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

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The information processing device addresses usability issues in search results by allowing user submissions for approver validation, enhancing search relevance and accuracy.

JP2026013733APending Publication Date: 2026-01-29LY CORP

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Patent Information

Application Number: JP2024114289
Authority / Receiving Office: JP · JP
Patent Type: Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date: 2024-07-17
Publication Date: 2026-01-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional information search techniques lack improved usability, particularly in providing relevant search results and allowing user contributions to enhance search outcomes.

Method used

An information processing device that determines search result satisfaction of predetermined conditions, displays a posting screen for user input when conditions are met, and provides user-submitted information for approver approval, integrating it as new search results if approved.

Benefits of technology

Enhances usability by providing new search results from user contributions, ensuring relevance and accuracy through approver validation, thus improving search outcomes.

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Abstract

To promote improvement of usability in information retrieval.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes a determination unit, a display processing unit, a first provision unit, and a second provision unit. The determination unit determines whether a search result corresponding to a search query of a user satisfies a predetermined condition. When the determination unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the display processing unit displays a posting screen of the event corresponding to the search query. The first providing unit provides posted information related to an event input on the posting screen displayed by the display processing unit to an approver corresponding to the search query. When the post information provided by the first providing unit is approved by the approver, the second providing unit provides the post information as a new search result corresponding to the search query.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

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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] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there are known techniques for providing information corresponding to a search query, such as a technique for providing appropriate content based on relevance to the search query. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7089100 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional techniques have room for further improvement in terms of, for example, promoting improved usability during information searches.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above, and aims to promote improvement of usability when searching for information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device according to the present application is characterized by having a determination unit that determines whether search results corresponding to a user's search query satisfy predetermined conditions; a display processing unit that displays a posting screen for an event corresponding to the search query when the determination unit determines that the predetermined conditions are satisfied; a first providing unit that provides posting information regarding the event entered on the posting screen displayed by the display processing unit to an approver corresponding to the search query; and a second providing unit that provides the posting information provided by the first providing unit as new search results corresponding to the search query when approval is obtained from the approver. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to achieve an effect of promoting improvement in usability when searching for information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram (1) showing an example of a posting screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram (2) showing an example of the posting screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a user terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an article information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a posted information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart (1) showing an example of the procedure of information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart (2) showing an example of the procedure of information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device. 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] (Embodiment) [1. Information Processing System Configuration] An information processing system 1 shown in Fig. 1 will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a user terminal 10 and an information processing device 100. The user terminal 10 and the information processing device 100 are connected to each other via a predetermined communication network (network N) so as to be able to communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0011] The user terminal 10 is an information processing device used by a user who performs web activities on a predetermined service (e.g., an information providing site, etc.). A user who uses the user terminal 10 is, for example, a user who browses articles on a predetermined service. For example, a user who uses the user terminal 10 is a user who searches for articles corresponding to an event using a search query and browses articles that match the search.

[0012] The user terminal 10 may be any device that can implement the processes in the embodiment. The user terminal 10 may also be a device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a mobile phone, or a PDA. Figure 2 shows a case where the user terminal 10 is a smartphone.

[0013] The user terminal 10 is, for example, a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet, and is a portable terminal device capable of communicating with any server device via a wireless communication network such as 4G to 5G (Generations) or LTE (Long Term Evolution). The user terminal 10 may have a screen such as a liquid crystal display with a touch panel function, and may accept various operations on displayed data such as content, such as tapping, sliding, and scrolling, performed by a user's finger or stylus. In FIG. 2, the user terminal 10 is used by a user U1.

[0014] The information processing device 100 is an information processing device intended to promote improved usability during information searches, and may be any device capable of implementing the processes described in the embodiments. For example, the information processing device 100 searches for articles corresponding to an event using a user's search query, and if the search results satisfy predetermined conditions, displays a posting screen and accepts posts from the user. Furthermore, for example, the information processing device 100 provides the user's posted information to an approver, and if the approver approves the information, makes it available as a search result.

[0015] The information processing device 100 is realized, for example, by a server device or a cloud system of an operator that operates a predetermined service where users perform web actions. For example, the information processing device 100 is realized by a server device or a cloud system of a predetermined service provider that operates an information providing site and distributes articles submitted by article sources.

[0016] [2. An example of information processing] Even when searching for an event, the search results may not be what the user wants. For example, many articles related to the event may have been released for a certain period of time and may no longer be available as search results, resulting in few articles available. In such cases, for example, articles unrelated to the searched event may be displayed, or the search result may be "0" and nothing may be displayed.

[0017] The present application has been made in view of the above, and aims to promote improvement of usability when searching for information.

[0018] In the following embodiment, a UI (content) is provided that has a function that allows a user to request information about an event (hereinafter referred to as a "request function" where appropriate) and a function that allows a user to post information that the user knows (hereinafter referred to as a "posting function" where appropriate). Furthermore, a request is made to a media outlet, an expert, or the like to determine whether or not to approve the posted information posted by the user, and if approval is granted, the information is displayed as a new search result. In the following embodiment, the party to which such a request for approval or disapproval is made is referred to as an "approver" where appropriate. Approvers are, for example, predetermined and linked to each event. Furthermore, in the following embodiment, whether or not to approve is determined based on, for example, the factuality (whether or not it is true), appropriateness (whether or not the post complies with guidelines), and validity (whether or not the post is related to the event) of the posted information.

[0019] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, once approval is obtained from the approver, the posted information is newly displayed as a search result. Here, newly displayed as a search result means, for example, that the approved posted information is displayed when the user who posted the information (hereinafter referred to as the "posting user" as appropriate) or another user newly performs a similar search. For example, the approved posted information is displayed when the posting user or another user performs a search using the same or a similar search query, or when the posting user or another user performs a search with the same or a similar event as the search intent.

[0020] The information processing of the information processing system will be described below. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of information processing of the information processing system according to the embodiment.

[0021] When user U1 performs a search on a predetermined service (step S11), information processing device 100 acquires information about user U1's search query (step S101). For example, information processing device 100 acquires information about user U1's search query entered on a predetermined service via user terminal 10. For example, user U1 may use a keyword such as "latest fencing" in the search query to view the latest articles on fencing.

[0022] The information processing device 100 acquires search results corresponding to the search query of the user U1 (step S102). For example, the information processing device 100 acquires search results for articles corresponding to the event searched for by the user U1. For example, the information processing device 100 acquires article information such as the number of articles found in the search and the titles of the articles.

[0023] The information processing device 100 determines whether the acquired search results satisfy a predetermined condition (step S103). For example, the information processing device 100 determines whether the number of search hit articles is less than a predetermined threshold. At this time, for example, if the information processing device 100 determines that the number of search hit articles is less than the predetermined threshold, it determines that the search results satisfy the predetermined condition, and if it determines that the number of search hit articles is not less than the predetermined threshold, it determines that the search results do not satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0024] Furthermore, for example, the information processing device 100 calculates a relevance score between the article in the search result and the search query, and determines whether or not the relevance score satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, the information processing device 100 determines whether or not the relevance score between the article in the search result and the search query is less than a predetermined threshold. In this case, for example, if the information processing device 100 determines that the relevance score is less than the predetermined threshold, it determines that the search result satisfies the predetermined condition, and if it determines that the relevance score is not less than the predetermined threshold, it determines that the search result does not satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0025] The information processing device 100 calculates the relevance score based on, for example, whether or not the article contains a keyword of the search query. At this time, for example, the information processing device 100 calculates a higher relevance score as the article contains more keywords of the search query.

[0026] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 calculates a relevance score for each article in the search results, and determines whether the number of articles whose relevance scores are less than a predetermined threshold is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. At this time, for example, if the information processing device 100 determines that the number of articles whose relevance scores are less than the predetermined threshold is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, it determines that the search results satisfy the predetermined condition, and if it determines that the number of articles whose relevance scores are less than the predetermined threshold is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, it determines that the search results do not satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0027] Although the above description takes the example of calculating the relevance score based on the search result article and the search query, it may also be calculated based on the search result article and the searched event. In the former case, if user U1 uses "latest fencing" as a search query, the relevance score is calculated based on the search result article and "latest fencing." In the latter case, the relevance score is calculated based on the search result article and the latest fencing event.

[0028] In step S103, if the information processing device 100 determines that the search results do not satisfy the predetermined conditions, the search results are displayed and the information processing is terminated. For example, this may be the case when the number of articles found in the search is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or when the relevance score between the search result articles and the search query is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. That is, in this case, a UI having a request function and a posting function is not provided, and the search results are displayed as in the prior art and the information processing is terminated. Below, the information processing when it is determined that the search results satisfy the predetermined conditions will be described.

[0029] On the other hand, if the information processing device 100 determines in step S103 that the search results satisfy the predetermined conditions, it displays a posting screen for the event corresponding to the search query (step S104). Specifically, it displays a posting screen on which posting can be made regarding the event. For example, it displays a posting screen on which user U1 can freely enter information in a descriptive format. For example, if user U1 uses "latest fencing" as the search query, it displays a posting screen on which user U1 can freely enter information regarding the latest fencing events.

[0030] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of a posting screen according to an embodiment. The posting screen G1 is an example of a posting screen according to an embodiment. The posting screen G1 is a search result screen when a user U1 searches using "latest fencing" as a search query. Since the search result is "0" on the posting screen G1, "Search results: 0" is displayed in the display frame W1 that displays the articles of the search result. Note that if there is at least one article in the search results, for example, a thumbnail of that article is displayed in the display frame W1. Furthermore, if there are multiple articles in the search results, for example, thumbnails of the articles are displayed one above the other in the display frame W1, as in the prior art.

[0031] The posting screen G1 has a posting function. The posting screen G1 includes a posting area R1 where user U1 can post what he knows. The posting area R1 includes a posting frame W11 where user U1 can post what he knows, along with text information such as "The latest fencing news I know." The posting frame W11 displays information (comments) entered by user U1, such as "Japan's latest fencing ranking is 6th / The rules have recently changed to XX / The chairman has become XX."

[0032] The posting screen G1 includes a posting button P1 labeled "Post what you know." When the posting button P1 is operated (for example, tapped or clicked), the posting information entered in the posting frame W11 is sent. For example, when user U1 operates the posting button P1, the information entered by user U1, such as "Japan's latest fencing ranking is 6th / The rules were recently changed to XX / The chairman became XX," is sent as posting information.

[0033] FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of a posting screen according to an embodiment. The posting screen G2 is an example of a posting screen according to an embodiment. The posting screen G2 is a posting screen in which a request function is added to the posting screen G1. That is, the posting screen G2 has a posting function and a request function. The posting screen G2 includes a request button P2 labeled "Request What You Want to Know." When the request button P2 is operated, article request information is sent to, for example, an article source that has previously submitted an article corresponding to the search query. Then, for example, if the article source permits redistribution of the article, the permitted article will be reflected in the search results. Also, for example, if the article source creates and submits a new article, the newly created article will be reflected in the search results. At this time, for example, user U1 may select what user U1 wants to know from a list of candidates, and the selected information may be sent together with the request information. Alternatively, user U1 may freely enter what user U1 wants to know in a descriptive format, and the entered information may be sent together with the request information.

[0034] Below, we will explain the information processing when user U1 enters a comment in the posting frame W11 and operates the post button P1 (step S12). In this case, the posted information is provided to the approver corresponding to the search query. In this case, there may be one approver or multiple approvers. In FIG. 2, the posted information is provided to the approver F1. The information processing device 100 identifies the approver corresponding to the search query and provides the posted information (step S105). In FIG. 2, the information processing device 100 provides information such as "Japan's latest fencing ranking is 6th / The rules have recently changed to XX / The chairman has become XX" to the approver F1.

[0035] The approver F1 looks at the posted information and determines whether to approve it (step S21). For example, the approver F1 makes a comprehensive determination of whether to approve it from the standpoints of factuality, appropriateness, and validity. If the approver F1 approves the posted information (i.e., if approval is obtained from the approver F1), the information processing device 100 acquires information that the posted information has been approved, and if the approver F1 does not approve the posted information (i.e., if approval is not obtained from the approver F1), the information processing device 100 acquires information that the posted information has not been approved (step S106). Then, if the information processing device 100 acquires information that the posted information has been approved, the information processing device 100 determines that the posted information has been approved, and if the information processing device 100 acquires information that the posted information has not been approved, the information processing device 100 determines that the posted information has not been approved.

[0036] In addition, when there are multiple approvers, the information processing device 100 acquires approval / denial determination information from the multiple approvers. In this case, for example, the information processing device 100 determines that the posted information is approved when approval is obtained from a majority of the approvers, and determines that the posted information is not approved when approval is not obtained from a majority of the approvers.

[0037] If the information processing device 100 determines that the posted information is approved, it stores the posted information as information corresponding to the search query. If the information processing device 100 determines that the posted information is not approved, it terminates information processing without storing the posted information. If the posted information is stored as information corresponding to the search query, the posted information will be provided as a search result when an identical or similar search is performed. For example, the posted information will be displayed in the display frame W1. That is, new search results will be displayed as search results corresponding to the search query. For example, if information entered by user U1 such as "Japan's latest fencing ranking is 6th / The rules have recently changed to XX / The chairman has become XX" is approved, search results including new posted information such as "Japan's latest fencing ranking is 6th / The rules have recently changed to XX / The chairman has become XX" will be displayed.

[0038] In the above embodiment, when the posted information is approved, the information processing device 100 may notify the user U1 that the posted information has been approved, or may notify the user U1 that the posted information will now be displayed as a search result. On the other hand, when the posted information is not approved, the information processing device 100 may notify the user U1 that the posted information has not been approved, or may notify the user U1 that the posted information will not be displayed as a search result.

[0039] [3. User terminal configuration] Next, the configuration of the user terminal 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the user terminal 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the user terminal 10 has a communication unit 11, an input unit 12, an output unit 13, and a control unit 14.

[0040] (Communications Department 11) The communication unit 11 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 11 is connected to a predetermined network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the information processing device 100, etc., via the predetermined network N.

[0041] (Input section 12) The input unit 12 accepts various operations from a user. In FIG. 4, the input unit 12 accepts various operations from a user U1. For example, the input unit 12 may accept various operations from a user via a display screen using a touch panel function. The input unit 12 may also accept various operations from buttons provided on the user terminal 10 or a keyboard or mouse connected to the user terminal 10.

[0042] (Output section 13) The output unit 13 is a display screen of a tablet terminal or the like realized by, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and is a display device for displaying various information. For example, the output unit 13 displays information transmitted from the information processing device 100. For example, the output unit 13 displays a posting screen (such as posting screen G1 or G2) on which the user can post what they know.

[0043] (Control unit 14) The control unit 14 is, for example, a controller, and is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the user terminal 10 using a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work area. For example, these various programs include application programs installed in the user terminal 10. For example, these various programs include application programs that display information transmitted from the information processing device 100. The control unit 14 is also realized by an integrated circuit, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 14 has a receiving unit 141 and a transmitting unit 142, and realizes or executes the information processing operations described below.

[0045] (Receiving unit 141) The receiving unit 141 receives, for example, information transmitted from the information processing device 100. For example, the receiving unit 141 receives information for displaying search results corresponding to a search query. Also, for example, the receiving unit 141 receives information for displaying a posting screen corresponding to the search query. For example, the receiving unit 141 receives information for displaying a posting screen having a posting function. Also, for example, the receiving unit 141 receives information for displaying a posting screen having a posting function and a request function.

[0046] (Transmitter 142) The transmission unit 142 transmits information to the information processing device 100, for example. For example, the transmission unit 142 transmits information related to a user's search query. For example, the transmission unit 142 transmits event information searched for by the user. Also, for example, the transmission unit 142 transmits event information corresponding to the user's search query.

[0047] The transmission unit 142 transmits, for example, operation information of a user on a posting screen. For example, the transmission unit 142 transmits operation information on a post button for posting the user's posted information. At this time, for example, the transmission unit 142 transmits the posted information together with operation information on the post button. When the post button is operated, information requesting a decision on whether to approve the information is provided to the approver. Also, for example, the transmission unit 142 transmits operation information on a request button for requesting an article. When the request button is operated, information requesting the submission of an article (for example, information requesting the resubmission of an article submitted in the past, or information requesting the creation and submission of a new article, etc.) is provided to the article source.

[0048] 4. Configuration of Information Processing Device Next, the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the information processing device 100 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. Note that the information processing device 100 may also have an input unit (e.g., a keyboard or a mouse) that accepts various operations from an administrator of the information processing device 100, and a display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display) that displays various information.

[0049] (Communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a NIC etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to a network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the user terminal 10 etc. via the network N.

[0050] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. As shown in FIG. 5 , the storage unit 120 has an article information storage unit 121 and a posted information storage unit 122.

[0051] The article information storage unit 121 stores article information. Here, FIG. 6 shows an example of the article information storage unit 121 according to the embodiment. The information stored in the article information storage unit 121 is used, for example, to provide search results corresponding to a search query. As shown in FIG. 6, the article information storage unit 121 has items such as "Article ID," "Article Source ID," and "Article Information."

[0052] "Article ID" indicates identification information for identifying an article. "Article source ID" indicates identification information for identifying the article source, which is the source from which the article was submitted. "Article information" indicates article information. In the example shown in Figure 6, conceptual information such as "Article information #1" and "Article information #2" is stored in "Article information," but in reality, text information and image information contained in the article are stored. For example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) where the image information is located, or a file path name indicating the storage location, may be stored. Furthermore, "Article information" may include, for example, the title of the article, the headline of the article (a headline created by a specified service provider), information regarding comments posted on the article by viewers of the article, etc.

[0053] The posted information storage unit 122 stores posted information. Here, FIG. 7 shows an example of the posted information storage unit 122 according to the embodiment. The information stored in the posted information storage unit 122 is used, for example, to provide new search results. As shown in FIG. 7, the posted information storage unit 122 has items such as "posted information ID," "user ID," "search query," and "posted information."

[0054] "Posted information ID" indicates identification information for identifying posted information. "User ID" indicates identification information for identifying the posting user. "Search query" indicates the search query (the search query at the time of posting). "Posted information" indicates posted information. In the example shown in Figure 7, conceptual information such as "Posted information #1" and "Posted information #2" is stored in "Posted information," but in reality, text information contained in the posted information is stored. Furthermore, "Posted information" may include, for example, identification information for identifying the approver who approved the posted information.

[0055] (control unit 130) The control unit 130 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, a CPU or an MPU executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the information processing device 100 using RAM as a work area. The control unit 130 is also realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0056] 5, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, a determination unit 132, a calculation unit 133, a display processing unit 134, a first providing unit 135, an approval storage unit 136, and a second providing unit 137, and realizes or executes the information processing action described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 5, and may be any other configuration as long as it performs the information processing described below.

[0057] (Acquisition part 131) The acquiring unit 131 acquires various pieces of information from the storage unit 120. The acquiring unit 131 also stores the acquired various pieces of information in the storage unit 120.

[0058] The acquisition unit 131 acquires various pieces of information from an external information processing device. The acquisition unit 131 acquires various pieces of information from other information processing devices such as the user terminal 10.

[0059] The acquisition unit 131 acquires, for example, information related to a user's search query. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires event information searched for by the user. Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires event information corresponding to the user's search query.

[0060] The acquisition unit 131 acquires, for example, information about a user's operation on a posting screen. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information about an operation on a posting button included in the posting screen. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information about a user's posting that has been sent together with information about the operation on the posting button. Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information about an operation on a request button included in the posting screen.

[0061] For example, when approval is obtained from an approver for posted information provided by the first providing unit 135 described below, the acquiring unit 131 acquires information that approval has been obtained from the approver. On the other hand, when approval is not obtained from an approver for posted information provided by the first providing unit 135, the acquiring unit 131 acquires information that approval has not been obtained from the approver.

[0062] (Judgment unit 132) The determination unit 132 determines, for example, whether search results corresponding to a user's search query satisfy a predetermined condition. For example, the determination unit 132 determines whether search results for articles corresponding to an event searched for by the user satisfy a predetermined condition. For example, if the search results corresponding to the user's search query satisfy the predetermined condition, the determination unit 132 determines that the search results satisfy the predetermined condition, and if the search results corresponding to the user's search query do not satisfy the predetermined condition, the determination unit 132 determines that the search results do not satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0063] The determination unit 132 determines, for example, whether the number of articles found in a search corresponding to a user's search query is less than a predetermined threshold. For example, if the number of articles found in a search is less than the predetermined threshold, the determination unit 132 determines that the search results satisfy the predetermined condition, and if the number of articles found in a search is not less than the predetermined threshold, the determination unit 132 determines that the search results do not satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0064] The determination unit 132 determines, for example, whether the relevance score between the search query and an article that has been found to be a hit in response to the user's search query is less than a predetermined threshold. For example, if the relevance score between the search query and an article that has been found to be a hit is less than the predetermined threshold, the determination unit 132 determines that the search results satisfy the predetermined condition, and if the relevance score between the search query and an article that has been found to be a hit is not less than the predetermined threshold, the determination unit 132 determines that the search results do not satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0065] The determination unit 132 determines, for example, whether the number of articles whose relevance scores are less than a predetermined threshold is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. For example, if the number of articles whose relevance scores are less than the predetermined threshold is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the determination unit 132 determines that the search results satisfy the predetermined condition, and if the number of articles whose relevance scores are less than the predetermined threshold is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the determination unit 132 determines that the search results do not satisfy the predetermined condition.

[0066] (Calculation unit 133) The calculation unit 133 calculates, for example, a relevance score. For example, the calculation unit 133 calculates a relevance score between the search result article and the search query. For example, the calculation unit 133 calculates a relevance score between each search result article and the search query. For example, the calculation unit 133 calculates a higher relevance score by comparing the search result article with keywords of the search query. For example, the calculation unit 133 calculates a higher relevance score as the search result article contains more keywords of the search query.

[0067] (Display processing unit 134) For example, when the determination unit 132 determines that the search results satisfy a predetermined condition, the display processing unit 134 displays a posting screen for an event corresponding to the search query. For example, the display processing unit 134 displays a posting screen having a posting function. Also, for example, the display processing unit 134 displays a posting screen having a posting function and a request function. Also, for example, the display processing unit 134 transmits information for displaying the posting screen for the event corresponding to the search query.

[0068] For example, when the determination unit 132 determines that the search results do not satisfy a predetermined condition, the display processing unit 134 displays the search results. For example, the display processing unit 134 displays the search results that are hit in response to the user's search query. For example, the display processing unit 134 transmits information for displaying the search results that correspond to the user's search query.

[0069] (1st provision part 135) The first providing unit 135 provides, for example, the posted information input on the posting screen displayed by the display processing unit 134 to an approver corresponding to the search query. For example, the first providing unit 135 links the posted information to each event and provides it to a predetermined approver. For example, the first providing unit 135 provides the posted information to an approver identified based on the event corresponding to the search query. For example, the first providing unit 135 transmits the posted information to a terminal device of the identified approver.

[0070] (Approval storage unit 136) For example, when information is acquired indicating that approval has been obtained from an approver for posted information provided by the first providing unit 135, the approval storage unit 136 determines that the posted information has been approved and stores the posted information as posted information corresponding to the search query. On the other hand, when information is acquired indicating that approval has not been obtained from an approver for posted information provided by the first providing unit 135, the approval storage unit 136 determines that the posted information has not been approved and ends information processing without storing the posted information.

[0071] (Second provision part 137) For example, when approval is obtained from an approver for posted information provided by the first providing unit 135, the second providing unit 137 provides the posted information as new search results corresponding to the search query. For example, when the posted information is stored by the approval storage unit 136 as posted information corresponding to the search query, the second providing unit 137 displays search results that newly include the stored posted information when a search is performed using the same or a similar search query. For example, the second providing unit 137 provides information for displaying search results that newly include the stored posted information.

[0072] The second providing unit 137, for example, identifies posted information similar to posted information for which approval has been obtained from an approver. For example, the second providing unit 137 identifies posted information posted in response to search results corresponding to another search query. For example, the second providing unit 137 identifies posted information posted in response to search results corresponding to another search query for which approval has been obtained from the same or a different approver. Furthermore, the second providing unit 137, for example, provides search results corresponding to the identified posted information as new search results corresponding to the search query. For example, the second providing unit 137 provides search results corresponding to the identified posted information so that they are preferentially displayed.

[0073] [5. Information Processing Flow] Next, the procedure of information processing by the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are flowcharts showing the procedure of information processing by the information processing system according to the embodiment.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 8, the information processing device 100 acquires information about a user's search query (step S201). The information processing device 100 determines whether or not search results corresponding to the user's search query satisfy predetermined conditions (step S202). If the information processing device 100 determines that the search results corresponding to the user's search query satisfy the predetermined conditions (step S202; YES), the information processing device 100 displays a posting screen for an event corresponding to the search query (step S203). Then, when the user inputs posted information on the posting screen and performs a predetermined operation, the information processing device 100 provides the posted information to the approver (step S204). On the other hand, if the information processing device 100 determines that the search results corresponding to the user's search query do not satisfy the predetermined conditions (step S202; NO), the information processing device 100 displays the search results corresponding to the search query (step S205) and ends the information processing.

[0075] 9, the information processing device 100 determines whether approval has been obtained from the approver for the posted information (step S301). If the information processing device 100 determines that approval has been obtained from the approver for the posted information (step S301; YES), it stores the posted information as posted information corresponding to the search query (step S302). Then, the information processing device 100 provides the posted information as a new search result corresponding to the search query when searching for the search query (step S303). On the other hand, if the information processing device 100 determines that approval has not been obtained from the approver for the posted information (step S301; NO), it ends information processing without storing the posted information.

[0076] [6. Effects] As described above, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment includes the determination unit 132, the display processing unit 134, the first providing unit 135, and the second providing unit 137. The determination unit 132 determines whether or not search results corresponding to a user's search query satisfy a predetermined condition. When the determination unit 132 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the display processing unit 134 displays a posting screen for an event corresponding to the search query. The first providing unit 135 provides posted information related to the event entered on the posting screen displayed by the display processing unit 134 to an approver corresponding to the search query. When the approver approves the posted information provided by the first providing unit 135, the second providing unit 137 provides the posted information as new search results corresponding to the search query.

[0077] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment can, for example, when a user does not obtain a desired search result, post a comment from the user as a new search result corresponding to the search query. Therefore, even when there are no articles in the search results, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment can deepen knowledge of information corresponding to the search query from comments posted by other users. Therefore, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment can, for example, promote improvement in usability during information search.

[0078] Furthermore, the determination unit 132 determines whether or not the search results corresponding to the event searched for by the user satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0079] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment can obtain new search results corresponding to the event searched for by the user, for example. Therefore, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment can promote improvement in usability when searching for information related to the event, for example.

[0080] The determining unit 132 also determines whether the number of articles in the search results is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0081] As a result, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment can appropriately determine whether to accept information posted by a user based on, for example, the number of articles in the search results.

[0082] The determination unit 132 also determines whether the relevance score between the article in the search result and the search query is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0083] As a result, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment can appropriately determine whether to accept posted information from a user based on, for example, the relevance score with respect to the article in the search result.

[0084] Furthermore, the display processing unit 134 displays a posting screen on which the user can post information about the event.

[0085] As a result, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment can, for example, display a posting screen to encourage the user to freely post about the event.

[0086] The first providing unit 135 also provides the information to a predetermined approver in association with the event.

[0087] This allows the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment to obtain, for example, a decision on whether or not to approve from an appropriate approver.

[0088] Furthermore, the second providing unit 137 provides search results corresponding to posted information similar to the posted information approved by the approver as new search results corresponding to the search query.

[0089] As a result, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment can, for example, search for similar posted information to find an article, thereby further promoting improvement in usability during information search.

[0090] In addition, the second providing unit 137 provides search results corresponding to posted information similar to the posted information approved by the approver so that the search results are preferentially displayed.

[0091] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment can, for example, search for similar posted information, find articles, and display them preferentially, thereby further improving usability when searching for information.

[0092] [7. Hardware Configuration] The information processing device 100 according to the embodiment described above is realized, for example, by a computer 1000 configured as shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device 100. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a ROM 1300, an HDD 1400, a communication interface (I / F) 1500, an input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and a media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0093] The CPU 1100 operates and controls each unit based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or the HDD 1400. The ROM 1300 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 1000, and the like.

[0094] The HDD 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, data used by these programs, etc. The communication interface 1500 acquires data from other devices via a predetermined communication network and sends it to the CPU 1100, and transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the predetermined communication network.

[0095] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as a display and a printer, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from the input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs generated data to the output devices via the input / output interface 1600.

[0096] Media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in recording medium 1800 and provides it to CPU 1100 via RAM 1200. CPU 1100 loads the program or data from recording medium 1800 onto RAM 1200 via media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. Recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disc), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0097] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 executes programs loaded onto the RAM 1200 to realize the functions of the control unit 130. The CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, the CPU 1100 may obtain these programs from another device via a predetermined communication network.

[0098] [8. Other] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0101] Although some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, 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.

[0102] 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]

[0103] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 User terminal 11 Communications Department 12 Input section 13 Output section 14 Control Unit 100 Information processing device 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 Article information storage unit 122 Posted information storage unit 130 Control Unit 131 Acquisition Department 132 Judgment section 133 Calculation Unit 134 Display processing section 135 1st provision part 136 Approval storage unit 137 2nd provision part 141 Receiving unit 142 Transmitter N Network

Claims

1. a determination unit that determines whether search results corresponding to a user's search query satisfy a predetermined condition; a display processing unit that displays a posting screen for an event corresponding to the search query when the determination unit determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied; a first providing unit that provides posted information about the event input on the posting screen displayed by the display processing unit to an approver corresponding to the search query; a second providing unit that, when approval is obtained from the approver for the posted information provided by the first providing unit, provides the posted information as a new search result corresponding to the search query; An information processing device comprising:

2. The determination unit Determine whether the search results corresponding to the event searched for by the user satisfy the predetermined condition.