Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To realize an appropriate human-powered search for a search target.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus according to the present application comprises: an acquisition unit for acquiring a question as a search query; a selection unit for selecting respondents who are relevant to a content of the question from among the unspecified number of users; a requesting unit for requesting the selected respondents to answer the question; and a providing unit for providing the answers from the respondents as search results. In addition, the information processing apparatus of the present application further includes an imparting unit for imparting a reward to the respondent when the respondent answers. The imparting unit changes the reward depending on the respondent's rank, the quality of the answer, or the time it takes to answer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Currently, various search-related technologies have been disclosed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for generating and returning search results based on the location of a client device that has sent a query during a search. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-061625 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology only takes into account the location of the searcher, and can only return information that is already available on the network as search results. In order to ensure the freshness and accuracy of the information in the search results, it is believed that the convenience of search users would be further improved if appropriate manual searches could be realized for the search target, such as receiving information about the search target in real time from people who have been involved in the search target or people who are nearby the search target.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above, and aims to realize an appropriate manual search for a search target. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device of the present application is characterized by comprising an acquisition unit that acquires a question as a search query, a selection unit that selects an answerer who is relevant to the content of the question from an unspecified number of users, a request unit that requests the selected answerer to answer the question, and a provision unit that provides the answer from the answerer as a search result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, an appropriate manual search for a search target can be realized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing device, the information processing method, and the information processing program according to the present application are not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the same components in the following embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0010] [1. Overview of the information processing system] First, an overview of an information processing system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of an information processing system according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, an information processing system 1 according to an embodiment includes a terminal device 10 and a server device 100. These various devices are connected to each other via a network N in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with each other. This enables the terminal device 10 to cooperate with the server device 100. The network N is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, etc.

[0011] Terminal device 10 is an information processing device used by a user U. For example, terminal device 10 may be a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, a mobile phone such as a feature phone (Gala-ke or Gala-ho), a personal computer (PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a game console or AV device with communication functions, an information appliance or digital appliance, a car navigation system, a wearable device such as a smart watch, a head-mounted display, or smart glasses. Terminal device 10 may also be a house or building, a car, a home appliance, an electronic device, or the like that is compatible with the Internet of Things (IOT).

[0012] In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 is a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet used by a user U, and is a portable terminal device capable of communicating with any server device via a wireless communication network such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation: fifth generation mobile communication system), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or wireless LAN. The terminal device 10 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display with a touch panel function, and accepts various operations on displayed data such as content, such as tapping, sliding, and scrolling, performed by the user U with a finger or a stylus. Note that an operation performed on an area of ​​the screen where content is displayed may be considered an operation on the content. The terminal device 10 may be not only a smart device, but also an information processing device such as a desktop PC (Personal Computer) or a notebook PC.

[0013] The server device 100 is, for example, a computer such as a PC or a blade server, or a mainframe or a workstation, etc. The server device 100 may be realized by cloud computing.

[0014] In this embodiment, the server device 100 is an information processing device that works in conjunction with the terminal device 10 of each user U and provides API (Application Programming Interface) services for various applications (hereinafter referred to as apps) and various data to the terminal device 10 of each user U, and is realized by a computer, a cloud system, etc.

[0015] The server device 100 may also be an information processing device that provides some kind of online service to the terminal device 10 of each user U. For example, the server device 100 may provide the following online services: internet connection, search service, social networking service (SNS), electronic commerce (EC), electronic payment, online games, online banking, online trading, hotel and ticket reservations, video and music distribution, news, maps, route search, route guidance, line information, operation information, and weather forecast. In practice, the server device 100 may cooperate with various servers that provide the above-mentioned online services and act as an intermediary for the online services or may be responsible for processing the online services.

[0016] The server device 100 can acquire user information about the user U. For example, the server device 100 acquires, as the user information, information (attribute information) about the attributes of the user U, such as the gender, age, and residential area of ​​the user U. The server device 100 can also acquire information about the attributes of the user U, such as demographic attributes, psychographic attributes, geographic attributes, and behavioral attributes. The server device 100 may also acquire, as the user information, a segment to which the user U belongs in the marketing field or a persona (personality). The server device 100 then stores and manages the information (attribute information) about the attributes of the user U together with identification information (such as a user ID) that identifies the user U.

[0017] The server device 100 also acquires various types of history information (log data) indicating the behavior of the user U from the terminal device 10 of the user U or from various servers based on the user ID, etc. For example, the server device 100 acquires a location history, which is a history of the user U's location and date and time, from the terminal device 10. The server device 100 also acquires a search history, which is a history of search queries entered by the user U, from a search server (search engine). The server device 100 also acquires a browsing history, which is a history of content viewed by the user U, from a content server. The server device 100 also acquires a purchase history (payment history), which is a history of the user U's product purchases and payment processes, from an e-commerce server or a payment processing server. The server device 100 may also acquire a listing history and a sales history, which are a history of the user U's listings on the marketplace, from the e-commerce server or the payment processing server. The server device 100 also acquires a posting history, which is a history of the user U's posts, from a posting server or SNS server that provides a word-of-mouth posting service. The various servers and the like described above may be the server device 100 itself. That is, the server device 100 may function as the various servers and the like described above.

[0018] Furthermore, the number of devices included in the information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is not limited to that shown in the figure. For example, in Fig. 1, for the sake of simplicity, only one terminal device 10 is shown, but this is merely an example and is not limiting, and two or more devices may be included.

[0019] [2. Local UGC Search] In this embodiment, a local UGC (User Generated Content) search is performed by implementing a real-time, area-based manual search. For example, if you search for "a store selling mince pies in Nerima," a user in Nerima will respond with an image, such as "XX for XX yen." In other words, the server device 100 performs an inquiry search of the corresponding user for the search query entered by a user.

[0020] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, when the server device 100 receives a search query (sentence, keywords, etc.) as a question from the terminal device 10 of a user U who is the questioner (searcher) via the network N, it identifies other users (corresponding users) who are related to the search query and selects the identified users as respondents (answer targets) (step S1).

[0021] At this time, the server device 100 narrows down the answerers based on information related to the search query. Examples of information that can be used to narrow down the answerers include the following:

[0022] (1) Payment information The server device 100 selects an appropriate user as a respondent based on the payment information of each user (users other than the user U who is the questioner). For example, the server device 100 selects a user who has payment information such as "YYYY year, MM month, DD day, XX:XX minute, purchased product BB at store AA for XX yen" as a respondent. Alternatively, the server device 100 selects a user who is estimated to have "YYYY year, MM month, DD day, XX:XX minute, purchased product BB at store AA for XX yen" based on the payment information as a respondent. The server device 100 may prioritize respondents based on the recency or frequency of information. For example, the server device 100 may assign a higher priority to users whose payment information is closer to the present, such as "now > today > yesterday > last week > last month > last year." The server device 100 may also assign a higher priority to users whose purchase frequency is above a threshold or who purchase frequently, such as "purchased XX times or more (frequency)."

[0023] (2) Location information The server device 100 selects appropriate users as respondents based on the location information of each user. For example, the server device 100 selects as respondents users who are estimated to be "located at XXX (location) at XX:XX on DD / MM / YYYY" based on location information such as latitude and longitude, GPS, beacons, and radio waves (base stations). The server device 100 may prioritize respondents based on the recency or frequency of their information. For example, the server device 100 may assign higher priority to users whose location information is closer to the present, such as "now > today > same time yesterday > same time last week > yesterday > last week > same time last month > last month." The server device 100 may also assign higher priority to users whose visit frequency is above a threshold or who visit frequently, such as "visited x times or more (frequency)." The server device 100 may also assign higher priority to users who "are always there" (stay in the same place for long periods of time almost every day) and infer that they are "almost a resident" (users familiar with the area) and assign a higher priority to them.

[0024] Furthermore, the server device 100 identifies the address and set area of ​​the user based on the location information (registered location) registered by the user himself / herself, and selects the user as a respondent by assuming that the user is familiar with the area.

[0025] (3) Photo data (image information) The server device 100 selects an appropriate user as a respondent based on the photo data (image information) of each user. For example, the server device 100 selects a user as a respondent by identifying a monument or the like by image recognition, or by acquiring the latitude and longitude information at the time of photographing, the date and time of photographing, and the like. Alternatively, the server device 100 may identify an object such as a mince pie by image recognition, infer that the user is knowledgeable about mince pies, and select the user as a respondent. The server device 100 may also prioritize respondents based on the recency of the information. For example, the server device 100 may prioritize users who have photo data (image information) with a date and time closer to the present, such as "now > today > same time yesterday > same time last week > yesterday > last week > same time last month > last month."

[0026] (4) Posted information The server device 100 selects an appropriate user as a respondent based on the information posted by each user on an SNS or the like. For example, the server device 100 selects a user as a respondent if the user posts about the subject of the question (e.g., mince pies), posts that the user is at a facility or location related to the question (e.g., a mince pie shop), or indicates that the user has arrived at a facility or location related to the question using a check-in function provided by each SNS, not just if the user writes about it in their post. The server device 100 may also prioritize responders based on the recency of the information. For example, the server device 100 may assign a higher priority to users whose posted information is closer to the present, such as "now > today > same time yesterday > same time last week > yesterday > last week > same time last month > last month." The server device 100 may also assign a higher priority to users whose posting frequency is above a threshold or who post frequently, such as "posted more than ○ times (frequency)."

[0027] (5) Reservation information The server device 100 selects an appropriate user as a respondent based on each user's past reservation information. For example, the server device 100 selects a user who is estimated to have made a reservation to use CC (store, facility, service, etc.) at XX:XX on DD / MM / YYYY as a respondent. The server device 100 may prioritize respondents based on the recency of the information. For example, the server device 100 may assign a higher priority to users who have reservation information closer to the present, such as "now > today > same time yesterday > same time last week > yesterday > last week > same time last month > last month." The server device 100 may also assign a higher priority to users whose reservation frequency is above a threshold or who make reservations frequently, such as "has made reservations XX times or more (frequency)."

[0028] (6) Attribute information The server device 100 selects an appropriate user as a respondent based on the attribute information of each user. For example, the server device 100 selects a user who likes mince pies or has an attribute that is presumed to be a lover (e.g., a woman in her 20s) as a respondent. The server device 100 may prioritize the respondents based on the user's attribute. For example, the server device 100 may assign a higher priority to a user with a more suitable attribute.

[0029] (7) Respondent Rank The server device 100 selects an appropriate user as a respondent based on the respondent rank of each user. For example, the server device 100 determines the respondent rank according to the credit score (or matching score), and selects a user with a high respondent rank or a user whose respondent rank is equal to or higher than a threshold as a respondent. The server device 100 may prioritize the respondents based on the user's respondent rank. For example, the server device 100 may set a higher priority for a user with a higher respondent rank.

[0030] The server device 100 may determine the content of the search query of the user U and arbitrarily combine the information listed in (1) to (7) above to select an appropriate user as a respondent or prioritize the respondent to whom an answer is sought. For example, in a search query pattern that prioritizes a location (e.g., "I want to have a snack in Nerima"), the server device 100 may prioritize location-related information from the information listed in (1) to (7) above to select an appropriate respondent or prioritize such respondent to request an answer (determine the priority of the respondent and request an answer in order of priority, or from respondent with a predetermined priority or higher). In addition, in a search query pattern that prioritizes an object (e.g., "I want to eat mince pie"), the server device 100 prioritizes object-related information from the information listed in (1) to (7) above to select an appropriate respondent or prioritize such respondent to request an answer.

[0031] The server device 100 may also use machine learning to learn combinations of question contents and answerers to construct a model, and use this model to select an answerer who responds to the question.The server device 100 may also use machine learning to learn combinations of question contents and the information listed in (1) to (7) above to construct a model, and use this model to estimate information for selecting an appropriate answerer who responds to the question, and select an answerer based on the estimated information.

[0032] Next, the server device 100 inquires of the answerer about the content of the search query (step S2). At this time, the server device 100 may use a GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) to generate a question based on the content of the search query and send this question to the answerer to make the inquiry. GPT is a text generation AI (Artificial Intelligence) and is a language model capable of generating sentences using natural language processing.

[0033] Next, the server device 100 receives the answer from the answerer (step S3). At this time, the server device 100 may receive the answer from the answerer in the form of UGC (user-generated content) generated by the user. Alternatively, when the server device 100 receives the answer from the answerer, it may generate UGC based on the answer. For example, the server device 100 may generate UGC for each answer from the answerer. Furthermore, the server device 100 may use GPT to generate an appropriate answer sentence or UGC based on the answer from the answerer.

[0034] At this time, the server device 100 may provide incentives such as free points, paid points, lottery tickets (application tickets), or compensation (monetary payment excluding fees if the question is paid) to the respondent as a reward.

[0035] The server device 100 may also change the reward according to the answerer rank of each user. For example, the server device 100 may increase the reward for an answerer with a higher answerer rank.

[0036] Furthermore, the server device 100 may change the reward depending on the content of the answer (quality of the answer). For example, the server device 100 may change the reward by giving +1 point for including information on the expiration date of the product, +1 point for information about today (the current day), or increasing the points for adding information that is important to the questioner (searcher) (e.g., available until x o'clock, in stock / x units left). In other words, the server device 100 may change the reward depending on the number and granularity of information, the items and importance of the content of the answer, etc.

[0037] The server device 100 may also change the reward depending on the time it takes to answer. For example, the server device 100 may change the reward, such as giving +1 point if the answer is given within one minute. Alternatively, the server device 100 may provide a higher reward the faster the answer is given.

[0038] Furthermore, the server device 100 may change the reward depending on the action of the user U who asked the question. For example, if the user U who asked the question rates the answer (e.g., likes it), the server device 100 may change the reward, such as +1 point, to the answerer who provided the answer. Alternatively, if the user U who asked the question actually purchases a product or uses a service based on the answer (e.g., results in a conversion), the server device 100 may change the reward, such as +1 point, to the answerer who provided the answer.

[0039] Next, the server device 100 collectively displays the answers received from the respondents as search results (step S4). At this time, the server device 100 may also collectively display UGC based on the answers as search results. Note that the search results may also include the titles and summaries of the answers, identification information of the users who answered, etc. The answers may be displayed in the same manner as normal search results.

[0040] The server device 100 may also substitute a similar answer for the answer. For example, the server device 100 may adopt a similar answer such as "A mince pie shop has newly released a XX pie" or "Although it's not a mince pie, XX is also recommended in Nerima." In this case, alternatives, related information, derived information, etc. may also be included in the similar answer. The server device 100 may also use natural language processing (NLP) to vectorize the question (e.g., a search query) and the answer, and determine a similar answer based on the cosine similarity of each vector.

[0041] Furthermore, the timing of the answer does not have to be "now" (real time). For example, in the case of a questioner who says, "I'll need a down coat soon, so I'd like to look for one in Shinjuku around next month or the month after," the server device 100 may select an appropriate answerer a little before next month or the month after and display the answer from the answerer. In other words, the server device 100 is not limited to real time, and may make an inquiry about information that will be needed in the near future, select an answerer when the time when the information will be needed approaches, and display the answer from the answerer.

[0042] The server device 100 may also assign a credibility level to the answer or answerer when displaying the answer to the answerer. In this case, the server device 100 may initially display the earliest answer with an emphasis on speed, and if a more credible answer is subsequently received, the server device 100 may notify the answerer by notification or display. For example, the server device 100 may overwrite the answer with a higher credibility level, may emphasize the answer with a higher credibility level, or may rearrange the top-ranked answer depending on the credibility level. Note that the answer with a higher credibility level may be an answer from an answerer with a higher answer rank, an answer containing the same information but with more detailed information, or an answer containing information obtained at a date and time closer to the present.

[0043] [2-1. How to perform a manual search] Whether or not to perform a manual search according to this embodiment may be an option during a search. For example, the server device 100 may display a button or options (which may be radio buttons, check boxes, etc.) for selecting "manual search ON / OFF" near the search box in advance, and allow selection using this button or option. In this case, the server device 100 performs a manual search according to this embodiment when "manual search ON" is selected, and performs only a normal search when "manual search OFF" is selected.

[0044] Alternatively, the server device 100 may not require a user to select in advance whether or not to perform a manual search, but may instead display a "Manual Search GO" button (link, etc.) on the search result screen along with the search results, and when this button is pressed when the normal search results are not satisfactory (no satisfactory search results are obtained), the server device 100 may perform a manual search according to this embodiment. The display position (placement) of the "Manual Search GO" button on the search result screen is arbitrary. For example, the server device 100 may display the "Manual Search GO" button near the search box on the search result screen.

[0045] The server device 100 may also automatically determine whether a search target is suitable for a manual search and proceed with the manual search process. For example, the server device 100 may determine whether a search target is suitable for a manual search by machine learning (using a learning model) or on a rule-based basis, and perform a manual search if the search target is suitable for a manual search. Note that if the search target is not suitable for a manual search, a normal search is performed.

[0046] Furthermore, the server device 100 may display the results of normal searches and the results of manual searches in a manner that allows them to be distinguished from each other on the search result screen. In other words, the results of normal searches and the results of manual searches may be mixed together as long as they are displayed in a manner that allows them to be visually distinguished from each other.

[0047] [2-2. Variations in answering methods] The answer may be an image only or text only. Also, answer assistance may be provided by a system or AI. For example, the server device 100 may analyze photos in the respondent's camera roll and present to the respondent (or directly to the questioner) an image of the object included in the photo along with the message "Could it be this?". The server device 100 may also analyze the respondent's payment information and present to the respondent (or directly to the questioner) information about the object included in the payment information along with the message "Could it be this?". At this time, the respondent may create an answer based on the presented information.

[0048] At this time, AI may add information. For example, the server device 100 may create a database of answers to the same or similar questions and use it to add congestion information (e.g., crowded from XX to XX), availability information, inventory information (e.g., available until XX), etc. to the answer. The server device 100 may also suggest an action that the questioner should take as an answer or separately from the answer.

[0049] In addition, at this time, the server device 100 may add information from functions such as the API service for the app described in paragraph

[0014] above or the online service described in paragraph

[0015] . For example, the server device 100 may use maps, GPS information, beacon information, and other sensor information from each facility to add congestion information (e.g., congestion from XX to XX), vacancy information, etc. to the answer. In addition, the server device 100 may suggest actions that the questioner should take as an answer or separately from an answer.

[0050] [2-3. Other] The server device 100 may display an answer tallying screen while tallying the answers. Furthermore, when narrowing down the contact points (answerers), the server device 100 may narrow down the contact points (answerers) based on either or a combination of the inquiry source user information (user information of the questioner) and the contact point user information (user information of the answerer).

[0051] Furthermore, when the server device 100 has narrowed down the contact points (answerers), it may present the information used as the narrowing-down criteria to the user U who is the questioner (searcher) along with the search results. That is, the server device 100 may clearly indicate to the user U what information was used to narrow down the answerers. For example, the server device 100 may display the information used as the narrowing-down criteria for each answer as a tag.

[0052] The server device 100 may also make inquiries to all users without narrowing down the contact points (answerers), or may make inquiries at random (to any user).

[0053] Furthermore, if the server device 100 has not narrowed down the contact points (answerers), it may notify the user U, who will be the asker (searcher), of this fact along with the search results. In other words, the server device 100 may clearly indicate to the user U that the answerers have not been narrowed down.

[0054] The server device 100 may also be configured to send an inquiry to an answerer designated by the user U who is the questioner (searcher). The designated answerer may be an answerer directly designated by the user U, or an answerer who meets the designated conditions.

[0055] The server device 100 may also infer, from the search query, whether the user U desires a manual search. Alternatively, the server device 100 may infer, from the search query, whether a manual search is more appropriate than a normal search. Note that a model constructed by machine learning may be used for the inference. The server device 100 may also input a search query to the GPT along with a prompt and receive the inferred result as a response from the GPT.

[0056] [3. Example of terminal device configuration] Next, the configuration of the terminal device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a positioning unit 14, a sensor unit 20, a control unit 30 (controller), and a storage unit 40.

[0057] (Communications Department 11) The communication unit 11 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the server device 100 via the network N. For example, the communication unit 11 is realized by a NIC (Network Interface Card), an antenna, etc.

[0058] (Display section 12) Display unit 12 is a display device that displays various information such as position information. For example, display unit 12 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electro-luminescent display (OLED). Display unit 12 is also a touch panel display, but is not limited to this.

[0059] (Input section 13) The input unit 13 is an input device that accepts various operations from the user U. For example, the input unit 13 has buttons for inputting characters, numbers, etc. The input unit 13 may be an input / output port (I / O port), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, etc. If the display unit 12 is a touch panel display, a part of the display unit 12 functions as the input unit 13. The input unit 13 may be a microphone that accepts voice input from the user U. The microphone may be wireless.

[0060] (Positioning unit 14) The positioning unit 14 receives signals (radio waves) transmitted from satellites of a GPS (Global Positioning System), and acquires position information (e.g., latitude and longitude) indicating the current position of the terminal device 10, which is the device itself, based on the received signals. That is, the positioning unit 14 positions the position of the terminal device 10. Note that GPS is merely an example of a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

[0061] The positioning unit 14 can also measure the position using various methods other than GPS. For example, the positioning unit 14 may measure the position by using various communication functions of the terminal device 10 as an auxiliary positioning means for position correction, etc., as described below.

[0062] (Wi-Fi positioning) For example, the positioning unit 14 uses a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication function of the terminal device 10 or a communication network provided by each communication company to measure the position of the terminal device 10. Specifically, the positioning unit 14 performs Wi-Fi communication or the like and measures the distance to a nearby base station or access point, thereby measuring the position of the terminal device 10.

[0063] (Beacon positioning) The positioning unit 14 may also measure the position by using a Bluetooth (registered trademark) function of the terminal device 10. For example, the positioning unit 14 measures the position of the terminal device 10 by connecting to a beacon transmitter connected by the Bluetooth (registered trademark) function.

[0064] (geomagnetic positioning) The positioning unit 14 also measures the position of the terminal device 10 based on a geomagnetic pattern of a structure that has been measured in advance and a geomagnetic sensor that the terminal device 10 has.

[0065] (RFID positioning) Furthermore, for example, if the terminal device 10 has a function of an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag equivalent to a contactless IC card used at station ticket gates, in stores, etc., or has a function of reading an RFID tag, the location where the terminal device 10 was used is recorded together with information on the payment or the like made by the terminal device 10. The positioning unit 14 may obtain such information to determine the location of the terminal device 10. Alternatively, the location may be determined by an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like provided in the terminal device 10.

[0066] The positioning unit 14 may measure the position of the terminal device 10 using one or a combination of the above-mentioned positioning means, as needed.

[0067] (sensor unit 20) The sensor unit 20 includes various sensors mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10. The connection may be wired or wireless. For example, the sensors may be detection devices other than the terminal device 10, such as wearable devices or wireless devices. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the sensor unit 20 includes an acceleration sensor 21, a gyro sensor 22, a barometric pressure sensor 23, a temperature sensor 24, a sound sensor 25, a light sensor 26, a magnetic sensor 27, and an image sensor (camera) 28.

[0068] The above-described sensors 21 to 28 are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. That is, the sensor unit 20 may be configured to include some of the sensors 21 to 28, or may include other sensors such as a humidity sensor in addition to or instead of the sensors 21 to 28.

[0069] The acceleration sensor 21 is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor, and detects physical movements of the terminal device 10, such as the direction of movement, speed, and acceleration of the terminal device 10. The gyro sensor 22 detects physical movements of the terminal device 10, such as tilt in three axial directions, based on the angular velocity of the terminal device 10. The air pressure sensor 23 detects, for example, the air pressure around the terminal device 10.

[0070] Since the terminal device 10 includes the acceleration sensor 21, the gyro sensor 22, the atmospheric pressure sensor 23, etc., it is possible to measure the position of the terminal device 10 using a technique such as Pedestrian Dead-Reckoning (PDR) that uses these sensors 21 to 23. This makes it possible to obtain indoor position information that is difficult to obtain using a positioning system such as GPS.

[0071] For example, the number of steps, walking speed, and distance walked can be calculated using a pedometer that uses the acceleration sensor 21. In addition, the direction of travel, line of sight, and body tilt of the user U can be determined using the gyro sensor 22. In addition, the altitude and floor on which the terminal device 10 of the user U is located can be determined from the air pressure detected by the air pressure sensor 23.

[0072] The temperature sensor 24 detects, for example, the temperature around the terminal device 10. The sound sensor 25 detects, for example, the sound around the terminal device 10. The light sensor 26 detects the illuminance around the terminal device 10. The magnetic sensor 27 detects, for example, the geomagnetism around the terminal device 10. The image sensor 28 captures an image around the terminal device 10.

[0073] The above-mentioned air pressure sensor 23, temperature sensor 24, sound sensor 25, light sensor 26, and image sensor 28 can detect the air pressure, temperature, sound, and illuminance, respectively, and capture images of the surroundings, thereby detecting the environment and situation around the terminal device 10. Furthermore, the accuracy of the location information of the terminal device 10 can be improved based on the environment and situation around the terminal device 10.

[0074] (control unit 30) The control unit 30 includes, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM, input / output ports, etc., and various other circuits. The control unit 30 may also be configured with hardware such as an integrated circuit, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 30 includes a transmitting unit 31, a receiving unit 32, and a processing unit 33.

[0075] (Transmitter 31) The transmission unit 31 can transmit, for example, various information input by the user U using the input unit 13, various information detected by each sensor 21 to 28 mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10, and location information of the terminal device 10 measured by the positioning unit 14 to the server device 100 via the communication unit 11.

[0076] (Receiver 32) The receiving unit 32 can receive various types of information provided by the server device 100 and requests for various types of information from the server device 100 via the communication unit 11.

[0077] (Processing unit 33) The processing unit 33 controls the entire terminal device 10, including the display unit 12. For example, the processing unit 33 can output various information transmitted by the transmitting unit 31 and various information received from the server device 100 by the receiving unit 32 to the display unit 12 for display.

[0078] (Storage unit 40) The storage unit 40 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 an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an optical disk, etc. The storage unit 40 stores various programs, various data, etc.

[0079] [4. Server device configuration example] Next, the configuration of the server device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the server device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0080] (Communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to a network N by wire or wirelessly.

[0081] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 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 an HDD, an SSD, an optical disk, etc. The storage unit 120 may store attribute information and history information (log data) of the user U together with identification information (such as a user ID) indicating the user U.

[0082] (control unit 130) The control unit 130 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like, by executing various programs (corresponding to an example of an information processing program) stored in a storage device inside the server device 100 using a storage area such as a RAM as a working area. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, a selection unit 132, a request unit 133, an assignment unit 134, and a provision unit 135.

[0083] (Acquisition part 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires a search query input by a user U. For example, when the user U inputs a search query into a search engine or the like to perform a keyword search, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the search query via the communication unit 110. That is, the acquisition unit 131 acquires, via the communication unit 110, the keywords input by the user U into the search box of a search engine, website, or app.

[0084] In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 131 acquires a question as a search query from the terminal device 10 of the user U via the communication unit 110. That is, the acquisition unit 131 also functions as a reception unit that receives a question as a search query from the user U. The acquisition unit 131 also acquires an answer to the question from the terminal device 10 of the answerer via the communication unit 110. That is, the acquisition unit 131 also functions as a reception unit that receives an answer to the question from the answerer.

[0085] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires user information about the user U via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires identification information (such as a user ID) indicating the user U, location information of the user U, attribute information of the user U, etc. from the terminal device 10 of the user U. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 may acquire the identification information indicating the user U, attribute information of the user U, etc. when the user U is registered. Then, the acquisition unit 131 stores the user information in the storage unit 120.

[0086] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of history information (log data) indicating the behavior of the user U via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of history information indicating the behavior of the user U from the terminal device 10 of the user U or from various servers based on the user ID or the like. Then, the acquisition unit 131 stores the various types of history information in the storage unit 120.

[0087] (Selection Department 132) The selection unit 132 selects answerers who are relevant to the content of the question from among an unspecified number of users.

[0088] For example, the selection unit 132 selects, as a respondent, a user who has payment information for the subject of the question, based on the payment information of each user.

[0089] Furthermore, the selection unit 132 selects, as a respondent, a user who has location information of the location where the object of the question is located or in the vicinity of the location, based on the location information of each user.

[0090] Furthermore, the selection unit 132 selects, as a respondent, a user who has image information including the subject of the question, based on the image information of each user.

[0091] Furthermore, the selection unit 132 selects, as respondents, users who have posted information or reservation information related to the subject of the question, based on the posted information or reservation information of each user.

[0092] Furthermore, the selection unit 132 selects, as respondents, users who have attributes that are presumed to be interested in the subject of the question, based on the attribute information of each user.

[0093] (Request Department 133) The request unit 133 requests the selected answerer to answer the question. That is, the request unit 133 makes an inquiry about the question to the selected answerer.

[0094] (Giving unit 134) The awarding unit 134 awards a reward to the answerer when the answerer answers the question. The awarding unit 134 changes the reward depending on the answerer's rank, the quality of the answer, or the time it takes to answer.

[0095] (Provider 135) The providing unit 135 provides answers from respondents as search results. The providing unit 135 not only accepts direct answers to questions but also similar answers such as alternatives and related information as answers, and provides them as search results.

[0096] At this time, the providing unit 135 may generate UGC (user generated content) based on the answer from the respondent and provide it as a search result. That is, the providing unit 135 may include a generating unit that generates UGC (user generated content) from the answer.

[0097] [5. Processing Procedure] Next, a processing procedure by the server device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure according to the embodiment. Note that the processing procedure shown below is repeatedly executed by the control unit 130 of the server device 100.

[0098] 4, the acquisition unit 131 of the server device 100 acquires a question as a search query from the terminal device 10 of the user U via the communication unit 110 (step S101). That is, the acquisition unit 131 accepts the question as a search query from the user U.

[0099] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 of the server device 100 acquires history information of an unspecified number of users via the communication unit 110 (step S102). For example, the acquisition unit 131 collects history information of each user when each user uses a service. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 131 accesses history information of each user stored in another server device.

[0100] Next, the selection unit 132 of the server device 100 selects an answerer who is relevant to the content of the question from among an unspecified number of users based on the history information of each user (step S103).

[0101] Next, the request unit 133 of the server device 100 requests the selected answerer to answer the question (step S104).

[0102] Next, the acquiring unit 131 of the server device 100 acquires an answer from the selected answerer (step S105). That is, the acquiring unit 131 accepts an answer from the selected answerer.

[0103] Next, the granting unit 134 of the server device 100 grants a reward to the answerer when the answerer answers (step S106). At this time, the granting unit 134 changes the reward depending on the rank of the answerer, the quality of the answer, or the time it takes to answer.

[0104] Next, the providing unit 135 of the server device 100 provides the answer from the answerer as a search result (step S107). For example, the providing unit 135 provides the answer from the answerer as a search result to the terminal device 10 of the user U via the communication unit 110. At this time, the providing unit 135 may generate UGC (user generated content) based on the answer from the answerer and provide it as a search result.

[0105] [6. Modifications] The terminal device 10 and the server device 100 described above may be implemented in various different forms other than the above embodiment. Therefore, modifications of the embodiment will be described below.

[0106] In the above embodiment, some or all of the processing executed by the server device 100 may actually be executed by the terminal device 10 (or an application running on the terminal device 10). For example, the processing may be completed in a stand-alone manner (by the terminal device 10 alone). In this case, the terminal device 10 is assumed to have the functions of the server device 100 in the above embodiment. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the terminal device 10 cooperates with the server device 100, and therefore, from the perspective of the user U, it appears that the processing of the server device 100 is also being executed by the terminal device 10. In other words, from another perspective, the terminal device 10 can also be said to be equipped with the server device 100.

[0107] In the above embodiment, there may be multiple questioners and multiple answerers. That is, the server device 100 may perform many-to-many matching between questioners and answerers. For example, the server device 100 may collect questions from multiple questioners who ask similar questions at the same time, select an answerer for the question, and display the answers from the answerer together as search results for all of the multiple questioners.

[0108] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the server device 100 may perform a normal search, a manual search according to the above embodiment, and an inquiry to the GPT in parallel. The server device 100 may then display the normal search results, the manual search results, and the response from the GPT in a distinguishable manner on the search result screen. In other words, the normal search results, the manual search results, and the response from the GPT may be mixed together as long as they are displayed in a manner that allows them to be visually distinguished.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the server device 100 may accept, as a search query, a request or demand from the user U. The server device 100 may accept, as a search query, a request or demand such as "Please tell me about XX" or "Please send me XX," select and inquire with a respondent (candidate user) who is likely to be able to respond to the request or demand, and if a response indicates that the request or demand can be met, display the response as a search result.

[0110] [7. Effects] As described above, the information processing device (terminal device 10 and server device 100) according to the present application is characterized by comprising an acquisition unit that acquires a question as a search query, a selection unit 132 that selects an answerer who is relevant to the content of the question from an unspecified number of users, a request unit 133 that requests the selected answerer to answer the question, and a provision unit 135 that provides the answer from the answerer as a search result.

[0111] For example, the selection unit 132 selects, as a respondent, a user who has payment information for the subject of the question, based on the payment information of each user.

[0112] Furthermore, the selection unit 132 selects, as a respondent, a user who has location information of the location where the object of the question is located or in the vicinity of the location, based on the location information of each user.

[0113] Furthermore, the selection unit 132 selects, as a respondent, a user who has image information including the subject of the question, based on the image information of each user.

[0114] Furthermore, the selection unit 132 selects, as respondents, users who have posted information or reservation information related to the subject of the question, based on the posted information or reservation information of each user.

[0115] Furthermore, the selection unit 132 selects, as respondents, users who have attributes that are presumed to be interested in the subject of the question, based on the attribute information of each user.

[0116] The information processing device according to the present application further includes an awarding unit 134 that awards a reward to the answerer when the answerer answers. The awarding unit 134 changes the reward depending on the rank of the answerer, the quality of the answer, or the time it takes to answer.

[0117] The providing unit 135 not only provides a direct answer to the question but also similar answers such as alternatives and related information as answers, and provides them as search results.

[0118] By performing any one or a combination of the above-described processes, the information processing device according to the present application can realize an appropriate manual search for the search target.

[0119] [8. Hardware Configuration] The terminal device 10 and the server device 100 according to the above-described embodiments are realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 5, for example. The following description will be given taking the server device 100 as an example. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and has a configuration in which a calculation device 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output I / F (Interface) 1060, an input I / F 1070, and a network I / F 1080 are connected via a bus 1090.

[0120] The arithmetic device 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 and the secondary storage device 1050, programs read from the input device 1020, and the like, and executes various processes. The arithmetic device 1030 is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

[0121] The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations. The secondary storage device 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is realized by a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, or the like. The secondary storage device 1050 may be an internal storage device or an external storage device. The secondary storage device 1050 may also be a removable storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD (Secure Digital) memory card. The secondary storage device 1050 may also be cloud storage (online storage), a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a file server, or the like.

[0122] The output I / F 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information, such as a display, a projector, a printer, etc., and is realized by a connector conforming to a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), etc. The input I / F 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a keypad, a button, a scanner, etc., and is realized by a USB, etc.

[0123] Furthermore, the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070 may be wirelessly connected to the output device 1010 and the input device 1020, respectively. That is, the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 may be wireless devices.

[0124] The output device 1010 and the input device 1020 may be integrated into one device, such as a touch panel. In this case, the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070 may also be integrated into one device as an input / output I / F.

[0125] The input device 1020 may be a device that reads information from, for example, an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a 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.

[0126] The network I / F 1080 receives data from other devices via the network N and sends it to the arithmetic device 1030, and also transmits data generated by the arithmetic device 1030 to other devices via the network N.

[0127] The arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the secondary storage device 1050 onto the primary storage device 1040 and executes the loaded program.

[0128] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the server device 100, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 executes a program loaded onto the primary storage device 1040 to realize the functions of the control unit 130. The arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 may also load a program acquired from another device via the network I / F 1080 onto the primary storage device 1040 and execute the loaded program. The arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 may also cooperate with the other device via the network I / F 1080 to call and use the functions and data of a program from another program of the other device.

[0129] [9. Other] Although the embodiments of the present application have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the scope of so-called equivalents. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments.

[0130] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0131] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0132] For example, the above-mentioned server device 100 may be realized by multiple server computers, and depending on the function, the configuration can be flexibly changed, such as by calling an external platform using an API (Application Programming Interface) or network computing.

[0133] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0134] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, an acquisition unit can be read as an acquisition means or an acquisition circuit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Terminal Equipment 100 Server device 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 130 Control Unit 131 Acquisition Department 132 Selection Department 133 Request Department 134 Granting Department 135 Provision Department

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires a question as a search query; a selection unit that selects an answerer who is relevant to the content of the question from among an unspecified number of users; a request unit that requests the selected respondent to answer the question; a providing unit that provides answers from the respondents as search results; An information processing device comprising:

2. The selection unit selects, as a respondent, a user who has payment information for the subject of the question, based on payment information of each user.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The selection unit selects, as a respondent, a user who has location information of a location where the object of the question is present or in the vicinity thereof, based on the location information of each user.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

4. The selection unit selects, as a respondent, a user who has image information including the object of the question based on the image information of each user.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

5. The selection unit selects, as a respondent, a user who has posted information or reservation information related to the subject of the question, based on the posted information or reservation information of each user.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

6. The selection unit selects, as respondents, users who have attributes that are presumed to be interested in the subject of the question, based on attribute information of each user.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

7. The method further includes an awarding unit that awards a reward to an answerer when the answerer answers, The awarding unit changes the reward depending on the rank of the answerer, the quality of the answer, or the time it takes to answer.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

8. The providing unit uses not only a direct answer to the question but also similar answers such as alternatives and related information as answers and provides them as search results.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

9. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, an acquisition step of acquiring a question as a search query; a selection step of selecting an answerer who is relevant to the content of the question from among an unspecified number of users; a requesting step of requesting the selected answerer to answer the question; a providing step of providing the answers from the respondents as search results; An information processing method comprising:

10. a retrieval step to retrieve the question as a search query; a selection procedure for selecting respondents who are relevant to the content of the question from among an unspecified number of users; a requesting step of requesting the selected respondent to answer the question; a providing step of providing answers from the respondents as search results; An information processing program characterized by causing a computer to execute the above.

Images