determination as to whether the target has been achieved. The end time is the deadline of the valid period of the target and indicates the time when the valid period ends.

[0045] The achievement reward is a reward provided to the user when it is confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit 212 that the goal has been achieved within the effective period of the goal. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the achievement reward is the right to participate in a lottery, which is the lottery participation right. The alternative means are the conditions for the user to obtain the reward even if the goal has not been achieved. The alternative means show the means to be notified based on the user's performance.

[0046] In the example shown in FIG. 4, three means are shown as alternative means corresponding to the goal of "achieving 5,000 steps". Specifically, when the remaining steps, which is the remaining number of steps to achieve the goal of "achieving 5,000 steps", is 2,500 steps or more, a charge of 500 yen is imposed; when the remaining steps is less than 2,500 steps and 1,000 steps or more, a charge of 200 yen is imposed; when the unachieved number of steps is less than 1,000 steps, a charge of 100 yen is imposed, are shown as alternative means. Thus, as the alternative means, different means may be set according to the level of the performance. Further, means with a higher difficulty level may be set as the user's performance is lower, and means with a lower difficulty level may be set as the user's performance is higher. For example, it can be said that imposing a charge of 500 yen is a means with a higher difficulty level than the means of imposing a charge of 200 yen and imposing a charge of 100 yen.

[0047] On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 4, in the goal of "realizing a day with a sleep time of 6.5 hours or more", only one alternative means for the user to obtain the reward even if the goal has not been achieved is shown. Specifically, in the goal of "realizing a day with a sleep time of 6.5 hours or more", imposing a charge of 100 yen is the alternative means for the user to obtain the reward even if the goal has not been achieved. When the achievement stage of the set goal cannot be divided, as in the goal of "realizing a day with a sleep time of 6.5 hours or more", the notified alternative means does not change based on the user's performance.

[0048] The achievement confirmation unit 212 checks whether the goal set by the goal setting unit 211 has been achieved. Specifically, the achievement confirmation unit 212 stores the relevant information of the user transmitted from the information terminal 10 in the storage unit 220, checks the action performance of the user based on the relevant information stored in the storage unit 220, and determines whether the action performance has achieved the goal. Furthermore, the achievement confirmation unit 212 determines whether the deadline of the goal has arrived. The achievement confirmation unit 212 may perform the above-mentioned confirmation of the action performance and determination of whether the action performance has achieved the goal regularly or irregularly until the deadline of the goal arrives, or may perform it at the set time.

[0049] The reward provision control unit 213 controls the provision of the reward set by the goal setting unit 211 to the user. Specifically, when the achievement confirmation unit 212 confirms that the goal has been achieved, the reward provision control unit 213 controls the provision of the reward to the user. Alternatively, when the achievement confirmation unit 212 confirms that the goal has not been achieved, the reward provision control unit 213 controls the notification to the user of alternative means for providing the reward even if the goal has not been achieved. In addition, the reward provision control unit 213 controls the provision of the reward to the user based on the execution of the alternative means by the user.

[0050] Note that the alternative means notified to the user by the reward provision control unit 213 changes according to the level of the action performance confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit 212 as described above. For example, the higher the action performance, the lower the difficulty of the alternative means, and the lower the action performance, the higher the difficulty.

[0051] In addition, when the achievement confirmation unit 212 confirms that the goal has been achieved, the reward provision control unit 213 generates a goal achievement message indicating that the goal has been achieved and the reward will be provided, together with the goal, reward, and deadline, and controls the notification of the goal achievement message to the user. Here, with reference to FIG. 5, a specific example of the goal achievement message notified to the user will be described.

[0052] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the target achievement message M2 notified to the user. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the target achievement message M2 is displayed on the screen of the information terminal 10 and includes a target notification part 81, a target achievement notification part 84, and an OK button 89. The target achievement notification part 84 indicates that the target has been achieved and that a reward is provided.

[0053] On the other hand, when the achievement confirmation unit 212 confirms that the target has not been achieved within the deadline, the reward provision control unit 213 generates a progress notification message indicating the remaining time until the deadline, the remaining actions until the target is achieved, alternative means based on the current action performance for the user to obtain the reward even if the target is not achieved, and additional actions for reducing the difficulty of the alternative means, together with the target, the reward, and the deadline, and controls the notification of the progress notification message to the user. Here, with reference to FIG. 6, a specific example of the progress notification message notified to the user will be described.

[0054] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the progress notification message M3 notified to the user. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the progress notification message M3 is displayed on the screen of the information terminal 10 and includes a target notification part 81, a progress notification part 85, and an OK button 89. The progress notification part 85 indicates the remaining time until the deadline, the remaining actions until the target is achieved, alternative means based on the current action performance for the user to obtain the reward even if the target is not achieved, and additional actions for reducing the difficulty of the alternative means.

[0055] When the achievement confirmation unit 212 confirms that the target has not been achieved at the time when the deadline arrives, the reward provision control unit 213 generates an alternative means proposal message indicating the alternative means for the user to obtain the reward even if the target is not achieved and the option of whether to execute the alternative means, together with the target, the reward, and the deadline, and controls the notification of the alternative means proposal message to the user. Here, with reference to FIG. 7, a specific example of the alternative means proposal message notified to the user will be described.

[0056] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of an alternative means proposal message M4 notified to the user. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the alternative means proposal message M4 is displayed on the screen of the information terminal 10 and includes a target notification portion 81, an alternative means proposal portion 86, a charge consent button 87, and an OK button 89. The alternative means proposal portion 86 shows alternative means for the user to obtain a reward even if the target is not achieved. The information terminal 10 transmits information indicating that the user has agreed to the displayed charge amount to the server 20 based on the selection of the charge consent button 87.

[0057] The charge confirmation unit 214 confirms the charge request from the user and the feasibility of the charge process by the charge system 40. Specifically, when the user agrees to charge as an alternative means to obtain a reward while the target is not achieved, it receives the agreed charge amount from the information terminal 10 and controls the request for the charge process to the charge system 40.

[0058] When the requested charge process is successfully processed by the charge system 40, the charge confirmation unit 214 controls the notification to the user of a message indicating that the charge process has succeeded (charge success message). Also, when the requested charge process is not processed by the charge system 40, the charge confirmation unit 214 controls the notification to the user of a message indicating that the charge process has failed (charge failure message). When the requested charge process is not processed by the charge system 40, the charge confirmation unit 214 may add an option asking whether to request the charge process again to the charge failure message, or may add an instruction to start the procedure again in the alternative means proposal message.

[0059] The lottery function unit 215 has a function of conducting a lottery. Specifically, when the user consumes the lottery participation right, which is the right to participate in the lottery provided as a reward, the lottery function unit 215 conducts a lottery for the number of lottery participation rights for which the consumption has been selected. The lottery function unit 215 controls the provision of the winning prizes to the user as a result of the lottery. The winning prize as a result of the lottery may be a medium having a monetary value, or may be a virtual medium used in a social networking service. Alternatively, the lottery function unit 215 may use an article that can be actually used by the user as a prize.

[0060] (Memory unit 220) The memory unit 220 stores programs and data for controlling the operation of the server 20. The programs include an OS (Operating System) and applications, etc. The data includes the relevant information of the user transmitted from the information terminal 10 to the server 20, and the above-described setting table T1, etc.

[0061] (Communication unit 230) The communication unit 230 communicates with other devices. For example, the communication unit 230 is directly connected to the network 30 and communicates with the information terminal 10 or the charging system 40 used by the user via the network 30. More specifically, the communication unit 230 receives the relevant information of the user transmitted from the information terminal 10, etc., and transmits a message to the information terminal 10 according to the control by the control unit 210. Further, the communication unit 230 receives the charging process information, etc. transmitted from the charging system 40, and transmits a charging process request to the charging system 40 according to the control by the control unit 210.

[0062] <3. Operation of the information processing system> As described above, the overall configuration of the information processing system 1 and the functional configuration of the server 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention have been described. Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the operation of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0063] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are flowcharts showing the operation of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, first, the goal setting unit 211 sets a goal indicating an action to be proposed to the user and information (such as rewards, deadlines, and alternative means) associated with the goal (S11). Then, the communication unit 230 transmits a goal notification message M1 to the information terminal 10 (S15), and as described with reference to FIG. 3, the information terminal 10 displays the goal notification message M1, thereby notifying the user of the goal.

[0064] After the goal notification message M1 is transmitted to the information terminal 10, the achievement confirmation unit 212 checks whether a certain period of time has elapsed since the transmission of the goal notification message M1 (S19). The achievement confirmation unit 212 waits until a certain period of time has elapsed (S19 / No), and when the elapse of the certain period of time is confirmed (S19 / Yes), it checks the user's action record from the user-related information stored in the storage unit 220 (S23), and determines whether the goal has been achieved based on the confirmed user's action record (S27). Depending on the result of this determination, the subsequent processing branches.

[0065] First, when it is determined by the achievement confirmation unit 212 that the goal has been achieved (S27 / Yes), as shown in FIG. 8B, the communication unit 230 transmits a goal achievement message M2 to the information terminal 10 (S31), and as described with reference to FIG. 5, the information terminal 10 displays the goal achievement message M2, thereby notifying the user that the goal has been achieved. The communication unit 230 transmits a lottery participation right to the information terminal 10 as a reward for the user's achievement of the goal (S71).

[0066] On the other hand, when it is determined by the achievement confirmation unit 212 that the goal has not been achieved (S27 / No), the communication unit 230 transmits a progress notification message M3 to the information terminal 10 (S35). As described with reference to FIG. 6, by the information terminal 10 displaying the progress notification message M3, the remaining time until the deadline, the remaining actions until the goal is achieved, alternative means based on the current action performance for the user to obtain a reward even if the goal is not achieved, and additional actions for reducing the difficulty of the alternative means are notified to the user.

[0067] After the progress notification message M3 is transmitted to the information terminal 10, the achievement confirmation unit 212 determines whether the deadline of the goal has arrived (S39). If it is determined that the deadline of the goal has not arrived (S39 / No), the server 20 executes the process again from S19. If it is determined that the deadline of the goal has arrived (S39 / Yes), as shown in FIG. 8B, the achievement confirmation unit 212 confirms the user's action performance from the user's related information stored in the storage unit 220 (S43), and determines whether the goal has been achieved based on the confirmed user's action performance (S47).

[0068] When it is determined by the achievement confirmation unit 212 that the goal has been achieved (S47 / Yes), the communication unit 230 transmits a goal achievement message M2 to the information terminal 10 (S31), and transmits a lottery participation right to the information terminal 10 as a reward for the user achieving the goal (S71).

[0069] On the other hand, when it is determined by the achievement confirmation unit 212 that the goal has not been achieved (S47 / No), the communication unit 230 transmits an alternative means proposal message M4 to the information terminal 10 (S51). As described with reference to FIG. 7, by the information terminal 10 displaying the alternative means proposal message M4, alternative means for the user to obtain a reward even if the goal is not achieved and options for whether to execute the alternative means are notified to the user.

[0070] After the alternative means proposal message M4 is sent to the information terminal 10, the charging confirmation unit 214 checks whether the user has agreed to the charging in the alternative means proposal message M4 (S55). If it is confirmed that the user does not agree to the charging (S55 / No), the server 20 ends the process without sending the lottery participation right to the information terminal 10. If it is confirmed that the user agrees to the charging (S55 / Yes), the communication unit 230 sends a charging process request to the charging system 40 (S59).

[0071] After that, the charging confirmation unit 214 checks whether the charging process has been successful based on the information received from the charging system 40 (S63). If it is confirmed that the charging process has not been successful (S63 / No), the communication unit 230 sends a charging failure message to the information terminal 10 (S65), and the server 20 executes the process again from S55. If it is confirmed that the charging process has been successful (S63 / Yes), the communication unit 230 sends a charging success message to the information terminal 10 (S67), and then sends the lottery participation right to the information terminal 10 (S71).

[0072] <4. Hardware Configuration> The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. The information processing such as the confirmation of the above-described goal achievement and the reward provision control is realized by the cooperation of software and the hardware of the server 20 described below.

[0073] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. 9, the server 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901, a ROM (Read Only memory) 903, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 905, and a host bus 907. Further, the server 20 includes an interface 909, a storage device 911, and a communication interface 913.

[0074] The CPU 901 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operations within the server 20 according to various programs. Also, the CPU 901 may be a microprocessor. The ROM 903 stores programs, arithmetic parameters, etc. used by the CPU 901. The RAM 905 temporarily stores programs used in the execution of the CPU 901 and parameters that change as appropriate during the execution. These are interconnected by a host bus 907 composed of a CPU bus or the like. Through the cooperation of these CPU 901, ROM 903, and RAM 905 with software, functions such as the achievement confirmation unit 212 and the reward provision control unit 213 described with reference to FIG. 2 can be realized.

[0075] The host bus 907 interconnects the CPU 901, ROM 903, and RAM 905. Also, the host bus 907 includes a plurality of functions. As an example, the host bus 907 may have functions of a bridge and an external bus such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus. Note that it is not necessarily required for the host bus 907 to have the functions of a bridge and an external bus, and the bridge and the external bus may be separately configured.

[0076] The interface 909 connects peripheral devices such as the storage device 911 and the communication interface 913 to the server 20. As an example, the interface 909 can be realized by a connector (connecting device) or the like.

[0077] The memory device 911 is a data storage device configured as an example of the storage unit 220 of the server 20 according to the present embodiment. The memory device 911 may include a storage medium, a recording device that records data on the storage medium, a reading device that reads data from the storage medium, a deleting device that deletes data recorded on the storage medium, and the like. The memory device 911 may be, for example, a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk, or may be a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory), a FeRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory), and a PRAM (Phase change Random Access Memory).

[0078] The communication interface 913 is a communication means included in the server 20 according to the present embodiment, and communicates with an external device via (or directly) the network 30. The communication interface 913 may be an interface for wireless communication, and in this case, may include, for example, a communication antenna, an RF circuit, and other circuits for communication processing. Further, the communication interface 913 may be an interface for wired communication, and in this case, may include, for example, a LAN terminal, a transmission circuit, and other circuits for communication processing.

[0079] <5. Operational Effects> As described above, in the embodiments of the present invention, when a user achieves a goal, the user can obtain a reward, and even when the goal cannot be achieved, the user can obtain a reward by executing an alternative means. The presence of a reward increases the likelihood of improving the motivation for the user to achieve the goal. In addition, the presence of alternative means reduces the likelihood that the user will give up challenging the goal. As a result, it is expected that for a goal with a reward and alternative means, the user will increase the frequency of executing actions to achieve the goal.

[0080] In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention, different alternative means are provided according to the level of action performance, and the higher the action performance, the lower the difficulty level of the alternative means provided. For this reason, even when it is likely that the goal cannot be achieved, the user can try to further increase the number of actions for the goal in order to obtain a reward by using alternative means with a lower difficulty level.

[0081] In addition, the goal in the embodiments of the present invention is set with a deadline. Since the goal has a deadline, the user is more likely to be conscious of achieving the goal by the deadline without neglecting the goal and to execute actions for achieving the goal in a planned manner. As a result, it is expected that the user will increase the frequency of executing actions for achieving the goal.

[0082] In addition, when the goal has not been achieved within the deadline, a progress notification message M3 is notified to the user. The progress notification message M3 indicates alternative means based on the current action performance of the user and additional actions for reducing the difficulty level of the alternative means. The progress notification message M3 enables the user to grasp the conditions for reducing the difficulty level of the alternative means. Therefore, even if the goal cannot be achieved, the user is more likely to execute actions to make the alternative means easier to a level that the user can tolerate. As a result, it is possible to further increase the frequency of actions executed by the user for the goal.

[0083] An alternative means in an embodiment of the present invention is the provision of a medium having a monetary value. Therefore, the user can recognize that performing an action towards a goal is the same as obtaining a monetary consideration. Alternatively, the user can recognize that not performing an action towards a goal results in a monetary disadvantage. As a result, it is expected that the user will improve the frequency of performing actions to achieve the goal so as to be particularly beneficial monetarily for themselves.

[0084] A reward in an embodiment of the present invention is a right to participate in a lottery, i.e., a lottery participation right. By consuming the lottery participation right, the user can obtain a prize won in the lottery. It is expected that the user will strive to obtain more lottery participation rights in order to obtain the desired prize. As a result, it is expected that the user will improve the frequency of performing actions to achieve the goal.

[0085] <6. Modification Example> As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modification examples or correction examples within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is naturally understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0086] For example, in the above embodiment, mainly an example of providing a reward to the user based on the execution of the notified alternative means by the user when it is confirmed that the goal has not been achieved at the time when the deadline arrives has been described. However, the timing of providing a reward in the information processing system 1 of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the time when the deadline arrives or the time when the deadline has passed. For example, the timing of providing a reward in the information processing system 1 of the present invention may be a time before the deadline arrives. Specifically, the reward may be provided to the user before the deadline when the alternative means is executed by the user at a time before the deadline arrives.

[0087] If the user executes an alternative means before the deadline arrives, the user may obtain a reward before the deadline arrives. Then, the user is more likely to execute actions for more goals to some extent. As a result, it is expected that the number of times the user acts for more goals will improve.

[0088] Also, in the above embodiment, an example where the alternative means is a charge accompanied by payment (provision) of cash has been mainly described. However, the alternative means is not limited to charging, and the alternative means may be the provision of virtual media. The virtual media may be, for example, virtual items or virtual currency used in social network services.

[0089] Furthermore, the alternative means may be the execution of an action imposed on the user. The action imposed on the user may be, for example, viewing an advertisement of a certain length or registering as a member of a specified service.

[0090] In addition, although an example where only one means is notified to the user as an alternative means has been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above example. For example, in the information processing system 1 of the present invention, a plurality of candidate means may be notified to the user, and the alternative means may be a means selected by the user from the plurality of candidate means. Specifically, when setting a goal, the goal setting unit 211 sets a plurality of candidate means, and associates and stores the set goal and other information with the plurality of candidate means in the setting table T1 stored in the storage unit 220. Then, when it is confirmed that the set goal has not been achieved, the plurality of set candidate means are notified to the user. The user can execute the means selected from the plurality of notified candidate means as an alternative means.

[0091] Regarding the selection of means from among the above-described plurality of candidate means, if a reward can be obtained by executing the alternative means selected by oneself even when the goal cannot be achieved, the possibility that the user will give up challenging the goal is reduced. For example, assume that when reaching a stage where there is performance of actions against the goal, the only alternative means notified is to charge. Then, a user who feels that there is no need to obtain a reward even by paying money may give up challenging the goal. However, if the alternative means notified in the above-described case can be selected from charging or providing virtual items, etc., the possibility of providing alternative means within the user's acceptable range increases.

[0092] As described above, there are various alternative means such as providing virtual media or executing actions imposed on the user in addition to charging. If users can execute their preferred means from among various candidate means as alternative means, it can be expected that more users will act against the goal. As a result, it is expected that the number of times more users act against the goal will improve.

[0093] Also, the goal in the embodiment of the present invention can be set based on the received relevant information of the user. For example, the goal setting unit 211 may notify a user determined to be lacking in vegetables, based on the user's health information, a goal aimed at ingesting vegetables. Also, the goal setting unit 211 may notify a user whose hobby is exercise, based on the user's hobby information, a goal aimed at muscle training. Also, the goal setting unit 211 may notify a user who has already achieved 2,500 steps at present, based on the user's action information, a goal advantageous to the user to walk 3,000 steps.

[0094] In the goal set based on the relevant information of the user as described above, since the user can obtain a reward by achieving a goal beneficial to oneself, it is possible to improve the motivation for achieving the goal. As a result, it is expected that the frequency of the user's actions for achieving the goal will improve.

[0095] In addition, the target in the embodiment of the present invention may be set based on the information preset in the target setting unit 211. For example, the target setting unit 211 may classify each user into a group based on the user's age, and notify each user of different purposes for each group. The target setting unit 211 may associate a date with each target, and when the date arrives, notify all users of the target associated with the date all at once.

[0096] In addition, in the above, an example in which different means are set as alternative means in the setting table T1 according to the level of the user's action performance has been described. However, means that continuously change according to the level of the user's action performance may be set as alternative means. For example, the target setting unit 211 may set a mathematical formula indicating the relationship between the level of the user's action performance and the amount of money. In this case, charging the amount of money obtained by substituting the level of the user's action performance into the mathematical formula becomes an alternative means. The above amount of money can continuously change according to the level of the user's action performance. In such a configuration, since the charging amount decreases as long as the user's action performance improves even a little, the user may be more likely to have motivation for action.

[0097] In addition, the control unit 210 in the embodiment of the present invention may have a function of checking the targets that the user has challenged so far stored in the storage unit 220 and providing different rewards to the user based on the performance of the targets challenged so far. For example, the control unit 210 may have a function of checking the history of the action performance for the targets that the user has challenged so far and providing an additional lottery participation right or another reward based on the amount of the history of the action performance. Alternatively, the control unit 210 may have a function of providing an additional lottery participation right or another reward based on the number of targets that the user has achieved so far.

[0098] According to the functions described above, the more targets the user challenges, the more rewards the user can obtain. Then, the possibility that the user will execute actions for more targets increases. As a result, it is expected that the number of times the user acts for more targets will improve.

[0099] Furthermore, a computer program for causing hardware such as the CPU 901, ROM 903, and RAM 905 incorporated in the server 20 to exhibit functions equivalent to those of the respective components of the server 20 described above can also be created. Also, a storage medium storing the computer program may be provided.

Industrial Applicability

[0100] The present invention is applicable to improving user behavior, and can be particularly applied for proposing behaviors for promoting the user's health. Also, the present invention can be expected to serve as a long-term goal achievement step table for accumulating the results necessary for achieving the user's long-term goals.

Explanation of Signs

[0101] 1 Information processing system 10 Information terminal 20 Server 30 Network 40 Billing system 210 Control unit 211 Goal setting unit 212 Achievement confirmation unit 213 Reward provision control unit 214 Billing confirmation unit 215 Lottery function unit 220 Storage unit 230 Communication unit

Claims

1. An achievement confirmation unit that checks whether an action achievement, which is an achievement regarding a user's action, has achieved a target; When it is confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit that the action achievement has achieved the target, controls the provision of a reward to the user; When it is confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit that the action achievement has not achieved the target, controls the notification to the user of an alternative means for providing the reward, and controls the provision of the reward to the user based on the execution of the alternative means by the user; a reward provision control unit; A target setting unit that sets the target and the reward, and controls the notification to the user of the target, the deadline for achieving the target, and the reward; Comprising: When it is confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit that the target has not been achieved at the time when the deadline has arrived, the reward provision control unit controls the notification to the user of the alternative means for providing the reward, and controls the provision of the reward to the user based on the execution of the alternative means by the user. An information processing apparatus.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reward provision control unit applies different means according to the level of the action achievement as the alternative means.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the reward provision control unit applies means with a lower difficulty level as the alternative means as the action achievement is higher.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when it is confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit that the target has not been achieved before the deadline arrives, the reward provision control unit controls the notification to the user of the alternative means applied based on the current action achievement.

5. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when it is confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit that the target has not been achieved before the deadline arrives, the reward provision control unit controls the notification to the user of additional action achievements and the alternative means applied when the additional action achievements are realized.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein when the alternative means is executed by the user before the deadline arrives, the reward provision control unit controls the provision of the reward to the user before the deadline arrives.

7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the alternative means is the provision of a medium having a monetary value.

8. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the alternative means is the provision of a virtual medium used in a social network service.

9. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the reward is a right to participate in a lottery.

10. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the alternative means is a means selected by the user from a plurality of candidate means.

11. confirming whether the performance of actions, which is the record of the user's actions, has achieved the goal; controlling the provision of the reward to the user when it is confirmed that the performance of actions has achieved the goal; when it is confirmed that the performance of actions has not achieved the goal, proposing to the user an alternative means for providing the reward, and controlling the provision of the reward to the user based on the execution of the alternative means by the user; setting the goal and the reward, and controlling the notification of the goal, the deadline for achieving the goal, and the reward to the user; comprising Controlling the provision of the reward includes, when it is confirmed that the goal has not been achieved at the time when the deadline has arrived, controlling the notification to the user of the alternative means for providing the reward, and controlling the provision of the reward to the user based on the execution of the alternative means by the user. An information processing method executed by a computer.

12. A computer is a achievement confirmation unit that confirms whether the performance of actions, which is the record of the user's actions, has achieved the goal; controlling the provision of the reward to the user when it is confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit that the performance of actions has achieved the goal; a reward provision control unit that, when it is confirmed by the achievement confirmation unit that the performance of actions has not achieved the goal, proposes to the user an alternative means for providing the reward, and controls the provision of the reward to the user based on the execution of the alternative means by the user; a goal setting unit that sets the goal and the reward, and controls the notification of the goal, the deadline for achieving the goal, and the reward to the user; functioning as When the achievement confirmation unit confirms that the target has not been achieved at the time when the deadline arrives, the reward provision control unit controls the notification to the user of the alternative means for providing the reward, and controls the provision of the reward to the user based on the execution of the alternative means by the user. Program.

13. An achievement confirmation unit that confirms whether an action achievement, which is an achievement of the user's actions, has achieved a target; When the achievement confirmation unit confirms that the action achievement has achieved the target, it controls the provision of a reward to the user. When the achievement confirmation unit confirms that the action achievement has not achieved the target, it proposes to the user an alternative means for providing the reward, and controls the provision of the reward to the user based on the execution of the alternative means by the user. A reward provision control unit; A target setting unit that sets the target and the reward, and controls the notification to the user of the target, the deadline for achieving the target, and the reward; Comprising When the achievement confirmation unit confirms that the target has not been achieved at the time when the deadline arrives, the reward provision control unit controls the notification to the user of the alternative means for providing the reward, and controls the provision of the reward to the user based on the execution of the alternative means by the user. Information processing system.

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