Information processing device, display control method, and display control program

Abstract

In order to make it easier to recognize relationships between nodes in a graph, an information processing device (1) includes: a display control unit (11) that displays a graph indicating relationships between a plurality of elements; and a switching unit (12) that switches the display mode of the graph between a first display mode, in which an alternative object is displayed instead of each node corresponding to each element belonging to the same group, and a second display mode, in which each node corresponding to each element belonging to the group is displayed.

Description

Information processing device, display control method, and display control program

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device or the like that supports analysis using a graph that shows the relationships between elements using nodes and edges.

[0002] Recently, a technique called causal analysis for inferring causal relationships between data has been attracting attention, and accordingly, development of techniques for supporting causal analysis has also been progressing. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a data analysis device that receives input of variables indicating each phenomenon to be analyzed and input of causal directions between the variables, generates a causal relationship diagram indicating the causal relationships between the variables, and sets a variable designated as a target variable in the causal relationship diagram and a variable that is on the causal side of the target variable in the causal relationship diagram in an analysis tool that analyzes variables that affect the target variable.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-86614

[0004] The causal relationship diagram shown in Patent Document 1 is generated by having an operator input arrows connecting blocks with variable names. Therefore, when there are many variables, a complicated causal relationship diagram may be generated in which arrows intersect between many blocks. Note that a causal relationship diagram can also be called a causal graph. Similarly, blocks can be called nodes, and arrows can be called edges.

[0005] In some cases, causal relationships between multiple elements under analysis are automatically inferred using techniques such as causal discovery, which infers the causal relationships (or lack thereof) between each element from the elements themselves. In such cases, when a causal graph showing the causal relationships between each element is automatically generated, the resulting causal graph may have irregularly intertwined edges connecting nodes, making it difficult to smoothly recognize the relationships between the nodes.

[0006] As such, a causal graph does not necessarily make it easy to recognize the relationships between nodes. This problem is not limited to causal graphs, but commonly occurs when displaying various graphs that show the relationships between elements using nodes and edges. One aspect of the present invention has been made in consideration of this problem, and one example of its purpose is to provide a technology that makes it easy to recognize the relationships between nodes in a graph that shows the relationships between elements using nodes and edges.

[0007] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a display control means for displaying a graph in which relationships between a plurality of elements are represented by nodes corresponding to each element and edges indicating the relationships between each element, and a switching means for switching the display mode of the graph between a first display mode in which substitute objects are displayed in place of each node corresponding to each element belonging to the same group, and a second display mode in which each node corresponding to each element belonging to the group is displayed.

[0008] A display control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes having at least one processor display a graph representing relationships between a plurality of elements using nodes corresponding to each element and edges indicating the relationships between each element, and switching the display mode of the graph between a first display mode in which substitute objects are displayed in place of each node corresponding to each element belonging to the same group, and a second display mode in which each node corresponding to each element belonging to the group is displayed.

[0009] A display control program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a display control means for displaying a graph in which relationships between multiple elements are represented by nodes corresponding to each element and edges indicating the relationships between each element, and a switching means for switching the display mode of the graph between a first display mode in which substitute objects are displayed in place of each node corresponding to each element belonging to the same group, and a second display mode in which each node corresponding to each element belonging to the group is displayed.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to make it easier to recognize the relationships between nodes in a graph in which the relationships between elements are represented by nodes and edges.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a display control method according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of displaying a causal graph. FIG. 5 is a diagram explaining an example of changing a group by changing the display position of a node. FIG. 6 is a diagram explaining an example of selecting nodes to be grouped after narrowing down the nodes to be displayed. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of switching the display mode of a causal graph. FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a display control method according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a computer that executes instructions of a program that is software that realizes the functions of each device according to each exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] [First Exemplary Embodiment] A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is a basic form of the exemplary embodiments described below.

[0013] (Configuration of Information Processing Device) The configuration of an information processing device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 1. As shown in the figure, the information processing device 1 includes a display control unit 11 and a switching unit 12.

[0014] The display control unit 11 displays a graph in which the relationships between a plurality of elements are represented by nodes corresponding to the elements and edges indicating the relationships between the elements.

[0015] The switching unit 12 switches the display mode of the graph displayed by the display control unit 11 between a first display mode in which substitute objects that replace each node corresponding to each element belonging to the same group are displayed, and a second display mode in which each node corresponding to each element belonging to the group is displayed.

[0016] As described above, the information processing device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment includes a display control unit 11 that displays a graph in which relationships between multiple elements are represented by nodes corresponding to each element and edges that indicate the relationships between the elements, and a switching unit 12 that switches the display mode of the graph between a first display mode in which, instead of each node corresponding to each element belonging to the same group, substitute objects that substitute for those nodes are displayed, and a second display mode in which each node corresponding to each element belonging to the group is displayed. Therefore, the information processing device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment has the effect of making it easier to recognize the relationships between nodes in a graph in which the relationships between elements are represented by nodes and edges.

[0017] (Display Control Program) The functions of the information processing device 1 described above can also be realized by a program. The display control program according to this exemplary embodiment is configured to cause a computer to function as a display control unit that displays a graph representing relationships between multiple elements using nodes corresponding to each element and edges indicating the relationships between the elements, and as a switching unit that switches the display mode of the graph between a first display mode in which substitute objects are displayed in place of nodes corresponding to elements belonging to the same group, and a second display mode in which nodes corresponding to each element belonging to the group are displayed. Therefore, the display control program according to this exemplary embodiment has the effect of making it easier to recognize relationships between nodes in a graph that represents relationships between elements using nodes and edges.

[0018] (Flow of Display Control Method) The flow of the display control method according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the display control method. Note that the execution entity of each step in this display control method may be a processor provided in the information processing device 1, or a processor provided in another device, or each step may be executed by a processor provided in a different device.

[0019] In S1, at least one processor displays a graph in which relationships between a plurality of elements are represented by nodes corresponding to the elements and edges indicating the relationships between the elements.

[0020] In S2, at least one processor determines whether or not to switch the display mode of the graph. If the determination in S2 is YES, the process proceeds to S3, and if the determination in S2 is NO, the process ends.

[0021] In S3, at least one processor switches the display mode of the graph displayed in S1 between a first display mode in which substitute objects are displayed in place of each node corresponding to each element belonging to the same group, and a second display mode in which each node corresponding to each element belonging to the group is displayed.

[0022] As described above, the display control method according to this exemplary embodiment includes displaying a graph in which relationships between a plurality of elements are represented by nodes corresponding to the elements and edges indicating the relationships between the elements, and switching the display mode of the graph between a first display mode in which substitute objects are displayed in place of the nodes corresponding to the elements belonging to the same group, and a second display mode in which the nodes corresponding to the elements belonging to the group are displayed. Therefore, the display control method according to this exemplary embodiment has the effect of making it easier to recognize the relationships between nodes in a graph in which the relationships between elements are represented by nodes and edges.

[0023] [Exemplary Embodiment 2] (Configuration of Information Processing Device) The configuration of an information processing device 2 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 2. The information processing device 2 is a device that has a function of supporting analysis using a causal graph. Note that the information processing device 2 may be a device whose main function is to support analysis using a causal graph, or may be a general-purpose device that also has other functions.

[0024] Furthermore, the information processing device 2 can also support analysis using graphs other than causal graphs, as long as the graphs represent relationships between multiple elements using nodes corresponding to each element and edges indicating the relationships between the elements. For example, graphs such as knowledge graphs also represent relationships between elements using nodes and edges, so the information processing device 2 can also support analysis using knowledge graphs, etc. Therefore, the term "causal graph" in the following description can be interpreted as any "graph" that represents relationships between elements using nodes and edges. Similarly, the term "causal analysis" in the following description can be interpreted as any "analysis" of any relationship between elements.

[0025] As shown in the figure, the information processing device 2 includes a control unit 20 that controls each unit of the information processing device 2, and a storage unit 21 that stores various data used by the information processing device 2. The information processing device 2 also includes a communication unit 22 that enables the information processing device 2 to communicate with other devices, an input unit 23 that accepts various data input to the information processing device 2, and an output unit 24 that enables the information processing device 2 to output various data. As shown in the figure, the control unit 20 of the information processing device 2 includes a data acquisition unit 201, a grouping unit 202, an importance determination unit 203, a reception unit 204, a switching unit 205, and a display control unit 206. Note that each of the components from the storage unit 21 to the output unit 24 may be built into the information processing device 2 or may be an external device attached to the information processing device 2.

[0026] The data acquisition unit 201 acquires various data used for analysis support using a causal graph. For example, the data acquisition unit 201 acquires analysis result data indicating the results of a causal analysis. The analysis result data may be any data that can be used to display a causal graph, and may be, for example, data indicating each element that was the subject of the causal analysis and the relationship (causal relationship) between those elements.

[0027] The data acquisition unit 201 may acquire analysis result data by performing causal analysis. Causal analysis is a method of inferring the causal relationships (or lack thereof) between multiple elements through causal exploration from each of the elements, and estimating the strength of the inferred causal relationships. A specific causal exploration method known is, for example, a method using a structural equation model. The data acquisition unit 201 may acquire analysis result data generated by applying such a method. The results of the causal analysis may also be obtained by causal analysis using AI (artificial intelligence). By using AI, the causal relationships and their strengths between elements targeted for causal analysis can be automatically estimated to obtain analysis results. The AI ​​used for the causal analysis is not particularly limited, as long as it receives elements targeted for causal analysis and outputs information indicating the causal relationships and their strengths.

[0028] Alternatively, as in Patent Document 1, a causal graph may be generated by an operator specifying causal relationships between elements. In this case, the data acquisition unit 201 may acquire analysis result data indicating the specified content. Alternatively, the analysis result data may indicate, for example, the results of causal analysis involving natural language analysis. By utilizing natural language analysis, it is possible to infer causal relationships between various elements related to a free-form questionnaire from responses to the questionnaire. The causal graph may be an effective acyclic graph, a graph indicating bidirectional causal relationships, or a graph indicating looping causal relationships.

[0029] When the data acquisition unit 201 does not perform causal analysis, the data acquisition unit 201 may acquire analysis result data generated by another device. The method of acquiring the analysis result data is not particularly limited. For example, the data acquisition unit 201 may acquire analysis result data input by an operator of the information processing device 2 via the input unit 23, or may acquire analysis result data from another device by communication via the communication unit 22. This also applies to the case of acquiring data other than analysis result data.

[0030] The grouping unit 202 groups the elements to be analyzed. Since each node included in the causal graph corresponds to each element to be analyzed, the grouping unit 202 can also be said to group each node included in the causal graph. Note that a specific grouping technique will be described later.

[0031] The importance determination unit 203 determines the importance of each group of elements to be analyzed in the causal graph of that group. The importance may be an index value indicating the importance, or may be a classification result based on the importance (e.g., high importance, medium importance, low importance, etc.). The method of determining the importance will be described in detail later.

[0032] In supporting analysis using a causal graph, the reception unit 204 receives various operations by an operator using the information processing device 2. For example, the reception unit 204 receives an operation to switch the display mode of the causal graph.

[0033] The switching unit 205 switches the display mode of the causal graph between a first display mode and a second display mode. The first display mode is a display mode in which, instead of nodes corresponding to elements belonging to the same group, substitute objects that substitute for those nodes are displayed. The second display mode is a display mode in which, instead of nodes corresponding to elements belonging to the same group, substitute objects that substitute for those nodes are displayed.

[0034] The display control unit 206 displays various information for supporting analysis using the causal graph on a display device. The display device may be included in the information processing device 2 or may be an external device to the information processing device 2.

[0035] For example, the display control unit 206 displays a causal graph in which the causal relationships between multiple elements under analysis are represented by nodes corresponding to each element and edges indicating the causal relationships between the elements. In this case, the display control unit 206 may display nodes classified into the same group in an associated manner. Displaying nodes in an associated manner means displaying the nodes in a manner that allows the user to recognize that the nodes are related to each other.

[0036] Furthermore, the display control unit 206 switches the display mode of the causal graph between a first display mode and a second display mode in accordance with an instruction from the switching unit 205. Furthermore, the display control unit 206 may change the display position of a node in response to a display position change operation received by the receiving unit 204. Furthermore, when the target of the display position change operation received by the receiving unit 204 is a group of nodes, the display control unit 206 may collectively change the display positions of all nodes belonging to the group.

[0037] As described above, the information processing device 2 according to this exemplary embodiment includes a display control unit 206 that displays a causal graph in which the causal relationships between multiple elements are represented by nodes corresponding to each element and edges indicating the causal relationships between each element, and a switching unit 205 that switches the display mode of the causal graph between a first display mode in which substitute objects that substitute for each node corresponding to each element belonging to the same group are displayed, and a second display mode in which each node corresponding to each element belonging to the group is displayed.

[0038] As mentioned above, in the above configuration, "causal relationship" can be interpreted as any "relationship," and "causal graph" can be interpreted as any "graph" that shows the relationship between any elements using nodes and edges.

[0039] For example, the data acquisition unit 201 may acquire a graph (a graph that is not a causal graph) such as a knowledge graph. In this case, the display control unit 206 displays the acquired graph. Then, the switching unit 205 switches the display mode of the graph between a first display mode and a second display mode. This makes it easier to recognize the relationships between nodes in the graph.

[0040] In this way, the information processing device 2 according to this exemplary embodiment has the effect of making it easier to recognize the relationships between nodes in a graph that shows the relationships between elements using nodes and edges.

[0041] As described above, the information processing device 2 according to this exemplary embodiment includes the grouping unit 202 that groups elements to be analyzed. In this case, the first display mode is a display mode in which substitute objects are displayed in place of nodes corresponding to elements classified into the same group by the grouping unit 202. This provides, in addition to the effects of the information processing device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, an effect that the information processing device 2 can group elements to be analyzed even if they have not been grouped in advance.

[0042] (Method of Determining Importance) As described above, the importance determination unit 203 determines the importance of each group of elements to be analyzed in the causal graph of that group. The method of determining the importance is arbitrary. For example, the importance determination unit 203 may calculate an index value related to the causal relationship between each element and use the index value to determine the importance of each group.

[0043] The index value may be, for example, a path coefficient. The path coefficient is a coefficient calculated using weight values ​​of paths connecting each element. The weight values ​​can be calculated using known causal inference or causal search techniques. In this case, the importance determination unit 203 may calculate, for example, the sum, average, or maximum value of the path coefficients between each element belonging to a group as the importance of the group.

[0044] Furthermore, for example, the importance determination unit 203 may identify, for each group, elements that influence elements outside the group (elements such as nodes N2, N3, N6, and N8 in the causal graph G1' in FIG. 4).The importance determination unit 203 may then determine the path coefficient of a path between an element in a group that influences elements outside the group and an element that is influenced by the element in the group as the importance of the group.Note that, when multiple path coefficients are calculated for one group, the importance determination unit 203 may determine the sum, average, or maximum value of the path coefficients as the importance of the group.

[0045] The index value may be another index value, such as a P-value. When a P-value is applied, the importance can be determined in the same manner as when a path coefficient is applied. However, when a P-value is applied, the importance determination unit 203 determines the importance level in stages depending on which of a predetermined numerical range the P-value falls within. For example, the importance determination unit 203 may determine the importance level as high if the P-value is 0.001 or more and less than 0.01, as medium if the P-value is 0.01 or more and less than 0.05, and as low if the P-value is 0.05 or more.

[0046] Furthermore, the importance determination unit 203 may determine the importance by using a combination of multiple index values. For example, the importance determination unit 203 may determine that a group that satisfies both condition A, that is, the path coefficient is equal to or greater than a threshold, and condition B, that the P value is less than a threshold, is of high importance. The importance determination unit 203 may then determine that a group that satisfies only one of conditions A and B is of medium importance, and that a group that satisfies neither condition A nor B is of low importance. In addition, the importance determination unit 203 may determine the importance by taking into account the number of elements, for example, by assigning a higher importance to a group that includes a larger number of elements.

[0047] The switching unit 205 may also switch the display mode of each group to the most suitable display mode, either the first display mode or the second display mode, depending on how the value of each element included in each group changes over time. This provides the effect of being able to switch the display mode depending on how the value of each element changes over time, in addition to the effect provided by the information processing device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0048] In this case, the receiving unit 204 may receive input of time-series data of the values ​​of each element. Then, the switching unit 205 generates information indicating the manner of change in the value of each element (e.g., rate of change or amount of change) from the time-series data. This allows the switching unit 205 to determine the optimal display mode for each group based on the generated information, in other words, to optimize the display mode. Note that the information can also be said to indicate the importance of each group in the causal graph. In other words, the information can be generated by the importance determination unit 203, and in this case, the switching unit 205 can be said to optimize the display mode for each group based on the importance indicated in the information.

[0049] The above time series data may be obtained, for example, from a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch) worn by the user, from a measuring device such as a weighing scale used by the user, or from health checkup results, etc.

[0050] When switching the display mode of a group based on the manner in which the values ​​of each element included in the group change over time, the switching unit 205 may determine the display mode of the group based on the magnitude of the amount of change or the rate of change in the value of each element included in a group. Whether the amount of change or the rate of change is large can be determined by comparing the amount of change or the rate of change with a predetermined threshold, or by comparing the amount of change or the rate of change with the average value of the amount of change or the rate of change of each element. In other words, the magnitude of the amount of change or the rate of change may be evaluated as an absolute evaluation or a relative evaluation.

[0051] For example, in the medical and healthcare fields, users may use causal analysis to manage their own physical condition and acquire healthy lifestyle habits. In such cases, it may be encouraging for users to be able to see even small changes in their weight or body fat percentage on a daily basis. Therefore, the rate and amount of change in the values ​​of each element are important perspectives.

[0052] For this reason, the switching unit 205 may calculate the rate of change of the value of each element from the time-series data acquired by the receiving unit 204. Then, the switching unit 205 may perform a process of calculating the sum of the rate of change calculated for each element included in one group for each group. In this way, the switching unit 205 can switch the display mode for groups whose sum is greater or smaller than a predetermined threshold.

[0053] For example, the switching unit 205 may switch a group whose total value is greater than a predetermined threshold to the second display mode. As a result, for a group including an element with a large rate of change, nodes corresponding to each element belonging to the group are displayed. Therefore, the user can easily recognize elements with a large rate of change. For example, if a group including elements such as the amount of exercise and the amount of sleep is switched to the second display mode, the user can recognize from the displayed nodes that their amount of exercise and the amount of sleep are unstable and their lifestyle habits are irregular.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, the switching unit 205 may switch a group whose total value is less than a predetermined threshold to the first display mode. As a result, a substitute object is displayed for a group including an element with a small rate of change. For example, if there is no significant change in the user's weight, body fat percentage, etc., a group including elements such as weight and body fat percentage is switched to the first display mode. As a result, nodes corresponding to elements such as weight and body fat percentage that the user does not currently need to be particularly concerned about are not presented to the user. This allows the user to focus on other nodes that require more attention. Such screen optimization is effective when a user utilizes causal analysis to acquire healthy lifestyle habits.

[0055] (Display example of causal graph) A display example of a causal graph by the information processing device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of a causal graph. A causal graph G1 shown in the upper left of Fig. 4 represents the causal relationships between a plurality of elements by nodes N1 to N9 corresponding to each element and edges (one-way arrows connecting nodes) indicating the causal relationships between each element.

[0056] 4, each node is labeled with a name indicating the corresponding element. For example, "Cultural and artistic activities" listed in node N2 indicates the name given to the element of node N2. In this way, when displaying a causal graph, the name given to each element may be displayed in association with the node corresponding to that element.

[0057] The elements that are the subject of causal analysis can be classified into objective variables and explanatory variables that explain the objective variables. In the example of Figure 4, node N1, indicated by a double-line frame, is an element that corresponds to the objective variable, and the other nodes are all elements that correspond to the explanatory variables. Note that the elements that are the subject of causal analysis may include elements other than explanatory variables and objective variables.

[0058] In the causal graph G1, the nodes are not displayed in association with each other by group. On the other hand, the causal graph G1' shown in the upper right of Figure 4 shows the causal relationships between nodes N1 to N9, just like the causal graph G1, but the nodes classified into the same group are displayed in association with each other. Specifically, in the causal graph G1', the nodes N1 to N3 are associated by being displayed on an oval object a1. Similarly, the nodes N4 to N7 are associated by being displayed on an object a2, and the nodes N8 and N9 are associated by being displayed on an object a3.

[0059] Note that nodes in the same group may be displayed in a manner that allows the user to recognize that the nodes are related to each other, and the display manner is not limited to the example of Fig. 4. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, nodes in the same group may be associated by being displayed in a display area corresponding to the group, or nodes in the same group may be associated by being displayed in the same color or similar colors.

[0060] Furthermore, in the causal graph G1', objects a1 to a3 are displayed in association with character strings indicating the names of their corresponding groups. For example, object a1 is displayed in association with the character string "government-led measures." In this way, when displaying the causal graph, the names given to each group may be displayed in association with the group.

[0061] In the causal graph G1', each node is displayed in association with each group, and for each group, each node corresponding to each element belonging to that group is displayed. In other words, the causal graph G1' is displayed in the second display mode described above. The information processing device 2 is equipped with a switching unit 205, and is therefore able to switch the second display mode to the first display mode. The causal graph G1" shown in the lower part of Figure 4 is obtained by switching the display mode of each group in the causal graph G1' to the first display mode.

[0062] In the causal graph G1", instead of nodes N2 to N4 that were displayed on object a1, a substitute object a1' is displayed to replace those nodes. In addition, the substitute object a1' displays the name given to the group (specifically, "government-led measures"). This makes it possible to recognize at a glance which group the substitute object a1' corresponds to.

[0063] In addition, in the causal graph G1", a substitute object a2' is displayed in place of the nodes N5 to N7 that were displayed on the object a2, and a substitute object a3' is displayed in place of the nodes N8 and N9 that were displayed on the object a3. The names of the groups to which they correspond are also displayed on these substitute objects. The switching unit 205 can switch the display mode for all groups at once, or can switch the display mode for only some of the groups.

[0064] In this way, in the causal graph G1'', one substitute object is displayed in place of each node corresponding to each element associated as one group. This allows the operator to easily recognize the general relationship between the nodes of each group.

[0065] Specifically, from the causal graph G1", it can be easily recognized that the nodes related to "government-led policies" and the nodes related to "natural environment" have an impact on the objective variable "educational environment". Furthermore, from the causal graph G1", it can be easily recognized that the nodes related to "government-led policies" have an impact on the nodes related to "infrastructure", and the nodes related to "infrastructure" have an impact on the nodes related to "natural environment".

[0066] In the causal graph G1", substitute objects a1' to a3' are displayed at the positions where nodes N2 to N4, N5 to N7, and N8 and N9 were displayed. However, the positions at which substitute objects a1' to a3' are displayed are arbitrary and are not limited to this example. For example, when displaying substitute objects a1' to a3', the display control unit 206 may display the substitute objects a1' to a3' at positions where the edges connecting them do not intersect. Furthermore, for example, the display control unit 206 may arrange each substitute object in order from the substitute object that is upstream in the causal relationships so that the orientations of the edges are aligned.

[0067] The switching unit 205 can also switch from the first display mode to the second display mode. For example, the switching unit 205 can switch all groups in the causal graph G1" to the second display mode. In this case, the causal graph G1' is displayed again. The switching unit 205 can also switch only some groups in the causal graph G1" to the second display mode. By changing from the first display mode to the second display mode, it is possible to grasp the specific relationships between nodes in the second display mode, based on the general relationships recognized in the first display mode.

[0068] Note that in order to switch the display mode, at least one group must be set. However, it is not essential for the nodes belonging to the same group to be displayed in association with each other in order to switch. For example, even if the nodes are not displayed in association with each other as in the causal graph G1 of FIG. 4, it is possible to switch the display mode to the causal graph G1" as long as a group has been set.

[0069] Furthermore, the receiving unit 204 may receive an operation to change the display positions of the substitute objects a1′ to a3′ in the causal graph G1″. Then, the display control unit 206 may change the display positions of the substitute objects a1′ to a3′ in accordance with this change operation. Any type of change operation may be used. For example, the operation to change the display position may be an operation to drag a substitute object on the display screen and drop it at a desired position.

[0070] Similarly, the receiving unit 204 may receive an operation to change the display positions of objects a1 to a3, which represent a group of nodes, in the causal graph G1'. Then, the display control unit 206 may change the display positions of the nodes on the objects a1 to a3 collectively in response to this change operation. This allows the arrangement of nodes in the causal graph G1' to be changed efficiently.

[0071] When changing the display positions of multiple nodes at once, the display control unit 206 may keep the positional relationship of each node whose display position is to be changed unchanged before and after the change of display position, or may adjust the positional relationship of each node when the display position is changed. In the latter case, for example, the display control unit 206 may change the display positions of the nodes so that edges do not overlap, or may arrange each node in order from the upstream node in the causal relationship so that the edges are oriented in the same direction.

[0072] (Regarding Grouping Method) As described above, the grouping unit 202 groups the elements to be analyzed. The grouping method is not particularly limited. For example, the receiving unit 204 may receive, from an operator, a designation of elements or nodes to be grouped. In this case, the grouping unit 202 performs grouping according to the designation by the operator.

[0073] Alternatively, the grouping unit 202 may automatically group the elements to be analyzed without any operation by an operator. For example, if a grouping rule is determined in advance, such as classifying all elements into a group and limiting the number of elements in each group to two or more, the grouping unit 202 can group the elements according to the rule.

[0074] Furthermore, for example, the grouping unit 202 may classify a plurality of elements into a plurality of groups by exploratory factor analysis, thereby obtaining the effect of automatically grouping elements related to each other in addition to the effect achieved by the information processing device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment 1.

[0075] Exploratory factor analysis is an analytical method for estimating factors that cause correlations between multiple variables based on the correlation coefficients between the variables. In other words, when multiple elements are classified into multiple groups using exploratory factor analysis, the elements included in each group correspond to one factor that causes a correlation between those elements. The number of groups to be classified may be determined in advance or may be specified by an operator. In exploratory factor analysis, one element may be associated with multiple factors.

[0076] Furthermore, the multiple elements to be subjected to the causal analysis may include elements generated based on the respondent's answers to predetermined questions. In this case, the grouping unit 202 may classify multiple elements generated based on answers to the same or related questions into the same group. This provides the effect of automatically grouping mutually related elements in addition to the effect of the information processing device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment. As mentioned above, the term "causal analysis" in the above configuration can be replaced with any "analysis."

[0077] The above-described classification can be performed by preparing in advance related data indicating which question each element corresponds to and the relevance between the questions, etc. The related data may be stored in advance in the storage unit 21 or the like, or may be acquired by the data acquisition unit 201.

[0078] For example, suppose a survey is conducted in which a predetermined group of subjects are asked to answer multiple questions such as "What do you prioritize when deciding on a place to live?", and the answers are compiled to create multiple elements (for example, "adequate public facilities" and "abundant greenery") to be used in causal analysis. In this case, the grouping unit 202 uses related data indicating questions corresponding to each element to classify elements corresponding to the same questions into the same group.

[0079] For example, when a questionnaire is conducted using a group of questions based on several themes, the questions may be grouped by theme. In this case, the grouping unit 202 classifies elements corresponding to questions that belong to the same group, i.e., mutually related questions, into the same group using the related data indicating the questions corresponding to each element and the related data indicating the group to which each question belongs.

[0080] (Changing Groups) The receiving unit 204 may receive an operation to change the group set for each element, and the grouping unit 202 may change the group in response to the operation. The type of group change operation is arbitrary. For example, when an operation to select a node in the displayed causal graph is performed, the display control unit 206 may display options for changing the group of the element corresponding to the node. Then, when the receiving unit 204 receives an operation to select one of the options, the display control unit 206 may display a list of candidate groups to change the group to. In this case, the grouping unit 202 changes the group of the element to the group selected from the list.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, when a node displayed in a predetermined display area associated with a certain group is moved to a predetermined display area associated with another group, the grouping unit 202 may change the classification of the element corresponding to the node from one group to another group. This provides an effect that allows easy group changes through intuitive operations in addition to the effect provided by the information processing device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0082] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of changing a group by changing the display position of a node. Causal graph G2 shown on the left side of FIG. 5 shows the causal relationships between elements corresponding to nodes N1 to N9, and these nodes are classified into three groups. Specifically, nodes N6 to N9, which are classified into the same group, are associated by being displayed on object b2. Furthermore, nodes N1 to N3 are associated and displayed by being displayed on object b1, and nodes N3 to N5 are associated and displayed by being displayed on object b3. Hereinafter, the groups corresponding to objects b1 to b3 will be referred to as the first to third groups, respectively.

[0083] Here, among the displayed nodes N1 to N9, node N3 is within the display area of ​​object b1 and is also displayed within the display area of ​​object b3. This indicates that the element corresponding to node N3 belongs to both the first group and the third group. In this way, the grouping unit 202 may allow one element to be classified into multiple groups.

[0084] In this case, when the display mode is changed to target the first group but not the third group, substitute objects are displayed in place of nodes N1 to N3. Also, when the display mode is changed to target the third group but not the first group, substitute objects are displayed in place of nodes N3 to N5. In either case, node N3 is no longer displayed. Note that when changing the display mode to target both the first group and the third group, the display control unit 206 may display substitute objects corresponding to each group, or may display these substitute objects as a single integrated substitute object.

[0085] The operator can also change the group of elements corresponding to node N3 by moving node N3. For example, the operator may drag node N3 with cursor Cu and drop it outside the display area of ​​object b1 but within the display area of ​​object b3. This moves node N3 to a position outside the display area of ​​object b1 but within the display area of ​​object b3, thereby changing the group of elements corresponding to node N3 from the first and third groups to only the third group.

[0086] 5 shows a causal graph G2' obtained by moving node N3 in causal graph G2 to a position outside the display area of ​​object b1 and within the display area of ​​object b3. Following this movement, the grouping unit 202 changes the group of elements corresponding to node N3 to only the third group. As a result, when the display mode is changed to target the first group but not the third group, node N3 continues to be displayed both before and after the change.

[0087] Note that elements that can be subject to group change are not limited to elements that belong to multiple groups. The grouping unit 202 can change the affiliation of an element that belongs to one group to another group in response to an operation to change the display position of a node similar to that described above, and can also make an element that does not belong to any group belong to a group.

[0088] (Narrowing Down Nodes to be Displayed) Here, when the number of elements to be analyzed is large, the number of nodes included in the causal graph increases, and the edges connecting the nodes may become intertwined, making it difficult to understand the causal relationships in the causal graph. For this reason, the display control unit 206 may hide some nodes, and the grouping unit 202 may group only the displayed (in other words, non-hidden) nodes. This will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the nodes to be grouped are selected after narrowing down the nodes to be displayed.

[0089] The causal graph G3 shown in the upper left of FIG. 6 shows the causal relationships between the nodes N1 to N8. In the causal graph G3, edges connecting nodes are displayed with lines of a thickness corresponding to the path coefficient. In this way, the display control unit 206 may display edges in a display mode corresponding to the path coefficient. This allows the operator to recognize paths with a stronger influence, allowing for smooth analysis of the relationships between elements. Note that the path coefficient can also be represented by, for example, the edge length or color, in addition to the edge thickness.

[0090] 6, the display control unit 206 displays an object c1 together with the causal graph G3. The object c1 is a threshold value specification object that accepts specification of a threshold value for the path coefficient in the causal graph G3.

[0091] Specifically, object c1 is an object in which a slider that can be moved on a slider bar is arranged on the slider bar. The slider bar indicates a changeable range of the pass coefficient threshold, and the position of the slider indicates the pass coefficient threshold. By having the display control unit 206 display such object c1, the operator can change the pass coefficient threshold by an intuitive and simple operation of moving the slider on the slider bar.

[0092] As shown in the upper left of Fig. 6, the operator can display all of the nodes and edges that make up the causal graph G3 by using the object c1 to set the threshold to a smaller value. Also, as shown in the lower left of Fig. 6, the operator can change the threshold to a larger value by operating the object c1 with the cursor Cu. Note that the method of operating the object c1 is not limited to using the cursor Cu.

[0093] When the threshold is changed, the display control unit 206 hides nodes that are the starting points of paths with path coefficients that are less than the changed threshold. The causal graph G3' shown in the lower left of Figure 6 is a graph in which, among the nodes included in the causal graph G3, nodes that are the starting points of paths with path coefficients that are less than the changed threshold are hidden. Compared to the causal graph G3, the causal graph G3' makes it easier to recognize the relationships between paths with path coefficients that are equal to or greater than the threshold and the nodes included in those paths.

[0094] Note that the index value used as the basis for switching between displaying and hiding a node is not limited to the path coefficient. In other words, the display and hiding of a node can be switched based on any index value as long as it is an index value related to the causal relationship between multiple elements. For example, the display control unit 206 may switch between displaying and hiding a node based on a P value. In this case, the display control unit 206 may display an object that changes the threshold value of the P value. Note that in the case of the P value, the threshold may be changed in stages rather than continuously.

[0095] After narrowing down the nodes to be displayed in this way, the operator can group desired nodes. For example, in the causal graph G3′, multiple nodes may be grouped by encircling them with the cursor Cu.

[0096] The causal graph G3" shown on the right side of Figure 6 shows an example in which target nodes are grouped by performing a drag operation to surround them. In the causal graph G3", the trajectory of the drag operation performed by the cursor Cu on the display screen is shown by a dashed line c2. When nodes N2 and N3 are surrounded by this dashed line c2, the grouping unit 202 groups the elements corresponding to these nodes.

[0097] Note that the grouping method when the nodes to be displayed have been narrowed down is not limited to this example. For example, even when manually specifying a group, multiple nodes to be grouped may be selected and grouped, or the nodes may be automatically grouped using the method described above in "Regarding Grouping Methods."

[0098] As described above, the receiving unit 204 may receive a specified threshold value for a predetermined index value related to the causal relationship between multiple elements, and the display control unit 206 may switch between displaying and hiding each node based on the specified threshold value. The grouping unit 202 may then group elements corresponding to the displayed nodes. This provides the same effect as the information processing device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, and also provides the effect of narrowing down the nodes to be displayed and clarifying the causal relationship between elements before setting a group. As described above, the term "causal relationship" in the above configuration may be replaced with any "relationship."

[0099] (Example of Display Switching) As described above, the switching unit 205 may switch between the first display mode and the second display mode for all groups, or may switch between the first display mode and the second display mode for some groups. This will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of switching the display mode of a causal graph.

[0100] The causal graph G4 shown on the left side of FIG. 7 includes a total of 10 nodes, N1 to N10. As with the causal graph G3 in FIG. 6, edges connecting nodes are displayed with lines of a thickness corresponding to the path coefficient. Edges with a P value less than a threshold value are marked with an asterisk. Specifically, edges with a P value less than 0.05 (for example, the edge connecting N8 and N3) are marked with the symbol "*", and edges with a P value less than 0.01 (for example, the edge connecting N2 and N1) are marked with the symbol "**".

[0101] In the causal graph G4, nodes N1 to N3 displayed on object d21 belong to the first group. Similarly, nodes N4 to N6, nodes N7 and N8, and nodes N9 and N10 displayed on objects d22 to d24 belong to the second to fourth groups, respectively. In the causal graph G4, all of the first to fourth groups are displayed in the second display mode.

[0102] 7, a switching object d1 for switching between the first display mode and the second display mode is displayed together with the causal graph G4. The trigger for switching between the first display mode and the second display mode can be set arbitrarily, but the switching unit 205 may perform the switching when the switching object d1 is operated.

[0103] 7, a drop-down list d11 is displayed together with the switching object d1. The drop-down list d11 may be displayed when the switching object d1 is selected or when the cursor Cu is placed on the switching object d1.

[0104] The drop-down list d11 includes two options: "Simplify All" and "Simplify Partially." "Simplify All" is an option for switching all groups to the first display mode, and "Simplify Partially" is an option for switching only some groups to the first display mode.

[0105] In this way, the display control unit 206 may present the operator with options for switching the display mode. Here, if "Simplify all" is selected, the switching unit 205 switches all groups to the first display mode. In this case, the causal graph G4 will have a display mode like the causal graph G4" shown in the lower right of FIG. 7.

[0106] On the other hand, when "partial simplification" is selected, the switching unit 205 switches to the first display mode for groups that satisfy a predetermined condition. The "predetermined condition" can be any condition. For example, the operator may be allowed to select the group to be switched to the display mode, and in this case, the selection by the operator becomes the "predetermined condition."

[0107] Furthermore, for example, the condition related to the importance determined by the importance determination unit 203 may be the "predetermined condition." The causal graph G4' shown in the upper right of FIG. 7 is obtained by switching to the first display mode for a group whose importance is less than a threshold. Specifically, the second group is switched to the first display mode, and a substitute object d22' is displayed in place of the nodes N4 to N6 of the second group. The fourth group is also switched to the first display mode, and a substitute object d24' is displayed in place of the nodes N9 and N10 of the fourth group. Here, the substitute objects d22' and d24' display the numbers of the nodes they substitute. In this way, substitute objects may be displayed in association with information indicating the nodes they substitute.

[0108] In the causal graph G4', groups whose importance is below the threshold are simplified, making it easier to recognize the causal relationships between nodes belonging to groups whose importance is equal to or greater than the threshold. Specifically, nodes N1 to N3, N7, and N8 belonging to the first and third groups are displayed. The edges connecting these nodes all have large path coefficients, and many of them have P values ​​less than 0.05, so they can be said to be important edges in the causal graph G4'. The nodes connected by these edges can also be said to be important nodes. In other words, the causal graph G4' displays important nodes and edges in a way that makes them easy for the operator to recognize.

[0109] The switching unit 205 may select a group with a high level of importance as the target of switching the display mode, or may select a group with a low level of importance as the target of switching the display mode. The operator may also select whether to select a group with a high level of importance or a group with a low level of importance as the target of switching the display mode. The operator may also select a method for determining the importance (e.g., whether to determine the importance based on a path coefficient or a P value). These matters are the same whether switching from the second display mode to the first display mode or from the first display mode to the second display mode.

[0110] When the switching object d1 is selected while a causal graph in which the first display mode and the second display mode are mixed, such as the causal graph G4′, is displayed, the display control unit 206 may display a drop-down list d12. The drop-down list d12 includes two options: “Expand All” and “Simplify All.” “Expand All” is an option for switching all groups to the second display mode, and “Simplify All” is an option for switching all groups to the first display mode.

[0111] Here, when "Expand all" is selected, the switching unit 205 switches to the second display mode for all groups. In this case, the causal graph G4 takes on a display mode like the causal graph G4 shown on the left side of FIG. 7. On the other hand, when "Simplify all" is selected, the switching unit 205 switches to the first display mode for all groups. In this case, the causal graph G4 takes on a display mode like the causal graph G4" shown in the lower right of FIG. 7.

[0112] Furthermore, if the switching object d1 is selected when all groups are displayed in the first display mode, as in the causal graph G4", the display control unit 206 may display a drop-down list d13. The drop-down list d13 includes two options: "Expand all" and "Expand some". "Expand all" is an option for switching all groups to the second display mode, and "Expand some" is an option for switching some groups to the second display mode.

[0113] Here, when "Expand all" is selected, the switching unit 205 switches all groups to the second display mode. In this case, the causal graph G4 takes on a display mode like the causal graph G4 shown on the left side of Fig. 7. On the other hand, when "Expand part" is selected, the switching unit 205 switches some groups to the second display mode.

[0114] When "Partially Expanded" is selected, the switching unit 205 switches to the second display mode for groups that satisfy a predetermined condition. As in the case of "Partially Simplified," the "predetermined condition" can be any condition. For example, the condition related to the importance determined by the importance determination unit 203 may be the "predetermined condition." For example, the same conditions as in the case of "Partially Simplified" may be applied. In this case, when "Partially Expanded" is selected from the drop-down list d13, the causal graph G4" will be displayed in the form of the causal graph G4' shown in the upper right of Figure 7.

[0115] The trigger for switching the display mode may be any trigger and is not limited to the above example. For example, the switching unit 205 may switch the display mode every time a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of displaying the causal graph. Furthermore, the switching unit 205 may switch a group to a first display mode in response to an operation of selecting an object representing the group. Similarly, the switching unit 205 may switch a group corresponding to a substitute object to a second display mode in response to an operation of selecting a substitute object. For example, in the causal graph G4 or G4′ shown in FIG. 7, when an operation of selecting the object d21 with the cursor Cu is performed, the switching unit 205 may display the substitute object d21′ instead of the nodes N1 to N3. Furthermore, in the causal graph G4″ shown in FIG. 7, when an operation of selecting the substitute object d21′ with the cursor Cu is performed, the switching unit 205 may display the nodes N1 to N3 and the object d21 instead of the substitute object d21′.

[0116] Furthermore, the receiving unit 204 may receive a designation of an importance threshold while displaying the causal graph. The switching unit 205 may then determine the groups to be targeted for switching the display mode based on the designated threshold. For example, the receiving unit 204 may receive a continuous change in the threshold via a threshold designation object such as the object c1 shown in FIG. 6 . This allows, for example, an operator to switch from a state in which all groups are in the second display mode to a state in which the associations between the groups can be recognized by continuously increasing the threshold, starting with the groups with the lowest importance.

[0117] As described above, the switching unit 205 may switch between the first display mode and the second display mode for a group that satisfies a predetermined condition, thereby achieving the effect of facilitating analysis of a portion of groups in addition to the effect achieved by the information processing device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment 1.

[0118] The information processing device 2 also includes an importance determination unit 203 that determines the importance of each group in the causal graph. In this case, the switching unit 205 may switch between the first display mode and the second display mode for groups whose importance meets a predetermined condition. This provides the effect of facilitating analysis of groups with high importance and groups with low importance, in addition to the effects provided by the information processing device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment. As described above, the "causal graph" in the above configuration can be interpreted as any "graph" that indicates the relationship between any elements using nodes and edges.

[0119] (Flow of Display Control Method) The flow of the display control method according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing the flow of the display control method.

[0120] In S21, the data acquisition unit 201 acquires analysis result data indicating the result of the causal analysis. As described above, the data acquisition unit 201 may acquire analysis result data by performing a causal analysis, or may acquire analysis result data indicating the result of a causal analysis performed by another device.

[0121] In S22, the grouping unit 202 groups the elements that were the subject of the causal analysis and are shown in the analysis result data acquired in S21. As explained in the section "Grouping Methods," various grouping methods can be applied. At this time, the receiving unit 204 may receive input of the name of the group. This makes it possible to display the name of the group together with each node of each group or their substitute object when displaying the causal graph. Note that if the elements have been grouped in advance, the processing of S22 is omitted.

[0122] In S23, importance determination unit 203 determines the importance of each group set in S22. The method for determining importance is as described in the section "Importance Determination Method," and therefore will not be described again here.

[0123] In S24, the display control unit 206 displays a causal graph that associates the nodes classified into the same group in S22 (more precisely, nodes corresponding to elements classified into the same group). Note that in S24, the display control unit 206 may display some or all of the groups in the first display mode.

[0124] In S25, the switching unit 205 determines whether or not to switch the display mode. As described above, the trigger for switching the display mode can be any trigger. For example, the switching unit 205 may determine to switch the display mode when the reception unit 204 receives an operation to switch the display mode by the operator. If the determination in S25 is YES, the process proceeds to S26, and if the determination in S25 is NO, the process proceeds to S28.

[0125] In S26, the switching unit 205 identifies a group to be switched. For example, when the receiving unit 204 receives an operation to switch the display mode for all groups, the switching unit 205 sets all groups set in S22 as the group to be switched. Also, for example, when the receiving unit 204 receives an operation to specify a group for which the display mode is to be switched, the switching unit 205 sets the specified group as the group to be switched.

[0126] In addition, in S26, the switching unit 205 may identify a group that satisfies a predetermined condition as a target for switching the display mode. For example, the switching unit 205 may identify a group whose importance determined in S23 is equal to or greater than a threshold value or less than a threshold value as a target for switching the display mode.

[0127] In S27, the switching unit 205 instructs the display control unit 206 to switch the display mode of the causal graph. More specifically, the switching unit 205 switches the groups identified in S26 that were displayed in the first display mode in S24 to the second display mode. Similarly, the switching unit 205 switches the groups identified in S26 that were displayed in the second display mode in S24 to the first display mode.

[0128] In S28, the grouping unit 202 determines whether a group change has occurred. For example, the grouping unit 202 may determine that a group change has occurred when an operation to move the display position of a node displayed in a predetermined display area associated with a group into a predetermined display area associated with another group is received. If the determination in S28 is YES, the process proceeds to S29, and if the determination in S28 is NO, the process proceeds to S30.

[0129] In S29, the grouping unit 202 updates the groups. Also, in S29, the display control unit 206 may reflect the group update in the display. For example, suppose a node is moved from a display area associated with one group to a display area associated with another group. In this case, the display control unit 206 may narrow the display area associated with one group (e.g., the display area for object b1 in FIG. 5 ) and widen the display area associated with the other group (e.g., the display area for object b3 in FIG. 5 ).

[0130] In S30, the display control unit 206 determines whether to end the display of the causal graph. For example, the display control unit 206 may determine to end the display of the causal graph when the reception unit 204 receives an operation to end the display of the causal graph. If the determination in S30 is YES (i.e., to end the display), the display control method in FIG. 8 ends. On the other hand, if the determination in S30 is NO (i.e., to continue the display), the process returns to S25.

[0131] As described above, the display control method according to this exemplary embodiment includes displaying a causal graph in which the causal relationships between a plurality of elements are represented by nodes corresponding to each element and edges indicating the causal relationships between each element (S24), and switching the display mode of the causal graph between a first display mode in which substitute objects are displayed in place of each node corresponding to each element belonging to the same group, and a second display mode in which each node corresponding to each element belonging to the group is displayed (S27).

[0132] In the above display control method, the term "causal relationship" can be replaced with any "relationship," and the term "causal graph" can be replaced with any "graph" that shows the relationship between any elements with nodes and edges. That is, the display control method according to this exemplary embodiment has the effect of making it easier to recognize the relationship between nodes in any graph that shows the relationship between elements with nodes and edges.

[0133] [Modification] The execution entity of each process described in the above embodiment is arbitrary and is not limited to the above example. In other words, the functions of the information processing devices 1 and 2 can be realized by multiple devices (which can also be called processors) that can communicate with each other. For example, the execution of each process described in the flowcharts of Figures 2 and 8 can be shared among multiple processors. In other words, the execution entity of the display control method in the above embodiment may be one processor or multiple processors.

[0134] [Example of Software Implementation] Some or all of the functions of the information processing device 1 or 2 may be implemented by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC chip), or may be implemented by software.

[0135] In the latter case, the information processing device 1 or 2 is realized, for example, by a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter referred to as computer C) is shown in FIG. 9. The computer C includes at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. The memory C2 stores a program (display control program) P for operating the computer C as the information processing device 1 or 2. In the computer C, the processor C1 reads and executes the program P from the memory C2, thereby realizing each function of the information processing device 1 or 2.

[0136] The processor C1 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a micro processing unit (MPU), a floating point number processing unit (FPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a quantum processor, a microcontroller, or a combination thereof. The memory C2 may be, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

[0137] The computer C may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program P during execution and for temporarily storing various data. The computer C may also include a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The computer C may also include an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and a printer.

[0138] The program P can also be recorded on a non-transitory, tangible recording medium M that can be read by the computer C. Such a recording medium M can be, for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit. The computer C can acquire the program P via such a recording medium M. The program P can also be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium can be, for example, a communication network or broadcast waves. The computer C can also acquire the program P via such a transmission medium.

[0139] [Additional Note 1] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the above-described embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0140] [Additional Note 2] Part or all of the above-described embodiment can also be described as follows: However, the present invention is not limited to the following described aspects.

[0141] (Supplementary Note 1) An information processing device comprising: a display control means for displaying a graph in which relationships between a plurality of elements are represented by nodes corresponding to each element and edges indicating the relationships between each element; and a switching means for switching the display mode of the graph between a first display mode in which substitute objects are displayed in place of each node corresponding to each element belonging to the same group, and a second display mode in which each node corresponding to each element belonging to the group is displayed.

[0142] (Supplementary Note 2) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the switching means switches between the first display mode and the second display mode for the group that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0143] (Supplementary Note 3) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 2 further includes an importance determination unit that determines the importance of each of the groups in the graph, and the switching means switches between the first display mode and the second display mode for the group whose importance satisfies the predetermined condition.

[0144] (Supplementary Note 4) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 2 or 3, wherein the switching means switches the display mode of each group in the graph to an optimal display mode between the first display mode and the second display mode, depending on the manner in which the values ​​of each element included in the group change over time.

[0145] (Supplementary Note 5) An information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, further comprising a grouping means for grouping the elements, and wherein the first display mode is a display mode in which the substitute object is displayed in place of each node corresponding to each element classified into the same group by the grouping means.

[0146] (Supplementary Note 6) The information processing device according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the grouping means classifies the plurality of elements into a plurality of groups by exploratory factor analysis.

[0147] (Appendix 7) The information processing device described in Appendix 5, wherein the plurality of elements include those generated based on the respondent's answers to predetermined questions, and the grouping means classifies the plurality of elements generated based on answers to the same or related questions into the same group.

[0148] (Appendix 8) An information processing device as described in Appendix 5, further comprising a receiving means for receiving a specification of a threshold value of a predetermined index value relating to the relationship between the plurality of elements, wherein the display control means switches between displaying and hiding each node based on the specified threshold value, and the grouping means performs grouping on the elements corresponding to the displayed nodes.

[0149] (Appendix 9) An information processing device according to any one of Appendices 5 to 8, wherein the grouping means changes the classification of an element corresponding to a node from the one group to the other group when the node displayed in a predetermined display area associated with a certain group is moved to a predetermined display area associated with another group.

[0150] (Supplementary Note 10) A display control method including: displaying, by at least one processor, a graph representing relationships between a plurality of elements by nodes corresponding to each element and edges indicating relationships between each element; and switching the display mode of the graph between a first display mode in which, instead of each node corresponding to each element belonging to the same group, substitute objects that substitute for those nodes are displayed; and a second display mode in which, instead of each node corresponding to each element belonging to the group, each node corresponding to each element belonging to the group is displayed.

[0151] (Supplementary Note 11) A display control program that causes a computer to function as a display control means for displaying a graph in which relationships between multiple elements are represented by nodes corresponding to each element and edges indicating the relationships between each element, and a switching means for switching the display mode of the graph between a first display mode in which substitute objects are displayed in place of each node corresponding to each element belonging to the same group, and a second display mode in which each node corresponding to each element belonging to the group is displayed.

[0152] [Additional Note 3] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can also be expressed as follows: An information processing device including at least one processor, the processor executing a process of displaying a graph in which relationships between a plurality of elements are represented by nodes corresponding to the elements and edges indicating the relationships between the elements, and a process of switching the display mode of the graph between a first display mode in which, instead of each node corresponding to each element belonging to the same group, substitute objects that substitute for those nodes are displayed, and a second display mode in which each node corresponding to each element belonging to the group is displayed.

[0153] The information processing device may further include a memory that stores a display control program for causing the processor to execute the process of displaying a graph and the process of switching the display mode of the graph. The display control program may be recorded on a computer-readable, non-transitory, tangible recording medium.

[0154] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information processing device 11 Display control unit (display control means) 12 Switching unit (switching means) 2 Information processing device 202 Grouping unit (grouping means) 203 Importance determination unit (importance determination means) 204 Reception unit (reception means) 205 Switching unit (switching means) 206 Display control unit (display control means)

Claims

1. A display control means for displaying a graph in which the relationships between multiple elements are represented by nodes corresponding to each element and edges indicating the relationships between each element, An information processing device comprising a switching means for switching the display mode of the graph between a first display mode in which substitute objects are displayed in place of each node corresponding to each element belonging to the same group, and a second display mode in which each node corresponding to each element belonging to the group is displayed.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching means switches between the first display mode and the second display mode for the group that satisfies predetermined conditions.

3. Each of the aforementioned groups is provided with an importance determination unit that determines the importance of that group in the graph, The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the switching means switches between the first display mode and the second display mode for the group whose importance satisfies the predetermined conditions.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the switching means switches the display mode of each group in the graph to the optimal display mode among the first display mode and the second display mode according to the mode of change over time of the values ​​of each element included in the group.

5. The system includes a grouping means for grouping the aforementioned elements, The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first display mode is a display mode in which the grouping means displays the alternative object in place of each node corresponding to each element classified into the same group.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the grouping means classifies the plurality of elements into a plurality of groups by exploratory factor analysis.

7. The aforementioned multiple elements include those generated based on the respondent's answers to predetermined questions, The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the grouping means classifies a plurality of elements generated based on answers to the same or related questions into the same group.

8. The system includes a receiving means for receiving the specification of a threshold value for a predetermined index value relating to the relationships between the aforementioned plurality of elements, The display control means switches the display and hiding of each node based on the specified threshold. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the grouping means performs grouping on the elements corresponding to the displayed nodes.

9. At least one processor, To display a graph that represents the relationships between multiple elements using nodes corresponding to each element and edges that show the relationships between each element, A display control method that includes switching the display mode of the graph between a first display mode in which substitute objects are displayed to replace each node corresponding to each element belonging to the same group, and a second display mode in which each node corresponding to each element belonging to the group is displayed.

10. Computers, A display control means for displaying a graph in which the relationships between multiple elements are represented by nodes corresponding to each element and edges indicating the relationships between each element, and A display control program that functions as a switching means for switching the display mode of the graph between a first display mode in which substitute objects are displayed to replace each node corresponding to each element belonging to the same group, and a second display mode in which each node corresponding to each element belonging to the group is displayed.