Communication assistance system

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a system for assisting communication between users on the basis of information mapped to a framework. A communication assistance system (101) is provided with: a framework creation unit (14) that maps starting point information, which is inputted text or media information, to a framework and constructs the starting point information as a mapping framework; a framework display unit (15) that causes a display device to display the mapping framework; and a communication-providing unit (16) that receives a discussion input for the mapping framework from a user while the mapping framework is displayed on the display device, maps discussion information representing the content of discussion to the mapping framework, and updates the mapping framework.

Description

Communication Support System

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication support system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 provides a workshop support system that supports participants in generating ideas.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-057272

[0004] The prior art documents do not disclose a system that maps necessary information on a framework and displays it graphically when formulating a solution or project, and provides a forum for communication between users based on the displayed information.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a system that supports communication between users based on information mapped to a framework.

[0006] The communication support system of the present disclosure includes a framework creation unit that maps input text or media information, which is starting information, to a framework and constructs it as a mapping framework; a framework display unit that displays the mapping framework on a display device; and a communication provision unit that, while the mapping framework is displayed on the display device, accepts input of discussion into the mapping framework from a user, maps discussion information representing the content of the discussion into the mapping framework, and updates the mapping framework.

[0007] The communication support system of the present disclosure can support communication between users based on information mapped to a framework. Objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0008] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication support system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a mapping framework based on a business model canvas. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing category communication and framework communication in the mapping framework of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication support system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing how thumbnails of reference information are displayed on the mapping framework. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication support system according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an input screen for evaluation information. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of display of evaluation information. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication support system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication support system according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing switching of framework display by a display unit. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication support system according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a communication support system.

[0009] <A. First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication support system 101 according to a first embodiment.

[0010] The communication support system 101 includes an information acquisition unit 11 , a starting point information database 12 , a starting point information analysis unit 13 , a framework creation unit 14 , a framework display unit 15 , a communication providing unit 16 , and a framework database 17 .

[0011] The information acquisition unit 11 acquires origin information such as text or media information by crawling and stores it in the origin information database 12. The origin information is, for example, data tagged with "automotive parts," information on related patents, information on the names of related engineers, information on related cases, information on related customer data, etc. The origin information database 12 stores multiple pieces of origin information.

[0012] The origin information analysis unit 13 analyzes a plurality of pieces of origin information stored in the origin information database 12, and performs clustering and linking. Based on the analysis results, a piece of origin information is linked to another piece of origin information as related data.

[0013] The framework creation unit 14 selects starting information from which a framework will be created from multiple pieces of starting information stored in the starting information database 12. Then, based on the analysis results of the source starting information, it extracts an appropriate framework. For example, if the source starting information is tagged as "new business idea" in the starting information analysis unit 13, the framework creation unit 14 can extract a framework such as a Lean Canvas or an MVP Canvas. The framework creation unit 14 also maps multiple pieces of starting information related to the source starting information, i.e., related data, to categories corresponding to the extracted framework. Here, mapping refers to allocating the display of related data to specific areas of the framework. If the framework creation unit 14 extracts multiple frameworks, related data may be mapped to each of the frameworks.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows a mapping framework 51 created by mapping multiple pieces of origin information onto a business model canvas. In this specification, a framework onto which multiple pieces of origin information are mapped is referred to as a mapping framework. The mapping framework 51 has categories such as "Key Partners," "Key Activities," "Key Resources," "Cost Structure," "Value Proposition," "Customer Segments," and "Revenue Streams." The mapping framework 51 is created by mapping the origin information 50 into the "Key Partners" area 52, "Key Activities" area 53, "Key Resources" area 54, "Cost Structure" area 55, "Value Proposition" area 56, "Customer Segments" area 57, and "Revenue Streams" area 58, which represent these categories.

[0015] The framework display unit 15 uses a display device (not shown) to display the mapping framework on the display device. When the framework creation unit 14 creates multiple mapping frameworks, the framework display unit 15 displays the multiple mapping frameworks on the display device, and the mapping framework selected by the user using an input device (not shown) may be determined as the mapping framework for performing the processing described below.

[0016] The communication providing unit 16 provides communication on the mapping framework displayed on the display device. Specifically, the communication providing unit 16 displays a chat area on the mapping framework, maps text, which is discussion information for the mapping framework input by a user using an input device (not shown), to the chat area, and updates the mapping framework. The communication provided here includes category communication and framework communication. Category communication is chat within each category of the mapping framework.

[0017] FIG. 3 shows communication in the mapping framework of FIG. 2 . In the “Major Partners” area 52, a chat area 61 is provided within the frame of “Related Engineer A.” The chat area 61 is an area where chats between users regarding Related Engineer A are displayed. For example, while viewing the mapping framework displayed on the display device, User X selects the chat area 61 using an input device (not shown) and inputs a discussion regarding Related Engineer A. The discussion regarding Related Engineer A input by User X is displayed in the chat area 61 and is visible to another User Y who is accessing the communication support system 101. User Y can also input a discussion regarding Related Engineer A in the same way as User X, and the discussion regarding Related Engineer A input by User X is also displayed in the chat area 61.

[0018] Similarly, in the "Key Partners" area 52, a chat area 62 is provided within the frame for "Related Engineer B." Furthermore, chat areas 63, 64, 65, and 66 are provided in the "Key Activities" area 53, the "Key Resources" area 54, the "Value Provided" area 56, and the "Customer Segments" area 57, respectively. These chat areas 62-66 function in the same way as the chat area 61. A chat area 67 that does not belong to any category is displayed on the right end of the mapping framework 51. When a user wants to have a discussion that does not belong to any category or a discussion about the mapping framework 51 as a whole, the user selects the chat area 67 and enters input.

[0019] In this way, the communication support system 101 allows multiple users to hold discussions about each category or the entire mapping framework while displaying a list of multiple related data organized by category on the mapping framework 51. This allows users to effectively and efficiently move from the planning stage of a solution or plan to commercialization.

[0020] The communication providing unit 16 stores in a framework database a mapping framework 51 that includes the discussions displayed in the chat areas 61-67.

[0021] The communication support system 101 according to the first embodiment includes a framework creation unit 14 that maps input starting information, which is input text or media information, to a framework and constructs it as a mapping framework, a framework display unit 15 that displays the mapping framework on a display device, and a communication providing unit 16 that, while the mapping framework is displayed on the display device, accepts input of a discussion into the mapping framework from a user and maps discussion information representing the content of the discussion into the mapping framework to update the mapping framework. With this configuration, users can hold discussions while referring to the starting information mapped to the framework.

[0022] In the communication support system 101, the framework creation unit 14 may map starting point information to at least one of a plurality of categories included in the framework, and the communication providing unit 16 may accept discussions for each category in the mapping framework and map the discussion information. In this case, users can hold discussions for each category while referring to the starting point information organized by category.

[0023] <B. Second Embodiment> Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication support system 102 according to a second embodiment. The communication support system 102 includes a reference information attachment unit 18 in addition to the configuration of the communication support system 101 according to the first embodiment.

[0024] The reference information attachment unit 18 attaches reference information to the mapping framework. The reference information may be attached to the entire mapping framework or to at least one category. The reference information is information that supplements the related data mapped to the mapping framework, and is, for example, a reference URL of the related data, or an electronic file such as a PDF file, a Word file, or a PowerPoint file. The reference information attachment unit 18 maps a thumbnail or file name of the reference information onto the mapping framework or onto a specific category thereof.

[0025] 5 shows how thumbnails 68 of reference information are displayed on the "customer segment" 57 of the mapping framework 51. When a user selects a thumbnail 68 using an input device (not shown), the reference information attachment unit 18 displays the reference information related to the customer segment on the display device.

[0026] The communication support system 102 according to the second embodiment includes a reference information attachment unit 18 that attaches reference information that supplements the origin information to the mapping framework. Therefore, the user can refer to the reference information as needed.

[0027] <C. Third Embodiment> Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication support system 103 according to a third embodiment. The communication support system 103 includes a viewing evaluation unit 19, a positioning analysis unit 20, a ranking display unit 21, and an evaluation information display unit 22 in addition to the configuration of the communication support system 101 according to the first embodiment.

[0028] The viewing evaluation unit 19 allows a user to view the mapping frameworks stored in the framework database 17 and acquires an evaluation of the mapping framework from the user. FIG. 7 shows an evaluation input screen 69 for the mapping framework 51. The viewing evaluation unit 19 displays the mapping framework 51 and the evaluation input screen 69 on a display device. The evaluation input screen 69 has a dialog box in which an evaluation of the mapping framework 51 is input on a five-point scale from 1 to 5, and a dialog box in which word-of-mouth comments such as the user's opinions or impressions about the mapping framework 51 are input. The viewing evaluation unit 19 associates the user's evaluation acquired by the user through the evaluation input screen 69 with the mapping framework 51 and stores the evaluation in the framework database 17.

[0029] The positioning analysis unit 20 analyzes the positioning of the mapping framework within the group to which the user belongs, such as within a company or industry, based on information entered by the user or information obtained by crawling. For example, if the starting information mapped to the mapping framework is tagged with a technology field, the positioning analysis unit 20 creates a mapping diagram with the horizontal axis representing the degree of relevance between that technology field and a predetermined core technology field, and the vertical axis representing the number of patents or the degree of market penetration represented by the starting information mapped to the mapping framework. The results of the positioning analysis of the mapping framework created in this way can be viewed when users communicate with each other.

[0030] The ranking display unit 21 displays the mapping frameworks stored in the framework database 17 in a ranking format on a display device. The ranking display unit 21 creates rankings based on the evaluation results from users acquired by the browsing evaluation unit 19 and stored in the framework database 17. When creating the rankings, the ranking display unit 21 may also take into consideration the positioning analyzed by the positioning analysis unit 20. For example, the ranking display unit 21 may use the number of patents for the mapping framework or the degree of penetration in the market as weighting parameters when creating the rankings.

[0031] The evaluation information display unit 22 displays the evaluation results from users acquired by the viewing evaluation unit 19 on a display device. Fig. 8 shows an example of a display screen for the evaluation results. In the example of Fig. 8, a graph 70 showing the ratio of the five-point evaluation in the mapping framework and review contents 71, 72, and 73 are displayed.

[0032] The communication support system 103 according to the third embodiment includes a framework database 17 that stores mapping frameworks, and a viewing evaluation unit 19 that acquires evaluation information representing users' evaluations of the mapping frameworks stored in the framework database 17, associates the evaluation information with the mapping frameworks, and stores the evaluation information in the framework database.

[0033] <D. Fourth Embodiment> Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication support system 104 according to a fourth embodiment. The communication support system 104 includes a behavior history database 23, an attribute database 24, and a guide information creation unit 25 in addition to the configuration of the communication support system 101 according to the first embodiment.

[0034] The behavior history database 23 accumulates the user's behavior history on the communication support system 104. The behavior history includes the user's history of browsing, editing, creating, or evaluating mapping frameworks, and the user's operation history of the communication support system 104.

[0035] The attribute database 24 stores user attribute information that is input to the communication support system 104 using an input device (not shown) during user registration. The user attribute information includes, for example, information on the user's expertise, such as the user's business field, technical field, and years of experience.

[0036] The guide information creating unit 25 creates guide information for guiding the operation of the communication support system 104 as needed based on the user's behavior history and attribute information, and displays the guide information on the operation screen of the communication support system 104 .

[0037] For example, if the guide information creation unit 25 determines from the user's behavior history that the user has a history of being confused about how to operate the communication support system 104, such as leaving many blank spaces on the input screen of the communication support system 104, writing irrelevant information, or staying on one screen for a long time, the guide information creation unit 25 attributes the user as not familiar with IT and creates guide information. The guide information creation unit 25 can personalize the guide information by displaying more guide information to a user who is determined to be unfamiliar with operations based on the behavior history, and displaying less guide information to a user who is determined to be able to operate smoothly based on the behavior history.

[0038] The framework creation unit 14 selects a framework for mapping starting point information based on the user's behavioral history and attribute information. For example, if the user's attribute is "planning department," the framework creation unit 14 can select a framework specialized for new business development, such as the Lean Canvas or the MVP Canvas. Also, if the user's attribute is "sales department," the framework creation unit 14 can select a customer journey framework.

[0039] Furthermore, if the user's behavior history contains many browsing histories of mapping frameworks tagged with a certain technical field A, the framework creation unit 14 can attribute the user as a specialist in the technical field A or a person who is interested in the technical field A. In this case, the framework creation unit 14 may select a framework created by another user who is attributed as a specialist in the technical field A or an user who is interested in the technical field A.

[0040] <E. Fifth Embodiment> Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication support system 105 according to a fifth embodiment. The communication support system 105 includes a display unit 26 in addition to the configuration of the communication support system 101 according to the first embodiment.

[0041] The display unit 26 has a mapping framework search function, and in response to input from the user, selects a specific mapping framework from among the mapping frameworks stored in the framework database 17 and displays it on a display device not shown.

[0042] For example, when a specific category is input as a keyword by the user, the display unit 26 extracts a mapping framework that includes the input category from among the multiple mapping frameworks stored in the framework database 17, and displays the extracted mapping framework on the display device. The user can select and view a desired mapping framework from the displayed mapping frameworks.

[0043] The display unit 26 can display a list of the mapping frameworks stored in the framework database 17 in various formats, such as a list, thumbnail, or category display. Fig. 11 shows how the display is switched between the list, thumbnail, and category displays. The user can switch the display format of the mapping framework list by operating the tabs.

[0044] 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication support system 106 according to embodiment 6. The communication support system 106 includes the same configuration as the communication support system 105 according to embodiment 5, as well as the behavior history database 23 and attribute database 24 as in embodiment 4.

[0045] The display unit 26 has a recommendation function of extracting a mapping framework that is deemed appropriate for the user from the framework database 17 based on the user's behavior history or attributes, and presenting it to the user.

[0046] For example, if the user has viewed a certain mapping framework multiple times in the past, the display unit 26 can present the mapping framework or a similar mapping framework to the user.

[0047] For example, if the user's attribute is "planning department," the display unit 26 can present the user with a framework specialized for new business development, such as the Lean Canvas or the MVP Canvas. If the user's attribute is "sales department," the display unit 26 can present the user with a customer journey framework.

[0048] <G. Hardware Configuration> In the above-described communication support systems 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106, the information acquisition unit 11, starting point information database 12, starting point information analysis unit 13, framework creation unit 14, framework display unit 15, communication provision unit 16, framework database 17, reference information attachment unit 18, browsing evaluation unit 19, positioning analysis unit 20, ranking display unit 21, evaluation information display unit 22, behavior history database 23, attribute database 24, and guide information creation unit 25 are realized by a processing circuit 81 shown in FIG. 13 . That is, the processing circuit 81 includes an information acquisition unit 11, a starting point information database 12, a starting point information analysis unit 13, a framework creation unit 14, a framework display unit 15, a communication provision unit 16, a framework database 17, a reference information attachment unit 18, a browsing evaluation unit 19, a positioning analysis unit 20, a ranking display unit 21, an evaluation information display unit 22, a behavior history database 23, an attribute database 24, and a guide information creation unit 25 (hereinafter referred to as the "information acquisition unit 11, etc."). The processing circuit 81 may be implemented using dedicated hardware, or may be implemented using a processor that executes a program stored in memory. The processor may be, for example, a central processing unit, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc.

[0049] When the processing circuitry 81 is dedicated hardware, the processing circuitry 81 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. Each function of each unit such as the information acquisition unit 11 may be realized by a plurality of processing circuits 81, or the functions of each unit may be realized together by a single processing circuit.

[0050] When the processing circuitry 81 is a processor, the functions of the information acquisition unit 11 and the like are realized by a combination of software, etc. (software, firmware, or software and firmware). The software, etc. is written as a program and stored in memory. As shown in FIG. 14 , the processor 82 applied to the processing circuitry 81 realizes the functions of each unit by reading and executing a program stored in memory 83. That is, the communication support systems 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 include a memory 83 for storing a program that, when executed by the processing circuitry 81, results in the processing of the information acquisition unit 11 and the like. In other words, this program can be said to cause a computer to execute a procedure or method of the information acquisition unit 11 and the like. Here, the memory 83 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) and its drive device, or any storage medium that will be used in the future.

[0051] The above describes a configuration in which each function of the information acquisition unit 11 and the like is realized either by hardware or software, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration in which part of the information acquisition unit 11 and the like is realized by dedicated hardware and another part is realized by software, etc. For example, the function of the framework creation unit 14 can be realized by a processing circuit as dedicated hardware, and the other functions can be realized by the processing circuit 81 as the processor 82 reading and executing programs stored in the memory 83.

[0052] As described above, the processing circuit can realize each of the above-mentioned functions by hardware, software, etc., or a combination of these. Note that the origin information database 12, framework database 17, behavior history database 23, and attribute database 24 are configured from memory 83, but they may be configured from a single memory 83, or each may be configured from a separate memory.

[0053] It should be noted that the embodiments can be freely combined, and each embodiment can be modified or omitted as appropriate. The above description is an example in all respects. It is understood that countless variations not illustrated can be envisioned.

[0054] 11 Information acquisition unit, 12 Starting point information database, 13 Starting point information analysis unit, 14 Framework creation unit, 15 Framework display unit, 16 Communication provision unit, 17 Framework database, 18 Reference information attachment unit, 19 View evaluation unit, 20 Positioning analysis unit, 21 Ranking display unit, 22 Evaluation information display unit, 23 Behavioral history database, 24 Attribute database, 25 Guide information creation unit, 26 Display unit, 50 Starting point information, 51 Mapping framework, 69 Evaluation input screen, 70 Graph, 81 Processing circuit, 82 Processor, 83 Memory, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 Communication support system.

Claims

1. A communication support system comprising: a framework creation unit that maps input text or media information, which is starting information, into a framework and constructs it as a mapping framework; a framework display unit that displays the mapping framework on a display device; and a communication providing unit that, while the mapping framework is displayed on the display device, accepts input of discussion into the mapping framework from a user, maps discussion information representing the content of the discussion into the mapping framework, and updates the mapping framework.

2. The communication support system of claim 1, wherein the framework creation unit maps the starting point information to at least one of a plurality of categories included in the framework, and the communication providing unit accepts the discussion for each category of the mapping framework and maps the discussion information.

3. The communication support system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a reference information attachment unit that attaches reference information that supplements the origin information to the mapping framework.

4. The communication support system according to claim 3, wherein the reference information attachment unit attaches the reference information to at least one of the categories in the mapping framework.

5. The communication support system of claim 1, further comprising: a framework database that stores the mapping framework; and a viewing evaluation unit that acquires evaluation information representing a user's evaluation of the mapping framework stored in the framework database, and links it to the mapping framework and stores it in the framework database.

6. The communication support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a positioning analysis unit that analyzes a positioning of the mapping framework within a group to which a user belongs.

7. The communication support system according to claim 5, further comprising a ranking display unit that creates a ranking of the mapping frameworks based on the evaluation information of the mapping frameworks accumulated in the framework database, and displays the ranking of the mapping frameworks on a display device.

8. The communication support system according to claim 5, further comprising an evaluation information display unit that displays the evaluation information on a display device.

9. The communication support system according to claim 1, wherein the framework creation unit selects the framework to which the starting point information is mapped based on user attribute information.

10. The communication support system according to claim 1, further comprising a guide information creation unit that displays guide information for operating the communication support system on a display device based on user attribute information.

11. The communication support system according to claim 2, further comprising: a framework database that stores the mapping frameworks; and a display unit that extracts a specific mapping framework from the stored mapping frameworks and displays it on a display device.

12. The communication support system according to claim 11, wherein the display unit extracts the specific mapping framework based on a user's behavior history.

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