Information processing method and information processing system

Abstract

An information processing method according to the present invention comprises: a step for using the histories of a first message which a user inputs into a terminal device (2) and a second message which is transmitted according to the content of the first message, so as to update a schedule that includes content and a timing for transmitting, to the terminal device (2), a third message that is subsequent to the histories; and a step for generating an instruction text for automatically generating a third message according to the histories and the schedule.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method and the like.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, many chatbots that respond according to text or voice input by a user have been used. As a technology using a chatbot, an information processing apparatus that determines the timing of making a response according to the time from when voice data of a user is acquired until a response generated based on the voice data is generated is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The information processing apparatus outputs a response to the chatbot at the determined timing, and by outputting a response from the chatbot, the time from when the chatbot makes a response until it outputs a response can be shortened, and the discomfort of the user can be suppressed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the information processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 cannot generate a message without acquiring voice data of the user and start a conversation with the user on the chatbot. That is, when the number of times the user talks to the chatbot decreases, the opportunity for the chatbot to have a conversation with the user decreases. As a result, in the information processing apparatus, since the chatbot operates passively waiting for a message transmission from the user, there arises a problem that it is difficult to provide support for promoting a change in the user's behavior.

[0005] Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide information processing methods, etc., that can help encourage user behavior change, compared to the case where a chatbot passively operates while waiting for a message to be sent from the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, an information processing method according to one form of the present disclosure is an information processing method performed by a computer, which includes the steps of updating a schedule that includes the timing and content of sending a third message to the terminal device that is in the future than the history, using a history of a first message entered by a user to a terminal device and a second message sent in accordance with the content of the first message; and generating an instruction statement for automatically generating the third message in accordance with the history and the schedule.

[0007] To achieve the above objective, an information processing system according to one form of the present disclosure includes a schedule update unit that updates a schedule including the timing and content of sending a third message to the terminal device that is in the future of the history, using a history of a first message input by a user to a terminal device and a second message transmitted in accordance with the content of the first message, and a schedule update unit that corresponds to the history and the schedule The third of the above It includes an instruction generation unit that generates instruction texts for automatically generating messages.

[0008] To achieve the above objective, a terminal device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a display unit, a control unit for controlling the display unit, and a communication unit for communicating with the above-mentioned information processing system, wherein the control unit transmits the first message input by the user from the communication unit to the information processing system, and causes the third message received by the communication unit from the information processing system to be displayed on the display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] This disclosure provides information processing methods and the like that can help encourage user behavior change, compared to when a chatbot passively operates while waiting for a message to be sent by a user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system including the information processing system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing how the information processing system shown in Figure 1 updates its schedule. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the second instruction statement held by the schedule update unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing how the information processing system shown in Figure 1 generates a third message and updates the schedule. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A shows the third instruction sentence held by the instruction sentence generation unit. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows the first instruction sentence held by the message generation unit. [Figure 5C] Figure 5C shows the fourth instruction statement held by the schedule update unit. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a first example of the message history stored in the message history storage unit and the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of an image displayed on the display unit. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system including the information processing system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing how the information processing system shown in Figure 8 updates its schedule. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing how the information processing system shown in Figure 8 generates a third message and updates the schedule. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of the message history stored in the message history storage unit and the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a modified example of the configuration of a system including the information processing system according to Embodiment 2. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a specific example of the present disclosure. The numerical values, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, order of steps, display examples, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims of the present disclosure are described as optional components. Also, each figure is not necessarily drawn precisely. In each figure, substantially the same configuration is denoted by the same reference numeral, and overlapping descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) [Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system including an information processing system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The system shown in Embodiment 1 is composed of an information processing system 1 and a terminal device 2.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 is a computer that exchanges messages with a user who owns the terminal device 2. The function of the information processing system 1 is realized by giving the generated AI (Artificial Intelligence) of the previous message exchange and causing the generated AI to generate a message according to the exchange. The information processing system 1 may have a generated AI, or may use an external generated AI publicly available on the Internet or the like via the communication unit 111 each time. That is, each component shown in the information processing system 1 can utilize the generated AI.

[0014] A generative AI is an AI that generates text, images, etc. based on learned data. In this specification, generative AIs include language models such as large language models (LLMs).

[0015] The information processing system 1 includes a communication unit 111, a message history storage unit 112, a message history management unit 113, a schedule storage unit 114, a schedule management unit 115, a trigger management unit 116, a directive generation unit 117, a database 118, a database management unit 119, a message generation unit 120, and a schedule update unit 121. Note that the information processing system 1 shown in this embodiment may not include the database 118 and the database management unit 119.

[0016] Also, the message history management unit 113, the schedule management unit 115, the trigger management unit 116, the directive generation unit 117, the database management unit 119, the message generation unit 120, and the schedule update unit 121 are information processing units. The information processing unit is realized by a microcomputer, a processor, or the like. That is, the functions of the information processing unit are realized by a microcomputer, a processor, or the like executing a program stored in a memory.

[0017] The communication unit 111 communicates with the communication unit 24 included in the terminal device 2 described later. The communication unit 111 receives a first message from the communication unit 24 and transmits a second message and a third message generated by the information processing system 1 to the communication unit 24. Also, the communication unit 111 stores the received first message in the message history storage unit 112. Note that the communication between the communication unit 111 and the communication unit 24 may be wired communication or wireless communication. Also, the first message is a message input by the user to the terminal device 2. The second message is a message transmitted in response to the first message. The third message is a message to be transmitted in the future compared to the history of the first message and the second message.

[0018] The message history storage unit 112 stores the history and programs of message exchanges with the user, and is implemented, for example, by memory. Specifically, the message history storage unit 112 stores the first message received by the communication unit 111 and the second message generated by the message generation unit 120 as the message history. The third message is output by the communication unit 111 and then stored in the message history storage unit 112 as the second message. The message history storage unit 112 stores the time when the first message is stored (hereinafter referred to as the reception time) in association with the first message, and stores the time when the communication unit 111 sends the second message and the third message (hereinafter referred to as the transmission time) in association with the second message and the third message.

[0019] The message history management unit 113 reads the message history stored in the message history storage unit 112 and outputs it to the trigger management unit 116, the instruction generation unit 117, the database management unit 119, and the schedule update unit 121.

[0020] The schedule storage unit 114 stores the schedule generated or updated by the schedule update unit 121. The schedule includes the timing for outputting the third message to the terminal device 2 and the content necessary to generate the third message. The schedule storage unit 114 also stores programs, which are implemented, for example, by memory.

[0021] The schedule management unit 115 reads data from the schedule storage unit 114 and searches for a schedule. If a schedule exists, the schedule management unit 115 outputs the schedule to the trigger management unit 116 and the instruction statement generation unit 117.

[0022] The trigger management unit 116 determines whether or not to have the instruction generation unit 117 generate an instruction based on at least one of the message history output by the message history management unit 113 and the schedule output by the schedule management unit 115. Specifically, the trigger management unit 116 makes the determination based on the time associated with each message and the timing included in the schedule. If the time associated with the most recent message in the message history is the reception time or the current time is the time to output the third message (i.e., there is a schedule that satisfies the timing), the trigger management unit 116 outputs a command to the instruction generation unit 117 to generate the first instruction. If the time associated with the most recent message in the message history is the transmission time and the current time is not the time to output the third message (i.e., there is no schedule that satisfies the timing), the trigger management unit 116 does not output the above command to the instruction generation unit 117. The first instruction is data that includes instructions to have the message generation unit 120 generate the second message or the third message.

[0023] When the instruction generation unit 117 receives the above command from the trigger management unit 116, it generates a first instruction based on at least one of the message history output by the message history management unit 113, the schedule output by the schedule management unit 115, and the information output by the database management unit 119. The instruction generation unit 117 generates the first instruction using, for example, a generation AI. The instruction generation unit 117 also outputs the generated first instruction to the message generation unit 120.

[0024] Database 118 stores various information and programs, and is implemented, for example, by memory. Database 118 may be a database that contains information specialized in a particular field. Specifically, database 118 may be a database that contains food information specialized in the field of food, such as cooking recipes, or a database that contains travel information specialized in the field of travel, such as tourist destinations. In this description, database 118 will be assumed to be a database containing food information.

[0025] The database management unit 119 reads and retrieves information related to the message history from the database 118 based on the message history output by the message history management unit 113. For example, the database management unit 119 generates search conditions from multiple words included in the message history and retrieves information that matches those search conditions from the database 118. The database management unit 119 outputs the retrieved information to the instruction statement generation unit 117.

[0026] The database management unit 119 may also use the search criteria to search websites on the internet and obtain information.

[0027] When the message generation unit 120 receives the first instruction output by the instruction generation unit 117, it reads the message history from the message history storage unit 112. Based on the first instruction and the message history, the message generation unit 120 generates a second message or a third message. The message generation unit 120 generates the second message or the third message, for example, using a generation AI. The message generation unit 120 outputs the generated second message or the third message to the communication unit 111. The message generation unit 120 also outputs the generated third message to the schedule update unit 121.

[0028] The schedule update unit 121 updates the schedule when it obtains the message history from the message history management unit 113. Specifically, when the schedule update unit 121 obtains the second or third message output by the message generation unit 120, it reads the message history from the message history storage unit 112 and the schedule from the schedule storage unit 114. The schedule update unit 121 updates the schedule based on the message history, the schedule, and the second or third message. The schedule update unit 121 updates the schedule using, for example, a generation AI. Updating a schedule means generating a new schedule, changing the timing and content included in an existing schedule, and deleting an existing schedule. The schedule update unit 121 also stores the updated schedule in the schedule storage unit 114.

[0029] Terminal device 2 is a terminal device used by the user. Terminal device 2 may be, for example, a portable device such as a smartphone, or a stationary computer.

[0030] Terminal device 2 comprises an input unit 21, a display unit 22, a control unit 23, and a communication unit 24.

[0031] The input unit 21 receives a first message entered by the user. The input unit 21 can be implemented, for example, by a keyboard or mouse. Alternatively, the input unit 21 may be equipped with, for example, a microphone, to receive the first message entered by the user via voice.

[0032] The display unit 22 displays various information. The display unit 22 is implemented, for example, by a liquid crystal display.

[0033] The control unit 23 transmits the first message received by the input unit 21 to the information processing system 1 via the communication unit 24. The control unit 23 displays the first message received by the input unit 21, along with the second and third messages received by the information processing system 1 via the communication unit 24, on the display unit 22. The control unit 23 is implemented by a microcomputer or processor, etc. In other words, the functions of the control unit 23 are realized by the microcomputer or processor, etc., executing a program stored in memory. The memory provided by the terminal device 2 is not shown in the diagram.

[0034] The communication unit 24 communicates with the communication unit 111 provided by the information processing system 1. The communication unit 24 sends a first message to the communication unit 111 and receives a second message and a third message from the communication unit 111.

[0035] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 may communicate with the terminal device 2 via a chatbot. The chatbot may be implemented on a different server from the information processing system 1, or on the same server.

[0036] [Action taken when updating the schedule] Next, we will explain the operation of the information processing system 1 when it updates the schedule using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a flowchart of the process when the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 updates the schedule.

[0037] First, the communication unit 111 receives the first message from the communication unit 24 (step S1).

[0038] The trigger management unit 116 outputs a command to the instruction statement generation unit 117 to generate a first instruction statement based on the message history output by the message history management unit 113. Here, since the time associated with the most recent message in the message history is the reception time associated with the first message received in step S1, the trigger management unit 116 outputs a command to the instruction statement generation unit 117. The instruction statement generation unit 117 then generates the first instruction statement based on the message history (step S2). The instruction statement generation unit 117 may also generate the first instruction statement including information from the database management unit 119.

[0039] The message generation unit 120 generates a second message based on the message history and the first instruction generated by the instruction generation unit 117 in step S2 (step S3). The message generation unit 120 then stores the second message in the message history storage unit 112.

[0040] The communication unit 111 transmits the second message generated by the message generation unit 120 in step S3 to the communication unit 24 of the terminal device 2 (step S4). As a result, the second message is displayed on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 2.

[0041] The schedule update unit 121 determines whether the schedule needs to be updated based on the message history output by the message history management unit 113 (step S5). The schedule update unit 121 uses a generation AI to determine whether the schedule needs to be updated according to the context of the message history. For example, if the schedule update unit 121 determines that the content of the first message received in step S1 accepts or affirms the content of a previous message (the past second message or past third message), or presents an alternative, it determines that the schedule needs to be updated. Also, if the schedule update unit 121 determines that the reception time associated with the message history is close to the date for seasonal greetings (for example, the reception time is within two weeks of the date for greetings), it determines that the schedule needs to be updated. On the other hand, if the schedule update unit 121 determines that the content of the first message received in step S1 accepts or does not affirm the content of a previous message, or requests the presentation of an alternative, it determines that the schedule does not need to be updated. Specific examples of the judgments made in Step S5 will be discussed later.

[0042] If the schedule update unit 121 determines that there is no need to update the schedule (No in step S5), the information processing system 1 terminates its operation.

[0043] If the schedule update unit 121 determines that the schedule needs to be updated (Yes in step S5), the schedule update unit 121 updates the schedule based on the message history (step S6). Specifically, the schedule update unit 121 provides the generation AI with a second instruction statement to update the schedule according to the message history and the message history, causing the generation AI to generate the schedule. Figure 3 shows the second instruction statement held by the schedule update unit 121.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the second instruction includes content that causes the generating AI to generate a schedule based on the History (i.e., the message history). This allows the generating AI to update the schedule based on the second instruction and the message history. Note that in the example shown in Figure 3, the second instruction is presented in a human-readable format for simplicity; however, the second instruction is not limited to this format as long as it is presented in a way that the generating AI can understand. The same applies to the third instruction shown in Figure 5A, the first instruction shown in Figure 5B, and the fourth instruction shown in Figure 5C, which will be discussed later.

[0045] [Action when generating the third message and updating the schedule] Next, we will explain the operation of the information processing system 1 when it generates a third message and updates the schedule using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 when it generates a third message and updates the schedule.

[0046] First, the schedule management unit 115 reads data from the schedule storage unit 114 and searches for a schedule (step S11). Step S11 is performed at predetermined intervals (e.g., every few minutes) regardless of whether the communication unit 111 has received the first message.

[0047] If there is no schedule (No in step S11), the information processing system 1 terminates its operation.

[0048] If a schedule exists (Yes in step S11), the schedule management unit 115 outputs the schedule to the trigger management unit 116. The trigger management unit 116 then determines whether there is a schedule among the acquired schedules that satisfies the timing requirements (step S12).

[0049] If there is no schedule that meets the timing requirements (No in step S12), the information processing system 1 terminates its operation.

[0050] If there is a schedule that satisfies the timing (Yes in step S12), the trigger management unit 116 outputs a command to the instruction statement generation unit 117 to generate a first instruction statement. The instruction statement generation unit 117 then generates a first instruction statement based on the message history and schedule (step S13). The instruction statement generation unit 117 may also generate the first instruction statement including information from the database management unit 119. The instruction statement generation unit 117 provides the generation AI with a third instruction statement to generate a first instruction statement according to the message history and schedule, as well as the message history and schedule, and causes the generation AI to generate the first instruction statement. Figure 5A shows the third instruction statement held by the instruction statement generation unit 117.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5A, the third instruction contains instructions for the generating AI to generate the first instruction based on the History (i.e., the message history) and Schedule (i.e., the schedule). As a result, the generating AI generates the first instruction based on the third instruction, the message history, and the schedule.

[0052] Returning to the explanation in Figure 4, the message generation unit 120 provides the message history and the first instruction to the generation AI (step S14).

[0053] The message generation unit 120 generates a third message (step S15) based on the message history and the first instruction generated by the instruction generation unit 117 in step S13. Figure 5B shows the first instruction held by the message generation unit 120.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5B, the first instruction contains content that causes the message generation AI to generate a third message based on the History (i.e., the message history) and Content (i.e., the instruction). As a result, the message generation unit 120 generates a third message based on the message history and the first instruction.

[0055] Returning to the explanation in Figure 4, the communication unit 111 transmits the third message generated by the message generation unit 120 in step S15 to the communication unit 24 of the terminal device 2 (step S16). As a result, the third message is displayed on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 2.

[0056] The schedule update unit 121 updates the schedule (step S17) based on the third message generated by the message generation unit 120 in step S15, the message history, and the schedule. Specifically, the schedule update unit 121 provides the generation AI with a fourth instruction statement, the message history, the third message, and the schedule, to update the schedule according to the message history, the third message, and the schedule, causing the generation AI to update the schedule. Figure 5C shows the fourth instruction statement held by the schedule update unit 121.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5C, the fourth instruction includes a statement that causes the generating AI to update the schedule based on the History (i.e., the message history and the third message) and the Schedule (i.e., the schedule). As a result, the generating AI updates the schedule based on the fourth instruction, the message history, the third message, and the schedule.

[0058] Returning to the explanation in Figure 4, the order of steps S16 and S17 may be reversed. Also, steps S16 and S17 may be performed simultaneously.

[0059] As explained above, the information processing system 1 includes a schedule update unit 121 that updates a schedule including the timing and content of sending a third message to the terminal device 2, and is therefore capable of sending messages to the user itself.

[0060] Furthermore, since the message generation unit 120 uses a generation AI to generate a third message based on the first instruction, the information processing system 1 can output the third message to the user to the terminal device 2 itself.

[0061] Furthermore, the schedule update unit 121 can update the schedule using the history, schedule, and third message, allowing it to update the schedule in a way that better suits the user's situation.

[0062] [Specific examples of operations performed by information processing systems] A specific example of the operations performed by the information processing system 1 shown in Figures 2 and 4 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a first example of the message history stored in the message history storage unit 112 and the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 114. The message history and schedule above the section marked "Omitted" are the message history and schedule related to the operations shown in Figure 2, and the message history and schedule below the section marked "Omitted" are the message history and schedule related to the operations shown in Figures 2 and 4.

[0063] As shown in Figure 6, the message history is data that includes the contents of the first three columns from the left. Specifically, the message history is data that includes the time, sender, and message. 6 In this context, the message history corresponds to four messages. The time column shows the reception or transmission time as explained above. The sender column shows the entity that sent each message. Note that "bot" listed in the sender column refers to Information Processing System 1. The message column shows the content of the message sent by the sender.

[0064] Furthermore, the schedule is data that includes the contents of the first three columns from the right. Specifically, the schedule includes the time, the Push content, and the status. The time column shows the time at which the third message is generated. The Push content column shows the content necessary to generate the third message. The status column shows either "Created," "Modified," or "Deleted," indicating that the schedule has been created, modified, or deleted.

[0065] First, we will explain the message history and schedule above the section marked "Omitted." The message dated 17:00 on 12 / 13 is the first message sent by the user, and is an example of a message in which the user requests recipe suggestions from the information processing system 1. Then, the message dated 17:01 on 12 / 13 is the second message sent by the information processing system 1, and is an example of a message in which the information processing system 1 suggests a recipe to the user.

[0066] Furthermore, the message with a time of 18:00 on 12 / 13 is the first message sent by the user in response to the message with a time of 17:01 on 12 / 13, and is an example of a message sent when the user accepts the recipe proposed by the information processing system 1. The message with a time of 18:01 on 12 / 13 is the second message sent by the information processing system 1, and is an example of a message sent in response to the first message with a time of 18:00 on 12 / 13. Note that these first and second messages correspond to the first message shown in step S1 and the second message shown in step S4 of Figure 2.

[0067] Here, the schedule update unit 121 determines whether it is necessary to update the schedule based on the message history. Specifically, the schedule update unit 121 determines whether it is necessary to update the schedule based on the most recent messages from the message at 17:00 on 12 / 13 to the message at 18:01 on 12 / 13. In the example in Figure 6, the schedule update unit 121 determines that the content of the message at 18:00 on 12 / 13 accepts the content of the message at 17:01 on 12 / 13, and updates the schedule based on the message history. Specifically, the schedule update unit 121 sets the time to, for example, 12:30 on 12 / 20 one week later, and updates the schedule with a Push message that says, "If there is no information that the suggested recipe has been made, ask if the recipe has been made."

[0068] For example, if the message, which is dated 18:00 on December 13th, contains a request for another recipe from the information processing system 1, the schedule update unit 121 determines that there is no need to update the schedule. In such a case, the information processing system 1 generates a new second message proposing another recipe and does not generate a schedule.

[0069] Next, we will explain the message history and schedule below the section marked "Omitted." The message with a time of 12:30 on 12 / 20 and the schedule shown on the same line as that message are the message history and schedule related to the action shown in Figure 4. The other messages and the schedule shown on the same line as that message are the message history and schedule related to the action shown in Figure 2.

[0070] First, the message with the time 12:30 on 12 / 20 is the third message sent by the information processing system 1, and is an example of a message corresponding to a pre-generated schedule. This message is displayed on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 2 through the operations from steps S11 to S16 in Figure 4. Also, since the information processing system 1 has sent the third message according to the schedule, the schedule update unit 121 deletes the schedule corresponding to the third message. This deletion of the schedule corresponds to the operation in step S17 in Figure 4.

[0071] Furthermore, the message with a time of 22:30 on 12 / 20 is the first message sent by the user in response to the third message. The message with a time of 22:31 on 12 / 20 is the second message sent by the information processing system 1 in response to the preceding first message. Note that these first and second messages correspond to the first message shown in step S1 and the second message shown in step S4 of Figure 2.

[0072] Here, the schedule update unit 121 determines whether it is necessary to update the schedule based on the message history. Specifically, the schedule update unit 121 determines whether it is necessary to update the schedule based on the most recent messages from the message dated 12:30 on 12 / 20 to the message dated 22:31 on 12 / 20. In the example in Figure 6, the schedule update unit 121 determines that the content of the message dated 22:30 on 12 / 20 is acceptable to the content of the message dated 12:30 on 12 / 20, and therefore updates the schedule based on the message history. Specifically, the schedule update unit 121 updates the schedule to, for example, 20:00 on 12 / 27, one week later, and the Push content to "I heard you were busy at work on 12 / 20, how are things going lately?". The schedule update unit 121 also determines that it is necessary to update the schedule because the reception time associated with the message dated 22:31 on 12 / 20 is close to the date for sending seasonal greetings. Here, the schedule update unit 121 updates the schedule for sending seasonal greetings. Specifically, the schedule update unit 121 updates the schedule to set the time to 12:00 on 12 / 31 and the Push content to "Seasonal Greetings".

[0073] [Example of display on terminal device] Next, an example of the display shown on terminal device 2 will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on display unit 22. The five messages shown in Figure 7 correspond to the five messages shown in Figure 6, from the message with the time 17:00 on 12 / 13 to the message with the time 12:30 on 12 / 20.

[0074] As shown in Figure 7, the display unit 22 displays a message display area 22a, a message input area 22b, and a message send button 22c.

[0075] The message display area 22a is an area where the first message entered by the user and the second and third messages transmitted by the information processing system 1 are displayed.

[0076] The message input area 22b is an input area for the user to enter the first message.

[0077] The message send button 22c is a button for sending the first message entered in the message input area 22b to the information processing system 1. In other words, when the user selects the message send button 22c, the input unit 21 accepts the content entered in the message input area 22b as the first message.

[0078] [effect] The information processing method according to this embodiment is an information processing method executed by a computer, and includes the steps of: updating a schedule (step S6 in Figure 2) that includes the timing and content of sending a third message to the terminal device 2 later than the history, using a history of a first message input by a user to the terminal device 2 and a second message sent in accordance with the content of the first message; and generating an instruction statement (first instruction statement) for automatically generating a third message in accordance with the history and schedule (step S13 in Figure 4).

[0079] This information processing method includes a step of updating a schedule that includes the timing and content of sending a third message to terminal device 2, so that it can proactively send messages to the user. As a result, the information processing method can help encourage user behavior change compared to when the chatbot passively operates while waiting for the user to send a message.

[0080] Furthermore, the information processing method according to this embodiment further includes a step (step S15 in Figure 4) of generating a third message based on an instruction sentence (first instruction sentence) using a generating AI.

[0081] This information processing method uses a generation AI to generate a third message based on an instruction sentence (first instruction sentence), and can output the third message to the user to the terminal device 2.

[0082] Furthermore, the information processing method according to this embodiment further includes a step of outputting an instruction sentence (first instruction sentence) to a generating AI (Artificial Intelligence) (step S14 in Figure 4).

[0083] This type of information processing method allows the generating AI to generate a third message.

[0084] Furthermore, the information processing method according to this embodiment further includes a step (step S17 in Figure 4) of updating the schedule using the history, the schedule, and the third message.

[0085] This information processing method allows for updating the schedule using history, schedule, and a third message, enabling schedule updates that are more tailored to the user's situation.

[0086] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment includes a schedule update unit 121 that updates a schedule including the timing and content of sending a third message to the terminal device 2 that will occur later in the future than the history, using the history of a first message input by the user to the terminal device 2 and a second message sent in accordance with the content of the first message, and a schedule update unit 121 that updates a schedule including the timing and content of sending a third message to the terminal device 2 that will occur later than the history, and a schedule that corresponds to the history and schedule The third It includes an instruction text generation unit 117 that generates an instruction text (first instruction text) for automatically generating a message.

[0087] Since this information processing system 1 includes a schedule update unit 121 that updates the schedule, including the timing and content of sending a third message to the terminal device 2, it can send messages to the user itself. As a result, the information processing system 1 can help encourage user behavior change compared to when a chatbot passively operates while waiting for a message to be sent from the user.

[0088] Furthermore, the terminal device 2 according to this embodiment includes a display unit 22, a control unit 23 that controls the display unit 22, and a communication unit 24 that communicates with the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The control unit 23 transmits a first message entered by the user from the communication unit 24 to the information processing system 1, and displays a third message received from the information processing system 1 by the communication unit 24 on the display unit 22.

[0089] Such a terminal device 2 can display the third message transmitted by the information processing system 1 on the display unit 22.

[0090] (Embodiment 2) [composition] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system including the information processing system 1a according to Embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the system including the information processing system 1a includes an electronic device 3, the information processing system 1a includes a receiving unit 122, an operation history storage unit 123, and an operation history management unit 124, and the terminal device 2a includes an application operation history transmission unit 25. In the following description, the differences from Embodiment 1 will be explained, and the same points as in Embodiment 1 will not be explained.

[0091] The information processing system 1a according to Embodiment 2 differs from the information processing system 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that the schedule update unit 121 updates the schedule using the operation history of the application displayed on the terminal device 2a and the operation history of the electronic device 3 as triggers for the generation of the first instruction statement. A trigger is a condition that prompts the instruction statement generation unit 117 to generate the first instruction statement.

[0092] As shown in Figure 8, the receiving unit 122 receives a history of the user's operation of applications displayed on the terminal device 2a from the application operation history transmission unit 25, which will be described later. This history includes the type of application the user operated on and the time the user operated on the application. The receiving unit 122 also receives a history of the user's operation of the electronic device 3 from the electronic device operation history transmission unit 32, which will be described later. This history includes the type of electronic device 3 the user operated on and the time the user operated on the electronic device 3. The receiving unit 122 stores the history received from the application operation history transmission unit 25 and the history received from the electronic device operation history transmission unit 32 as an operation history in the operation history storage unit 123.

[0093] The operation history storage unit 123 stores the operation history and programs, and is implemented, for example, by memory.

[0094] The operation history management unit 124 outputs the operation history to the trigger management unit 116 and the instruction statement generation unit 117.

[0095] The trigger management unit 116 determines whether or not to have the instruction generation unit 117 generate a first instruction based on at least one of the message history output by the message history management unit 113, the schedule output by the schedule management unit 115, and the operation history output by the operation history management unit 124. Specifically, the trigger management unit 116 makes the determination based on at least one of the reception time and transmission time associated with each message and the timing included in the schedule. In Embodiment 2, timing means the time when the third message is output, the reception of the first message, or the reception of the operation history.

[0096] An app is software used on smartphones and other devices. An app could be, for example, an app that compiles cooking recipes, or an app that compiles weather forecast information.

[0097] The input unit 21 also accepts user input for operations on the application.

[0098] The control unit 23 further transmits the operations received by the input unit 21 as history to the information processing system 1a via the application operation history transmission unit 25.

[0099] The application operation history transmission unit 25 communicates with the receiving unit 122 of the information processing system 1a. The application operation history transmission unit 25 transmits the history of the user's operation of the application to the receiving unit 122. If the server that manages the application stores the history, the receiving unit 122 of the information processing system 1a may receive the history from that server.

[0100] Electronic device 3 is, for example, an electronic product used in a home, such as a microwave oven or a refrigerator. Electronic device 3 comprises a control unit 31 and an electronic device operation history transmission unit 32.

[0101] The control unit 31 controls the operation of the entire electronic device 3. Furthermore, the control unit 31 transmits the user's operation history of the electronic device 3 to the information processing system 1a via the electronic device operation history transmission unit 32. The control unit 31 is implemented by a microcomputer or processor. That is, the functions of the control unit 31 are realized by the microcomputer or processor executing a program stored in its memory. Note that the memory of the electronic device 3 is not shown.

[0102] The electronic device operation history transmission unit 32 communicates with the receiving unit 122 of the information processing system 1a. The electronic device operation history transmission unit 32 transmits to the receiving unit 122 the history of how the user operated the electronic device 3. If a server is provided that stores the history of how the user operated the electronic device 3, the receiving unit 122 of the information processing system 1a may receive the history from that server.

[0103] [Action taken when updating the schedule] Next, we will explain the operation of the information processing system 1a when it updates the schedule using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart of the process when the information processing system 1a shown in Figure 8 updates the schedule.

[0104] Steps S1a to S5a shown in Figure 9 are the same as steps S1 to S5 shown in Figure 2, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0105] If the schedule update unit 121 determines that it is necessary to update the schedule (Yes in step S5a), the schedule update unit 121 updates the schedule based on the message history (step S6a). Specifically, the schedule update unit 121 provides the generation AI with a second instruction statement for generating a schedule based on the message history and the message history, causing the generation AI to generate the schedule. The timings included in the schedule to be updated in step S6a include the time when the third message is output, the reception of the first message, or the reception of the operation history.

[0106] [Action when generating the third message and updating the schedule] Next, we will explain the operation of the information processing system 1a when it generates a third message and updates the schedule using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the information processing system 1a shown in Figure 8 when it generates a third message and updates the schedule.

[0107] Steps S11a and S13a through S17a shown in Figure 10 are the same as steps S11 and S13 through S17 shown in Figure 4, respectively, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0108] If a schedule exists (Yes in step S11a), the schedule management unit 115 outputs the schedule to the trigger management unit 116. The trigger management unit 116 then determines whether there is a schedule among the acquired schedules that satisfies the timing (step S12a). In other words, the trigger management unit 116 determines whether there is a schedule that corresponds to the time to output the third message, the reception of the first message, or the reception of the operation history.

[0109] As explained above, the instruction generation unit 117 can generate a first instruction including information other than the message history, so the information processing system 1a can send a third message that is more suitable for the user's actions.

[0110] [Specific examples of operations performed by information processing systems] A specific example of the operations performed by the information processing system 1a shown in Figures 9 and 10 will be explained using Figure 11. Figure 11 shows a second example of the message history stored in the message history storage unit 112 and the schedule stored in the schedule storage unit 114. The message history and schedule above the section marked "Omitted" are the message history and schedule related to the operations shown in Figure 9, and the message history and schedule below the section marked "Omitted" are the message history and schedule related to the operations shown in Figures 9 and 10. The message history shown in Figure 11 is the same as the message history shown in Figure 6, so its explanation is omitted.

[0111] As shown in Figure 11, the schedule is data that includes the contents of the six columns from the rightmost column. Specifically, the schedule is data in which the time shown in Figure 6 is changed to a trigger, timing, start, and end. The trigger column shows the operation history that triggers the generation of the third message. For example, the operation of an application displayed on terminal device 2a, the selection of a cooking mode on a microwave oven to cook a specific dish, or opening and closing a refrigerator are all considered operation history. The start and end columns show the period during which the operation history described in the trigger column is accepted. In other words, if the trigger management unit 116 receives an operation history corresponding to the schedule within the period shown in the start and end columns, it determines that the schedule satisfies the timing. If the trigger management unit 116 receives an operation history corresponding to the schedule outside the period shown in the start and end columns, it determines that the schedule does not satisfy the timing. The timing column shows the waiting time from the time the operation history shown in the trigger column is received until the time the third message is generated. In other words, the trigger management unit 116 receives an operation history corresponding to the schedule, and if the waiting time indicated in the timing column has not elapsed, it determines that the schedule does not meet the timing requirements.

[0112] First, we will explain the message history and schedule above the section marked "Omitted." The message dated 19:00 on 12 / 13 is the first message sent by the user, and is an example of a message in which the user requests recipe suggestions from the information processing system 1a. Then, the message dated 19:01 on 12 / 13 is the second message sent by the information processing system 1a, and is an example of a message in which the information processing system 1a suggests a recipe to the user.

[0113] Furthermore, the message with a time of 20:00 on December 13th is the first message sent by the user in response to the message with a time of 19:01 on December 13th, and is an example of a message sent when the user accepts the recipe proposed by the information processing system 1a. The message with a time of 20:01 on December 13th is the second message sent by the information processing system 1a, and is an example of a message sent in response to the first message with a time of 20:00 on December 13th. Note that these first and second messages correspond to the first message shown in step S1a and the second message shown in step S4a of Figure 9.

[0114] Here, the schedule update unit 121 determines whether it is necessary to update the schedule based on the message history. Specifically, the schedule update unit 121 determines whether it is necessary to update the schedule based on the most recent messages from the message at 19:00 on 12 / 13 to the message at 20:01 on 12 / 13. In Figure 11, the schedule update unit 121 determines that the content of the message at 20:00 on 12 / 13 accepts the content of the message at 19:01 on 12 / 13, and therefore updates the schedule based on the message history. The generated schedule is the schedule shown on the same line as the message at 20:01 on 12 / 13. At this time, the schedule update unit 121 updates the schedule with the trigger set to the selection of the cooking mode of the microwave for cooking pasta, the timing set to 30 minutes after the time the trigger is received, and the Push content set to ask for feedback on the recipe.

[0115] Next, we will explain the message history and schedule below the section marked "Omitted." The message with a time of 12:55 on 12 / 15 and the schedule shown on the same line as that message are the message history and schedule related to the operation shown in Figure 10. The other messages and the schedule shown on the same line as that message are the message history and schedule related to the operation shown in Figure 9. Figure 11 shows the case where the receiving unit 122 receives an operation history at 12:25 on 12 / 15 indicating that the user selected a cooking mode for the microwave to cook pasta. In other words, Figure 11 shows an example where the trigger management unit 116 determines that there is a schedule that satisfies the timing at 12:55 on 12 / 15, which is 30 minutes after the time the receiving unit 122 received the above operation history.

[0116] First, the message with the time 12 / 15 at 12:55 is the third message sent by the information processing system 1a, and is an example of a message corresponding to a pre-generated schedule. This message is displayed on the display unit 22 of the terminal device 2a through the operations from steps S11a to S16a in Figure 10. Also, since the information processing system 1a has sent the third message according to the schedule, the schedule update unit 121 deletes the schedule corresponding to the third message. This deletion of the schedule corresponds to the operation in step S17a of Figure 10.

[0117] Furthermore, the message with a time of 19:10 on December 15th is the first message sent by the user in response to the third message. The message with a time of 19:11 on December 15th is the second message sent by the information processing system 1a in response to the preceding first message. Note that these first and second messages correspond to the first message shown in step S1a and the second message shown in step S4a of Figure 9.

[0118] Here, the schedule update unit 121 determines whether it is necessary to update the schedule based on the message history. Specifically, the schedule update unit 121 determines whether it is necessary to update the schedule based on the most recent messages from the message at 12:55 on 12 / 15 to the message at 19:11 on 12 / 15. In Figure 11, the schedule update unit 121 determines that the content of the message at 19:10 on 12 / 15 is a positive evaluation of the content of the message at 12:55 on 12 / 15. A positive evaluation is, for example, a user comment such as "I'm glad I was able to use the bell peppers that were about to spoil," as shown in Figure 11. The schedule update unit 121 sets the trigger to opening the refrigerator door (indicated as "refrigerator open" in Figure 11), the start time to 13:00, the end time to 23:00, and updates the schedule with the Push content "If there are any ingredients with an estimated expiration date approaching, suggest a recipe using those ingredients." The estimated expiration date is the expiration date estimated from the date the user purchased the food, or the best-before date or expiration date indicated on the food packaging. For example, by having the user input the food and the date of purchase into an application displayed on terminal device 2a, the information processing system 1a can estimate the expiration date of the food. Alternatively, by having the user input the best-before date or expiration date indicated on the food packaging into an application displayed on terminal device 2a, the information processing system 1a may use the input date as the estimated expiration date.

[0119] [External Database] Next, we will explain the case in which the information processing system 1a according to Embodiment 2 uses external data, using Figure 12. Figure 12 is a block diagram showing a modified configuration of the system including the information processing system 1a according to Embodiment 2. The information processing system 1a shown in Figure 12 differs from the information processing system 1a shown in Figure 8 in that it includes an external database management unit 125 that references an external database 4. In the following, we will only explain the differences from the information processing system 1a shown in Figure 8, and will omit explanations of the points that are the same as the information processing system 1a shown in Figure 8.

[0120] External database 4 is a database located outside of information processing system 1a. External database 4 is a database that contains information specialized in a particular field, similar to database 118, for example.

[0121] The external database management unit 125 retrieves information related to the message history from the external database 4 based on the message history output by the message history management unit 113. For example, the external database management unit 125 generates search conditions from multiple words included in the message history and retrieves information that matches those search conditions from the external database 4. The external database management unit 125 outputs the retrieved information to the instruction statement generation unit 117.

[0122] When the instruction statement generation unit 117 receives a command from the trigger management unit 116 to generate a first instruction statement, it generates a first instruction statement based on at least one of the following: the message history output by the message history management unit 113, the schedule output by the schedule management unit 115, the information output by the database management unit 119, and the information output by the external database management unit 125.

[0123] As explained above, the instruction generation unit 117 can generate a first instruction including information other than the message history, so the information processing system 1a can send a third message that is more suitable for the user's actions.

[0124] [effect] In the information processing method according to this embodiment, in the step of generating an instruction statement (first instruction statement) (step S13a in Figure 10), the instruction statement (first instruction statement) is generated by further referring to at least one piece of information obtained from the terminal device 2a, the electronic device 3, and the database 118 (external database 4).

[0125] This information processing method can generate an instruction (first instruction) that includes information other than the message history, allowing for the sending of a third message that is more appropriate to the user's actions.

[0126] [Differentiation] The information processing methods, etc. relating to this disclosure have been described above based on the embodiments described above, but this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. As long as they do not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art can conceive of may be applied to the embodiments described above, and forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments may also be included within the scope of one or more embodiments.

[0127] In the above embodiment, each component may be implemented by dedicated hardware or by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0128] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, some or all of the functions of each component may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.

[0129] Some or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may consist of detachable IC cards or standalone modules attached to each device. The IC card or module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, ROM, RAM, etc. The IC card or module may include a highly functional LSI. The microprocessor operates according to a computer program, thereby enabling the IC card or module to achieve its function. The IC card or module may also be tamper-resistant.

[0130] [Note] Based on the above description of the embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0131] (Technical 1) An information processing method performed by a computer, comprising the steps of: updating a schedule that includes the timing and content of sending a third message to the terminal device that is in the future than the history, using a history of a first message input by a user to a terminal device and a second message sent in accordance with the content of the first message; and generating an instruction statement for automatically generating the third message in accordance with the history and the schedule.

[0132] (Technical 2) The information processing method according to Technical 1, further comprising the step of generating the third message based on the instruction statement.

[0133] (Technology 3) The information processing method according to Technology 1 or 2, further comprising the step of outputting the instruction statement to an AI (Artificial Intelligence) for generation.

[0134] (Technical 4) An information processing method according to any one of Technical 1 to 3, further comprising the step of updating the schedule using the history, the schedule, and the third message.

[0135] (Technical 5) The information processing method according to any one of Technical 1 to 4, wherein in the step of generating the instruction statement, the instruction statement is generated by further referring to at least one piece of information obtained from the terminal device, the electronic device, and the database.

[0136] (Technical 6) A schedule update unit updates a schedule that includes the timing and content of sending a third message to the terminal device that will occur in the future than the history, using the history of a first message entered by the user into the terminal device and a second message sent in accordance with the content of the first message, and the history and the schedule The third of the above An information processing system comprising an instruction generation unit that generates instruction sentences for automatically generating messages.

[0137] (Technical 7) A terminal device comprising a display unit, a control unit for controlling the display unit, and a communication unit for communicating with the information processing system described in Technical 6, wherein the control unit transmits the first message input by the user from the communication unit to the information processing system, and causes the third message received by the communication unit from the information processing system to be displayed on the display unit. [Industrial applicability]

[0138] The information processing method described herein is useful as a method for providing responses in response to text or voice input by a user. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0139] 1.1a Information Processing System 111, 24 Communications Department 112 Message history storage unit 113 Message History Management Department 114 Schedule Storage Unit 115 Schedule Management Department 116 Trigger Management Unit 117 Instruction generation unit 118 Databases 119 Database Management Department 120 Message generation unit 121 Schedule Update Section 122 Receiving Unit 123 Operation history storage unit 124 Operation History Management Department 125 External Database Management Department 2, 2a Terminal device 21 Input section 22 Display section 22a Message display area 22b Message input area 22c Message Send Button 23, 31 Control Unit 25. App operation history transmission section 3 Electronic equipment 32 Electronic device operation history transmission unit 4. External Databases

Claims

1. A method of information processing performed by a computer, A step of updating a schedule that includes the timing and content of sending a third message to the terminal device that will occur later than the history, using a history of a first message entered by the user into the terminal device and a second message sent in response to the content of the first message; The steps include generating an instruction statement for automatically generating the third message according to the history and the schedule, In the step of updating the schedule, the schedule is updated, including the timing and content of sending the third message to the terminal device, based on the timing of receiving the first message associated with the history. Information processing methods.

2. Furthermore, the process includes the step of generating the third message based on the instruction statement, The information processing method according to claim 1.

3. Furthermore, the process includes the step of outputting the instruction statement to the generating AI (Artificial Intelligence), The information processing method according to claim 1.

4. Furthermore, the process includes the step of updating the schedule using the history, the schedule, and the third message. The information processing method according to claim 1.

5. In the step of generating the instruction statement, the instruction statement is generated by further referring to at least one piece of information obtained from the terminal device, the electronic device, and the database. The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A schedule update unit updates a schedule that includes the timing and content of sending a third message to the terminal device that will occur later than the history, using the history of a first message entered by the user into the terminal device and a second message sent in response to the content of the first message. The system includes an instruction generation unit that generates an instruction for automatically generating the third message according to the history and the schedule, The schedule update unit updates the schedule, including the timing and content of sending the third message to the terminal device, when it receives the first message associated with the history. Information processing system.

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