Server device, system and program

Abstract

To provide a server device capable of communicating with a matching partner as a user wishes as compared with matching with other users while estimating a staying time using current location information of the user, and the like.SOLUTION: A server device comprises a time zone storage unit which stores a time zone during which a user can communicate with other users, a duration time storage unit which stores a communication duration time which the user wishes, and a matching unit which matches users on the basis of the time zone and the duration time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an interaction support server device that can introduce users to other users who have time to interact and share similar hobbies and interests, thereby improving the probability of successful interactions. Here, a user application executed in the execution environment of a user terminal device transmits the coordinates of a current location acquired from a GPS receiver to the server device along with the user's UID at predetermined time intervals, and the coordinates of the current location are stored in a current location database. A stay time estimation unit estimates the stay time of each user at their current location based on the history stored in the behavior history database. A matching determination unit performs matching based on the preferences between users registered in the preference database and based on the estimated stay time, and a matching notification unit generates content based on the matching and transmits it to the user terminal device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-025613 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 matches users with other users while estimating the length of stay using the user's current location information, and therefore does not fully consider the user's preferences for matching, resulting in a problem in that matching cannot be performed in line with the user's preferences.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a server device etc. that can perform matching in accordance with the user's wishes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] For this purpose, the technology disclosed in this specification is a server device that includes a time period memory unit that stores time periods during which a user can interact with other users, a duration memory unit that stores the duration of the interaction desired by the user, and a matching unit that matches the users with each other based on the time period and the duration. The matching unit may also determine the scheduled time of the interaction by the scheduled determined time designated by the user. In addition, the matching unit determines the scheduled time for the interaction and selects another user to interact with the user, and if, after the selection of the other user, a new user appears who is more suitable for matching than the other user, the scheduled time for the interaction is not changed, and the matching partner of the user is changed to the new user. In addition, when a match partner of the other user exists other than the user, the matching unit may change the match partner of the user to the new user. In addition, during the time period, the matching unit may accept the user's request for the interaction multiple times, and after matching the user with the other user, may match the user by excluding the time of the interaction between the user and the other user and excluding the other user who has already been matched from candidates for a matching partner. The matching unit may match the users based on the degree of overlap between the time periods of the users and the degree of agreement between the durations of the users. The system may also have an information output unit that outputs information to facilitate the interaction between the users, and the information output unit may output a first information output that outputs information to all users who are interacting with the system, and a second information output that outputs information to some of the users who are interacting with the system. The second information output may include outputting information to some of the users urging them to end the interaction based on at least one of the time period and the duration between the users. The information output unit may also output a third information output that outputs information before the start of the interaction, and a fourth information output that outputs information while the interaction is being performed. The fourth information output may have a smaller amount of information than the third information output.

[0007] From yet another perspective, the technology disclosed in this specification is a system comprising a terminal and a server device, the server device comprising: a time zone memory unit that stores time zones during which a user can interact with other users; a duration memory unit that stores the duration of the interaction desired by the user; and a matching unit that matches the users with each other based on the time zone and the duration.

[0008] From yet another perspective, the technology disclosed in this specification is a program that causes a computer to execute the steps of: storing time periods during which a user can interact with other users; storing the duration of the interaction desired by the user; and matching the users with each other based on the time periods and the duration.

[0009] From yet another perspective, the technology disclosed in this specification comprises a time period storage unit that stores time periods during which a user can interact with other users, and a matching unit that matches the users with each other based on the time periods, and the matching unit is a server device that determines the scheduled time for the interaction by the scheduled confirmed time specified by the user.

[0010] From another perspective, it is a program that causes a computer to execute the steps of: storing time periods during which a user can interact with other users; matching the users with each other based on the time periods; and confirming the scheduled time for the interaction by the scheduled confirmation time specified by the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a server device etc. that can perform matching according to the user's wishes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a management device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining chat time information. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 shows a time input image and a detail input image. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the system. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a matching process. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a matching waiting DB and a matching determination DB. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a tentative decision process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a redetermining process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining details of a redetermining process. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating scores used in the matching process. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining chat processing. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a facilitated process. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a management apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Information Processing System 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system 1 to which this embodiment is applied. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a management device 10 and terminals 30, 40, and 50. The management device 10 and the terminals 30, 40, and 50 are connected to one another via a network 90.

[0014] The management device 10 is configured by a computer device. The management device 10 functions as a server in the information processing system 1. The management device 10 of this embodiment executes various controls required to provide a matching service between the terminals 30, 40, and 50.

[0015] Each of the terminals 30, 40, and 50 is configured by a computer device such as a smartphone, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a wearable device, or a mobile phone. The terminals 30, 40, and 50 function as clients in the information processing system 1. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the terminals 30, 40, and 50, they may be referred to as terminal 30, etc.

[0016] Here, terminals 30, 40, and 50 are operated by user A, user B, and user C, respectively, who are users of information processing system 1. Note that, although three terminals 30, 40, and 50 are shown in the illustrated example, the number of terminals is not particularly limited, and terminals other than terminals 30, 40, and 50 may be included.

[0017] The network 90 is a communication network used for exchanging data between devices. The illustrated network 90 is configured by the Internet, but is not limited to this. The network 90 may be, for example, a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). The communication lines of the network 90 may be wired or wireless, or a combination of both.

[0018] In the information processing system 1, the management device 10 provides a specific service, allowing a user operating a terminal 30 or the like to use the service. More specifically, the information processing system 1 provides a matching service in which the management device 10 connects one user with another user, thereby providing an opportunity for the connected users to communicate with each other through voice, text, and the like. In the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, a user can make a reservation by specifying the time period and duration of the interaction with another user. Furthermore, when making this reservation, the user is not asked to specify who the interaction partner will be; the management device 10 decides who the interaction partner will be. This allows the information processing system 1 to provide a new opportunity for users to meet.

[0019] The information processing system 1 is a web application platform that allows users of the terminals 30 and the like to easily match with other users and enjoy communication with them. A web client application is also provided by the information processing system 1. In addition, the information processing system 1 provides a social networking service (SNS) to users of the terminals 30 and the like.

[0020] <Matching> In this embodiment, matching refers to determining a combination of one terminal such as terminal 30 with another terminal. To explain further, matching refers to communication between one terminal such as terminal 30 and another terminal via voice, text, or the like, i.e., processing by management device 10 for enabling users to interact with each other. In the following explanation, matching will be mainly described as combining two terminals such as terminal 30, but three or more terminals may also be combined.

[0021] <Chat> Chat is a form of interaction between users and refers to two-way communication between individual terminals, such as the terminal 30, via the network 90. ​​Here, chat includes real-time exchange of voice and other information. In the following description, chat will be described as a so-called voice chat using voice, but is not limited to this. For example, video chat using images, including still images and moving images, along with voice may also be used. Alternatively, chat may be a text chat using text, or a combination of these types of chat. Voice chat may also include telephone calls. For further explanation, the terminal 30 may be a smartphone, the network 90 may be a carrier network managed by a mobile phone carrier, and a so-called telephone call may be considered as voice chat.

[0022] <Management device 10> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the management device 10. As shown in FIG. Next, an example of the configuration of the management device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0023] The management device 10 includes a user information management unit 110, a reservation management unit 130, a matching management unit 150, a chat execution unit 170, and a facilitation execution unit 190. Each of the user information management unit 110, the reservation management unit 130, the matching management unit 150, the chat execution unit 170, and the facilitation execution unit 190 can be regarded as a subsystem of the information processing system 1.

[0024] The user information management unit 110 receives and registers user information, which is information about users, from the terminal 30 etc. The user information management unit 110 creates an account for each user based on the acquired user information.

[0025] The user information management unit 110 has a user information storage unit 111, a personality determination unit 113, and a friend setting unit 115. Here, the user information storage unit 111 receives and stores user information such as user name, hobbies, age, hometown, occupation, date of birth, blood type, and user image from the terminal 30 or the like. The personality determination unit 113 executes a personality diagnosis such as the Big Five on the terminal 30 or the like, and stores the diagnosis results as information related to the user's personality tendencies. The friend setting unit 115 registers and manages friends, which are special relationships between users that allow them to send and receive messages to each other even after chatting, for example.

[0026] The reservation management unit 130 receives and manages information regarding matching reservations made by users from the terminal 30, etc. The reservation management unit 130 has a time period storage unit 131, a duration storage unit 133, a scheduled confirmation time storage unit 135, and a detailed information storage unit 137. That is, in the illustrated example, the reservation management unit 130 receives and stores the time period, duration, and scheduled confirmation time of the chat as chat time information (interaction time information), which is information regarding the time of the chat.

[0027] The time period storage unit 131 receives and stores the time period in which a user desires to chat with other users. In the illustrated example, the time period storage unit 131 receives and stores the date and time when the chat can start (start time of the time period) and the date and time when the chat is desired to end (end time of the time period), such as from 8:00 PM on July 17th to 11:30 PM on July 17th.

[0028] The duration storage unit 133 receives and stores a duration, which is the length of time for which a user wishes to continue a chat with another user. In the illustrated example, the duration storage unit 133 receives and stores a designation of one of a plurality of preset durations, such as 20 minutes, 30 minutes, or 40 minutes.

[0029] The scheduled confirmation time storage unit 135 receives and stores the scheduled confirmation time, which is the timing desired by the user to confirm the chat reservation. The scheduled confirmation time is set to, for example, 13:00 on July 17th. The scheduled confirmation time is set to a date and time before the start time of the time period during which the user desires to chat.

[0030] The detailed information storage unit 137 receives and stores instructions regarding the mode of chat with other users desired by the user. In the illustrated example, the instructions include the number of chats the user wants to have in a time period (number of chats), the number of other users the user wants to talk to simultaneously in one chat (number of chats), the purpose of the chat (chat purpose), such as hobby, casual conversation, business, etc., and whether compatibility with other users or desired time should be prioritized when matching (priority).

[0031] The matching management unit 150 executes a matching process between users while calculating a user matching score X2, which is a score for matching such as compatibility. The matching management unit 150 includes a compatibility calculation unit 151, an overlap calculation unit 153, a coincidence calculation unit 155, and a matching execution unit 157.

[0032] The compatibility calculation unit 151 calculates the compatibility between users. Here, the compatibility is an index indicating the ease of chatting between a user and another user when chatting on the information processing system 1, in other words, an index indicating the relationship between the users. The compatibility calculation unit 151 calculates the compatibility based on the user's hobbies, personality traits, chat purpose, etc. stored in the user information management unit 110 and the reservation management unit 130. Specifically, the compatibility calculation unit 151 calculates the compatibility based on whether the users' chat purpose, the number of people chatting, and personality traits match. The compatibility calculation unit 151 may also calculate the compatibility based on the user's age, hometown, occupation, etc. Note that the compatibility calculation unit 151 can be considered to calculate an index indicating the relationship between users based on information other than the chat time information of the target users.

[0033] The overlap calculation unit 153 calculates the overlap of time periods. Here, the overlap is an index indicating the degree of overlap between time periods when a user and another user can chat (interact). For example, the overlap is an index that increases as the overlapping time periods become longer. To explain further, the overlap is, for example, a value obtained by dividing the length of time (overlap time) when the time periods of the target user and the other users overlap by the length of the target user's time period, and is a numerical value between 0 and 1, for example. The overlap may also be the difference between the time period of the target user and the time period of the other users. The overlap may also be the length of time when the time periods of the target user and the other users can interact overlap.

[0034] The coincidence calculation unit 155 calculates the coincidence of the duration. Here, the coincidence indicates the degree to which the duration of chat between the user and the other user coincides. The coincidence is an index that increases, for example, as the difference in duration decreases. To explain further, the coincidence is, for example, a value obtained by dividing the common length of the duration of each of the target user and the other user by the duration of the target user, and is determined as a numerical value between 0 and 1, for example. The coincidence may also be the difference between the duration of the target user and the duration of the other user.

[0035] Here, it is more preferable to use a ratio rather than a difference in duration to measure the degree of match. If the degree of match is measured as a difference in duration, for example, if the durations of each user are long (large), such as 1000 minutes and 800 minutes, the numerical value of the difference in duration may be large even if the portion where the user's duration and the other user's duration match is short (small). Therefore, it is preferable to measure the degree of match as a ratio, as described above. Note that the degree of match is, for example, a value obtained by dividing the length of the common time by the target user's duration, but it may also be a value obtained by dividing the user's duration by the other user's duration. In this case, the closer the value is to 1, the higher the degree of match. In this way, matching is performed using two time indicators: the time period during which users can interact and the duration of the interaction, making it possible to perform matching that meets the user's preferences.

[0036] The matching execution unit 157 determines the combination of terminals (users) that will chat at a predetermined timing. The matching execution unit 157 determines the combination according to the compatibility between the users. Here, the compatibility between the users is calculated based on the compatibility, overlap, and match (details will be described later). Then, the matching execution unit 157 determines the users' match partners, i.e., the combination of users, at the scheduled confirmation time received from the user. To explain further, the matching execution unit 157 determines the scheduled time during which the users will chat together with the combination of users.

[0037] The chat executing unit 170 performs chat processing as processing for executing chats between users. The chat executing unit 170 has a voice management unit 171, a text management unit 173, and a chat time management unit 175.

[0038] The voice management unit 171 acquires voice information input by a user speaking to the terminal 30, etc., and outputs the acquired voice information to the other user's terminal 30, etc. The voice management unit 171 may have a so-called voice changer function that processes the user's voice. The text management unit 173 acquires character information input by a user by operating the terminal 30 or the like, and displays the acquired character information on the terminal 30 or the like of the other user.

[0039] The chat time management unit 175 manages the chat time. That is, the chat time management unit 175 starts the chat at the chat start time determined by the matching execution unit 157, and ends the chat at the chat end time.

[0040] In this embodiment, the chat time, i.e., the time during which the chat is conducted, is predetermined, for example, 20 minutes. By limiting the chat time in advance and achieving a so-called deadline effect, it is expected that users will actively chat. Furthermore, some users may be concerned about how to end a chat, which can be a psychological burden. In this embodiment, the timing at which the chat ends is predetermined as described above, and the chat is forcibly ended. This can reduce the burden on the user.

[0041] The facilitation execution unit 190 outputs facilitation information, which is information that facilitates chat (conversation). As will be described in detail later, the facilitation execution unit 190 displays chat topics and important points to note when chatting on the terminal 30 or the like as images containing text (facilitation images) to facilitate chat between users. The illustrated facilitation execution unit 190 includes a user information determination unit 191, a chat analysis unit 193, and an information output unit 195. In this way, by facilitating chats that facilitate chats between users, it becomes possible to perform matching that meets the user's wishes.

[0042] The user information determination unit 191 determines the attributes of the user based on the data acquired by the user information management unit 110. The user information determination unit 191 determines, for example, whether the user's personality tendency is extroverted or introverted. The chat analysis unit 193 analyzes the ongoing chat based on the data acquired by the chat execution unit 170. Specifically, the chat analysis unit 193 acquires voice data of the chat and determines whether there is prolonged silence in the chat, whether the speech is biased towards certain users, whether a topic has come to an end, etc. The chat analysis unit 193 analyzes the chat by, for example, performing natural language processing on text data created by speech recognition from user voice data input to the terminal 30, etc.

[0043] The information output unit 195 outputs the facilitated image to the terminal 30, etc., while switching the output destination and timing for outputting the facilitated image. By switching the output destination and timing of the facilitated image by the information output unit 195 in this way, the chat can proceed more smoothly. The illustrated information output unit 195 has an output destination determination unit 197 and a timing determination unit 199.

[0044] The output destination determination unit 197 switches the output destination for outputting the facilitated image between a first information output for all of the multiple users chatting, and a second information output for some of them. To explain further, when, for example, two users are chatting, the output destination determination unit 197 switches between a first information output that outputs the same facilitated image to both users (all of them), and a second information output that outputs a facilitated image to one user (some of them) but does not output the facilitated image to the other user.

[0045] The timing determination unit 199 switches the timing of outputting the facilitated image along with the timing of chat execution. That is, the timing determination unit 199 outputs the facilitated image to the terminal 30 etc. while switching between pre-chat (third information output) before the chat starts, during-chat (fourth information output) while the chat is being executed, and post-chat (fifth information output) after the chat has been executed.

[0046] <Outline of Operation of Management Device 10> Next, the general operation of the management device 10 will be described. First, the user information management unit 110 accepts and stores user information from the terminal 30 or the like operated by the user. Then, when a user wishes to chat, the reservation management unit 130 accepts and stores an instruction to reserve a chat as the user operates the terminal 30 or the like. Then, the matching management unit 150 executes matching processing in accordance with the user information stored in the user information management unit 110 and information related to the reservation stored in the reservation management unit 130. Then, when the scheduled start time for the chat arrives, the chat execution unit 170 executes a chat between the terminals 30 or the like determined by the matching management unit 150. Furthermore, the facilitation execution unit 190 outputs a facilitated image to the terminal 30 or the like.

[0047] <Chat time information> FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining chat time information. Next, chat time information will be described with reference to Fig. 3. As described above, the management device 10 in this embodiment accepts an instruction on chat time information and performs matching processing. In the following, chat time information, i.e., time period, duration, and scheduled confirmation time, will be described using an example in which user A and user B shown in Fig. 3 are matched.

[0048] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the time slot desired by user A is from 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM (see reference symbol T11). To explain further, the start time of the time slot desired by user A is 8:00 PM and the end time is 11:30 PM. Furthermore, the duration desired by user A is 30 minutes (see reference symbol T13). Furthermore, the scheduled confirmation time desired by user A is 12:00 PM (see reference symbol T15).

[0049] Furthermore, the time period desired by user B is 10:30 PM to midnight (see symbol T21). To explain further, the start time of the time period desired by user B is 10:30 PM and the end time is midnight. Furthermore, the duration desired by user B is 40 minutes (see symbol T23). Furthermore, the schedule confirmation time desired by user B is 9 PM (see symbol T25).

[0050] Here, the overlapping time between the time periods desired by user A and user B is from 10:30 PM to 11:30 PM (see symbol T31). The time when the chat is actually scheduled, i.e., the scheduled time, is determined from this overlapping time. To explain further, the matching execution unit 157 of the management device 10 determines the scheduled time within the range of the overlapping time in accordance with predetermined conditions. In the illustrated example, the matching execution unit 157 determines the scheduled time at the earliest timing within the range of the overlapping time. In this example, the scheduled time is from 10:30 PM to 11:00 PM (see symbol T41).

[0051] Furthermore, the timing at which the matching execution unit 157 of the management device 10 finalizes the matching result is the earlier of the scheduled confirmation time of user A (see reference symbol T15) and the scheduled confirmation time of user B (see reference symbol T25). In the illustrated example, the scheduled confirmation time of user A is 12:00, and the scheduled confirmation time of user B is 21:00. Therefore, the matching execution unit 157 finalizes the matching at 12:00, which is the earlier scheduled confirmation time of user A. In other words, the matching result has not been finalized before 12:00, which is the scheduled confirmation time of user A.

[0052] In the information processing system 1 of this embodiment, the user can reserve a chat while specifying a future time slot. This makes it easier for the user to plan their own schedule. In this embodiment, a scheduled confirmation time is received from the user, and the scheduled time for the chat is confirmed by the scheduled confirmation time at the latest. This eliminates the need for the user to reserve time other than the scheduled time for the actual chat after the scheduled confirmation time has passed. In the illustrated example, user A can allocate the times 20:00 to 22:30 and 23:00 to 23:30, which are outside the scheduled time 22:30 to 23:00 (see reference symbol T41) of the schedule 20:00 to 23:30 (see reference symbol T11) input as the desired chat time slot, to other schedules.

[0053] Here, the number of users who make chat reservations generally increases over time. Therefore, other users who are more compatible with the user are more likely to appear as time passes. However, other compatible users do not always appear. Therefore, in this embodiment, matching is performed at the scheduled confirmation time, which is the timing before the chat actually starts. This reduces the situation where a user is unable to find a match. In this way, it is possible to perform matching that meets the user's time preferences.

[0054] Unlike the present embodiment, a configuration is also conceivable in which the user is not permitted to specify the time period and duration during which chatting is possible, but is permitted to specify only the start and end times of the actual chat. However, in this configuration, only users whose chatting start and end times match are candidates for matching, which reduces the number of candidate users and reduces the probability of matching compatible users. Therefore, in this embodiment, a request for the duration of the chat (see symbol T13) as well as a request for a time period longer than the duration (see symbol T11) are accepted. This increases the degree of freedom when setting the scheduled time for the actual chat, thereby increasing the probability of matching compatible users.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, event organizers can easily manage events by using the information processing system 1. The information processing system 1 increases the probability of matching users who are compatible with each other, so even if a relatively long period is set for matching at an event, it is possible to avoid a situation where no match is found. Therefore, it becomes possible for event organizers to set a relatively long period for matching.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by accepting a specified duration of the chat, it is possible to set the chat according to the user's preferences. Here, for example, a user who is anxious about communicating with someone they meet for the first time may wish for the duration of the chat with another user to be short. On the other hand, for example, a user who wants to have an in-depth conversation with another user may wish for the duration of the chat with another user to be long. Therefore, the information processing system 1 accepts the user's desired duration and determines the scheduled time according to the accepted duration. In this way, it is possible to perform matching according to the user's time preferences.

[0057] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the overlapping time between the time periods desired by user A and user B is from 10:30 PM to 11:30 PM (see symbol T31). If the entire overlapping time, 1 hour, is set as the chat time, this may place a heavy psychological burden on user A (see symbol T13), who wishes to chat for a relatively short time, such as 30 minutes. Therefore, in this embodiment, the scheduled time is determined from the calculated overlapping time according to the duration desired by the user. In this way, it is possible to perform matching in line with the user's time preferences.

[0058] Generally, the more desired conditions for matching are received from a user, the fewer other users who meet the received desired conditions, making it more difficult to match with other users. Therefore, in this embodiment, a desired time period and duration are received, but while the desired time period is met, a scheduled time that does not match the duration may be set.

[0059] Here, we will explain each of the time zone and duration. First, regarding the time zone, if the scheduled time of a chat is determined to be outside the user's desired time zone, the user will need to adjust their schedule before and after the chat. On the other hand, regarding the duration, even if the scheduled time is determined to be outside the desired duration, the user does not need to adjust their schedule before or after the chat. To explain further, if the user has good compatibility with the other matched user, the user's dissatisfaction tends not to increase even if the reservation time is set to be outside the desired duration.

[0060] Therefore, in this embodiment, if a predetermined condition is met, such as compatibility with a matching partner, matching may be performed even if there is a difference in the duration between users. In other words, the scheduled time may be determined to be a length different from the duration desired by the user. Note that the processing performed when there is a difference in duration is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, setting the scheduled time to the shortest duration desired by each user, or setting the scheduled time to the average duration desired by each user.

[0061] <Time Input Image 310 and Detail Input Image 350> FIG. 4 shows a temporal input image 310 and a detail input image 350. As shown in FIG. Next, the temporal input image 310 and the detail input image 350 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0062] The time input image 310 and the detail input image 350 are displayed on the terminal 30, etc. by the reservation management unit 130 as the user operates the terminal 30, etc. The user can make a reservation for a chat via the time input image 310 and the detail input image 350.

[0063] The time input image 310 has a time period input image 311 for receiving input of a time period, a duration input image 313 for receiving input of a duration, and a scheduled fixed time input image 315 for receiving input of a scheduled fixed time.

[0064] The time slot input image 311 shown in the figure accepts input of the start time and end time of a desired time slot. The instructions input via the time slot input image 311 are stored in the time slot storage unit 131 of the reservation management unit 130.

[0065] The duration input image 313 shown in the figure accepts an instruction for one of preset durations such as 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes, etc. The instruction input via the duration input image 313 is stored in the duration storage unit 133 of the reservation management unit 130.

[0066] The illustrated scheduled confirmation time input image 315 accepts input of a desired scheduled confirmation time. The instruction input by the user via the scheduled confirmation time input image 315 is stored in the scheduled confirmation time storage unit 135 of the reservation management unit 130. Note that the scheduled confirmation time input image 315 may be configured not to accept input of a time after the start time of the desired time slot input in the time slot input image 311.

[0067] The detailed input image 350 has a chat count input image 351 that accepts input of the number of chats indicating the desired number of interactions within the time period entered in the time period input image 311, a chat number input image 353 that accepts the desired number of people to chat with, a purpose input image 355 that accepts the purpose of the chat, and a priority input image 357 that accepts compatibility and time (schedule) priority.

[0068] The illustrated chat count input image 351 accepts an instruction for any of a predetermined number of times, such as 1 time, 2 times, 3 times, etc. The illustrated chat number input image 353 accepts an instruction for any of a predetermined number of people, such as 1 person, 2 people, 3 people, etc. The illustrated purpose input image 355 accepts an instruction for any of a predetermined purpose, such as hobby, chat, business, or other. The number of chats accepted by the chat count input image 351 is an example of the number of interactions.

[0069] The priority input image 357 has an input guide image 361 that prompts the user to input a priority, a gauge image 363 that indicates the priority of whether compatibility or schedule is to be prioritized, and a slider image 365 that determines the priority by moving the position of the gauge image 363. The illustrated priority input image 357 accepts an instruction for priority by moving the position of the gauge image 363. More specifically, by moving the gauge image 363 to the left, a priority is set that gives higher priority to the compatibility between users. Furthermore, by moving the gauge image 363 to the right, a priority is set that gives higher priority to the schedule (degree of time matching).

[0070] The instructions input via the chat count input image 351, the chat number input image 353, the purpose input image 355, and the priority input image 357 are stored in the detailed information storage unit 137 of the reservation management unit .

[0071] <Outline of operation of information processing system 1> FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the information processing system 1. Next, the general operation of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. It is assumed that the management device 10 has already completed user registration of user A and user B as user A and user B operate terminal 30 and terminal 40, respectively.

[0072] First, the terminal 30 accepts desired (instruction) conditions for the chat from the user A via the time input image 310 and the detail input image 350, and outputs them to the management device 10 (S501). Then, the reservation management unit 130 of the management device 10 accepts and stores the instructions (S502).

[0073] Next, the terminal 40 accepts desired conditions for the chat from the user B via the time input image 310 and the detail input image 350, and outputs them to the management device 10 (S503). Then, the reservation management unit 130 of the management device 10 accepts and stores the instructions (S504).

[0074] Next, the matching management unit 150 executes a matching process (S505). Then, the matching management unit 150 outputs the scheduled time determined in the matching process to the terminal 30 and the terminal 40 (S506). When the scheduled time for the chat arrives, the chat execution unit 170 enables communication between the terminal 30 and the terminal 40, and executes the chat between the user A and the user B (S507).

[0075] <Matching process> FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the matching process. Next, the matching process performed by the matching management unit 150 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0076] The matching management unit 150 shown in the figure performs a provisional determination process, which is a provisional matching process, and then performs a final determination process, which is a process for finalizing the pairing of users matched in the provisional determination process. More specifically, the matching management unit 150 repeatedly performs the provisional determination process at each matching process timing set at predetermined time intervals (for example, set every hour, such as 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM). Then, at the earliest scheduled determination time among the scheduled determination times desired by the users paired in the provisional determination process, the matching management unit 150 performs a final determination process for the pairing of users matched in the provisional determination process. As will be described in detail later, the matching management unit 150 may perform a redetermination process for re-pairing users whose pairing was finalized in the final determination process.

[0077] The matching management unit 150 performs matching processing as shown in Fig. 6. First, the matching management unit 150 determines whether it is time for matching processing (S601). If it is time for matching processing (YES in S601), the matching management unit 150 performs a tentative determination process and stores the tentatively determined combination of users (S602).

[0078] Then, the matching management unit 150 determines whether the scheduled confirmation time is the earliest of the scheduled confirmation times desired by each of the provisionally determined users (S603). If it is the scheduled confirmation time (YES in S603), the matching management unit 150 performs a final determination process (S604). The matching management unit 150 stores the pairing of users for which the final determination process has been performed, and notifies the users of the scheduled time (see S506 above).

[0079] Here, by repeating the provisional determination process at each matching process timing as described above, it is possible to find a matching partner that is compatible with each user even when a new user makes a reservation and is added to the matching waiting DB161, or when a user who has already made a reservation cancels the reservation and is deleted from the matching waiting DB161.

[0080] <Database> 7A and 7B are diagrams showing the match-making standby DB 161 and the match-making determination DB 163. Fig. 7A shows the match-making standby DB 161 after the tentative determination process is executed at 17:00, which is the timing of the match-making process. Fig. 7B shows the match-making determination DB 163 after the main determination process is executed at 18:30.

[0081] Next, the matching waiting DB (database) 161 and the matching determination DB 163 will be described with reference to FIG. The matching management unit 150 stores a matching waiting DB 161 and a matching decision DB 163, and performs matching processing based on these.

[0082] The matching standby DB 161 shown in FIG. 7(a) stores information about users for whom matching processing is performed. The illustrated matching standby DB 161 stores the following information input via the time input image 310 and the detail input image 350. Specifically, the matching standby DB 161 stores the user name, the matching priority score X1, the purpose of the chat, the user's hobbies, the number of people the user wants to interact with at the same time (number of chats), the number of times the user wants to interact in a desired time period (number of chats), the number of minutes the user wants to interact per session (duration), the start time when the user can interact (start time of the time period), the end time when the user can interact (start time of the time period), the input time of the desired conditions, and the scheduled confirmation time. The matching standby DB 161 also stores a provisional matched partner (provisionally determined matched partner) and a provisional scheduled time (provisionally determined scheduled time).

[0083] 7(b) stores information about users who have undergone this main determination process. The illustrated main determination DB 163 stores the user matching score X2 of the user who has undergone this main determination process, the purpose of the chat, whether or not notification of the scheduled time has been completed, the scheduled time, and the scheduled confirmed time. Note that the state in which notification of the scheduled time has not been completed refers to a state after this main determination process has been completed and before the scheduled confirmed time received from the user. To further explain, notification of the scheduled time is performed at the scheduled confirmed time received from each user. Note that, upon completion of this main determination process, the scheduled time may be notified to both users (all users) who have undergone this matching process.

[0084] <Tentative decision process> FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the tentative decision process. Next, the tentative decision process performed by the matching management unit 150 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the provisional determination process, the matching management unit 150 calculates a matching priority score X1 (described later) of each user included in the matching standby DB 161 (S801). Then, the matching management unit 150 sorts the users included in the matching standby DB 161 in descending order of the matching priority score X1 (S802).

[0085] Next, the matching management unit 150 calculates a user matching score X2 between the user with the highest matching priority score X1 (user A in the example of FIG. 7) and all other users included in the matching waiting DB 161 (S803). Then, the matching management unit 150 determines a tentative scheduled time with a tentative matching partner (S804). At this time, the matching management unit 150 sets the user with the highest user matching score X2 (user F in the example of FIG. 7) as a tentative matching partner, and further determines a tentative scheduled time with this tentative matching partner.

[0086] Then, the matching management unit 150 updates the matching standby DB 161 (S805). Specifically, the matching management unit 150 deletes the data of the tentative matching partner and the tentative scheduled time determined at the immediately preceding matching processing timing (16:00 in the illustrated example) contained in the matching standby DB 161, and sets the currently determined matching partner and tentative scheduled time to the tentative matching partner and tentative scheduled time determined at 17:00. Furthermore, the matching management unit 150 updates the data of the user determined as a matching partner (user F in this example) in the matching standby DB 161, including the data of the user A in this example and the tentative scheduled time determined at 17:00.

[0087] Next, the matching management unit 150 determines whether there is a user with the next highest matching priority score X1 (S806). If there is a user with the next highest matching priority score X1 (YES in S806), the matching management unit 150 executes the above processing for that user (S803, S804, S805).

[0088] Furthermore, if there is no user with the next highest matching priority score X1 (NO in S806), the matching management unit 150 performs time processing for a user who desires to interact (chat) multiple times among the users included in the matching standby DB 161, that is, a user who desires to interact multiple times (user C in the example of FIG. 7) (S807). Specifically, the matching management unit 150 sets the time between the interaction available start time (start time of the time slot) and the interaction available end time (start time of the time slot) of the user who desires to interact multiple times, other than the tentatively scheduled time with the already determined matching partner, as the time during which the user is available to talk.

[0089] Then, the matching management unit 150 calculates a user matching score X2 for users who wish to be matched multiple times and for users who have not yet decided on a match partner (S808) in the match waiting DB 161. Then, the matching management unit 150 determines a tentative scheduled time with a tentative match partner (S809) and updates the match waiting DB 161 with the tentative match partner and the tentative scheduled time (S810).

[0090] Here, we will explain the processing for a user who wishes to interact multiple times as described above (user C in the illustrated example). For a user who wishes to interact multiple times, the matching process is performed again, excluding the tentative scheduled time with a matching partner who has already been determined as described above. This prevents the matching process from overlapping with the tentative scheduled time of a matching process that has already been performed in the matching process that is performed again. Furthermore, the matching partner who has already been determined is excluded from the candidates for a new matching partner, and the matching process is performed again. This prevents the user from being matched again with a matching partner who has already been determined in the matching process that is performed again.

[0091] The processing of a user who desires to interact multiple times may be performed as follows, for example, but is not particularly limited to this. That is, a virtual user (e.g., user C', see FIG. 7(a) described later) whose desired time slot is a time other than the tentative scheduled time with an already determined matched partner may be added to the match waiting DB 161, and the above-described matching processing may be performed for this virtual user. To explain further, a user who desires to interact multiple times (user C in the illustrated example) may reduce the desired number of chats by one, and the user's information excluding the already determined tentative scheduled time may be newly added to the match waiting DB 161. In other words, a new user other than user C may be added to the match waiting DB 161. By performing the processing to add a new user in this way, the processing for matching a user who desires to interact multiple times with multiple other users is simplified.

[0092] The matching priority score X1 of the newly added user may be set to be lower than the lowest matching priority score X1 of the users included in the matching standby DB 161. In other words, the matching priority score X1 of the newly added user may be set to be the lowest in the matching standby DB 161. The matching priority score X1 of the newly added user may also be set by subtracting a predetermined numerical value from the matching priority score X1 of that user (user C in the illustrated example).

[0093] <Decision process> When the scheduled confirmation time of any of the users included in the matching standby DB 161 arrives, the matching management unit 150 performs a final determination process on the schedule of that user and the matching partner user. Specifically, the matching management unit 150 deletes the confirmed user combination from the matching standby DB 161 and adds it to the matching determination DB 163 shown in Fig. 7(b). In addition, the matching management unit 150 notifies the users added to the matching determination DB 163 of the determined scheduled time (see S506 above).

[0094] In the illustrated example, the matching management unit 150 notifies only the scheduled time at the scheduled confirmation time, but does not notify any information for identifying a matched partner. To further explain, the matched partner is not notified to the user until the chat start time or immediately before the start time. This can increase the user's anticipation as they look forward to finding out what kind of user they have been matched with.

[0095] <Re-determination process> FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the redetermining process. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the details of the redetermining process. Next, the redetermination process will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Note that some data is omitted from the matching waiting DB 161 and the matching determination DB 163 shown in Figure 10(a). Also, in the matching determination DB 163 shown in Figure 10(b), it is assumed that as a result of this determination process, user A and user F, user B and user E, and user C and user G are paired together.

[0096] 9, the matching management unit 150 performs a redetermination process. Here, the redetermination process is a process for searching for the possibility of matching a user who has already completed matching and been notified of the scheduled time with another user who meets predetermined conditions, such as better compatibility. Note that this redetermination process is performed based on the matching standby DB 161 and the matching determination DB 163.

[0097] First, the matching management unit 150 determines whether the current time is before the scheduled time (S901). If it is before the scheduled time (YES in S901), the matching management unit 150 performs processing to set the time period during which users included in the matching determination DB 163 wish to chat (S902). Specifically, the matching management unit 150 sets the scheduled time (e.g., 21:15-21:45) notified by a user included in the matching determination DB 163 shown in FIG. 10(b), i.e., a user who has already undergone matching processing and whose scheduled time has been notified (e.g., user A), as the time period desired by that user. This allows processing to be performed to search for a new matching partner while maintaining the notified scheduled time.

[0098] Next, the matching management unit 150 calculates a user matching score X2 between the target user (e.g., user A) and each user included in the matching standby DB 161 (S903). Then, the matching management unit 150 determines whether the calculated user matching score X2 is greater than a threshold value a (S904). This threshold value is set as a value (e.g., 120% or more of the user matching score X2) that is a predetermined value greater than the user matching score X2 with an already paired user (e.g., user F).

[0099] If the user matching score X2 is greater than the threshold a (YES in S903), that is, if there is a user whose user matching score X2 satisfies the predetermined condition, the matching management unit 150 performs a process of changing the matching partner (S905).

[0100] In the example of FIG. 10, the user matching score X2(A,F) of user A and user F is 6. If the condition is set to be 120% or more of this user matching score X2(A,F), the threshold a becomes 7.2. If a matching partner whose user matching score X2 exceeds the threshold a of 7.2 is found, the plan is canceled and the matching partner is changed.

[0101] In the illustrated example, it is assumed that user K (see symbol C1 in the figure) is found as a new matched partner for user A, and user L (see symbol C2 in the figure) is found as a new matched partner for user F. In this case, user A and user F are paired with the changed new matched partners and stored in the match determination DB 163. Note that if no matched partner exceeding threshold a is found, the matched partners will not be changed. Furthermore, the new matched partners may be rearranged on the condition that new matched partners are found for both users (all users) who have already been matched.

[0102] In addition, for the combination of user B and user E, only user B has been notified of the scheduled time. In this case, the user matching score X2 with other users included in the matching standby DB 161 may be calculated only for user B, who has been notified of the scheduled time. Here, since the user matching score X2 for the combination of user B and user E is 4.3, if a condition of 120% or more is set, the threshold a is 5.16. The maximum value of X2 with other users included in the matching standby DB 161 is 5.6, which is X2(B, O) for user O. In this case, the matching partner of user B is changed to user O (see symbol C3 in the figure), and the original matching partner, user E, is returned to the matching standby DB 161.

[0103] In the illustrated example, the matched partner of each user is not notified at the scheduled confirmation time. Therefore, even if the matched partner is changed to another user as a result of the redetermining process as described above, there is no need to notify the user.

[0104] Furthermore, the above-described redetermination process is performed without notifying the user that the redetermination process is being performed or that the redetermination process has been performed, but it may also be performed with the user being notified. Furthermore, the redetermination process may also be performed with the user's consent as a condition. In this way, if a user who has already completed matching and been notified of the scheduled time finds another user who meets predetermined conditions, such as better compatibility, the matching process is performed again without changing the scheduled time. This makes it possible to perform matching according to the user's wishes.

[0105] <Score> FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the scores used in the matching process. Next, an example of the score used in the matching process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0106] First, as shown in FIG. 11(a), the matching management unit 150 calculates a matching priority score X1 for each user based on the matching standby DB 161. The illustrated matching priority score X1 is calculated based on factors such as an addition due to failed matching up to the previous day, an addition due to the failure of the previous matching process on the day, the proximity of the timing of the matching process to the scheduled confirmation time, and the early time of user registration. In this way, by calculating the matching priority score X1 based on the matching process history and the user's usage status, users are prevented from becoming dissatisfied with matching. This matching priority score X1 is an index for prioritizing the matching process for a target user. A user with a higher matching priority score X1 is ranked higher in the matching standby DB 161, and is given priority in the matching process.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 11(b), the user matching score X2 is calculated by multiplying a score (compatibility) calculated based on the matching of conversational preferences and attributes by a score (time matching) calculated from the time periods when each user can talk. The score calculated based on the matching of conversational preferences and attributes is calculated based on the matching of conversational purposes, the length of time available for conversation (time periods), the matching rate of desired conversation length (duration), compatibility of personality tendencies, and matching of hobbies. Furthermore, while not particularly limited, the calculation formula for the user matching score X2 may be expressed as shown in FIG. 11(c), for example. The user matching score X2 is an index for evaluating the combination of target users. The higher the user matching score X2, the better the compatibility of the combination.

[0108] As described above, the priorities for the compatibility degree and the time matching degree are changed by moving the position of the gauge image 363 of the priority input image 357 shown in FIG. 4. Here, in a priority that gives higher priority to the compatibility degree, the compatibility degree is weighted heavily and the time matching degree is weighted lightly in the calculation of the user matching score X2. In addition, in a priority that gives higher priority to the time matching degree, the compatibility degree is weighted lightly and the time matching degree is weighted lightly in the calculation of the user matching score X2. In this way, by receiving instructions about priorities that are in line with the user's wishes, the user's satisfaction level is improved.

[0109] Here, the compatibility of conversation purpose, compatibility of personality tendencies, and compatibility of hobbies are calculated as the compatibility degree by the compatibility degree calculation unit 151. The match rate of the desired conversation time length (duration) is calculated as the match degree by the match degree calculation unit 155. The time matching degree is calculated as the overlap degree by the overlap degree calculation unit 153.

[0110] <Chat processing> FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the chat process. Next, the chat process will be described with reference to FIG. The chat executing unit 170 executes chat processing in accordance with the matching result calculated by the matching executing unit 157.

[0111] The voice chat image 370 shown in Figure 12 includes a partner user image 371 indicating the partner user, a friend intention image 372 accepting an instruction to become friends, a voice image 373 indicating that a voice chat has been established, an end time image 379 indicating the time until the chat ends, a chat end acceptance image 381 accepting an operation to end the chat, a user profile image 383 showing the user's profile message, and a facilitate image 385 which is an image for facilitating the chat.

[0112] Here, in the illustrated example, user information of the matching partner is displayed in the other user image 371. By displaying this other user image 371, the user can have a conversation with the matching partner while referring to the information of the matching partner. Also, in the illustrated example, an end time image 379 is displayed by the chat time management unit 175. By displaying this end time image 379, the user can adjust the content of the conversation with the matching partner according to the remaining time.

[0113] The voice chat image 370 can be regarded as a so-called chat room, which is a virtual space where chatting takes place. The user can also exit the chat room by operating the chat end acceptance image 381. This allows the user to end the chat with the matched partner even before the chat end time.

[0114] In the illustrated example, a facilitate image 385 is displayed as an example of smooth conversation information. This facilitate image 385 is an example of a message that is output to users as text or audio to assist or guide conversation so that conversation between matched users can proceed smoothly in a chat.

[0115] To explain further, while users are chatting with each other, the chat analysis unit 193 analyzes the ongoing chat. Then, in accordance with the analysis by the chat analysis unit 193, the information output unit 195 outputs a facilitated image 385 to the terminal 30 or the like.

[0116] The content of the facilitation image 385 may be intended to facilitate smooth chatting, such as a relative increase in the number of utterances or a relative decrease in the amount of time without utterances, but is not limited to these examples. As will be described in detail later, the content may include, for example, information about common user information shared between matched users based on matching information, or content that provides other topics. In this way, because the information output unit 195 outputs the facilitation image 385 to the terminal 30, matched users can chat casually. This reduces the psychological barriers users have to chatting. Therefore, there is no need to perform matching that does not meet the user's expectations in order to enhance the chat. Therefore, matching that meets the user's expectations can be achieved.

[0117] <Facilitated Processing> FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the facilitated processing. First, as described above, the information output unit 195 has an output destination determination unit 197 and a timing determination unit 199, which switch the output destination and timing of the facilitated image 385. This makes chats smoother. To explain further, the facilitated image 385 supports, for example, users who are anxious about communicating with people they meet for the first time, users who want to avoid periods of silence in chats, or users who tend to continue the conversation while ignoring the other person's reactions in chats.

[0118] 13, the output destination determination unit 197 switches the output destination for the facilitated image 385 between a first information output for all users chatting and a second information output for some of the users chatting. The timing determination unit 199 also switches the timing for outputting the facilitated image 385 between a third information output for outputting the facilitated image 385 before the chat, a fourth information output for outputting the facilitated image 385 during the chat, and a fifth information output for outputting the facilitated image 385 after the chat.

[0119] Here, the first information output, which is output to all users, outputs information common to the users chatting based on user information, etc. Examples of the first information output include providing common hobbies or topics of conversation. In the illustrated example, the first information output is a string of characters output as a facilitated image 385, saying, "You two share a favorite sport. Why don't you talk about, for example, soccer teams?"

[0120] In addition, in the second information output output to a subset of users, information not common to the users chatting is output based on user information, etc. As the second information output, for example, information related to differences in users' personalities or differences in duration of chatting is output as a facilitated image 385. Information regarding differences in personality in the second information output may, for example, be output as a string such as, "You are the type who talks aggressively, but your partner talks slowly and carefully. If you talk too aggressively, it will be difficult for them to self-disclose." Note that, in this example, a different piece of information is output to the matched user: "Your partner is the type who talks aggressively, but they don't mean it with any ill intent. Don't worry, be brave, and say what you want to say." Additionally, this example can be interpreted as outputting advice regarding the behavior of one user based on user information of both the target user and the matched user.

[0121] Furthermore, in the third information output, information such as "You two share a common favorite sport. Let's talk about the soccer team, for example." may be output. In the fourth information output, information such as "Let's talk about the soccer team!" may be output. In the fifth information output, information such as "Send a message today! Why not comment on the exciting soccer team?" may be output.

[0122] Here, in the third information output before chatting, information such as personality information of the matched partner and the purpose of the chat with the matched partner is output based on the user information and information that should be notified in advance.

[0123] In the fourth information output during a chat, time-related information and information according to the analysis result of the ongoing chat are output. For example, when there is a long period of silence, information on a common topic is output as the fourth information output. As this fourth information output, it is preferable that the chat analysis unit 193 output information on the topic at the timing when it determines that one of the topics has ended.

[0124] Furthermore, as a fourth information output, for example, when there is a bias in the amount of time users spend talking and a user is only talking about themselves, information such as "Try to listen carefully" may be output. Furthermore, as a fourth information output, for example, when it is detected that one user is hesitant to speak during a conversation (for example, taking a long time to respond) or when emotional discomfort is detected (for example, based on analytical information such as tone of voice, an increase in speaking speed or a decrease in time to respond is detected), information may be output for that other user. Specifically, information such as "Try to speak a little more calmly" or "Start your speech with a 'word of agreement'!" may be output.

[0125] Here, the fourth information output output during a chat displays less information than the third information output before the chat or the fifth information output after the chat. This is because it is difficult for the user chatting to understand a large amount of information being output. Furthermore, unlike the third information output before the chat, the fourth information output output during a chat and the fifth information output after the chat are output based on an analysis of the conversation content. In other words, the fourth information output output during a chat and the fifth information output after the chat can change the information output depending on the content of the chat.

[0126] In addition, in the second information output, information such as "The user who is scheduled to chat is stubborn, so let's talk persistently" may be output. In addition, in the second information output, when the duration specified by each user varies from "20 minutes" to "30 minutes," information encouraging closing, i.e., encouraging the user to end the chat, may be output. Note that this information encouraging the user to end the chat may be output only to users who specified a longer duration. In other words, information encouraging the user to end the chat may be output only to users who specified a duration of "30 minutes," thereby helping the other user to end the chat comfortably.

[0127] As another example of the second information output, a warning about language usage may be given depending on the user's position, such as between a superior and a subordinate. For example, in a chat between users in a superior-subordinate relationship, the content of the conversation may be analyzed, and information may be output to the subordinate user urging him or her to be careful about using honorific language.

[0128] <Hardware Configuration of Management Device 10> FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management device 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the management device 10 includes a CPU 101, a random access memory (RAM) 102, a read only memory (ROM) 103, a hard disk drive (HDD) 104, and a communication I / F 105.

[0129] The CPU 101 loads various programs stored in the ROM 103 or the like into the RAM 102 and executes them to realize the above-mentioned functions of the management device 10. The RAM 102 is a memory used as a working memory for the CPU 101, etc. The ROM 103 is a memory that stores various programs executed by the CPU 101. The HDD 104 is, for example, a magnetic disk device that stores user information and the like. The communication I / F 105 transmits and receives various types of information to and from other devices via a network 90 (see FIG. 1).

[0130] Here, the program executed by CPU 101 may be provided to management device 10 in a state where it is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory. Also, the program executed by CPU 101 may be downloaded to terminal 30 or the like via management device 10. For example, a program that realizes each of the above functions of management device 10 may be downloaded to terminal 30 or the like as application software. Then, the user installs the downloaded application software on terminal 30 or the like to start using the matching service.

[0131] <Modification> In the above explanation, the user matching scores X2 with other users are calculated in descending order of the matching priority score X1, and the other user with the highest user matching score X2 is selected as the matching partner, but this is not limiting. For example, the user matching scores X2 may be calculated for all combinations of users, and the matching partner may be determined based on the combination with the largest total user matching score X2.

[0132] In the above description, the matching process is performed using the compatibility level. Here, the method for calculating the compatibility level is not particularly limited, and any known technology can be used. For example, among multiple attributes stored as user information, a matching attribute may be assigned 1 point, and the matching points for each user may be calculated, and users with the highest points may be determined as having the highest compatibility level.

[0133] In the above description, a matching partner is determined based on compatibility, a match rate, and overlap, but this is not limiting. For example, matching may be performed regardless of compatibility. To further explain, matching may be performed based on a user's desired chat time, rather than compatibility. In this embodiment, a matching partner that is unexpected for the user may be determined, such as a matching partner with significantly different attributes from the user.

[0134] Also, unlike the above description, a scheduled time may not be received from the user. For example, the scheduled time and chat partner may be determined and notified at a predetermined timing, such as five minutes before the chat starts. This simplifies the matching process.

[0135] Furthermore, unlike the above description, date information may be included in the time period or the scheduled time. By accepting date information, the user can request matching not only for the current day but also for the following day and beyond.

[0136] Furthermore, if matched users do not start chatting even when the chat time arrives, i.e., if a matched user cancels, the matching process may be carried out between the users whose match partner canceled. Note that a notification to confirm the user's intention to start chatting may be sent to the user at a predetermined timing, such as five minutes before the chat, and if the user does not confirm, the user may be considered to have canceled and the matching process may be carried out again.

[0137] Furthermore, if the desired number of chat participants does not match the desired number of chat participants of the matched partner candidates, the number of participants in the chat may be determined based on the smaller number of chat participants. For example, suppose the desired number of chat participants of the target user is two. Then, among the matched partner candidates who can chat with up to two other people at a specific time, users who are both available to chat at the time and who desire two or more people may be selected. If there are no users who meet this condition, a match is made between two people.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above explanation, the facilitation is performed using images, but the facilitation may be performed using audio or the like. Furthermore, if the result of the user matching process shows that the overlap time is shorter than the desired duration, the scheduled time may be allowed to be set shorter than the desired duration.

[0139] In the above explanation, when facilitating, information prompting the user to end the chat is output based on the duration received from the user, but this is not limiting. For example, information prompting the user to end the chat may be output based on the time period, overlap time, scheduled time, or a combination of these and the duration received from the user.

[0140] In the above description, the redetermination process and the tentative determination process are repeated at predetermined time intervals until the scheduled confirmation time, but this is not limiting. For example, a matched partner may be determined by executing the user matching score X2 or the like when the scheduled confirmation time is reached without performing the redetermination process and the tentative determination process.

[0141] Furthermore, although the above description has been made regarding matching between individuals, the present invention is not limited to this. The matching service provided by the management device 10 may be any service that connects one user with another, such as connecting users seeking encounters with people of the opposite or same sex, or connecting companies with human resources. Furthermore, at an event such as an exhibition, during the event period (for example, five days), matching may be performed as a form of interview (business negotiation) between companies, connecting clients who request work with contractors who accept the work.

[0142] The voice changer function may also be used to transmit voice data between users, using a Web Audio API or the like to shift the pitch of the voice input from the user's microphone. The voice changer function may also be allowed to be disabled during a chat session. That is, as the chat progresses, a user who wants to chat naturally with the other user may be able to switch from using the voice changer function to not using it.

[0143] The chat analysis unit 193 may also be a system such as the following. That is, the chat analysis unit 193 may be a system that detects timings at which a conversation comes to a lull, etc., from a group of data including volume data of the user's input voice, or feature data of text data representing the content of the voice input data obtained from the voice input data using an Internet voice recognition API or the like, and feature data of text data representing the content of exchanges in a text-based chat. The feature data of the text data is, for example, a document vector of a sentence obtained using natural language processing technology or the like. Some examples of processing by the chat analysis unit 193 to detect timings at which a conversation comes to a lull, etc., are shown below.

[0144] First, if the volume data of the user's input voice remains below a threshold for a certain period of time, the system can detect that the user has stopped inputting voice. Through this process, the system detects that the user has stopped speaking and outputs the result.

[0145] Furthermore, machine learning techniques are used to determine whether the feature distribution of data such as text data feature data and user input voice volume data represents a timing when a conversation reaches a lull (as described above). Specifically, this is viewed as a classification problem in which, for input parameters such as the content of a certain conversation (document vector of text data) or the volume data of a user input voice, the timing immediately after that conversation is a "timing when a conversation reaches a lull, etc." In other words, a classifier optimized for this problem using supervised learning outputs a numerical value representing the probability that the timing represents a lull, etc. If the output value exceeds a threshold, the timing immediately after the input conversation is determined to be a timing when a conversation reaches a lull, etc., and the result is output.

[0146] Although various embodiments and modifications have been described above, it is of course possible to combine these embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0147] The information processing system 1 is an example of a system. The management device 10 is an example of a server device. The matching execution unit 157 is an example of a matching unit. The detailed information storage unit 137 is an example of a multiple-time reception unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1...information processing system, 10...management device, 110...user information management unit, 130...reservation management unit, 131...time period storage unit, 133...duration storage unit, 135...scheduled confirmation time storage unit, 157...matching execution unit

Claims

1. A time period storage unit that stores time periods when a user can interact with other users; a duration storage unit that stores the duration of the interaction desired by the user; a matching unit that matches the users with each other based on the time period and the duration; Equipped with The matching unit The scheduled time for the interaction is determined by the scheduled determined time designated by the user; determining a scheduled time for the interaction and selecting other users to interact with the user; If a new user appears who is more suitable for matching than the other user after the selection of the other user, the scheduled time for the interaction is not changed, and the matching partner of the user is changed to the new user. Server device.

2. The matching unit changes the matching partner of the other user to the new user when a matching partner of the other user exists other than the user. The server device according to claim 1.

3. Accepting a request from the user to engage in the interaction multiple times during the time period; After matching the user with the other user, the matching unit performs matching of the user by excluding the time of the interaction between the user and the other user and excluding the other user who has already been matched from candidates for a matching partner.

3. The server device according to claim 1.

4. A time zone storage unit that stores time zones during which a user can interact with other users; a duration storage unit that stores the duration of the interaction desired by the user; a matching unit that matches the users with each other based on the time period and the duration; Equipped with The matching unit The overlapping degree of the time periods between the users; and The degree of agreement of the duration between the users; and Based on this, the users are matched with each other. Server device.

5. an information output unit that outputs information that facilitates the interaction between the users; The information output unit a first information output that outputs information to all users who are interacting with the user; a second information output that outputs information to some users among the users who interact; Output 5. The server device according to claim 1.

6. A time zone storage unit that stores time zones during which a user can interact with other users; a duration storage unit that stores the duration of the interaction desired by the user; a matching unit that matches the users with each other based on the time period and the duration; an information output unit that outputs information that facilitates the interaction between the users; Equipped with The information output unit a first information output that outputs information to all users who are interacting with the user; a second information output that outputs information to some users among the users who interact; and The second information output includes outputting information to the some of the users to prompt them to end the interaction based on at least one of the time period and the duration between the users. Server device.

7. The information output unit a third information output that outputs information before the start of the interaction; a fourth information output that outputs information during the execution of the exchange; Output 7. The server device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The fourth information output has a smaller amount of information than the third information output.

8. The server device according to claim 7.

9. A system including a terminal and a server device, The server device a time period storage unit that stores time periods during which a user can interact with other users; a duration storage unit that stores the duration of the interaction desired by the user; a matching unit that matches the users with each other based on the time period and the duration; Equipped with The matching unit The scheduled time for the interaction is determined by the scheduled determined time designated by the user; determining a scheduled time for the interaction and selecting other users to interact with the user; If a new user appears who is more suitable for matching than the other user after the selection of the other user, the system changes the user's matching partner to the new user without changing the scheduled time for the interaction.

10. storing times when the user is available to interact with other users; storing the user's desired duration of the interaction; matching the users based on the time period and the duration; A program that causes a computer to execute the following: In the matching step, The scheduled time for the interaction is determined by the scheduled determined time designated by the user; determining a scheduled time for the interaction and selecting other users to interact with the user; If a new user appears who is more suitable for matching than the other user after the selection of the other user, the program changes the user's matching partner to the new user without changing the scheduled time for the interaction.

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