Communication promotion system and communication promotion method

Abstract

A client terminal (110) detects a physical quantity related to a user, identifies an action of the user, and transmits user information to a server if the action is a predetermined action. When the server (130) receives the user information, the server (130) selects a communication partner user, a communication method, and an incentive to be proposed to the user, and transmits communication proposal information indicating at least the selected content to the client terminal (110). When the client terminal (110) receives the communication proposal information, the client terminal (110) displays proposal content indicating at least the content of the communication proposal information, and receives an input of an instruction as to whether or not to perform such communication. If the instruction to perform the communication is input, the server (130) causes the client terminal (110) to execute such communication, and provides the incentive when the communication ends.

Description

Communication Promotion System and Communication Promotion Method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication promotion system and a communication promotion method.

[0002] In communication, there are "strong connection" communications and "weak connection" communications, and it is considered important to maintain both connections well for improving business productivity and well-being.

[0003] For example, in Non-Patent Document 1, a craft beer server is installed in an office, and it is verified whether communication is promoted by introducing the following incentives (nudges) (1) to (3). (1) One free drink if you drink with someone you don't usually talk to. (2) One free drink if you drink between specific departments. (3) Introduction of a function to exchange drink tickets.

[0004] Eriko Ota, "Creating a System to Activate Office Communication", Kansei Engineering, Vol. 17, No. 3, 2019

[0005] However, in the verification of Non-Patent Document 1, no significant effect was obtained with the incentive (1) targeting "people who don't usually talk". This is considered to be because the psychological burden of directly inviting people who don't usually talk was too high for the incentive to function.

[0006] Therefore, one or more aspects of the present disclosure aim to enable promotion of communication, including continuous communication between users with particularly weak connection relationships, even in a remote environment.

[0007] A communication facilitation system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication facilitation system comprising a client terminal and a server, wherein the client terminal comprises a sensing unit for detecting physical quantities relating to a user, a startup determination unit for identifying the user's actions based on the physical quantities and determining whether the identified actions are predetermined actions, and a connection initiation unit for sending user information identifying the user to the server when the identified actions are predetermined actions, and the server comprises, upon receiving the user information, a communication target selection unit for selecting a target user for a communication proposed to the user, a communication method selection unit for selecting one communication method from a plurality of communication methods which are a plurality of ways of performing the communication, an incentive selection unit for selecting one incentive from a plurality of incentives to be given to the user through the communication, and communication proposal information indicating at least the target user, the selected communication method, and the selected incentive. The client terminal further comprises: a communication promotion unit that sends the communication proposal information to the client terminal, a communication processing unit that, upon receiving the communication proposal information, generates proposal content that at least indicates the other party user, the selected communication method, and the selected incentive; a display unit that displays the proposal content; and an input unit that, based on the proposal content, receives input of an instruction on whether or not to communicate with the other party user and using the selected communication method, the communication promotion unit, upon receiving input of an instruction to communicate, sends content information to the client terminal indicating content for communicating with the other party user and using the selected communication method, the communication processing unit generates communication content for communicating with the other party user and using the selected communication method according to the content information, and the display unit displays the communication content.The communication promotion unit is characterized by granting the selected incentive to the user when the communication is completed.

[0008] A communication facilitation method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication facilitation method performed by a client terminal and a server, wherein the client terminal detects a physical quantity relating to a user, identifies the user's actions based on the physical quantity, determines whether the identified action is a predetermined action, and if the identified action is a predetermined action, sends user information identifying the user to the server; the server, upon receiving the user information, selects a target user for communication to propose to the user, selects one communication method from a plurality of communication methods which are a plurality of ways of performing the communication, selects one incentive from a plurality of incentives to be given to the user through the communication, and sends communication proposal information indicating at least the target user, the selected communication method and the selected incentive to the client terminal; and the client terminal then communicates When communication proposal information is received, the server generates proposal content that at least indicates the recipient user, the selected communication method, and the selected incentive, displays the proposal content, accepts input of an instruction to whether or not to communicate with the recipient user using the selected communication method based on the proposal content, and when an instruction to communicate is input, the server sends content information to the client terminal indicating content for communicating with the recipient user using the selected communication method, the client terminal generates communication content for communicating with the recipient user using the selected communication method according to the content information, displays the communication content, and when the communication is completed, the server grants the user the selected incentive.

[0009] According to one or more aspects of this disclosure, communication can be facilitated even in remote environments, including continuous communication between users with particularly weak ties.

[0010] This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the communication promotion system according to Embodiments 1 to 9. This is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a client terminal located at a base. This is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a client terminal located at a base. This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a client terminal in Embodiment 1. This is a block diagram showing a first example of a computer. This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a server in Embodiment 1. This is a block diagram showing a second example of a computer. This is a flowchart showing the operation of a client terminal in Embodiment 1. This is a flowchart showing the process by which the connection initiation unit in Embodiment 1 initiates a connection with the server. This is a flowchart showing the operation of a server in Embodiment 1. This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a server in Embodiment 2. This is a flowchart showing the operation of a server in Embodiment 2. This is a flowchart showing the operation of a server in Embodiment 2. This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a client terminal in Embodiment 3. This is a flowchart showing the operation of a client terminal in Embodiment 3. This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a client terminal in Embodiment 4. This is a flowchart showing the operation of a client terminal in Embodiment 4. This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a client terminal in Embodiment 5. This is a flowchart showing the operation of a client terminal in Embodiment 5. This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a server in Embodiment 6. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the incentive generation unit in Embodiment 6. This is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a client terminal in Embodiment 7. This is a block diagram schematically showing the server configuration in Embodiment 7. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the client terminal in Embodiment 7. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the server in Embodiment 7. This is a block diagram schematically showing the server configuration in Embodiment 8. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the server in Embodiment 8. This is a block diagram schematically showing the server configuration in Embodiment 9. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the server in Embodiment 9.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the communication facilitation system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The communication facilitation system 100 comprises a client terminal 110 and a server 130. The client terminal 110 and the server 130 are connected to a network 101. In the communication facilitation system 100, a plurality of client terminals 110 are provided, but the number of client terminals 110 is not particularly limited.

[0012] The client terminal 110 may be installed in locations such as an office, elevator hall, kitchen, or bathroom. In the example shown in Figure 1, a client terminal 110 is located at each of the first location 102A, the second location 102B, and the third location 102C.

[0013] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a client terminal 110 located at a base. In this first example, the client terminal 110 is located in an office that serves as the base. Here, the client terminal 110 is installed in a coffee maker 103 located in the office's kitchenette. In the example shown in Figure 2, the client terminal 110 comprises a sensor 10, an information processing device 11, and a video display device 12 that functions as an input unit and display unit, which will be described later. Here, a touch panel can be used as the video display device 12. In addition, a pressure sensor, a motion sensor, a microphone, or a camera can be used as the sensor 10.

[0014] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a client terminal 110 located at a base. In this second example, the client terminal 110 is located in the elevator hall, which serves as the base. Here, the client terminal 110 is installed in the elevator 104 located in the elevator hall. In the example shown in Figure 3, the client terminal 110 comprises a plurality of sensors 10, an information processing device 11, and a video display device 12. In this example, a digital signage can be used as the video display device 12.

[0015] Returning to Figure 1, the client terminal 110 may not be located at a base station but may be used by individual users. In such cases, the client terminal 110 can be implemented using a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet, or a smartphone.

[0016] Figure 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the client terminal 110 in Embodiment 1. The client terminal 110 comprises a sensing unit 111, a display unit 112, an input unit 113, a transmitting / receiving unit 114, a storage unit 115, and a control unit 116. The sensing unit 111 corresponds to the sensor 10 shown in Figure 2 or 3, the display unit 112 corresponds to the video display device 12 shown in Figure 2 or 3, and the input unit 113, transmitting / receiving unit 114, storage unit 115, and control unit 116 correspond to the information processing device 11 shown in Figure 2 or 3.

[0017] The sensing unit 111 detects physical quantities related to the user. The display unit 112 displays various content. The input unit 113 accepts instructions from the user. The transmission / reception unit 114 transmits and receives data.

[0018] The storage unit 115 stores information and programs necessary for processing on the client terminal 110. For example, the storage unit 115 stores user information, including user identification information that can identify at least the user of the client terminal 110. Here, it is assumed that user information for all users who are scheduled to use the client terminal 110 is stored in the storage unit 115.

[0019] The control unit 116 controls the processing on the client terminal 110. The control unit 116 includes a startup determination unit 117, a connection start unit 118, and a communication processing unit 119.

[0020] The activation determination unit 117 identifies the user's actions based on the physical quantities detected by the sensing unit 111 and determines whether the identified actions are predetermined actions. For example, if the sensing unit 111 is implemented as a camera as a sensor 10 attached to the coffee maker 103, as shown in Figure 2, then, for example, when the user presses a switch on the coffee maker 103, the system can identify user actions such as the user making coffee, the user's facial expression, and the user operating a smartphone.

[0021] Furthermore, even if the sensing unit 111 is implemented as a camera, which is a sensor 10 attached to the elevator 104, as shown in Figure 3, it is still possible to identify user actions such as the user pressing the elevator switch to use the elevator, the user's facial expression, and the user operating a smartphone.

[0022] Furthermore, if the sensing unit 111 is implemented using the PC's camera (not shown), it can identify user actions such as the user inputting data on the PC, the user's facial expressions, and the user taking a break.

[0023] Then, if the startup determination unit 117 determines that the identified action is a predetermined action, it instructs the connection initiation unit 118 to connect to the server 130. Here, the predetermined action is also called a trigger action because it is an action that prompts the user to communicate.

[0024] The connection initiation unit 118 sends user information to the server that identifies the user who performed the action identified by the activation determination unit 117, if that action is one of the predetermined actions. For example, in response to instructions from the activation determination unit 117, the connection initiation unit 118 sends a connection request to the server 130 via the transmission / reception unit 114. The connection initiation unit 118 then logs into the server 130 by sending user information of the user who performed the trigger action to the server 130 via the transmission / reception unit 114.

[0025] Furthermore, if, for example, the storage unit 115 stores user information for only one user, in other words, if it is assumed that only one user is using the client terminal 110, the connection initiation unit 118 only needs to send that user information to the server 130. Also, even if, for example, the storage unit 115 stores user information for multiple users, if the user using the client terminal 110 is identified by the user entering their own ID via the input unit 113, the connection initiation unit 118 only needs to send that user's user information to the server 130. Moreover, even if, for example, the storage unit 115 stores user information for multiple users, if the sensing unit 111 is, for example, a camera that acquires images, the connection initiation unit 118 only needs to identify the user in the image using known technology such as face recognition and send the user information of the identified user to the server 130.

[0026] When the connection to the server 130 is initiated by the connection initiation unit 118, the communication processing unit 119 acquires various information from the server 130, displays various content on the display unit 112 based on that information, and performs various processing.

[0027] For example, when the transmitting / receiving unit 114 receives communication proposal information, the communication processing unit 119 receives the communication proposal information. The communication processing unit 119 then generates proposal content that indicates at least the recipient, communication method, and incentive included in the communication proposal information, and asks the user whether or not to communicate. The communication processing unit 119 displays the proposal content on the display unit 112 and causes the input unit 113 to accept input indicating whether or not to communicate. If the user inputs whether or not to communicate via the input unit 113, the communication processing unit 119 responds to the server 130 with the input content.

[0028] The communication processing unit 119 then receives content information from the server 130 via the transmitting / receiving unit 114, generates communication content for communicating with the proposed party using the proposed communication method according to that content information, displays such communication content on the display unit 112, and executes the communication.

[0029] The client terminal 110 described above can be implemented, for example, by the computer 150 shown in Figure 5. The computer 150 includes storage 151 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive), memory 152, a processor 153 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a sensor 154, a communication interface 155 such as a NIC (Network Interface Card), an input interface 156 such as a keyboard and mouse, and a display 157.

[0030] For example, the storage unit 115 can be implemented by a storage device 151 or a memory device 152. The control unit 116 can be implemented by a processor 153 loading a program stored in the storage device 151 into the memory device 152 and executing that program. The sensing unit 111 can be implemented by a sensor 154. The transmitting / receiving unit 114 can be implemented by a communication interface 155. The input unit 113 can be implemented by an input interface 156. The display unit 112 can be implemented by a display 157.

[0031] The program may be downloaded to storage 151 from a recording medium (not shown) via a reader / writer (not shown), or from network 101 via communication interface 155, and then loaded into memory 152 and executed by processor 153. Alternatively, it may be loaded directly into memory 152 from the recording medium via a reader / writer, or from network 101 via communication interface 155, and executed by processor 153. In other words, the program may be provided by a computer program product such as a recording medium.

[0032] Figure 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the server 130 in Embodiment 1. The server 130 comprises a storage unit 131, a transmitting / receiving unit 132, and a control unit 133.

[0033] The storage unit 131 stores information and programs necessary for processing on the server 130. For example, the storage unit 131 stores user management information for managing users of the communication promotion system 100. The user management information includes, for each user identification information, the sense of distance between the user identified by the user identification information and other users, the communication method preferences of the user identified by the user identification information, coefficients for each communication method of the user identified by the user identification information, incentive preferences of the user identified by the user identification information, and coefficients for each incentive of the user identified by the user identification information, as well as the client terminal 110 used by the user identified by the user identification information when conducting synchronous conversations.

[0034] The perceived distance between a user and other users is represented by a numerical value between 0 and 1, indicating the degree of intimacy between the user and other users. A higher value indicates a higher level of intimacy and a shorter perceived distance between the user and other users. For example, the perceived distance between user 1 and user 2 may be represented by the ratio of the number of times user 1 accepted communication to the number of times communication was proposed to user 2. If no communication has yet been proposed between user 1 and user 2, the perceived distance between user 1 and user 2 will be set to a predetermined initial value.

[0035] Communication method preference is a numerical value between 0 and 1 that indicates the tendency of a user identified by user identification information to prefer a particular communication method. A higher value indicates a stronger preference for that communication method. In other words, communication method preference indicates a user's preference for a particular communication method. For example, communication method preference may be expressed as the ratio of the number of times a user accepted a communication using that method to the number of times that communication using that method was proposed to the user. If communication using that method has not yet been proposed, the communication method preference will be set to a predetermined initial value.

[0036] The coefficient for each communication method represents the degree to which the user's sense of distance from the other party influences that communication method, expressed as a number between 0 and 1. A higher number indicates that the user's sense of distance from the other party influences their preference for that communication method. For example, the coefficient for each communication method may be such that synchronous communication is more likely to be selected when the sense of distance is closer, or the coefficient for each communication method may be made equal so that the sense of distance does not have an influence. The coefficient for each communication method may be set in advance by the administrator of the communication promotion system 100, or it may be calculated as the slope of a linear approximation formula obtained from the ratio of the number of times the proposed communication was made to the number of times the communication was accepted, based on the user's past communication logs identified by the user identification information.

[0037] Incentive preference is a numerical value between 0 and 1 that indicates the tendency of a user identified by user identification information to prefer that incentive. A higher value indicates a stronger preference for that incentive. In other words, incentive preference indicates a user's preference for an incentive. Incentive preference may be expressed, for example, as the ratio of the number of times a user has accepted communication using that incentive to the number of times that communication using that incentive has been proposed to the user. If communication using that incentive has not yet been proposed, the incentive preference will be set to a predetermined initial value.

[0038] The coefficient for each incentive represents the degree to which the user's sense of distance from the person they are communicating with influences that incentive, expressed as a number between 0 and 1. A higher number indicates that the user's sense of distance from the person they are communicating with influences their preference for that incentive.

[0039] The coefficient for each incentive may be set such that, for example, the closer the sense of distance, the higher the value of the incentive that contributes to the excitement within the community rather than the user's benefit. The coefficient for each incentive may be set in advance by the administrator of the communication promotion system 100, and may be calculated as the slope of a linear approximation formula obtained from the ratio of the number of communications proposed for each combination of distance and incentive to the number of communications that were accepted, based on the past communication logs of the user identified by the user identification information.

[0040] Furthermore, the memory unit 131 stores a communication log, which is a log of the communication proposed by the communication promotion system 100. The communication log includes, for example, the user, the person to whom the communication was proposed to that user, whether or not the user accepted the proposed communication, the communication method and incentive for the communication proposed to the user, and the proposed date and time. The communication log may also include the content of the communication between the user and the other party.

[0041] The transmitting / receiving unit 132 transmits and receives data.

[0042] The control unit 133 controls the processing on the server 130. The control unit 133 includes a calculation unit 134, a communication target selection unit 135, a communication method selection unit 136, an incentive selection unit 137, and a communication promotion unit 138.

[0043] The calculation unit 134 refers to the communication log stored in the memory unit 131 and calculates the sense of distance, communication method preference, and incentive preference for each user. Then, the calculation unit 134 updates the user management information stored in the memory unit 131 based on the calculated sense of distance, communication method preference, and incentive preference.

[0044] When the transmission / reception unit 132 receives user information, the communication target selection unit 135 selects a destination user who is a user to be proposed as a communication partner for the user identified by the user identification information included in the user information. The communication target selection unit 135 may randomly select a partner from the users managed by the user management information stored in the storage unit 131.

[0045] When the communication target selection unit 135 selects a communication partner to be proposed, the communication method selection unit 136 selects one communication method from a plurality of communication methods for performing the communication. Note that the selectable communication methods are assumed to be predetermined in advance by the administrator of the communication promotion system 100.

[0046] For example, communication methods include video calls as synchronous communication, transmission and reception of video messages and text messages as asynchronous communication, etc. In the case of asynchronous communication, messages such as video messages or text messages from the partner are assumed to be registered in advance in the server 130, or rather, stored in the storage unit 131 in advance.

[0047] For example, the communication method selection unit 136 selects one communication method from the plurality of communication methods by weighted random selection in which the plurality of communication methods are weighted according to the sense of distance between the user who proposes the communication and the partner of the proposed communication, and the preference of the user for each of the plurality of communication methods.

[0048] Specifically, let the communication method preference for the user's communication method Ci (where i is an identification number for identifying the communication method and is a positive integer satisfying 1 ≤ i ≤ n. n is the number of communication methods and is an integer of 2 or more) be Li, and the coefficient for the user's communication method Ci be Oi. Also, let the sense of distance between the user and the proposed communication partner be D. In this case, the weight Wi of the communication method Ci is calculated by the following formula (1). Wi = D × Oi × Li (1)

[0049] Then, the communication method selection unit 136 calculates the weights for all communication methods, and uses the calculated weights to select one communication method from the preset communication methods by weighted random selection. For weighted random selection, a known technique may be used.

[0050] When the communication target selection unit 135 selects the communication partner for the proposed communication, the incentive selection unit 137 selects one incentive from a plurality of incentives given to the user by the communication. An incentive is some benefit given to the user by the proposed communication. The incentive may be given when the user accepts the proposed communication, or may be given when the proposed communication is actually carried out. Note that the selectable incentives are predetermined for each user by the administrator of the communication promotion system 100. Examples of incentives include giving points, giving badges, and being able to hear gossip in the community.

[0051] For example, the incentive selection unit 137 selects one incentive from the plurality of incentives by weighted random selection that weights the sense of distance between the user who proposes the communication and the partner and the user's preference for each of the plurality of incentives.

[0052] Specifically, let Kj be the user's incentive preference for incentive Ij (where j is an identification number for identifying the incentive, a positive integer satisfying 1 ≤ j ≤ m; m is the number of incentives, an integer greater than or equal to 2), and let Ej be the coefficient of the user's preference for incentive Ij. Also, let D be the user's perceived distance from the proposed communication partner. In this case, the weight Wj of incentive Ij is calculated by the following equation (2): Wj = D × Ej × Kj (2)

[0053] The incentive selection unit 137 then calculates weights for all incentives and uses the calculated weights to select one incentive from the pre-set incentives using weighted randomization.

[0054] The communication promotion unit 138 generates communication proposal information that indicates at least the recipient selected by the communication method selection unit 136, the communication method selected by the communication method selection unit 136, and the incentive selected by the incentive selection unit 137. The communication promotion unit 138 then sends this communication proposal information to the client terminal 110 that sent the user information via the transmission / reception unit 132.

[0055] Furthermore, when the communication facilitator 138 receives a response from the client terminal 110 to initiate communication via the transmitting / receiving unit 132, it provides communication to the client terminal 110 using the communication method indicated in the communication proposal information. For example, the communication facilitator 138 generates content information that indicates the content for communicating with the party indicated in the communication proposal information using the communication method indicated in the communication proposal information. The communication facilitator 138 then sends this content information to the client terminal 110 to initiate communication via the transmitting / receiving unit 132.

[0056] Then, when communication is completed, the communication promotion unit 138 provides the user who accepted the communication with the incentive indicated in the communication proposal information, in accordance with the communication proposal information.

[0057] For example, when an incentive is awarded, the communication promotion unit 138 may display incentive information on the client terminal 110, add points to be awarded to the user as an incentive to the user's user management information, or provide the user with a service corresponding to the incentive. The service may include providing special offers or providing insider information about the community. Special offers and insider information about the community may be pre-configured on the server 130. Insider information about the community may also be randomly extracted from the content of communications included in the communication log.

[0058] The server 130 described above can be implemented, for example, by the computer 160 shown in Figure 7. The computer 160 includes storage 161, memory 162, processor 163, communication I / F 164, input I / F 165, and display 166.

[0059] For example, the storage unit 131 can be implemented by a storage device 161 or a memory device 162. The control unit 133 can be implemented by a processor 163 loading a program stored in the storage device 161 into the memory device 162 and executing that program. The transmitting / receiving unit 132 can be implemented by a communication interface 164.

[0060] The program may be downloaded to storage 161 from a recording medium (not shown) via a reader / writer (not shown), or from network 101 via communication interface 164, and then loaded into memory 162 and executed by processor 163. Alternatively, it may be loaded directly into memory 162 from the recording medium via a reader / writer, or from network 101 via communication interface 164, and executed by processor 163. In other words, the program may be provided by a computer program product such as a recording medium.

[0061] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the client terminal 110 in Embodiment 1. First, the sensing unit 111 of the client terminal 110 detects physical quantities related to the user by performing sensing (S10). The detected physical quantities are sent to the activation determination unit 117. The activation determination unit 117 then identifies the user's actions based on the detected physical quantities.

[0062] Specifically, if the sensing unit 111 is located on or near a switch of a home appliance, such as a coffee maker, the sensing unit 111 may detect the presence or absence of a person, images, switch presses, or door openings and closings. Also, if the sensing unit 111 is located on a building facility, such as near an elevator door or button, the sensing unit 111 may detect the presence or absence of a person, images, button presses, door openings and closings, or the elevator's up and down movement. Furthermore, if the sensing unit 111 is located on a residential facility, such as near a bathtub in a bathroom with a display, it may detect the presence or absence of a person or their bathing status, even though it cannot capture images or the like.

[0063] Next, the activation determination unit 117 determines whether or not to activate the communication (S11). For example, the activation determination unit 117 determines to activate the communication if the specified action is a predetermined action. If the activation is to be performed (Yes in S11), the process proceeds to step S12; if the activation is not to be performed (No in S11), the process returns to step S10.

[0064] Specifically, the activation determination unit 117 can use the following actions as trigger actions by analyzing the physical quantities detected by the sensing unit 111. For example, if the sensing unit 111 is located in a coffee maker, the trigger action can be the presence of a person and the pressing of a button on the coffee maker. Also, if the sensing unit 111 is located in an elevator, the trigger action can be the presence of a person on the elevator floor, the pressing of a button, and the absence of the elevator on that floor (in other words, the user being in a standby state). Furthermore, if the sensing unit 111 is located around a bathtub, the trigger action can be the presence of a person in the bathtub and in a relaxed state.

[0065] In step S12, the connection initiation unit 118 initiates a connection to the server 130 via the transmitting / receiving unit 114. The details of this process will be explained using Figure 9.

[0066] Next, when the connection to the server 130 is initiated by the connection initiation unit 118, the communication processing unit 119 acquires communication proposal information from the server 130 via the transmission / reception unit 114 (S13).

[0067] Next, the communication processing unit 119 displays on the display unit 112 a proposal content that presents the recipient, communication method, and incentive included in the communication proposal information, and asks the user whether or not to communicate (S14).

[0068] Next, the communication processing unit 119 determines whether the user will communicate or not, in other words, whether the user will accept the communication (S15). For example, if the user inputs an instruction to accept the communication into the input unit 113, the communication processing unit 119 determines that the user will communicate. If the user chooses to communicate (Yes in S15), the process proceeds to step S16; if the user chooses not to communicate (No in S15), the process ends. If the user chooses not to communicate, they can simply input an instruction to not communicate into the input unit 113.

[0069] In step S16, the communication processing unit 119 responds to the server 130 via the transmitting / receiving unit 114, indicating that it accepts the communication, and initiates communication in accordance with instructions from the server 130. For example, if the communication method is a video call, the communication processing unit 119 connects to the client terminal 110 used by the other party and initiates a video call. If the communication method is a video message or text message, the communication processing unit 119 receives a pre-registered video message or text message from the server 130, displays it on the display unit 112, and accepts the input of a reply message from the user via the input unit 113.

[0070] The communication processing unit 119 then determines whether or not to terminate the communication (S17). For example, in the case of asynchronous communication, the communication processing unit 119 may determine to terminate the communication when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the start of the communication, and in the case of asynchronous or synchronous communication, it may determine to terminate the communication when it receives a termination instruction from the user via the input unit 113. If the communication is to be terminated (Yes in S17), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0071] In step S18, the communication processing unit 119 sends a termination request to the server 130 via the transmitting / receiving unit 114.

[0072] When a termination request is sent to the server 130, the server 130 sends incentive information indicating the incentive to be granted to the user, and the communication processing unit 119 receives this incentive information via the transmitting / receiving unit 114. Then, the communication processing unit 119 generates content indicating the incentive granted to the user according to the incentive information and displays that content on the display unit 112 (S19).

[0073] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the process by which the connection initiation unit 118 in Embodiment 1 initiates a connection with the server 130. First, the connection initiation unit 118 sends a connection request to the server 130 via the transmitting / receiving unit 114 (S20).

[0074] Next, the connection initiation unit 118 reads the user information of the user who performed the trigger action from the storage unit 115 (S21).

[0075] Next, the connection initiation unit 118 logs in to the server 130 by sending the read user information to the server 130 via the transmission / reception unit 114 (S22). This initiates the connection with the server 130.

[0076] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server 130 in Embodiment 1. When the transmitting / receiving unit 132 receives user information, the communication target selection unit 135 acquires that user information (S30).

[0077] Next, the communication target selection unit 135 selects a target user who will be the communication partner to be proposed to the user identified by the user identification information contained in the user information (S31).

[0078] Next, the communication method selection unit 136 obtains the following from the user management information stored in the storage unit 131: the user's communication method preference, the coefficient for the communication method, the incentive preference, the coefficient for the incentive preference, and the sense of distance between the user and the person selected in step S31 (S32).

[0079] Next, the communication method selection unit 136 selects a communication method to be used in the proposed communication using the acquired communication method preference, coefficient for communication method, and sense of distance (S33).

[0080] Next, the incentive selection unit 137 uses the acquired incentive preference, coefficient for incentives, and sense of distance to select the incentive to be used in the proposed communication (S34).

[0081] Next, the communication promotion unit 138 generates communication proposal information that indicates at least the recipient selected in step S31, the communication method selected in step S33, and the incentive selected in step S34, and sends the communication proposal information to the client terminal 110 that sent the user information via the transmission / reception unit 132 (S35).

[0082] Next, the communication facilitator 138 determines whether or not it has received a response to the communication proposed by the user via the transmitting / receiving unit 132 (S36). If it has received a response from the user (Yes in S36), the process proceeds to step S37.

[0083] Next, the communication promotion unit 138 determines whether the user's response constitutes the proposed communication (S37). If the response constitutes the proposed communication (Yes in S37), the process proceeds to step S38; if the response does not constitute the proposed communication (No in S37), the process ends.

[0084] In step S38, the communication promotion unit 138, having received a response to initiate communication, sends content information via the transmission / reception unit 132 to the client terminal 110 of the user who made the response, to provide communication using the communication method indicated in the communication proposal information.

[0085] Next, the communication facilitator 138 determines whether or not it has received a termination request from the user (S39). If it has received a termination request from the user (Yes in S39), the process proceeds to step S40.

[0086] In step S40, the communication promotion unit 138 grants the incentive indicated in the communication proposal information to the user who has accepted the communication in accordance with the communication proposal information, and sends incentive information indicating that such an incentive will be granted to the client terminal 110 used by that user via the transmission / reception unit 132.

[0087] Then, the communication promotion unit 138 stores the communication log of the proposed communication in the storage unit 131 (S41).

[0088] Furthermore, the calculation unit 134 refers to the communication log stored in the memory unit 131 and calculates the sense of distance from the other party, the preference for communication methods, and the preference for incentives for the user who proposed the communication this time (S42). Then, the calculation unit 134 updates the user management information stored in the memory unit 131 based on the calculated sense of distance, preference for communication methods, and preference for incentives.

[0089] In the embodiments described above, as shown in Figure 1, if the client terminal 110 used by the communication partner is not used by an individual user but is located at a base station, in actual communication, especially in synchronous communication, the communication partner may not be the one proposed. However, since the user accepts communication with the proposed partner, in step S42, it is sufficient to calculate the distance to the proposed partner. Here, in this embodiment, since both strong and weak connection communication are promoted, there is no problem in a user who is close to a client terminal 110 located at a base station communicating via synchronous communication.

[0090] As described above, according to Embodiment 1, attractive incentives that reflect the user's preferences are provided, and communication can be proposed in a timely manner using an easy communication method that reflects the distance between the user and the other party and the user's preferences. Therefore, communication can be promoted even if the relationship between the user and the other party is weak.

[0091] Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 1, the communication facilitation system 200 according to Embodiment 2 comprises a client terminal 110 and a server 230. The client terminal 110 of the communication facilitation system 200 according to Embodiment 2 is the same as the client terminal 110 of the communication facilitation system 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0092] Figure 11 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the server 230 in Embodiment 2. The server 230 comprises a storage unit 131, a transmitting / receiving unit 132, and a control unit 233. The storage unit 131 and the transmitting / receiving unit 132 of the server 230 in Embodiment 2 are the same as the storage unit 131 and the transmitting / receiving unit 132 of the server 130 in Embodiment 1.

[0093] The control unit 233 controls the processing on the server 230. The control unit 233 includes a calculation unit 134, a communication target selection unit 135, a communication method selection unit 136, an incentive selection unit 137, a communication promotion unit 238, and an anonymization level determination unit 239. The calculation unit 134, communication target selection unit 135, communication method selection unit 136, and incentive selection unit 137 of the control unit 233 in Embodiment 2 are the same as the calculation unit 134, communication target selection unit 135, communication method selection unit 136, and incentive selection unit 137 of the control unit 133 in Embodiment 1.

[0094] The anonymization level determination unit 239 determines the anonymization level for the proposed communication. For example, the anonymization level determination unit 239 determines the anonymization level for the communication such that the degree of anonymization increases as the distance between the user proposing the communication and the recipient increases.

[0095] Specifically, if the communication method selected by the communication method selection unit 136 is synchronous communication such as a video call, the anonymization level determination unit 239 determines the anonymization level for both the user proposing the communication and the other party, according to their respective sense of distance from the other party and their communication method preferences. If the communication method selected by the communication method selection unit 136 is asynchronous communication such as a video message, the anonymization level determination unit 239 determines the anonymization level according to the user proposing the communication's sense of distance from the other party and their communication method preferences. Specifically, the anonymization level is determined such that the closer the sense of distance and the higher the communication method preference, the lower the anonymization level. Here, the anonymization level determination unit 239 ensures that the greater the combined value of the sense of distance and communication method preference, the lower the identification level.

[0096] Furthermore, a higher anonymization level indicates a greater degree of anonymization. For example, if the method of communication is video messaging, a higher anonymization level will result in more anonymization measures being taken, such as removing the background, altering the voice, blurring people's faces, or replacing people with avatars.

[0097] The communication promotion unit 238 in Embodiment 2 performs processing substantially the same as the communication promotion unit 138 in Embodiment 1, but when providing communication, it applies a predetermined anonymization to the content according to the anonymization level determined by the anonymization level determination unit 239, generates content information, and provides communication.

[0098] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of server 230 in Embodiment 2. Steps in the flowchart shown in Figure 12 that perform the same processing as those in the flowchart showing the operation of server 130 in Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 10, are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 10.

[0099] The processes in steps S30 to S35 in Figure 12 are the same as those in steps S30 to S35 in Figure 10. However, after the process in step S35 in Figure 12, the process proceeds to step S50.

[0100] In step S50, the anonymization level determination unit 239 determines the anonymization level for the proposed communication. Then, the process proceeds to step S36.

[0101] The processes in steps S36 and S37 in Figure 12 are the same as those in steps S36 and S37 in Figure 10. However, in step S37 in Figure 12, if the user's response accepts the proposed communication (Yes in S37), the process proceeds to step S51.

[0102] In step S51, the communication facilitator 238, having received a response accepting the communication, generates content information to provide communication to the client terminal 110 of the user who made the response, using the communication method indicated in the communication proposal information and at the anonymization level determined in step S50, and sends this content information via the transmission / reception unit 132. Then, the process proceeds to step S39.

[0103] For example, in synchronous communication such as video calls, the user to whom the communication is proposed should see content that has been anonymized according to the recipient's anonymization level, and the recipient should see content that has been anonymized according to the user's anonymization level. In asynchronous communication such as sending and receiving video messages or text messages, the video message or text message should be anonymized according to the user's anonymization level.

[0104] The process in steps S39 to S42 in Figure 12 is the same as the process in steps S39 to S42 in Figure 10.

[0105] According to Embodiment 2, the level of user anonymity can be changed according to the user's preferences and the user's sense of distance from the other party, making it easier for users to communicate.

[0106] Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 1, the communication promotion system 300 according to Embodiment 3 comprises a client terminal 310 and a server 130. The server 130 of the communication promotion system 300 according to Embodiment 3 is the same as the server 130 of the communication promotion system 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0107] Figure 13 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the client terminal 310 in Embodiment 3. The client terminal 310 comprises a sensing unit 111, a display unit 112, an input unit 113, a transmitting / receiving unit 114, a storage unit 115, and a control unit 316. The sensing unit 111, display unit 112, input unit 113, transmitting / receiving unit 114, and storage unit 115 of the client terminal 310 in Embodiment 3 are the same as the sensing unit 111, display unit 112, input unit 113, transmitting / receiving unit 114, and storage unit 115 of the client terminal 310 in Embodiment 1.

[0108] The control unit 316 controls the processing on the client terminal 310. The control unit 316 includes a startup determination unit 117, a connection start unit 118, a communication processing unit 319, and a display timing determination unit 320. The startup determination unit 117 and the connection start unit 118 of the control unit 316 in Embodiment 3 are the same as the startup determination unit 117 and the connection start unit 118 of the control unit 116 in Embodiment 1.

[0109] The display timing determination unit 320 determines the display timing, which is the timing at which the user can view the content, from the physical quantity detected by the sensing unit 111.

[0110] For example, if the sensing unit 111 detects the user's video, the display timing determination unit 320 may identify the user's gaze direction and determine the timing at which the user's gaze direction is in the direction in which the display unit 112 is installed as the timing for displaying the content. Alternatively, if the sensing unit 111 detects the user's video, the display timing determination unit 320 may identify the user's actions and determine that it is not the display timing if the user is performing a predetermined action, such as operating a smartphone or having a conversation on a smartphone. In this case, the display timing determination unit 320 may determine the timing at which the content is displayed if the user is not performing a predetermined action.

[0111] Furthermore, if the sensing unit 111 detects the user's video or the user's pulse wave, the display timing determination unit 320 may determine the timing for displaying content to be when the user is relaxed. A Doppler vital sensor or the like can be used as a non-contact technique for detecting the user's pulse wave.

[0112] When the connection to the server 130 is initiated by the connection initiation unit 118, the communication processing unit 319 obtains various information from the server 130 and displays various content on the display unit 112 based on that information to process the user's communication. Here, the communication processing unit 319 displays the proposed content and communication content at the timing determined as the display timing by the display timing determination unit 320. However, if the communication is synchronous communication, the communication processing unit 319 displays the communication content regardless of the display timing.

[0113] Furthermore, the communication processing unit 319 may convert the text of the displayed content into expressions that correspond to the user's emotions. For example, if the sensing unit 111 detects the user's video or pulse wave, the communication processing unit 319 may identify the user's emotions from the video or pulse wave and convert the text according to those emotions. Specifically, if the user is laughing or relaxed, informal text may be displayed, and if the user is angry or confused, polite text may be displayed.

[0114] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the client terminal 310 in Embodiment 3. Note that steps in the flowchart shown in Figure 14 that perform the same processing as the steps in the flowchart showing the operation of the client terminal 110 in Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 8, are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 8.

[0115] The processes in steps S10 to S13 in Figure 14 are the same as those in steps S10 to S13 in Figure 8. However, after the process in step S13 in Figure 14, the process proceeds to step S60. In step S60, the display timing determination unit 320 determines the display timing of the content.

[0116] Next, the communication processing unit 319 presents the recipient, communication method, and incentive included in the communication proposal information, and displays the proposal content, which asks the user whether or not to communicate, on the display unit 112 at the timing determined by the display timing determination unit 320 as the display timing, thereby asking the user whether or not to communicate (S61). Then the process proceeds to step S15.

[0117] The processing in steps S15 to S19 in Figure 14 is the same as the processing in steps S15 to S19 in Figure 8. However, if communication is initiated in step S16, the communication processing unit 319 will display the content on the display unit 112 at the timing determined by the display timing determination unit 320, unless the communication is synchronous communication. The communication processing unit 319 may also convert the text contained in the content according to the user's emotions.

[0118] According to Embodiment 3, content can be displayed at a time that is convenient for the user, making it easier for the user to communicate.

[0119] Embodiment 4. As shown in Figure 1, the communication promotion system 400 according to Embodiment 4 comprises a client terminal 410 and a server 130. The server 130 of the communication promotion system 400 according to Embodiment 4 is the same as the server 130 of the communication promotion system 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0120] Figure 15 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the client terminal 410 in Embodiment 4. The client terminal 410 comprises a sensing unit 111, a display unit 112, an input unit 113, a transmitting / receiving unit 114, a storage unit 115, and a control unit 416. The sensing unit 111, display unit 112, input unit 113, transmitting / receiving unit 114, and storage unit 115 of the client terminal 410 in Embodiment 4 are the same as the sensing unit 111, display unit 112, input unit 113, transmitting / receiving unit 114, and storage unit 115 of the client terminal 310 in Embodiment 1.

[0121] The control unit 416 controls the processing on the client terminal 410. The control unit 416 includes a startup determination unit 417, a connection start unit 118, a communication processing unit 119, and a user state analysis unit 421. The connection start unit 118 and the communication processing unit 119 of the control unit 416 in Embodiment 4 are the same as the connection start unit 118 and the communication processing unit 119 of the control unit 116 in Embodiment 1.

[0122] The user state analysis unit 421 identifies the user's state from the physical quantities detected by the sensing unit 111.

[0123] For example, if the sensing unit 111 detects the user's pulse wave, the user state analysis unit 421 determines the user's level of relaxation or tension. A Doppler vital sensor or the like can be used as a non-contact technique for detecting the user's pulse wave. Furthermore, if the sensing unit 111 detects the input state at the input unit 113, the user state analysis unit 421 determines whether the user is working or not. Additionally, if the sensing unit 111 is a wearable device attached to the user, the user state analysis unit 421 determines the user's level of relaxation or tension from the user's heart rate. In this case, the client terminal 410 may include a wearable device and a wireless communication unit implemented by a wireless communication interface (I / F) for wireless communication according to Bluetooth® or the like.

[0124] The startup determination unit 417, similar to the first embodiment, identifies the user's actions from the user's physical quantities detected by the sensing unit 111.

[0125] Furthermore, the activation determination unit 417 determines whether the user's state, as identified by the user state analysis unit 421, is appropriate for a communication suggestion. For example, if the user state analysis unit 421 has identified a relaxation level, the activation determination unit 417 determines that it is appropriate when the user is relaxed. Similarly, if the user state analysis unit 421 has identified a tension level, the activation determination unit 417 determines that it is appropriate when the user is not tense. Moreover, if the user state analysis unit 421 has identified whether the user is performing a task, the activation determination unit 417 determines that it is appropriate when the user is not performing a task.

[0126] Then, if the startup determination unit 417 determines that the identified action is a predetermined action and the user's state is appropriate for the communication proposal, it instructs the connection initiation unit 118 to connect to the server 130. As a result, user information is sent from the connection initiation unit 118 to the server 130.

[0127] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the client terminal 410 in Embodiment 4. Note that steps in the flowchart shown in Figure 16 that perform the same processing as the steps in the flowchart showing the operation of the client terminal 110 in Embodiment 1, shown in Figure 8, are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 8.

[0128] The process in step S10 in Figure 16 is the same as the process in step S10 in Figure 8. However, after the process in step S10 in Figure 16, the process proceeds to step S70. In step S70, the user state analysis unit 421 identifies the user's state by analyzing the physical quantities detected in step S10.

[0129] Next, the activation determination unit 417 determines whether or not to activate the communication (S71). For example, the activation determination unit 417 determines to activate the communication if the specified action is a predetermined action and the timing is appropriate for the communication proposal. If the activation is to be performed (Yes in S71), the process proceeds to step S12; if the activation is not to be performed (No in S71), the process returns to step S10.

[0130] The processes in steps S12 to S19 in Figure 16 are the same as the processes in steps S12 to S19 in Figure 8.

[0131] According to Embodiment 4, communication suggestions can be made at a timing that is convenient for the user, making it easier for the user to communicate.

[0132] Embodiment 5. As shown in Figure 1, the communication facilitation system 500 according to Embodiment 5 comprises a client terminal 510 and a server 130. The server 130 of the communication facilitation system 500 according to Embodiment 5 is the same as the server 130 of the communication facilitation system 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0133] Figure 17 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the client terminal 510 in Embodiment 5. The client terminal 510 comprises a sensing unit 111, a display unit 112, an input unit 113, a transmitting / receiving unit 114, a storage unit 115, and a control unit 516. The sensing unit 111, display unit 112, input unit 113, transmitting / receiving unit 114, and storage unit 115 of the client terminal 510 in Embodiment 5 are the same as the sensing unit 111, display unit 112, input unit 113, transmitting / receiving unit 114, and storage unit 115 of the client terminal 310 in Embodiment 1.

[0134] The control unit 516 controls the processing on the client terminal 510. The control unit 516 includes a startup determination unit 117, a connection start unit 518, a communication processing unit 119, a user state analysis unit 421, and a communication failure determination unit 522. The startup determination unit 117 and the communication processing unit 119 of the control unit 516 in Embodiment 5 are the same as the startup determination unit 117 and the communication processing unit 119 of the control unit 116 in Embodiment 1. Also, the user state analysis unit 421 of the control unit 516 in Embodiment 5 is the same as the user state analysis unit 421 in Embodiment 4.

[0135] The communication inability determination unit 522 determines whether the user is in a communication inability state, where communication is impossible, based on the user's state identified by the user state analysis unit 421. For example, if the relaxation level is identified by the user state analysis unit 421, the communication inability determination unit 522 determines that the user is in a communication inability state when the user is not relaxed. Also, if the tension level is identified by the user state analysis unit 421, the communication inability determination unit 522 determines that the user is in a communication inability state when the user is tense. Furthermore, if the user state analysis unit 421 identifies whether the user is performing a task, the communication inability determination unit 522 determines that the user is in a communication inability state when the user is performing a task. Also, if the user state analysis unit 421 identifies whether the user is operating a smartphone, the communication inability determination unit 522 determines that the user is operating a smartphone. Furthermore, if the user state analysis unit 421 has determined whether or not the user is using their smartphone to have a conversation, the communication unavailable determination unit 522 will determine that the user is using their smartphone to have a conversation if the user is using their smartphone to have a conversation.

[0136] When the connection initiation unit 518 receives instructions from the activation determination unit 117, if the communication failure determination unit 522 has not determined that communication is impossible, it sends a connection request to the server 130 via the transmission / reception unit 114. The connection initiation unit 518 then logs into the server 130 by sending the user information of the user who performed the trigger action to the server 130 via the transmission / reception unit 114. On the other hand, when the connection initiation unit 518 receives instructions from the activation determination unit 117, if the communication failure determination unit 522 has determined that communication is impossible, it does not send a connection request to the server 130 via the transmission / reception unit 114. Therefore, user information is not sent to the server 130 either.

[0137] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the client terminal 510 in Embodiment 5. Note that among the steps included in the flowchart shown in Figure 18, steps that perform the same processing as those included in the flowchart showing the operation of the client terminal 110 in Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 8, are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 8.

[0138] The process in step S10 in Figure 18 is the same as the process in step S10 in Figure 8. However, after the process in step S10 in Figure 18, the process proceeds to step S80. In step S70, the user state analysis unit 421 identifies the user's state by analyzing the physical quantities detected in step S10. Then, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0139] The process in step S11 in Figure 18 is the same as the process in step S11 in Figure 8. However, if it is determined in step S11 to start the system (Yes in S11), the process proceeds to step S81.

[0140] In step S81, the communication inability determination unit 522 determines, based on the user's state identified by the user state analysis unit 421, whether or not the user is in a communication inability state where they cannot communicate. If the user is in a communication inability state (Yes in S81), the process ends; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0141] The processes in steps S12 to S19 in Figure 18 are the same as those in steps S12 to S19 in Figure 8.

[0142] According to Embodiment 5, communication can be proposed at times when the user is unable to communicate, making it easier for the user to communicate.

[0143] Embodiment 6. As shown in Figure 1, the communication facilitation system 600 according to Embodiment 6 comprises a client terminal 110 and a server 630. The client terminal 110 of the communication facilitation system 600 according to Embodiment 6 is the same as the client terminal 110 of the communication facilitation system 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0144] Figure 19 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the server 630 in Embodiment 6. The server 630 comprises a storage unit 131, a transmitting / receiving unit 132, and a control unit 633. The storage unit 131 and the transmitting / receiving unit 132 of the server 630 in Embodiment 6 are the same as the storage unit 131 and the transmitting / receiving unit 132 of the server 130 in Embodiment 1.

[0145] The control unit 633 controls the processing on the server 630. The control unit 633 includes a calculation unit 134, a communication target selection unit 135, a communication method selection unit 136, an incentive selection unit 137, a communication promotion unit 138, and an incentive generation unit 640. The calculation unit 134, communication target selection unit 135, communication method selection unit 136, incentive selection unit 137, and communication promotion unit 138 of the control unit 633 in Embodiment 6 are the same as the calculation unit 134, communication target selection unit 135, communication method selection unit 136, incentive selection unit 137, and communication promotion unit 138 of the control unit 133 in Embodiment 1.

[0146] The incentive generation unit 640 generates new incentives using Artificial Intelligence (AI). For example, the incentive generation unit 640 generates new incentives by referring to the communication logs stored in the memory unit 131. Specifically, the incentive generation unit 640 refers to the communication logs corresponding to communications proposed over a predetermined period in the past, extracts words that frequently appeared in those communications as keywords, and extracts incentives that were frequently used in communications accepted by the user. Then, the incentive generation unit 640 generates new incentives by inputting text data containing at least the extracted keywords and text indicating the incentives into a generation AI such as Large Language Models (LLM). The generation AI can be, for example, one that can be used via the internet.

[0147] The keywords may be the words that appear most frequently in the communication, or they may be words randomly selected from words that appear more frequently than a predetermined number of times. Similarly, the incentives selected may be the incentives that are used most frequently in the accepted communication, or they may be incentives randomly selected from incentives that are used more frequently than a predetermined number of times.

[0148] Furthermore, the communication logs referenced when generating new incentives may be the communication logs of all users managed in the user management information, or they may be the communication logs of one or more users selected from all users managed in the user management information.

[0149] The one or more users to be selected may be selected according to a predetermined rule, for example, a user who used a client terminal 110 located at a certain site. Alternatively, the user management information may pre-group one or more users.

[0150] Incentives generated using the communication logs of one or more users may be used only when proposing communication to those one or more users. In this case, it is sufficient that the available incentives are indicated in the user management information for each user.

[0151] Furthermore, the incentive preference and coefficient of the newly generated incentive can use predetermined initial values. This allows the incentive selection unit 137 to select an incentive to give to the user from among multiple incentives pre-set by the administrator plus the newly generated incentive.

[0152] Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the incentive generation unit 640. First, the incentive generation unit 640 refers to the communication log corresponding to communications proposed in a predetermined period in the past and extracts keywords that are frequently spoken in those communications (S90).

[0153] Furthermore, the incentive generation unit 640 refers to the communication log and extracts the incentives that were frequently used in the communications accepted by the user (S91).

[0154] Next, the incentive generation unit 640 inputs text data that includes at least the extracted keywords and text indicating the incentive into the LLM, causing the LLM to generate a new incentive (S92).

[0155] Then, the incentive generation unit 640 adds the newly generated incentives so that they can be used in the communication proposed by the server 630 (S93).

[0156] In step S93, the administrator of the communication promotion system 600 may review the newly generated incentives and add only those incentives authorized by the administrator so that they can be used for communication proposed by the server 630. In this case, the administrator may modify the newly generated incentives and limit the range of users who can use them. Furthermore, the administrator may adjust the incentive preferences and coefficients for each user.

[0157] According to Embodiment 6, new incentives are added according to the user's usage status, making it possible to offer more attractive incentives to users and further promoting communication among users.

[0158] The timing at which the incentive generation unit 640 generates a new incentive can be any timing. For example, it may be done when a predetermined period of time has elapsed, when a predetermined amount of communication logs have been accumulated, when a user performs a trigger action, or when communication by the user has ended.

[0159] Embodiment 7. As shown in Figure 1, the communication promotion system 700 according to Embodiment 7 comprises a client terminal 710 and a server 730.

[0160] Figure 21 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the client terminal 710 in Embodiment 7. The client terminal 710 comprises a sensing unit 111, a display unit 112, an input unit 113, a transmitting / receiving unit 114, a storage unit 115, and a control unit 716. The sensing unit 111, display unit 112, input unit 113, transmitting / receiving unit 114, and storage unit 115 of the client terminal 710 in Embodiment 7 are the same as the sensing unit 111, display unit 112, input unit 113, transmitting / receiving unit 114, and storage unit 115 of the client terminal 110 in Embodiment 1.

[0161] The control unit 716 controls the processing on the client terminal 710. The control unit 716 includes a startup determination unit 117, a connection start unit 718, a communication processing unit 119, an action log acquisition unit 723, and a retrospective content processing unit 724. The startup determination unit 117 and the communication processing unit 119 of the control unit 716 in Embodiment 7 are the same as the startup determination unit 117 and the communication processing unit 119 of the control unit 116 in Embodiment 1.

[0162] The behavior log acquisition unit 723 acquires a behavior log, which is a history of the user's actions, by aggregating the actions identified by the activation determination unit 117. For example, the behavior log acquisition unit 723 acquires a behavior log, which is a history of the user's actions on the client terminal 710 on the day when the action determined to be a trigger action was identified.

[0163] Furthermore, the activity log acquisition unit 723, in response to a request from the server 730, sends an analysis activity log showing the user's daily activities to the server 730 via the transmission / reception unit 114.

[0164] The connection initiation unit 718 performs processing that is almost the same as the connection initiation unit 718 in Embodiment 1, but when sending user information to the server 730, it also sends the behavior log acquired by the behavior log acquisition unit 723.

[0165] The retrospective content processing unit 724 receives retrospective content information from the server 730 via the transmission / reception unit 114, and displays the retrospective content on the display unit 112 according to that retrospective content information.

[0166] Figure 22 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the server 730 in Embodiment 7. The server 730 comprises a storage unit 731, a transmitting / receiving unit 132, and a control unit 733. The transmitting / receiving unit 132 of the server 730 in Embodiment 7 is the same as the transmitting / receiving unit 132 of the server 130 in Embodiment 1.

[0167] The storage unit 731 stores information and programs necessary for processing on the server 730. For example, the storage unit 731 stores user management information and communication logs, similar to the first embodiment. The storage unit 731 also stores behavioral pattern information for each user managed by the user management information, showing the daily behavioral patterns of that user. The behavioral pattern information is generated by the behavioral pattern analysis unit 741, which will be described later.

[0168] The control unit 733 controls the processing on the server 730. The control unit 733 includes a calculation unit 134, a communication target selection unit 135, a communication method selection unit 136, an incentive selection unit 137, a communication promotion unit 138, a behavior pattern analysis unit 741, and a reflection content generation unit 742. The calculation unit 134, communication target selection unit 135, communication method selection unit 136, incentive selection unit 137, and communication promotion unit 138 of the control unit 733 in Embodiment 7 are the same as the calculation unit 134, communication target selection unit 135, communication method selection unit 136, incentive selection unit 137, and communication promotion unit 138 of the control unit 133 in Embodiment 1.

[0169] The behavior pattern analysis unit 741 obtains an analysis behavior log from the client terminal 710 by making a request to the client terminal 710 via the transmission / reception unit 132. The behavior pattern analysis unit 741 then analyzes the analysis behavior log to identify the daily behavior pattern for each user and generates behavior pattern information that shows the identified behavior pattern for each user. The behavior pattern analysis unit 741 then stores the generated behavior pattern information in the storage unit 731.

[0170] For example, the behavior pattern analysis unit 741 can identify a behavior pattern by acquiring behavior logs for analysis for each user for a certain period of time, and determining that a specific behavior occurs during a given time period if that behavior is performed more times than a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the behavior pattern analysis unit 741 may also identify a behavior pattern by acquiring behavior logs for analysis for each user for a certain period of time, and inputting those behavior logs into a learning model that has been trained to infer behavior patterns from the behavior logs over that period.

[0171] The reflection content generation unit 742 generates reflection content information for displaying reflection content that shows the comparison results of comparing the history of actions shown in the action log with the user's past behavior patterns. For example, the reflection content generation unit 742 generates reflection content information for displaying reflection content that shows the comparison results of comparing the action log of the user who proposed the communication with the user's behavior patterns by referring to the behavior pattern information stored in the memory unit 731. For example, if the break shown in the action log is shorter than the break shown in the behavior pattern, or if the PC input work shown in the action log is longer than the PC input work shown in the behavior pattern, the reflection content generation unit 742 can show that a break is necessary as a comparison result. After the proposed communication is completed, the reflection content generation unit 742 sends the generated reflection content information to the client terminal 110 used by the user who proposed the communication via the transmission / reception unit 132.

[0172] Figure 23 is a flowchart showing the operation of the client terminal 710 in Embodiment 7. Note that steps in the flowchart shown in Figure 23 that perform the same processing as the steps in the flowchart showing the operation of the client terminal 110 in Embodiment 1, shown in Figure 8, are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 8.

[0173] The processes in steps S10 to S12 in Figure 23 are the same as those in steps S10 to S12 in Figure 8. However, after the process in step S12 in Figure 23, the process proceeds to step S100.

[0174] In step S100, the connection initiation unit 718 acquires an activity log showing the user's actions for the day and sends the activity log to the server 730 via the transmission / reception unit 114. Then, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0175] The processes in steps S13 to S19 in Figure 23 are the same as those in steps S13 to S19 in Figure 8. However, after the process in step S19 in Figure 23, the process proceeds to step S101.

[0176] In step S101, the retrospective content processing unit 724 receives retrospective content information from the server 730 via the transmission / reception unit 114, and displays the retrospective content indicated by that retrospective content information on the display unit 112.

[0177] Figure 24 is a flowchart showing the operation of server 730 in Embodiment 7. Note that steps in the flowchart shown in Figure 24 that perform the same processing as the steps in the flowchart showing the operation of server 130 in Embodiment 1, shown in Figure 10, are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 10.

[0178] The process in step S30 in Figure 24 is the same as the process in step S30 in Figure 10. However, after the process in step S30 in Figure 24, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0179] In step S110, the retrospective content generation unit 742 acquires the activity log from the client terminal 710 via the transmission / reception unit 132. Then, the process proceeds to step S31.

[0180] The processes in steps S31 to S42 in Figure 24 are the same as those in steps S31 to S42 in Figure 10. However, after the process in step S42 in Figure 24, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0181] In step S111, the reflection content generation unit 742 refers to the behavior pattern information stored in the memory unit 731 to generate reflection content information for displaying reflection content that shows the comparison result of comparing the behavior log acquired in step S110 with the user's behavior pattern, and sends it to the user's client terminal 710 via the transmission / reception unit 132.

[0182] In Embodiment 7 described above, the behavior pattern analysis unit 741 generates behavior pattern information that shows the behavior pattern of each user. However, Embodiment 7 is not limited to this example. For example, the administrator of the communication promotion system 700 may generate behavior pattern information by referring to the analysis behavior log for each user over a certain period of time. Alternatively, the behavior pattern information may be information that shows a predetermined behavior pattern as an ideal behavior pattern. In this case, the administrator of the communication promotion system 700 can generate behavior pattern information that shows the ideal behavior pattern.

[0183] According to Embodiment 7, by engaging in communication, users can check and reflect on their own actions, thereby further promoting communication among users.

[0184] Embodiment 8. As shown in Figure 1, the communication facilitation system 800 according to Embodiment 8 comprises a client terminal 110 and a server 830. The client terminal 110 of the communication facilitation system 800 according to Embodiment 8 is the same as the client terminal 110 of the communication facilitation system 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0185] Figure 25 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the server 830 in Embodiment 8. The server 830 comprises a storage unit 131, a transmitting / receiving unit 132, and a control unit 833. The storage unit 131 and the transmitting / receiving unit 132 of the server 830 in Embodiment 8 are the same as the storage unit 131 and the transmitting / receiving unit 132 of the server 130 in Embodiment 1.

[0186] The control unit 833 controls the processing on the server 830. The control unit 833 includes a calculation unit 134, a communication target selection unit 135, a communication method selection unit 136, an incentive selection unit 137, a communication promotion unit 838, and a topic provision unit 843. The calculation unit 134, communication target selection unit 135, communication method selection unit 136, and incentive selection unit 137 of the control unit 833 in Embodiment 8 are the same as the calculation unit 134, communication target selection unit 135, communication method selection unit 136, and incentive selection unit 137 of the control unit 133 in Embodiment 1.

[0187] The topic provider unit 843 provides topics for communication to be proposed to the user. For example, the topic provider unit 843 refers to the communication log of the user of the proposed communication and the communication log of the other party to the proposed communication, and if there are common topics, it identifies those common topics as topics to be provided. In this case, the communication log is assumed to show the topics of communication as content of the communication. The topic provider unit 843 may also refer to the communication log of the user or the other party to the proposed communication and identify the topic that has been most frequently discussed in communication over a recent period as a topic to be provided. Furthermore, the topic provider unit 843 may identify the topic that has been most frequently discussed in communication over a recent period among all users, or, if users have been pre-grouped, among the group that includes the user or the other party to whom the communication is proposed, as a topic to be provided.

[0188] In Embodiment 8, the communication promotion unit 838 performs substantially the same processing as the communication promotion unit 138 in Embodiment 1, but when providing communication, it generates content information that displays text indicating the topic identified by the topic provision unit 843 at some point in the content providing the communication. As a result, the topic is indicated in text in at least a part of the content.

[0189] Figure 26 is a flowchart showing the operation of server 830 in Embodiment 8. Steps in the flowchart shown in Figure 26 that perform the same processing as the steps in the flowchart showing the operation of server 130 in Embodiment 1, shown in Figure 10, are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 10.

[0190] The processes in steps S30 to S37 in Figure 26 are the same as those in steps S30 to S37 in Figure 10. However, after the process in step S37 in Figure 26, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0191] In step S120, the topic provider unit 843 identifies the topic to be provided in the proposed communication.

[0192] Next, the communication promotion unit 838 provides communication to the client terminal 110 of the user who has responded to accept the communication, using the communication method indicated in the communication proposal information, and also sends content information via the transmission / reception unit 132 that includes at least a portion of the text indicating the topic identified in step S120. Then, the process proceeds to step S39.

[0193] The process in steps S39 to S42 in Figure 26 is the same as the process in steps S39 to S42 in Figure 10.

[0194] According to Embodiment 8, topics of conversation can be provided to the user, making it easier for the user to communicate.

[0195] Embodiment 9. As shown in Figure 1, the communication facilitation system 900 according to Embodiment 9 comprises a client terminal 110 and a server 930. The client terminal 110 of the communication facilitation system 900 according to Embodiment 9 is the same as the client terminal 110 of the communication facilitation system 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0196] Figure 27 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the server 930 in Embodiment 9. The server 930 comprises a storage unit 131, a transmitting / receiving unit 132, and a control unit 933. The storage unit 131 and the transmitting / receiving unit 132 of the server 930 in Embodiment 9 are the same as the storage unit 131 and the transmitting / receiving unit 132 of the server 130 in Embodiment 1.

[0197] The control unit 933 controls the processing on the server 930. The control unit 933 includes a calculation unit 134, a communication target selection unit 135, a communication method selection unit 136, an incentive selection unit 137, a communication promotion unit 938, and a bias setting unit 944. The calculation unit 134, communication target selection unit 135, communication method selection unit 136, incentive selection unit 137, and communication promotion unit 138 of the control unit 933 in Embodiment 9 are the same as the calculation unit 134, communication target selection unit 135, communication method selection unit 136, incentive selection unit 137, and communication promotion unit 138 of the control unit 133 in Embodiment 1.

[0198] The bias setting unit 944 applies a higher bias to the anonymization level the higher the security level of the network to which the client terminal 110 used by the user proposing the communication belongs.

[0199] For example, the bias setting unit 944 sets the bias value such that the higher the security level of the network to which the client terminal 110 used by the user proposing the communication belongs, the higher the bias value. Here, the bias value is assumed to be a value between 0 and 1. The security level is a level that indicates the difficulty of accessing the network to which the client terminal 110 belongs, in other words, the network to which the client terminal 110 is directly connected. The higher the security level, the more difficult it is to access that network, and therefore the lower the openness of that network. For this reason, the higher the security level of the network to which the client terminal 110 belongs, in other words, the lower the openness of the network to which the client terminal 110 belongs, the higher the bias value will be.

[0200] The anonymization level determination unit 939 determines the anonymization level for the proposed communication. For example, if the communication method selected by the communication method selection unit 136 is synchronous communication such as a video call, the anonymization level determination unit 939 determines the anonymization levels for the user proposing the communication and the other party according to their respective sense of distance and communication method preferences. In Embodiment 9, the anonymization level determination unit 939 adds a bias value set by the bias setting unit 944 to the user's anonymization level. If the communication method selected by the communication method selection unit 136 is asynchronous communication such as a video message, the anonymization level determination unit 939 determines the anonymization level according to the user proposing the communication's sense of distance and communication method preferences. In Embodiment 9, the anonymization level determination unit 939 adds a bias value set by the bias setting unit 944 to that anonymization level. Specifically, the anonymization level is determined such that the closer the sense of distance and the higher the communication method preference, the lower the anonymization level. Here, the anonymization level determination unit 239 ensures that the greater the sum of the distance perception and communication method preference values, the lower the identification level.

[0201] Furthermore, a higher anonymization level indicates a greater degree of anonymization. For example, if the method of communication is video messaging, a higher anonymization level will result in a greater number of anonymization methods being applied, such as removing the background, altering the voice, blurring people's faces, or replacing people with avatars.

[0202] In Embodiment 9, the communication promotion unit 938 performs processing substantially the same as the communication promotion unit 138 in Embodiment 1, but when providing communication, it provides communication after applying a predetermined anonymization corresponding to the anonymization level determined by the anonymization level determination unit 939.

[0203] Figure 28 is a flowchart showing the operation of server 930 in Embodiment 9. Steps in the flowchart shown in Figure 28 that perform the same processing as those in the flowchart showing the operation of server 130 in Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 10, are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 10.

[0204] The processes in steps S30 and S31 in Figure 28 are the same as those in steps S30 and S31 in Figure 10. However, after the process in step S31 in Figure 28, the process proceeds to step S130.

[0205] In step S130, the bias setting unit 944 sets the bias value such that the higher the security level of the network to which the client terminal 110 used by the user proposing the communication belongs, the higher the bias value. Then, the process proceeds to step S32.

[0206] The processes in steps S32 to S35 in Figure 28 are the same as those in steps S32 to S35 in Figure 10. However, after the process in step S35 in Figure 28, the process proceeds to step S131.

[0207] In step S131, the anonymization level determination unit 939 determines the anonymization level for the proposed communication. Then, the process proceeds to step S36.

[0208] The processes in steps S36 and S37 in Figure 28 are the same as those in steps S36 and S37 in Figure 10. However, in step S37 in Figure 28, if the user's response accepts the proposed communication (Yes in S37), the process proceeds to step S132.

[0209] In step S132, the communication facilitator 938, having received a response accepting the communication, generates content information to provide communication to the client terminal 110 of the user who made the response, using the communication method indicated in the communication proposal information and at the anonymization level determined in step S131, and sends this content information via the transmission / reception unit 132. Then, the process proceeds to step S39.

[0210] The process in steps S39 to S42 in Figure 28 is the same as the process in steps S39 to S42 in Figure 10.

[0211] According to Embodiment 9, anonymization is performed according to the security level of the network to which the client terminal 110 used by the user belongs, so that the user can communicate with peace of mind and further promote communication by the user.

[0212] The contents described in Embodiments 2 to 9 above can be combined as appropriate.

[0213] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 Communication Facilitation System, 110, 310, 410, 510, 710 Client Terminal, 111 Sensing Unit, 112 Display Unit, 113 Input Unit, 114 Transmit / Receive Unit, 115 Storage Unit, 116, 316, 416, 516, 716 Control Unit, 117, 417 Startup Determination Unit, 118, 518, 718 Connection Start Unit, 119, 319 Communication Processing Unit, 320 Display Timing Determination Unit, 421 User State Analysis Unit, 522 Communication Inability Determination Unit, 723 Action Log Acquisition Unit, 724 Review Content Processing Unit, 130, 230, 630, 730, 830, 930 Server, 131 Memory unit, 132 Transmit / receive unit, 133, 233, 633, 733, 833, 933 Control unit, 134 Calculation unit, 135 Communication target selection unit, 136 Communication method selection unit, 137 Incentive selection unit, 138, 238, 838, 938 Communication promotion unit, 239, 939 Anonymization level determination unit, 640 Incentive generation unit, 741 Behavioral pattern analysis unit, 742 Reflection content generation unit, 843 Topic provision unit, 944 Bias setting unit.

Claims

1. A communication facilitating system comprising a client terminal and a server, wherein the client terminal comprises: a sensing unit for detecting physical quantities relating to a user; a startup determination unit for identifying the user's actions based on the physical quantities and determining whether the identified actions are predetermined actions; and a connection initiation unit for sending user information identifying the user to the server when the identified actions are predetermined actions; the server comprises: a communication target selection unit for selecting a communication partner user to propose to the user when it receives the user information; a communication method selection unit for selecting one communication method from a plurality of communication methods which are a plurality of ways of performing the communication; an incentive selection unit for selecting one incentive from a plurality of incentives to be given to the user through the communication; and a communication facilitating unit for sending communication proposal information to the client terminal that indicates at least the partner user, the selected communication method, and the selected incentive; the client terminal comprises: a communication processing unit for generating proposal content that indicates at least the partner user, the selected communication method, and the selected incentive when it receives the communication proposal information; and a display unit for displaying the proposal content. The communication facilitator further includes an input unit that receives an instruction from the other party user whether or not to communicate using the selected communication method based on the proposed content, the communication facilitator sends content information to the client terminal indicating content for communicating with the other party user using the selected communication method when an instruction to communicate is received, the communication processing unit generates communication content for communicating with the other party user using the selected communication method according to the content information, and the display unit displays the communication content.The communication promotion unit is characterized by providing the user with the selected incentive when the communication is completed.

2. The communication facilitation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication method selection unit selects one communication method from the plurality of communication methods by weighted random selection, which assigns weights to the plurality of communication methods based on the sense of distance indicating the degree of intimacy between the user and the other user, and the user's preference for each of the plurality of communication methods.

3. The communication promotion system according to claim 1, characterized in that the incentive selection unit selects one incentive from the plurality of incentives by weighted random selection, which assigns weights to the plurality of incentives based on the sense of distance indicating the degree of intimacy between the user and the other user, and the user's preference for each of the plurality of incentives.

4. The communication promotion system according to claim 2, characterized in that the incentive selection unit selects one incentive from the plurality of incentives by weighted random selection, which assigns weights to the plurality of incentives based on the sense of distance and the user's preference for each of the plurality of incentives.

5. The communication promotion system according to claim 1, wherein the server further comprises an anonymization level determination unit that determines the level of anonymization in the communication such that the degree of anonymization increases as the distance, which indicates the degree of intimacy between the user and the other user, increases, and the communication promotion unit generates the content information by applying a predetermined anonymization to the content according to the anonymization level.

6. The communication promotion system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the server further comprises an anonymization level determination unit that determines the level of anonymization in the communication such that the degree of anonymization increases as the distance increases, and the communication promotion unit generates the content information by applying a predetermined anonymization to the content according to the anonymization level.

7. The communication facilitation system according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a bias setting unit that applies a higher bias to the anonymization level the higher the security level of the network to which the client terminal belongs.

8. The communication facilitation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the client terminal further comprises a display timing determination unit that determines a display timing at which the user can view the content based on the physical quantity, and the communication processing unit causes the proposed content and the communication content to be displayed on the display unit at the display timing.

9. The communication facilitation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the client terminal further comprises a user state analysis unit that identifies the user's state from the physical quantity, the activation determination unit determines whether the state is at an appropriate time for the communication proposal, and the connection initiation unit sends the user information to the server when the identified action is one of the predetermined actions and the state is at an appropriate time for the communication proposal.

10. The client terminal further comprises a user state analysis unit that identifies the user's state from the physical quantity, and a communication inability determination unit that determines whether the state is one in which communication is not possible, and the connection initiation unit does not send the user information to the server if the state is one in which communication is not possible, even if the identified action is one of the predetermined actions. This is the communication facilitation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. The communication promotion system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the server further comprises an incentive generation unit that generates new incentives using artificial intelligence (Artificial Intelligence), and the incentive selection unit, when a new incentive is generated, selects one incentive from among the multiple incentives plus the new incentive.

12. The communication facilitation system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the client terminal further comprises an action log acquisition unit that acquires an action log which is a history of the user's actions by aggregating the identified actions, the server further comprises a retrospective content generation unit that generates retrospective content information for displaying retrospective content that shows a comparison result of comparing the history of actions shown in the action log with the user's past action patterns, and the client terminal further comprises a retrospective content processing unit that causes the retrospective content to be displayed on the display unit according to the retrospective content information.

13. The communication facilitation system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the server further comprises a topic providing unit that provides topics for the communication, and the communication facilitation unit generates the content information such that the topics are indicated in text in at least a portion of the content.

14. A method for facilitating communication between a client terminal and a server, wherein the client terminal detects a physical quantity relating to a user, identifies the user's actions based on the physical quantity, determines whether the identified actions are predetermined actions, sends user information identifying the user to the server if the identified actions are predetermined actions, the server, upon receiving the user information, selects a target user for a proposed communication to the user, selects one communication method from a plurality of communication methods which are a plurality of ways of conducting the communication, selects one incentive from a plurality of incentives to be given to the user through the communication, sends communication proposal information to the client terminal indicating at least the target user, the selected communication method, and the selected incentive, the client terminal, upon receiving the communication proposal information, generates proposal content indicating at least the target user, the selected communication method, and the selected incentive, displays the proposal content, and accepts input indicating whether or not to conduct the communication with the target user using the selected communication method based on the proposal content. A method for facilitating communication, characterized in that when an instruction to perform the communication is input from the server, content information indicating content for performing the communication with the other party user using the selected communication method is sent to the client terminal, the client terminal generates communication content for performing the communication with the other party user using the selected communication method according to the content information, displays the communication content, and when the communication is completed, the server grants the user the selected incentive.

Images