Information processing method, program, and information processing system
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- EXAWIZARDS INC
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-04
Smart Images
Figure JP2024041979_04062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Information Processing Method, Program, and Information Processing System
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, a program, and an information processing system.
[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-166258 discloses an information processing method related to information provision. This information processing method outputs, to a display screen, a question candidate corresponding to a question input by a user and options for the user to request an output of other question candidates, accepts a selection by the user from among the question candidates and the options output to the display screen, and outputs an answer based on the selection.
[0003] However, in the case of the above prior art, the user cannot know based on what process the answer, which is the result of the process for the user's question, is output, and it may be difficult to determine whether the answer is reliable, and there is room for improvement in this regard.
[0004] The present disclosure aims to further improve the degree of understanding of the processing result in consideration of the above facts.
[0005] According to an information processing method according to an embodiment, it is an information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus, including an input unit display step of causing a user interface to display an input unit for inputting an input sentence for instructing the content of the process performed by the information processing apparatus, an output unit display step of causing the user interface to display an output unit for displaying the result of the process processed based on the input sentence, and an intermediate unit display step of causing the user interface to display an intermediate unit for displaying usage information used in the process.
[0006] According to an information processing method according to one embodiment, the information processing method to be performed by the information processing device includes: an input unit display step of displaying an input unit on a user interface for inputting an input statement to instruct the content of the processing to be performed by the information processing device; an output unit display step of displaying an output unit on the user interface for displaying the result of the processing performed based on the input statement; an intermediate unit display step of displaying an intermediate unit on the user interface for selectively displaying usage information used in the processing; a determination step of determining the selection status of the usage information; a reprocessing step of performing the processing again based on the usage information determined to have been selected in the determination step; and a result update step of displaying the result of the processing in the reprocessing step on the output unit.
[0007] According to a program of one embodiment, the information processing device is made to execute an information processing method that includes an input unit display step which displays an input unit on the user interface for inputting an input statement to instruct the content of the processing to be performed by the information processing device; an output unit display step which displays an output unit on the user interface for displaying the result of the processing performed based on the input statement; and an intermediate unit display step which displays an intermediate unit on the user interface for displaying usage information used in the processing.
[0008] According to an information processing system according to one embodiment, the information processing system is executed by an information processing device and includes an input unit display step that displays an input unit on a user interface for inputting an input statement to instruct the content of the processing to be performed by the information processing device; an output unit display step that displays an output unit on the user interface for displaying the result of the processing performed based on the input statement; and an intermediate unit display step that displays an intermediate unit on the user interface for displaying usage information used in the processing.
[0009] According to a program according to one embodiment, the program includes: an input unit display step that causes the user interface to display an input unit for inputting an input statement to instruct the information processing device on the content of the processing to be performed by the information processing device; an output unit display step that causes the user interface to display an output unit for displaying the results of the processing performed based on the input statement; an intermediate unit display step that causes the user interface to display an intermediate unit for selectively displaying the usage information used in the processing; a determination step that determines the selection status of the usage information; a reprocessing step that executes the processing again based on the usage information determined to have been selected in the determination step; and a result update step that displays the results of the processing in the reprocessing step on the output unit.
[0010] According to an information processing system according to one embodiment, the information processing system performed by the information processing device includes: an input unit display step of displaying an input unit on a user interface for inputting an input statement to instruct the content of the processing to be performed by the information processing device; an output unit display step of displaying an output unit on the user interface for displaying the result of the processing performed based on the input statement; an intermediate unit display step of displaying an intermediate unit on the user interface for displaying selectable usage information used in the processing; a determination step of determining the selection status of the usage information; a reprocessing step of performing the processing again based on the usage information determined to have been selected in the determination step; and a result update step of displaying the result of the processing in the reprocessing step on the output unit.
[0011] According to one embodiment, the level of understanding of the processing results can be further improved.
[0012] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server according to the embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a user terminal according to the embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server according to the embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal according to the embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the information processing system according to the embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image taken by the camera according to the embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the processing flow of an information processing system according to the embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of the input and output screens of a user terminal
[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the information processing system according to this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 21. In each figure, identical or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.
[0014] (System Overview) First, an overview of the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment will be described. The information processing system 10 according to this embodiment is a system for generating an answer to a question when a question is input. In this embodiment, as an example, a system is envisioned that generates an answer to a question input in natural language from a participant at a shareholders' meeting or various other meetings. The sentence input as a question to this system corresponds to the "input sentence for instructing the processing content" described in claim 1. The answer output by the system corresponds to the "result of processing based on the input sentence" described in claim 1.
[0015] When the information processing system 10 receives an input sentence from user U, a large-scale language model processes the input sentence by referring to various documents, databases, etc., and outputs the result. At least one of the information used in the processing, such as these documents and databases, corresponds to the "used information" described in claim 1. The information processing system 10 also presents the used information to user U in a selectable format, and processes the input sentence again based on the selected used information, generating the result of that processing.
[0016] Furthermore, the information processing system 10 is also capable of generating example questions as answers based on the information used, when predetermined conditions are input as input text. In other words, the information processing system 10 is capable of generating anticipated questions and answers.
[0017] (System Configuration) Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 10 according to this embodiment includes a user terminal 12 and a server 14 that are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network N. The network N is, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, the Internet, a public telephone network, a mobile data communication network, or a combination thereof.
[0018] The user terminal 12 is an example of an information processing device that performs operations for inputting and displaying various types of information used by user U. The user terminal 12 may be a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet device, a server device, a microcomputer, a wearable device, or a combination thereof.
[0019] Server 14 is an example of an information processing device that acquires information from input text entered from the user terminal 12, processes the input text information by referring to various documents and databases, and outputs the results. Server 14 may be a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a server device, a microcomputer, or a combination thereof. The specific configuration and operation of Server 14 will be described later.
[0020] (Hardware Configuration - Server) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of server 14. Server 14 comprises a processor 20, memory 22, storage 24, and communication I / F 26, all of which are connected to each other via bus B for communication.
[0021] The processor 20 controls the configuration of the server 14 and realizes the functions of the server 14 by loading various programs stored in the storage 24 into the memory 22 and executing them. The programs executed by the processor 20 include, but are not limited to, the OS (Operating System) and various programs described later. By the processor 20 executing these programs, a part of the information processing method according to this embodiment is realized. The processor 20 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or a combination thereof.
[0022] Memory 22 is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or a combination thereof. ROM is, for example, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), or a combination thereof. RAM is, for example, DRAM (Dynamic RAM), SRAM (Static RAM), MRAM (Magnetoresistive RAM), or a combination thereof.
[0023] The storage 24 stores the OS, various programs described later, and various data. The storage 24 is, for example, flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), SCM (Storage Class Memories), or a combination thereof.
[0024] The communication interface 26 is an interface for connecting the server 14 to external devices, including the user terminal 12 and the imaging device 16, via the network N, and for controlling communication. The communication interface 26 is, for example, an adapter compliant with Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, ZigBee®, Ethernet®, or optical communication (e.g., Fiber Channel).
[0025] (Hardware Configuration - User Terminal) Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the user terminal 12. The user terminal 12 comprises a processor 20, memory 22, storage 24, communication I / F 26, input / output I / F 28, output device 30, and input device 32, all of which are connected to each other via bus B for communication. The communication I / F 26 is an interface for connecting the user terminal 12 to an external device, including a server 14, via network N, and for controlling communication. The communication I / F 26 is, for example, an adapter compliant with Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, ZigBee®, Ethernet®, or optical communication (e.g., Fiber Channel).
[0026] The input / output interface 28 is an interface for connecting an input device 32 and an output device 30 to the user terminal 12. The input device 32 is, for example, a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, microphone, scanner, camera, various sensors, operation buttons, or a combination thereof. The output device 30, as a user interface, is, for example, a display, projector, printer, speaker, vibrator, or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, as an example, the output device 30 and the input device 32 are configured as an integrated touch panel display.
[0027] In this embodiment, the program may be written to the memory 22 or storage 24 during the manufacturing stage of the server 14, or it may be provided to the server 14 via the network N, or it may be provided to the server 14 via a non-temporary, computer-readable recording medium such as a disk medium (not shown).
[0028] (Functional Configuration - Server) Next, the functional configuration of the server 14 will be described. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server 14. When executing various programs, the server 14 uses the above hardware resources to realize various functions. The server 14 has a storage unit 31, a processing unit 33, and a communication unit 34 as the functional configuration that the server 14 realizes. Each functional configuration is realized when the processor 20 reads and executes a program 36 stored in the memory 22 or storage 24.
[0029] The memory unit 31 is implemented by memory 22 and storage 24. The memory unit 31 stores a program 36, a learning model 38, an estimated information DB 40, a user DB 42, a usage information DB 44, and a results DB 46.
[0030] The learning model 38 is composed of at least one pre-trained machine learning model. This learning model 38 is, for example, a large-scale language model, which has been trained on a large amount of text data from articles, books, and websites on the internet. When text data called a prompt is input as input, it performs information processing according to the prompt using the available information, and as a result generates various data including text data, and outputs this data as the result of the processing.
[0031] The estimated information DB 40 is a database that stores information on the estimated reliability of the usage information, which will be described later. For example, the learning model 38 estimates the reliability of the usage information based on the publisher, author, and publication format of the literature information in which the usage information is published, and stores the estimation result in the estimated information DB 40. In this embodiment, the learning model 38 is used for estimation, but this is not the only method, and estimation may be performed using other methods such as rule-based methods, or something other than reliability may be estimated.
[0032] User DB 42 is a database that stores various information about user U who has registered to use the information processing system 10. Examples of the various information stored include user identification information for unique identification, user preference information such as interest information, user history information including past usage status, and user attribute information such as occupation, position, and authority.
[0033] The Usage Information DB 44 is a database that stores usage information, which is at least one of the information used in processing and the information that has been used. As mentioned above, this usage information is obtained from information sources such as books, the internet, and the storage unit 31, and includes text information and image information. The usage information stored in the Usage Information DB 44 includes both unstructured data and structured data. Here, "unstructured data" refers to data that is stored without being structured in a predetermined way. On the other hand, "structured data" refers to data that exists in a specific field in a file or record. "Semi-structured data" is also included in "structured data". Furthermore, the usage information stored in the Usage Information DB 44 can be stored in conjunction with the information stored in the Estimated Information DB 40.
[0034] The Result DB46 is a database that stores information indicating the results of processing (also called the processing execution result or processing result) when processing is performed using the usage information based on the prompt. The processing result is various types of information, including text information and image information, and the Result DB46 stores the processing result, prompt, usage information, and arbitrary information in a manner that is linked to each other.
[0035] The processing unit 33 is realized when the processor 20 reads and executes the program 36 from the memory 22 (see Figure 2) and works in cooperation with other hardware components. The processing unit 33 includes an information acquisition unit 50, a generation unit 52, a usage information control unit 54, and an output unit 56.
[0036] The information acquisition unit 50 acquires various information necessary for processing in the processing unit 33. Specifically, it searches for and acquires prompts and usage information, including unstructured data necessary for processing, from at least one of the user terminal 12, the storage unit 31, and an external data source. The acquisition of prompts by the information acquisition unit 50 is performed by displaying an input unit IP for inputting prompts on the output device 30 of the user terminal 12, and receiving prompts that have been input to the input unit IP and transmitted from the user terminal 12. In other words, the information acquisition unit 50 corresponds to an input unit display unit that executes the "input unit display step" described in claim 11. When acquiring usage information, the information acquisition unit 50 acquires prompts, analyzes those prompts using the learning model 38, and determines and acquires usage information necessary or to be referenced for processing corresponding to those prompts based on the analysis results.
[0037] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 50 acquires account information of the user who has logged in and is operating the information processing system 10. In addition to usage information, the information acquisition unit 50 is also capable of acquiring arbitrary information, which is information obtained as a result of a search performed by user U (a search using the arbitrary information search input unit SP, details of which will be described later). This arbitrary information, like the usage information, includes unstructured data acquired from at least one of the user terminal 12, the storage unit 31, and an external data source.
[0038] The generation unit 52 performs information processing by the learning model 38 based on the prompt. In this prompt-based processing, the learning model 38 generates a processing result using the usage information selected based on the prompt, the usage information specified by the user U, and the optional information. If the user U changes the selection of at least one of the usage information and the optional information, the generation unit 52 performs processing again (also called regeneration or reprocessing) based on at least one of the newly selected usage information and the optional information. In other words, the generation unit 52 corresponds to the reprocessing unit that executes the "reprocessing step" described in claim 13.
[0039] The usage information control unit 54 searches for and retrieves usage information referenced by the large-scale language model based on prompts. The usage information control unit 54 also performs processing to present the usage information to the user U in a selectable format, and performs further searching and processing based on the input sentence according to the selected usage information, and generates the results of the processing. The usage information control unit 54 displays an intermediate unit MP (see Figure 9, etc.) for displaying the usage information on the output device 30 of the user terminal 12, and determines the selection status of the usage information. In other words, the usage information control unit 54 corresponds to an intermediate unit display unit that executes the "intermediate unit display step" described in claim 11, and to a determination unit that executes the "determination step" described in claim 13.
[0040] The output unit 56 controls the generation unit 52 to output the processing results to the user terminal 12. The output unit 56 also controls the user terminal 12 to output a selectable presentation of usage information processed by the usage information control unit 54. Output of processing results by the output unit 56 is performed by transmitting information to the user terminal 12 so that the output unit OP (see Figure 9, etc.) for displaying the processing results is displayed on the output device 30 of the user terminal 12. In other words, the output unit 56 corresponds to the output unit display unit that executes the "output unit display step" described in claim 11. The output unit 56 also displays (updates) the content on the output unit OP when the generation unit 52 performs reprocessing. In other words, the output unit 56 corresponds to the result update unit that executes the "result update step" described in claim 13.
[0041] The communication unit 34 is implemented by the communication interface 26. The communication unit 34 sends and receives information to and from the user terminal 12 via the network N. The communication unit 34 receives information input from the user terminal 12. The communication unit 34 also sends information to the user terminal 12 and receives requests from user U from the user terminal 12.
[0042] (Functional Configuration - User Terminal) Next, the functional configuration of the user terminal 12 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 12. When executing various programs, the user terminal 12 uses the above hardware resources to realize various functions. The user terminal 12 has a storage unit 60 in which a program 36 is stored, a processing unit 62, and a communication unit 64 as the functional configuration realized by the user terminal 12. Each functional configuration is realized by the processor 20 reading out and executing the program 36 stored in the memory 22 or the storage 24.
[0043] The storage unit 60 is realized by the memory 22 and the storage 24. The program 36 is stored in the storage unit 60.
[0044] The processing unit 62 is realized by the processor 20 reading out and executing the program 36 from the memory 22 and the storage 24 (see FIG. 3) and cooperating with other hardware configurations. The processing unit 62 includes an information acquisition control unit 66 and a display unit 70.
[0045] The information acquisition control unit 66 acquires various information such as prompts and selection information of usage information input by the user U through the user terminal 12 and transmits it to the server 14.
[0046] The display unit 70 performs processing for displaying various screens such as a screen for selecting a processing result received from the server 14 and usage information on the output device 30.
[0047] The communication unit 64 is realized by the communication I / F 26. The communication unit 34 transmits and receives information to and from the server 14 via the network N. The communication unit 64 receives information transmitted from the server 14. Also, the communication unit 34 transmits information to the server 14 and transmits a request from the user U from the user terminal 12.
[0048] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 12. An example of displaying an input unit IP for inputting an input sentence for instructing the content of processing in the information processing system 10 on the user interface is as shown in FIG. 7.
[0049] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 12. An example of displaying the input unit IP and the output unit OP (which displays the results of processing based on the input text) on the user interface in the information processing system 10 is shown in Figure 8. Note that the output unit OP in Figure 8 shows the state of generating the processing results.
[0050] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 12. An example of how the information processing system 10 displays the input unit IP, the output unit OP, and the intermediate unit MP for displaying usage information used in processing on the user interface is shown in Figure 9. Note that each item, including the bibliographic information (e.g., "From the integrated report "ExaWizards Integrated Report 2022," p. 60") shown in the "search item" and "search result" in the intermediate unit MP in Figure 9, corresponds to the "usage information" described in claim 1. Furthermore, the intermediate unit MP displays a summary S of the bibliographic information, and the usage information used in processing is marked as selected (see check button in the figure). In other words, it is possible to extract and display the portion of the bibliographic information used in processing as usage information.
[0051] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 12. An example of how the information processing system 10 displays the input unit IP, output unit OP, and intermediate unit MP on the user interface is shown in Figure 10. Note that in Figure 10, the intermediate unit MP differs from Figure 9 in that the "market trends and competitive environment" search item is not selected (unselected). In other words, the intermediate unit MP displays selectable usage information.
[0052] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 12. An example of how the information processing system 10 displays the input unit IP, output unit OP, and intermediate unit MP on the user interface is shown in Figure 11. In Figure 11, the intermediate unit MP displays an arbitrary information search input unit SP for searching for arbitrary information other than the usage information used in the process of generating the answer.
[0053] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 12. An example of how the information processing system 10 displays the input unit IP, output unit OP, and intermediate unit MP on the user interface is shown in Figure 12. In Figure 12, the intermediate unit MP displays the state where a search query is being entered into the arbitrary information search input unit SP.
[0054] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 12. An example of how the information processing system 10 displays the input unit IP, output unit OP, and intermediate unit MP on the user interface is shown in Figure 13. In Figure 13, the intermediate unit MP displays the state in which the search statement entered into the arbitrary information search input unit SP shown in Figure 12 has been confirmed.
[0055] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 12. An example of how the information processing system 10 displays the input unit IP, output unit OP, and intermediate unit MP on the user interface is shown in Figure 14. In Figure 14, the intermediate unit MP displays the state of searching for arbitrary information based on the search statement entered into the arbitrary information search input unit SP shown in Figure 12.
[0056] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 12. An example of how the information processing system 10 displays the input unit IP, output unit OP, and intermediate unit MP on the user interface is shown in Figure 15. In Figure 15, the intermediate unit MP displays the state where the searched arbitrary information result R is selectable.
[0057] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 12. An example of how the information processing system 10 displays the input unit IP, output unit OP, and intermediate unit MP on the user interface is shown in Figure 16. In Figure 16, the output unit OP shows the state in which the result of processing is being generated again based on the result R of arbitrary information. Although not shown, it is also possible to execute processing again based on the usage information that has been determined to be selected. These steps in which processing is performed again correspond to the "reprocessing step" described in claim 9, and a result update step is possible in which the result of processing in the reprocessing step is displayed on the output unit.
[0058] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 12. An example of how the information processing system 10 displays the input unit IP on the user interface is shown in Figure 17. In Figure 17, the input unit IP shows a state in which conditions that serve as triggers for generating a question have been entered as input text, for the purpose of generating example questions.
[0059] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 12. An example of how the information processing system 10 displays the input unit IP and the intermediate unit MP on the user interface is shown in Figure 18. In Figure 18, the intermediate unit MP shows the state in which trigger information is generated as usage information based on the trigger condition, which is the input statement.
[0060] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 12. An example of how the information processing system 10 displays the input unit IP and the intermediate unit MP on the user interface is shown in Figure 19. In Figure 19, the intermediate unit MP shows a state in which trigger information generated based on the trigger condition, which is the input statement, is displayed in a selectable format.
[0061] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 12. An example of how the information processing system 10 displays the input unit IP, the intermediate unit MP, and the output unit OP on the user interface is shown in Figure 20. In Figure 20, the output unit OP shows the state in which a question example, which is the result of processing, is generated based on the selected trigger information.
[0062] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 12. An example of how the information processing system 10 displays the input unit IP, the intermediate unit MP, and the output unit OP on the user interface is shown in Figure 21. Note that in Figure 21, the output unit OP displays a generated example question.
[0063] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the processing performed by the information processing system 10. Processing is carried out by the processor 20 reading the program 36 stored in the storage 24, loading it into the memory 22, and executing it. Although not shown in the figure, if the processor 20 receives information about the termination of operation of the information processing system 10, or information about the termination of operation from the user terminal 12 during the execution of a determination process (these are simply referred to as "termination operations"), it terminates the processing based on the program 36 that is currently being processed.
[0064] The processor 20 displays an input section IP (see Figure 7) for inputting an input statement (prompt) on the output device 30 of the user terminal 12. The processor 20 then determines whether or not an input statement has been entered into the input section IP (step S102). If no input has been entered (step S102: NO), the processor 20 proceeds to step S100. On the other hand, if an input statement has been entered (step S102: YES), the processor 20 analyzes the input statement (step S104) and obtains usage information based on the analysis results (step S106).
[0065] The processor 20 generates a response as a processing result using the usage information based on the prompt (step S108), and displays an output unit OP for displaying the response (step S110, see Figure 9).
[0066] The processor 20 displays an intermediate unit MP (see Figure 9) for displaying usage information used in processing (step S112), and also displays an arbitrary information search input unit SP (see Figure 11) (step S114).
[0067] After the selection of usage information, the processor 20 determines whether or not the user U has issued a search instruction (step S116). If no search instruction has been issued (step S116: NO), the processor 20 proceeds to step S120, which will be described later. On the other hand, if a search instruction has been issued (step S116: YES), the processor 20 performs a search based on the selected usage information and the keywords or search sentences entered into the arbitrary information search input unit SP (step S118).
[0068] The processor 20 displays the result R of the searched arbitrary information based on the content entered into the arbitrary information search input unit SP in a selectable format, and determines whether or not it has been selected (step S120). If it is not selected (not selected) (step S120: NO), the processor 20 proceeds to step S124. On the other hand, if it is selected (step S120: YES), the processor 20 generates the processing result again based on the result R of the arbitrary information (step S122). Note that although the configuration is such that the processing result is generated again when the result R of the arbitrary information is selected, it is not limited to this, and the configuration may be such that the processing result is generated again when another operation for regeneration is performed after selection. Then, the processor 20 determines whether or not an operation to terminate the process has been performed (step S124). If an operation to terminate the process has not been performed (step S124: NO), the process proceeds to step S116. On the other hand, if an operation to terminate the process has been performed (step S124: YES), the processor 20 terminates the processing based on program 36.
[0069] Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described above, and any modifications, improvements, etc., to the extent that they can achieve the purpose of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure.
[0070] Furthermore, the series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. In other words, the functional configuration is merely illustrative and not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient for the information processing system to have the functionality to execute the series of processes described above as a whole, and there is no particular limitation on what functional blocks are used to realize this functionality. Also, the location of the functional blocks is not particularly limited and can be arbitrary. For example, the functional blocks of a server may be transferred to a user terminal, etc. Conversely, the functional blocks of a user terminal may be transferred to a server, etc. Moreover, a single functional block may be composed of hardware alone, software alone, or a combination of both.
[0071] For example, when a series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up that software are installed on a computer or other device from a network or storage medium. The computer may be a computer built into dedicated hardware. Alternatively, the computer may be a computer capable of performing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.
[0072] Furthermore, for example, a recording medium containing such a program may consist not only of removable media (not shown) distributed separately from the main unit of the device to provide the program to the user, but also of a recording medium provided to the user in a state where it is pre-installed in the main unit of the device.
[0073] In this specification, the step of describing a program to be recorded on a recording medium includes not only processes that are performed chronologically in that order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed chronologically, but are executed in parallel or individually. Furthermore, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall system composed of multiple devices, means, etc.
[0074] In other words, a program to which this disclosure applies only needs to have the following configuration and can take various forms. That is, a program to which this disclosure applies executes a process that includes: an input unit display step that causes an input unit for inputting an input statement to instruct the content of the process to be performed by the information processing device to be displayed on the user interface; an output unit display step that causes an output unit for displaying the result of the process processed based on the input statement to be displayed on the user interface; and an intermediate unit display step that causes an intermediate unit for displaying usage information used in the process to be displayed on the user interface.
[0075] This improves the user's understanding of the processing results. Specifically, user U can grasp from the information displayed in the middle section what usage information the processing result for the input sentence is based on. Therefore, it becomes easier to determine whether the answer obtained as a processing result is reliable or not, thereby improving understanding.
[0076] Furthermore, since the input IP can accept input text written in natural language, input is easier compared to inputting programming languages or other languages. In other words, the barrier to entry is lowered, making it accessible to a wider range of users.
[0077] Furthermore, since the intermediate MP displays bibliographic information as usage information, it is possible to estimate the reliability of the usage information based on the publisher, author, and publication format of the bibliographic information. This allows for an assessment of the reliability of the processing results.
[0078] Furthermore, the intermediate MP section displays a summary of the bibliographic information, making it easier to understand the content of the information. This allows users to determine whether the information used was obtained from appropriate sources, thus making it easier to assess the reliability of the processing results.
[0079] Furthermore, since the intermediate MP extracts and displays the portion of the bibliographic information used in the processing, it becomes possible to understand the relationship between the information used and the surrounding content in the bibliographic information. This further improves the understanding of the processing results.
[0080] Furthermore, the intermediate MP displays the usage information in a selectable format, allowing the user U to arbitrarily select or deselect the information to use. This makes it possible to create processing results that are more to the user U's liking.
[0081] Furthermore, since the intermediate unit MP displays an arbitrary information search input unit SP for searching for arbitrary information other than the usage information used in processing, it becomes possible to search for arbitrary information and perform processing by referring to and using that arbitrary information if the information displayed in the intermediate unit MP as usage information is not appropriate. This makes it easier to obtain the desired processing result.
[0082] Furthermore, since the output unit OP displays the processing results, which change according to the selection of usage information displayed in the intermediate unit MP, the user U can adjust the selection of usage information displayed in the intermediate unit MP if the initial processing result is not what they want, and then see the resulting change in processing results on the output unit OP. This makes it even easier to obtain the desired processing result.
[0083] Furthermore, the input unit IP allows input of trigger conditions for generating example questions, the intermediate unit MP displays selectable trigger information based on the trigger conditions (input statements), and the output unit OP displays the generated example questions (see Figure 21). This allows generating questions and corresponding answers by inputting trigger conditions and selecting trigger information based on them. In other words, it becomes easy to generate anticipated questions and answers that match the desired content.
[0084] <Note> This embodiment includes the following disclosures.
[0085] (Note 1) An information processing method performed by an information processing device, comprising: an input unit display step of displaying an input unit on a user interface for inputting an input statement to instruct the content of the processing to be performed by the information processing device; an output unit display step of displaying an output unit on the user interface for displaying the result of the processing performed based on the input statement; and an intermediate unit display step of displaying an intermediate unit on the user interface for displaying information used in the processing and usage information which is at least one of the information used.
[0086] (Note 2) The information processing method described in Note 1, wherein the input unit is capable of receiving the input sentence entered in natural language.
[0087] (Note 3) The intermediate section is an information processing method according to Note 1 or Note 2, which displays bibliographic information as the usage information.
[0088] (Note 4) The intermediate section displays a summary of the aforementioned literature information using the information processing method described in any one of Notes 1 to 3.
[0089] (Note 5) The information processing method described in Note 3 or Note 4, wherein the intermediate portion is an information processing method described in Note 3 or Note 4, which extracts and displays the portion of the document information used for the processing described above.
[0090] (Note 6) The intermediate section is an information processing method according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, which displays the usage information in a selectable manner.
[0091] (Note 7) The information processing method according to any one of Notes 1 to 6, wherein the intermediate section displays an arbitrary information search input section for searching for arbitrary information other than the usage information used in the processing.
[0092] (Note 8) The information processing method according to any one of Notes 1 to 7, wherein the output unit displays the result of the processing, the processing content of which changes according to the selection status of the usage information displayed in the intermediate unit.
[0093] (Note 9) An information processing method to be performed by an information processing device, comprising: an input unit display step of displaying an input unit on a user interface for inputting an input statement to instruct the content of a process to be performed by the information processing device; an output unit display step of displaying an output unit on the user interface for displaying the result of the process processed based on the input statement; an intermediate unit display step of displaying an intermediate unit on the user interface for displaying selectable usage information used in the process; a determination step of determining the selection status of the usage information; a reprocessing step of performing the process again based on the usage information determined to have been selected in the determination step; and a result update step of displaying the result of the process in the reprocessing step on the output unit.
[0094] (Note 10) A program for causing an information processing device to execute an information processing method comprising: an input unit display step for displaying an input unit on the user interface for inputting an input statement for instructing the content of the processing to be performed by the information processing device; an output unit display step for displaying an output unit on the user interface for displaying the result of the processing performed based on the input statement; and an intermediate unit display step for displaying an intermediate unit on the user interface for displaying usage information used in the processing.
[0095] (Note 11) An information processing system executed by an information processing device, comprising: an input unit display step that displays an input unit on a user interface for inputting an input statement to instruct the content of the processing to be performed by the information processing device; an output unit display step that displays an output unit on the user interface for displaying the result of the processing performed based on the input statement; and an intermediate unit display step that displays an intermediate unit on the user interface for displaying usage information used in the processing.
[0096] (Note 12) A program for causing an information processing device to execute an information processing method comprising: an input unit display step that displays an input unit on the user interface for inputting an input statement to instruct the content of the processing to be performed by the information processing device; an output unit display step that displays an output unit on the user interface for displaying the result of the processing performed based on the input statement; an intermediate unit display step that displays an intermediate unit on the user interface for displaying the usage information used in the processing in a selectable manner; a determination step that determines the selection status of the usage information; a reprocessing step that executes the processing again based on the usage information determined to have been selected in the determination step; and a result update step that displays the result of the processing in the reprocessing step on the output unit.
[0097] (Note 13) An information processing system executed by the information processing device, comprising: an input unit display step that displays an input unit on a user interface for inputting an input statement to instruct the content of the processing to be performed by the information processing device; an output unit display step that displays an output unit on the user interface for displaying the result of the processing performed based on the input statement; an intermediate unit display step that displays an intermediate unit on the user interface for displaying selectable usage information used in the processing; a determination step that determines the selection status of the usage information; a reprocessing step that executes the processing again based on the usage information determined to have been selected in the determination step; and a result update step that displays the result of the processing in the reprocessing step on the output unit.
[0098] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually noted to be incorporated by reference.
Claims
1. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, comprising: an input unit display step of displaying an input unit on a user interface for inputting an input statement to instruct the content of a process performed by the information processing device; an output unit display step of displaying an output unit on the user interface for displaying the result of the process processed based on the input statement; and an intermediate unit display step of displaying an intermediate unit on the user interface for displaying information used in the process and usage information which is at least one of the information used.
2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is capable of receiving the input sentence, which is entered in natural language.
3. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate section displays bibliographic information as the usage information.
4. The information processing method according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate section displays a summary of the literature information.
5. The information processing method according to claim 3, wherein the intermediate portion extracts and displays the portion of the document information used for the processing.
6. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate section displays the usage information in a selectable manner.
7. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate section displays an arbitrary information search input section for searching for arbitrary information other than the usage information used in the processing.
8. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the output unit displays the result of the processing, the processing content of which changes according to the selection status of the usage information displayed in the intermediate unit.
9. An information processing method to be performed by an information processing device, comprising: an input unit display step of displaying an input unit on a user interface for inputting an input statement to instruct the content of a process to be performed by the information processing device; an output unit display step of displaying an output unit on the user interface for displaying the result of the process processed based on the input statement; an intermediate unit display step of displaying an intermediate unit on the user interface for displaying selectable usage information used in the process; a determination step of determining the selection status of the usage information; a reprocessing step of performing the process again based on the usage information determined to have been selected in the determination step; and a result update step of displaying the result of the process in the reprocessing step on the output unit.
10. A program for causing an information processing device to execute an information processing method comprising: an input unit display step for displaying an input unit on a user interface for inputting an input statement to instruct the content of the processing to be performed by the information processing device; an output unit display step for displaying an output unit on the user interface for displaying the result of the processing performed based on the input statement; and an intermediate unit display step for displaying an intermediate unit on the user interface for displaying usage information used in the processing.
11. An information processing system executed by an information processing device, comprising: an input unit display step that displays an input unit on a user interface for inputting an input statement to instruct the content of the processing to be performed by the information processing device; an output unit display step that displays an output unit on the user interface for displaying the result of the processing performed based on the input statement; and an intermediate unit display step that displays an intermediate unit on the user interface for displaying usage information used in the processing.
12. A program for causing an information processing device to execute an information processing method comprising: an input unit display step that displays an input unit on the user interface for inputting an input statement to instruct the content of the processing to be performed by the information processing device; an output unit display step that displays an output unit on the user interface for displaying the result of the processing performed based on the input statement; an intermediate unit display step that displays an intermediate unit on the user interface for displaying the usage information used in the processing in a selectable manner; a determination step that determines the selection status of the usage information; a reprocessing step that executes the processing again based on the usage information determined to have been selected in the determination step; and a result update step that displays the result of the processing in the reprocessing step on the output unit.
13. An information processing system executed by an information processing device, comprising: an input unit display step that displays an input unit on a user interface for inputting an input statement to instruct the content of the processing to be performed by the information processing device; an output unit display step that displays an output unit on the user interface for displaying the result of the processing performed based on the input statement; an intermediate unit display step that displays an intermediate unit on the user interface for displaying selectable usage information used in the processing; a determination step that determines the selection status of the usage information; a reprocessing step that executes the processing again based on the usage information determined to have been selected in the determination step; and a result update step that displays the result of the processing in the reprocessing step on the output unit.