JP7821966B2 - Interest level estimation system and interest level estimation method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an interest level estimation system and an interest level estimation method for estimating the interest level of young children.

Various childcare-related technologies have been proposed. Patent Document 1 discloses a behavior management method that makes it easy to evaluate the actual behavior of a subject (infant).

International Publication No. 2020/194997

The present invention provides an interest level estimation system that can suggest activities that young children should undertake.

An interest level estimation system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires behavioral information indicating a first behavior that a guardian of a toddler wants the toddler to undertake during a target period, the behavioral information being based on a selection operation of the guardian, and schedule information indicating the toddler's planned behavior during the target period, the schedule information being based on input operations by at least one of the toddler and the guardian; an estimation unit that estimates the guardian's level of interest in each of multiple genres related to the toddler's behavior based on the acquired behavioral information, and estimates the toddler's level of interest in each of the multiple genres based on the acquired schedule information; and an output unit that outputs suggestion information for suggesting an behavior that the toddler should undertake based on the estimated guardian's and toddler's levels of interest, wherein the input operation includes an operation of selecting a second behavior that the toddler wishes the toddler to undertake during the target period, the second behavior being other than the first behavior.

An interest level estimation method according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer-implemented method that includes an acquisition step of acquiring behavioral information indicating a first behavior that a guardian of a toddler wants the toddler to undertake during a target period, the behavioral information being based on a selection operation of the guardian, and schedule information indicating the toddler's planned behavior during the target period, the schedule information being based on input operations by at least one of the toddler and the guardian; an estimation step of estimating the guardian's level of interest in each of multiple genres related to the toddler's behavior based on the acquired behavioral information, and estimating the toddler's level of interest in each of the multiple genres based on the acquired schedule information; and an output step of outputting suggestion information for suggesting an behavior that the toddler should undertake based on the estimated guardian's and toddler's levels of interest, wherein the input operation includes an operation of selecting a second behavior that the toddler wishes the toddler to undertake during the target period, the second behavior being other than the first behavior.

A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the interest level estimation method.

The interest level estimation system of the present invention can suggest activities that young children should engage in.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an interest level estimating system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of operations for generating behavior information, schedule information, and performance information. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the first input screen for schedule information. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the second input screen for schedule information. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the third input screen for schedule information. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the fourth input screen for schedule information. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the fifth input screen for schedule information. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the sixth input screen for schedule information. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen for performance information. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the behavior information, the schedule information, and the performance information. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a schedule-action comparison screen. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of calendar information. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of interest level estimation operation 1. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the conversion parameter information. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a method for converting second interest level information into first interest level information. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image showing first interest level information. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of interest level estimation operation 2. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a method for converting the counting results into third interest level information. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the proposed operation. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a proposed image.

The following describes the embodiments in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations may be omitted or simplified.

(Embodiment)
[composition]
First, the configuration of an interest level estimating system according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the interest level estimating system according to an embodiment.

The interest level estimation system 10 according to the embodiment is a system that can estimate the level of interest of Infant A and parent/guardian B in each of multiple genres related to possible behaviors of Infant A. The interest level is a parameter that indicates how interested Infant A or parent/guardian B are in that genre, or in other words, the level of interest.

The actions referred to here are actions that Preschooler A can take, such as going to the park, playing with blocks, drawing, studying numbers, and studying letters. Actions can also be referred to as activities or actions. Genres correspond to higher concepts of actions, and can also be referred to as fields, classifications, or types. In the following embodiments, genres are learning-related genres (in other words, learning fields), such as Japanese, arithmetic, science, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, the interest level estimation system 10 includes a first information terminal 20, a second information terminal 30, and an interest level estimation device 40. Each of these devices will be described below.

[First information terminal]
First, the first information terminal 20 will be described. The first information terminal 20 is an information terminal used by the infant A or the guardian B. The first information terminal 20 is, for example, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, but may also be a stationary information terminal such as a personal computer. Specifically, the first information terminal 20 includes an operation reception unit 21, a display unit 22, a control unit 23, a storage unit 24, a communication unit 25, and a speaker 26.

The operation reception unit 21 receives operations from Infant A or guardian B. For example, the operation reception unit 21 receives input operations from Infant A or guardian B, such as schedule information indicating Infant A's planned activities and performance information indicating Infant A's performance results. The operation reception unit 21 is implemented, for example, by a touch panel, but may also be implemented by a mouse and keyboard, etc.

The display unit 22 displays images. For example, the display unit 22 displays an input screen for schedule information and performance information. The display unit 22 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel.

The control unit 23 performs control such as causing the communication unit 25 to transmit the schedule information and performance information input to the operation reception unit 21 to the interest level estimation device 40. The control unit 23 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the control unit 23 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the control unit 23 executing a computer program stored in the memory unit 24.

The memory unit 24 is a storage device that stores computer programs executed by the control unit 23. The memory unit 24 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

The communication unit 25 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the first information terminal 20 to communicate with the interest level estimation device 40 via a wide area communication network 70 such as the Internet. The communication unit 25 transmits, for example, schedule information and performance information to the interest level estimation device 40. The communication performed by the communication unit 25 is, for example, wireless communication, but may also be wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication.

The speaker 26 outputs sounds such as an alarm. The speaker 26 is a speaker built into the first information terminal 20, but may also be a speaker attached externally to the first information terminal 20.

[Second information terminal]
Next, the second information terminal 30 will be described. The second information terminal 30 is an information terminal used by a teacher C at the preschool classroom (a school for preschool children) attended by the infant A. The second information terminal 30 is, for example, a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, but may also be a stationary information terminal such as a personal computer. Specifically, the second information terminal 30 includes an operation reception unit 31, a display unit 32, a control unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a communication unit 35.

The operation reception unit 31 receives operations from teacher C. For example, the operation reception unit 31 receives input operations for conversion parameter information from teacher C. The conversion parameter information will be described later. The multiple operation reception units 31 are realized, for example, by a touch panel, but may also be realized by a mouse and keyboard, etc.

The display unit 32 displays images. For example, the display unit 32 displays an input screen for conversion parameter information. The display unit 32 is realized by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel.

The control unit 33 controls the communication unit 35 to transmit the conversion parameter information input to the operation reception unit 31 to the interest level estimation device 40. The control unit 33 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the control unit 33 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the control unit 33 executing a computer program stored in the memory unit 34.

The memory unit 34 is a storage device that stores computer programs executed by the control unit 33. The memory unit 34 is realized, for example, by a semiconductor memory.

The communication unit 35 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the second information terminal 30 to communicate with the interest level estimation device 40 via the wide area communication network 70. The communication unit 35, for example, transmits conversion parameter information to the interest level estimation device 40. The communication performed by the communication unit 35 is, for example, wireless communication, but may also be wired communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication.

[Interest Level Estimation Device]
Next, the level of interest estimating device 40 will be described. The level of interest estimating device 40 is a cloud server (server device) that performs information processing to estimate the levels of interest of infant A and parent/guardian B based on information received from the first information terminal 20 and information received from the second information terminal 30. The level of interest estimating device 40 includes a communication unit 41, an information processing unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

The communication unit 41 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the interest level estimation device 40 to communicate with the first information terminal 20 and the second information terminal 30 via the wide area communication network 70. The communication performed by the communication unit 41 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard used for communication.

The information processing unit 42 performs information processing to estimate the interest levels of infant A and guardian B. The information processing unit 42 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The information processing unit 42 has, as functional components, an acquisition unit 44, an estimation unit 45, and an output unit 46. The functions of the acquisition unit 44, the estimation unit 45, and the output unit 46 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor that constitutes the information processing unit 42 executing a computer program stored in the memory unit 43. The detailed functions of the acquisition unit 44, the estimation unit 45, and the output unit 46 will be described later.

The memory unit 43 is a storage device that stores the computer programs executed by the information processing unit 42 and various information used to perform the above information processing. The memory unit 43 is realized, for example, by a hard disk drive (HDD).

[Behavior information, schedule information, and performance information]
The interest level estimation system 10 estimates the interest level of parent B in each of a plurality of genres using behavioral information indicating behaviors that parent B wants infant A to undertake. The interest level estimation system 10 also estimates the interest level of infant A in each of a plurality of genres using schedule information indicating the planned behavior of infant A and performance information indicating the performance of infant A's behavior.

The following describes the operational procedures for generating behavioral information, schedule information, and performance information, as well as examples of input screens. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the operational procedures. Figures 3 to 9 show examples of input screens.

In the following explanation, the input operation for entering schedule information is assumed to be performed by parent/guardian B. The input operation may also be performed by infant A. The input operation may be performed by at least one of infant A and parent/guardian B. The input operation includes the operations performed in steps S11 to S16.

First, while a predetermined input screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 22 of the first information terminal 20, parent B performs a selection operation for the behavior that parent B wants infant A to engage in during the target period of the next day, and the operation reception unit 21 receives this selection operation (S10). The input screen is displayed on the display unit 22, for example, by the control unit 23 executing an application program (hereinafter also referred to as the first app) dedicated to the interest level estimation system 10. The target period is, for example, about one hour in length, but the length of the target period is not particularly limited.

In step S10, Parent B specifically selects from the options a candidate behavior that they would like Infant A to perform. There are, for example, several dozen to 50 options available. Parent B can also freely input an action that is not included in the options.

In step S10, the behavior may be selected in two stages, by first selecting three or more candidates and then selecting one final candidate. The behavior selection in step S10 may be performed independently by, for example, parent B, who verbally informs infant A that he or she wants infant A to engage in the selected behavior during the target period the next day.

Next, Infant A and Parent B discuss what activities Infant A would like to perform during the target period the next day. Based on the results of the discussion, Parent B performs a selection operation from among the candidate activities that Infant A would like to perform during the target period, and the operation reception unit 21 receives this selection operation (S11).

When the operation of step S11 is performed, a first input screen such as that shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display unit 22 of the first information terminal 20. For example, the control unit 23 executes the first app to cause the display unit 22 to display a schedule information input screen.

When this first input screen is displayed, Parent B can tap the icon labeled "Select" in Figure 3 to display a screen displaying options (second input screen) as shown in Figure 4. Parent B selects a candidate action that they would like Infant A to perform from the displayed options. There are, for example, several dozen to 50 options available. Parent B can also freely input an action that is not included in the options.

In step S11, for example, multiple candidates (specifically, a predetermined number or more) are selected. The predetermined number is, for example, three. At this time, the control unit 23 records the time required for each of the multiple candidates to be selected (S12). Note that the time required for the first candidate to be selected is the time from when the first input screen is displayed until the first candidate is selected, and the time required for the second candidate to be selected is the time from when the first candidate is selected until the second candidate is selected.

Note that the behavior selected in step S10 (first behavior) is not included in the candidates (second behaviors) selected in step S11. In other words, the selection operation received in step S11 can be said to be an operation to select a second behavior other than the first behavior that infant A wishes to perform during the target period.

As a result, in step S11, an action that is less influenced by guardian B's intentions and more strongly reflects infant A's intentions is selected, thereby improving the accuracy of estimating infant A's level of interest, as described below. The first information terminal 20 (control unit 23) may also perform processing such as excluding the action selected in step S10 from the options displayed in step S11, and displaying an error message if the same action as in step S10 is selected in step S11.

Once the acceptance of the candidate selection operation has been completed, the display unit 22 displays a third input screen as shown in FIG. 5. While this third input screen is displayed, Infant A discusses from among the multiple candidates which activity he or she would particularly like to perform during the target period the next day. Based on the results of the discussion, Parent B performs a selection operation to select the final candidate, and the operation acceptance unit 21 accepts this selection operation (S13).

In step S13, final candidates are selected, for example, up to the predetermined number mentioned above. In the example of Figure 5, three actions are selected as final candidates from the five action candidates "TV," "Study numbers," "Drawing," "Go to the park," and "Building blocks."

Once the selection operation for the final candidates has been accepted, the display unit 22 displays a fourth input screen as shown in FIG. 6. While this fourth input screen is displayed, Infant A and parent/guardian B discuss the planned order in which the final candidates (three actions) will be performed during the target period. Based on the results of the discussion, parent/guardian B performs an operation to specify the planned order in which the multiple final candidates will be performed during the target period, and the operation acceptance unit 21 accepts this specification operation (S14).

Once the operation to specify the planned implementation order has been accepted, the display unit 22 displays a fifth input screen such as that shown in FIG. 7. While this fifth input screen is displayed, Infant A and Parent B discuss the time allocation of the final candidates (three activities) for the target period. Based on the results of the discussion, Parent B performs an operation to specify the time allocation of the determined multiple final candidates for the target period, and the operation acceptance unit 21 accepts this specification operation (S15). As shown in FIG. 7, the operation to specify the time allocation is, for example, an operation on a triangular icon displayed on the fifth input screen. Note that the time allocation is specified in the smallest unit of approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

Once the acceptance of the time allocation specification operation has been completed, the display unit 22 displays a sixth input screen as shown in FIG. 8. While this sixth input screen is displayed, Infant A and Parent B discuss the start time of the target period. Based on the results of the discussion, Parent B performs an operation to specify the start time of the target period, and the operation acceptance unit 21 accepts this specification operation (S16).

Next, the control unit 23 generates behavioral information based on the selection operation received in step S10, generates schedule information for infant A based on the input operations received in steps S11 to S16, and stores the generated behavioral information and schedule information in the storage unit 24 (S17). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing examples of behavioral information, schedule information, and performance information. As shown in FIG. 10, the schedule information associates the planned implementation date (the date following the day on which the schedule information is input), (a) candidate activities selected for the planned implementation date, (b) the time required for the candidate to be selected, (c) whether or not the candidate was selected as a final candidate, (d) the planned implementation order of the final candidate, and (e) the planned implementation time of the final candidate. Note that the planned implementation time is determined by the time allocation specification operation described above. As shown in (b) and (c), the schedule information includes information obtained in connection with the input of the schedule. Furthermore, as described below, performance information is associated with the schedule information. Note that the behavioral information can also be considered part of the schedule information.

Then, a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) before the start time of the target period specified in step S16, the control unit 23 outputs an alarm sound from the speaker (S18). Instead of or in addition to the alarm sound, the control unit 23 may vibrate the first information terminal 20 using a vibration motor (not shown) provided in the first information terminal 20.

The control unit 23 also causes the display unit 22 to display the input screen shown in Figure 9 for inputting performance information.

When Infant A actually performs one of the three final candidate actions scheduled for the previous day, Parent B performs a selection operation to select one action to be performed through the input screen in Figure 9 and taps the icon labeled "Start activity." Parent B also taps the icon labeled "End activity" when completing the selected action. The operation reception unit 21 receives these input operations (S19), and the control unit 23 generates performance information based on the received input operations and stores the generated performance information in association with the schedule information (S20). As shown in Figure 10 above, the performance information associates (f) the order in which the final candidate actions were actually performed with (g) the time at which the final candidate actions were actually performed.

As described above, parent B can input behavioral information, schedule information, and achievement information via the first information terminal 20. The input of behavioral information, schedule information, and achievement information (the series of processes shown in FIG. 2) is performed daily, and the behavioral information, schedule information, and achievement information are accumulated in the memory unit 24. As described below, the accumulated behavioral information, schedule information, and achievement information are transmitted to the interest level estimation device 40 by the communication unit 25.

When a predetermined operation is performed on the first information terminal 20 (operation receiving unit 21) running the first app, the control unit 23 can display on the display unit 22 a comparison screen in which the planned activity indicated by the schedule information and the actual activity indicated by the actual activity information are arranged side by side. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the comparison screen. In Figure 11, the upper row shows the planned activity, and the lower row shows the actual activity. This comparison screen allows infant A and guardian B to look back on how the actual activity went against the planned activity.

Furthermore, when a predetermined operation is performed on the first information terminal 20 (operation receiving unit 21) while the first app is running, the control unit 23 can display calendar information indicating, for each date, whether or not behavioral information, schedule information, and achievement information have been input. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of calendar information. In the example of FIG. 12, a star-shaped stamp is stamped on days when behavioral information, schedule information, and achievement information have been input (corresponding to the dates in FIG. 10), and no stamp is stamped on days when behavioral information, schedule information, and achievement information have not been input. Using such calendar information, the interest level estimation system 10 can increase the motivation of infant A and parent/guardian B to input schedule information and achievement information.

It is assumed that the operation of selecting an action and the operation of inputting schedule information are performed in the time period before going to bed on the day before the action is actually performed. Therefore, the control unit 23 may automatically transition from normal mode to night mode when the time period before going to bed (for example, the time period after 9 PM and before midnight) arrives while the first app is being executed. In night mode, the control unit 23 reduces the brightness of the display unit 22 below that of normal mode and reduces the output volume of the speaker 26 below that of normal mode. This prevents the operation (information input) from interfering with sleep.

[Estimation Action 1: Estimation Action of Infant's Interest Level]
A description will be given of an estimation operation 1 for estimating the interest level of infant A using the schedule information and performance information input as described above. Fig. 13 is a flowchart of the estimation operation 1 for estimating the interest level of infant A.

First, the communication unit 41 of the interest level estimation device 40 receives schedule information indicating the planned behavior of infant A and performance information indicating the performance of infant A's behavior from the first information terminal 20 (S21), and the information processing unit 42 stores the received schedule information and performance information in the memory unit 43 (S22). The schedule information and performance information are, for example, transmitted periodically from the first information terminal 20 to the interest level estimation device 40, but may also be transmitted aperiodically. The memory unit 43 stores (accumulates) the schedule information and performance information for at least a predetermined period, and infant A's level of interest is estimated based on the schedule information and performance information for the predetermined period. The predetermined period is, for example, one month, but may also be one week, and is not particularly limited.

After step S22, the communication unit 41 receives conversion parameter information from the second information terminal 30 (S23), and the information processing unit 42 stores the received conversion parameter information in the storage unit 43 (S24). First, the conversion parameter information will be described. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of conversion parameter information.

As described below, the interest level estimation system 10 estimates Infant A's second interest level for each of a plurality of behaviors (i.e., the interest level for each behavior), and then converts the second interest level into Infant A's first interest level for each of a plurality of genres (i.e., the interest level for each genre). The conversion parameter information is information used for this conversion, and is information (e.g., table information) indicating coefficients (parameters) for converting the second interest level for each of the several tens to approximately 50 types of behavior candidates (multiple behavior candidates prepared as options) described above into the first interest level. In other words, the conversion parameter information is information indicating the degree to which a certain behavior applies to each of a plurality of genres.

The multiple genres here are, for example, four: Japanese, mathematics, science, and social studies, but these genres are just an example. For example, the number of multiple genres may be three or less, or five or more. Furthermore, the multiple genres may be genres that are approached from different perspectives than the learning fields (learning subjects), such as right-brain and left-brain.

The conversion parameter information is manually input into the second information terminal 30 by teacher C. In other words, the relationship between the behavior and genre indicated by the conversion parameter information is based on teacher C's subjective evaluation. For example, the control unit 33 of the second information terminal 30 executes a second application program (hereinafter also referred to as the second app) dedicated to the interest level estimation system 10, causing the display unit 32 to display an input screen for the conversion parameter information. While the input screen is displayed, the operation reception unit 31 receives an input operation for the conversion parameter information (in the example of FIG. 14, the numbers 1 to 5 in the table) from teacher C. The conversion parameter information input in this manner is transmitted to the interest level estimation device 40 by the communication unit 35.

The conversion parameter information described above is input by Teacher C, and reflects the characteristics of the preschool classroom attended by Infant A (the school to which Teacher C belongs), as well as the content of lessons at that classroom. In other words, the conversion parameter information will be different for each preschool classroom.

Next, the acquisition unit 44 acquires schedule information and performance information of infant A for the above-mentioned predetermined period from the storage unit 43 (S25), and the estimation unit 45 estimates infant A's second level of interest (second interest level information) in each of the multiple behaviors based on the acquired schedule information and performance information (S26). For example, infant A's second level of interest S in a certain behavior is estimated based on the following formula. The second level of interest S is a value greater than or equal to 0, with a larger value indicating a higher level of interest.

S=wa・Sa+wb・Sb+wc・Sc+wd・Sd
+we・Se+wf・Sf+wg・Sg

In the above formula, Sa to Sg represent the scores corresponding to each item (a) to (g) in Figure 10, and all are positive values. The maximum and minimum values of Sa to Sg are set to the same value.

For example, the score Sa is based on the cumulative number of times a certain behavior has been selected as a candidate over a specified period of time, and the greater the cumulative number, the higher the value. In other words, the more likely a behavior is to be selected as a candidate by Infant A, the higher the score Sa will be.

The score Sb is based on the cumulative value of the time required for an action to be selected as a candidate, and the smaller the cumulative value, the higher the score Sb. In other words, the more easily Infant A selects an action as a candidate, the higher the score Sb will be.

The score Sc is based on the cumulative number of times a certain behavior has been selected as a final candidate over a specified period of time, and the higher the cumulative number, the higher the value. In other words, the more likely a behavior is to be selected as a final candidate by Infant A, the higher the score Sc will be.

The score Sd is based on the average value of the planned performance order, and the smaller the average planned performance order, the higher the score. In other words, the more likely a behavior is to be scheduled first by Infant A, the higher the score Sd.

The score Se is based on the cumulative value of the scheduled execution time, and the larger the cumulative value, the higher the score Se. In other words, the longer the scheduled time for an action for Infant A, the higher the score Se.

The score Sf is based on the average value of the performance order, and the smaller the average performance order, the higher the value. In other words, the more likely an action is to be performed first by Infant A, the higher the score Sf.

The score Sg is based on the cumulative value of the duration of the behavior, and the larger the cumulative value, the higher the value. In other words, the longer Infant A performs an action, the higher the score Sg will be.

Furthermore, wa-wg are weights for the scores Sa-Sg and are generally positive values, but may be 0. In other words, the second interest level S only needs to be calculated using at least some of the scores Sa-Sg, and does not necessarily need to be calculated using all of the scores Sa-Sg. Furthermore, wa-wg may be negative values. The values of wa-wg may be set empirically or experimentally as appropriate. For example, while the score Sa is based on the cumulative number of times selected as a candidate, the score Sc is based on the cumulative number of times selected as a final candidate, so it is considered that the score Sc has a greater influence on the second interest level S than the score Sa. In such cases, the setting is wc > wa.

Next, the acquisition unit 44 acquires conversion parameter information from the storage unit 43 (S27), and the estimation unit 45 converts the second interest level information obtained in step S26 into first interest level information based on the acquired conversion parameter information (S28). In other words, the estimation unit 45 estimates Infant A's first interest level for each of multiple genres based on the estimated second interest level and the acquired conversion parameter information. Figure 15 is a diagram for explaining a method for converting second interest level information into first interest level information.

The estimation unit 45 can calculate the first interest level for "Japanese" by multiplying each value (i.e., second interest level) in the second interest level column of the second interest level information in FIG. 15(a) by each value (coefficient) in the "Japanese" column of the conversion parameter information in FIG. 15(b), and then summing the resulting multiplied values. Similarly, the estimation unit 45 calculates the first interest level for each of "arithmetic," "science," and "social studies," and normalizes the calculated first interest levels. As a result, first interest level information indicating Infant A's first interest level for each of multiple genres is obtained, as shown in FIG. 15(c). In other words, the estimation unit 45 can convert second interest level information (second interest level) into first interest level information (first interest level).

The output unit 46 outputs the first interest level information obtained in step S28 (S29) and causes the communication unit 41 to transmit the output first interest level information to the second information terminal 30 (S30). The communication unit 35 of the second information terminal 30 receives the first interest level information, and the control unit 33 causes the display unit 32 to display an image showing the received first interest level information. Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of an image showing the first interest level information.

In this way, if Infant A's level of interest in each genre (learning field) is displayed on the display unit 32, Teacher C can grasp Infant A's level of interest and use this information to help teach Infant A. In other words, by providing the level of interest in genres, the interest level estimation system 10 can assist Teacher C in grasping Infant A's level of interest. When Teacher C is provided with the level of interest in genres that correspond to the higher-level concept of behavior, it becomes easier to formulate educational guidelines for Infant A than when Teacher C is provided with the level of interest in behavior. For example, comparing being provided with information that Infant A is interested in playing with blocks with being provided with information that Infant A is interested in mathematics, Teacher C finds it easier to formulate educational guidelines (such as what kind of teaching materials to prepare) in the latter case.

In step S30, the communication unit 41 may transmit the first interest level information to the first information terminal 20 instead of or in addition to the second information terminal 30. In this case, the communication unit 25 of the first information terminal 20 receives the first interest level information, and the control unit 23 causes the display unit 22 to display an image indicating the received first interest level information.

In this way, if Infant A's level of interest in each genre (field of study) is displayed on the display unit 22, Parent B of Infant A can understand Infant A's level of interest. In other words, the interest level estimation system 10 can assist Parent B in understanding Infant A's level of interest by providing the level of interest in genres. A parent who is provided with the level of interest in genres that correspond to the higher concept of behavior can more easily formulate educational guidelines for Infant A than if they are provided with the level of interest in behavior. For example, comparing being provided with information that Infant A is interested in playing with blocks with being provided with information that Infant A is interested in math-related subjects, Parent B will find it easier to formulate educational guidelines (such as what kind of teaching materials to prepare) in the latter case.

Furthermore, in the above-described estimation operation 1, the acquisition unit 44 acquired both schedule information and performance information, but it is sufficient for the acquisition unit 44 to acquire at least schedule information. In other words, in the above-described estimation operation 1, where it is described that both schedule information and performance information are used, only schedule information may be used.

The formula used to estimate the second interest level in the above estimation operation 1 is just one example, and the formula for estimating the second interest level may be determined empirically or experimentally as appropriate. A machine learning model may also be used to estimate the second interest level. Such a machine learning model takes schedule information and performance information (at least the schedule information) as input and outputs second interest level information. The machine learning model can construct schedule information and performance information (at least the schedule information) as training data, to which the subjective evaluation results of the interest level for each behavior are assigned as correct answer labels.

[Estimation Operation 2: Estimation Operation of Parental Interest Level]
Next, a description will be given of an estimation operation 2 for estimating the interest level of parent B using the behavior information input as described above. Fig. 17 is a flowchart of the estimation operation 2 (an operation for estimating the interest level of parent B).

First, the communication unit 41 of the interest level estimation device 40 receives behavioral information from the first information terminal 20 (S31), and the information processing unit 42 stores the received behavioral information in the memory unit 43 (S32). The behavioral information is, for example, periodically transmitted from the first information terminal 20 to the interest level estimation device 40, but may also be transmitted aperiodically. The behavioral information may be transmitted together with schedule information and performance information, or may be transmitted separately from schedule information and performance information. The memory unit 43 stores (accumulates) behavioral information for at least a predetermined period, and parent B's interest level is estimated based on the behavioral information for the predetermined period. The predetermined period is, for example, one month, but may also be one week, and is not particularly limited.

After step S32, the communication unit 41 receives conversion parameter information from the second information terminal 30 (S33), and the information processing unit 42 stores the received conversion parameter information in the storage unit 43 (S34). Note that if the conversion parameter information is already stored in the storage unit 43, the processing of steps S33 and S34 is omitted.

Next, the acquisition unit 44 acquires behavioral information for the above-mentioned predetermined period from the storage unit 43 (S35), and the estimation unit 45 tally up the number of times each of one or more behaviors that parent B wants infant A to engage in during the predetermined period was selected based on the acquired behavioral information (S36).

Next, the acquisition unit 44 acquires conversion parameter information from the storage unit 43 (S37), and the estimation unit 45 converts the counted results from step S36 into third interest level information based on the acquired conversion parameter information (S38). In other words, the estimation unit 45 estimates parent B's level of interest in each of multiple genres based on the counted results of the number of times the behavior was selected and the acquired conversion parameter information. Figure 18 is a diagram for explaining a method for converting the counted results into third interest level information.

The estimation unit 45 can calculate the third interest level for "Japanese" by multiplying each value in the column of the number of selections in the aggregation result in (a) of Figure 18 by each value (coefficient) in the column of "Japanese" in the conversion parameter information in (b) of Figure 18, and summing the values after multiplication. Similarly, the estimation unit 45 calculates the third interest level for each of "arithmetic," "science," and "social studies," and normalizes the calculated third interest levels. As a result, third interest level information indicating parent B's third interest level for each of multiple genres is obtained, as shown in (c) of Figure 18. In other words, the estimation unit 45 can convert the aggregation result into third interest level information (third interest level).

The output unit 46 outputs the third interest level information obtained in step S38 (S39), and causes the communication unit 41 to transmit the output third interest level information to the second information terminal 30 (S40). The communication unit 35 of the second information terminal 30 receives the third interest level information, and the control unit 33 causes the display unit 32 to display an image showing the received third interest level information. The image at this time is the same as that shown in FIG. 16.

In this way, if parent B's level of interest in each genre (learning field) is displayed on the display unit 32, teacher C can understand parent B's level of interest and use this information to help instruct child A. In other words, by providing the level of interest in genres, the interest level estimation system 10 can help teacher C understand parent B's level of interest.

In step S40, the communication unit 41 may transmit the third interest level information to the first information terminal 20 instead of or in addition to the second information terminal 30. In this case, the communication unit 25 of the first information terminal 20 receives the third interest level information, and the control unit 23 causes the display unit 22 to display an image indicating the received third interest level information.

In this way, by displaying Parent B's level of interest in each genre (field of study) on the display unit 22, Parent B can understand his or her own level of interest.

In addition, in the above-described estimation operation 2, the acquisition unit 44 acquires behavioral information (planned number of times of behavior), but the acquisition unit 44 may also acquire, in addition to behavioral information, the number of times (actual results) that the behavior selected as behavioral information has been performed. In this case, the number of times the behavior selected as behavioral information has been performed is stored in the memory unit 24 of the first information terminal 20, similar to the actual results information, and provided to the interest level estimation device 40.

Based on the acquired behavioral information, the estimation unit 45 tallies the total number of times each behavior was selected and performed for one or more behaviors that parent B wanted infant A to engage in during a predetermined period. In other words, the numerical value in the column for number of selections in Figure 18 is the total number of times each behavior was selected and performed. When totaling the number of times each behavior was selected and performed, weights may be assigned to each of the number of selections and the number of times each behavior was performed, and the weighted numbers of times each behavior was selected and performed may be totaled.

[Suggested action]
The interest level estimating system 10 can also perform a suggestion operation to suggest an action suitable for infant A based on the interest levels of infant A and parent B. Fig. 19 is a flowchart of the suggestion operation.

First, the estimation unit 45 of the interest level estimation device 40 estimates Infant A's first interest level by performing the above-described estimation operation 1 (S51). Specifically, the estimation unit 45 estimates Infant A's first interest level for each of a plurality of genres based on the schedule information acquired by the acquisition unit 44.

Next, the estimation unit 45 estimates parent B's third interest level by performing the above-mentioned estimation operation 2 (S52). Specifically, the estimation unit 45 estimates parent B's third interest level for each of multiple genres based on the behavioral information acquired by the acquisition unit 44.

Next, the output unit 46 determines the actions to be suggested to infant A and guardian B based on the estimated first interest level of infant A and the estimated third interest level of guardian B (S53).

Here, the candidate actions to be suggested are the several dozen to 50 types of actions (multiple actions prepared as options) mentioned above. The conversion parameters mentioned above are set for these actions. In other words, each candidate action to be suggested has a coefficient set that indicates its relevance to each of multiple genres.

The output unit 46 identifies the genre (also referred to as the second genre) for which infant A has the highest estimated first interest level in step S51, and identifies the genre (also referred to as the first genre) for which guardian B has the highest estimated third interest level in step S52. Among the candidate behaviors to be proposed, the output unit 46 determines, as the behaviors to be proposed (behaviors considered suitable for infant A), those for which both the coefficient for the first genre and the coefficient for the second genre are greater than predetermined values.

For example, if the first genre is Japanese and the second genre is arithmetic, actions whose Japanese and arithmetic coefficients are equal to or greater than a first predetermined value (e.g., 4) are determined to be actions to be suggested (actions that Infant A should take up in the future). If there are multiple such actions, all of them may be determined to be actions to be suggested, the action with the largest sum of the Japanese coefficient and the arithmetic coefficient may be determined to be actions to be suggested, or a random selection of the actions may be determined to be actions to be suggested.

Furthermore, if the first genre and second genre are the same, such as when both the first genre and the second genre are Japanese, then, for example, actions whose coefficient for that genre is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value (e.g., 4.5) that is greater than the first predetermined value are determined to be actions eligible for suggestion. In this case, too, if there are multiple applicable actions, all of them may be determined to be actions eligible for suggestion, the action with the highest coefficient for that genre may be determined to be actions eligible for suggestion, or a random selection of actions may be determined to be actions eligible for suggestion.

Next, the output unit 46 generates proposal information for proposing the action that will be the subject of the proposal determined in step S53, and outputs the generated proposal information (S54). The output unit 46 then causes the communication unit 41 to transmit this proposal information to the second information terminal 30 (S55). The communication unit 35 of the second information terminal 30 receives the proposal information, and the control unit 33 causes the display unit 32 to display, for example, a proposal image such as that shown in FIG. 20 based on the received proposal information. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a proposal image.

If the proposed information includes first interest level information obtained as a result of the processing in step S51 and third interest level information obtained as a result of the processing in step S52, the first interest level information and third interest level information can also be visualized (graphed) in the proposed image.

The first interest level information and the third interest level information may be visualized as separate pie charts, as in Figure 16 above. However, in the example of Figure 20, Infant A's first interest level for each of multiple genres and Parent B's third interest level for each of multiple genres are superimposed on a single radar chart. This display format of the first interest level information and third interest level information allows Teacher C to easily grasp the difference between Infant A's first interest level and Parent B's third interest level.

In this way, if teacher C is presented with suggested behaviors for child A and parent B, teacher C can use this as a reference to establish educational guidelines.

In step S55, the communication unit 41 may send the proposal information to the first information terminal 20 instead of or in addition to the second information terminal 30. In this case, the communication unit 25 of the first information terminal 20 receives the proposal information, and the control unit 23 causes the display unit 22 to display a proposal image based on the received proposal information.

In this way, if the behavior is directly presented to Child A and Parent B, they can use this as a reference to set educational guidelines.

In addition, a business providing a service using the interest level estimation system 10 (interest level estimation device 40) may provide teacher C or parent B with a report (paper version) equivalent to the above-mentioned proposed image.

Furthermore, it is sufficient that the proposed image at least displays the behavior to be proposed, and it is not necessary for the first interest level information and the third interest level information to be visualized in the proposed image. For example, the output unit 46 can also output display information for displaying both the first interest level and the third interest level (information including the contents of both the first interest level information and the third interest level information) separately from the proposed information. In other words, the output unit 46 can output information for displaying only the graph portion of the proposed image in FIG. 20, and display only the graph portion on the display unit 22 of the first information terminal 20 or the display unit 32 of the second information terminal 30.

[Effects, etc.]
Hereinafter, examples of inventions that can be obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be given, and the effects and the like that can be obtained from the exemplified inventions will be explained.

Invention 1 is an interest level estimation system 10 that includes an acquisition unit 44 that acquires behavioral information indicating a first behavior that guardian B of infant A wants infant A to undertake during a target period, the behavioral information being based on a selection operation by guardian B, and schedule information indicating infant A's planned behavior during the target period, the schedule information being based on input operations by at least one of infant A and guardian B; an estimation unit 45 that estimates guardian B's level of interest in each of multiple genres related to infant A's behavior based on the acquired behavioral information, and estimates infant A's level of interest in each of the multiple genres based on the acquired schedule information; and an output unit 46 that outputs suggestion information for suggesting an behavior that infant A should undertake based on the estimated levels of interest of guardian B and infant A, where the input operation includes an operation of selecting a second behavior that infant A wishes to perform during the target period, the second behavior being other than the first behavior.

Such an interest level estimation system 10 can suggest an action that Infant A should take by estimating the interest levels of both Infant A and Parent B. Furthermore, if the system is configured to estimate Infant A's interest level based on the selection of a second action other than the first action that Parent B wants Infant A to take, it becomes more likely that Infant A will select the second action that he or she desires, rather than that of Parent B, resulting in improved accuracy in estimating Infant A's interest level.

Invention 2, the interest level estimation system 10 described in Invention 1 is configured such that the candidate behaviors to be suggested by the suggestion information are assigned coefficients indicating their relevance to each of a plurality of genres, and the output unit 46 identifies, from among the plurality of genres, a first genre with the highest estimated interest level for guardian B and a second genre with the highest estimated interest level for infant A, and determines, from among the candidate behaviors to be suggested, those behaviors for which both the coefficient for the first genre and the coefficient for the second genre are greater than predetermined values as the behaviors to be suggested by the suggestion information.

This interest level estimation system 10 can suggest activities that Infant A should undertake based on the genres in which Infant A and parent B are each highly interested.

Invention 3 is the interest level estimation system 10 of Invention 1 or 2, in which the output unit 46 further outputs display information for displaying the estimated interest level of parent B and the estimated interest level of infant A.

Such an interest level estimation system 10 can display the interest levels of both infant A and parent B.

Invention 4 is an interest level estimation system 10 according to Invention 3, in which the display information is information for superimposing on a single radar chart the interest level of parent B in each of a plurality of genres and the interest level of child A in each of a plurality of genres.

This interest level estimation system 10 can display the interest levels of Infant A and Parent B in a manner that makes it easy to compare them relative to one another.

Invention 5 is an interest level estimation system 10 according to any one of Inventions 1 to 4, in which the estimation unit 45 tallies the number of times each of one or more behaviors selected as first behaviors during a predetermined period was selected as a first behavior based on the acquired behavioral information, the acquisition unit 44 further acquires conversion information for converting the tallying results into interest levels for each of a plurality of genres, and the estimation unit 45 estimates parent B's interest level in each of the plurality of genres based on the tallying results and the acquired conversion information.

Such an interest level estimation system 10 can estimate parent B's interest level based on the number of times a behavior is selected as the first behavior.

Invention 6 is an interest level estimation system 10 according to any one of Inventions 1 to 5, comprising an interest level estimation device 40 including an acquisition unit 44, an estimation unit 45, and an output unit 46, and a first information terminal 20 that communicates with the interest level estimation device 40, wherein the acquisition unit 44 acquires behavioral information based on selection operations performed by guardian B on the first information terminal 20, and acquires schedule information based on input operations performed by the user on the first information terminal 20.

Such an interest level estimation system 10 can estimate the interest level of parent B based on behavioral information input to the first information terminal 20, and can estimate the interest level of infant A based on schedule information input to the first information terminal 20.

Invention 7 is the interest level estimation system 10 described in Invention 5, in which the conversion information is input to the second information terminal 30 by teacher C of the preschool classroom attended by child A, and the acquisition unit 44 acquires the conversion information based on the input operation by teacher C to the second information terminal 30.

Such an interest level estimation system 10 can estimate the interest level of parent B based on the conversion parameter information input by teacher C.

Invention 8 is an interest level estimation method executed by a computer such as interest level estimation system 10. The interest level estimation method includes an acquisition step of acquiring behavioral information indicating a first behavior that guardian B of infant A wants infant A to undertake during a target period, the behavioral information being based on a selection operation by guardian B, and schedule information indicating infant A's planned behavior during the target period, the schedule information being based on an input operation by at least one of infant A and guardian B; an estimation step of estimating guardian B's level of interest in each of multiple genres related to infant A's behavior based on the acquired behavioral information, and estimating infant A's level of interest in each of the multiple genres based on the acquired schedule information; and an output step of outputting suggestion information for suggesting an behavior that infant A should undertake based on the estimated levels of interest of guardian B and infant A, wherein the input operation includes an operation of selecting a second behavior that infant A wishes to perform during the target period, the second behavior being other than the first behavior.

This type of interest level estimation method can suggest an action that Infant A should take by estimating the interest levels of both Infant A and parent/guardian B. Furthermore, if the configuration is such that Infant A's interest level is estimated based on the selection of a second action other than the first action that parent/guardian B wants Infant A to take, it becomes more likely that Infant A's desired second action, rather than parent/guardian B's, will be selected, resulting in improved accuracy in estimating Infant A's interest level.

(Other embodiments)
Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

For example, in the above embodiment, the first interest level information, third interest level information, and suggestion information were provided to teachers in the preschool classroom, but they may also be provided to childcare workers (employees at a nursery school or kindergarten), etc. In other words, the second information terminal may be used by childcare workers, etc. Also, in the above embodiment, the genre was described as being a learning field, but it may also be an activity field or a work field, etc.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the interest level estimation system is realized by multiple devices, but it may also be realized as a single device. For example, the interest level estimation system may be realized as a single device corresponding to the interest level estimation device. When the interest level estimation system is realized by multiple devices, the components of the interest level estimation system may be distributed among the multiple devices in any manner.

Furthermore, the communication method between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. Furthermore, communication between devices may involve a relay device (not shown).

Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. For example, in the above embodiments, some or all of the processing performed by the interest level estimating device may be performed by the first information terminal or the second information terminal. Furthermore, the order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program appropriate for that component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. They may also be realized as any combination of a system, device, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

For example, the present invention may be realized as an interest level estimation method executed by a computer, such as an interest level estimation system, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such an interest level estimation method. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as an application program (i.e., a first app or a second app) for causing a general-purpose computer to operate as the first information terminal or the second information terminal of the above-described embodiments. The present invention may also be realized as a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium on which these programs are recorded.

In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that would occur to those skilled in the art, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

10 Interest level estimation system 20 First information terminal 30 Second information terminal 44 Acquisition unit 45 Estimation unit 46 Output unit A Infant B Parent C Teacher

Claims (9)

an acquisition unit that acquires behavioral information indicating a first behavior that a guardian of a small child wants the small child to engage in during a target period, the behavioral information being based on a selection operation of the guardian, and schedule information indicating a schedule of the small child's behavior during the target period, the schedule information being based on an input operation of at least one user of the small child or the guardian;
an estimation unit that estimates the level of interest of the guardian in each of a plurality of genres related to the behavior of the infant based on the acquired behavior information, and estimates the level of interest of the infant in each of the plurality of genres based on the acquired schedule information;
an output unit that outputs suggestion information for suggesting an action that the infant should take based on the estimated interest level of the guardian and the estimated interest level of the infant,
The input operation includes an operation of selecting a second behavior that the infant wishes to perform during the target period, the second behavior being other than the first behavior. A coefficient indicating a degree of relevance to each of a plurality of genres is set for each of the candidate actions to be proposed by the proposal information,
The output unit
Identifying a first genre in which the guardian has the highest estimated interest level and a second genre in which the infant has the highest estimated interest level from among the plurality of genres;
The interest level estimation system of claim 1, wherein, among the candidate actions to be proposed, an action for which both the coefficient for the first genre and the coefficient for the second genre are greater than a predetermined value is determined to be the action to be proposed by the proposal information. The interest level estimating system according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit further outputs display information for displaying the estimated interest level of the parent and the estimated interest level of the child. The interest level estimation system according to claim 3, wherein the display information is information for superimposing the parent's interest level in each of the plurality of genres and the child's interest level in each of the plurality of genres on a single radar chart. the estimation unit counts the number of times each of the one or more behaviors selected as the first behavior within a predetermined period of time is selected as the first behavior based on the acquired behavior information;
The acquisition unit further acquires conversion information for converting the results of the aggregation into degrees of interest for each of the plurality of genres,
The level of interest estimating system according to claim 1 , wherein the estimation unit estimates the level of interest of the parent/guardian in each of a plurality of genres based on the result of the counting and the acquired conversion information. The interest level estimation system includes:
an interest level estimating device including the acquisition unit, the estimation unit, and the output unit;
a first information terminal that communicates with the interest level estimating device;
The interest level estimation system of claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the behavioral information based on the selection operation of the guardian on the first information terminal, and acquires the schedule information based on the input operation of the user on the first information terminal. the conversion information is input into a second information terminal by a teacher of an early childhood classroom attended by the child;
The interest level estimating system according to claim 5 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the conversion information based on an input operation of the teacher to the second information terminal. 1. A computer-implemented method for estimating interest levels, comprising:
an acquisition step of acquiring behavioral information indicating a first behavior that a guardian of a small child wants the small child to engage in during a target period, the behavioral information being based on a selection operation of the guardian, and schedule information indicating a schedule of the small child's behavior during the target period, the schedule information being based on an input operation of at least one user of the small child or the guardian;
an estimation step of estimating the level of interest of the guardian in each of a plurality of genres related to the behavior of the infant based on the acquired behavior information, and estimating the level of interest of the infant in each of the plurality of genres based on the acquired schedule information;
an output step of outputting suggestion information for suggesting an action that the infant should take, based on the estimated interest level of the guardian and the estimated interest level of the infant;
The input operation includes an operation of selecting a second behavior that the infant wishes to perform during the target period, the second behavior being other than the first behavior. A program for causing a computer to execute the interest level estimation method described in claim 8.