Information processor, information processing method and information processing program

Abstract

To improve a way of providing a news article.SOLUTION: An information processor includes: an acquisition part which acquires news article information related to a news article distributed by a predetermined news distribution service; and a display control part which places content corresponding to the news article at a location on a map corresponding to the news article indicated by the news article information on the basis of the news article information acquired by the acquisition part and displays it on a user terminal used by a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, techniques related to information distribution via the Internet are known. As an example of such a technique, there is known a technique of receiving submissions of articles from a plurality of users via a network, editing the articles in the form of an electronic newspaper, and publishing them.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described technique, there is room for improvement in the mode of providing news articles.

[0005] For example, in the above-described technique, only the articles submitted by the users are published, and there is room for improvement in the mode of providing news articles.

[0006] The present application has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to improve the mode of providing news articles.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The information processing apparatus according to the present application includes an acquisition unit that acquires news article information regarding news articles distributed in a predetermined news distribution service, and based on the news article information acquired by the acquisition unit, at a position on a map corresponding to the news article indicated by the news article information, arranges content corresponding to the news article and causes it to be displayed on a user terminal used by a user. It is characterized by having a display control unit.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, there is an effect that the mode of providing news articles can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 6

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] The following describes in detail the embodiments for implementing the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application are not limited by this embodiment. Also, in the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0011] 〔1. Embodiment〕 The information processing realized by the information processing apparatus and the like of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the information processing according to the embodiment. In FIG. 1, it is assumed that the information processing according to the embodiment and the like are realized by an information processing apparatus 10 which is an example of the information processing apparatus according to the present application.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment includes an information processing apparatus 10, a user terminal 100, and a provider terminal 200. The information processing apparatus 10, the user terminal 100, and the provider terminal 200 are connected to each other so as to be communicable by wire or wirelessly via a network N (for example, see FIG. 6). The network N is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet. Note that the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 may include a plurality of information processing apparatuses 10, a plurality of user terminals 100, and a plurality of provider terminals 200.

[0013] The information processing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing apparatus that performs information processing, and is realized by, for example, a server apparatus, a cloud system, or the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 10 is, for example, an information processing apparatus that provides a user with a news distribution service for distributing content related to news articles.

[0014] Note that the information processing apparatus 10 may have a function as a web server that provides a website related to a news distribution service. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 may be a device that distributes information to be displayed on an application (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "news app") related to a news distribution service installed in the user terminal 100. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 may be a server that distributes the news app itself. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 may function as a distribution device that distributes control information to the user terminal 100. Here, the control information is described by, for example, a script language such as JavaScript (registered trademark) or a style sheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). Note that the news app itself distributed from the information processing apparatus 10 may be regarded as control information.

[0015] The user terminal 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing apparatus used by a user. The user terminal 100 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the case where the user terminal 100 is a smartphone used by the user is shown.

[0016] Further, the user terminal 100 displays the information provided by the information processing apparatus 10 by a web browser or an application. Note that when the user terminal 100 receives control information for realizing information display processing from the information processing apparatus 10 or the like, the user terminal 100 realizes the display processing according to the control information.

[0017] The user terminal 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing apparatus used by a user. The user terminal 100 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the user terminal 100 is shown as a smartphone used by the user.

[0018] The provider terminal 200 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing apparatus used by a provider of news articles provided in a news distribution service (for example, a reporter in various media (mass media) such as a newspaper company, a publishing house, a broadcasting station (TV station, radio station), etc.). The provider terminal 200 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA, or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the provider terminal 200 is shown as a notebook PC used by the provider.

[0019] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1, the information processing performed by the information processing apparatus 10 will be described. In the following description, according to the user who uses the user terminal 100, the user terminals 100-1 to 100-N (N is an arbitrary natural number) will be described. For example, the user terminal 100-1 is the user terminal 100 used by a user (user U1) identified by the user ID "UID#1". Also, hereinafter, when the user terminals 100-1 to 100-N are described without particular distinction, they will be described as the user terminal 100. Also, in the following description, the user terminal 100 may be regarded as the same as the user. That is, hereinafter, the user can also be read as the user terminal 100.

[0020] Also, in the following description, it is assumed that a news app is installed on the user terminal 100.

[0021] Also, in the following description, according to the provider who uses the provider terminal 200, the provider terminals 200-1 to 200-N (N is an arbitrary natural number) will be described. For example, the provider terminal 200-1 is the provider terminal 200 used by a provider (provider P1) identified by the provider ID "PID#1". Also, in the following, when the provider terminals 200-1 to 200-N are described without particular distinction, they will be referred to as the provider terminal 200. Also, in the following description, the provider terminal 200 may be regarded as the same as the provider. That is, in the following, the provider can also be read as the provider terminal 200.

[0022] Also, in the following description, it is assumed that the information processing device 10 manages area information regarding each area in its own storage unit. For example, the information processing device 10 stores area information including identification information (area ID) for identifying each area, location information (location, range, etc.) of each area, map information within each area, and store information regarding stores located in each area. Note that the area may be set to an arbitrary size range as appropriate. For example, the area may be divided into meshes of the same size based on latitude and longitude. That is, the area may be an area divided by regional meshes. In this case, a regional mesh code may be used as the area ID. Note that the above is an example, and the area is not limited to regional meshes and may be set based on various information. For example, the area may be set based on administrative divisions such as "town", "ward", "city", and "prefecture".

[0023] First, the information processing device 10 acquires news article information regarding news articles provided by the provider from the provider terminal 200 (step S1). For example, the information processing device 10 acquires, as news article information, information such as the event indicated by the news article, the category of the news article, the text information indicating the news article, and the image information indicating the image of the news article.

[0024] Note that the information processing device 10 may acquire the news article information stored in its own storage unit from the storage unit.

[0025] Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 10 distributes content related to the news article (hereinafter, may be referred to as "news content") to the user terminal 100 via the news application based on the news article information (step S2). Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 10 receives, from the user via the user terminal 100, an arrangement operation (pivot) of the news article on the map (step S3). For example, when a predetermined operation is performed on the news content, the information processing apparatus 10 causes the user terminal 100 to display a map corresponding to the news article indicated by the news content (for example, a map corresponding to the area indicated by the text information of the news article), and receives an arrangement operation (for example, a selection operation for any position on the map) of the news article on the map. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 10 receives identification information for identifying the news article and position information indicating the position where the arrangement operation of the news article was performed.

[0026] Note that the information processing apparatus 10 may receive the arrangement operation of the news article together with the input of the user's comment on the news article. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 may cause the user terminal 100 to display a map of an area arbitrarily selected by the user, and receive an arrangement operation of the news article on the map.

[0027] Further, the information processing apparatus 10 may receive an arrangement operation of the news article from an administrator of the area (for example, a local government that manages the area, a business operator that operates the area, a chamber of commerce and industry promotion association corresponding to the area, etc., which are legal persons). Further, the information processing apparatus 10 may receive the arrangement operation of the news article together with the input of the administrator's comment on the news article.

[0028] Further, even if the information processing apparatus 10 does not receive an arrangement operation of the news article from the user or the administrator of the area, etc., the information processing apparatus 10 may set the arrangement of the news article at a position on the map corresponding to the news article.

[0029] Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 10 arranges, in the news application, the content corresponding to the news article on the map and causes the user terminal 100 to display it (step S4). For example, the information processing apparatus 10 arranges and displays the content corresponding to the news article at the position where the user has performed the arrangement operation of the news article. Also, the information processing apparatus 10 arranges and displays the content corresponding to the news article at the position where the administrator of the area has performed the arrangement operation of the news article. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 arranges and displays the content corresponding to the news article at the position set by itself. Hereinafter, the content corresponding to the news article arranged and displayed on the map may be referred to as "arranged content".

[0030] Here, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, the arranged content provided by the information processing apparatus 10 to the user terminal 100 via the news distribution application will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram (1) showing an example of the screen of the user terminal 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram (2) showing an example of the screen of the user terminal 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram (3) showing an example of the screen of the user terminal 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram (4) showing an example of the screen of the user terminal 100 according to the embodiment.

[0031] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 100 activates the news distribution application and displays a screen SC1 including a region AR11 for displaying a map (news map) indicating a predetermined area and a region AR12 for displaying news content related to the area. For example, the user terminal 100 displays a map showing area #1 corresponding to the user's current location, the user's base (e.g., place of residence, commuting destination, school destination, etc.), and the arranged content corresponding to the news article arranged on the map (in other words, hereinafter, may be referred to as "arranged content of area #1") in the region AR11. As a specific example, the user terminal 100 displays, in a balloon form, at the position where the corresponding news article is arranged, the thumbnail image of the news article, the comment input by the user or the administrator, and other arranged content.

[0032] In addition, the user terminal 100 displays news content indicating an event that occurred in area #1, news content related to news articles where text information indicates area #1, etc. in the area AR12.

[0033] Here, when the user presses the area AR11, the user terminal 100 displays the screen SC2 shown in FIG. 3. For example, the user terminal 100 arranges and displays, on the map of area #1, the arrangement content corresponding to news articles (for example, news articles with the number of views being equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value, news articles with the number of high evaluations such as "likes" being equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value, etc.) among the arrangement content in area #1 that meet the predetermined conditions of the user's reaction, and displays the screen SC2 including the area AR21. In addition, the user terminal 100 displays the screen SC2 including the area AR22 including news content having relevance to area #1, news content having relevance to other areas adjacent to area #1, etc.

[0034] Note that the user terminal 100 may display the screen SC3 shown in FIG. 4 according to the user's operation on the screen SC2. For example, when an operation of designating the user U1 is performed, the user terminal 100 arranges and displays, on the map of area #1, the arrangement content corresponding to the news article on which the user U1 performed an arrangement operation among the arrangement content in area #1, and displays the screen SC3 including the area AR31. In addition, the user terminal 100 displays the screen SC3 including the area AR32 including news content having relevance to area #1, news content having relevance to other areas adjacent to area #1, etc.

[0035] Also, when an operation to specify the administrator of area #1 is performed on screen SC2, the user terminal 100 displays screen SC4. For example, among the placement contents in area #1, the user terminal 100 displays screen SC3 including an area AR41 where the placement content corresponding to the news article on which the administrator of area #1 performed a placement operation is placed and displayed on the map of area #1. Further, the user terminal 100 displays screen SC4 including an area AR42 including news content related to area #1 and news content related to other areas adjacent to area #1.

[0036] Note that the user terminal 100 may display screen SC3 or screen SC4 according to the user's operation on screen SC1. Also, the user terminal 100 may display screen SC2 or screen SC4 according to the user's operation on screen SC3. Further, the user terminal 100 may display screen SC2 or screen SC3 according to the user's operation on screen SC4.

[0037] Also, the user terminal 100 may accept a news article placement operation from the user on screens SC1 to SC4. For example, on screen SC1, the user terminal 100 accepts a drag operation of the news content displayed in area AR12 onto the map displayed in area AR11 as a placement operation of the news article indicated by the news content. Also, on screen SC2, the user terminal 100 accepts a drag operation of the news content displayed in area AR22 onto the map displayed in area AR21 as a placement operation of the news article indicated by the news content. Also, on screen SC3, the user terminal 100 accepts a drag operation of the news content displayed in area AR32 onto the map displayed in area AR31 as a placement operation of the news article indicated by the news content. Also, on screen SC4, the user terminal 100 accepts a drag operation of the news content displayed in area AR42 onto the map displayed in area AR41 as a placement operation of the news article indicated by the news content.

[0038] In addition, on screen SC3, the user terminal 100 may enable the placement operation of news articles only for users who follow the user U1 in a news distribution application or other predetermined services (for example, SNS (Social Networking Service)). Also, on screen SC4, the user terminal 100 may enable the placement operation of news articles only for the area AR43 set by the administrator of area #1.

[0039] Returning to FIG. 1, the description will continue. When the user performs a selection operation on the placement content, the information processing device 10 provides the user terminal 100 with news content indicating the corresponding news article and causes it to be displayed on the screen. Also, the information processing device 10 receives the user's reaction to the placement content (for example, posting a comment on the placement content, evaluation, etc.). Then, the information processing device 10 sets a benefit for the user who has performed the placement operation of the news article corresponding to the placement content according to the number of times the selection operation has been performed on the placement content and the user's reaction to the placement content (step S5). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, among the placement content arranged in area AR43, for the user who has performed the placement operation of the news article corresponding to the most selected placement content, the placement content with the largest number of posted comments, or the placement content with the highest evaluation, the title of the area master of area #1 is set.

[0040] Note that benefits may be set for the user according to the number of placement operations of news articles. For example, the information processing device 10 sets benefits for users whose number of placement operations of news articles in a predetermined region is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0041] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment arranges the content corresponding to the news article at the position on the map corresponding to the news article and causes it to be displayed on the user terminal 100. Thereby, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment can improve the mode of providing news articles.

[0042] Also, conventionally, when delivering news articles, the news articles are simply displayed in a timeline format, and the relevance to the user's current location, base, etc. becomes weak, and there are cases where the user's interest cannot be attracted. Therefore, according to the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, since it is possible to display content related to news articles associated with the user's current location, base, etc., the interest in the news articles can be enhanced.

[0043] Also, according to the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, for the map where the user has placed a news article, an arrangement operation of the news article can be received from other users who are the user's followers, etc., together with comments on the news article, and the corresponding content can be displayed on the map. Therefore, a communication place for users can be provided.

[0044] 〔2. Other processing examples〕 Note that the above-described processing is merely an example, and the information processing apparatus 10 may perform various processes using various information. Regarding this point, the following examples are listed.

[0045] 〔2-1. Regarding the category of news articles〕 In the example of FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 10 may display only the arrangement content corresponding to news articles belonging to a predetermined category on the user terminal 100. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 displays only the arrangement content corresponding to news articles in a category (for example, an event, an accident, gourmet, etc.) in which the position associated with the occurred event can be specified, and makes the arrangement content corresponding to news articles in a category (for example, economy, politics, etc.) in which the position associated with the occurred event cannot be specified non-displayed.

[0046] Note that the information processing apparatus 10 may display only the layout content corresponding to the news articles in the category specified by the user who views the layout content. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 causes the user terminal 100-1 to display only the layout content corresponding to the news articles in the category specified by the user U1.

[0047] Further, the information processing apparatus 10 may make the layout content corresponding to a news article that does not include the location information of the event occurring in the news article information non-displayed.

[0048] [[2-2. Regarding the display of layout content]] In the example of FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 10 may make the corresponding layout content non-displayed when a predetermined period (for example, one day, three days, one week) has elapsed since the news article was started to be distributed in the news distribution application.

[0049] Further, the information processing apparatus 10 may make the layout content non-displayed when a predetermined period (for example, one day, three days, one week) has elapsed since the layout operation was performed by the user and the display of the layout content on the map was started.

[0050] Further, the information processing apparatus 10 may cause the corresponding layout content to be highlighted when the event indicated by the news article has occurred within a predetermined period (for example, one hour, 24 hours). For example, as shown in the screen SC2 of FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 10 causes the layout content indicating the character string "occurred within one hour" to be displayed. Note that the information processing apparatus 10 may reduce the degree of highlighting of the corresponding layout content according to the time elapsed since the event indicated by the news article occurred. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 may cause the corresponding layout content to be highlighted when the news article has been distributed within a predetermined period since it was started to be distributed in the news distribution application. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 may reduce the degree of highlighting of the corresponding layout content according to the time elapsed since the news article was started to be distributed in the news distribution application.

[0051] In addition, the information processing apparatus 10 may highlight the placement content corresponding to the news article corresponding to the user who views among the placement content. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 causes the user terminal 100-1 to highlight the placement content corresponding to the category to which a news article belonging to a predetermined ratio or more among the news articles viewed by the user U1 belongs. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 causes the user terminal 100-1 to highlight the placement content of the news corresponding to the attributes of the user U1 (for example, demographic attributes, psychographic attributes, etc.).

[0052] In addition, the information processing apparatus 10 may highlight the placement content placed in the area designated by the user who views among the placement content placed in the area #1. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 causes the user terminal 100-1 to highlight the placement content placed in the area designated by the user U1 among the area #1.

[0053] In addition, the information processing apparatus 10 may display the placement content among the placement content for which the placement operation has been performed by another user who follows the user who views the placement content in a news distribution service or other predetermined service. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 causes the user terminal 100-1 to display the placement content among the placement content for which the placement operation has been performed by another user who follows the user U1 in a news distribution service or other predetermined service.

[0054] [2-3. Regarding the display of placement content according to operations on the map] In the example of FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 10 may display placement content according to the user's operation on the map of Area #1. For example, when the scale of the map of Area #1 is changed by the user's zoom-in operation or zoom-out operation, the information processing apparatus 10 displays the placement content corresponding to the map after the scale change. Taking a specific example, when the map of Area #1 is enlarged, the information processing apparatus 10 determines whether the user's reaction to the corresponding news article for the placement content arranged in the area shown by the enlarged map satisfies a predetermined condition, and displays the placement content determined to satisfy the predetermined condition. Also, when the map of Area #1 is reduced, the information processing apparatus 10 determines whether the user's reaction to the corresponding news article for the placement content arranged in the area shown by the reduced map satisfies a predetermined condition, and displays the placement content determined to satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0055] For example, when the map of Area #1 is enlarged, the information processing apparatus 10 displays the placement content corresponding to the news article with fewer user reactions than the news article corresponding to the placement content displayed in the map before the enlargement. Also, when the map of Area #1 is reduced, the information processing apparatus 10 displays the placement content corresponding to the news article with more user reactions than the news article corresponding to the placement content displayed in the map before the reduction.

[0056] Further, the information processing apparatus 10 may display placement content with a granularity corresponding to the scale of the map. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 increases the amount of information of the placement content as the scale is larger, and decreases the amount of information of the placement content as the scale is smaller for display. Taking a specific example, when the scale is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the information processing apparatus 10 displays placement content including the text information of the news article and the user comments on the placement operation of the news article, etc., and when the scale is less than the predetermined threshold, the information processing apparatus 10 displays placement content not including the text information of the news article and the user comments on the placement operation of the news article, etc.

[0057] In addition, when the area shown on the map displayed on the user terminal is changed by the user's scroll operation, the information processing apparatus 10 may display arrangement content corresponding to the news article on which the arrangement operation has been performed in the area after the change.

[0058] [[2-4. Display of Content Related to Arrangement Content]] In the example of FIG. 1, when a news article related to the news article indicated by the arrangement content (for example, a follow-up report) is distributed in the news distribution service, the information processing apparatus 10 may display related content corresponding to the related news article at a position corresponding to the arrangement content. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 may display the related content by superimposing it on the arrangement content. Further, when a news article that is a follow-up report of the related content is distributed, the information processing apparatus 10 may display the content corresponding to the news article by superimposing it on the related content. Thereby, the user can view the latest news article by selecting the content displayed at the top, and can view past news articles by selecting the content displayed below and going back from the latest news article.

[0059] [[2-5. Association of Arrangement Content]] In the example of FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 10 may display by connecting with a line arrangement contents having relevance to each other. For example, the information processing apparatus 10 connects with a line and displays arrangement contents corresponding to news articles indicating events occurring in parallel at a plurality of positions (for example, Olympic competitions, baseball games, disasters, etc.). Here, when the connection destination arrangement content of the arrangement content arranged on the map displayed on the user terminal 100 is not on the map (that is, when the connection destination arrangement content is not displayed on the user terminal 100), when the user performs an operation (for example, a line selection operation) instructing the display of the connection destination arrangement content, the information processing apparatus 10 causes the map displayed on the user terminal 100 to transition (map jump) to the map on which the connection destination arrangement content is arranged.

[0060] [3. Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus] Next, the configuration of the information processing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the information processing apparatus 10 includes a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0061] (Regarding Communication Unit 20) The communication unit 20 is realized by, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. Then, the communication unit 20 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and performs information transmission and reception with the user terminal 100, the provider terminal 200, and the like.

[0062] (Regarding Storage Unit 30) The storage unit 30 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. As shown in FIG. 6, the storage unit 30 includes a user information database 31 and a news article information database 32.

[0063] (Regarding User Information Database 31) The user information database 31 stores various types of information about the user. Here, an example of the information stored in the user information database 31 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database 31 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 7, the user information database 31 has items such as "user ID", "attribute information", "browsing history", and "arranged content information".

[0064] "User ID" indicates identification information for identifying a user. "Attribute information" indicates the attributes of a user. "Browsing history" indicates the history of content browsed by a user. "Placed content information" indicates information regarding placed content corresponding to a news article on which a user has performed a placement operation, and has items such as "Placed content ID", "News article ID", "Delivery date and time", "Placement location", "Comment information", "Reaction information", etc.

[0065] "Placed content ID" indicates identification information for identifying placed content. "News article ID" indicates identification information for identifying a news article corresponding to the placed content. "Delivery date and time" indicates the date and time when the placement operation of the news article was performed and the delivery of the corresponding placed content was started. "Placement location" indicates the location on the map where the placement operation of the news article corresponding to the placed content was performed. "Comment information" indicates the comment entered by the user when performing the placement operation of the news article. "Reaction information" indicates information regarding the user's reaction to the placed content, and stores information such as comments from users who have viewed the placed content, evaluations of the placed content, number of views, etc.

[0066] That is, in FIG. 7, an example is shown where the attribute information of the user identified by the user ID "UID#1" is "Attribute information#1", the browsing history is "Browsing history#1", the placed content corresponding to the news article on which the user has performed a placement operation is identified by the placed content ID "CID#1", the news article is identified by the news article ID "NID#1", the date and time when the display of the placed content was started is "Delivery date and time#1", the location where the placement operation of the news article was performed is "Placement location#1", the comment entered by the user regarding the news article is "Comment information#1", and the reaction from the user who has viewed the placed content is "Reaction information#1".

[0067] (Regarding the news article information database 32) The news article information database 32 stores various information regarding news articles. Here, with reference to FIG. 8, an example of the information stored in the news article information database 32 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the news article information database 32 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 8, the news article information database 32 has items such as "news article ID", "distribution date and time", "event information", "category", "text information", "image information", "related information", and "reaction information".

[0068] The "news article ID" indicates identification information for identifying a news article. The "distribution date and time" indicates the date and time when the distribution of a news article (news content) was started in the news distribution service. The "event information" indicates the event shown in the news article. The "category" indicates the category to which the news article belongs. The "text information" indicates the text information showing the news article. The "image information" indicates an image related to the news article. The "related information" indicates information regarding other news articles having relevance to the news article. The "reaction information" indicates information regarding the reaction of users to the news article (news content), and for example, information such as comments from users who viewed the news article, evaluations of the news article, and the number of views is stored.

[0069] That is, in FIG. 8, an example is shown where the date and time when the distribution of the news article identified by the news article ID "NID#1" was started is "distribution date and time #11", the event shown in the news article is "event information #1", the category of the news article is "category #1", the text information is "text information #1", the image information is "image information #1", the related information is "related information #1", and the reaction information is "reaction information #11".

[0070] (Regarding the control unit 40) The control unit 40 is a controller, which is realized, for example, by various programs stored in the storage device inside the information processing apparatus 10 being executed with the RAM as a working area by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like. Further, the control unit 40 is a controller and is realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 40 according to the embodiment has an acquisition unit 41, a display control unit 42, a provision unit 43, and a setting unit 44, and realizes or executes the functions and operations of information processing described below.

[0071] (Regarding the acquisition unit 41) The acquisition unit 41 acquires news article information regarding news articles distributed in a predetermined news distribution service. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the acquisition unit 41 acquires news article information regarding news articles provided by a provider from the provider terminal 200 and stores it in the news article information database 32.

[0072] (Regarding the display control unit 42) Based on the news article information acquired by the acquisition unit 41, the display control unit 42 arranges the content corresponding to the news article at the position on the map corresponding to the news article indicated by the news article information and causes it to be displayed on the user terminal used by the user. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the display control unit 42 refers to the news article information database 32 and arranges the arrangement content corresponding to the news article on the map in the news application and causes it to be displayed on the user terminal 100.

[0073] Further, the display control unit 42 may arrange the content at the position set by the user on the map. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the display control unit 42 arranges and displays the content corresponding to the news article at the position where the user has performed the arrangement operation of the news article.

[0074] In addition, the display control unit 42 may cause the content whose position on the map is set by other users being followed by the user in the news distribution service to be displayed. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the display control unit 42 causes the user terminal 100-1 to display the placement content among the placement contents that has been placed by other users who follow the user U1 in the news distribution service or other predetermined services.

[0075] In addition, the display control unit 42 may cause the content corresponding to the news articles belonging to a predetermined category among the news articles to be displayed. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the display control unit 42 causes only the placement content corresponding to the news articles belonging to a predetermined category to be displayed on the user terminal 100.

[0076] In addition, the display control unit 42 may cause the content corresponding to the news articles belonging to the category specified by the user among the news articles to be displayed. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the display control unit 42 causes only the placement content corresponding to the news articles of the category specified by the user U1 to be displayed on the user terminal 100-1.

[0077] In addition, when a predetermined period has elapsed since the news article corresponding to the content was distributed in the news distribution service, the display control unit 42 may not cause the content to be displayed. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the display control unit 42 makes the corresponding placement content invisible when a predetermined period has elapsed since the news article was started to be distributed in the news distribution application.

[0078] In addition, when a predetermined period has elapsed since the content was distributed, the display control unit 42 may not cause the content to be displayed. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the display control unit 42 makes the placement content invisible when a predetermined period has elapsed since the placement operation was performed by the user and the display of the placement content on the map was started.

[0079] In addition, the display control unit 42 may cause content indicating news articles within a predetermined period after the corresponding event occurs to be highlighted. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the display control unit 42 causes the corresponding layout content to be highlighted when the event indicated by the news article occurs within a predetermined period.

[0080] In addition, the display control unit 42 may cause content indicating news articles corresponding to the user to be highlighted. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the display control unit 42 refers to the user information database 31 and causes the layout content corresponding to the category to which a predetermined percentage or more of the news articles viewed by the user U1 belong to be highlighted on the user terminal 100-1. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 causes the layout content of the news corresponding to the attributes of the user U1 to be highlighted on the user terminal 100-1.

[0081] In addition, the display control unit 42 may cause the content arranged in the area selected by the user to be highlighted. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the display control unit 42 causes the layout content arranged in the area designated by the user U1 within area #1 to be highlighted on the user terminal 100-1.

[0082] In addition, when the scale of the map is changed by the user's zoom-in operation or zoom-out operation, the display control unit 42 may display the content corresponding to the map after the scale is changed. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, when the map of area #1 is enlarged, the display control unit 42 determines whether the user's reaction to the corresponding news article satisfies a predetermined condition for the layout content arranged in the area indicated by the enlarged map, and displays the layout content determined to satisfy the predetermined condition. Further, when the map of area #1 is reduced, the display control unit 42 determines whether the user's reaction to the corresponding news article satisfies a predetermined condition for the layout content arranged in the area indicated by the reduced map, and displays the layout content determined to satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0083] In addition, the display control unit 42 may display content with a granularity corresponding to the scale of the map. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the display control unit 42 increases the amount of information of the placement content as the scale of the map becomes larger, and decreases the amount of information of the placement content as the scale becomes smaller for display.

[0084] In addition, when the area of the map displayed on the user terminal is changed by the user's scroll operation, the display control unit 42 may display content corresponding to the changed area. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, when the area shown by the map displayed on the user terminal is changed by the user's scroll operation, the display control unit 42 displays placement content corresponding to the news article on which the placement operation was performed in the changed area.

[0085] In addition, in the news distribution service, when a news article related to the news article indicated by the content is distributed, the display control unit 42 may display related content corresponding to the related news article at a position corresponding to the content. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, in the news distribution service, when a news article related to the news article indicated by the placement content is distributed, the display control unit 42 displays related content corresponding to the related news article at a position corresponding to the placement content.

[0086] In addition, the display control unit 42 may display related content superimposed on the content. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the display control unit 42 displays related content superimposed on the placement content.

[0087] In addition, the display control unit 42 may display each of the related contents among the contents in an associated manner. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the display control unit 42 displays connected with a line the placement contents having relevance to each other.

[0088] In addition, when the user performs an operation to display the second content associated with the first content, the display control unit 42 may cause the user terminal to display a map corresponding to the second content, and display the second content on the map. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, when the connection destination placement content of the placement content arranged on the map displayed on the user terminal 100 is not on the map and the user performs an operation to instruct the display of the connection destination placement content, the display control unit 42 causes the map displayed on the user terminal 100 to transition to the map on which the connection destination placement content is arranged.

[0089] (Regarding the providing unit 43) The providing unit 43 provides the user with content that indicates a news article corresponding to the content on which the user has performed a selection operation and that is distributed in the news distribution service. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, when the user performs a selection operation on the placement content, the providing unit 43 refers to the news article information database 32, provides the user terminal 100 with news content indicating the corresponding news article, and causes it to be displayed on the screen.

[0090] (Regarding the setting unit 44) The setting unit 44 sets a benefit for the user according to the number of contents for which the user has set a position on the map. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the setting unit 44 refers to the user information database 31 and sets a benefit for users who have performed a news article placement operation in a predetermined area and whose number is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0091] In addition, the setting unit 44 may set a benefit for the user according to the reaction from other users to the content for which the user has set a position on the map. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the setting unit 44 sets the title of the area master of area #1 for the user who has performed a news article placement operation corresponding to the most frequently selected placement content, the placement content with the largest number of posted comments, or the placement content with the highest evaluation.

[0092] [4. Information Processing Flow] Using FIG. 9, the information processing procedure of the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing procedure according to the embodiment.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 9, the information processing apparatus 10 determines whether it has acquired news article information regarding news articles distributed in a predetermined news distribution service (step S101). If it has not acquired the news article information (step S101; No), the information processing apparatus 10 waits until it acquires the news article information.

[0094] On the other hand, when it has acquired the news article information (step S101; Yes), the information processing apparatus 10 arranges the content corresponding to the news article at the position on the map corresponding to the news article indicated by the news article information based on the news article information, and causes it to be displayed on the user terminal used by the user (step S102), and ends the process.

[0095] [5. Modification Examples] The above-described embodiment shows an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0096] [5-1. Regarding the Processing Mode] Among the respective processes described in the above embodiment, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed can also be manually performed, and conversely, all or part of the processes described as being manually performed can also be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, regarding the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above text and drawings, they can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the illustrated information.

[0097] In addition, each component of each illustrated device is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the drawings. That is, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage situations, etc.

[0098] Also, the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined within a range that does not cause contradictions in the processing content.

[0099] [[6. Effects]] As described above, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit 41, a display control unit 42, a provision unit 43, and a setting unit 44. The acquisition unit 41 acquires news article information regarding news articles distributed in a predetermined news distribution service. The display control unit 42 arranges the content corresponding to the news article indicated by the news article information acquired by the acquisition unit 41 at the position on the map corresponding to the news article, and causes it to be displayed on the user terminal used by the user. The provision unit 43 provides the user with content that shows the news article corresponding to the content selected and operated by the user and that is distributed in the news distribution service. The setting unit 44 sets a benefit for the user according to the number of contents for which the user has set a position on the map. In addition, the setting unit 44 sets a benefit for the user according to the reaction from other users to the content for which the user has set a position on the map.

[0100] Thereby, since the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment can arrange the content corresponding to the news article at the position on the map corresponding to the news article and cause it to be displayed on the user terminal, the mode of providing the news article can be improved.

[0101] Also, in the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the display control unit 42 arranges the content at the position set by the user on the map.

[0102] As a result, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment can arrange the content corresponding to the news article at the position on the map set by the user and display it on the user terminal, so that the mode of providing the news article can be improved.

[0103] In addition, in the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the display control unit 42 displays the content whose position on the map is set by other users who follow the user in the news distribution service. In addition, the display control unit 42 displays the content corresponding to the news article belonging to a predetermined category among the news articles. In addition, the display control unit 42 displays the content corresponding to the news article belonging to the category specified by the user among the news articles.

[0104] As a result, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment can display the content according to the user, so that the mode of providing the news article can be improved.

[0105] In addition, in the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the display control unit 42 does not display the content when a predetermined period has elapsed since the news article corresponding to the content was distributed in the news distribution service. In addition, the display control unit 42 does not display the content when a predetermined period has elapsed since the content was distributed.

[0106] As a result, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment can make the content related to the news article for which a predetermined period has elapsed non-displayable, so that it can always provide the content related to the new news article.

[0107] Also, in the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the display control unit 42 causes content indicating a news article within a predetermined period after the corresponding event occurs to be highlighted. Also, the display control unit 42 causes content indicating a news article corresponding to the user to be highlighted. Also, the display control unit 42 causes content arranged in the area selected by the user to be highlighted.

[0108] Thereby, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment can highlight content that satisfies a predetermined condition, so that the visibility of the content can be improved.

[0109] Also, in the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, for example, when the scale of the map is changed by the user's zoom-in operation or zoom-out operation, the display control unit 42 causes content corresponding to the map after the scale is changed to be displayed. Also, the display control unit 42 causes content with a granularity corresponding to the scale of the map to be displayed. Also, when the area of the map displayed on the user terminal is changed by the user's scroll operation, the display control unit 42 causes content corresponding to the changed area to be displayed.

[0110] Thereby, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment can update the content to be displayed according to the user's operation, so that the convenience can be improved.

[0111] Also, in the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, for example, in a news distribution service, when a news article related to the news article indicated by the content is distributed, the display control unit 42 causes related content corresponding to the related news article to be displayed at a position corresponding to the content. Also, the display control unit 42 causes the related content to be displayed superimposed on the content. Also, the display control unit 42 causes each of the related contents among the contents to be displayed in association. Also, when the user performs an operation to display the second content associated with the first content, the display control unit 42 causes a map corresponding to the second content to be displayed on the user terminal, and causes the second content to be displayed on the map.

[0112] As a result, the information processing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment can display related contents in association with each other, thereby improving convenience.

[0113] 〔7. Hardware Configuration〕 In addition, the information processing apparatus 10 according to each of the above-described embodiments is realized by, for example, a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in FIG. 10. Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus 10 will be described as an example. FIG. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing apparatus 10. The computer 1000 includes a CPU 1100, a ROM 1200, a RAM 1300, an HDD 1400, a communication interface (I / F) 1500, an input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and a media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0114] The CPU 1100 operates based on a program stored in the ROM 1200 or the HDD 1400 and controls each part. The ROM 1200 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 is started up, a program depending on the hardware of the computer 1000, and the like.

[0115] The HDD 1400 stores a program executed by the CPU 1100, data used by such a program, and the like. The communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via the communication network 500 (corresponding to the network N in the embodiment) and sends it to the CPU 1100, and also sends data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the communication network 500.

[0116] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input devices such as keyboards and mice, via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from the input device via the input / output interface 1600. Also, the CPU 1100 outputs the data generated via the input / output interface 1600 to the output device.

[0117] The media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in the recording medium 1800 and provides it to the CPU 1100 via the RAM 1300. The CPU 1100 loads such a program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1300 via the media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), PD (Phase change rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory, etc.

[0118] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the information processing apparatus 10, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 40 by executing the program loaded on the RAM 1300. Also, each data in the storage device of the information processing apparatus 10 is stored in the HDD 1400. The CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, these programs may be acquired from other devices via a predetermined communication network.

[0119] [8. Others] As described above in detail some of the embodiments of the present application with reference to the drawings, these are examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms with various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting from the aspects described in the column of the disclosure of the invention.

[0120] In addition, the information processing apparatus 10 described above can have its configuration flexibly changed, such as realizing some functions by calling an external platform or the like through an API (Application Programming Interface) or network computing.

[0121] Also, the "section" described in the claims can be read as "means", "circuit", etc. For example, the reception section can be read as reception means or reception circuit.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0122] 10 Information processing apparatus 20 Communication section 30 Storage section 31 User information database 32 News article information database 40 Control section 41 Acquisition section 42 Display control section 43 Provision section 44 Setting section 100 User terminal 200 Provider terminal

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires news article information regarding news articles distributed in a predetermined news distribution service; A display control unit that, based on the news article information acquired by the acquisition unit, arranges content corresponding to the news article indicated by the news article information at a position on a map corresponding to the news article and causes the content to be displayed on a user terminal used by a user An information processing apparatus characterized by comprising the above.

2. The display control unit arranges the content at a position set by the user on the map. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The display control unit displays the content whose position on the map is set by another user who is following the user in the news distribution service. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

4. A providing unit that provides the user with content that is content indicating a news article corresponding to the content on which the user has performed a selection operation and that is distributed in the news distribution service. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further characterized by comprising the above.

5. The display control unit displays the content corresponding to news articles belonging to a predetermined category among the news articles. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

6. The display control unit displays the content corresponding to news articles belonging to a category designated by the user among the news articles. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

7. The display control unit does not display the content when a predetermined period has elapsed since the news article corresponding to the content was distributed in the news distribution service. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

8. The display control unit does not display the content when a predetermined period has elapsed since the content was distributed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

9. The display control unit highlight-displays the content indicating news articles within a predetermined period after the corresponding event has occurred. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

10. The display control unit highlight-displays the content indicating news articles corresponding to the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

11. The display control unit causes the content arranged in the area selected by the user to be highlighted The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first setting unit that sets a benefit for the user according to the number of the contents for which the user has set a position on the map

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second setting unit that sets a benefit for the user according to the reaction from other users to the content for which the user has set a position on the map

14. The display control unit displays the content corresponding to the map after the scale is changed when the scale of the map is changed by the user's zoom-in operation or zoom-out operation The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that

15. The display control unit displays the content having a granularity corresponding to the scale of the map The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that

16. The display control unit displays the content corresponding to the area after the change when the area of the map displayed on the user terminal is changed by the user's scroll operation The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that

17. The display control unit in the news distribution service, when a news article related to the news article indicated by the content is distributed, displays the related content corresponding to the related news article at the position corresponding to the content The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that

18. The display control unit displays the related content superimposed on the content The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that

19. The display control unit displays each of the related contents among the contents in an associated manner The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that

20. The display control unit when the user performs an operation of displaying the second content associated with the first content, displays the map corresponding to the second content on the user terminal and displays the second content on the map The information processing apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that

21. An information processing method executed by a computer, comprising: ​ ​ An acquisition step of acquiring news article information regarding news articles distributed in a predetermined news distribution service; A display control step of arranging content corresponding to the news article indicated by the news article information at a position on a map corresponding to the news article indicated by the news article information based on the news article information acquired in the acquisition step, and causing the content to be displayed on a user terminal used by a user; An information processing method characterized by including the above.

22. An acquisition procedure of acquiring news article information regarding news articles distributed in a predetermined news distribution service; A display control procedure of arranging content corresponding to the news article indicated by the news article information at a position on a map corresponding to the news article indicated by the news article information based on the news article information acquired in the acquisition procedure, and causing the content to be displayed on a user terminal used by a user; An information processing program characterized by causing a computer to execute the above.

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