Information processing method, information processing device, information processing program, and storage medium

Abstract

This invention provides a method for information processing that performs decision-making processes to derive predetermined conclusions using information, and for enabling users to be accountable. [Solution] The information processing method comprises an information acquisition step of acquiring information related to the decision-making process, and the acquired information as conditions for the information. Condition (A): The information is recorded in a way that prevents tampering. Condition (B): The information is traceable and recorded. Condition (C): The information is such that, when used in the decision-making process, it is possible to reproduce the decision-making process in such a way that substantially the same conclusion is reached. The system includes an information classification step that classifies information into first information that satisfies at least one of the following conditions, and second information that does not satisfy any of conditions (A), (B), and (C), and an information regulation step that restricts the use of the classified second information in decision processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, and a storage medium storing the program for executing a judgment process for deriving a predetermined conclusion using information.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, information processing using a machine learning model has been known. In this information processing, the prediction model and the content of preprocessing are often black-boxed. Therefore, when performing information processing using a machine learning model, the responsibility of explanation has been emphasized.

[0003] From this viewpoint, in the information processing system of Patent Document 1 below, the preprocessed image data and the generated processing result are displayed on the user terminal. By the user recognizing the displayed preprocessed image data and the generated processing result, the responsibility of explanation can be ensured. That is, the system enables display for the responsibility of explanation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] By the way, when an organization or an individual makes a decision, that is, when a judgment for deriving a conclusion is executed, various types of information are used. These information include numerical data, documents, external reports, rules of thumb, inference results, etc. In recent years, generated information generated by AI or the like is also often used. In such judgments, as in the requirements for the machine learning model described above, the responsibility of explanation is emphasized.

[0006] Until now, the truthfulness and reliability of the information used in decision-making have been considered. However, there is no technology to distinguish and process information from the perspective of, for example, whether or not accountability is possible. As a result, subjective judgments, tacit knowledge, subjective evaluations, irreproducible inference results, and even information obtained through generative processing are often used as the basis for decisions without clear distinction.

[0007] As a result, the issue arises of unclear responsibility for decisions. In particular, if problems arise after a decision has been made, it becomes difficult to verify which information was used in the decision. Furthermore, it becomes difficult to verify whether the information used in the decision is explainable.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for technology that enables accountability in decision-making. Although such technologies are known in the information processing of machine learning models, it is technically difficult to meet the above requirements.

[0009] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide an information processing method for performing decision-making processes that enables the user to be accountable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device for performing a decision-making process that uses information to derive a predetermined conclusion. The information processing device of the present invention is An information acquisition unit that acquires information related to the aforementioned decision process, The acquired information is a condition for the said information. Condition (A): The information is recorded in a way that prevents tampering. Condition (B): The information is traceable and recorded. Condition (C): The information is such that, when used in the judgment process, it makes the judgment process reproducible in such a way that substantially the same conclusion is derived. An information classification unit that classifies information into first information that satisfies at least one of the above conditions, and second information that does not satisfy any of the above conditions (A), (B), and (C), An information regulation unit that restricts the use of the classified second information in the judgment process, It is equipped with.

[0016] The information processing program of the present invention is an information processing program for performing a decision-making process that uses information to derive a predetermined conclusion. The information processing program of the present invention is On the computer, An information acquisition step for acquiring information related to the aforementioned decision process, The acquired information is a condition for the said information. Condition (A): The information is recorded in a way that prevents tampering. Condition (B): The information is traceable and recorded. Condition (C): The information is such that, when used in the judgment process, it makes the judgment process reproducible in such a way that substantially the same conclusion is derived. Information classification step of classifying information into first information that satisfies at least one of the above conditions, and second information that does not satisfy any of the above conditions (A), (B), and (C), An information regulation step that restricts the use of the classified second information in the judgment process, Make it run.

[0017] The storage medium of the present invention stores the information processing program described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, conditions (A), (B), and (C) can be set as conditions for information for which it is possible to be accountable. Based on this condition, the acquired information can be classified into first information and second information. The use of second information that does not satisfy any of the above conditions (A), (B), and (C) in the determination process is restricted. Therefore, only information for which it is possible to be accountable can be used in the determination process. From the above, it becomes possible to make a determination for which the user can be accountable.

[0019] Also, when generating the determination result, it is possible to clearly distinguish which information was used, which information was excluded, and where subjective judgment intervened. In addition, it becomes possible to formally show the range for which the organization is accountable and the range for which it is not accountable, and to clarify the location of responsibility for the determination result.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is an overall schematic diagram of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart showing the process of information classification processing executed by the information processing apparatus (computer) shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing the process of determination processing executed by the information processing apparatus (computer) shown in FIG. 1.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, an information processing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for executing determination processing. Here, the determination processing is processing for deriving a predetermined conclusion using information, and is realized by the cooperation of software (program) and the information processing apparatus 10 instead of artificial processing.

[0023] The information processing device 10 is a computer that allows users to input information via an interface (mouse, keyboard, touch panel, etc.). The information processing device 10 can also display information to the user via a monitor. The user of the information processing device 10 may be, for example, an organization or individual making judgments, decisions, or judgments. Furthermore, the conclusions derived from the judgment processing of the information processing device 10 may be, for example, conclusions related to meetings, approvals, or audits.

[0024] The information processing device 10 is connected to an information communication network and is capable of communicating information as needed. The information processing device 10 may be configured to acquire information when information is input by a user, for example, or it may be configured to acquire information from an external server or the like.

[0025] The information processing device 10 comprises an information acquisition unit 11, an information classification unit 12, an information regulation unit 13, a decision processing execution unit 14, and an information storage unit 15. The information acquisition unit 11, the information classification unit 12, the information regulation unit 13, the decision processing execution unit 14, and the information storage unit 15 are each composed of electrical / electronic circuits, a CPU, memory, stored programs, etc.

[0026] The information acquisition unit 11 acquires information related to the decision-making process. This information may include numerical data, documents, external reports, rules of thumb, inference results, etc. It may also include generated information produced by AI or the like. This information may be input by the user or stored in the storage device of the information processing device 10 through information communication with the server. In this case, the information acquisition unit 11 may read the stored information and acquire it based on the user's instructions.

[0027] The information classification unit 12 classifies information based on predetermined conditions. In terms of classification, the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11 is classified into first information and second information. Here, first information corresponds to information for which the user can be accountable.

[0028] Information is considered "accountable to the user" if it satisfies at least one of the following conditions: persistence, traceability, and reproducibility.

[0029] In this context, persistent information is, for example, information recorded on a tamper-proof medium such as WORM (Write Once Read Many) storage. Traceable information is, for example, information whose origin, creation time, and acquisition path can be verified by cryptographic signatures or audit logs. Reproducible information is, for example, information for which the system guarantees that the same result will be obtained within a predetermined margin of error when the same input and procedure are used.

[0030] Based on the findings, the following conditions for information are defined: Condition (A), Condition (B), and Condition (C). Conditions (A), (B), and (C) correspond to the conditions that the information is persistent, traceable, and reproducible, respectively.

[0031] Condition (A): The information is recorded in a way that prevents tampering. Condition (B): The information is traceable and recorded. Condition (C): The information is such that, when used in the decision-making process, it is possible to reproduce the decision-making process in such a way that substantially the same conclusion is reached.

[0032] The information classification unit 12 classifies information that satisfies at least one of the above conditions (A), (B), and (C) as first information. On the other hand, the information classification unit 12 classifies information that does not satisfy any of the above conditions (A), (B), and (C) as second information. That is, second information corresponds to information for which "the user cannot be held accountable."

[0033] Furthermore, the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 11 may be generated information produced by AI or the like. In this case, the generated information may include, for example, information generated using probabilistic or non-deterministic methods. More specifically, it may include information generated using large-scale language models or the like.

[0034] Even if this type of generated information satisfies at least one of the above conditions (A), (B), and (C), it is preferable that such information be treated as information for which "the user cannot be accountable." Based on this understanding, the following condition (D), which is a condition for the information, is further defined.

[0035] Condition (D): The information is generated by AI.

[0036] The information classification unit 12 classifies acquired information as second-class information if it satisfies condition (D) above, even if the information satisfies at least one of conditions (A), (B), and (C) above. As a result, if the information satisfies condition (D) above, it can be classified as second-class information without being classified as first-class information.

[0037] The information regulation unit 13 restricts the use of the second information classified by the information classification unit 12 in the decision-making process. This restricts the use of information for which the user cannot be held accountable in the decision-making process. In other words, by excluding the second information, only the first information, i.e., information for which the user can be held accountable, can be used in the decision-making process.

[0038] The decision processing execution unit 14 executes decision processing using the first information classified by the information classification unit 12. As a result, only information for which the user can be held accountable is used to execute the decision processing. Therefore, the user can be held accountable for the information used regarding the conclusion obtained by executing the decision processing.

[0039] The information storage unit 15 stores second information classified by the information classification unit 12 so that it can be referenced in conjunction with the conclusion derived by the decision processing executed by the decision processing execution unit 14. For example, the second information may be stored in the memory of the information processing device 10, and when the conclusion obtained from the decision processing is displayed to the user, the second information may be displayed simultaneously with the displayed conclusion information. This allows information for which the user is not accountable to be referenced in conjunction with the conclusion of the decision processing.

[0040] Furthermore, the information storage unit 15 may be configured to store the first information in addition to the second information in the memory. The stored first information may be read from the memory and displayed by user operation.

[0041] The actual operation of the information processing device 10 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 2 and 3. The information processing device 10 in Figure 1 operates when the processing program (information processing program) in the information processing device 10 causes the information processing device 10 to execute a series of processes from steps S1 to S12 in Figures 2 and 3. The information processing program may be stored in a storage medium, which may be installed in the information processing device 10 or a separate, portable storage medium.

[0042] In the information processing device 10, when a decision is made and a conclusion is reached, the information related to the decision is classified (see Figure 2), and then the decision is made based on the classified information (see Figure 3). The process starts from step S1 in Figure 2, for example, by the user activating a predetermined application. In step S1, the information acquisition unit 11 acquires information related to the decision.

[0043] Next, in step S2, the information classification unit 12 determines whether the information obtained in step S1 satisfies the above condition (A) "the information is recorded in a way that prevents tampering." If the information satisfies the above condition (A) in step S2, it is determined to be "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step S3.

[0044] In step S3, the information classification unit 12 determines whether the information that has undergone the determination in step S2 satisfies the above condition (D) "the information is information generated by AI". If the information does not satisfy the above condition (D) in step S3, it is determined to be "No", and the process proceeds to the next step S4. In step S4, the information classification unit 12 classifies the information that has undergone the determination in step S2 as first information.

[0045] On the other hand, if the information in step S2 does not meet the above condition (A), it is determined to be "No" and the process proceeds to the next step S5.

[0046] In step S5, the information classification unit 12 determines whether the information that has undergone the determination in step S2 satisfies the above condition (B) "the information is information that is recorded in a traceable manner". If the information satisfies the above condition (B) in step S5, it is determined to be "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step S3.

[0047] In step S3, the information classification unit 12 determines whether the information that has undergone the determination in step S5 satisfies the above condition (D). If the information does not satisfy the above condition (D) in step S3, it is determined to be "No" and the process proceeds to the next step S4. In step S4, the information classification unit 12 classifies the information that has undergone the determination in step S5 as first information.

[0048] On the other hand, if the information in step S5 does not meet the above condition (B), it is determined to be "No" and the process proceeds to the next step, S6.

[0049] In step S6, the information classification unit 12 determines whether the information that has undergone the determination in step S5 satisfies the above condition (C) "the information is such that when used in the decision-making process, it is possible to reproduce the decision-making process so that substantially the same conclusion is reached." If the information satisfies the above condition (C) in step S6, it is determined to be "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step S3.

[0050] In step S3, the information classification unit 12 determines whether the information that has undergone the determination in step S6 satisfies the above condition (D). If the information does not satisfy the above condition (D) in step S3, it is determined to be "No" and the process proceeds to the next step S4. In step S4, the information classification unit 12 classifies the information that has undergone the determination in step S6 as first information.

[0051] On the other hand, if the information does not satisfy the above condition (C) in step S6, it is determined to be "No" and the process proceeds to the next step S7. In step S7, the information classification unit 12 classifies the information that has undergone the determination in step S6 into second information.

[0052] Furthermore, in step S3, if the information that has undergone any of the judgments in steps S2, S5, or S6 satisfies the above condition (C), it is determined to be "Yes" and the process proceeds to the next step S7. In step S7, the information classification unit 12 classifies the information that has undergone the judgment in step S3 as second information.

[0053] Then, in step S8, the first information classified in step S4 and the second information classified in step S7 are stored in memory or the like by the information storage unit 15. The stored first information and second information are read from memory or the like and used when executing the decision processing described later (see Figure 3).

[0054] Subsequently, the processes in steps S1 to S8 are repeated. As a result, information that satisfies at least one of the above conditions (A), (B), and (C) and does not satisfy condition (D) is sequentially classified and stored as first information. On the other hand, information that does not satisfy any of the above conditions (A), (B), and (C) is sequentially classified and stored as second information. Furthermore, information that satisfies at least one of the above conditions (A), (B), and (C) and also satisfies condition (D) is sequentially classified and stored as second information.

[0055] Once a predetermined amount of information related to the decision has been acquired and it is determined that the classification into first and second information is complete, the decision process shown in Figure 3 is permitted. In other words, the execution of the decision process shown in Figure 3 is restricted until the information classification process is complete.

[0056] With the execution of the decision process permitted, the process starts from step S9 in Figure 3, when the user operates a predetermined application or otherwise. In step S9, the information regulation unit 13 determines whether the information stored in step S8 in Figure 2 is the first information.

[0057] In step S9, if the information is the primary information, the result is determined as "Yes," and the process proceeds to the next step, S10. In step S10, the decision processing execution unit 14 uses the information determined in step S9 as the primary information for decision processing. Decision processing is, for example, a decision process to reach a conclusion related to a meeting, proposal, approval, or audit.

[0058] On the other hand, in step S9, if the information is secondary information, it is determined to be "No" and the process proceeds to the next step S11. In step S11, the information regulation unit 13 restricts the use of the information that has undergone the determination in step S9 as secondary information in the decision process.

[0059] Next, in step S12, the decision result obtained by executing the decision process in step S10, i.e., the conclusion, is displayed on the information processing device 10. The stored first information and / or second information may also be displayed in a way that allows the user to access them in conjunction with the decision result. Then, the decision process is temporarily terminated.

[0060] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following effects. The information processing device 10 of this embodiment is a device for performing a decision process that uses information to derive a predetermined conclusion. The information processing device 10 is An information acquisition unit 11 acquires information related to the aforementioned decision process, The acquired information is a condition for the said information. Condition (A): The information is recorded in a way that prevents tampering. Condition (B): The information is traceable and recorded. Condition (C): The information is such that, when used in the judgment process, it makes the judgment process reproducible in such a way that substantially the same conclusion is derived. An information classification unit 12 classifies information into first information that satisfies at least one of the above conditions, and second information that does not satisfy any of the above conditions (A), (B), and (C), An information regulation unit 13 restricts the use of the classified second information in the judgment process, It is equipped with.

[0061] According to this, conditions (A), (B), and (C) can be defined as the conditions for information to be accountable. Based on these conditions, acquired information can be classified into first-order information and second-order information. Second-order information that does not satisfy any of the above conditions (A), (B), and (C) is restricted from being used in decision-making processes. Therefore, only information for which accountability can be assumed can be used in decision-making processes. As a result, users can make decisions for which they can be accountable.

[0062] Furthermore, it becomes possible to clearly distinguish which information was used, which information was excluded, and in what parts subjective judgment was involved in generating the judgment. In addition, it becomes possible to formally indicate the scope of accountability for the organization and the scope of non-accountability, thereby clarifying who is responsible for the judgment results.

[0063] The information processing device 10 of this embodiment further comprises a decision processing execution unit 14 that performs the decision processing using the classified first information.

[0064] According to this, it is possible to generate conclusions based on judgments made using only information for which accountability is possible.

[0065] The information processing device 10 of this embodiment further includes an information storage unit that stores the classified second information so that it can be referenced in conjunction with the conclusion derived in the judgment process performed.

[0066] According to this, secondary information not used in the decision-making process can be displayed simultaneously with the conclusion of the decision-making process as reference information, or can be made available for user verification.

[0067] In the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, the information classification unit 12 is The acquired information is a condition for the said information. Condition (D): The information is generated by AI. If this condition is met, the acquired information is classified as the second information, even if at least one of the above conditions (A), (B), and (C) is met.

[0068] According to this, generated information can be classified as second-class information, as it is not information for which accountability can be assumed.

[0069] In the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, the conclusion derived in the judgment process is a conclusion relating to a meeting, approval, authorization, or audit.

[0070] According to this, in actual decisions made by individuals and organizations, the information processing device 10 enables accountable decisions when making decisions related to meetings, proposals, approvals, or audits. Furthermore, it clarifies who is responsible for the results of decisions made in meetings, proposals, approvals, or audits. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 10... Information processing unit, 11... Information acquisition unit, 12... Information classification unit, 13... Information regulation unit, 14... Decision processing execution unit, 15... Information storage unit

Claims

1. An information processing device for performing a decision-making process that uses information to derive a predetermined conclusion, An information acquisition unit that acquires information related to the aforementioned decision process, The acquired information is a condition for the said information. Condition (A): The information is recorded in a way that prevents tampering. Condition (B): The information is traceable and recorded. Condition (C): The information is such that, when used in the judgment process, it makes the judgment process reproducible in such a way that substantially the same conclusion is derived. An information classification unit that classifies information into first information that satisfies at least one of the above conditions, and second information that does not satisfy any of the above conditions (A), (B), and (C), An information regulation unit that restricts the use of the classified second information in the judgment process, Equipped with an information processing device.

2. An information processing program for performing a decision-making process that uses information to derive a predetermined conclusion, On the computer, An information acquisition step for acquiring information related to the aforementioned decision process, The acquired information is a condition for the said information. Condition (A): The information is recorded in a way that prevents tampering. Condition (B): The information is traceable and recorded. Condition (C): The information is such that, when used in the judgment process, it makes the judgment process reproducible in such a way that substantially the same conclusion is derived. Information classification step of classifying information into first information that satisfies at least one of the above conditions, and second information that does not satisfy any of the above conditions (A), (B), and (C), An information regulation step that restricts the use of the classified second information in the judgment process, An information processing program that executes [something].

3. A storage medium storing the information processing program described in claim 2.

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