Inheritance support device and inheritance support method

Abstract

To solve the problem that a decedent often hesitates to inform heirs of distribution of asset information of each heir during his / her lifetime because the decedent does not want to cause troubles with the heir during his / her lifetimes.SOLUTION: An inheritance support device 1 includes a question and answer registration part for registering question and answer information including questions assumed from heirs and answers to the questions about heir asset distribution information, a question reception part for receiving questions from the heirs, and an answer output part for outputting answers to the questions after the death of the decedent with reference to the question and answer information, registers questions about which the decedent often hesitates to inform the heirs of answers to questions about the heir asset distribution information and their answers, and outputs the answers after the death of the decedent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an invention that supports inheritance from a deceased person to an heir, and particularly to an invention that supports distribution of inherited property when multiple heirs inherit the property. [Background technology]

[0002] Various inventions have been proposed to assist in the distribution of inherited property when a deceased person leaves an inheritance to multiple heirs. For example, Patent Document 1 provides an information processing device etc. that can appropriately support the creation of a will. The information processing device of Patent Document 1 is characterized by comprising a reception unit that receives setting input for setting heirs, an acquisition unit that acquires property information regarding the inherited property held by the testator, a first generation unit that generates a division plan for the inherited property to be distributed to the multiple heirs, a second generation unit that generates a sample document of a will based on the division plan, and an output unit that outputs the generated sample document.

[0003] Patent Document 2 provides an inheritance procedure system that enables businesses that provide estate management and will execution services to carry out their services more efficiently. The inheritance procedure system in Patent Document 2 acquires data from an heir relationship explanatory diagram generated based on the relationships of people included in family register data, and generates inheritance information that includes at least property information and property distribution information for a specified deceased person from among the people included in the heir relationship explanatory diagram.

[0004] Patent Document 3 provides a mobile computer that makes wills familiar and lowers the psychological barrier to using will services. In Patent Document 3, a sales representative providing will services inputs testator information, heir information, asset information, and distribution information into a mobile computer based on interviews with potential customers (non-heirs). Each piece of input information is sent from the mobile computer to a server, and a will service sales support program on the server creates a draft will in accordance with the information, sends it to the mobile computer, and displays it on a display. The sales representative encourages potential customers to use the will service by showing them the draft will displayed on the display without printing it out. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2019-212233 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-099627 [Patent Document 3] Patent 6505880 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the inheritance support methods of Patent Documents 1 to 3 have a problem in that the deceased is reluctant to communicate property distribution information for each heir to the heirs while he is still alive, as he does not want to have any trouble with the heirs while he is still alive. The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and its main purpose is to provide an inheritance support device that reduces the burden on the deceased caused by communicating property distribution information to the heirs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The inheritance support device of the present invention comprises: a deceased information registration unit that registers deceased information including a deceased identifier which is an identifier for identifying the deceased, name, date of birth, and assets; an heir information registration unit that registers heir information including an heir identifier which is an identifier for identifying the heir, name, date of birth, and relationship to the deceased; an output unit that outputs the deceased information and the heir information; an heir property distribution information registration unit that registers heir property distribution information which is information about the property to be distributed to each heir from the heir's property; a question and answer registration unit that registers question and answer information including questions that the heirs are expected to ask about the heir property distribution information and answers to those questions; a question reception unit that receives questions from the heirs; an heir property distribution information output unit that outputs heir property distribution information corresponding to the heir identifier of the heir received by the question reception unit; and an answer output unit that outputs answers to the questions after the death of the deceased by referring to the question and answer information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a question and answer registration unit that registers question and answer information including questions that are expected from heirs regarding heir property distribution information and answers to those questions, a question reception unit that receives questions from heirs, and an answer output unit that outputs answers to those questions after the death of the deceased by referring to the question and answer information.Therefore, by registering questions regarding heir property distribution information that the deceased often hesitates to tell their heirs while they are still alive and outputting those answers after the deceased's death, it is possible to reduce the burden on the deceased of communicating property distribution information to their heirs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] System image according to one embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2A] Block diagram of inheritance support device 1 [Figure 2B] Block diagram of user terminal 2 [Figure 2C] Block diagram of inheritance question answering device 3 [Figure 3A]Diagram showing the layout of the deceased person information DB (database) [Figure 3B] Diagram showing the layout of the heir information DB (database) [Figure 3C] Diagram showing the layout of the inheritance property distribution information DB (database) [Figure 3D] Diagram showing the layout of the question and answer information (individual) DB (database) [Figure 3E] A diagram showing the layout of the question and answer information (general) database (DB) [Figure 4A] Flowchart for registering information on the deceased [Figure 4B] Flowchart for registering heir information [Figure 4C] Inheritance property registration flow chart [Figure 4D] Question and Answer Information Registration Flowchart [Figure 5] Question response flow chart [Figure 6] Monitoring flow chart while heirs are asking questions [Figure 7] Flowchart for answering questions from each heir [Figure 8A] Decedent information registration screen [Figure 8B] Heir information registration screen [Figure 8C] Inheritance property registration screen [Figure 8D] Question and answer information registration screen [Figure 8E] Display screen of information on distribution of assets to heirs when talking with the deceased [Figure 9] Example of a conversation with the deceased DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment. FIG. 1 is a system diagram of an inheritance support system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The inheritance support system 100 comprises an inheritance support device 1, a user terminal 2, and an inheritance question answering device 3. The user terminal 2 of the inheritance support system 100 is a terminal used by the deceased, inheritance experts such as tax accountants, and heirs. The inheritance question answering device 3 is a device capable of answering general questions about inheritance, such as a generation AI. The user terminal 2 and the inheritance support device 1 communicate with each other via the Internet, and the inheritance support device 1 and the inheritance question answering device 3 can also communicate with each other via the Internet.

[0011] The inheritance support device 1 is a computer that supports inheritance. It receives information from the user terminal 2 via a communication network 101 and transmits processing results to the user terminal 2. If the inheritance support device 1 is unable to answer a question received from the user terminal 2, it transmits the question via the communication network 101 to the inheritance question answering device 3, and receives the answer from the inheritance question answering device 3.

[0012] The user terminal 2 is a terminal device used by the deceased, the inheritance expert, and the heir. The deceased inputs information about the deceased through the user terminal 2. The inheritance expert may input information obtained from the deceased on behalf of the deceased. The inheritance expert may also collect information about the deceased's assets (such as real estate valuation) and input it through the user terminal 2. The heir inputs information about the heir through the user terminal 2. After the death of the deceased, when the heir logs in through the user terminal 2, the heir can converse with the deceased (hereinafter referred to as the deceased avatar) as if they were alive. The heir can converse with the deceased avatar by inputting text through the display unit 29 of the user terminal 2, or by inputting voice through the microphone 23. The deceased avatar converses by outputting text on the display unit 29 of the user terminal 2, or by outputting a facial image through the display unit 29 of the user terminal 2, or by outputting voice through the speaker 24 of the user terminal 2. Using any of the above methods, the heir can converse with the deceased person's avatar via the user terminal 2. Through this conversation, the heir can communicate about the distribution of assets, which would have been difficult to communicate during the deceased's lifetime due to interpersonal problems or other issues. Furthermore, the user terminal 2 monitors, via the microphone 23 and the camera 25, whether anyone other than the heir is near the user terminal 2 and is watching or listening to the conversation between the deceased person's avatar and the heir.

[0013] The inheritance question answering device 3 receives from the inheritance support device 1 questions that the inheritance support device 1 was unable to answer among questions from heirs that the inheritance support device 1 obtained via the user terminal 2. The inheritance question answering device 3 answers general questions about inheritance based on information collected in advance on the Internet.

[0014] Fig. 2A is a block diagram showing the configuration of inheritance support device 1. As shown in Fig. 2A, inheritance support device 1 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 17. Control unit 11 includes a CPU (not shown) and RAM such as SRAM or DRAM. The CPU of control unit 11 executes various computer programs loaded into the RAM.

[0015] The storage unit 12 is configured with a flash memory or the like, and stores the operating system and application programs executed by the control unit 11, as well as data used when executing them. The storage unit 12 is provided with a decedent information DB121 which is information about the decedent, an heir information DB122 which is information about the heirs, an heir property distribution property information DB123 which is information about the property that the heirs will inherit, a question and answer information (individual) DB124 which is questions expected from the heirs and answers to those questions, and a question and answer information (general) DB125 which is answers to general questions about inheritance.

[0016] The control unit 11 executes application programs stored in the memory unit 12. The control unit 11 is composed of a deceased person information registration unit 1105, an heir information registration unit 1110, an heir property distribution information registration unit 1115, a question reception unit 1125, an answer output unit 1130, a question analysis unit 1135, an answer possibility determination unit 1140, an heir property distribution information change reception unit 1143, a monitoring unit 1145, and an inheritance question external linkage unit 1150.

[0017] The decedent information registration unit 1105 registers decedent information, including a decedent identifier, which is an identifier for identifying the decedent, name, date of birth, assets, and debts. Assets are registered by type (e.g., land, house, company stocks, cash and deposits, death benefits, loans, etc.). The decedent information registration unit 1105 also registers a voice model, which is a model characterizing the decedent's voice. Specifically, the voice uttered by the decedent through the microphone 23 of the user terminal 2 is acquired via the communication unit 27 of the user terminal 2 and the communication unit 17 of the inheritance support device 1, a model characterizing the decedent's voice is generated, and the model is registered as a voice model. A voice model is a model used when reproducing arbitrary text. Analyzing voice and generating a voice model can be achieved using conventional technology. In JP 2009-162879 A, ​​voice is reproduced based on various transfer functions, but these transfer functions are the same as the voice model of the present invention. Furthermore, a transfer function generation unit generates a transfer function for the input voice information. In the present invention, the same technology can be used to generate a voice model based on the voice of the deceased. The voice model of the deceased makes it possible to output any text (for example, an answer registered in the question and answer information (individual) DB described later) as if it were the voice of the deceased.

[0018] Also, the decedent information registration unit 1105 registers information on whether the decedent is alive or dead. The answer output unit 1130, which will be described later, can output an answer if the decedent is dead.

[0019] The heir information registration unit 1110 registers heir information including an heir identifier, which is an identifier for identifying the heir, the name, the date of birth, and the relationship with the decedent. The relationship with the decedent is the spouse and children (eldest son, eldest daughter, second son, second daughter, etc.), and the property distribution rate of the legal heir is determined based on this relationship.

[0020] The output unit 1113 outputs the deceased information and the heir information. This is so that the deceased or the inheritance specialist can refer to the deceased information and the heir information when inputting the heir property distribution information (described later) on the screen. It is desirable to output the deceased information and the heir information in a table format so that the deceased or the inheritance specialist can easily input the distribution information for each heir and for each type of property. Specifically, the heir information may be displayed in a row-wise order along the columns of the table, and the property types may be displayed in a row-wise order along the rows. The columns and rows may be reversed.

[0021] The heir property distribution information registration unit 1115 registers heir property distribution information, which is information about the property to be distributed to each heir from the heir's estate. Information entered by the deceased himself / herself may be registered, or information entered by an inheritance expert in consultation with the deceased may be registered. For each type of property, the total of the deceased's property and the heir's property distribution is registered so that they match. The heir property distribution may be tallied for each heir and the total amount registered. The ratio of this total to the heir's total property may be calculated and displayed. The ratio may be calculated and displayed each time the heir property distribution information is entered so that it can be compared with the distribution ratio of legal heirs (1 / 2 for spouse, 1 / 2 for children divided by the number of people). When entering the heir property distribution information, the deceased may register a flag (unchangeable flag) for each type of property indicating whether or not changes to the property distribution information from the heirs are accepted. For example, when an unchangeable flag is set for a company's stocks, after the asset distribution information for each heir has been determined, requests for changes such as increases from the heirs for the stocks for which the unchangeable flag is set will not be accepted. If the deceased wishes to transfer assets to a specific heir, or conversely, does not wish to transfer assets at all, this unchangeable flag is set. Conversely, for asset types for which the unchangeable flag is not set, the heirs can adjust the increase or decrease between assets. This reflects the intentions of the deceased.

[0022] The question and answer registration unit 1120 registers question and answer information including questions expected from the heirs regarding the heir property distribution information and answers to those questions. The questions may be entered by the deceased, or may be entered in consultation between the deceased and the inheritance expert. The question and answer information includes question attributes. Question attributes are attributes that distinguish questions. Specifically, they include reasons, requests, and gratitude regarding the heir property distribution information. The present invention is not limited to these, and attributes may be determined by the deceased or the inheritance expert. The question and answer registration unit 1120 may accept text input by the deceased or the inheritance expert, or may register voice obtained through the microphone 23 of the user terminal 2 after converting it into text. The question and answer registration unit 1120 may register keywords extracted from the text by natural language analysis as attributes. The question and answer registration unit 1120 may search for other deceased information similar to the deceased information and display questions and answers related to the deceased information to assist the deceased in registering questions and answers. The question and answer registration unit 1120 determines whether there is a similarity based on the age, assets, and family structure of the deceased.

[0023] After accepting login using the heir identifier, the question acceptance unit 1125 accepts questions entered by the heir via microphone 23 or input unit 28 on the screen where the heir converses with the deceased person avatar via communication unit 27 and communication unit 17. If the birth / death information of the deceased person corresponding to the heir is from before death, the question acceptance unit 1125 will not accept the question.

[0024] The heir property distribution information output unit 1128 outputs heir property distribution information corresponding to the heir identifier of the heir received by the question receiving unit 1125. It may output only the heir property distribution information of the heir received by the question receiving unit 1125, or it may output the heir property distribution information of all heirs who will be distributed property from the deceased. To make it easier for the heir received by the question receiving unit 1125 to ask a question, it may display the proportion of the heir property distribution information of the heir received by the question receiving unit 1125 out of the total property of the deceased.

[0025] The answer output unit 1130 outputs an answer to the question by referring to the question answer information. The answer may be output based on a voice model of the deceased. Specifically, the answer output unit 1130 searches the question answer information DB for the heir identifier of the heir who asked the question and the question received by the question receiving unit 1125, obtains an answer, and outputs the answer. If the deceased's birth or death information is that the deceased was alive, the answer is not output. Furthermore, if the answer possibility determination unit 1140 (described later) determines that the answer is not possible, the answer obtained by the inheritance question external linkage unit 1150 (described later) from the inheritance question answering device 3 is output.

[0026] The question analysis unit 1135 extracts attributes of the question by natural language analysis of the question received by the question receiving unit 1125. Specifically, keywords may be extracted from the wording of the question and used as the attributes of the question.

[0027] The answerability determination unit 1140 determines whether a question can be answered based on whether the attributes of the question-answering information and the attributes extracted by the question analysis unit 1135 are identical. Specifically, the question-answering information DB is searched using the heir's heir identifier, and if the attributes included in the extracted question-answering information match the attributes extracted by the question analysis unit 1135 from the question accepted by the question accepting unit 1125, the answerability determination unit 1140 determines that the question cannot be answered. The answerability determination unit 1140 may be determined based solely on the match of attributes, or it may be determined based not only on the attributes but also on whether one or more keywords included in the question accepted by the question accepting unit 1125 are also included in the questions in the question-answering information DB. Keywords can be extracted by natural language analysis of the question. The similarity between the question accepted by the question accepting unit 1125 and the questions in the question-answering information DB may be calculated, and the question may be determined to be answerable if the similarity is greater than a predetermined value. The similarity may be calculated as the percentage of keywords included in both the question accepted by the question accepting unit 1125 and the questions in the question-answering information DB to the total keywords. The answer possibility determination unit 1140 may determine that this ratio matches (answer is possible) if it is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 80%), and that it does not match (answer is impossible) if it is less than the predetermined value.

[0028] When the question and answer registration unit 1120 registers the answer information for a question, the deceased or the inheritance expert may register many variations of the question by changing the wording, etc. Registering many variations of the question increases the likelihood that the answerability determination unit 1140 will determine that the question is answerable.

[0029] The heir's property allocation information change receiving unit 1143 receives an heir's request for a change to the heir's property allocation information established by the deceased and registers the changed heir's property allocation information. The heir's request for a change may not only be to increase the amount of inherited property included in the heir's property allocation information established by the deceased, but also to add a type of inherited property. Specifically, the heir's request for an inheritance type of property (e.g., a loan) not included in the original heir's property allocation information may be received and registered. The heir's property allocation information change receiving unit 1143 does not accept changes to property types for which an unchangeable flag is set. After the heir's property allocation information change receiving unit 1143 registers the change, the question receiving unit 1125 may again accept a question from the heir regarding the heir's property allocation information. The question and answer registration unit 1120 may register questions and answers, assuming that the heir's property allocation information change receiving unit 1143 will accept the change. It is also possible that the question receiving unit 1125 does not receive questions, but simply conveys to each heir the heir property allocation information as a result of the changes made by the heir property allocation information change receiving unit 1143. In either case, an avatar of the deceased person may be displayed on the user terminal 2, and the avatar of the deceased person may explain the heir property allocation information by voice while interacting with the heir.

[0030] The monitoring unit 1145 monitors whether there are any users other than the heir near the user terminal 2. Specifically, it monitors whether the voice acquired through the microphone 23 of the user terminal 2 or the facial image acquired through the camera 25 matches the biometric information of the heir. If it is determined that the voice does not match the biometric information of the heir, the processing may be interrupted, or the heir may be asked to confirm the identity of the person acquired through the microphone 23 of the user terminal 2 or the person acquired through the voice or camera 25. The heir information registration unit 1110 may register biometric information of family members (e.g., spouse, child) as information about the heir's family, and identify the person using the biometric information. If the person can be identified, the person's name may be used to confirm the identity. The deceased's avatar displayed on the screen may be made to speak to prompt the heir to confirm. If the heir does not respond within a certain period of time to the heir's avatar's voice prompting confirmation, the processing may be interrupted.

[0031] If the answerability determination unit 1140 determines that the question is not answerable, the inheritance question external linkage unit 1150 transmits the question to the inheritance question answering device 3 via the communication unit 17 and receives an answer from the inheritance question answering device 3 via the communication unit 17. The inheritance question answering device 3 is a device that answers questions about inheritance and has the functionality of a generation AI. By determining the direction of the conversation, it is possible to obtain an accurate answer in one try, rather than an answer to an ambiguous question. The inheritance question external linkage unit 1150 generates a question that includes a control statement for determining the direction of the conversation, the content of the conversation between the heir and the deceased avatar, information about the deceased, and information about the heir. If the control statement includes information that the answerer is an inheritance expert, the inheritance question answering device 3 can be expected to provide an answer as an inheritance expert. If the content of the conversation between the heir and the deceased avatar is included, the answer from the inheritance question answering device 3 can be expected to not overlap with the content of the previous conversation. By including in the heir information image information of the heir obtained through the microphone 23 of the user terminal 2 and audio information of the heir obtained through the camera 25, the answer from the inheritance question answering device 3 can be expected to take into account the temperament and character of the heir.

[0032] The communication unit 17 controls communication between the inheritance support device 1 and the user terminal 2, and communication between the inheritance support device 1 and the inheritance question and answer device 3.

[0033] 2B is a block diagram showing the configuration of the user terminal 2. The user terminal 2 is a computer having a control unit 21 including a CPU, RAM, and ROM, and a storage unit 22, and each process described below is executed by this control unit 21. The user terminal 2 can constantly photograph the user using a camera 25, can capture the voice of the user using a microphone 23, can output the voice data received from the inheritance support device 1 using a speaker 24, and can output the image data received from the inheritance support device 1 using a display unit 29.

[0034] The user terminal 2 can capture biometric information of the deceased, which will be described later, using the camera 25 or the microphone 23. The user terminal 2 can output, via the speaker 24, a voice generated using a voice model of the deceased, which will be described later. If the deceased information registration unit 1105 has registered not only the voice model but also a facial expression model of the deceased, the facial expressions generated using the facial expression model may be output to the display unit 29. Using the voice model and facial expression model, it is possible to generate movements of the deceased, just as they would have done when they were alive.

[0035] 2C is a block diagram showing the configuration of the inheritance question answering device 3. The inheritance question answering device 3 is a computer having a control unit 31 including a CPU, RAM, and ROM, and a storage unit 32. The inheritance question answering device 3 may have not only knowledge about inheritance but also general knowledge in the storage unit 32, and may be a device that answers general questions based on the general knowledge.

[0036] The control unit 31 executes the following functions as an application program stored in the memory unit 32: It performs natural language analysis on questions received from the inheritance support device 1 via the communication unit 37, selects and extracts answers from the memory unit 32, and generates answers. It transmits the generated answers to the inheritance support device 1 via the communication unit 37. The memory unit 32 stores general information related to inheritance, such as effective ways to use and distribute inherited assets. The communication unit 37 sends and receives information to and from the inheritance support device 1.

[0037] FIG. 3A shows the layout of the decedent information DB. The decedent information DB is registered based on the flowchart for registering decedent information, which will be described later. The decedent identifier is an identifier that identifies the decedent. The name, date of birth, age, and occupation are entered by the decedent or a tax accountant (hereinafter referred to as the inheritance expert) via the user terminal 2. Biometric information (face) and biometric information (voice) are entered by the decedent through the camera 25 or microphone 23 of the user terminal 2 and are registered in the decedent information DB. The biometric information is image information or voice information obtained through the microphone 23 or camera 25, and may also be information converted so that it can be used as authentication information. The voice model is a model for reproducing any text information as the decedent's voice. The decedent may register assets (assets and debts) themselves, or the inheritance expert may register information obtained from an interview with the decedent.

[0038] Figure 3B is a diagram showing the layout of the heir information DB. The heir information DB is registered based on the heir information registration flowchart described below. The deceased identifier is an identifier that identifies the deceased as described above. The heir identifier is an identifier that identifies the heir. For ease of understanding, the heir identifier is the deceased identifier with a branch number added, but such a system is not necessary. The relationship with the deceased indicates the relationship between the heir and the deceased. The name, date of birth, age, and occupation are entered by each heir or inheritance expert via the user terminal 2.

[0039] Figure 3C shows the layout of the heir property distribution information DB. The heir property distribution information DB is registered based on the inheritance property distribution information registration flowchart described below. The deceased's identifier, heir's identifier, relationship to the deceased, and name are the same as the information registered in the heir information DB described above. The deceased, in consultation with an inheritance specialist, or the inheritance specialist, registers the information in the heir property distribution information DB, taking into consideration the past, present, and past interactions between the deceased and the heirs, as well as the closeness and consensus between the heirs.

[0040] For example, let's say the deceased is 76 years old, is the chairman of a company, owns assets worth 850 million yen, including land, a house, company stock, other stocks, cash deposits, death benefits, and loans to the company, and has bank debts of 50 million yen.The deceased has the following ideas about distributing assets to his spouse, eldest daughter, eldest son, second daughter, and third daughter.

[0041] More than half of the inheritance will be left to the spouse. Company stock will be distributed among the four children. The home (house and land) will be left to the spouse. The eldest son, second daughter, and third daughter, who live on the same property, will each inherit the home as is. The spouse will initially pay the full amount of each heir's tax payment funds, which will then be repaid to the spouse. Bank debts will be borne by the heirs of cash and savings. Based on these ideas, the deceased will consult with an inheritance specialist to consider information on the distribution of assets to heirs.

[0042] Another approach is to have each heir contribute their share of the tax payment. If you have four children and want your eldest son to inherit the company, you can allocate all of your company's stock to him.

[0043] The deceased person, in consultation with an inheritance specialist, registers their assets in the database of information on the distribution of assets to heirs so that their heirs can inherit smoothly after their death.

[0044] In addition, the information on the distribution of assets to heirs is accessible only to the deceased and the inheritance specialist, and is configured so that it cannot be accessed by the heirs. If the relationship between the deceased and the heirs is good, the deceased may indicate this to the heirs verbally or by other means, but even if the relationship with the heir is good, the relationship with the other heirs may not necessarily be good, so in principle, the information is configured so that it cannot be accessed by the heirs.

[0045] 3D is a diagram showing the layout of the question and answer information (individual) DB. The question and answer information (individual) DB is registered based on the question and answer information (individual) registration flowchart described below. The deceased's identifier, heir's identifier, relationship to the deceased, and name are the same as those in the heir's property distribution information DB.

[0046] Each heir is expected to ask the deceased questions about their asset allocation. This database is used to pre-register answers to those questions. Questions from heirs are assumed to have attributes. Attributes include reason (why the allocation was made that way), request (a request to change the asset allocation), and gratitude (from the heir to the deceased, or from the deceased to the heir). Attributes are registered for each question. Attributes other than reason, request, and gratitude are registered as "other." Attributes may be added while the system is in operation. For example, attributes such as satisfaction and indifference may be added. Expected questions and answers from heirs are registered. Even if the deceased may be hesitant to directly explain things to their heirs while they are still alive, it is likely possible to register them in advance. After the deceased's death, the deceased avatar will explain these answers to the heirs, just as if the deceased had explained things to them while they were alive. Any number of questions may be prepared for each heir.

[0047] 3E is a diagram showing the layout of the question answer information (general) DB. The question answer information (general) DB is a DB in which the inheritance question external linking unit 1150 sends a question that the answer feasibility determination unit 1140 has determined cannot be answered because it is not registered in the question answer information (individual) DB, and registers the answer received from the inheritance question answering device 3. Attributes of the question may be registered based on keywords obtained by analyzing the question sent to the inheritance question answering device 3 and the answer received. For example, attributes such as effective use and gifting may be extracted. The answer feasibility determination unit 1140 may determine whether an answer is possible by referring to not only the question answer information (individual) DB but also the question answer information (general) DB.

[0048] Figure 4A is a flowchart for registering decedent information. The decedent logs in to the system using a decedent identifier (step 411). The decedent may log in themselves, or an inheritance specialist may log in on their behalf. Hereinafter, this will be referred to as the decedent. The decedent registers their name and date of birth on the decedent information registration screen (Figure 8A) (step 412). The decedent then registers their biometric information. Specifically, they may register their voice via microphone 23, a still image (face) or video via camera 25, or a fingerprint via scanner 26 (step 413). The system generates a voice model for reproducing the voice from the registered biometric information and registers it in the decedent information database (step 414). Technology for generating a voice model from biometric information can be realized, for example, by the method described in JP Patent Publication No. 2023-501074. Once the voice model is registered, a simulation of the pronunciation of sentences, etc., may be performed based on the voice model. The voice model may be repeatedly registered until the voice can be reproduced as if it were the voice of the deceased, with the deceased person personally confirming it. The decedent's property information (for example, cash, credit, real estate) is registered on the decedent information registration screen 8A (step 415).

[0049] FIG. 4B is a flowchart for registering heir information in the DB. The heir logs in to the system using an heir identifier (step 421). The heir may log in himself or herself, or an inheritance expert may log in on behalf of the heir. These individuals will be referred to as heirs hereafter. The heirs register their name, date of birth, and relationship to the heir on the heir information registration screen 8B (8B1, 8B2, 8B3, ...) (step 422). The heirs register their biometric information. Specifically, they register their voice via microphone 23, and register still images (faces) or videos via camera 25 (step 423). Using this biometric information, monitoring unit 1145, described later, monitors whether anyone other than the heirs is using the system.

[0050] Figure 4C is a flowchart for registering information on distribution to heirs in the heir distribution information DB. The heir logs in to this system using an heir identifier (step 431). The inheritance expert registers the results of a conversation with the deceased nearby, or a prior consultation with the deceased, in the heir distribution information DB via the heir property distribution information screen 8C (step 432). This process is repeated for each heir. A flag is entered for property types that do not accept changes from the heir regarding the distribution information on the property (step 433).

[0051] FIG. 4D is a flowchart for registering question and answer information (individual) in the DB. The heir logs in to this system using an heir identifier (step 441). The inheritance expert reviews the questions and answers expected for each heir in consultation with the deceased, and the user registers the answers in the question and answer information (individual) DB from the question and answer information (individual) registration screen 8D (8D1, 8D2, ...). When registering an answer, the answer's attributes may also be registered. Alternatively, the question and answer registration unit 1120 may perform natural language analysis on the content of the question to determine the question's attributes and register them in the question and answer information (individual) DB.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the process for responding to questions from heirs. The heir logs in to the system using an heir identifier (step 501). The heir information database is referenced to determine the heir corresponding to the heir identifier, and an image of the heir (biometric facial information) is displayed on the conversation screen 91 with the heir (step 502). Along with the image of the heir displayed, a voice message based on the decedent's voice model may be output, such as, "It's been a while. How are you doing? How is your grandson, Takashi, doing? Are you going to have a second child soon?" Based on information collected by an inheritance expert and registered in the heir information database or information previously registered by the heir, the heir's property distribution information is displayed (step 503). The heir asks a question by voice through the microphone 23 or by input via the input unit 28. The question receiving unit 1125 receives the question (step 504). The question analysis unit 1135 performs natural language analysis on the received question and extracts the question's attributes. The attribute of the question is determined to be a reason (want to know the reason for the asset distribution), a request (want to increase the share of the asset distribution), or gratitude. If the attribute of the question is none of reason, request, or gratitude, or if no answer is found by searching the question and answer information (individual) DB using the attribute, the answer possibility determination unit 1140 determines that an answer is impossible. If the attribute of the question is one of reason, request, or gratitude, and an answer is found by searching the question and answer information (individual) DB using the attribute, the answer possibility determination unit 1140 determines that an answer is possible (step 506). If it determines that an answer is impossible, the question is asked to the inheritance question and answering device 3. For example, a question such as "You are an inheritance expert such as a tax accountant. From that perspective, we would like you to answer questions from heirs about the effective use of inherited assets" is sent to the inheritance question and answering device 3, and the answer is received (step 507). It is preferable to send a question such as the one above to the inheritance question and answering device 3, since a more accurate answer can be obtained by clarifying the position when requesting an answer from the inheritance question and answering device 3. The question and answer registration unit 1120 registers the received question and answer in the question and answer information (general) DB (step 508). The questions and answers registered in the question and answer information (general) DB may be made reusable. The answer output unit 1130 outputs the received answer based on the voice model of the deceased (step 509).If there is a facial information model of the heir, the facial expression can be changed based on that model, and the output can be audio and facial image (video). Returning to step 506, if it is determined that an answer is possible, an answer is obtained from the question and answer information (individual) DB (step 510). The output is the same as when it is determined that an answer is impossible (step 509).

[0053] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of monitoring while an heir logs in using an heir identifier. When the heir accepts login using the heir identifier, the monitoring unit 1145 starts monitoring (step 601). Authentication information, which is biometric information of the heir identified by the heir identifier, is acquired (step 602). Information about the environment surrounding the user terminal 2 is acquired via the camera 25 or microphone 23 (step 603). Monitoring is performed based on the heir's biometric information (face) and biometric information (voice) and the acquired information (step 4). Specifically, monitoring is performed to determine whether the information about the environment surrounding the user terminal 2 (biometric information (face) and biometric information (voice)) matches the heir's biometric information (face) and biometric information (voice) (step 604). If it is determined that someone other than the heir is present, the monitoring unit 1145 prompts the heir to confirm the person (step 606). The monitoring unit 1145 outputs a question by voice or text. The monitoring unit 1145 accepts a response from the heir (step 606). The monitoring unit 1145 determines whether there is a response (step 607). If there is no response within a certain time, it is determined that there is no response. If there is no response, the monitoring unit 1145 stops the conversation between the heir and the deceased person avatar (step 609). Specifically, it stops displaying the deceased person avatar. This is because it is undesirable for anyone other than the heir to see or hear the response from the deceased person avatar to the heir. If there is a response, the conversation is also stopped if the person other than the heir is not the intended person (step 609). If the person is the intended person, the conversation between the heir and the deceased person avatar continues (step 610). This is because if the intended person is the intended person, there is no problem with them seeing or hearing the response from the deceased person avatar to the heir. Note that intended people include those who do not mind knowing the inheritance property distribution information, such as inheritance experts or the heir's children, or those who have little interest in the inheritance property.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing how each heir answers questions. The control unit 11 registers the order in which the heirs or inheritance experts will accept questions from the heirs (step 701). The control unit 11 accepts questions from the heirs (step 702). The answer output unit 1130 outputs answers to the questions (step 703). The heir property distribution information change reception unit 1143 accepts requests for property distribution information from the heirs (step 704). The heir property distribution information registration unit 1115 registers the requests in the heir property distribution information DB (step 705). The heir property distribution information registration unit 1115 determines whether questions from all heirs have been answered (step 706). If the heir property distribution information registration unit 1115 determines that questions have not been answered, it accepts questions from heirs who have not yet answered (step 702). When the heir property distribution information registration unit 1115 determines that the process is complete, it adjusts the heir property distribution information and registers it in the heir property distribution information DB (step 707). Specifically, among the property types for which an heir requested an increase, property types for which the non-change flag is set will not be increased. For example, changes will not be accepted for Company A stocks. If an heir requests an increase and the heir's property distribution information is lower than the legal heir's ratio by a predetermined amount, property types for which no other heirs requested an increase may be increased. Property types for which the non-change flag is not set may be increased. For example, the eldest daughter's initial property distribution information is 5.0%, despite the legal ratio being 12.5%. If no other heirs request an increase in loan receivables, the loan receivables may be increased to the eldest daughter. In addition, the inheritance expert may interview the deceased to determine the extent to which the increase is permitted during their lifetime and set a limit on the increase in the amount in advance. If an increase is permitted, an answer corresponding to the increase may be prepared and output by the deceased person's avatar.

[0055] Figure 8A is a screen for registering decedent information. This screen is used in the decedent information registration flowchart. The decedent identifier is an identifier that identifies the decedent, and is also the user ID used by the decedent when logging in to the inheritance support system 100. The name and date of birth are entered by the decedent on the decedent information registration screen 8A. The age may be automatically calculated from the date of birth. The occupation is entered by the decedent on the decedent information registration screen 8A. Biometric information (face) is registered as information photographed of the decedent using camera 25. The system may display a flag on the screen indicating whether the information is registered, or if so, the file name (ABC.jpg).

[0056] Figure 8B is the screen for registering heir information. This screen is used in the heir information registration flowchart. The heir identifier is an identifier that identifies the heir, and is also the user ID when the heir logs in to the inheritance support system 100. For the relationship to the deceased, enter the relationship between each heir and the deceased (e.g., wife, eldest son, eldest daughter, second son, second daughter, etc.). In the same section as the deceased information, enter the application, date of birth, age, and occupation. Each heir enters this information.

[0057] As information about the heir, biometric information (face) and biometric information (voice) are registered via the microphone 23 and camera 25. Authentication information may be generated from the biometric information.

[0058] Regarding the spouse, if there is a spouse, the name and date of birth may be registered. If there are children, the names, dates of birth, and gender of the children may also be registered. This information can be used as reference when the deceased's avatar converses with the heir.

[0059] Figure 8C is a screen for registering heir property distribution information. This screen is used in the heir property distribution information registration flowchart. Screen 8C11 is a screen for entering property distribution information for each heir and each type of property. Screen 8C12 is a screen for displaying property distribution information in a graph based on the property distribution information entered on screen 8C11. Screen 8C12 is a screen for displaying the distribution determined for each legal heir. An inheritance expert enters this information while listening to the deceased's property and their intentions regarding property distribution. The heir or inheritance expert enters property distribution information on screen 8C11 while comparing the property distribution information on 8C12 with the legal heir distribution ratios on 8C13. The inheritance expert will register the property distribution information based on the legal heir distribution ratios (e.g., if there is a wife and two children, the wife will be 1 / 2, the children will be 1 / 4, and the children will be 1 / 4). Furthermore, depending on the type of property, the deceased may not allow the determined distribution information to be changed. For such property types, a non-changeable flag can be set. If an heir wishes to increase the property distribution, the information on the non-changeable flag may be checked and adjustments made. Although not shown, it is also possible to register which heir will pay the expenses incurred due to the inheritance. The amount of inherited cash deposits can be registered for the person who will bear the expenses incurred due to the inheritance so that they can be paid.

[0060] It is desirable that information on the distribution of assets to the heirs be withheld from the heirs while the deceased is alive, and that it be disclosed only after the death of the deceased.

[0061] Figure 8D shows a screen for registering anticipated questions and answers for each heir. This screen is used in the question and answer registration flowchart. An inheritance expert registers questions based on the deceased's family situation and the deceased's feelings of affection, gratitude, and confidence toward the heir. Questions are assigned attributes such as "reason," "request," and "gratitude," as they may be used to determine whether the question is related to the reason or to express a distribution request. Assigning attributes to each question facilitates advance consideration and input. "Gratitude" can refer to either gratitude from the deceased to the heir or gratitude from the heir to the deceased. The deceased's avatar may convey to the heir on behalf of the deceased feelings of gratitude that the deceased was unable to express properly during their lifetime. Attributes can be entered on the screen by the deceased or the inheritance expert. Alternatively, the question and answer registration unit 1120 can perform natural language analysis of the input question to determine whether the question is related to "reason," "request," or "gratitude," and then register the determined attribute.

[0062] Figure 8E shows the heir property distribution information display screen when the deceased avatar is conversing with an heir. When the deceased avatar, which will be described later, is conversing with an heir, the control unit 11 displays each heir's property distribution information on the heir property distribution information display screen. For each heir property distribution information, not only the amount for each property type but also the percentage of the total inheritance amount for all heirs is displayed. On this display screen, the heir can judge the appropriateness of the total amount (the appropriateness of the amount as a legal heir). In addition, the amount for each property type is also displayed, so the heir can assert their wishes for each property type.

[0063] 8E1 to 8E5 are screens for the spouse, eldest daughter, eldest son, second daughter, and third daughter, respectively. The amounts are different, but the display method is the same.

[0064] Figure 9 is an example of a conversation between a deceased person's avatar and an heir. When an heir logs in to the inheritance support system 100 using an heir's identifier, the deceased person is identified based on the heir's identifier. An image of the deceased person's face is displayed on the screen. A conversation then begins between the heir and the deceased person's avatar. The conversation may begin with the heir inputting text on the screen, and the deceased's response may also be displayed in text. In this explanation, the heir inputs voice through the microphone 23, and the deceased's response is output through the speaker 24.

[0065] The heir speaks through the microphone 23, "This is Kota. How is your father?" (step 911). The control unit 11 acquires the heir's voice via the communication unit 17. The control unit 11 transmits and receives voice information via the communication unit 17 every time, so the following description will omit the process of using the communication unit 17. The control unit 11 analyzes the heir's voice information to determine whether it is a simple greeting. If it is a greeting, the control unit 11 may generate or change a response message based on the age, gender, and address of the deceased during their lifetime. The response message may also be changed based on the date, time, weather, and location. For example, the control unit 11 may generate a response message such as "It's gotten really cold in the mornings and evenings. Be careful not to catch the flu." The control unit 11 outputs the generated response message through the speaker 24, saying, "Hey, I'm fine. He's already dead. How about Kota? How are you? Is work going well?" (step 921). An avatar of the deceased is displayed on the screen, and the content changes depending on the personality, gender, and address of the deceased when they were alive. Audio is output based on a voice model of the deceased, giving the heir the feeling that they are actually conversing with the deceased when they were alive.

[0066] The heir utters, "Thanks to you, I'm managing somehow" (step 912). The control unit 11 then utters the following dialogue: "The reason I asked you to come today is so I can explain to you about the distribution of the property" (step 922). The first utterance should be a standard phrase that is modified based on the age, gender, and dialect of the deceased. The deceased's avatar then utters the modified dialogue using the deceased's voice model in the same way. The heir utters, "Thank you very much" (step 913). The control unit 11 then displays the heir's property distribution information on the screen. The control unit 11 then utters the deceased's avatar, "This is your share." Based on the information on the assets to be distributed to the heirs, the control unit 11 generates the sentence, "The shares of Company A are worth 70 million yen, and the land and building are worth 70 million yen. The legal heir ratio is 12.5%, but your share is more than that." and has the deceased person avatar speak this sentence (step 924).

[0067] If the heir does not ask a question within a predetermined time, the control unit 11 causes the decedent's avatar to say, "If you have any questions, I'll listen to them" to prompt the heir to ask a question (step 925). The heir says, "I appreciate the allocation ratio. However, I'm the president of Company A, so why can't I have all of the Company A shares?" (step 915). The question analysis unit 1135 performs natural language analysis on the content spoken by the heir and determines that the attribute of the inheritance property question related to the question is "reason." The control unit 11 obtains the answer from the question and answer information (individual) DB. The control unit 11 causes the heir's decedent avatar to say, "The reason is that I'm worried about leaving the company's operations to Kota alone, so I've decided to distribute the Company A shares to my four children." (step 926). The heir then says, "If it's difficult for me to inherit the Company A shares, could I have shares other than those of Company A?" (step 916). The question analysis unit 1135 analyzes that the attribute of the question is "request" and that the inheritance property type is a "request" for "stocks other than Company A." The question analysis unit 1135 searches the heir property distribution information DB and analyzes that if the property type is "stocks of Company A," the request for change cannot be granted. Since the property type is not "stocks of Company A," the analysis determines that the request for change can be granted. The control unit 11 causes the heir / decedent avatar to say, "I've heard your request. I'll also listen to the requests of my other children and make a decision." (Step 927). This standard phrase may also be changed depending on the age, gender, and dialect of the decedent. The heir property distribution information change receiving unit 1143 registers in the heir property distribution information DB that the heir wished to inherit "stocks other than Company A."

[0068] The heir utters, "I understand. Is there any effective way to use my father's assets?" (step 917). The question analysis unit 1135 analyzes the question, searches the question and answer information (individual) DB, and if it determines that there is no answer to the question, the answer possibility determination unit 1140 determines that an answer is impossible. The inheritance question external linkage unit 1150 transmits the question to the inheritance question answering device 3 via the communication unit 17 and receives the answer. Specifically, the inheritance question external linkage unit 1150 generates a document stating, "You are an inheritance expert. Is there any effective way to use the inheritance of the company's chairman, who founded his own company and owns assets worth 800 million yen?" This document is generated by combining a control document for determining the direction of the conversation when asking a question to the generation AI, followed by a summary of the deceased's assets and the heir's question. Assume that the inheritance question answering device 3 responds with, "Since you founded a company and are receiving support from the local community, I suggest you donate it to local industrial development." The inheritance question external linking unit 1150 registers the question and its answer in the question and answer information (general) DB. The answer output unit 1130 generates a conversational sentence. Specifically, the answer is generated by combining information about the deceased (e.g., "He had a hard time when he was young." "He was looked after by the local community.") with the answer received from the inheritance question and answering device 3. The answer output unit 1130 causes the heir / decedent avatar to say, "Wait a moment. Let's think about it. That's right, I started a company and everyone in the local community looked after me. Let's consider contributing to the development of local industry." (Step 928). The heir says, "Okay. Well then, Dad, take care." (Step 918). When the question analysis unit 1135 determines that the conversation has ended, it causes the heir / decedent avatar to say, "You take care too." (Step 929). A standard phrase for the end of a conversation may be stored in advance and used.

[0069] In this embodiment, a deceased person who may have hesitated to inform their heirs of the distribution of their assets while alive can register their feelings beforehand, and after the death of the deceased, the deceased's feelings can be conveyed on the screen by an avatar of the deceased. The heirs can learn about the deceased's hesitation through the avatar of the deceased.

[0070] In this embodiment, questions that the heir will likely ask the deceased are registered in advance, so that the deceased's avatar can answer the questions from the heir.

[0071] In this embodiment, unexpected questions can be posed to the inheritance question answering device 3, and the answers can be provided to the heir. The decedent's avatar can also provide answers to various questions from the heir, making the heir feel as if they were having a conversation with the decedent when they were alive, and allowing them to understand the decedent's thoughts when they were alive.

[0072] (Other embodiments) In another embodiment, the deceased may be able to confirm in advance that the deceased avatar will answer questions from the heirs while he or she is still alive. By checking the answers of the deceased avatar in advance, if the content seems strange, the deceased may correct the answer to the question and register it again in the question answer information (individual) DB. By checking the answers of the deceased avatar by voice, if the voice sounds strange, the voice model may be registered again in the heir information DB.

[0073] In other embodiments, if an heir requests a change to the allocation of heir assets, and multiple heirs request changes to a specific asset type but no other asset types, the heirs may make adjustments to the former asset type and then use the latter asset to make up the shortfall. For example, if multiple heirs request an increase in the amount of stocks other than Company A, but no heirs request an increase in loans, the asset type "loan" may be adjusted to satisfy the increase request for the asset type "stocks other than Company A."

[0074] In another embodiment, the heirs' requests for changes to the heir's asset allocation may be accepted, and the deceased avatar may explain the results of the adjustments to the heir's asset allocation information to each heir via voice. For example, if a response to a question such as "You requested an increase in the amount of 'stocks other than Company A,' but your siblings have also requested increases. We will fulfill your request by increasing the amount of 'loan receivables,' rather than 'stocks other than Company A,'" is prepared, the response output unit 1130 can cause the heir / decedent avatar to vocalize the above content. Because the deceased avatar vocalizes using the deceased's voice model, the heirs will likely feel as if the deceased had made adjustments with the other heirs, which will likely be satisfactory.

[0075] In this embodiment, the answer is reproduced as audio based on the audio model. However, the answer output unit 1130 may also reproduce the facial expression of the deceased's facial image based on a facial expression model. The facial expression model may be generated, for example, by the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-127042. The generated facial expression model allows the deceased's avatar to converse with the heir as if it were the deceased, both in terms of facial expression and voice. When registering an answer, the question and answer registration unit 1120 may also register the deceased's emotions and feelings. When the answer output unit 1130 outputs an answer using the deceased's avatar, it may generate and output a facial expression of the deceased's avatar based on the facial expression model and the deceased's emotions and feelings registered in each answer. The deceased's gratitude to the heir is displayed as the facial expression of the deceased's avatar.

[0076] In this embodiment, the answers received from the inheritance question answering device 3 are stored in the question and answer information (general) DB, but in other embodiments, questions and answers registered in the question and answer information (general) DB may be reused. Specifically, even for questions not stored in the question and answer information (individual) DB, if a similar question is found by referring to the question and answer information (general) DB, the answer to that question may be output.

[0077] In another embodiment, information about the heir (company, friends) and information about the heir's family (spouse, children) may be registered in advance in the heir information database, allowing the deceased person's avatar to converse with the heir.

[0078] In another embodiment, after the deceased avatar has finished a dialogue with one heir, when the deceased avatar starts a dialogue with another heir, the deceased avatar may convey the content of the dialogue with the one heir. Specifically, if one heir is satisfied with his or her property distribution and there are no problems, the control unit 11 may have the deceased avatar convey that information to the other heirs. Conversely, if one heir is dissatisfied with his or her property distribution, the control unit 11 may have the deceased avatar convey that information to the other heirs. When the deceased avatar converses with a trusted heir, the content of the conversation with the other heirs may be conveyed. The deceased may be able to set whether or not to convey the content of the conversation with one heir when conversing with other heirs. This may be decided in advance through discussion between the deceased and an inheritance expert.

[0079] In another embodiment, the order in which questions from the heirs are accepted may be determined in advance. Questions may be accepted from heirs who are likely to be satisfied with their heir property distribution information, so that the heirs are satisfied in turn. Conversely, questions may be accepted from heirs who are likely to be dissatisfied with their heir property distribution information, so that the heirs are satisfied in turn. The order in which all heirs will be satisfied may be decided in consultation between the deceased and an inheritance expert before the deceased's death.

[0080] In another embodiment, when an heir is having a conversation with the deceased person avatar, if the monitoring unit 1145 determines that a person other than the heir is present, and the person has been registered in advance as a third party who should be present (for example, the spouse of the heir who is not dissatisfied with the deceased person's property distribution information), the conversation may be continued. If the third party is any other than the heir, the conversation may be stopped.

[0081] In this embodiment, an embodiment in which one heir converses with the deceased person avatar has been described, but in other embodiments, multiple heirs (for example, the eldest daughter and the second daughter) may converse with the heir avatar. In this case, logins may be accepted using multiple heir identifiers. When multiple heirs converse with the deceased person avatar, the question accepting unit 1125 may refer to the biometric information (voice) of the heirs registered in the heir information registration DB, recognize which heir's question it is, and then extract and output the answer from the question and answer information (individual) DB.

[0082] In this embodiment, an embodiment in which the heir converses with a deceased avatar has been described, but in other embodiments, the heir may converse with two deceased avatars (e.g., the father who died earlier and the mother who has just died), or the two deceased avatars may converse with each other. This can be handled by having the question and answer registration unit 1120 register answers during the previous deceased's lifetime, assuming inheritance from not only the deceased (father) but also future deceased (mother) inheritances.

[0083] In this embodiment, the inheritance support system 100 is described as being composed of the inheritance support device 1, the user terminal 2, and the inheritance question and answer device 3, but it may also be implemented as an inheritance support method in which each step is executed by a computer. The inheritance support method includes a decedent information registration step for registering decedent information including a decedent identifier, which is an identifier for identifying the decedent, the name, date of birth, and assets; an heir information registration step for registering heir information including an heir identifier, which is an identifier for identifying the heir, the name, date of birth, and relationship to the decedent; an output step for outputting the decedent information and the heir information; an heir property distribution information registration step for registering heir property distribution information, which is information about the assets to be distributed from the heir's estate to each heir; a question and answer registration step for registering question and answer information including questions expected from the heirs regarding the heir property distribution information and answers to those questions; a question reception step for receiving questions from the heirs; an heir property distribution information output step for outputting heir property distribution information corresponding to the heir identifier of the heir whose question was received; and an answer output step for outputting answers to the questions after the decedent's death by referring to the question and answer information. The control unit 11 of the inheritance support device 1 may execute each of the above steps, or multiple devices may execute each step in cooperation with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1. Inheritance Support Device 11 Control section 1105 Decedent Information Registration Department 1110 Heir Information Registration Department 1113 Output section 1115 Inheritance Property Registration Department 1120 Question and Answer Registration Department 1125 Question Reception Department 1128 Heir property distribution information output unit 1130 Answer output section 1135 Question Analysis Department 1140 Answer possibility judgment section 1143 Inheritance property distribution information change reception department 1145 Monitoring Department 1150 Inheritance Questions External Cooperation Department 12 Storage section 17 Communications Department 2. User terminal 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23. Mike 24 speakers 25 Camera 26 Scanner 27 Communications Department 28 Input section 29 Display section 3. Inheritance Question Answering Device 31 Control Unit 32 Storage section 37 Communications Department 8A Decedent information registration screen 8B Heir information registration screen 8C Heir property distribution information (individual) registration screen 8D Question and Answer Information Registration Screen 9 Conversation screen with the deceased

Claims

1. The decedent's inheritance, including the decedent's identifier, name, date of birth, and assets a decedent information registration unit that registers personal information; Heir identifier, which is an identifier for identifying the heir, name, date of birth, relationship to the deceased an heir information registration unit that registers heir information including the an output unit that outputs the decedent information and the heir information; Heir property, which is information about the property to be distributed to each heir from the estate of the heir. an heir property distribution information registration unit that registers distribution information; Regarding the information on the distribution of assets to the heirs, anticipated questions from the heirs and answers to those questions a question and answer registration unit that registers question and answer information including answers; a question reception section for receiving questions from heirs; The question receiving unit outputs inheritor property distribution information corresponding to the inheritor identifier of the received inheritor. an output unit for outputting information on distribution of assets to heirs; After the death of the deceased, the answer to the question is output by referring to the question and answer information. an output unit; An inheritance support device equipped with the above.

2. the decedent information includes a voice model that is a model that characterizes the voice of the decedent; the answer output unit outputs the answer based on a voice model of the deceased. The inheritance support device according to claim 1.

3. the question and answer information includes an attribute that classifies the question; extracting attributes of the questions by natural language analysis of the questions received by the question receiving unit; a question analysis unit for Depending on whether the attribute of the question and answer information is the same as the attribute extracted by the question analysis unit, a reply possibility determination unit that determines whether a reply to the question is possible; The inheritance support device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. a communication unit that communicates with an inheritance question answering device that answers questions about inheritance; If the answerability determination unit determines that the question cannot be answered, the answerability determination unit and transmits the answer to the inheritance question answering device via the communication unit. It also has an external linkage department for receiving inheritance questions, the answer output unit outputs the answer received by the inheritance question external linkage unit. The inheritance support device according to claim 3.

5. The question and answer registration unit registers the answer received by the inheritance question external linkage unit together with the question. ,register, The inheritance support device according to claim 4.

6. The decedent's inheritance, including the decedent's identifier, name, date of birth, and assets A step of registering information on a decedent to register personal information; Heir identifier, which is an identifier for identifying the heir, name, date of birth, relationship to the deceased an heir information registration step for registering heir information including the an output step of outputting the decedent information and the heir information; Heir property, which is information about the property to be distributed to each heir from the estate of the heir. an heir property distribution information registration step for registering distribution information; Regarding the information on the distribution of assets to the heirs, anticipated questions from the heirs and answers to those questions a question and answer registration step of registering question and answer information including an answer; a question receiving step of receiving questions from the heir; Outputting inheritance property distribution information corresponding to the inheritance identifier of the inheritance that received the question an output step of information on distribution of assets to heirs; After the death of the deceased, the answer to the question is output by referring to the question and answer information. an output step; An inheritance support method in which the above is executed by a computer.

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