Communication management device and communication management method

Abstract

In this communication management device, a first determination unit determines a first index related to the strength of the connection between a first organization and a second organization. A second determination unit determines, on the basis of first member information relating to a first member belonging to the first organization, second member information relating to a second member belonging to the second organization, and the first index, a second index related to the strength of the connection between the first member and the second member. A transmission unit transmits, on the basis of the second index, communication information related to communication between the first member and the second member to at least one of a terminal of the first member and a terminal of the second member.

Description

Communication management device and communication management method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication management device and a communication management method.

[0002] Networking within an organization is an important factor that promotes effective communication and relationship building, significantly impacting the results of individuals and organizations. In large organizations that include multiple sub-organizations (such as a company with multiple departments), it is said that useful information is transmitted quickly through weak ties that are formed incidentally between members of different sub-organizations (the "strength of weak ties theory"). Weak ties are connections between members of different sub-organizations, and between the members of those different sub-organizations, there are no other connections between them. In other words, weak ties are connections in which there are almost no mutual acquaintances other than the people involved.

[0003] Against this background, technologies for visualizing the connections between members of an organization have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a system that outputs a correlation diagram in which the thickness or color density of the relationship lines connecting the identification marks representing employees who own mobile devices is changed depending on the frequency of mutual communication between employees via internal email, phone calls, instant messengers, etc. Such a mechanism for visualizing the relationships between members makes it possible to identify areas within an organization where connections are weak.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-170167

[0005] Although the above-mentioned conventional technology can visualize the connections between individuals in a large organization, it does not take into account the relationships between the small organizations to which each individual member belongs. Therefore, it is difficult to build weak ties using the above-mentioned conventional technology.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to take into consideration the connections between members of different organizations when promoting connections between the members of the different organizations.

[0007] The communication management device of the present disclosure comprises a first determination unit that determines a first indicator regarding the strength of the connection between a first organization and a second organization, a second determination unit that determines a second indicator regarding the strength of the connection between the first member and the second member based on first member information regarding a first member belonging to the first organization, second member information regarding a second member belonging to the second organization, and the first indicator, and a transmission unit that transmits communication information regarding the communication between the first member and the second member to at least one of the terminal of the first member and the terminal of the second member based on the second indicator.

[0008] The communication management method of the present disclosure involves using a computer to determine a first indicator regarding the strength of the connection between a first organization and a second organization, determining a second indicator regarding the strength of the connection between the first member and the two members based on first member information regarding a first member belonging to the first organization, second member information regarding a second member belonging to the second organization, and the first indicator, and transmitting communication information regarding the communication between the first member and the second member to at least one of the terminal of the first member and the terminal of the second member based on the second indicator.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, when promoting connections between members of different organizations, the connections between the different organizations can be taken into consideration.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication system 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a member terminal 21-1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication management device 10. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an activity information database DB1. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a member database DB2. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of incentive information. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of recommendation information. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the processing device 103 of the communication management device 10. FIG. 9 is an organizational diagram of an organization OG-X.

[0011] [Embodiment] [System Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication system 1. The communication system 1 according to the embodiment includes a communication management device 10 and a plurality of member terminals 21 (21-1 to 21-N (N is an integer of 2 or greater)) and 22 (22-1 to 22-L (L is an integer of 2 or greater; L may be N)). The communication management device 10 and the member terminals 21-1 to 21-N and 22-1 to 22-L are interconnected by a network N. The network N may be a wide area network (WAN) or a local area network (LAN). Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the individual member terminals 21-1 to 21-N and 22-1 to 22-L, they will be referred to as member terminals 21 and 22.

[0012] The member terminals 21 and 22 are information processing terminals. More specifically, the member terminals 21 and 22 may be personal computers, tablets, or smartphones. The member terminals 21 and 22 are held by members M1 (M1-1 to M1-N) and M2 (M2-1 to M2-L) of the organization, respectively.

[0013] Members M1-1 to M1-N belong to a first organization OG1. In other words, the first organization OG1 is composed of members M1-1 to M1-N. Members M2-1 to M2-L belong to a second organization OG2. In other words, the second organization OG2 is composed of members M2-1 to M2-N. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the individual members M1-1 to M1-N and M2-1 to M2-L, they will be referred to as members M1 and M2.

[0014] In this embodiment, the first organization OG1 and the second organization OG2 are subordinate organizations of any of the organizations OG-X. As an example, the organization OG-X is a company, and the first organization OG1 and the second organization OG2 are departments within the company (e.g., the "general affairs department" and the "public relations department"). The organization OG-X may be referred to as a "large organization," and the first organization OG1 and the second organization OG2 as "small organizations." Although FIG. 1 illustrates two organizations, the first organization OG1 and the second organization OG2, the organization OG-X may include three or more subordinate organizations.

[0015] The communication management device 10 manages communication between members M1-1 to M1-N and M2-1 to M-L using member terminals 21-1 to 21-N and 22-1 to 22-L. As will be described in detail later, the communication management device 10 has the following functions, for example: Monitoring communication between members M1 and M2. Estimating combinations of members M1 and M2 for which communication is useful for the organization OG-X. Promoting communication between members M1 and M2 who are useful combinations. Providing incentives for communication between members M1 and M2.

[0016] [Member Terminals 21, 22] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of member terminal 21-1. Since the configurations of member terminals 21-1 to 21-N and 22-1 to 22-L are substantially the same, the following description will use member terminal 21-1 as an example. Member terminal 21-1 is held by member M1-1. Member terminal 21-1 includes a display 201, an input device 202, a microphone 203, a speaker 204, a camera 205, a communication device 206, a storage device 207, a processing device 208, and a bus 220 that interconnects these devices.

[0017] The display 201 is a device that displays information to the outside (for example, various display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel). The input device 202 is a device that accepts input from the outside (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a switch, a button, or a sensor). The display 201 and the input device 202 may be integrated into one device (for example, a touch panel).

[0018] The microphone 203 picks up surrounding sounds and generates audio data. The audio picked up by the microphone 203 is, for example, the voice spoken when member M1-1 talks to at least one of the other members M1-2 to M1-N, M2-1 to M2-L using a voice call application. The speaker 204 plays back audio data and outputs audio corresponding to the audio data. The audio data played back by the speaker 204 represents, for example, the voice spoken by the other party when member M1-1 talks to at least one of the other members M1-2 to M1-N, M2-1 to M2-L using a voice call application. The microphone 203 and the speaker 204 may not be included in the member terminal 21-1 and may be separate from the member terminal 21-1. In this case, the member terminal 21-1 is connected to the microphone 203 and the speaker 204 by an interface (not shown).

[0019] The camera 205 generates an image of the space around the member terminal 21-1. The image captured by the camera 205 is, for example, an image of member M1-1, which is used when member M1-1 holds a web meeting or the like with at least one of the other members M1-2 to M1-N, M2-1 to M2-L. The camera 205 has an imaging optical system and an imaging element. The imaging optical system is an optical system including at least one imaging lens. The imaging optical system may have various optical elements such as a prism, or may have a zoom lens or a focus lens. The imaging element is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary MOS) image sensor.

[0020] The communication device 206 has an interface that can be connected to the network N, and communicates with other devices connected to the network N using wireless or wired communication.

[0021] The storage device 207 is a recording medium readable by the processing device 208. The storage device 207 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The volatile memory is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage device 207 stores a program PG2. The program PG2 is a program for operating the member terminal 21-1.

[0022] The processing unit 208 includes one or more central processing units (CPUs). The one or more CPUs are examples of one or more processors. Each of the processors and CPUs is an example of a computer.

[0023] The processing device 208 reads the program PG2 from the storage device 207. By executing the program PG2, the processing device 208 functions as an activity information transmitting unit 211 and a communication information output unit 212. At least one of the activity information transmitting unit 211 and the communication information output unit 212 may be configured by a circuit such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0024] The activity information sending unit 211 sends activity information indicating the history of activities of member M1-1 using the member terminal 21-1 to the communication management device 10. In this embodiment, the activity information indicates the history of communication sessions using the member terminal 21-1 between member M1-1 and at least one of the other members M1-2 to M1-N and M2-1 to M2-L. Communication sessions using the member terminal 21-1 are carried out, for example, by web meetings, calls using a voice call application, sending and receiving emails, or sending and receiving emails using a messenger application.

[0025] The activity information includes, for example, sender identification information that identifies member M1-1 (or member terminal 21-1 that is the sender of the activity information) who is the subject of the activity information, method information that indicates the method of the communication session (such as the above-mentioned web meeting or call), duration information that indicates the duration of the communication session, and partner identification information that identifies the other party in the communication.

[0026] The communication information output unit 212 outputs the communication information transmitted from the communication management device 10. The communication information output unit 212 displays an image indicating the communication information on, for example, the display 201. The communication information output unit 212 also outputs audio indicating the communication information from, for example, the speaker 204. Details of the communication information will be described later.

[0027] 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the communication management device 10. The communication management device 10 includes a communication device 101, a storage device 102, a processing device 103, and a bus 120 that interconnects these devices.

[0028] The communication device 101 has an interface that can be connected to a network N, and communicates with other devices connected to the network N using wireless or wired communication.

[0029] The storage device 102 is a recording medium readable by the processing device 103. The storage device 102 includes, for example, nonvolatile memory and volatile memory. The nonvolatile memory is, for example, ROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. The volatile memory is, for example, RAM. The storage device 102 stores a program PG1, an activity information database DB1, and a member database DB2. The program PG1 is a program for operating the communication management device 10.

[0030] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the activity information database DB1. The activity information database DB1 shows the history of communication sessions between members M1-1 to M1-N and M2-1 to M2-L. The activity information database DB1 is generated by aggregating activity information transmitted from member terminals 21-1 to 21-N and 22-1 to 22-L by an activity information aggregation unit 111, which will be described later.

[0031] The activity information database DB1 includes a date and time 401 when a communication session started, members 402 who participated in the communication session, a communication session method 403, and a communication session duration 404. For example, the communication session recorded in the first record started at 10:00 on April 2, 2024, the participating members were members M1-1, M2-3, and M3-5, the method was a web meeting, and the duration was 25 minutes and 9 seconds. Note that in FIG. 4, "M3-5" indicates a member of a third organization not shown in FIG. 1, and "M4-1" indicates a member of a fourth organization not shown in FIG. 1. Also, in this embodiment, for convenience, the symbols of the members in the figure correspond to the identification information of the members.

[0032] 5 is a schematic diagram showing the member database DB2. The member database DB2 records the profiles K1 and preferences K2 of members M1-1 to M1-N and M2-1 to M2-L. The member database DB2 may also record information on members of organizations other than the first organization OG1 and the second organization OG2 (such as the third and fourth organizations described above).

[0033] The member database DB2 includes member identification information 501 for identifying members M1-1 to M1-N and M2-1 to M2-L, an affiliated organization 502, a job title 503, a gender 504, an age 505, hobbies 506, and interests 507. The affiliated organization 502, the job title 503, the gender 504, and the age 505 are information classified into a profile K1. The hobbies 506 and the interests 507 are information classified into a preference K2. For example, the first record shows information about member M1-1. Member M1-1's organization is a former member of the first organization, M1, her job title is section manager, her gender is female, her age is 35, her hobby is watching baseball, and her interests are traveling and investing.

[0034] In this embodiment, profile K1 is an item for classifying members M1-1 to M1-N and M2-1 to M2-L regardless of their will, and preference K2 is an item for labeling members M1-1 to M1-N and M2-1 to M2-L according to their personal values. Profile K1 and preference K2 may be referred to as "attributes" without distinction.

[0035] Among the information in the member database DB2, the profile K1 may be recorded by recording information disclosed by members M1-1 to M1-N and M2-1 to M2-L when they join the organization OG-X, or the members M1-1 to M1-N and M2-1 to M2-L may be asked to respond voluntarily after disclosing the purpose of use.Furthermore, the preference K2 may be recorded by recording information disclosed by members M1-1 to M1-N and M2-1 to M2-L after disclosing the purpose of use.

[0036] The processing device 103 includes one or more CPUs. The one or more CPUs are examples of one or more processors. Each of the processor and the CPU is an example of a computer. By executing the program PG1, the processing device 103 functions as an activity information compilation unit 111, a first determination unit 112, a second determination unit 113, a selection unit 116, an assignment unit 115, and a communication information transmission unit 114. At least some of the functions of the activity information compilation unit 111, the first determination unit 112, the second determination unit 113, the communication information transmission unit 114, the assignment unit 115, and the selection unit 116 may be configured using circuits such as a DSP, an ASIC, a PLD, and an FPGA.

[0037] The activity information aggregation unit 111 aggregates the activity information transmitted from the member terminals 21 and 22 and records it in the activity information database DB1. The aggregation by the activity information aggregation unit 111 involves, for example, sorting out overlapping information. Multiple members M1 and M2 participate in a communication session, and activity information is sent from each of the multiple members M1 and M2 who participated in the communication session. Therefore, overlapping activity information occurs for one communication session. The activity information aggregation unit 111 sorts out such overlapping information and aggregates it by communication session.

[0038] In addition, for example, in a certain communication session, the length of time that each participating member participates in the communication session (hereinafter referred to as "participation length") may vary depending on the participating members. For example, there may be a member who joins late to the start time or a member who leaves before the end time. In such cases, the participation length may be recorded for each participating member.

[0039] The first determination unit 112 determines a first index S1 (OG1, OG2) related to the strength of the connection between a first organization OG1 and a second organization OG2. The first index S1 is an index related to the strength of the connection between multiple organizations. The first index S1 (OG1, OG2) indicates the first index S1 between the first organization OG1 and the second organization OG2. In this embodiment, the first determination unit 112 determines the first index S1 (OG1, OG2) based on the amount of communication between multiple members M1-1 to M1-N belonging to the first organization OG1 and multiple members M2-1 to M2-L belonging to the second organization OG2. The multiple members M1-1 to M1-N are an example of multiple first members. The multiple members M2-1 to M2-L are an example of multiple second members.

[0040] As an example, the first index S1 (OG1, OG2) is calculated by the following formula (1).

[0041]

[0042] As shown in the above formula (1), the first index S1 (OG1, OG2) is ＯＧ１，ＯＧ２ ｉ It is expressed as the sum of Q ＯＧ１，ＯＧ２ ｉ indicates the amount of communication in the i-th communication session in which at least one of members M1-1 to M1-N of the first organization OG1 and at least one of members M2-1 to M2-L of the second organization OG2 participated. i is a numbering system for the communication session. In the above formula (1), communication sessions that took place during a predetermined collection period (e.g., the past six months) are counted. i=1 indicates the first communication session during the collection period, and i=k indicates the k-th (last) communication session during the collection period. By using the most recent predetermined period in the past as the collection period, the most recent state of organizational connections can be reflected in the first index S1 (OG1, OG2).

[0043] P in the above formula (2) is a coefficient set for the communication session method. ｉis the value of the coefficient corresponding to the method of the i-th communication session. The coefficient P is set to a larger value, for example, the closer the method is to face-to-face communication. Specifically, the values ​​of the coefficient P are set to be larger in the order of web meeting > voice call > email.

[0044] T in the above formula (2) is the duration of the communication session. ｉ is the duration of the i-th communication session.

[0045] That is, the amount of communication in a communication session is represented by the product of the coefficient set for the type of communication session and the duration of the communication session, as shown in the above equation (2).

[0046] It is estimated that the larger the value of the first index S1(OG1, OG2), the stronger the connection between the first organization OG1 and the second organization OG2. Furthermore, for the connection between the first organization OG1 and an organization other than the second organization OG2 (such as the third or fourth organization described above), the first index S1 (e.g., S1(OG1, OG3) and S1(OG2, OG4)) can be calculated in a similar manner.

[0047] Note that when calculating the first index S1 (OG1, OG2), the organizational proximity between the first organization OG1 and the second organization OG2 in the organization OG-X may be taken into consideration. FIG. 9 is an organizational diagram of the organization OG-X. For example, the organization OG-X has an A business division and a B business division under the president. In addition, an audit office C is established between the president and each business division. The A business division has a D group, an E group, and an F group. The B business division has a G group and an H group.

[0048] Assume that the first organization OG1 is Group D. In this case, when comparing the case where the second organization OG2 is Group E with the case where the second organization OG2 is Group G, it can be said that the first organization OG1 and the second organization OG2 are closer in terms of organization when the second organization OG2 is Group E. This is because when the second organization OG2 is Group E, the first organization OG1 and the second organization OG2 are organizations within the same Business Division A, whereas when the second organization OG2 is Group G, the first organization OG1 and the second organization OG2 are organizations within different business divisions.

[0049] Furthermore, when comparing the case where the second organization alumna 2 is Group G with the case where the second organization alumna 2 is Audit Office C, it can be said that the first organization alumna 1 and the second organization alumna 2 are closer in terms of organization when the second organization alumna 2 is Group G. This is because when the second organization alumna 2 is Group G, both the first organization alumna 1 and the second organization alumna 2 are organizations that carry out the actual business of the organization, whereas when the second organization alumna 2 is Audit Office C, it is in a position to audit the first organization alumna 1, and it is predicted that the content of their respective duties will be significantly different.

[0050] Even if two organizations are far apart on the organizational chart, the two organizations may collaborate in business, i.e., have a close relationship. Such a business relationship may be taken into consideration when calculating the first index S1 (OG1, OG2).

[0051] The second determination unit 113 determines a second index S2 (M1-1, M2-1) relating to the strength of the connection between member M1-1 and member M2-1 based on the first member information relating to member M1-1 belonging to the first organization OG1, the second member information relating to member M2-1 belonging to the second organization OG2, and the first index S1. Member M1-1 is an example of a first member. Member M2-1 is an example of a second member. The second index S2 is an index relating to the strength of the connection between multiple members. The second index S2 (M1-1, M2-1) indicates that it is the second index S2 relating to member M1-1 and member M2-1.

[0052] The first member information includes at least one of first activity information including the activity history of member M1-1, first profile information indicating the profile of member M1-1, and first preference information indicating the preferences of member M1-1. The first activity information is, for example, a record in the activity information database DB1 that includes member M1-1 in the member column. Note that, as with the first indicator S1, a collection period may also be set for the first activity information. That is, the first activity information may be a record whose date and time are included in the collection period and that includes member M1-1 in the member column. The first profile information is information recorded in an item corresponding to profile K1 in a record corresponding to member M1-1 in the member database DB2 (a record in which member identification information 501 indicates member M1-1). The first preference information is information recorded in an item corresponding to preference K2 in a record corresponding to member M1-1 in the member database DB2.

[0053] The second member information includes at least one of second activity information including the activity history of member M2-1, second profile information indicating the profile of member M2-1, and second preference information indicating the preferences of member M2-1. The second activity information is, for example, a record in the activity information database DB1 that includes member M2-1 in the member column. Note that a collection period may also be set for the second activity information, as with the first indicator S1. That is, the second activity information may be a record whose date and time are included in the collection period and that includes member M2-1 in the member column. The second profile information is information recorded in an item corresponding to profile K1 in a record corresponding to member M2-1 in the member database DB2 (a record in which member identification information 501 indicates member M2-1). The second preference information is information recorded in an item corresponding to preference K2 in a record corresponding to member M2-1 in the member database DB2.

[0054] The second determination unit 113 determines the second index S2 (M1-1, M2-1) based on at least one of the frequency of communication between member M1-1 and member M2-1 based on the first activity information and the second activity information, the degree of similarity between the first profile information and the second profile information, and the degree of similarity between the first preference information and the second preference information, and the first index S1. Specifically, the second determination unit 113 determines the second index S2 using, for example, the following formula (3).

[0055]

[0056] In the above formula (3), α Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ is a term indicating the frequency of communication between member M1-1 and member M2-1 based on the first activity information and the second activity information. Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ may be calculated in the same manner as the first index S1. Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ may be calculated by the following formula (4).

[0057]

[0058] In the above formula (4), α Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ Is, Q Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ ｉ It is expressed as the sum of Q Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ ｉ indicates the amount of communication in the i-th communication session in which member M1-1 and members M2-1 to M2-L participated. The amount of communication in a communication session is indicated by the product of a coefficient set for the method of the communication session and the duration of the communication session, as shown in the above formula (5). As with the first index S1, α Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ The stronger the connection between member M1-1 and member M2-1, the larger the value of .

[0059] In the above formula (3), β Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ is a term indicating the degree of similarity between the first profile information and the second profile information. Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１is calculated, for example, as follows: First, for each of member M1-1 and member M2-1, a vector (hereinafter referred to as "profile vector") is defined based on the items of affiliated organization 502, job title 503, gender 504, and age 505, which are information classified into profile K1. Then, the distance (cosine similarity) between the profile vector of member M1-1 and the profile vector of member M2-1 is calculated, and β Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ That is, β Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ is the similarity between the profile vector of member M1-1 and the profile vector of member M2-1. Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ The value of β becomes larger as the profile of member M1-1 and the profile of member M2-1 become more similar.

[0060] In the above formula (3), γ Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ is a term indicating the degree of similarity between the first preference information and the second preference information. Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ is calculated, for example, as follows: First, for each of member M1-1 and member M2-1, a vector (hereinafter referred to as "preference vector") is defined based on the items of hobbies 506 and interests 507, which are information classified as preference K2. Then, the distance (cosine similarity) between the preference vector of member M1-1 and the preference vector of member M2-1 is calculated, and γ Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ That is, γ Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ is the similarity between the preference vector of member M1-1 and the preference vector of member M2-1. Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ The value of ∑ i = 1 - 1 ...

[0061] For convenience of explanation, in the above formula (3), α Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ , β Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ and γ Ｍ１－１，Ｍ２－１ However, it is sufficient that at least one of these three terms is included in the above formula (3). Alternatively, for example, a weighting coefficient may be set for each of these three terms.

[0062] It is estimated that the larger the value of the second index S2(M1-1, M2-1), the stronger the connection between member M1-1 and member M2-2. In other words, the stronger the connection between member M1-1 and member M2-2, the larger the value of second index S2(M1-1, M2-1). Similarly, the second determination unit 113 determines the second index S2 for all combinations of members M1-1 to M1-N of the first organization OG1 and members M2-1 to M2-L of the second organization OG2 (e.g., second index S2(M1-1, M2-2) and S2(M1-N, M2-L)). In addition, the second determination unit 113 may similarly determine second indices S2 for combinations of members M1-1 to M1-N of the first organization OG1 with members of an organization other than the second organization OG2 (such as the third or fourth organization mentioned above), and for combinations of members M2-1 to M2-L of the second organization OG2 with members of an organization other than the first organization OG1 (such as the third or fourth organization mentioned above) (for example, second indices S2(M1-1, M3-1), S2(M2-1, M4-1) and S2(M3-1, M4-1)).

[0063] The communication information sending unit 114 sends communication information regarding the communication between the member M1-1 and the member M2-1 to at least one of the member terminal 21-1 and the member terminal 22-1 based on the second indicator S2. The communication information sending unit 114 is an example of a sending unit.

[0064] In this embodiment, the communication information is at least one of [1] incentive information regarding incentives granted to members M1-1 and M2-1, and [2] recommendation information that encourages communication between members M1-1 and M2-1. Details of each piece of information will be explained below.

[0065] [1] Incentive Information In relation to the explanation of the incentive information, the granting unit 115 will be explained. When communication is carried out between member M1-1 and member M2-1, the granting unit 115 grants an incentive to at least one of member M1-1 and member M2-1 according to the second index S2. In this embodiment, the granting unit 115 grants an incentive to at least one of member M1-1 and member M2-1 when the following conditions 1 and 2 are met.

[0066] Condition 1: The second index S2 (M1-1, M2-1) for members M1-1 and M2-1 is less than a first predetermined value T1. The first predetermined value T1 is, for example, a threshold value for identifying a combination of members with weak ties.

[0067] Condition 2: Member M1-1 and member M2-1 have communicated. In this embodiment, communication between member M1-1 and member M2-1 is communication using member terminal 21-1 and member terminal 22-1. In this embodiment, the method of communication is not important, but the method of communication may be reflected in the value of the incentive. For example, incentives may be awarded in the order of increasing value: web meeting > voice call > email.

[0068] The above conditions 1 and 2 indicate that an incentive is given for communication between members with weak connections. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the granting unit 115 grants an incentive to both member M1-1 and member M2-1.

[0069] The provision of incentives may be, for example, the provision of points. The points may be used within the organization OG-X, or may be used as currency at external stores, etc. Points established within the organization OG-X may be redeemable for, for example, employee benefits, or may be used as an evaluation factor in personnel evaluation.

[0070] The granting unit 115 increases the value of the incentive granted to at least one of the members M1-1 and M1-2 as the connection between the members M1-1 and M2-1 indicated by the second index S2 (M1-1, M2-1) becomes weaker. As described above, the second index S2 (M1-1, M2-1) becomes larger as the connection between the members M1-1 and M2-1 becomes stronger. Therefore, the granting unit 115 increases the value of the incentive granted to the members M1-1 and M1-2 as the value of the second index S2 (M1-1, M2-1) becomes smaller. When the incentive is the granting of points, increasing the value of the incentive to be granted corresponds to, for example, increasing the amount of points to be granted.

[0071] When an incentive is granted by the granting unit 115, the communication information sending unit 114 sends incentive information indicating the content of the incentive as communication information. The content of the incentive is, for example, the amount of points granted. The incentive information may also include information indicating when and with whom the incentive was granted in response to communication. The incentive information is sent to the member terminals 21-1 and 22-1 in the form of, for example, email.

[0072] The communication information output unit 212 of the member terminal 21-1, 22-1 that has received the incentive information (an example of communication information) outputs the incentive information. For example, if the incentive information is in email format, the communication information output unit 212 displays the incentive information (email) on the display 201.

[0073] 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of incentive information. In this figure, incentive information CM1 in email format is displayed on the display 201 of member terminal 21-1. The body of the incentive information CM1 includes the number of points (100 points) awarded to member M1-1, the date and time of the communication session for which the points were awarded (April 2, 16:20-16:58), the person with whom the communication session took place (member M2-1), and the method of the communication session (web meeting).

[0074] By viewing the incentive information CM1, member M1-1 can confirm the number of points awarded to him / her. This can increase member M1-1's motivation to communicate with other members. Furthermore, by viewing the incentive information CM1, member M1-1 can confirm the person with whom he / she participated in the communication session for which points were awarded. This can encourage further communication sessions with that person (e.g., member M2-1).

[0075] The "communication promotion program" in FIG. 6 refers to activities for promoting communication among members of the organization OG-X.

[0076] Alternatively, the first predetermined value T1 may not be set, and points may be always awarded when members M1-1 and M2-1 communicate. Even in this case, it is preferable that the awarding unit 115 increases the value of the incentives awarded to members M1-1 and M1-2 as the connection between members M1-1 and M2-1 indicated by the second indicator S2 (M1-1, M2-1) becomes weaker. In other words, it is preferable that the value of the incentives awarded to members M1-1 and M1-2 becomes lower as the connection between members M1-1 and M2-1 indicated by the second indicator S2 (M1-1, M2-1) becomes stronger. This is because providing a high-value incentive for communication between members with strong connections may not promote communication between members with weak connections.

[0077] [2] Recommendation Information In relation to the description of the recommendation information, the selection unit 116 will be described. The selection unit 116 selects combinations in which the second index S2 is less than a second predetermined value T2 from among all combinations of members M1-1 to M1-N of the first organization OG1 and members M2-1 to M2-L of the second organization OG2. The second predetermined value T2 is a threshold value for identifying combinations of members with weak ties. The first predetermined value T1 and the second predetermined value T2 may be equal, or one of them may be larger.

[0078] As described above, the stronger the connection between member M1-1 and member M2-2, the larger the value of the second index S2. Therefore, a combination in which the second index S2 is less than the second predetermined value T2 can be said to be a combination of members with a weak connection. The selection unit 116 may select combinations in which the second index S2 is less than the second predetermined value T2 from among all combinations of members of organization OG-X (including the third organization, fourth organization, etc.).

[0079] The communication information sending unit 114 sends to member M1-1, for example, information that encourages communication between member M1-1 and members whose second index S2 is less than a second predetermined value T2, as recommendation information. For example, when the second index S2 (M1-1, M2-1) relating to member M1-1 and member M2-1 is less than the second predetermined value, the communication information sending unit 114 sends, as communication information, recommendation information that encourages communication between member M1-1 and member M2-1.

[0080] At this time, the communication information sending unit 114 may include in the recommendation information, for example, the amount of points that will be awarded when member M1-1 communicates with member M2-1. In other words, the communication information sending unit 114 may include in the recommendation information information regarding the value of an incentive that will be awarded when communication is carried out between members recommended in the recommendation information. In this case, member M1-1 can know the amount of points that can be obtained by communicating with other recommended members. This increases the likelihood that member M1-1 will communicate with other members with whom he has weak connections.

[0081] The recommendation information is transmitted to the member terminals 21-1 and 22-1 in, for example, email format. The communication information output unit 212 of the member terminal 21-1 that has received the recommendation information (an example of communication information) outputs the recommendation information. For example, if the recommendation information is in email format, the communication information output unit 212 displays the recommendation information (email) on the display 201.

[0082] 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of recommendation information. In FIG. 7, recommendation information CM2 in email format is displayed on the display 201 of the member terminal 21-1. The body of the recommendation information CM2 contains the name (identification information) of the member to be recommended (a member whose second index S2 with respect to member M1-1 is less than the second predetermined value T2) and the number of points that will be awarded to member M1-1 if he or she communicates with the member to be recommended. The email body may also contain contact information (such as an email address or extension number) of the member to be recommended.

[0083] Furthermore, if the email is in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) format, a button or the like may be displayed that allows the user to start communication with the recommended member. For example, a "Start a web meeting with member M2-1" button may be displayed in the email. When member M1-1 presses the button, the web meeting application on member terminal 21-1 is launched, and a request to start a web meeting is sent to member terminal 22-1 of member M2-1. If member M2-1 approves the start request, the web meeting begins.

[0084] By viewing the recommendation information CM2, member M1-1 can understand other members (recommended members) with whom he or she is desired to communicate. Therefore, compared to not transmitting the recommendation information CM2, the possibility that member M1-1 will communicate with the recommended members can be dramatically increased. Furthermore, by viewing the recommendation information CM2, member M1-1 can understand the number of points that will be awarded if he or she communicates with the recommended members. Therefore, member M1-1's motivation to communicate with the recommended members can be improved.

[0085] 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the processing device 103 of the communication management device 10. The processing device 103 receives activity information transmitted from the member terminals 21 and 22 (step S100). The processing device 103 functions as the activity information aggregation unit 111, aggregates the acquired activity information, and records it in the activity information database (referred to as "activity information DB" in the figure) DB1 (step S102).

[0086] Next, the processing device 103 determines whether it is time to update the first index S1 and the second index S2 (step S104, indicated as "Index update timing?" in the figure). The update timing may be predetermined, for example, "every Monday at 8:00 AM," or may be the timing when X or more pieces of activity information (X is any natural number) have been received since the previous update. Furthermore, the first index S1 and the second index S2 do not have to be updated simultaneously.

[0087] If it is time to update the first index S1 and the second index S2 (step S104: YES), the processing device 103 first functions as the first determination unit 112 and determines the latest first index S1 based on the latest activity information database DB1. Next, the processing device 103 functions as the second determination unit 113 and determines the latest second index S2 using the latest activity information database DB1, the latest member database DB2, and the latest first index S1 (step S106). On the other hand, if it is not time to update the first index S1 and the second index S2 (step S104: NO), the processing device 103 proceeds to step S108.

[0088] Next, the processing device 103 references the activity information database DB1 and determines whether or not a communication eligible for point awarding has occurred (step S108). A communication eligible for point awarding is a communication between members whose second index S2 is less than the first predetermined value T1. If a communication eligible for point awarding has occurred (step S108: YES), the processing device 103 functions as the awarding unit 115 and awards points to the member who performed the communication (step S110). The processing device 103 also functions as the communication information sending unit 114 and sends incentive information as communication information to the member to whom points have been awarded (step S112). On the other hand, if a communication eligible for point awarding has not occurred (step S108: NO), the processing device 103 proceeds to step S114.

[0089] Next, the processing device 103 determines whether it is time to send the recommendation information (step S114). The timing of sending the recommendation information may be set commonly to all members, such as "twice a month (the first and third Tuesdays of each month, etc.)," ​​or may be determined based on the activity information of each member. In the latter case, for example, the timing may be set to once a week for members who communicate relatively infrequently with members of other organizations, and once a month for members who communicate frequently.

[0090] If it is time to send recommendation information (step S114: YES), the processing device 103 functions as the selection unit 116 and selects a combination of members to be recommended (a combination of members whose second index S2 is less than the second predetermined value T2) (step S116). Then, the processing device 103 functions as the communication information sending unit 114 and sends the recommendation information to the members to be recommended (step S118). On the other hand, if it is not time to send recommendation information (step S114: NO), the processing device 103 returns the process to step S100 and repeats the subsequent processes.

[0091] [Summary of the Embodiment] As described above, the communication management device 10 according to the embodiment determines the second index S2 (M1-1, M2-1) based on the first member information about the member M1-1, the second member information about the member M2-1, and the first index S1 (OG1, OG2), and transmits communication information based on the second index. The communication information reflects not only the interpersonal connections between the members M1-1 and M2-1, but also the connections between the first organization OG1 and the second organization OG2 to which the members M1-1 and M2-1 belong, respectively. Therefore, when promoting the connection between the member M1-1 belonging to the first organization OG1 and the member M2-1 belonging to the second organization OG2, the connection between the first organization OG1 and the second organization OG2 can be taken into consideration.

[0092] Furthermore, the communication management device 10 determines the second index based on at least one of the activity information, profile information, and preference information of the members M1-1 and M2-1, thereby enabling the connection between the members M1-1 and M2-1 to be evaluated from multiple perspectives.

[0093] Furthermore, when communication is established between members M1-1 and M2-1, the communication management device 10 provides members M1-1 and M2-1 with incentives according to the second indicators S2 (M1-1, M2-1). This increases the motivation of members M1-1 and M2-1 for communication, thereby promoting communication within the organization OG-X.

[0094] Furthermore, when incentives are granted to members M1-1 and M2-1, the communication management device 10 transmits incentive information as communication information, thereby enabling members M1-1 and M2-1 to know the details of the incentives granted to them.

[0095] Furthermore, the communication management device 10 increases the value of the incentives granted to the members M1-1 and M2-1 as the connection between the members M1-1 and M2-1 indicated by the second indicator S2 (M1-1, M2-1) becomes weaker. This makes it easier to increase the motivation of the members M1-1 and M2-1 to actively communicate with people with whom they have weak connections.

[0096] Furthermore, when the second index S2 (M1-1, M2-1) is less than the second predetermined value T2, the communication management device 10 transmits, as communication information, recommendation information that encourages communication between the members M1-1 and M2-1. Thus, the members M1-1 and M2-1 can specifically know the other members with whom they have weak ties.

[0097] The communication management device 10 also determines a first index S1 (OG1, OG2) based on the amount of communication between multiple members M1-1 to M1-N belonging to the first organization OG1 and multiple members M2-1 to M2-L belonging to the second organization OG2, thereby making it possible to objectively evaluate the connection between the first organization OG1 and the second organization OG2.

[0098] [Other] (1) In the above-described embodiment, ROM and RAM are given as examples of storage devices 102 and 207, but storage devices 102 and 207 may also be flexible disks, magneto-optical disks (e.g., compact disks, digital versatile disks, Blu-ray (registered trademark) disks), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc-ROMs), registers, removable disks, hard disks, floppy (registered trademark) disks, magnetic strips, databases, servers, or other suitable storage media.

[0099] (2) In the above-described embodiments, the described information, signals, etc. may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0100] (3) In the above-described embodiment, input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, a memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be transmitted to another device.

[0101] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value).

[0102] (5) The order of the process procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. illustrated in the above-described embodiments may be rearranged unless it is consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

[0103] (6) Each function illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 is realized by any combination of hardware and / or software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are connected directly or indirectly (e.g., via wire, wirelessly, etc.) and these multiple devices. A functional block may be realized by combining software with the single device or the multiple devices.

[0104] (7) The programs exemplified in the above-described embodiments should be broadly construed to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., regardless of whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or by other names.

[0105] Software, instructions, information, etc. may also be transmitted or received over a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technologies (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)), and / or wireless technologies (such as infrared, microwave), then these wired and / or wireless technologies are included within the definition of transmission media.

[0106] (8) In each of the foregoing embodiments, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

[0107] (9) The information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a predetermined value, or corresponding other information.

[0108] (10) In the above-described embodiments, the portable device may be a mobile station (MS). Those skilled in the art may also refer to a mobile station as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other appropriate term. In this disclosure, the terms "mobile station," "user terminal," "user equipment (UE)," "terminal," etc. may be used interchangeably.

[0109] (11) In the above-described embodiments, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof refers to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0110] (12) In the above embodiments, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

[0111] (13) As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining something as "determining" or "determining," and the like. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" may include regarding receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, and accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory) as having been "judgment" or "decision." Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" may include regarding resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. as having been "judgment" or "decision." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" may include regarding some action as having been "judgment" or "decision." Furthermore, "judgment" may be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

[0112] (14) In the above embodiments, when "include," "including," and variations thereof are used, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, the term "or," as used in this disclosure, is not intended to be an exclusive or.

[0113] (15) In this disclosure, when articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, the disclosure may include the nouns following these articles being plural.

[0114] (16) In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combined" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

[0115] (17) The aspects / embodiments described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched depending on the implementation. Notification of predetermined information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to being explicit, but may be implicit (e.g., not notifying the predetermined information).

[0116] 1...communication system, 10...communication management device, 21 (21-1 to 21-N), 22 (22-1 to 22-L)...member terminal, 101...communication device, 102...storage device, 103...processing device, 111...activity information aggregation unit, 112...first determination unit, 113...second determination unit, 114...communication information transmission unit, 115...assignment unit, 116...selection unit, 208...processing device, 211...activity information transmission unit, 212...communication information output unit, DB1...activity information database, DB2...member database, M1 (M1-1 to M1-2N), M2 (M2-1 to M2-L)...member, N...network, OG-X...organization, OG1...first organization, OG2...second organization.

Claims

1. A communication management device comprising: a first determination unit that determines a first indicator related to the strength of the connection between a first organization and a second organization; a second determination unit that determines a second indicator related to the strength of the connection between the first member and the second member based on first member information related to a first member belonging to the first organization, second member information related to a second member belonging to the second organization, and the first indicator; and a transmission unit that transmits communication information related to communication between the first member and the second member to at least one of a terminal of the first member and a terminal of the second member based on the second indicator.

2. The communication management device of claim 1, wherein the first member information includes at least one of first activity information including the activity history of the first member, first profile information indicating the profile of the first member, and first preference information indicating the preferences of the first member; the second member information includes at least one of second activity information including the activity history of the second member, second profile information indicating the profile of the second member, and second preference information indicating the preferences of the second member; and the second determination unit determines the second index based on at least one of the frequency of communication between the first member and the second member based on the first activity information and the second activity information, the degree of similarity between the first profile information and the second profile information, and the degree of similarity between the first preference information and the second preference information, and the first index.

3. The communication management device of claim 1, further comprising an awarding unit that, when communication is conducted between the first member and the second member, awards an incentive to at least one of the first member and the second member according to the second indicator, and when the incentive is awarded by the awarding unit, the transmitting unit transmits information indicating the content of the incentive as the communication information.

4. The communication management device described in claim 3, wherein the granting unit increases the value of the incentive granted to at least one of the first member and the second member the weaker the connection between the first member and the second member indicated by the second indicator.

5. A communication management device as described in claim 1, wherein the second indicator is indicated by a larger value the stronger the connection between the first member and the second member, and when the second indicator is less than a predetermined value, the transmitting unit transmits information encouraging communication between the first member and the second member as the communication information.

6. A communication management device as described in claim 1, wherein the first determination unit determines the first indicator based on the amount of communication between a plurality of first members belonging to the first organization and a plurality of second members belonging to the second organization.

7. A communication management method comprising: determining, by a computer, a first indicator relating to the strength of the connection between a first organization and a second organization; determining a second indicator relating to the strength of the connection between the first member and the two members based on first member information relating to a first member belonging to the first organization, second member information relating to a second member belonging to the second organization, and the first indicator; and transmitting communication information relating to communication between the first member and the second member to at least one of a terminal of the first member and a terminal of the second member based on the second indicator.

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