Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To realize pinpoint information provision in conjunction with an increase in public attention.SOLUTION: An information processing device for executing processing related to a new site has an acceptance unit and a provision unit. The acceptance unit accepts a request for trend search of search keywords used in keyword searches on the news site from a service user. If there is no submission of the latest information corresponding to the search keywords where an evaluation value for evaluating the trend of the search keywords exceeds a predetermined threshold value when the trend search request is accepted by the acceptance unit, the provision unit provides the service user with ranking information in which the search keywords are ranked on the basis of the evaluation value. If there is a submission of the latest information corresponding to the search keywords where the evaluation value exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the provision unit provides the service user with the submitted latest information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are known techniques for providing various information to users. For example, there is provided a technique for displaying content corresponding to a search query (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6776072 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional techniques have room for improvement in terms of providing pinpoint information in line with increasing public attention.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide pinpoint information in conjunction with an increase in public attention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device according to the present application is an information processing device that executes processing related to a news site, and includes a receiving unit and a providing unit. The receiving unit receives from a service user a trend search request for search keywords used in keyword searches on the news site. When the receiving unit receives the trend search request, if no latest information has been submitted corresponding to the search keywords whose evaluation values ​​for evaluating the trends of the search keywords exceed a predetermined threshold, the providing unit provides the service user with ranking information that ranks the search keywords based on the evaluation values. If latest information has been submitted corresponding to the search keywords whose evaluation values ​​exceed the predetermined threshold, the providing unit provides the service user with the submitted latest information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to provide pinpoint information in conjunction with an increase in public attention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of display of ranking information according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of display of latest information including an input image according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition from ranking information according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition from the latest information according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the system configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an overview of user information stored in the user information DB according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of keyword information stored in the keyword information DB according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an outline of the latest information stored in the submission information DB according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of information processing executed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, modes for implementing 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 respective embodiments can be appropriately combined within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content. Furthermore, the same components in the following embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] [Embodiment] [1. An example of information processing] An example of information processing according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings: Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of information processing according to the embodiment.

[0011] The information processing according to the embodiment is realized by an information processing system SYS (see, for example, FIG. 6) including the terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the information processing device 100 shown in FIG. 1. The terminal device 10 and the information processing device 100 are each connected to a network N (see, for example, FIG. 6) by wire or wirelessly. The terminal device 10 and the information processing device 100 can communicate with other devices through the network N.

[0012] The information processing device 100 is operated and managed by a service provider that provides various online services. For example, the service provider operates a news site as one of the various online services, where service users U can freely browse news and topics in various fields, both domestic and international.

[0013] The information processing device 100 executes information processing according to the embodiment described below in relation to providing article content to be posted on a news site. The article content may be a news article, or web content such as a column, essay, interview, product review, feature article, or article about a person. The information processing device 100 is realized, for example, by one or more servers or a cloud system.

[0014] The terminal device 10 is used by a service user U of various online services. The service user U can use the terminal device 10 by appropriately installing an application program for the service user (hereinafter referred to as a "user application") equipped with various functions for using a news site, for example. The service user U can operate the user application to display and view web content such as article content published on the news site and comments posted on the article content on the terminal device 10.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 10 transmits a trend search request for search keywords used in keyword searches on news sites to the information processing device 100 in response to an operation by a service user U (step S01).

[0016] For example, a service user U displays a top screen W-1 of a news site for a user application on the terminal device 10 and operates a trend tab OB-1 provided on the top screen W-1. When the terminal device 10 detects an operation by the service user U on the trend tab OB-1, the terminal device 10 transmits a trend search request for a search keyword to the information processing device 100.

[0017] Additionally, the trend tab OB-1 displays a notification dot G-1 (also called an "icon badge") indicating that there is a search keyword for which the number of searches on the news site is rapidly increasing.

[0018] When the information processing device 100 receives a search request for a trend of a search keyword from the terminal device 10, the information processing device 100 provides information on the trend of the search keyword (step S02).

[0019] For example, as a pre-processing before providing information, the information processing device 100 calculates a trend score (an example of an "evaluation value") for evaluating the trend of a search keyword based on the number of searches of a keyword search.

[0020] Specifically, the information processing device 100 calculates a trend score for each search keyword using the ratio of the number of searches compared to a predetermined period in the past (for example, a period going back 24 hours from the present), the number of searches in the same time period in the past, and an evaluation period for evaluating trends. For example, the information processing device 100 can calculate the trend score using the following formula (1). Trend score = preset value based on the ratio of search volume compared to a specified period in the past × preset value based on the number of searches in the same time period in the past × evaluation period for evaluating trends (1)

[0021] For example, a preset value is set according to the ratio of the number of searches compared to a specified period in the past. The greater the number of searches compared to the number of searches in a specified period in the past, the greater the value. However, even if the number of searches is the same, if the number of searches in the past 24 hours is greater, the value is set to be smaller. This allows the number of searches to be normalized. Furthermore, a preset value is set according to the number of searches in the same time period in the past, so that the greater the number of searches in the same time period in the past, the smaller the value. This allows the periodicity of search keywords to be eliminated. Furthermore, the evaluation period for evaluating trends can be set arbitrarily according to the operator's expectations, such as making the evaluation period as short as possible when evaluating trends that are specific to the most recent period.

[0022] The information processing device 100 manages a trend score for each search keyword. The information processing device 100 also recalculates the trend score at a predetermined interval to update the trend score so that it matches the search trends of the service user U on the news site.

[0023] In response to the trend search request, the information processing device 100 executes detection of search keywords whose trend scores exceed a predetermined threshold. If the information processing device 100 successfully detects search keywords whose trend scores exceed a predetermined threshold, the information processing device 100 checks whether or not latest information J2, which is content corresponding to the detected search keywords, has been submitted.

[0024] When the latest information J2 is not submitted, the information processing device 100 generates ranking information J1 in which search keywords are ranked in descending order of trend score based on the trend score. Then, the information processing device 100 provides the generated ranking information J1 to the service user U by displaying it on a trend display screen W-2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of display of the ranking information J1 according to the embodiment.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the ranking information J1 displayed on the trend display screen W-2 includes statistical information J1-1 and detailed ranking information J1-2.

[0026] The statistical information J1-1 includes, for example, a chart showing the trend of the first to third highest trend scores, i.e., the transition of the number of searches. Note that the search keywords to be displayed as the statistical information J1-1 are not limited to the top three, and may be fewer or more than the top three.

[0027] The ranking information J1-2 includes search keywords Q-1 corresponding to each ranking and explanation content CNT-1 that explains the factors behind the increase in the number of keyword searches using the search keywords Q-1. The explanation content CNT-1 may be made up of multiple pages that can be switched and displayed in response to an operation by the service user U. Note that the information processing device 100 may determine the ranking of the search keywords to be displayed in the ranking information J1 in accordance with an operation by the operator.

[0028] Furthermore, when the latest information J2 is submitted, the information processing device 100 checks whether an image corresponding to the latest information J2 has been submitted along with the latest information J2. When an image corresponding to the latest information J2 has been submitted, the information processing device 100 provides the service user U with the latest information J2 including the image by displaying it on the trend display screen W-2. On the other hand, when no image associated with the latest information J2 has been submitted, the information processing device 100 provides the service user U with the latest information J2 including a standard image by displaying it on the trend display screen W-2. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of the latest information J2 including a submitted image according to the embodiment.

[0029] 3, the latest information J2 is displayed in a display area above the ranking information J1 on the trend display screen W-2. The latest information J2 includes image information J2-1 and detailed information J2-2.

[0030] The image information J2-1 is displayed above the detailed information J2-2. The image information J2-1 includes upload source information C that indicates the source of the image information.

[0031] Detailed information J2-2 includes headline information TM indicating that it is the latest information J2, a search keyword Q-2 corresponding to the latest information J2, summary information SM that concisely summarizes the reason for the sudden increase in the number of searches for search keyword Q-2, a chart G-2 that shows the trend of search keyword Q-2, i.e., the change in the number of searches, and explanatory content CNT-2 that explains the reason for the sudden increase in the number of searches for search keyword Q-2.

[0032] The image-free latest information J2 basically has the same structure as the example shown in FIG. 3, except that it contains pre-prepared standard images instead of the image information J2-1.

[0033] In this way, the information processing device 100 can provide the service user U with pinpoint information linked to an increase in public attention (for example, on a news site) through the news site. Furthermore, the service user U can quickly grasp information that is attracting public attention through the news site.

[0034] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 can display other screens on the news site in response to an operation by the service user U on the ranking information J1 displayed on the trend display screen W-2. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition from the ranking information J1 according to the embodiment.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, when the information processing device 100 detects an operation by the service user U on the display area A-1 of the ranking information J1 displayed on the trend display screen W-2, the information processing device 100 executes a keyword search using the search keyword (e.g., soccer) entered together with the search keyword Q-1: "World Cup" as a process associated with the display area A-1. For example, the display area A-1 displays keyword information of co-occurring words, such as "soccer," "basketball," "2023," and "tickets," which are entered together with "World Cup" during a keyword search (see FIG. 2). For example, when the service user U selects "World Cup" + "soccer" in the display area A-1, the information processing device 100 executes a keyword search using "World Cup" + "soccer" and displays a search result screen W-3 of the keyword search on a news site. For example, FIG. 4 shows an example in which the search result screen W-3 is displayed semi-modally.

[0036] 4, in response to an operation by the service user U on the display area A-2 of the ranking information J1 displayed on the trend display screen W-2, the information processing device 100 executes a real-time search using the search keyword Q-1: "World Cup" displayed in the display area A-2 as a process associated with the display area A-2. Then, the information processing device 100 displays a search result screen W-4 of the real-time search using the search keyword Q-1: "World Cup" on the news site.

[0037] 4, the information processing device 100 executes a search for a news article corresponding to the explanatory content CNT-1 displayed in the display area A-3 as a process associated with the display area A-3 in response to an operation by the service user U on the display area A-3 of the ranking information J1 displayed on the trend display screen W-2. Then, the information processing device 100 causes the news site to display a news article screen W-5 that displays a news article corresponding to the explanatory content CNT-1.

[0038] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 can display other screens on the news site in response to an operation by the service user U on the latest information J2 displayed on the trend display screen W-2. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition from the latest information J2 according to the embodiment.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, when the information processing device 100 detects an operation by the service user U on the search object OB-2 provided in the display area A-4 of the latest information J2 displayed on the trend display screen W-2, it displays a simple search screen W-6 on the news site as a process associated with the search object OB-2.

[0040] Also, as shown in Figure 5, when the information processing device 100 detects an operation by the service user U on the display area A-4 on the trend display screen W-2 where the above-mentioned image information J2-1 is displayed, it causes the news site to display an image provider screen W-7 that displays the image provider as a process associated with the display area A-4.

[0041] 5, when the information processing device 100 detects an operation by the service user U on the display area A-5 on the trend display screen W-2 where the above-mentioned search keyword Q-2 and the above-mentioned summary information SM are displayed, the information processing device 100 executes a keyword search using the search keyword Q-2: "Tenko Taro" displayed in the display area A-5 as a process associated with the display area A-5. Then, the information processing device 100 displays a search result screen W-8 of the keyword search using the search keyword Q-2: "Tenko Taro" on the news site.

[0042] 5, when the information processing device 100 detects an operation by the service user U on the display area A-6 on the trend display screen W-2, where the explanatory content CNT-2 is displayed, the information processing device 100 executes a search for a news article corresponding to the explanatory content CNT-2 displayed in the display area A-6 as a process associated with the display area A-6. Then, the information processing device 100 causes a news article screen W-9, which displays a news article corresponding to the explanatory content CNT-2, to be displayed on the news site. For example, FIG. 5 shows an example in which the search result screen W-9 is displayed semi-modally.

[0043] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may calculate a trend score based on the number of keyword searches by service users U (see FIG. 1, for example) with similar attributes. In this case, the information processing device 100 manages trend scores of search keywords for each attribute. Target attributes include demographic attributes such as age, gender, and place of residence of the service users U, and psychographic attributes such as interests, preferences, and lifestyle.

[0044] [2. System Configuration] The configuration of the information processing system SYS according to the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the information processing system SYS according to the embodiment.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, the information processing system SYS according to the embodiment includes a plurality of terminal devices 10 and an information processing device 100.

[0046] The terminal device 10 and the information processing device 100 are connected to a network N by wire or wirelessly. Each of the terminal device 10 and the information processing device 100 can communicate with other devices via the network N.

[0047] The network N includes, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet, and a mobile communication network such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), or 5G (5th Generation: fifth generation mobile communication system).

[0048] The terminal device 10 is connected to a network N by short-range wireless communication such as a mobile communication network, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and can communicate with other devices such as the information processing device 100 through the network N.

[0049] The terminal device 10 can measure its own current position. For example, the terminal device 10 can receive signals (radio waves) transmitted from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite and perform GPS positioning to calculate position information (for example, latitude and longitude) indicating the current position of the terminal device 10 based on the received signals. Note that GPS is an example of a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

[0050] Furthermore, the terminal device 10 can perform Wi-Fi (registered trademark) positioning, which determines the positional relationship between the terminal device 10 and a wireless access point based on the strength of radio waves received from the wireless access point. The terminal device 10 can perform Wi-Fi positioning indoors where radio waves from GPS satellites cannot be received. In addition, the terminal device 10 may have a function for performing beacon positioning, geomagnetic positioning, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) positioning, etc.

[0051] The terminal device 10 is used by a service user U who uses a news site. Each of the multiple terminal devices 10 is used by a different service user U. A user application for the service user, which is equipped with various functions for using the news site, is installed on the terminal device 10.

[0052] In addition to news sites, online services provided to service user U may include, for example, search services, travel information services, SNS (Social Networking Services), e-commerce services, electronic payment services, online games, online banking services, online trading services, hotel reservation services, ticket reservation services, video distribution services, music distribution services, map information services, route search services, route guidance services, line information services, operation information services, weather information services, question services, etc. Note that the various online services may include API (Application Programming Interface) services corresponding to various applications.

[0053] For example, the terminal device 10 can display web content provided by the information processing device 100 using a user application. When the terminal device 10 receives control information for realizing information display processing from the information processing device 100, the terminal device 10 realizes the display processing in accordance with the control information.

[0054] Furthermore, when the terminal device 10 receives control information for realizing predetermined information processing from the information processing device 100, the terminal device 10 realizes the information processing in accordance with the control information. Here, the control information is described in, for example, a script language such as JavaScript (registered trademark), a style sheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), a programming language such as Java (registered trademark), or a markup language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language). Note that a predetermined application itself delivered from the information processing device 100 or the like may also be considered as control information.

[0055] 1 illustrates a case where the terminal device 10 is a smartphone, but the terminal device 10 may be, for example, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a wearable device, etc. Examples of wearable devices include, but are not limited to, smart glasses and smart watches.

[0056] The information processing device 100 is operated and managed by a service provider that provides various online services. For example, as one of the various online services, the service provider operates a news site where service users U can freely browse news and topics from various fields, both domestic and international. The article content provided on the news site may be news articles, as well as web content such as columns, essays, interviews, product reviews, feature articles, or articles about people.

[0057] The information processing device 100 executes information processing according to an embodiment described below as one type of information processing related to a news site. A processing function unit that the information processing device 100 has for realizing the information processing according to the embodiment will be described later.

[0058] The information processing device 100 is typically a server device, but may also be realized by a mainframe, a workstation, etc. Furthermore, when the information processing device 100 is realized by a server device, it may be realized by a single server device, or may be realized by a cloud system in which multiple server devices and multiple storage devices operate in cooperation with each other.

[0059] [3. Equipment configuration] (3-1. Example of the configuration of the terminal device 10) An example of the functional configuration of the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment includes a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 15.

[0060] (Communications Department 11) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a communication module or a network interface card (NIC). The communication unit 110 is connected to a network N by wire or wirelessly. The information processing device 100 transmits and receives information to and from other devices such as the information processing device 100 via the network N.

[0061] (Display section 12) The display unit 12 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display unit 12 can display various information such as article content displayed on a news site. The display unit 12 can also display ranking information J1 (see, for example, FIG. 2) and the latest information J2 (see, for example, FIG. 3).

[0062] (Operation unit 13) The operation unit 13 includes, for example, a keyboard including keys for inputting letters, numbers, and spaces, an enter key, and arrow keys, a mouse, and a power button. If the terminal device 10 is equipped with a touch screen display (also referred to as a "touch panel display"), the operation unit 13 includes a touch panel. The operation unit 13 transfers operation information of a service user U (see, for example, FIG. 1) who uses the terminal device 10 to the control unit 15.

[0063] (Storage unit 14) The storage unit 14 stores, for example, programs and data used for control and calculation by the control unit 15. The storage unit 14 is realized, for example, by 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. The storage unit 14 may store, for example, a user application.

[0064] (Control unit 15) The control unit 15 is a controller, and is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc., executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the terminal device 10 using RAM as a working area.

[0065] Furthermore, the control unit 15 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a general purpose graphic processing unit (GPGPU).

[0066] The control unit 15 can execute various processes related to the news site using functions installed in the user application.

[0067] For example, when the control unit 15 detects an operation by the service user U on the trend tab OB-1 provided on the top screen W-1 of the user application, the control unit 15 can send a trend search request to the information processing device 100 from the communication unit 11 via the network N using the function of the user application.

[0068] Furthermore, for example, when the control unit 15 receives from the communication unit 110 ranking information J1 (see, for example, Figure 2) or latest information J2 (see, for example, Figure 3), which is information transmitted from the information processing device 100 and received by the communication unit 11, it can display it on the trend display screen W-2 on the display unit 12.

[0069] Furthermore, when the control unit 15 receives control information for realizing predetermined information processing from the information processing device 100, the control unit 15 realizes the information processing in accordance with the control information. Here, the control information is described in, for example, a script language such as JavaScript (registered trademark), a style sheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), a programming language such as Java (registered trademark), or a markup language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language). Note that a predetermined application itself delivered from the information processing device 100 or the like may also be regarded as control information.

[0070] (3-2. Configuration example of information processing device 100) An example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 100 included in the information processing system SYS according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the information processing device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0071] (Communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a communication module or a network interface card (NIC). The communication unit 110 is connected to a network N by wire or wirelessly. The information processing device 100 transmits and receives information to and from other devices such as the terminal device 10 via the network N.

[0072] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 stores, for example, programs and data used for control and calculation by the control unit 130. For example, the storage unit 120 is realized by 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. For example, the storage unit 120 has a user information DB 121, a keyword information DB 122, and an submitted information DB 123. Note that the storage unit 120 is not particularly limited to the example shown in FIG. 8 and can store data necessary for executing the information processing according to the embodiment as appropriate.

[0073] (User information DB121) The user information DB 121 stores user information about a service user U (see, for example, FIG. 1) who uses a news site. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an overview of the user information stored in the user information DB 121 according to the embodiment.

[0074] 9, the user information stored in the user information DB 121 has a plurality of items such as a "user ID" item, a "search history" item, an "age" item, a "gender" item, a "place of residence" item, an "interests and preferences" item, and a "lifestyle" item. These items in the user information are associated with each other.

[0075] The "User ID" field stores identification information for identifying the service user U. The "Search History" field stores information indicating the search history of the service user U. For example, the information indicating the search history includes information such as search keywords used for keyword searches on news sites and the date and time of the search.

[0076] The "age" field stores information indicating the age of the service user U. The "gender" field stores information indicating the gender of the service user U. The "place of residence" field stores information indicating the place of residence of the service user U. Age, gender, and place of residence are examples of the demographic attributes of the service user U.

[0077] The "interests and preferences" field stores information indicating the interests and preferences of the service user U. The "lifestyle" field stores information indicating the lifestyle of the service user U. Note that interests and preferences and lifestyle are examples of psychographic attributes of the service user U.

[0078] (Keyword information DB122) The keyword information DB 122 stores keyword information indicating evaluation values ​​of search keywords used in keyword searches at use sites. The keyword information DB 122 is an example of a keyword information storage unit. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an overview of keyword information stored in the keyword information DB 122 according to the embodiment.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 10, the keyword information stored in the keyword information DB 122 has a "keyword" item and an "evaluation value" item, and these items are associated with each other.

[0080] The "keyword" field stores information indicating the search keywords used in keyword searches on the use site. The "evaluation value" field stores a trend score (an example of an "evaluation value"), which is information for evaluating the trend of the search keyword. As described above, the trend score of a search keyword is calculated by the calculation unit 132, which will be described later, using the ratio of the number of searches compared to a predetermined period in the past, the number of searches in the same time period in the past, and the evaluation period for evaluating the trend.

[0081] (Submission information DB123) The submitted manuscript information DB 123 stores the latest information (such as the latest information J2 shown in FIG. 3) submitted by the operator of the information processing device 100. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an outline of the latest information stored in the submitted manuscript information DB 123 according to the embodiment.

[0082] 11, the latest information stored in the submission information DB 123 (for example, the latest information J2 shown in FIG. 3) has multiple items such as an item for "submission date and time," an item for "data," an item for "image," and an item for "corresponding keyword." These items in the latest information are associated with each other.

[0083] The "Submission Date and Time" field stores information indicating the submission date and time of the latest information submitted by the operator. The "Data" field stores data of the latest information submitted by the operator. The "Image" field stores image data submitted by the operator. The "Corresponding Keyword" field stores information indicating search keywords corresponding to the latest information.

[0084] (control unit 130) The control unit 130 is a controller, and is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc., executing various programs (examples of "information processing programs") stored in a storage device inside the information processing device 100 using RAM as a working area.

[0085] Furthermore, the control unit 130 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a general purpose graphic processing unit (GPGPU).

[0086] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 130 has a receiving unit 131, a calculating unit 132, and a providing unit 133, and these units realize or execute the functions and actions of the information processing described below.

[0087] Note that control unit 130 may have an internal configuration divided into multiple processing units that realize or execute the information processing functions and actions described below. Also, control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 8, and may have other configurations as long as they perform the information processing described below, and may have other functional units other than those shown in Fig. 8.

[0088] (Reception Department 131) The reception unit 131 receives a trend search request for a search keyword used in a keyword search on a news site from a service user U (see, for example, FIG. 1 ). For example, the reception unit 131 receives from the communication unit 110 a trend search request that is transmitted from the terminal device 10 and received by the communication unit 110 via the network N.

[0089] (Calculation unit 132) The calculation unit 132 calculates an evaluation value for each search keyword based on the number of searches for the keyword, for evaluating the trend of the search keyword. The calculation unit 132 registers the calculated trend score in the keyword information DB 122 in association with the search keyword, based on the trend score, of the search keyword that is attracting attention on the news site.

[0090] For example, the calculation unit 132 calculates a trend score for each search keyword using the ratio of the number of searches compared to a predetermined period in the past, the number of searches in the same time period in the past, and the evaluation period for evaluating the trend. For example, the information processing device 100 can calculate the trend score using the following formula (1). Using the following formula (1), search keywords that have continuously been attracting attention (also called "periodic queries") are excluded, and search keywords that have recently been attracting a lot of attention can be extracted.

[0091] Trend score = Ratio of search volume compared to a specified period in the past x number of searches in the same time period in the past x evaluation period for evaluating trends... (1)

[0092] Furthermore, the calculation unit 132 recalculates the trend score at predetermined intervals to update the trend score to the latest state.

[0093] The calculation unit 132 may also calculate the trend score based on the number of searches for a keyword by a service user U (see FIG. 1, for example) with similar attributes. In this case, the calculation unit 132 registers the trend score of the search keyword for each attribute in the keyword information DB 122. The target attributes include demographic attributes such as age, gender, and place of residence of the service user U, and psychographic attributes such as interests, preferences, and lifestyle.

[0094] (Provider 133) When a trend search request is accepted by the accepting unit 131, if there is no latest information submitted corresponding to a search keyword whose trend score exceeds a predetermined threshold (for example, latest information J2 shown in Figure 3), the providing unit 133 provides the service user U with ranking information (for example, ranking information J1 shown in Figure 2) that ranks the search keywords based on the trend score, and if there is latest information submitted corresponding to a search keyword whose trend score exceeds a predetermined threshold, the providing unit 133 provides the service user U with the submitted latest information.

[0095] For example, when the receiving unit 131 receives a trend search request, the providing unit 133 refers to the keyword information stored in the keyword information DB 122 and attempts to detect a search keyword whose trend score exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0096] In addition, when the providing unit 133 detects a search keyword whose trend score exceeds a predetermined threshold, it refers to the submission information DB 123 and checks whether the latest information corresponding to the search keyword whose trend score exceeds the predetermined threshold has been submitted.

[0097] In addition, if the latest information J2 corresponding to a search keyword whose trend score exceeds a predetermined threshold has not been submitted, the providing unit 133 generates ranking information J1 and provides the generated ranking information J1 to the service user U by transmitting it from the communication unit 110 to the terminal device 10 via the network N.

[0098] In addition, when the latest information J2 corresponding to a search keyword whose trend score exceeds a predetermined threshold is submitted, the providing unit 133 provides the latest information J2 to the service user U by transmitting the latest information J2 together with ranking information J1 from the communication unit 110 to the terminal device 10 via the network N.

[0099] The providing unit 133 can provide, as the ranking information J1 or the latest information J2, corresponding search keywords (for example, search keyword Q-1 shown in FIG. 2 or search keyword Q-2 shown in FIG. 3) and explanatory content that explains the factors behind the increase in the number of searches for a keyword search using the search keywords (for example, explanatory content CNT-1 shown in FIG. 2 or explanatory content CNT-2 shown in FIG. 3). Note that the explanatory content may be created in advance by an operator of the information processing device 100, or may be created by a generation AI. When generating explanatory content using a generation AI, for example, the content can be generated by inputting information about a web page corresponding to the target search keyword and a prompt that instructs the generation AI to explain the factors behind the increase in the number of searches.

[0100] 4. Processing Procedure According to the Embodiment The following describes the procedure of information processing executed by the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of information processing executed by the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. The procedure of processing shown in Fig. 12 is executed by the control unit 130 of the information processing device 100. The procedure of processing shown in Fig. 12 is repeatedly executed while the information processing device 100 is operating.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 12, the receiving unit 131 receives a trend search request for a search keyword (step S101).

[0102] The providing unit 133 checks whether or not there is submission of latest information (such as latest information J2 shown in FIG. 3) corresponding to a search keyword whose trend score exceeds a predetermined threshold (step S102).

[0103] If the latest information corresponding to a search keyword whose trend score exceeds a predetermined threshold is submitted (step S102; Yes), the providing unit 133 provides the ranking information along with the latest information to the service user U (for example, see Figure 1), and terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 12.

[0104] If there is no latest information submitted corresponding to a search keyword whose trend score exceeds a predetermined threshold (step S102; No), the providing unit 133 provides only the ranking information to the service user U and terminates the processing procedure shown in Figure 12.

[0105] [5. Hardware Configuration] The information processing device 100 according to the above-described embodiment and each of the modified examples is realized, for example, by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0106] The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and has a configuration in which an arithmetic unit 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output IF (Interface) 1060, an input IF 1070, and a network IF 1080 are connected by a bus 1090.

[0107] The arithmetic device 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 and secondary storage device 1050, programs read from the input device 1020, and the like, and executes various processes. The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device, such as a RAM, 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), HDD, flash memory, or the like.

[0108] The output IF 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information, such as a monitor or a printer, 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 IF 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as a mouse, keyboard, and scanner, and is realized by, for example, USB.

[0109] The input device 1020 may be a device that reads information from 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. The input device 1020 may also be an external storage medium such as a USB memory.

[0110] The network IF 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.

[0111] The arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and the input IF 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.

[0112] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment, the arithmetic device 1030 of the computer 1000 executes a program (for example, an information processing program) loaded onto the primary storage device 1040, thereby realizing the same functions as the control unit 130. That is, the arithmetic device 1030 cooperates with the program (for example, an information processing program) loaded onto the primary storage device 1040 to realize the processing by the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0113] [6. Other] Of 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.

[0114] 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.

[0115] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0116] The above describes in detail the embodiments of the present application based on several drawings, but these are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms that include the embodiments described in the Disclosure of the Invention section and that have been modified and improved in various ways based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0117] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, a control section can be read as control means or a control circuit.

[0118] [7. Effects] The information processing device 100 according to the embodiment is an information processing device that executes processing related to a news site and includes a receiving unit 131 and a providing unit 133. The receiving unit 131 receives a trend search request for a search keyword used in a keyword search on a news site from a service user U (see, for example, FIG. 1 ). When the receiving unit 131 receives the trend search request, if there is no submitted latest information (such as the latest information J2 shown in FIG. 3 ) corresponding to the search keyword whose trend score (an example of an “evaluation value”) for evaluating the trend of the search keyword exceeds a predetermined threshold, the providing unit 133 provides the service user with ranking information (such as the ranking information J1 shown in FIG. 2 ) in which the search keywords are ranked based on the trend score, and if there is submitted latest information corresponding to the search keyword whose trend score exceeds the predetermined threshold, the providing unit 133 provides the submitted latest information to the service user.

[0119] The information processing device 100 also has a keyword information DB 122 (an example of a "keyword information storage unit") and a calculation unit 132. The keyword information DB 122 stores a trend score for each search keyword. The calculation unit 132 calculates a trend score for each search keyword based on the number of searches in the keyword search. The calculation unit 132 also registers the trend score calculated for each search keyword in the keyword information DB 122.

[0120] Furthermore, the calculation unit 132 calculates a trend score for each search keyword using the ratio of the number of searches compared to a predetermined period in the past, the number of searches in the same time period in the past, and the evaluation period for evaluating the trend.

[0121] Furthermore, the calculation unit 132 recalculates the trend score at predetermined intervals to update the trend score to the latest state.

[0122] Furthermore, the providing unit 133 provides, as ranking information or latest information, the corresponding search keyword and explanation content that explains the cause of the increase in the number of searches using the search keyword.

[0123] Furthermore, the calculation unit 132 calculates a trend score based on the number of keyword searches by service users with similar attributes.

[0124] The attributes also include demographic attributes and psychographic attributes of the service user.

[0125] For this reason, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment can provide the service user U with pinpoint information linked to an increase in public attention through the news site. Meanwhile, the service user U can quickly grasp information that is attracting public attention through the news site.

[0126] Furthermore, the above-described effects can also be realized by the processing executed by each of the above-described units, or by any combination of the processing executed by each unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] SYS Information Processing System N Network 10 Terminal Equipment 100 Information processing device 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 User information DB 122 Keyword Information DB 123 Submission Information DB 130 Control Unit 131 Reception 132 Calculation Unit 133 Provision Department

Claims

1. An information processing device that executes processing related to a news site, a reception unit that receives from a service user a trend search request for search keywords used in keyword searches on the news site; a provision unit that, when the reception unit receives the trend search request, if there is no submitted latest information corresponding to the search keyword whose evaluation value for evaluating the trend of the search keyword exceeds a predetermined threshold, provides the service user with ranking information that ranks the search keywords based on the evaluation value, and, if there is submitted latest information corresponding to the search keyword whose evaluation value exceeds the predetermined threshold, provides the submitted latest information to the service user; An information processing device comprising:

2. a keyword information storage unit that stores the evaluation value for each of the search keywords; a calculation unit that calculates the evaluation value for each of the search keywords based on the number of searches of the keyword search; and The calculation unit The evaluation value calculated for each of the search keywords is registered in the keyword information storage unit.

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

3. The calculation unit The evaluation value is calculated for each of the search keywords using the ratio of the number of searches compared to a predetermined period in the past, the number of searches in the same time period in the past, and an evaluation period for evaluating trends.

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

4. The calculation unit The evaluation value is updated to the latest state by recalculating the evaluation value at a predetermined interval.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information processing apparatus is a computer.

5. The providing unit As the ranking information or the latest information, the corresponding search keyword and explanatory content explaining the cause of the increase in the number of searches using the search keyword are provided.

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

6. The calculation unit The evaluation value is calculated based on the number of keyword searches by the service users with similar attributes.

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

7. The attribute is: Including the demographic and psychographic attributes of the service users 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6,

8. An information processing method performed by a computer that executes processing related to a news site, a receiving step of receiving from a service user a trend search request for search keywords used in keyword searches on the news site; a provision step of providing ranking information that ranks the search keywords based on the evaluation value to the service user when the trend search request is accepted by the acceptance step, and when there is no submitted latest information corresponding to the search keyword whose evaluation value for evaluating the trend of the search keyword exceeds a predetermined threshold, and when there is submitted latest information corresponding to the search keyword whose evaluation value exceeds the predetermined threshold, providing the submitted latest information to the service user; An information processing method comprising:

9. The computer that processes the news site a receiving step of receiving from a service user a trend search request for search keywords used in keyword searches on the news site; a provision step of providing ranking information ranking the search keywords based on the evaluation value to the service user when the trend search request is accepted by the acceptance step and when there is no submitted latest information corresponding to the search keyword whose evaluation value for evaluating the trend of the search keyword exceeds a predetermined threshold, and providing the submitted latest information to the service user when there is submitted latest information corresponding to the search keyword whose evaluation value exceeds the predetermined threshold; An information processing program characterized by causing the program to execute the above.

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