JP7629716B2 - Server, control method and control program - Google Patents

Description

This application relates to a server, a control method, and a control program.

It is known to guide a user through a dialogue between the user and the computer. For example, US Pat. No. 6,299,433 discloses a method for interactive collection and distribution of information that includes selecting a dialogue script corresponding to the user's current stage and periodically offering the user items that can be used after a trigger decision.

Special Publication No. 2003-523579

In conventional user-computer interaction, there was room for improvement in supporting user behavior change through dialogue.

The server according to one aspect includes a discrimination unit that discriminates whether an answer to a question obtained from a user is a first type of answer or a second type of answer, and a decision unit that decides whether to maintain the phase of a user currently in a first phase in the first phase or to transition to a second phase based on a result of the discrimination unit.

A control method according to one aspect is a control method executed by a server capable of communicating with an electronic device, and includes determining whether an answer to a question obtained from a user is a first type of answer or a second type of answer, and determining whether a user who is currently in a first phase should be maintained in the first phase or should be transitioned to a second phase based on the result of the determination.

A control program according to one aspect causes a computer to determine whether an answer to a question obtained from a user is a first type of answer or a second type of answer, and, based on the result of the determination, to determine whether the phase of a user currently in a first phase should be maintained in the first phase or should be transitioned to a second phase.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system including a server according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of phases managed by the server shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the first conversation information and the second conversation information managed by the server shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a relationship between a scenario conversation and a log of the server according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which the server according to the embodiment causes the electronic device to display a message. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a server according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of change talk and maintain talk according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of output control executed by the server according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the morning conversation process shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the daytime conversation process shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the evening conversation process shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of transition control in phase 1 executed by the server according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of transition control of phase 2 executed by the server according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of transition control in phase 3 executed by the server according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of transition control of Phase 4 executed by the server according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a phase transition operation executed by the server according to the embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining another phase transition operation executed by the server according to the embodiment.

Several embodiments for implementing the server and the like according to this application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following description. Furthermore, the components in the following description include those that a person skilled in the art can easily imagine, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. In the following description, similar components may be given the same reference numerals. Furthermore, duplicate descriptions may be omitted.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system including a server according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a phase managed by the server shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of first conversation information and second conversation information managed by the server shown in Figure 1.

The system 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a function of supporting the user U in solving problems he or she faces by mixing casual conversation with the user U and directional conversation. The system 1 includes an electronic device 100 that can be operated by the user U, and a server 200. The electronic device 100 and the server 200 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network 400.

The electronic device 100 includes, for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, a head-mounted display, a tablet terminal, a television receiver, a game machine, and the like. In the following, an example in which the electronic device 100 is a smartphone will be described. The electronic device 100 has a display unit 110 capable of displaying various information to the user U. The electronic device 100 has, for example, a function of displaying information instructed by the server 200 on the display unit 110, a function of transmitting information obtained from the user U to the server 200, and the like.

The server 200 is, for example, a cloud server. The server 200 is realized, for example, by a computer executing a program. The server 200 can provide functions related to dialogue with the user U, support for improving the user U's issues, and the like in cooperation with the electronic device 100. The server 200 can provide, for example, a chat function that causes the electronic device 100 to display, in chronological order, a message indicating conversation information and a message containing an answer obtained from the user U. The server 200 can provide functions such as recognizing a behavioral change of the user U based on the answer, etc. obtained from the user U, and providing support appropriate to the behavioral change. A behavioral change means, for example, a change in the behavior of the user U.

The server 200 realizes conversations appropriate for multiple stages until the behavioral change of the user U is established. For example, the server 200 can use the 1QAR method for conversations in the stages. The 1QAR method is a method in which a conversation is conducted as a set of a question, an answer, and a response. The server 200 operates a conversation scenario for the user U by dividing it into multiple phases. For example, the conversation scenario may be defined by a program, or scenario information indicating the order of the conversation may be used. For example, the conversation scenario is a scenario in which a conversation is conducted according to a time segment. For example, the time segment includes, but is not limited to, a morning segment from 5:00 to 10:59, a daytime segment from 11:00 to 15:59, and an evening segment from 16:00 to 4:59.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the server 200 can provide a function for recognizing behavioral changes of the user U for each of the phases, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4, and Phase 5, and for conducting a conversation appropriate to the phase.

Phase 1 is, for example, a phase aimed at getting involved with user U. Phase 1 is, for example, a phase in which, at the stage of getting involved with user U, a conversation is held with an attitude of understanding user U, and a conversation is held in which user U takes an interest in the user and makes the user aware of the user. For example, server 200 causes electronic device 100 to output a conversation that focuses on a confirmation conversation. The confirmation conversation includes, for example, a conversation that can confirm whether or not a conversation with user U is possible.

Phase 2 is, for example, a phase aimed at eliciting from user U a desire to improve. Phase 2 is, for example, a phase in which a conversation is held to elicit from user U a desire to improve. For example, server 200 causes electronic device 100 to output a conversation that focuses on an intervention conversation. The intervention conversation includes, for example, a conversation that elicits from user U a desire to improve.

Phase 3 is, for example, a phase aimed at creating an opportunity for user U to take action. Phase 3 is, for example, a phase in which a conversation is held to create an opportunity for user U to change his/her behavior. For example, server 200 causes electronic device 100 to output a conversation that focuses on an intervention conversation. The intervention conversation includes, for example, a conversation for creating an opportunity to take action to improve.

Phase 4 is, for example, a phase aimed at giving the user U a sense of having changed his/her behavior. Phase 4 is, for example, a phase in which a conversation is held to support the user U in implementing behavioral change. The server 200, for example, causes the electronic device 100 to output an intervention conversation and a conversation that focuses on recommendations. The intervention conversation includes, for example, a conversation intended to give the user U a sense of having changed his/her behavior. The recommendations include, for example, a conversation to recommend an action, item, etc., to give the user U a sense of change.

Phase 5 is, for example, a phase aimed at watching over the user U so that the new habit becomes established. Phase 5 is, for example, a phase in which a conversation is held with the aim of establishing a behavioral change. For example, the server 200 causes the electronic device 100 to output a conversation that focuses on recommendations and content guidance. Recommendations include, for example, a conversation to recommend actions, items, etc. in order to establish a behavioral change. Content guidance includes, for example, a conversation that guides the user to content for establishing a behavioral change.

The server 200 can provide a function of notifying the user U that there are multiple phases to be passed through before the behavioral change of the user U is established. The server 200 can transition between phases in the order of phase 1, phase 2, phase 3, phase 4, and phase 5. The server 200 can provide a function of automatically transitioning from the current phase to the next phase based on a conversation with the user U. Note that the server 200 may combine multiple phases into one phase. The server 200 can provide a function of returning from the current phase to the previous phase.

Returning to FIG. 1, the server 200 manages a database that includes, for example, first conversation information 310, second conversation information 320, and answer information 500. The server 200 manages, for example, the first conversation information 310 and the second conversation information 320 in association with each of phases 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

The first conversation information 310 includes, for example, information capable of outputting conversations that have no directionality. A conversation that has no directionality means, for example, a conversation that is not aimed at improving the user U's problems, a conversation for chatting, etc. The second conversation information 320 includes, for example, information capable of outputting conversations that have directionality. A conversation that has directionality means, for example, a conversation that is aimed at improving the user U's problems. The second conversation information 320 includes, for example, information capable of outputting conversations aimed at lifestyle habits, living environment, preferences, stress checks, workplace diagnosis, content introductions, etc. The first conversation information 310 and the second conversation information 320 include, for example, information indicating conversations of questions, answers, and responses for each time period, season, etc. The first conversation information 310 includes, for example, first conversations such as greetings, chats, news, weather, quizzes, and games. The first conversation includes, for example, a conversation that changes by second, hour, day, month, or year. A conversation that changes depending on the second, hour, day, month, or year means, for example, a conversation in which a part of the conversation changes depending on the second, hour, day, month, or year. For example, the first conversation can be a conversation in which a character string appropriate for the time period, date, time, season, etc., in which the conversation takes place is set.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first conversation information 310 and the second conversation information 320 have a question item D1, an answer item D2, and a response item D3. The question item D1 includes information indicating the content of a question for the user U. The answer item D2 includes information indicating multiple answers selected by the user U. The response item D3 includes information indicating a response to the answer selected by the user U. The response item D3 includes information indicating a response corresponding to each of the multiple answers to the answer item D2.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first conversation information 310 has information indicating the conversation "Good morning! It's a new morning!" set as question item D1. The first conversation information 310 has information indicating three options "(a) Good morning! (b) Hmm! (c) Bye!" set as answer item D2. The first conversation information 310 has information indicating three responses "(a) Thanks for coming! (b) Thanks for coming! (c) See you!" set as response item D3.

The second conversation information 320 is, for example, conversation information for a user U who has a problem with his/her weight. In the second conversation information 320, information indicating the conversation "Did you drink alcohol yesterday?" is set in the question item D1. In the second conversation information 320, information indicating two options, "(a) Yes (b) No", is set in the answer item D2. In the second conversation information 320, information indicating three responses, "(a) Did I feel refreshed? (b) Well done!" is set in the answer item D3. By realizing a conversation with the user U based on the second conversation information 320, the server 200 can collect information regarding changes in the user U's behavior based on the user U's answers, etc.

Returning to FIG. 1, the server 200 can provide a function of collecting answer information 500 of the user U using the first conversation information 310 and the second conversation information 320. The answer information 500 includes, for example, information that can identify the contents of question item D1, answer item D2, response item D3, etc. The answer information 500 includes, for example, information that can identify whether or not there is an answer to a question. The answer information 500 includes information that can identify the date and time when a conversation such as a question, answer, or response took place.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the relationship between a scenario conversation and a log of the server 200 according to the embodiment. The server 200 realizes a scenario conversation using, for example, the scenario information 300 shown in FIG. 4. The scenario information 300 has items such as, for example, a scenario number, a scenario conversation, and a type of conversation information. In the scenario information 300, the scenario number indicates the order of the scenario. In the item of the scenario conversation, information indicating the type of scenario conversation, such as greetings/chat, directional conversation (1), directional conversation (2), directional conversation (3), and greetings, is set. In the item of the type of conversation information, the type of the first conversation information 310 or the second conversation information 320 used in the conversation is set. In the item of the type of conversation information, information capable of identifying the first conversation information 310 or the second conversation information 320 used in the scenario conversation is set.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, scenario information 300 shows a scenario in which conversations take place in the following order: greetings/chats, directional conversation (1), directional conversation (2), directional conversation (3), and greetings. Scenario information 300 shows that first conversation information 310 is used in the scenario conversations of greetings/chats and greetings. Scenario information 300 shows that second conversation information 320 according to the phase is used in the scenario conversations of directional conversation (1), directional conversation (2), and directional conversation (3).

Based on the scenario information 300, the server 200 controls the output of the electronic device 100 so that the scenario conversations are performed in the following order: greeting/chat, directional conversation (1), directional conversation (2), directional conversation (3), and greeting. The server 200 has a function of creating log information 330 indicating a log of whether or not a scenario conversation has been performed in the electronic device 100. The log information 330 has items such as a scenario number and a log. For example, information indicating the scenario number of the corresponding scenario information 300 is set in the scenario number item of the log information 330. For example, information indicating whether or not a scenario conversation corresponding to the scenario number has been performed is set in the scenario log item of the log information 330. For example, information indicating the date and time when the conversation was performed may be set in the scenario log item of the log information 330.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the scenario information 300 is described as a scenario showing greetings/chatter, directional conversation (1), directional conversation (2), directional conversation (3), and greetings, but is not limited to this. For example, the scenario information 300 may change the number of directional conversations depending on the type of phase.

The following describes an example in which the server 200 supports a user U who has a weight problem by helping him or her improve that problem.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example in which the server 200 according to the embodiment displays a message on the electronic device 100. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the electronic device 100 is executing a chatbot application. The chatbot can provide a function of selecting a scenario or a set answer and having a conversation, for example. The chatbot does not present a solution to the user U, but listens, empathizes, and understands, thereby realizing counseling that encourages the user U to grow and change. When the application is executed by the user U, the electronic device 100 logs in to the server 200, and the user U starts using the server 200 from the electronic device 100. The server 200 recognizes the user U and the phase, and displays a message screen 600 on the display unit 110 of the electronic device 100.

The server 200 acquires scenario information 300 corresponding to the time period during which the user logged in, and starts a conversation with the user U based on the scenario information 300.

In scenario number SN1, the server 200 controls the electronic device 100 to associate the avatar 610 with a message 620 of a conversation indicated by the first conversation information 310 related to a greeting and display them on the message screen 600. For example, the server 200 causes the electronic device 100 to display a message 620 indicating a conversation in a time period in which the user U logged in (accessed) the server 200.

Message 620 is displayed as a speech bubble of avatar 610. Server 200 controls electronic device 100 to display message 630 indicating multiple options indicated by answer item D2 of first conversation information 310 on message screen 600 in association with message 620. As a result, electronic device 100 displays message 620 "Good morning, Sato-san! It's a new morning!" and three messages 630 indicating the options "Good morning!", "Hmm," and "Bye-bye!" on message screen 600.

Of the three options, user U selects message 630 "Hmm" on electronic device 100. Electronic device 100 transmits answer information 500 indicating that message 630 "Hmm" has been selected to server 200. Server 200 controls electronic device 100 to display message 640 indicating the answer "Hmm" from answer information 500 on message screen 600 as user U's answer. As a result, electronic device 100 displays message 640 "Hmm" as user U's answer, popping out from the right side of message screen 600.

The server 200 extracts a response corresponding to "Hmm" from the first conversation information 310 based on the scenario information 300, and controls the electronic device 100 to display a message 640 of the response on the message screen 600. As a result, the electronic device 100 displays a message 620 of "Thanks for coming!" on the message screen 600 as the conversation of the avatar 610.

Scenario number SN1 of scenario information 300 shows a chat conversation following a greeting. Therefore, server 200 controls electronic device 100 to associate avatar 610 with message 620 indicating the chat conversation indicated by first conversation information 310 and display them on message screen 600. Server 200 controls electronic device 100 to associate message 630 indicating the answer option indicated by first conversation information 310 with message 620 and display it on message screen 600. As a result, electronic device 100 displays message 620 "Today is tofu day" and three messages 630 indicating the options "I knew it," "I didn't know," and "Bye-bye!" on message screen 600.

Of the three options, user U selects message 630 "I didn't know." Electronic device 100 transmits answer information 500 to server 200, indicating that message 630 "I didn't know" was selected. Server 200 controls electronic device 100 to display message 630 indicating answer "I didn't know" from answer information 500 on message screen 600 as user U's answer. As a result, electronic device 100 displays message 640 "I didn't know" as user U's answer, popping up from the right side of message screen 600.

The server 200 extracts a response corresponding to "I didn't know" selected by the user U from the first conversation information 310 based on the scenario information 300, and controls the electronic device 100 to display a message 620 of the response on the message screen 600. As a result, the electronic device 100 displays a message 620 of "That's a new discovery!" on the message screen 600 as the conversation of the avatar 610.

When the conversation of scenario number SN1 ends, the server 200 starts the process of controlling the scenario conversation of directional conversation (1) of scenario number SN2 based on the scenario information 300.

In scenario number SN2, server 200 controls electronic device 100 to associate avatar 610 with message 620 of a conversation regarding directional conversation (1) and display them on message screen 600. For example, server 200 controls electronic device 100 to associate message 630 indicating the answer option indicated by answer item D2 of second conversation information 320 with message 620 and display it on message screen 600. As a result, electronic device 100 displays message 620 "Did you drink alcohol yesterday?" and two messages 630 indicating the options "No" and "Yes" on message screen 600.

Of the two options displayed, user U selects message 630 "Yes." Electronic device 100 transmits answer information 500 to server 200, indicating that message 630 "Yes" has been selected. Server 200 extracts a response corresponding to "Yes" selected by user U from second conversation information 320 based on scenario information 300, and controls electronic device 100 to display message 620 of the response on message screen 600. As a result, electronic device 100 displays message 620 "Did I feel refreshed?" on message screen 360 as the conversation of avatar 610.

Similarly thereafter, the server 200 realizes a scenario conversation with the user U by combining the conversation of the first conversation information 310 and the second conversation information 320 based on the scenario information 300. As a result, the server 200 can collect the answer information 500 obtained by the chat and directional conversation with the user U in association with the displayed conversation. Also, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 5, the server 200 executes the conversations of scenario numbers SN1 and SN2, and creates log information 330 indicating that no subsequent scenario conversations have been executed.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of electronic device 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, electronic device 100 includes display unit 110, operation unit 120, output unit 130, sensor unit 140, communication unit 150, memory unit 160, and control unit 170. Control unit 170 is electrically connected to display unit 110, operation unit 120, output unit 130, sensor unit 140, communication unit 150, memory unit 160, etc.

The display unit 110 has a display panel such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display. The display unit 110 can display information such as characters, figures, and images in response to a signal input from the control unit 170. The information displayed by the display unit 110 includes various types of information such as the first conversation information 310, the second conversation information 320, and the answer information 500 described above.

The operation unit 120 has one or more devices for accepting user operations. The devices for accepting user operations include, for example, keys, buttons, touch screens, etc. The operation unit 120 can supply a signal corresponding to the accepted operation to the control unit 170.

The output unit 130 can output the sound signal input from the control unit 170 as sound. The output unit 130 has, for example, a stereo speaker, a surround speaker, etc. The output unit 130 can output the monaural signal, stereo signal, surround signal, etc. input from the control unit 170 to the outside.

The sensor unit 140 can acquire various acquired information such as sounds and images related to the user U and the surroundings. The sensor unit 140 according to this embodiment includes, for example, a camera, a microphone, and the like. The sensor unit 140 may include various sensors such as, for example, a geomagnetic sensor, a touch sensor, an infrared sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor. The sensor unit 140 can supply the acquired acquired information to the control unit 170. The sensor unit 140 can supply the control unit 170 with acquired information indicating the voice, etc. of the user U acquired by the microphone. The sensor unit 140 can supply the control unit 170 with acquired information indicating an image, video, etc. of the user U acquired by the camera.

The communication unit 150 can communicate with, for example, the server 200, other electronic devices 100, etc. The communication unit 150 can support various communication standards. The communication unit 150 can send and receive various information via, for example, a wired or wireless network. The communication unit 150 can supply the received information to the control unit 170. The communication unit 150 can send information to a destination instructed by the control unit 170.

The storage unit 160 can store programs and data. The storage unit 160 is also used as a working area for temporarily storing the processing results of the control unit 170. The storage unit 160 may include any non-transient storage medium, such as a semiconductor storage medium and a magnetic storage medium. The storage unit 160 may include multiple types of storage media. The storage unit 160 may include a combination of a portable storage medium, such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk, and a storage medium reader. The storage unit 160 may include a storage device used as a temporary storage area, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory).

The storage unit 160 can store, for example, a program 161, first conversation information 310, second conversation information 320, answer information 500, and the like. The program 161 includes an application and a control program that supports the operation of the application. The application can provide, for example, a function for realizing a conversation with the user U in cooperation with the server 200. The application, for example, causes the display unit 110 to display a screen, and causes the control unit 170 to execute processing according to a gesture detected via the touch screen of the operation unit 120. The control program is, for example, an OS. The application and the control program may be installed in the storage unit 160 via wireless communication by the communication unit 150 or a non-transient storage medium.

The first conversation information 310 includes, for example, information indicating a conversation, such as casual conversation, received from the server 200, and a plurality of options corresponding to the conversation. The second conversation information 320 includes, for example, information indicating a directional conversation received from the server 200, and a plurality of options corresponding to the conversation. The response information 500 includes, for example, information indicating the response of the user U acquired via the operation unit 120. The storage unit 160 can store the first conversation information 310, the second conversation information 320, the response information 500, etc. in chronological order.

The control unit 170 is an arithmetic processing device. Examples of arithmetic processing devices include, but are not limited to, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a SoC (System-on-a-Chip), an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and a coprocessor. The control unit 170 comprehensively controls the operation of the electronic device 100 to realize various functions.

Specifically, the control unit 170 executes instructions included in the program 161 stored in the storage unit 160 while referring to the information stored in the storage unit 160 as necessary. The control unit 170 then controls the functional units according to the data and instructions, thereby realizing various functions. The functional units include, for example, but are not limited to, the display unit 110, the operation unit 120, the output unit 130, the sensor unit 140, and the communication unit 150.

When the control unit 170 is instructed by the server 200 via the communication unit 150 to output information related to the conversation, options, etc., it causes the display unit 110 to display a message indicating the conversation, options, etc. When the control unit 170 detects the user U's selection of an option via the operation unit 120, it performs control to transmit answer information 500 indicating the selection result of the option to the server 200.

The above describes an example of the functional configuration of the electronic device 100 according to this embodiment. Note that the above configuration described using FIG. 6 is merely an example, and the functional configuration of the electronic device 100 according to this embodiment is not limited to this example. The functional configuration of the electronic device 100 according to this embodiment can be flexibly modified according to the specifications and operation.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 200 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the server 200 includes a display unit 210, an operation unit 220, a communication unit 230, a memory unit 240, and a control unit 250. The control unit 250 is electrically connected to the display unit 210, the operation unit 220, the communication unit 230, the memory unit 240, etc.

The display unit 210 is configured to be able to display various information under the control of the control unit 250. The display unit 210 has a display panel such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 210 displays information such as characters, figures, and images in response to a signal input from the control unit 250.

The operation unit 220 has one or more devices for accepting user operations. The devices for accepting user operations include, for example, keys, buttons, touch screens, etc. The operation unit 220 can supply a signal corresponding to the accepted operation to the control unit 250.

The communication unit 230 can communicate with, for example, the electronic device 100, other communication devices, etc. The communication unit 230 can support various communication standards. The communication unit 230 can send and receive various information via, for example, a wired or wireless network, etc. The communication unit 230 can supply the received information to the control unit 250. The communication unit 230 can send information to a destination instructed by the control unit 250.

The storage unit 240 can store programs and data. The storage unit 240 is also used as a working area for temporarily storing the processing results of the control unit 250. The storage unit 240 may include any non-transient storage medium, such as a semiconductor storage medium and a magnetic storage medium. The storage unit 240 may include multiple types of storage media. The storage unit 240 may include a combination of a portable storage medium, such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk, and a storage medium reader. The storage unit 240 may include a storage device used as a temporary storage area, such as a RAM.

The storage unit 240 can store, for example, the program 241, the scenario information 300, the first conversation information 310, the second conversation information 320, the log information 330, the answer information 500, and the like. The program 241 causes the control unit 250 to execute various control functions for realizing a conversation with the user U in cooperation with the electronic device 100. As described above, the scenario information 300 is information indicating the scenario, rules, and the like of the conversation between the user U and the server 200. The storage unit 240 may realize a database by storing a plurality of pieces of first conversation information 310 and second conversation information 320, or may store the first conversation information 310 and the second conversation information 320 acquired from the database. The log information 330 includes, for example, information indicating a log of a conversation, a question, an answer, a response, and the like. The answer information 500 is, for example, information received from the electronic device 100 via the communication unit 230. The answer information 500 is associated with, for example, information that can identify the user U, the electronic device 100, and the like.

The control unit 250 is an arithmetic processing device. Examples of arithmetic processing devices include, but are not limited to, a CPU, a SoC, an MCU, an FPGA, and a coprocessor. The control unit 250 can comprehensively control the operation of the server 200 to realize various functions.

Specifically, the control unit 250 can execute instructions included in the program 241 stored in the storage unit 240 while referring to the information stored in the storage unit 240 as necessary. The control unit 250 can then control the functional units in accordance with the data and instructions, thereby realizing various functions. The functional units include, but are not limited to, the display unit 210 and the communication unit 230, for example.

The control unit 250 has functional units such as a discrimination unit 251, a decision unit 252, a question unit 253, a counting unit 254, and an output control unit 255. The control unit 250 executes a program 241 to realize the functions of the discrimination unit 251, the decision unit 252, the question unit 253, the counting unit 254, and the output control unit 255. The program 241 is a program for causing the control unit 250 of the server 200 to function as the discrimination unit 251, the decision unit 252, the question unit 253, the counting unit 254, and the output control unit 255.

The discrimination unit 251 discriminates whether an answer to a question acquired from the user U is a first type of answer or a second type of answer. The discrimination unit 251 discriminates whether an answer is a first type of answer or a second type of answer, for example, based on answer information of the user U acquired via the electronic device 100. The first type of answer includes, for example, change talk. Change talk includes all statements made by the user U himself in support of change. The second type of answer includes, for example, maintenance talk. Maintenance talk includes, for example, all statements made in opposition to change and in support of maintaining the status quo.

Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of change talk and maintenance talk according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, change talk includes, for example, preparatory change talk and execution change talk. Preparatory change talk includes, for example, utterances by user U that are unlikely to result in behavioral change but that may trigger execution change talk. Execution change talk includes, for example, utterances that are a sign of actual execution.

Preparation change talk includes categories such as desires, abilities, reasons, and needs. Desires include change talk such as, for example, I want to lose weight. In contrast, maintenance talk for desire change talk includes statements such as, for example, I don't want to exercise. Abilities include change talk such as, for example, I can walk. In contrast, maintenance talk for ability change talk includes statements such as, for example, I am healthy even without exercise. Reasons include change talk such as, for example, I will lose weight if I exercise. In contrast, maintenance talk for reasons change talk includes statements such as, for example, I don't have time to exercise. Needs include change talk such as, for example, I should lose weight by summer. In contrast, maintenance talk for needs change talk includes statements such as, for example, I need rest more than exercise.

Implementation change talk includes categories such as, for example, commitment, activation, and taking steps. Commitment includes change talk such as, for example, I will start exercising tomorrow. Maintenance talk for commitment change talk includes, for example, I will stop dieting. Activation includes change talk such as, for example, I am willing to go on a diet. Maintenance talk for activation change talk includes, for example, I am not willing to exercise. Taking steps includes change talk such as, for example, I have bought shoes to exercise. Maintenance talk for taking steps change talk includes, for example, I am taking a break from exercising.

Change talk and maintenance talk are usually mixed together. The probability of behavioral change increases when the number of change talk utterances exceeds the number of maintenance talk utterances. Therefore, in the present disclosure, the number of change talk utterances is increased compared to maintenance talk by strengthening change talk. In the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the number of execution change talk from preparatory change talk. For example, the second conversation information 320 having directionality has answers set as answer items D2 corresponding to each of preparatory change talk, execution change talk, and maintenance talk. This enables the discrimination unit 251 to discriminate in detail the answers to the questions acquired from the user U.

Returning to FIG. 7, the discrimination unit 251 discriminates whether the response of the user U is change talk or maintain talk. The discrimination unit 251, for example, refers to a database of change talk and maintain talk to discriminate whether the response is change talk or maintain talk. The discrimination unit 251 may be configured to discriminate the response, for example, using a trained program that has machine-learned teacher data for change talk responses and maintain talk responses. The discrimination unit 251 stores the discrimination result in the memory unit 240.

The decision unit 252 decides whether to maintain the phase of the user who is currently in the first phase in the first phase or to transition to the second phase based on the result of the determination by the discrimination unit 251. Maintaining the phase in the first phase means, for example, not transitioning from the current phase to another phase. Transitioning to the second phase means, for example, transitioning from the current phase to the next or previous phase. The decision unit 252 decides to transition to the second phase when the result of the determination by the discrimination unit 251 is the first type of answer, and decides to maintain the first phase when the result of the determination by the discrimination unit 251 is the second type of answer.

The determination unit 252 determines whether to maintain the phase of the user U in the first phase or to transition to the second phase based on the determination result of the determination unit 251 for a predetermined period. The predetermined period includes any period such as one week or three days. The determination unit 252 determines whether to maintain the phase of the user U in the first phase or to transition to the second phase based on the ratio between the number of first type answers and the number of second type answers in the answers acquired from the user U. When the number of conversations with the user U exceeds a threshold, the determination unit 252 determines whether to maintain the phase of the user U in the first phase or to transition to the second phase based on the ratio between the number of first type answers and the number of second type answers in the answers. The determination unit 252 determines whether to maintain the phase of the user U in the first phase or to transition to the second phase based on the number or ratio of executed change talks acquired from the user U.

The questioning unit 253 presents a question about the task to the user U. The questioning unit 253 presents the question by transmitting information about the question set in the above-mentioned question item D1 to the electronic device 100 and having the electronic device 100 output the question. The questioning unit 253 presents a question that corresponds to the current phase and is intended to obtain an answer from the user U.

The decision unit 252 decides whether to maintain the user U's phase in the first phase or to transition to the second phase, based on whether the answer to the question by the question unit 253 is the second type of answer. The decision unit 252 decides whether to maintain the user U's phase in the first phase or to transition to the second phase, based on the number of positive answers to the question. If the number of positive answers to the question is the number at which user U's behavioral changes in the phase have been established, the decision unit 252 transitions user U's phase to the second phase. The number at which user U's behavioral changes in the phase have been established can be set to any number, for example, based on experimental results.

The counting unit 254 counts the number of times a confirmation conversation continues with the user U. The confirmation conversation includes, for example, a conversation for determining whether or not the user U is a conversation-able user. The counting unit 254 counts, for example, the number of confirmation conversations in phase 1 and the number of responses from the user U to the confirmation conversation. For example, in phase 1, if a predetermined number of responses are obtained to the confirmation dialogue, the server 200 can determine that the conversation is established. The predetermined number of times includes any number of times, such as 5 times, 10 times, etc. The counting unit 254 stores the counting results in the memory unit 240.

When the counting result of the counting unit 254 satisfies the judgment condition, the decision unit 252 executes a process to decide whether to maintain the phase of the user U in the first phase or to transition to the second phase. The judgment condition includes, for example, a condition of 10 or more responses in phase 1.

The output control unit 255 causes the electronic device 100 operable by the user U to output conversation information for outputting a conversation corresponding to a phase. The electronic device 100 operable by the user U includes, for example, an electronic device 100 owned by the user U, an electronic device 100 to which the user U can log in, etc. The output control unit 255 causes the electronic device 100 to output the conversation information by instructing the electronic device 100 via the communication unit 230 to output the conversation information.

The output control unit 255 causes the electronic device 100 of the user U to output the first conversation information 310 and then output the second conversation information 320. The output control unit 255 causes the electronic device 100 of the user U to output the first conversation information 310 and then output the second conversation information 320, and causes the electronic device 100 to output different first conversation information after outputting the second conversation information 320. In other words, the output control unit 255 can realize a dialogue with the user U with a scenario conversation that combines small talk, directional conversation, and small talk into one set.

If the output control unit 255 has caused the first conversation information 310 to be output during the user U's previous login, the output control unit 255 causes the electronic device 100 to output the first conversation information 310 or the second conversation information 320 that has not been output to the electronic device 100 based on the log information 330 during the current login. For example, after a conversation in a time segment ends, the user U may log in again in the same time segment. In this case, the output control unit 255 can avoid outputting the same conversation information, thereby preventing the user U from feeling annoyed by the conversation.

The output control unit 255 selects the first conversation information 310 and the second conversation information 320 based on the time division of the current time. When the current time is the night time division, the output control unit 255 selects the first conversation information 310 that elicits the user U's impressions of the day. The first conversation information 310 that elicits the user U's impressions of the day is, for example, conversation information including a conversation that asks about the user U's impressions of the day. When the planned number of second conversations (directional conversations) with the user U have ended, the output control unit 255 causes the electronic device 100 to output a first conversation indicating that the user U will wait for a predetermined time. The planned number can be set arbitrarily for each of multiple phases, for example. The output control unit 255 causes the electronic device 100 to output the first conversation information 310 that has not been output by the electronic device 100 of the user U, out of the multiple first conversation information 310. The output control unit 255 extracts the first conversation information 310 that has not been output from the storage unit 240 based on the log information 330, and outputs the first conversation information 310 to the electronic device 100.

The above describes an example of the functional configuration of the server 200 according to this embodiment. Note that the above configuration described using FIG. 7 is merely an example, and the functional configuration of the server 200 according to this embodiment is not limited to this example. The functional configuration of the server 200 according to this embodiment can be flexibly modified according to the specifications and operation.

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of output control executed by the server 200 according to the embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Figure 9 is realized by the control unit 250 of the server 200 executing the program 241. The processing procedure shown in Figure 9 is executed when the user U logs in to the server 200 from the electronic device 100, etc.

As shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 250 of the server 200 determines whether the time segment is morning (step S100). For example, if the current time is in the morning time segment, the control unit 250 determines that the time segment is morning. If the control unit 250 determines that the time segment is morning (Yes in step S100), the process proceeds to step S200.

The control unit 250 executes a conversation process for the morning time period (step S200). The conversation process for the morning time period includes, for example, a process of causing the electronic device 100 to output the first conversation information 310 and the second conversation information 320 that are suitable for the morning time period in the order of the scenario conversation.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the morning conversation process shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 250 executes a conversation process of a morning greeting based on the first conversation information 310 (step S201). For example, the control unit 250 executes a process of randomly extracting first conversation information 310 suitable for the current date and time from among a plurality of first conversation information 310 indicating greetings, and instructing the electronic device 100 to output the first conversation information 310. When the output of the first conversation information 310 is completed, the control unit 250 creates log information 330 that can identify the first conversation information 310 and the date and time when the first conversation information 310 was output. When the process of step S201 is completed, the control unit 250 advances the process to step S202.

The control unit 250 determines whether or not the chat is over (step S202). For example, the control unit 250 determines that the chat is over when the log information 330 indicates that the first conversation information 310 for the chat was output in the morning time slot on the same date. When the control unit 250 determines that the chat is not over (No in step S202), the process proceeds to step S203.

The control unit 250 executes a conversation process for chatting based on the first conversation information 310 (step S203). For example, the control unit 250 extracts, from among a plurality of pieces of first conversation information 310 indicating chatting, first conversation information 310 that has not been output or that has been output for a certain period of time, and executes a process of instructing the electronic device 100 to output the first conversation information 310. When the output of the first conversation information 310 is completed, the control unit 250 creates log information 330 that can identify the first conversation information 310 and the date and time when the first conversation information 310 was output. When the process of step S203 is completed, the control unit 250 advances the process to step S204.

The control unit 250 executes conversation processing of directional conversation (1) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S204). For example, the control unit 250 acquires the second conversation information 320 corresponding to the directional conversation (1) based on the scenario information 300 corresponding to the phase of the user U, and executes processing to instruct the electronic device 100 to output the question, answer, and response of the second conversation information 320. When the output of the second conversation information 320 is completed, the control unit 250 creates log information 330 that can identify the date and time when the directional conversation (1) was output. When the processing of step S204 is completed, the control unit 250 advances the processing to step S205.

The control unit 250 executes conversation processing of directional conversation (2) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S205). For example, the control unit 250 acquires the second conversation information 320 corresponding to the directional conversation (2) following the directional conversation (1) based on the scenario information 300, and executes processing to instruct the electronic device 100 to output the question, answer, and response of the second conversation information 320. When the output of the second conversation information 320 is completed, the control unit 250 creates log information 330 that can identify the date and time when the directional conversation (2) was output. When the processing of step S205 is completed, the control unit 250 advances the processing to step S206.

The control unit 250 executes conversation processing of directional conversation (3) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S206). For example, the control unit 250 acquires the second conversation information 320 corresponding to the directional conversation (3) that follows directional conversation (2) based on the scenario information 300, and executes processing to instruct the electronic device 100 to output the question, answer, and response of the second conversation information 320. When the control unit 250 finishes outputting the second conversation information 320, it creates log information 330 that can identify the date and time when directional conversation (3) was output. When the control unit 250 finishes processing in step S206, it advances the processing to step S207.

The control unit 250 executes a conversation process for a closing greeting based on the first conversation information 310 (step S207). For example, the control unit 250 executes a process of randomly extracting first conversation information 310 suitable for the current date and time from among a plurality of pieces of first conversation information 310 indicating closing greetings, and instructing the electronic device 100 to output the first conversation information 310. When the output of the first conversation information 310 is completed, the control unit 250 creates log information 330 that can identify the first conversation information 310 and the date and time when the first conversation information 310 was output. When the process of step S207 is completed, the control unit 250 ends the process procedure shown in FIG. 10 and returns to the process of step S200 shown in FIG. 9.

If the control unit 250 determines that the chat is over (Yes in step S202), the control unit 250 proceeds to step S208. The control unit 250 determines whether or not the directional conversation (1) is over (step S208). For example, if the log information 330 of the user U indicates that the directional conversation (1) has been output, the control unit 250 determines that the directional conversation (1) is over.

If the control unit 250 determines that the directional conversation (1) is not completed (No in step S208), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S204 already described. The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the directional conversation (1) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S204). The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the directional conversation (2) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S205). The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the directional conversation (3) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S206). That is, the control unit 250 executes the conversation processes of the directional conversation (1), the directional conversation (2), and the directional conversation (3) in sequence without executing the conversation process of the chat of the executed step S203. The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the closing greeting based on the first conversation information 310 (step S207). When the process of step S207 is completed, the control unit 250 ends the process procedure shown in FIG. 10 and returns to the process of step S200 shown in FIG. 9.

If the control unit 250 determines that directional conversation (1) has been completed (Yes in step S208), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S209. The control unit 250 determines whether directional conversation (2) has been completed (step S209). For example, if the log information 330 of user U indicates that directional conversation (2) has been output, the control unit 250 determines that directional conversation (2) has been completed.

When the control unit 250 determines that the directional conversation (2) is not completed (No in step S209), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S205 already described. The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the directional conversation (2) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S205). The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the directional conversation (3) based on the second conversation information 320 indicated by the scenario information 300 (step S206). That is, the control unit 250 executes the conversation processes of the directional conversation (2) and the directional conversation (3) sequentially without executing the chat of step S203 and the conversation process of the directional conversation (1) of step S204 that have already been executed. The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the closing greeting based on the first conversation information 310 (step S207). When the process of step S207 is completed, the control unit 250 ends the process procedure shown in FIG. 10 and returns to the process of step S200 shown in FIG. 9.

If the control unit 250 determines that directional conversation (2) has been completed (Yes in step S209), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S210. The control unit 250 determines whether directional conversation (3) has been completed (step S210). For example, if the log information 330 of user U indicates that directional conversation (3) has been output, the control unit 250 determines that directional conversation (3) has been completed.

When the control unit 250 determines that the directional conversation (3) is not completed (No in step S210), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S206 already described. The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the directional conversation (3) based on the second conversation information 320 indicated by the scenario information 300 (step S206). That is, the control unit 250 executes only the conversation process of the directional conversation (3) without executing the conversation processes of the chat of step S203, the directional conversation (1) of step S204, and the directional conversation (2) of step S205 that have already been executed. The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the closing greeting based on the first conversation information 310 (step S207). When the process of step S207 is completed, the control unit 250 ends the process procedure shown in FIG. 10 and returns to the process of step S200 shown in FIG. 9.

Furthermore, if the control unit 250 determines that directional conversation (3) has been completed (Yes in step S210), it advances the process to step S211. The control unit 250 executes a process of prompting the user U to wait (step S211). The process of prompting the user U to wait includes, for example, a process of causing the electronic device 100 to output information indicating that directional conversation (1) to directional conversation (3) has ended and prompting the user to wait until the transition to the next phase begins. When the control unit 250 completes the process of step S211, it ends the process procedure shown in FIG. 10 and returns to the process of step S200 shown in FIG. 9.

Returning to FIG. 9, when the processing of step S200 is completed, the control unit 250 ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9.

If the control unit 250 determines that the time segment is not morning (No in step S100), the control unit 250 proceeds to step S300. The control unit 250 determines whether the time segment is daytime (step S300). For example, if the current time is in the daytime time segment, the control unit 250 determines that the time segment is daytime. If the control unit 250 determines that the time segment is daytime (Yes in step S300), the control unit 250 proceeds to step S400.

The control unit 250 executes a conversation process for the daytime time segment (step S400). The conversation process for the daytime time segment includes, for example, a process of causing the electronic device 100 to output the first conversation information 310 and the second conversation information 320 suitable for the daytime time segment in the order of the scenario conversation.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the midday conversation process shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 250 executes a midday greeting conversation process based on the first conversation information 310 (step S401). For example, the control unit 250 executes a process of randomly extracting first conversation information 310 suitable for the current date and time from among a plurality of first conversation information 310 indicating greetings, and instructing the electronic device 100 to output the first conversation information 310. When the output of the first conversation information 310 is completed, the control unit 250 creates log information 330 that can identify the first conversation information 310 and the date and time when the first conversation information 310 was output. When the process of step S401 is completed, the control unit 250 advances the process to step S402.

The control unit 250 executes the processing of the AB test (step S402). The AB test is a test in which two different patterns of web pages are prepared and the user U actually uses them to compare the effects. By executing the processing of the AB test, the control unit 250 allows the user U to use the AB test, and associates result information indicating the obtained effects with the user U and stores it in the storage unit 240. When the processing of step S402 ends, the control unit 250 advances the processing to step S403.

The control unit 250 determines whether or not directional conversation (1) has been completed (step S403). For example, if the log information 330 of user U indicates that directional conversation (1) has been output, the control unit 250 determines that directional conversation (1) has been completed. If the control unit 250 determines that directional conversation (1) has not been completed (No in step S403), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S404.

The control unit 250 executes conversation processing for directional conversation (1) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S404). The conversation processing for directional conversation (1) is the same as the processing of step S204 shown in FIG. 10, so a description thereof will be omitted. When the processing of step S404 ends, the control unit 250 advances the processing to step S405.

The control unit 250 executes conversation processing for directional conversation (2) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S405). The conversation processing for directional conversation (2) is the same as the processing of step S205 shown in FIG. 10, so a description thereof will be omitted. When the processing of step S405 ends, the control unit 250 advances the processing to step S406.

The control unit 250 executes conversation processing for directional conversation (3) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S406). The conversation processing for directional conversation (3) is the same as the processing of step S206 shown in FIG. 10, so a description thereof will be omitted. When the processing of step S406 ends, the control unit 250 advances the processing to step S407.

The control unit 250 executes a conversation process for a closing greeting based on the first conversation information 310 (step S407). The conversation process for a closing greeting is the same as the process of step S207 shown in FIG. 10, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. When the process of step S407 ends, the control unit 250 ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11, and returns to the process of step S400 shown in FIG. 9.

If the control unit 250 determines that directional conversation (1) has been completed (Yes in step S403), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S408. The control unit 250 determines whether directional conversation (2) has been completed (step S408). For example, if the log information 330 of user U indicates that directional conversation (2) has been output, the control unit 250 determines that directional conversation (2) has been completed.

When the control unit 250 determines that the directional conversation (2) is not completed (No in step S408), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S405 already described. The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the directional conversation (2) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S405). The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the directional conversation (3) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S406). That is, the control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the directional conversation (2) and the directional conversation (3) sequentially without executing the conversation process of the directional conversation (1) of the executed step S404. The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the closing greeting based on the first conversation information 310 (step S407). When the process of step S407 is completed, the control unit 250 ends the process procedure shown in FIG. 11 and returns to the process of step S400 shown in FIG. 9.

If the control unit 250 determines that directional conversation (2) has been completed (Yes in step S408), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S409. The control unit 250 determines whether directional conversation (3) has been completed (step S409). For example, if the log information 330 of user U indicates that directional conversation (3) has been output, the control unit 250 determines that directional conversation (3) has been completed.

When the control unit 250 determines that the directional conversation (3) is not completed (No in step S409), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S406 already described. The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the directional conversation (3) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S406). That is, the control unit 250 executes only the conversation process of the directional conversation (3) without executing the conversation processes of the directional conversation (1) in step S404 and the directional conversation (2) in step S405 that have already been executed. The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the closing greeting based on the first conversation information 310 (step S407). When the process of step S407 is completed, the control unit 250 ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 11 and returns to the process of step S400 shown in FIG. 9.

If the control unit 250 determines that the directional conversation (3) is completed (Yes in step S409), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S410. The control unit 250 executes a process to prompt the user U to wait (step S410). When the process of step S410 ends, the control unit 250 ends the process procedure shown in FIG. 11 and returns to the process of step S400 shown in FIG. 9.

Returning to FIG. 9, when the processing of step S400 is completed, the control unit 250 ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9.

If the control unit 250 determines that the time section is not day (No in step S300), the control unit 250 proceeds to step S500. The control unit 250 determines whether the time section is night (step S500). For example, if the current time is in the night time section, the control unit 250 determines that the time section is night. If the control unit 250 determines that the time section is night (Yes in step S500), the control unit 250 proceeds to step S600.

The control unit 250 executes a conversation process for the night time period (step S600). The conversation process for the night time period includes, for example, a process of causing the electronic device 100 to output the first conversation information 310 and the second conversation information 320 that are suitable for the night time period in the order of the scenario conversation.

12 is a flowchart showing an example of the evening conversation process shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 250 executes the evening greeting conversation process based on the first conversation information 310 (step S601). For example, the control unit 250 executes a process of randomly extracting the first conversation information 310 suitable for the current date and time from among the multiple first conversation information 310 indicating evening greetings, and instructing the electronic device 100 to output the first conversation information 310. When the output of the first conversation information 310 is completed, the control unit 250 creates log information 330 that can identify the first conversation information 310 and the date and time when the first conversation information 310 was output. When the process of step S601 is completed, the control unit 250 advances the process to step S602.

The control unit 250 determines whether or not the impressions for the day have been completed (step S602). For example, if the log information 330 indicates that a process to extract impressions for the day has been executed on the same date, the control unit 250 determines that the impressions for the day have been completed. If the control unit 250 determines that the impressions for the day have not been completed (No in step S602), the control unit 250 proceeds to step S603.

The control unit 250 executes a process to elicit impressions of the day (step S603). For example, the control unit 250 executes the process to elicit impressions of the day, causing the electronic device 100 to output conversation information or the like that asks the user U about their impressions of the day. The control unit 250 stores impression information indicating the impressions of the day acquired from the user U via the electronic device 100 in the storage unit 240. When the process to elicit impressions of the day is completed, the control unit 250 creates log information 330 that can identify that the process to elicit impressions of the day has been executed. When the process of step S603 is completed, the control unit 250 advances the process to step S604.

The control unit 250 executes conversation processing for directional conversation (1) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S604). The conversation processing for directional conversation (1) is the same as the processing of step S204 shown in FIG. 10, so a description thereof will be omitted. When the processing of step S604 ends, the control unit 250 advances the processing to step S605.

The control unit 250 executes conversation processing for directional conversation (2) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S605). The conversation processing for directional conversation (2) is the same as the processing of step S205 shown in FIG. 10, so a description thereof will be omitted. When the processing of step S605 ends, the control unit 250 advances the processing to step S606.

The control unit 250 executes conversation processing for directional conversation (3) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S606). The conversation processing for directional conversation (3) is the same as the processing of step S206 shown in FIG. 10, so a description thereof will be omitted. When the processing of step S606 ends, the control unit 250 advances the processing to step S607.

The control unit 250 executes a conversation process for a closing greeting based on the first conversation information 310 (step S607). The conversation process for a closing greeting is the same as the process of step S207 shown in FIG. 10, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. When the process of step S607 ends, the control unit 250 ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 12, and returns to the process of step S600 shown in FIG. 9.

If the control unit 250 determines that the impressions for the day have been completed (Yes in step S602), the control unit 250 proceeds to step S608. The control unit 250 determines whether or not directional conversation (1) has been completed (step S608). For example, if the log information 330 of user U indicates that directional conversation (1) has been output, the control unit 250 determines that directional conversation (1) has been completed.

If the control unit 250 determines that the directional conversation (1) has not been completed (No in step S608), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S604 already described. The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the directional conversation (1) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S604). The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the directional conversation (2) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S605). The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the directional conversation (3) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S606). That is, the control unit 250 executes the conversation processes of the directional conversation (1), the directional conversation (2), and the directional conversation (3) in sequence without executing the process of eliciting the impressions of the day in the already executed step S603. The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the closing greeting based on the first conversation information 310 (step S607). When the process of step S607 is completed, the control unit 250 ends the process procedure shown in FIG. 12 and returns to the process of step S600 shown in FIG. 9.

If the control unit 250 determines that directional conversation (1) has been completed (Yes in step S608), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S609. The control unit 250 determines whether directional conversation (2) has been completed (step S609). For example, if the log information 330 of user U indicates that directional conversation (2) has been output, the control unit 250 determines that directional conversation (2) has been completed.

When the control unit 250 determines that the directional conversation (2) is not completed (No in step S609), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S605 already described. The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the directional conversation (2) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S605). The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the directional conversation (3) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S606). That is, the control unit 250 executes the conversation processes of the directional conversation (2) and the directional conversation (3) sequentially without executing the process of eliciting the impressions of the day in step S603 that has already been executed and the conversation process of the directional conversation (1) in step S204. The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the closing greeting based on the first conversation information 310 (step S607). When the process of step S607 is completed, the control unit 250 ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 12 and returns to the process of step S600 shown in FIG. 9.

If the control unit 250 determines that directional conversation (2) has been completed (Yes in step S609), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S610. The control unit 250 determines whether directional conversation (3) has been completed (step S610). For example, if the log information 330 of user U indicates that directional conversation (3) has been output, the control unit 250 determines that directional conversation (3) has been completed.

When the control unit 250 determines that the directional conversation (3) has not been completed (No in step S610), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S606 already described. The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the directional conversation (3) based on the second conversation information 320 (step S606). That is, the control unit 250 executes only the conversation process of the directional conversation (3) without executing the process of drawing out the conversation of the day in step S603 that has already been executed, the conversation process of the directional conversation (1) in step S604, and the conversation process of the directional conversation (2) in step S605. The control unit 250 executes the conversation process of the closing greeting based on the first conversation information 310 (step S607). When the process of step S607 is completed, the control unit 250 ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 12 and returns to the process of step S600 shown in FIG. 9.

If the control unit 250 determines that the directional conversation (3) is completed (Yes in step S610), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S611. The control unit 250 executes a process to prompt the user U to wait (step S611). When the process of step S611 ends, the control unit 250 ends the process procedure shown in FIG. 12 and returns to the process of step S600 shown in FIG. 9.

Returning to FIG. 9, when the processing of step S600 is completed, the control unit 250 ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9.

In addition, if the control unit 250 determines that the time period is not night (No in step S500), it ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9.

As a result, the above-mentioned server 200 can store in the storage unit 240 first conversation information 310 indicating a first conversation that does not have at least one directivity, and second conversation information 320 indicating a second conversation that has at least one directivity. The server 200 can cause the electronic device 100 of the user U to output the first conversation information 310, and then output the second conversation information 320. As a result, the server 200 can realize a conversation with the user U by combining a conversation that does not have directionality and a conversation that has directionality, and can find out personal information about the user U in a natural conversation.

The server 200 can cause the electronic device 100 of the user U to output the first conversation information 310, then output the second conversation information 320, and then output the different first conversation information 310 after outputting the second conversation information 320. As a result, the server 200 can ease the sense of caution by inserting a conversation having directionality between conversations having no directionality, and can find out personal information about the user U in a natural conversation.

The server 200 can cause the electronic device 100 to output the first conversation information 310 and the second conversation information 320, each of which has a question item D1 including a question to the user U, an answer item D2 including a plurality of answers selected by the user U, and an answer item D3 including a response to the answer selected by the user U. As a result, the server 200 can elicit information about the user as an answer by having the user U select an answer.

The server 200 can store in the storage unit 240 log information 330 indicating at least one of the first conversation information 310 and the second conversation information 320 that the electronic device 100 has been caused to output. If the server 200 has caused the first conversation information 310 to be output at the time of the user U's previous login, the server 200 can cause the electronic device to output the first conversation information 310 or the second conversation information 320 that has not been output by the electronic device 100 at the time of the current login based on the log information 330. As a result, by not causing the electronic device 100 to output the same conversation information, the server 200 can prevent the user U from getting bored of the conversation with the server 200, thereby providing an opportunity to find out personal information about the user U in a natural conversation.

The server 200 can select the first conversation information 310 and the second conversation information 320 based on the time division of the current time. As a result, the server 200 can make the user U feel closer to the electronic device 100 by outputting the first conversation information 310 and the second conversation information 320 according to the time division, thereby improving the possibility of finding out information about the user U.

When the current time is in the night time zone, the server 200 can select the first conversation information 310 that elicits the user U's thoughts about the day. As a result, when the time zone becomes night, the server 200 can elicit information about the user U's day through conversation by having the electronic device 100 output the first conversation information 310 that elicits the user U's thoughts about the day.

When the planned number of second conversations with user U has been completed, server 200 can cause the electronic device to output a first conversation indicating that user U will wait for a specified period of time. As a result, when the planned number of conversations with user U has been reached, server 200 causes electronic device 100 to output a filler conversation with user U, and does not force personal information from user U, thereby preventing a deterioration in the relationship with user U.

The server 200 can cause the electronic device 100 to output the first conversation information 310, which includes at least one of conversations related to greetings, news, weather, quizzes, and games. As a result, the server 200 can make the user U feel closer to the user U by realizing casual conversation with the user U, thereby improving the possibility of finding out information about the user U.

The server 200 can cause the electronic device 100 to output the first conversation information 310, which includes a conversation that changes depending on, for example, the second, the hour, the day, the month, or the year. As a result, the server 200 can realize a conversation with the user U that is appropriate for the date, time, or season, thereby making the user U feel closer to the user, thereby improving the possibility of finding out information about the user U.

The server 200 can cause the electronic device to output, among the multiple pieces of first conversation information 310, the first conversation information 310 that has not been output by the electronic device 100 of the user U. As a result, the server 200 can realize various conversations with the user, thereby making the user U feel closer to the user, thereby improving the possibility of finding out information about the user U.

Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of transition control of phase 1 executed by the server 200 according to the embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Figure 13 is realized by the control unit 250 of the server 200 executing the program 241 when the phase of user U is phase 1. The processing procedure shown in Figure 13 is executed by the control unit 250, for example, every time a predetermined period of time has elapsed since starting a conversation with user U.

As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 250 collects information generated in phase 1 (step S1101). For example, the control unit 250 collects various information indicating questions posed to user U in phase 1 and user U's responses from the log information 330, response information 500, etc. stored in the storage unit 240. When the process of step S1101 ends, the control unit 250 advances the process to step S1102.

The control unit 250 counts the number of confirmation conversations in phase 1 (step S1102). For example, the control unit 250 counts the number of times confirmation conversations continued in phase 1 based on the number of combinations of questions and answers collected. When the control unit 250 finishes the process of step S1102, it advances the process to step S1103.

The control unit 250 determines whether the confirmation conversation has occurred a predetermined number of times or more (step S1103). For example, the control unit 250 determines that the confirmation conversation has occurred a predetermined number of times or more if the number counted in step S1102 is a predetermined number of times or more. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the predetermined number of times is 10 times. If the control unit 250 determines that the confirmation conversation has occurred a predetermined number of times or more (Yes in step S1103), a conversation with user U has been established, and the process proceeds to step S1104.

The control unit 250 transitions from phase 1 to phase 2 (step S1104). For example, the control unit 250 transitions (changes) the user's phase from phase 1 to phase 2, and reflects the transition to phase 2 in the log information 330. The control unit 250 may perform processing to notify the user U of the transition to phase 2. When the processing of step S1104 ends, the control unit 250 ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 13.

In addition, if the control unit 250 determines that the confirmation conversation has not occurred the predetermined number of times (No in step S1103), a conversation with user U has not been established, and the control unit 250 ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 13 without proceeding to phase 2.

As described above, the control unit 250 can automatically transition from Phase 1, which involves the user, to Phase 2, which elicits from the user U a desire to improve, by executing the processing procedure shown in FIG. 13.

Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of transition control of phase 2 executed by the server 200 according to the embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Figure 14 is realized by the control unit 250 of the server 200 executing the program 241 when the phase of user U is phase 2. The processing procedure shown in Figure 14 is executed by the control unit 250, for example, every time a predetermined period of time has elapsed since starting a conversation with user U.

As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 250 collects information generated in phase 2 (step S1201). For example, the control unit 250 collects various information indicating questions to the user U and the answers of the user U conducted in phase 2 from the log information 330, answer information 500, etc. stored in the storage unit 240. When the process of step S1201 is completed, the control unit 250 advances the process to step S1202. Here, in the present disclosure, after step S1201, a confirmation operation of the number of conversations may be added as in step S1102 of FIG. 13. In this case, the control unit 250 may count the number of confirmation conversations, such as directional conversations, in phase 2. For example, the control unit 250 may count the number of confirmation conversations continued in phase 2 based on the number of combinations of collected questions and answers. When this process is completed, the control unit 250 may advance the process to step S1202.

The control unit 250 determines the answer in phase 2 (step S1202). For example, the control unit 250 compares the answer of the user U, whose main theme is weight problems, with the change talk and maintenance talk in the database, and determines whether the answer is change talk or maintenance talk based on the comparison result. For example, the control unit 250 may determine the answer using a trained program that has machine-learned teacher data of change talk answers and maintenance talk answers. If the control unit 250 determines that the answer is change talk, it further determines whether the answer is preparatory change talk or execution change talk, and determines the classification of the change talk. The control unit 250 determines the classification of the change talk using the database of preparatory change talk and execution change talk shown in FIG. 8. The control unit 250 associates the answer determination result with the answer information 500 and stores it in the storage unit 240. When the process of step S1202 is completed, the control unit 250 advances the process to step S1203.

Based on the result of the determination in step S1202, the control unit 250 determines whether the preparatory change talk is more than the maintenance talk (step S1203). For example, the control unit 250 determines that the preparatory change talk is more than the maintenance talk when the number of preparatory change talks in phase 2 is more than the number of maintenance talks. If the control unit 250 determines that the preparatory change talk is more than the maintenance talk (Yes in step S1203), it is highly likely that the user U's task has been elicited, so the process proceeds to step S1204. Here, in the present disclosure, after the control unit 250 determines Yes in step S1203, a process of asking an important question related to the phase transition, such as "Do you consider the task to be important?" may be added. In this case, if the control unit 250 receives an answer that the task is important (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1204, and if the control unit 250 receives an answer that the task is not important (No), the process may be terminated or the process may proceed to step S1201. In this case, the control unit 250 may perform a process of changing the intervention point for the user as in step S1206 described below, as a process before terminating the process or proceeding to step S1201, and proceed to step S1201 after this change process. In this case, in the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent phase 2 from being repeated with the same intervention theme.

The control unit 250 transitions from phase 2 to phase 3 (step S1204). For example, the control unit 250 transitions (changes) the user's phase from phase 2 to phase 3, and reflects the transition to phase 3 in the log information 330. The control unit 250 may perform processing to notify the user U of the transition to phase 3. When the processing of step S1204 ends, the control unit 250 ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 14.

If the control unit 250 determines that the preparatory change talk is not more than the maintenance talk (No in step S1203), it is highly likely that the user U's task has not been elicited, and therefore the process proceeds to step S1205. The control unit 250 determines whether the state in which the preparatory change talk is not more than the maintenance talk continues for a determination period (step S1205). The determination period can be set to any period, such as three weeks or one month. The determination period may be, for example, the same as a predetermined period, or may be a period longer than a predetermined period. If the control unit 250 determines that the determination period is not continuous (No in step S1205), it ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 14. Note that in the present disclosure, the processing procedure shown in FIG. 14 may be an operation that omits the processing of step S1205. That is, if the determination in step S1203 is No, the processing procedure may proceed from step S1203 to step S1206.

Furthermore, if the control unit 250 determines that the judgment period is continuous (Yes in step S1205), the control unit 250 proceeds to step S1206. The control unit 250 changes the intervention point for user U (step S1206). For example, the control unit 250 changes the intervention point for user U from a main theme to a sub-theme, and continues phase 2 based on the sub-theme. For example, if the main theme is a weight issue, the control unit 250 changes it to a sub-theme indicating the promotion of exercise. When the processing of step S1206 ends, the control unit 250 ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 14.

As described above, the control unit 250 can automatically transition from Phase 2, which elicits a desire to improve from the user U, to Phase 3, which provides a trigger for the user U to take action, by executing the processing procedure shown in FIG. 14.

Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of transition control of phase 3 executed by the server 200 according to the embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Figure 15 is realized by the control unit 250 of the server 200 executing the program 241 when the phase of user U is phase 3. The processing procedure shown in Figure 15 is executed by the control unit 250, for example, every time a predetermined period of time has elapsed since starting a conversation with user U.

As shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 250 collects information generated in phase 3 (step S1301). For example, the control unit 250 collects various information indicating questions to the user U and the answers of the user U conducted in phase 3 from the log information 330, answer information 500, etc. stored in the storage unit 240. When the process of step S1301 is completed, the control unit 250 advances the process to step S1302. Here, in the present disclosure, after step S1301, a confirmation operation of the number of conversations may be added as in step S1102 of FIG. 13. In this case, the control unit 250 may count the number of confirmation conversations, such as directional conversations, in phase 3. For example, the control unit 250 may count the number of confirmation conversations continued in phase 3 based on the number of combinations of collected questions and answers. When this process is completed, the control unit 250 may advance the process to step S1302.

The control unit 250 determines the answer in phase 3 (step S1302). For example, the control unit 250 compares the answer of the user U, whose main theme is weight problems, with the change talk and maintenance talk in the database, and determines whether the answer is change talk or maintenance talk based on the comparison result. For example, the control unit 250 may determine the answer using a trained program that has machine-learned teacher data of change talk answers and maintenance talk answers. If the control unit 250 determines that the answer is change talk, it further determines whether the answer is preparatory change talk or execution change talk, and determines the classification of the change talk. The control unit 250 determines the classification of the change talk using the database of preparatory change talk and execution change talk shown in FIG. 8. The control unit 250 associates the answer determination result with the answer information 500 and stores it in the storage unit 240. When the process of step S1302 is completed, the control unit 250 advances the process to step S1303.

Based on the result of the determination in step S1302, the control unit 250 determines whether the preparatory change talk is greater than the maintenance talk (step S1303). For example, if the number of preparatory change talks in phase 3 is greater than the number of maintenance talks, the control unit 250 determines that the number of preparatory change talks is greater than the maintenance talks. If the control unit 250 determines that the number of preparatory change talks is greater than the maintenance talks (Yes in step S1303), the control unit 250 proceeds to step S1304.

Based on the determination result of step S1302, the control unit 250 determines whether the commitment is greater than the maintenance talk (step S1304). For example, the control unit 250 determines that the commitment is greater than the maintenance talk when the number of execution change talks in the classification of commitment is greater than the number of maintenance talks. When the control unit 250 determines that the commitment is greater than the maintenance talk (Yes in step S1304), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S1305 since the control unit 250 has elicited the user U's intention to commit to the task. Here, in the present disclosure, as a process after determining Yes in step S1304, a process of asking an important question related to the phase transition, such as "Are you confident that you can complete the behavioral change?" may be added. In this case, if the control unit 250 receives an answer of confidence (Yes), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S1305, and if the control unit 250 receives an answer of lack of confidence (No), the control unit 250 may end the process or advance the process to step S1301.

The control unit 250 transitions from phase 3 to phase 4 (step S1305). For example, the control unit 250 transitions (changes) the user's phase from phase 3 to phase 4, and reflects the transition to phase 4 in the log information 330. The control unit 250 may perform processing to notify the user U of the transition to phase 4. When the processing of step S1305 ends, the control unit 250 ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 15.

In addition, if the control unit 250 determines that the commitment is not greater than the maintenance talk (No in step S1304), it is highly likely that the commitment has not triggered user U to take action, so it does not proceed to phase 4 and ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 15.

If the control unit 250 determines that the preparatory change talk is not more than the maintenance talk (No in step S1303), it is highly likely that the preparatory change talk has not triggered the user U to take action, and so the process proceeds to step S1306. The control unit 250 determines whether the state in which the preparatory change talk is not more than the maintenance talk continues for a determination period (step S1306). If the control unit 250 determines that the state is not continuous for a determination period (No in step S1306), it ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 15. Note that in this disclosure, the operation may omit the processing of step S1306. In other words, the processing procedure may proceed from step S1303 to step S1307 if the determination in step S1303 is No.

Furthermore, if the control unit 250 determines that the judgment period is continuous (Yes in step S1306), it determines that it is not time to intervene and proceeds to step S1307. The control unit 250 transitions from phase 3 to phase 2 (step S1307). For example, the control unit 250 transitions (changes) the phase of user U from phase 3 to phase 2, and reflects the transition to phase 2 in the log information 330. The control unit 250 may perform processing to notify user U of the transition to phase 2. When the processing of step S1307 ends, the control unit 250 ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 15.

By executing the processing procedure shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 250 can automatically transition from Phase 3, which provides a trigger for the user U to take action, to Phase 4, which gives the user U a sense of having changed his or her behavior. Furthermore, if the control unit 250 determines based on the user U's response in Phase 3 that it is not the time to intervene, it can automatically return from Phase 3 to Phase 2.

Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of transition control of phase 4 executed by the server 200 according to the embodiment. The processing procedure shown in Figure 16 is realized by the control unit 250 of the server 200 executing the program 241 when the phase of user U is phase 4. The processing procedure shown in Figure 16 is executed by the control unit 250, for example, every time a predetermined period of time has elapsed since starting a conversation with user U.

As shown in FIG. 16, the control unit 250 collects information generated in phase 4 (step S1401). For example, the control unit 250 collects various information indicating questions posed to user U in phase 4 and user U's responses from the log information 330, response information 500, etc. stored in the storage unit 240. When the process of step S1401 ends, the control unit 250 advances the process to step S1402.

The control unit 250 determines the answer in phase 4 (step S1402). For example, the control unit 250 compares the answer of the user U, whose main theme is weight problems, with the change talk and maintenance talk in the database, and determines whether the answer is change talk or maintenance talk based on the comparison result. For example, the control unit 250 may determine the answer using a trained program that has machine-learned teacher data of change talk answers and maintenance talk answers. If the control unit 250 determines that the answer is change talk, it further determines whether the answer is preparatory change talk or execution change talk, and determines the classification of the change talk. The control unit 250 determines the classification of the change talk using the database of preparatory change talk and execution change talk shown in FIG. 8. The control unit 250 associates the answer determination result with the answer information 500 and stores it in the storage unit 240. When the process of step S1402 is completed, the control unit 250 advances the process to step S1403.

Based on the result of the determination in step S1402, the control unit 250 determines whether the preparatory change talk is greater than the maintenance talk (step S1403). For example, if the number of preparatory change talks in phase 3 is greater than the number of maintenance talks, the control unit 250 determines that the number of preparatory change talks is greater than the maintenance talks. If the control unit 250 determines that the number of preparatory change talks is greater than the maintenance talks (Yes in step S1403), the control unit 250 proceeds to step S1404.

Based on the determination result of step S1402, the control unit 250 determines whether the number of steps is greater than the number of maintenance talks (step S1404). For example, the control unit 250 determines that the number of steps is greater than the number of maintenance talks when the number of execution change talks classified as steps is greater than the number of maintenance talks. When the control unit 250 determines that the number of steps is not greater than the number of maintenance talks (No in step S1404), it does not transition from phase 4 to another phase and ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 16.

If the control unit 250 determines that the number of steps is greater than the number of sustaining talks (Yes in step S1404), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S1405. The control unit 250 determines whether the state in which the number of steps is greater than the number of sustaining talks continues for a determination period (step S1405). If the control unit 250 determines that the state in which the number of steps is greater than the number of sustaining talks is not continuous for a determination period (No in step S1405), the control unit 250 does not transition from phase 4 to another phase and ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 16. If the control unit 250 determines that the state in which the number of steps is greater than the number of sustaining talks is continuous for a determination period (Yes in step S1405), the control unit 250 advances the process to step S1406.

The control unit 250 transitions from phase 4 to phase 5 (step S1406). For example, the control unit 250 transitions (changes) the user's phase from phase 4 to phase 5, and reflects the transition to phase 5 in the log information 330. The control unit 250 may perform processing to notify the user U of the transition to phase 5. When the processing of step S1406 ends, the control unit 250 advances the processing to step S1407.

The control unit 250 starts a process to support the maintenance of the behavioral change (step S1407). The process to support the maintenance of the behavioral change includes, for example, a process to guide the user U to content that maintains the behavioral change, a process to recommend appropriate goods or services to the user U, etc. When the process of step S1407 ends, the control unit 250 ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 16.

If the control unit 250 determines that the preparatory change talk is not more than the maintenance talk (No in step S1403), it is highly likely that the user U does not feel that his/her behavior has changed, and so the process proceeds to step S1408. The control unit 250 determines whether the state in which the preparatory change talk is not more than the maintenance talk continues for a determination period (step S1408). If the control unit 250 determines that the state is not continuous for a determination period (No in step S1408), it ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 16. Note that in this disclosure, the operation may omit the processing of step S1408. In other words, the processing procedure may proceed from step S1403 to step S1409 if the determination in step S1403 is No.

Furthermore, if the control unit 250 determines that the judgment period is continuous (Yes in step S1408), it determines that it is not time for a behavioral change and proceeds to step S1409. The control unit 250 transitions from phase 4 to phase 3 (step S1409). For example, the control unit 250 transitions (changes) the phase of user U from phase 4 to phase 3, and reflects the transition to phase 3 in the log information 330. The control unit 250 may perform a process of notifying user U that the transition has occurred to phase 2. When the process of step S1409 ends, the control unit 250 ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 16.

By executing the processing procedure shown in FIG. 16, the control unit 250 can automatically transition from Phase 4, in which the user U feels that he or she has changed his or her behavior, to Phase 5, in which the control unit 250 monitors the user U to ensure that the new habit is established. Furthermore, if the control unit 250 determines that it is not the time for a behavior change, it can automatically return from Phase 4 to Phase 3.

Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the phase transition operation performed by the server 200 according to the embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 17, the server 200 cooperates with the electronic device 100 of the user U to dialogue with the user U, control the transition of phases to improve the user U's issues, and the like. The server 200 determines the main theme and sub-theme of the user U, and starts processing of phase 1. For example, when supporting the user U in improving his/her lifestyle, the server 200 assumes that the main theme has been set to drinking frequency, and the sub-themes to snacking and weight measurement, based on the results of a preliminary questionnaire for the user U.

In one week shown in FIG. 17, the server 200 realizes a conversation related to the user U corresponding to phase 1. When the server 200 determines that there have been a predetermined number of confirmation conversations or more based on the log information 330 indicating the conversations in one week, the server 200 transitions from phase 1 to phase 2.

In 2 weeks, the server 200 realizes a conversation corresponding to phase 2. In phase 2, the server 200 conducts a conversation to elicit improved feelings from the user U. The server 200 combines the chat indicated by the first conversation information 310 with the directional conversation indicated by the second conversation information 320 to conduct a scenario conversation corresponding to phase 2. The server 200 asks a question of question item D1, and when it obtains answer information 500 to the question, it stores it in chronological order in the storage unit 240 in association with the user U and phase 2. If the server 200 determines that the number of preparatory change talks is greater than the number of maintenance talks during the 2-week period, it transitions from phase 2 to phase 3.

In 3 weeks, the server 200 realizes a conversation corresponding to phase 3. In phase 3, the server 200 conducts a conversation to provide an opportunity for the user U to take action. The server 200 combines the chat indicated by the first conversation information 310 with the directional conversation indicated by the second conversation information 320 to conduct a scenario conversation corresponding to phase 3. The server 200 asks a question of question item D1, obtains answer information 500 to the question, and stores it in chronological order in the storage unit 240 in association with the user U and phase 3. If the server 200 determines that the number of preparatory change talks is greater than the number of maintenance talks and the number of commitments is greater than the number of maintenance talks during the 3-week period, it transitions from phase 3 to phase 4.

In 4 weeks, the server 200 realizes a conversation corresponding to phase 4. In phase 4, the server 200 implements a conversation to give the user U a sense that he has changed his behavior. The server 200 combines the chat indicated by the first conversation information 310 with the directional conversation indicated by the second conversation information 320 to perform a scenario conversation corresponding to phase 4. The server 200 asks a question of question item D1, obtains answer information 500 to the question, and stores it in the storage unit 240 in chronological order in association with the user U and phase 4. If the server 200 determines that the number of preparatory change talks is less than the number of maintenance talks during the 4 weeks, or that the number of preparatory change talks is greater than the number of maintenance talks but the number of steps is less than the number of maintenance talks, the server 200 maintains phase 4. The server 200 determines that the user U has not been able to have a sense that he has changed his behavior, and continues phase 4 for 5 weeks.

In 5 WEEK, the server 200 realizes a conversation corresponding to Phase 4, as in 4 WEEK. In Phase 4, the server 200 combines the chat indicated by the first conversation information 310 with the directional conversation indicated by the second conversation information 320 to perform a scenario conversation corresponding to Phase 4. The server 200 asks a question of the question item D1, obtains answer information 500 to the question, and stores it in the storage unit 240 in chronological order in association with the user U and Phase 4. If the server 200 determines that the number of preparatory change talks is greater than the number of maintenance talks and that the number of steps is greater than the number of maintenance talks during the 4 WEEK and 5 WEEK periods, but that the determination period is not continuous, the server 200 maintains Phase 4. The server 200 determines that the user U has not been able to feel that he has changed his behavior, and continues Phase 4 for 6 WEEK.

In 6 WEEK, the server 200 realizes a conversation corresponding to Phase 4, as in 4 WEEK and 5 WEEK. In Phase 4, the server 200 combines the chat indicated by the first conversation information 310 with the directional conversation indicated by the second conversation information 320 to carry out a scenario conversation corresponding to Phase 4. The server 200 asks a question of question item D1, obtains answer information 500 to the question, and stores it in chronological order in the storage unit 240 in association with the user U and Phase 4. If the server 200 determines that the number of preparatory change talks is greater than the number of maintenance talks, the number of steps is greater than the number of maintenance talks, and the determination period is continuous during the period from 4 WEEK to 6 WEEK, it transitions from Phase 4 to Phase 5.

In the 7th week, the server 200 realizes a conversation corresponding to phase 5. In phase 5, the server 200 conducts a conversation to monitor the user U so that the new habit is established. The server 200 conducts a scenario conversation corresponding to phase 5 by combining the chat indicated by the first conversation information 310 with the directional conversation indicated by the second conversation information 320. The server 200 asks a question of question item D1, and when it obtains answer information 500 to the question, it stores it in chronological order in the storage unit 240 in association with the user U and phase 5. When the server 200 confirms that the new habit has been established, it ends phase 5.

Figure 18 is a diagram for explaining another phase transition operation executed by the server 200 according to the embodiment. Phase 1 of 1 week and Phase 2 of 2 weeks shown in Figure 18 are the same as Phase 1 and Phase 2 shown in Figure 17, so the explanation is omitted.

In the 3 weeks shown in FIG. 18, the server 200 realizes a conversation corresponding to phase 3. The server 200 combines the chat indicated by the first conversation information 310 with the directional conversation indicated by the second conversation information 320 to carry out a scenario conversation corresponding to phase 3. The server 200 asks a question of question item D1, obtains answer information 500 to the question, and stores it in the storage unit 240 in chronological order in association with the user U and phase 3. If the server 200 determines that the number of preparatory change talks is less than the number of maintenance talks during the 3 weeks and that the determination period is not continuous, it maintains phase 3. The server 200 determines that it has not provided a trigger for user U to take action, and continues phase 3 for the 4th week as well.

In the fourth week, the server 200 realizes a conversation corresponding to phase 3, as in the third week. In phase 3, the server 200 combines the chat indicated by the first conversation information 310 with the directional conversation indicated by the second conversation information 320 to carry out a scenario conversation corresponding to phase 3. The server 200 asks a question of question item D1, obtains answer information 500 to the question, and stores it in the storage unit 240 in chronological order in association with the user U and phase 4. If the server 200 determines that the number of preparatory change talks is less than the number of maintenance talks during the third and fourth weeks and that the determination periods are not consecutive, it maintains phase 3. The server 200 determines that it has not provided a trigger for the user U to take action, and continues phase 3 for the fifth week as well.

In 5 WEEK, the server 200 realizes a conversation corresponding to Phase 3, as in 3 WEEK and 4 WEEK. In Phase 3, the server 200 combines the chat indicated by the first conversation information 310 with the directional conversation indicated by the second conversation information 320 to perform a scenario conversation corresponding to Phase 3. The server 200 asks a question of the question item D1, obtains answer information 500 to the question, and stores it in the storage unit 240 in chronological order in association with the user U and Phase 4. If the server 200 determines that the number of preparatory change talks is less than the number of maintenance talks and is not continuous for the determination period during the period from 3 WEEK to 5 WEEK, it transitions from Phase 3 to Phase 2. In other words, the server 200 determines that it is not the timing for intervention, returns to Phase 2 from 6 WEEK, and reflects in the log information 330 that the intervention point has been changed from the main theme to the sub-theme.

In the 6th week, the server 200 realizes a conversation corresponding to phase 2. In phase 2, the server 200 conducts a conversation based on the sub-theme to elicit improved feelings from the user U. The server 200 combines the chat indicated by the first conversation information 310 with the directional conversation indicated by the second conversation information 320 to conduct a scenario conversation corresponding to phase 2. The server 200 asks a question of question item D1, and when it obtains answer information 500 to the question, it stores it in chronological order in the storage unit 240 in association with the user U and phase 2. If the server 200 determines that the number of preparatory change talks is greater than the number of maintenance talks in a 2-week period, it transitions from phase 2 to phase 3.

In the seventh week, the server 200 realizes a conversation corresponding to phase 3. In phase 3, the server 200 conducts a conversation based on the sub-theme to provide an opportunity for the user U to take action. The server 200 combines the chat indicated by the first conversation information 310 with the directional conversation indicated by the second conversation information 320 to conduct a scenario conversation corresponding to phase 3. The server 200 asks a question of the question item D1, obtains answer information 500 to the question, and stores the answer information 500 in chronological order in the storage unit 240 in association with the user U and phase 3. If the server 200 determines that the number of preparatory change talks is greater than the number of maintenance talks and the number of commitments is greater than the number of maintenance talks during the three-week period, it transitions from phase 3 to phase 4. From the eighth week onwards, the server 200 realizes conversations corresponding to phases 4 and 5 shown in FIG. 17.

From the above, the server 200 can determine whether the answer to the question obtained from the user U is the first type of answer or the second type of answer, and based on the determination result, decide whether to maintain the current phase or move to the next phase. In this way, the server 200 can determine a behavioral change from the answer of the user U, and determine a phase appropriate to the determination result. As a result, the server 200 can support the behavioral change of the user U by having a conversation with the user U according to the phase.

If user U's response is the first type of response (change talk), server 200 decides to move to the next phase, and if user U's response is the second type of response (maintenance talk), server 200 decides to maintain the current phase. In this way, server 200 can accurately determine user U's state in a phase by distinguishing between change talk and maintenance talk. As a result, server 200 can set the phase to be suitable for user U, and can efficiently support user U's behavioral change.

Based on the phase determination result for a specified period, the server 200 can determine whether to maintain the user U's phase in the first phase or to transition to the second phase. As a result, the server 200 can improve the accuracy of determining the behavioral change of the user U by focusing on the answers of the user U for a specified period.

The server 200 can determine whether to maintain the user U's phase in the first phase or to transition to the second phase based on the ratio between the number of first type answers and the number of second type answers among the answers obtained from the user U. As a result, the server 200 can improve the accuracy of determining the behavioral change of the user U by focusing on the number of answers of the user U in a specified period.

When the number of conversations with user U exceeds a threshold, server 200 can determine whether to maintain user U's phase in the first phase or transition to the second phase based on the ratio between the number of first type answers and the number of second type answers in the answers. As a result, when server 200 confirms that a conversation with user U is possible, it can further improve the accuracy of determining a behavioral change of user U by focusing on the number of answers from user U in a specified period.

When the first type of answer includes execution change talk, the server 200 can determine whether to maintain the user U's phase in the first phase or to transition to the second phase based on the number or percentage of execution change talk obtained from the user U. As a result, the server 200 can further improve the accuracy of determining the behavioral change of the user U by focusing on the execution change talk obtained when the user U performs a specified action.

The server 200 presents the user U with a question about the task, and based on whether the answer to the question is the second type of answer, it can determine whether the phase of the user U should be maintained in the first phase or transition to the second phase. As a result, the server 200 can ask a question appropriate to the phase, and can accurately judge the user U from the answer, thereby supporting the behavioral change of the user U.

If the number of positive answers to the question is the number that indicates that the user's behavioral change in the phase has been established, the server 200 can transition the user U's phase to the second phase. As a result, the server 200 can determine whether to transition or maintain the phase based on the user U's positive answers, and can therefore support the behavioral change in a phase that is appropriate for the user U.

The server 200 counts the number of times a confirmation conversation continues with the user U, and when the counting result satisfies a judgment condition, executes a process of determining whether to maintain the phase of the user U in the first phase or to transition to the second phase. As a result, when the server 200 confirms that a conversation with the user U is established, it can further improve the accuracy of judging a behavioral change of the user U by focusing on the number of responses of the user U in a specified period.

In the above embodiment, the server 200 realizes a conversation with the user U through a chatbot, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the server 200 may be configured to obtain the user U's answer through a voice conversation. In this case, the server 200 may recognize the answer to the question from the content of the user U's speech using well-known natural language understanding, natural language processing, etc.

In the above-described embodiment, the system 1 is described as a case where the server 200 is a cloud server, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the system 1 may realize the functions of the server 200 in the electronic device 100 of the user U. For example, the system 1 may realize the functions of the server 200 by multiple computers.

The appended claims have been described with respect to specific embodiments in order to fully and clearly disclose the technology according to the appended claims. However, the appended claims should not be limited to the above-described embodiments, but should be constructed to embody all modifications and alternative configurations that may be created by those skilled in the art within the scope of the basic matters presented in this specification.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 System 100 Electronic device 110 Display unit 120 Operation unit 130 Output unit 140 Sensor unit 150 Communication unit 160 Memory unit 161 Program 170 Control unit 200 Server 210 Display unit 220 Operation unit 230 Communication unit 240 Memory unit 241 Program 251 Discrimination unit 252 Decision unit 253 Question unit 254 Counting unit 255 Output control unit 300 Scenario information 310 First conversation information 320 Second conversation information 330 Log information 500 Answer information

Claims (10)

a determination unit that determines whether an answer to a question acquired from a user is a first type of answer or a second type of answer;
a decision unit that decides whether to maintain the phase of the user currently in the first phase in the first phase or to transition to a second phase based on a result of the determination by the determination unit;
Equipped with
The first type of response is change talk;
The second type of response is a sustain talk;
The decision unit decides to transition to the second phase when the judgment result of the discrimination unit is the first type of answer, and decides to maintain the first phase when the judgment result of the discrimination unit is the second type of answer . a determination unit that determines whether an answer to a question acquired from a user is a first type of answer or a second type of answer;
a decision unit that decides whether to maintain the phase of the user currently in the first phase in the first phase or to transition to a second phase based on a result of the determination by the determination unit;
Equipped with
The decision unit decides whether to maintain the user's phase in the first phase or to transition to the second phase based on the determination result for a predetermined period of time. a determination unit that determines whether an answer to a question acquired from a user is a first type of answer or a second type of answer;
a decision unit that decides whether to maintain the phase of the user currently in the first phase in the first phase or to transition to a second phase based on a result of the determination by the determination unit;
Equipped with
The decision unit decides whether to maintain the user's phase in the first phase or to transition to the second phase based on the ratio between the number of answers of the first type and the number of answers of the second type among the answers obtained from the user. a determination unit that determines whether an answer to a question acquired from a user is a first type of answer or a second type of answer;
a decision unit that decides whether to maintain the phase of the user currently in the first phase in the first phase or to transition to a second phase based on a result of the determination by the determination unit;
Equipped with
the first type of response includes an execution change talk indicating that a predetermined action has been performed;
The server, wherein the decision unit decides whether to maintain the user's phase in the first phase or transition to the second phase based on the number or percentage of the executed change talks obtained from the user. a determination unit that determines whether an answer to a question acquired from a user is a first type of answer or a second type of answer;
a decision unit that decides whether to maintain the phase of the user currently in the first phase in the first phase or to transition to a second phase based on a result of the determination by the determination unit;
a questioning unit that presents a question regarding the task to the user ,
A server, wherein the decision unit decides whether to maintain the user's phase in the first phase or transition to the second phase based on whether the answer to the question is the second type of answer. 6. The server according to claim 5 ,
The decision unit transitions the user's phase to the second phase when the number of affirmative answers to the question is a number that indicates that the user's behavioral change in the phase has been established. a determination unit that determines whether an answer to a question acquired from a user is a first type of answer or a second type of answer;
a decision unit that decides whether to maintain the phase of the user currently in the first phase in the first phase or to transition to a second phase based on a result of the determination by the determination unit;
A counting unit that counts the number of times a confirmation conversation continues with the user,
The determination unit executes a process of determining whether to maintain the user's phase in the first phase or to transition to the second phase when the counting result of the counting unit satisfies a judgment condition. a determination unit that determines whether an answer to a question acquired from a user is a first type of answer or a second type of answer;
a decision unit that decides whether to maintain the phase of the user currently in the first phase in the first phase or to transition to a second phase based on a result of the determination by the determination unit;
An output control unit that causes an electronic device operable by the user to output conversation information for outputting a conversation corresponding to the phase. A control method executed by a server capable of communicating with an electronic device, comprising:
determining whether an answer to a question obtained from a user is a first type of answer or a second type of answer;
determining whether to maintain the phase of the user currently in the first phase in the first phase or to transition to the second phase based on a determination result of whether the answer is the first type of answer or the second type of answer;
Including,
The first type of response is change talk;
The second type of response is a sustain talk;
A control method which decides to transition to the second phase when the determination result is the first type of answer, and decides to maintain the first phase when the determination result is the second type of answer . On the computer,
determining whether an answer to a question obtained from a user is a first type of answer or a second type of answer;
determining whether to maintain the phase of the user currently in the first phase in the first phase or to transition to the second phase based on a determination result of whether the answer is the first type of answer or the second type of answer;
Run the command ,
The first type of response is change talk;
The second type of response is a sustain talk;
A control program that causes the computer to execute the following: when the discrimination result is the first type of answer, deciding to transition to the second phase; and when the discrimination result is the second type of answer, deciding to maintain the first phase .

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