Idea generation support system and method

Abstract

To provide an idea support system and method capable of more effectively supporting ideas.SOLUTION: An idea support system 1 is uses a computer as an idea support system that supports ideas through images. The computer obtains a plurality of keywords KWa, KWb, and KWc with different categories, generates a plurality of phrases F by arbitrarily combining the plurality of keywords obtained, extracts a search phrase to be used for search from the plurality of phrases generated, searches an image database T2 using the extracted search phrase, and displays an image retrieved from the image database and the search phrase in association with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an idea support system and method.

Background Art

[0002] Ideas are required in various scenarios such as product planning and solving social issues. Conventionally, ideas are widely solicited through brainstorming where participants freely speak along a theme, and favorable ideas are selected from the ideas presented. There is a known technique for automatically presenting keywords during brainstorming to participants (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the prior art, keywords spoken during brainstorming can be automatically recorded and shared among participants, but since only sporadic single keywords are shared, the image is unclear and it is difficult to generate ideas. Furthermore, in recent years, not only participants who use Japanese but also participants who use various languages may jointly attend an idea creation meeting. However, since it is difficult to imagine with only keywords, there is a possibility that lively idea generation may not be carried out.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an idea support system and method that can more effectively support idea generation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an idea generation support system according to one aspect of the present invention uses a computer as an idea generation support system that supports ideas through images. The computer acquires multiple keywords from different categories, generates multiple phrases by arbitrarily combining the acquired keywords, extracts a search phrase to be used for searching from the generated multiple phrases, searches an image database using the extracted search phrase, and displays the image found in the image database in association with the search phrase. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, multiple phrases can be generated by arbitrarily combining multiple keywords from different categories, an image database can be searched using search phrases extracted from these multiple phrases, and the searched images can be displayed in association with the search phrases. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the idea generation support system. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the hardware and software configurations of the computers that make up the idea generation support system. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing how an idea generation support system communicates with multiple terminals via a communication network. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the idea generation phase and the idea convergence phase. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing how phrases are generated by combining keywords from different categories, and how the results of image searches using those phrases are presented to participants. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing how idea notes are attached to images with phrases. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the process of displaying images with phrases during the divergence phase. [Figure 8]This flowchart shows the process of displaying images with phrases during the convergence phase. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows the process of detecting and recording participants' responses to images with phrases. [Figure 10] This flowchart illustrates the process in the second embodiment, where images with phrases that elicit little response from participants are gradually made transparent, and finally the display is removed, and replaced with a new image with a phrase. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The idea generation support system according to this embodiment extracts keywords from participants that serve as the source of ideas and generates phrases by combining them with pre-prepared keywords. The idea generation support system searches an image database using the phrases to obtain images based on the combination of multiple keywords, and presents these images to the participants in association with the phrases. This allows for greater visual stimulation of the participants' brains compared to simply showing them keywords, leading to the creation of more concrete ideas. [Examples]

[0010] The first embodiment will be explained using Figures 1 to 9. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the idea generation support system 1. The idea generation support system 1 can be configured using a computer, as will be described later in Figure 2.

[0011] Idea Generation Support System 1 is used in idea generation meetings and other similar settings. In these meetings, the facilitator U1 asks the participant U2, who is the "target of idea generation support," predetermined questions QB and QC. The first question, QB, is designed to elicit the target keyword from participant U2. The target keyword is the subject or concept of the issue included in the theme. The target keyword is the first answer to the first question, QB. Hereafter, the first answer may be referred to as the first keyword, KWb.

[0012] For example, if the theme of an idea meeting is "Solving the food waste problem," the first question (QB) might be something like, "What is being wasted in food waste?" Participants, stimulated by this first question (QB), answer with whatever comes to mind. The answers from participants (U2) become the target keywords (first keyword KWb). Examples of target keywords include "expired food," "leftovers at restaurants," "vegetable scraps," "school lunches," "irregularly shaped vegetables," and "convenience store bento boxes." Even if an answer is completely off-topic, it will still be adopted as one of the target keywords because it may be useful in eliciting diverse ideas.

[0013] Next, facilitator U1 asks participant U2 the second question QC. The second question QC is a question designed to elicit a solution metaphor word from participant U2. A solution metaphor word is a metaphor used to guide a solution, and can also be described as a word that represents a shift in thinking from an abstract problem-solving approach. For example, the second question QC might be something like, "What are some ways to avoid waste?" Stimulated by the second question QC, participant U2 answers with whatever comes to mind. Participant U2's answer is the solution metaphor word (second keyword KWc). Examples of solution metaphor words include "notes," "freezing," "saving," "donating," "sharing," and "recycling shops." The solution metaphor word is the second answer to the second question QC, and can also be called the second keyword KWc.

[0014] It is also possible to generate a search phrase F by randomly combining the first keyword KWb and the second keyword KWc. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a fixed keyword KWa is also used for user experience (UX). UX keyword KWa is a group of keywords that indicate positive user emotions and is pre-prepared in the idea generation support system 1. Examples of UX keyword KWa include "fun," "expectation," "a little luxurious," "fitting," "sense of accomplishment," "helpful to others," "pleasant," and "as expected."

[0015] Here, the UX keyword KWa corresponds to a "fixed keyword" or a "group of fixed keywords". The first keyword KWb and the second keyword KWc correspond to "participant keywords" or a "group of participant keywords".

[0016] The phrase F used for image search is generated as a random combination of these UX keyword KWa, the first keyword KWb, and the second keyword KWc. As will be described later, the idea support system 1 uses the word database T1 and the image database T2 to evaluate whether the generated phrase is useful for search, and extracts the phrase F actually used for search based on the evaluation result.

[0017] The idea support system 1 associates the image obtained by searching the image database T2 with the phrase F, and generates a phrase - attached image 162. A phrase - attached image 162 is generated for each phrase used for search and is placed in a display area 161 like a whiteboard. The display area 161 is, for example, an electronic whiteboard displayed on a monitor display (not shown). The participant U2 may be stimulated by seeing the phrase - attached image 162 and come up with ideas. The participant U2 who comes up with an idea writes the idea or the conceived comment on an electronic sticky note 163 and associates it with the phrase - attached image 162.

[0018] The idea support system 1 measures the reaction of the participant U2 to each phrase - attached image 162 by collecting, for example, the number of sticky notes 163, the amount of information (number of characters, line diagrams) described on the sticky note 163, the number or phrase identifying the phrase - attached image 162, etc., and stores the measured reaction in the reaction database T3 as reaction information. The reaction information may be a value (reactivity) obtained by inputting the values of each measurement item such as the number of sticky notes and the amount of information described on the sticky note into a predetermined function, or the values of each measurement item themselves. A machine - learning model may be used to calculate the degree of reaction of the participant U2 to each phrase - attached image 162.

[0019] The response database T3 is associated with the image database T2. The idea generation support system 1 can also adjust the images to be searched using phrase F by referring to the response database T3. Immediately after the idea generation support system 1 starts operation, sufficient data has not been accumulated in the response database T3. Therefore, the idea generation support system 1 may use a search robot or the like to collect images with user ratings from SNS (Social Networking Service) and use them as search targets for phrases. For example, images with many positive ratings such as "likes" can be used preferentially as search targets. By putting the brains of participants U2 in a positive state, the possibility of useful ideas being generated can be increased.

[0020] Figure 2 shows the hardware and software configuration of the computer constituting the idea generation support system 1. The computer 100 constituting the idea generation support system 1 includes, for example, a memory 10, a processor 11, a user interface unit 12, and a communication unit 13. In the figure, the user interface is abbreviated as UI.

[0021] Here, memory 10 is a storage device that includes main memory and auxiliary storage. Memory 10 is provided with a predetermined computer program for realizing various functions such as a keyword acquisition unit 110, a phrase generation unit 120, a phrase extraction unit 130, an image search unit 140, an image extraction unit 150, a search result display unit 160, and a response recording unit 170, as well as data storage units such as a word database T1, an image database T2, and a response database T3.

[0022] The processor 11 implements each of the functions 110-170 by executing a predetermined computer program stored in the memory 10. Details of each of the functions 110-170 will be described later along with flowcharts, but a brief explanation will be given first.

[0023] The keyword acquisition unit 110 has the function of acquiring the first keyword KWb and KWc as participant keywords from the text data spoken or entered by participant U2. The phrase generation unit 120 generates a phrase by randomly selecting from the first keyword KWb and KWc and the UX keyword KWa. The phrase is generated by selecting one keyword each from the UX keyword KWa, the first keyword KWb, and the second keyword KWc, and combining them in this order (phrase F = KWa + KWb + KWc). By combining the keywords in the order of KWa, KWb, and KWc, it is possible to generate a relatively easy-to-understand phrase. If this order is changed, there is a high possibility that a phrase with no clear meaning will be generated.

[0024] The phrase extraction unit 130 has the function of extracting search phrases to be used in actual searches from multiple phrases generated by comprehensively combining three types of keywords KWa, KWb, and KWc from different categories. The phrase extraction unit 130 extracts multiple phrases based on extraction criteria such as the word vectors contained in the phrases and the number of hits when searching for images using the phrases. The word database T1 stores the meaning and vectors of each word. A word vector is information that shows the characteristics of a word, indicating the tendency of what words that word is used in combination with.

[0025] The image search unit 140 has the function of searching the image database T2 using the extracted phrase. The image extraction unit 150 has the function of extracting images from the searched images to be presented to the participant U2. The image database T2 may be a dedicated image database provided within the idea support system 1, or it may be an image database that is publicly available on the internet, etc. Both the dedicated image database and the publicly available image database may be used as search targets.

[0026] The search results display unit 160 has the function of generating phrase-attached images 162 by associating extracted images with the phrases corresponding to those images, and displaying them in the display area 161. Furthermore, the search results display unit 160 also has the function of managing the association of electronic sticky notes 163 with the phrase-attached images 162. In addition, the search results display unit 160 has the function of changing the phrase-attached images 162 displayed in the display area 161 according to the participants' reactions.

[0027] The reaction recording unit 170 detects information indicating each participant U2's reaction to the phrased image 162 displayed in the display area 161 and stores it in the reaction database T3.

[0028] The user interface unit 12 is a device for exchanging information between the person operating the computer 1 and the computer 1. The computer 1 is mainly operated by the facilitator U1, but it may also be operated by the participant U2. Persons other than the facilitator U1 may also operate the computer 1. The user interface unit 12 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, and microphone, and information output devices such as a monitor display, printer, and speaker. A device that combines information input and information output functions, such as a display with a touch panel, may also be used. The user interface unit 12 does not need to be directly connected to the computer 1. A computer device such as a personal computer or smartphone may be used as an operating terminal, and the operating terminal and the computer 1 may be connected to enable bidirectional communication using short-range communication or the internet.

[0029] The communication unit 13 is a device that enables bidirectional communication between the computer 1 and the computer terminal 3 used by participant U2.

[0030] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing how the idea generation support system 1 communicates with multiple terminals 2 and 3 via a communication network. The idea generation support system 1 is connected to the facilitator terminal 2 and the participant terminal 3 via the communication network CN, enabling bidirectional communication.

[0031] Facilitator terminal 2 is the terminal used by facilitator U1. Participant terminal 3 is the terminal used by participant U2. Facilitator terminal 2 and participant terminal 3 may be personal computers such as laptops, notebooks, tablets, or desktops, or they may be mobile information terminals such as smartphones. They may also be wearable devices such as glasses or goggles.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, by interconnecting the idea generation support system 1, the facilitator terminal 2, and the participant terminal 3 via the communication network CN, the facilitator U1 and each participant U2 can participate in the meeting at any time and for any duration to brainstorm ideas. For example, the facilitator U1 notifies each participant in advance of questions Qb and Qc. Each participant logs into the idea generation support service provided by the idea generation support system 1 at their own timing and answers questions Qb and Qc.

[0033] When the idea generation support system 1 receives responses from a predetermined number of participants U2, it automatically generates phrases by combining keywords from different categories, and automatically extracts search phrases to be used for idea generation from the generated phrases. The idea generation support system 1 then generates an image 162 with the phrase and displays it in the display area 161.

[0034] Participant U2 logs into the idea generation support service at their convenience, views the image 162 with phrases displayed in the display area 161, and writes down any ideas or comments that come to mind on sticky notes 163, associating them with the image 162. Participants can also check the contents of sticky notes 163 left by other participants and add further ideas or comments to them. Facilitator U1 can similarly record comments about the image 162 with phrases, hints for generating ideas, etc., on sticky notes 163.

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the idea divergence phase (FD) and the idea convergence phase (FC). In the idea divergence phase (FD), the facilitator U1 asks questions to the participant U2, and generates phrases by randomly combining keywords included in the answers to the questions in a predetermined order. The selected phrases are then used to search the image database T2, and the retrieved images are presented to the participant, along with the phrases. The participant U2 is stimulated by looking at the phrased images 162 displayed in the display area 161 and generates ideas.

[0036] Similarly, in the convergence phase FC, facilitator U1 asks participant U2 questions, randomly combines keywords from the answers in a predetermined order to generate a phrase, searches image database T2 using the selected phrase, and presents the searched images and phrases to the participant. Participant U2 is stimulated by looking at the phrased image 162 displayed in display area 161 and generates ideas in a direction that leads to convergence.

[0037] By repeatedly going through the divergent phase (FD) and the convergent phase (FC), we can get closer to a better idea.

[0038] Figure 5 shows how phrases are generated by combining keywords KWa, KWb, and KWc from different categories, and how the results of image searches using these phrases are presented to participants.

[0039] As described above, under the theme of the meeting, facilitator U1 asks participants U2 questions. Idea generation support system 1 generates phrases by randomly combining keywords KWb and KWc included in the answers to the questions with pre-prepared keywords KWa in a predetermined order, and extracts a phrase to be used for searching from among them. Idea generation support system 1 searches the image database T2 using the extracted search phrase and outputs the results.

[0040] Figure 6 shows how sticky notes 163 are attached to phrased images 162 displayed in the display area 161. In the example in Figure 6, a total of nine phrased images 162(1) to 162(9) are displayed. For example, keyword-based phrases such as "A pleasant memo about leftover restaurant food," "A slightly luxurious way to freeze vegetable scraps," "A thoughtful way to recycle mismatched vegetables," "Saving money on school lunches you can own," "A perfect reminder for processed foods," "A milk scheduler that works just the way you want it," "A rewarding way to donate convenience store bento boxes," "A promising way to bundle underutilized fish," and "A beautiful way to share leftover drinks" are displayed along with images selected from images searched using those phrases.

[0041] The phrase is created in the order of fixed keyword KWa + first keyword (keyword related to the problem) KWb + second keyword (solution metaphor keyword) KWc. In the example above, spaces are inserted between keywords to make them easier to distinguish. Alternatively, each keyword can be concatenated without spaces.

[0042] Figure 7 shows the process of displaying images with phrases in the divergence phase FD. The idea generation support system 1 obtains keywords from the answers to questions Qb and Qc (S11). The idea generation support system 1 can extract keywords from spoken words or from input answers by using technologies such as speech recognition and text mining.

[0043] The idea generation support system 1 obtains pre-prepared keywords KWa (S12), and generates multiple phrases by combining these keywords KWa with keywords KWb and KWc obtained from participants' responses (S13). If there are 10 of each keyword KWa, KWb, and KWc, a total of 1000 phrases will be generated by exhaustive combinations of them. These phrases can also be called search phrase candidates or phrase candidates.

[0044] Idea generation support system 1 rearranges the phrases in order of the greatest difference in word vectors (S14). In other words, idea generation support system 1 rearranges the phrases based on word vectors so that phrases that are likely to give a similar impression are placed lower down, and phrases that are likely to give a significantly different impression from the other phrases are placed higher up.

[0045] Next, the idea generation support system 1 sorts the phrases in descending order of the number of hits when searching the image database T2 for that phrase (S15). A low number of image hits indicates a high probability that the phrase is not very common. The number of image hits when searching for a phrase serves as an indicator of whether or not that phrase is commonplace.

[0046] In this way, the idea generation support system 1 comprehensively combines multiple keywords from different categories in a predetermined order, rearranges the phrases so that phrases that are distinctive and unusual, and those that have an impact, are ranked higher, and selects one or more of the top phrases (S16). The idea generation support system 1 removes the keywords from the selected phrases (S17), and returns to step S15 to select other phrases until the number of selected phrases exceeds a predetermined number Nf (S18: NO). In other words, the idea generation support system 1 removes keywords from phrases that have already been selected and selects other phrases so that phrases containing the same keywords do not occur frequently.

[0047] When the Idea Generation Support System 1 selects a predetermined number of Nf phrases (S18: YES), it performs the following steps S20 to S23 for each phrase to be processed (S19). Specifically, the Idea Generation Support System 1 extracts images containing the keywords KWb and KWc provided by the participants from the group of images searched using the phrases to be processed (S20). The Idea Generation Support System 1 sorts the images extracted in step S20 in descending order of search match degree or in descending order of participant response (S21), and selects the top-ranked images after sorting (S22). Then, if there are any images similar to already selected images among the top-ranked images, the Idea Generation Support System 1 excludes those similar images (S23).

[0048] In step S20, images containing both keywords KWb and KWc are prioritized for extraction because keyword KWb is the problem keyword and keyword KWc is the solution metaphor keyword; therefore, images containing both keywords KWb and KWc are presumed to be images that are helpful in solving the problem in question. An image containing keywords is an image to which keywords are associated. As is well known, image data is associated with one or more keywords by a machine or human so that it can be searched as text.

[0049] Step S21 will now be explained. Even if an image contains both keywords KWb and KWc, the degree of search matching will differ from image to image. Images associated with the same keyword as keyword KWb will have a high degree of search matching. Images associated with keywords similar to keyword KWb will have a lower degree of search matching. Images with a high degree of search matching to keywords KWb and KWc are considered more useful for generating ideas, so images with a high degree of search matching will be prioritized.

[0050] In step S21, instead of sorting based on search matching score, or in addition to sorting based on search matching score, images may be sorted in order of highest response. Sorting in order of highest response means prioritizing the selection of images that have received high responses based on the past performance of the idea generation support system 1. Images that were used in past idea meetings and generated active comments and ideas are evaluated as images that received high responses from participants U2 and are recorded in the response database T3. Images that have received high responses in the past have a chance of receiving similarly high responses from the current participants. Therefore, the idea generation support system 1 prioritizes the selection of images that have a track record of receiving responses.

[0051] In this way, the idea generation support system 1 selects an image that is considered suitable for stimulating ideas for each phrase (for each search phrase).

[0052] Figure 8 shows the process of displaying images with phrases in the convergence phase FC. Steps S31-S33 and S36-S43 of this process correspond to steps S11-S13 and S16-S23 described in Figure 7. In this process, the steps (S34, S35) of rearranging the phrases generated comprehensively by combining keywords from multiple categories differ from the steps shown in Figure 7.

[0053] In this process, the idea generation support system 1 sorts the phrases in descending order of the number of word vectors (S34). In other words, the idea generation support system 1 sorts the phrases in descending order of the number of phrases with word vectors that have little difference. As a result, phrases that are likely to give a relatively similar impression are placed higher, and phrases that are likely to give a unique impression are placed lower.

[0054] The idea generation support system 1 sorts the phrases in descending order of the number of hits when searching the image database T2 with that phrase (S35). A high number of image hits suggests that the phrase is likely to be relatively common.

[0055] In this way, the idea generation support system 1 rearranges the phrases so that phrases that are likely to give a general impression and phrases that are likely to be supported by more people are ranked higher, and selects one or more of the top phrases (S36). This is done in order to converge the divergent ideas.

[0056] Figure 9 shows the process S110 for detecting and recording participant U2's response to the phrased image 162.

[0057] The idea generation support system 1 obtains the number of ideas generated (S112), the number of views (S113), and the number of comments (S114) for each image 162 with a phrase displayed in the display area 161 (S111), based on the number of sticky notes 163 and the amount of information written on them. Furthermore, if participant U2 is wearing a vital sensor, the idea generation support system 1 obtains vital data from that vital sensor (S115). Examples of vital data include pulse rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

[0058] When the idea generation support system 1 obtains information regarding participant U2's responses (S112-S115), it associates it with the phrased image 162 and stores it in the response database T3 (S116).

[0059] According to this embodiment, multiple keywords can be combined to generate phrases, phrases extracted from the generated phrases can be used to search for images, and the searched images and phrases can be associated and provided to participant U2. Therefore, compared to conventional techniques that simply provide participants with keywords, this method can stimulate the participant's brain more strongly through visual means and promote idea generation.

[0060] In this embodiment, phrases are generated by combining a pre-prepared fixed keyword KWa with keywords KWb and KWc obtained from participants, thereby enabling the creation of diverse phrases.

[0061] Furthermore, the keywords obtained from participants include keywords KWb found in participants' answers to questions about the problem related to the subject of their ideas, and keywords KWc found in participants' answers to questions about how to solve the problem. Therefore, it is possible to generate phrases that facilitate the creation of ideas for solving the problem.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, phrases are generated not only using keywords KWb and KWc that facilitate idea generation, but also using fixed keywords KWa that determine the direction and nature of the ideas. In this embodiment, UX keywords KWa that express pleasant user experiences are adopted as fixed keywords, thus promoting the creation of ideas that are likely to result in positive outcomes for users.

[0063] In this embodiment, the phrase extraction method is changed between the divergence phase and the convergence phase. This allows for the extraction of phrases suitable for idea divergence in the divergence phase and phrases suitable for idea convergence in the convergence phase.

[0064] In the divergence phase, phrases with large differences in word vectors and phrases with few image hits are prioritized for extraction, allowing participants to be presented with 162 impactful and unique phrases accompanied by images. This increases the likelihood that participants' brains will be stimulated and ideas will be generated more actively.

[0065] In the convergence phase, majority phrases with similar word vectors and common phrases with a high number of image hits are prioritized for extraction, thus guiding participants' thoughts in a specific direction without causing them to diverge too much.

[0066] In this embodiment, participants' responses to the phrased image 162 are detected and recorded for use in subsequent sessions. By reusing images that have received high responses in the past (images that elicited good responses), the participants' brains can be stimulated more efficiently, encouraging the generation of more ideas. [Examples]

[0067] A second embodiment will be described using Figure 10. This embodiment will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the image 162 with a phrase displayed in the display area 161 is replaced with another image 162 with a phrase based on the response of participant U2.

[0068] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the process S210 that controls the display of the image 162 with a phrase in the display area 161.

[0069] The idea generation support system 1 displays the image with a phrase 162 in the display area 161 and sets the display time of the image with a phrase 162 to an initial value (S211). After a predetermined time has elapsed since display (S212: YES), the idea generation support system 1 increases the transparency of the image with the phrase 162 (S213). In this case, the transparency of the phrase does not need to be changed.

[0070] When the idea generation support system 1 detects a participant's reaction to an image with increased transparency (S214:YES), it reduces the transparency of that image (S215). When the transparency of the image falls below a predetermined value Th (S216:YES), the idea generation support system 1 erases the entire phrased image 162 from the display area 161 (S217), selects one of the other waiting phrased images 162, and displays it in the empty space in the display area 161 (S218). If a sticky note 163 is associated with the phrased image 162 that is to be erased, the information of that sticky note 163 is retained.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the phrase images 162 that elicit little response from participants can be gradually made transparent and eventually erased, and replaced with other waiting phrase images 162. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to effectively utilize the limited screen size to display more phrase images, thereby stimulating idea generation.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, images with phrases that elicit less reaction from participants disappear faster, allowing participants to brainstorm ideas while enjoying a game-like experience.

[0073] In this embodiment, the image is gradually made transparent first, and the phrase is erased along with the image at the end without changing its transparency. Therefore, participants can react strongly to the remaining phrase as a clue and may even make the fading image reappear.

[0074] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Those skilled in the art can make various additions and modifications within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described above are not limited to the configuration examples shown in the accompanying drawings. The configuration and processing methods of the embodiments can be appropriately modified within the scope of achieving the objectives of the present invention.

[0075] Furthermore, each component of the present invention can be arbitrarily selected, and an invention comprising the selected components is also included in the present invention. Moreover, the components described in the claims can be combined in combinations other than those explicitly stated in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1: Idea generation support system, 161: Display area, 162: Image with phrase, 163: Sticky note, U1: Facilitator, U2: Participant, T1: Word database, T2: Image database, T3: Response database

Claims

1. An idea generation support system that uses a computer as an idea generation support system to assist in generating ideas through images, The aforementioned computer is Multiple keywords are obtained, including fixed keywords selected from a pre-prepared set of fixed keywords and second keywords selected from a set of participant keywords generated by the participants who are the target of idea generation support. Multiple phrases are generated by arbitrarily combining the multiple keywords obtained above. From the multiple phrases generated above, extract a search phrase to be used for the search. The image database is searched using the extracted search phrase. The image retrieved from the aforementioned image database is displayed in association with the search phrase. Idea generation support system.

2. In the first case, which involves diverging ideas, the search phrase is extracted from the multiple phrases using the first method, and in the second case, which involves converging ideas, the search phrase is extracted from the multiple phrases using a second method different from the first method. The idea generation support system according to claim 1.

3. In the first method, phrases with different word vectors are extracted from the plurality of phrases, In the second method, phrases whose word vectors fall within a predetermined range are extracted preferentially from among the multiple phrases. The idea generation support system according to claim 2.

4. In the first method, the phrases are sorted and extracted from the plurality of phrases in order of the number of hits when searching the image database, In the second method, the phrases are sorted and extracted from the plurality of phrases in descending order of the number of hits when searching the image database. The idea generation support system according to claim 2.

5. The computer acquires the response of the person receiving idea support to the image displayed in association with the search phrase, and stores the response information indicating the acquired response in association with the image displayed in association with the search phrase. The idea generation support system according to claim 1.

6. The computer extracts images from the results of searching the image database using the extracted search phrase, based on the corresponding response information, and displays them in association with the search phrase. The idea generation support system according to claim 5.

7. When the computer displays an image retrieved from the image database in association with the search phrase, it replaces the displayed image and search phrase with other images and search phrases based on reaction information indicating the user's reaction to the image and search phrase. The idea generation support system according to claim 5.

8. The aforementioned group of participant keywords includes participants' answers to questions about the problem related to the subject of their ideas, and participants' answers to questions about how to solve the aforementioned problem. The idea generation support system according to claim 1.

9. An idea generation support method that supports the idea generation of a person receiving idea generation support using an idea generation support system that supports idea generation through images, The aforementioned idea generation support system is Multiple keywords are obtained, including fixed keywords selected from a pre-prepared set of fixed keywords and second keywords selected from a set of participant keywords generated by the participants who are the target of idea generation support. Multiple phrases are generated by arbitrarily combining the multiple keywords obtained above. From the multiple phrases generated above, extract a search phrase to be used for the search. The image database is searched using the extracted search phrase. The image retrieved from the aforementioned image database is displayed in association with the search phrase. Methods for supporting idea generation.

Images