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

Abstract

An information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program are provided that conceal posted content and gradually make it public in accordance with user behavior. [Solution] In an information processing system in which a terminal device and a server device are connected to each other via a network so that they can communicate with each other via wired or wireless means, the server device, which is an information processing device, comprises a reception unit that receives content posted by a poster, a setting unit that sets the content to gradual disclosure content, a presentation unit that presents the gradual disclosure content to a viewer in a confidential state, a measurement unit that measures a specified action of the viewer, and a disclosure control unit that gradually discloses the confidential gradual disclosure content according to the value measured of the specified action of the viewer, and discloses the gradual disclosure content in its complete state when a specified value is reached.

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 A technology has been disclosed for managing three-dimensional images such as three-dimensional avatars while taking into consideration privacy protection and the like (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7161802 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology analyzes the user's interactions with other users, analyzes the behavior of the other users, and determines the disclosure level of the basic avatar in relation to each of the other users based on the results of these analyses. The above-mentioned conventional technology cannot conceal general posted content and gradually reveal it in accordance with the user's behavior. Therefore, there is a need for a means to conceal posted content and gradually reveal it in accordance with the user's behavior.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to keep posted content secret and gradually make it public in accordance with the user's actions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device of the present application is characterized by comprising a receiving unit that receives content posted by a poster, a setting unit that sets the content to gradual disclosure type content, a presentation unit that presents the gradual disclosure type content to a viewer in a concealed state, a measurement unit that measures a predetermined action of the viewer, and a disclosure control unit that gradually discloses the concealed gradual disclosure type content according to a value measured for the predetermined action of the viewer, and discloses the gradual disclosure type content in its complete state when a specified value is reached. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, posted content can be kept secret and gradually made public depending on the user's actions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0019] [2. Social networking sites with gradual content disclosure] In this embodiment, the server device 100 provides, via the network N, a terminal device 10 of a user U (user) with a content gradual disclosure type SNS having a "Reveal" function that gradually removes mosaics or the like that cover content depending on the number of "Likes." Note that mosaics are merely an example. In reality, other concealment methods may be used, or other methods that prevent the viewing or viewing of content may be used. In this embodiment, a mosaic will be used as an example.

[0020] A gradual content disclosure SNS is a new type of SNS in which content is gradually revealed according to the user's interests. In a gradual content disclosure SNS, the content is covered with a mosaic or similar when it is posted, and is gradually revealed according to the number of "likes" in the thumbs-up function (reaction function). The number of "likes" increases when users press the "like" button, for example. A gradual content disclosure SNS offers value different from existing SNSs, either as a new SNS platform that encourages active user participation and realizes high-quality content and interaction, or as a function that adds the same content to existing SNSs (an additional function that makes an existing SNS a gradual content disclosure type).

[0021] The server device 100 may implement the mechanism of the content-gradual disclosure type SNS using AI (Artificial Intelligence) such as GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer). GPT is a text generation AI, and is a language model capable of generating sentences using natural language processing.

[0022] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the server device 100 receives a content post from the terminal device 10 (10A) of a user U (U1) who will be a contributor via the network N (step S1).

[0023] Next, the server device 100 changes the posted content to reveal disclosure type content by setting the revealed content to be subject to reveal disclosure based on predetermined conditions or in accordance with the poster's specifications (step S2).

[0024] Next, the server device 100 provides the reveal disclosure-type content to the terminal device 10 (10B) of the user U (U2) who will be the viewer via the network N (step S3). Note that the server device 100 initially presents the reveal disclosure-type content to the viewer in a concealed state.

[0025] Next, the server device 100 counts the number of "likes" given to the reveal disclosure-type content by viewers (step S4).

[0026] Next, the server device 100 changes the reveal disclosure-type content in stages and gradually discloses the contents of the reveal disclosure-type content each time the number of "likes" reaches a set number (threshold) (step S5). That is, the server device 100 gradually discloses the hidden reveal disclosure-type content each time the number of "likes" reaches a threshold.

[0027] Next, when the number of "Likes" reaches a final set number (threshold), the server device 100 discloses the reveal disclosure-type content in its complete state (step S6). That is, when the number of "Likes" reaches a specified value, the server device 100 discloses the reveal disclosure-type content in its complete state.

[0028] Note that only users who have "liked" a content can view the contents of the disclosed reveal disclosure content. For users who have not "liked" a content, the reveal disclosure content is displayed in an undisclosed state (initial state). When a user who has not "liked" a content "likes" a content, the user can view the contents of the reveal disclosure content that is currently disclosed to users who have "liked" a content. Also, when a user who has not "liked" a content "likes" a content and the number of "likes" reaches a set number (threshold), the contents of the reveal disclosure content will be disclosed up to a level corresponding to the number of "likes."

[0029] The main features of SNSs with gradual content disclosure include gradual content disclosure, whereby, for example, some content is disclosed upon 100 "likes," then content is disclosed in stages for each additional 100 "likes," and the content is fully disclosed upon 1,000 "likes." Privacy protection is also ensured, as only users who "liked" a post can view the content after it has been disclosed; users who did not "like" the post cannot. Another feature is a gamification element, whereby users can enjoy the content disclosure process by "liking" posts. Furthermore, since content cannot be viewed until a certain number of "likes" have been collected, the quality of content provision is improved, as only those truly interested in the content can view it.

[0030] The target users of SNS with gradual content disclosure include content creators (artists, photographers, writers, etc.), people with niche hobbies and interests, users who value privacy, and people who want to enjoy SNS in a game-like manner.

[0031] The value provided to users by a content-disclosure-type SNS is as follows:

[0032] First, the value provided to creators includes acquiring and maintaining fans, increasing the value of content, and preventing unnecessary distribution. Creators desire to find fans who truly understand and appreciate their work. A gradual content disclosure SNS allows users to identify truly interested fans by disclosing content based on interest levels. Furthermore, content is disclosed based on the number of likes, encouraging active fan engagement. Creators also need to avoid unnecessary criticism and trolling. A gradual content disclosure SNS allows content to be viewed only by users who have liked it, significantly reducing malicious criticism and trolling. Creators also have concerns about overexposure and copyright infringement on SNS. A gradual content disclosure SNS reduces the risk of unauthorized content use and distribution through its mosaic function.

[0033] In addition, the value provided to general users includes discovering content of interest, feeling a sense of community participation, and protecting privacy. General users desire to find high-quality content that matches their interests. A gradual content disclosure SNS allows users to effectively discover content of interest by gradually disclosing it through "likes." Furthermore, the system allows only "liked" users to see the content, promoting the formation of communities with people with similar interests. General users also need to filter information, as they are tired of information overload and unrelated posts on SNS. A gradual content disclosure SNS displays only content that the user actively engages with, making it easier to filter information. Another pain point for general users is privacy concerns. A gradual content disclosure SNS protects privacy by allowing only "liked" users to view content. Furthermore, the mosaic function prevents information from being spread inadvertently.

[0034] The common value provided by both creators and general users includes new SNS experiences and high-quality interactions. Both desire a fresh and stimulating SNS experience. SNSs with gradual content disclosure offer a new experience where users can enjoy the game-like process of gradually removing the mosaic. Both also have a need for truly meaningful interactions. SNSs with gradual content disclosure promote deep interactions between users with common interests by disclosing content based on their interests. Both also share the pain point of dissatisfaction with shallow relationships and superficial interactions on SNS. SNSs with gradual content disclosure require active engagement with the content, making it easier to develop deeper relationships and meaningful interactions.

[0035] [2-1. Issues with existing SNS and the advantages of SNS with gradual content disclosure] Below, we will explain the challenges of existing SNSs and the advantages of SNSs that gradually disclose content.

[0036] (Challenge 1) Information overload and low-quality content On existing SNSs, the sheer volume of posts means that high-quality content can easily get buried. On SNSs with gradual content disclosure, the mosaic function allows users to "like" and view only the content that interests them. As a result, high-quality content naturally emerges.

[0037] (Issue 2) Privacy and Data Security With existing SNS, there are high concerns about the leakage of personal information and inappropriate use. With SNS with gradual content disclosure, only users who have "liked" a post can view the content, strengthening privacy protection. It also prevents unnecessary spreading and ensures stricter data management for users.

[0038] (Challenge 3) Quality of engagement Existing SNSs are dominated by superficial "likes," making it difficult for deep interactions to develop. A gradual content disclosure SNS encourages active user participation by disclosing content gradually. Deeper interactions tend to develop between users with common interests.

[0039] (Issue 4) Algorithmic bias Existing SNSs tend to narrow their perspective due to recommendation algorithms. However, SNSs with gradual content disclosure discover content based on the user's own interests, so there is less algorithmic bias. They also provide an environment where users can naturally discover new interests and perspectives.

[0040] (Challenge 5) Challenges for content creators On existing SNS, it is difficult to find true fans and users are easily exposed to inappropriate criticism. On SNS with gradual content disclosure, gradual disclosure makes it easier to identify fans who are truly interested. Only users who "liked" a post can view it, which reduces unnecessary criticism.

[0041] (Issue 6) Advertising pressure On existing SNSs, ads are displayed regardless of the user's wishes. On a content-gradual disclosure SNS, ads can also be subject to the mosaic function, making it possible to display ads based on the user's interests. This provides a more effective and valuable advertising experience for users.

[0042] (Challenge 7) Freshness of the user experience The user experience on existing SNSs has become stale. SNSs with gradual content disclosure offer a new experience of gradually removing the mosaic. Furthermore, gamification elements make using SNS itself a fun experience.

[0043] (Task 8) Spread of fake news On existing SNSs, misinformation can spread rapidly. On SNSs with gradual content disclosure, the gradual disclosure of content slows the spread of information. It also increases the opportunity for users to evaluate content more carefully.

[0044] [2-2. Additional features of SNS with gradual content disclosure] Furthermore, the gradual content disclosure SNS has a function for setting a "mosaic removal pattern" that can be set by the content poster. In other words, when the mosaic applied to the content is gradually removed according to the number of "likes," the content poster can set the mosaic removal pattern. For example, several mosaic removal patterns may be prepared so that the content poster can select the desired mosaic removal pattern.

[0045] Furthermore, the gradual content disclosure SNS has a "teaser area" setting function that allows only a portion of the complete content without mosaics to be released in small portions in advance. In this case, the content poster may be able to set the portion of the content to be released in small portions. For example, the server device 100 may first release a portion of the content in small portions in advance, regardless of the number of "likes." Furthermore, the server device 100 may release a portion of the next content to be released in small portions in advance before the number of "likes" reaches a set number (threshold).

[0046] Furthermore, the gradual content disclosure SNS has a "gradual BGM change" function that gradually changes the BGM depending on the number of "likes." For example, the server device 100 may initially release only a portion of the BGM, and gradually release the unreleased portions of the BGM depending on the number of "likes." Alternatively, the sound quality of the BGM may be gradually improved depending on the number of "likes." Furthermore, noise from the BGM may be gradually removed depending on the number of "likes." Alternatively, the types of instruments or singers playing the BGM may be gradually increased. This makes it possible to realize a BGM posting system in which the BGM changes depending on the number of "likes." In reality, the BGM is not limited to BGM, and may be music, audio, or the like posted as content.

[0047] Furthermore, the content gradual disclosure type SNS has a function of upgrading a user's "Like" to a "Super Like" by paying a fee. In other words, a user can change the weight of a "Like" (weight of one vote) by paying a fee. At this time, the server device 100 may disclose the amount paid by the user (charged amount) to other users. For example, the server device 100 may publish a ranking of users, sorting their user names and charged amounts in descending order of the amount charged. Note that only the top 10 users may be made public. Furthermore, the content gradual disclosure type SNS may have a function of upgrading a user's "Like" to a "Super Like" depending on the user's attributes.

[0048] Furthermore, the content staged disclosure type SNS has a function for communication between users. For example, the server device 100 may provide a community in which users who have "liked" the same subject can participate.

[0049] Furthermore, the gradual content disclosure SNS has an "ephemeral content" function in which, when the number of "likes" reaches a set number (threshold), the content is temporarily published in its entirety without any mosaics, and the mosaics are regenerated over time. That is, the server device 100 publishes the content in its entirety and then returns it to an unpublished state after a certain period of time has passed. At this time, the server device 100 may also reset the number of "likes" to the initial value "0," or may count the number of "likes" using the number of "likes" at the time the content is returned to its unpublished state as the next initial value. In this case, the server device 100 may present the number of "likes" required to reach the next stage and the number of "likes" remaining. Furthermore, the server device 100 may present the end time for returning the content to its unpublished state after publishing it in its entirety, as well as a countdown to that time.

[0050] Furthermore, the SNS with gradual content disclosure has a function that allows users to trade "likes," which are necessary for removing mosaics. This makes it possible to create a "like" exchange system that uses "likes" as currency in other games, for example.

[0051] Furthermore, the gradual content disclosure SNS has an "interactive removal" function that removes mosaics through dialogue between a content poster and viewers such as fans. For example, the server device 100 may remove the mosaic when the content and results of the dialogue between the content poster and viewers, in addition to the number of "likes," satisfy certain conditions. Alternatively, the server device 100 may remove the mosaic through dialogue between the content poster and viewers, even if the number of "likes" is insufficient. Furthermore, the server device 100 may remove the mosaic based on the content of comments posted by viewers, instead of "likes."

[0052] Furthermore, the gradual content disclosure SNS has a function of deleting a post if the number of "likes" does not reach a set number within a certain period of time. For example, if the number of "likes" has not reached the set number after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of counting, the server device 100 resets the number of "likes" to the initial value "0." At this time, the server device 100 returns the content to an unpublished state. Alternatively, the server device 100 may delete the posted content itself if the number of "likes" has not reached the set number after a certain period of time has elapsed since the start of counting.

[0053] Furthermore, the gradual content disclosure SNS also has a "reverse like" function to prevent the mosaic from being removed. For example, the server device 100 may strengthen the mosaic as the number of "dislikes," the opposite of "likes," increases. The number of "dislikes" increases, for example, when a user presses a "dislike" button. That is, the degree of mosaic removal may be determined by the difference between the number of "likes" and "dislikes." For example, the server device 100 removes the mosaic if the number of "likes" exceeds the number of "dislikes" (the difference) is equal to or greater than a threshold, and does not remove the mosaic if it is less than the threshold. Conversely, the server device 100 restores or strengthens the mosaic if the number of "dislikes" exceeds the number of "likes" (the difference) is equal to or greater than a threshold, and maintains the current state if it is less than the threshold.

[0054] [2-3. Monetization Variations] The server device 100 charges for successful reveals. For example, when selling "like" points to users for a fee in exchange for "likes," or when the user's tips are treated as "likes" and a condition for reveal disclosure is set as "likes," the server device 100 charges a fee when the number of "likes" reaches a threshold and 100% is disclosed (or when a threshold is reached to achieve a predetermined stage if stages are set). Conversely, the server device 100 charges no fee if the number of "likes" does not reach the threshold.

[0055] The server device 100 performs reveal progress charging. For example, when selling "Like" points to users for a fee in exchange for "Likes," or when a user's tipping is a condition for reveal disclosure, the server device 100 changes the fee according to the degree of content disclosure. That is, the server device 100 changes the discount rate or amount of the fee for each stage of content disclosure.

[0056] As a revenue sharing model, the server device 100 may be configured so that when a chargeable "like" or tip that leads to a reveal disclosure occurs, the revenue is shared with the content poster.

[0057] When the server device 100 posts an advertisement that is reveal disclosure-type content, the server device 100 may charge the advertiser an advertising fee according to the level of reveal disclosure of the advertisement. For example, in addition to a basic posting fee for the advertisement that is reveal disclosure-type content, the server device 100 may add a pay-per-view advertising fee to the advertiser each time a viewer "likes" the advertisement and the level of reveal disclosure progresses.

[0058] When an advertiser provides "content material" and another poster posts content using that content material with a gradual disclosure function (reveal disclosure function) (e.g., a corporate project involving an influencer), the server device 100 may share revenue from the fee from the advertiser with the content poster depending on the level of disclosure (stage of disclosure) of the gradual disclosure.

[0059] The server device 100 may distinguish between reveal settings that can be cancelled with a paid "Like" (settings related to reveal disclosure) and reveal settings that can be cancelled with a normal "Like." In addition, the server device 100 may mix the two reveal settings in one post (content).

[0060] [2-4. Reveal specification variations] When the number of "Likes" reaches a set number (threshold), the server device 100 may make the disclosure (content) available only to those who "Like," or to all SNS users, or even to "friends of friends" (regardless of whether or not they "Like"). The server device 100 may be set arbitrarily by the content poster as described above.

[0061] The SNS operator may have detailed control over whether or not to set content posted by SNS users to reveal. That is, when a content poster posts content, the server device 100 controls whether or not to enable the reveal disclosure function for the content. For example, the server device 100 may unconditionally set all posts (content) to reveal. Alternatively, the server device 100 may set all posts by SNS users who have registered less than one month to reveal (or not reveal). Furthermore, the server device 100 may set all posts posted to a specific section of the SNS to reveal (or not reveal). Furthermore, the server device 100 may set all posts posted within a predetermined period (e.g., the period from yyyy / mm / dd to yyyy / mm / dd) to reveal (or not reveal).

[0062] The server device 100 may control the conditions for reveal disclosure of posted content depending on the scope of disclosure of the posted content. For example, the server device 100 may limit the scope of reveal disclosure to the content poster's "friends." Alternatively, the server device 100 may limit the scope of reveal disclosure to the content poster's "friends of friends," "friends of friends of friends," or even beyond. Alternatively, the server device 100 may limit the scope of reveal disclosure to an unlimited number of people.

[0063] In addition, the server device 100 may change the weight of one "Like" required for disclosure depending on the target of the reveal disclosure, such as "friends," "friends of friends," "friends of friends of friends," or beyond (the weight of one "Like" may be different). For example, the server device 100 may assign 4 points for one "Like" to a "friend," 3 points for one "Like" to a "friend of a friend," 2 points for one "Like" to a "friend of a friend of a friend," and 1 point for one "Like" beyond that.

[0064] Furthermore, the server device 100 may vary the upper limit on the number of people (or the number of times) who can "like" a post required for disclosure depending on whether the target of reveal disclosure is "friends," "friends of friends," "friends of friends of friends," or beyond (the upper limit may be different). For example, the server device 100 may limit the number of "likes" for "friends" to the first 100 people, the number of "friends of friends" to the first 60 people, the number of "friends of friends of friends" to the first 30 people, and the number of "likes" beyond that to the first 10 people. In this case, when the "friend" slot is filled (when the upper limit is reached), the server device 100 may automatically use the slot for "friends of friends," "friends of friends of friends," or beyond. Furthermore, when the "friends of friends" slot is filled, the server device 100 may automatically use the slot for "friends of friends of friends" or beyond.

[0065] Furthermore, the server device 100 may change the upper limit of the number of people (or the number of times) who can "like" a post required for disclosure (the upper limit may be different) depending on the user's attributes. For example, the server device 100 may limit the upper limit of the number of "likes" that can be given for each user's attribute, such as allowing the first 100 users with a first attribute to "like" a post, and the first 50 users with a second attribute to "like" a post. Note that the differences in targets of reveal disclosure, such as "friends," "friends of friends," "friends of friends of friends," and beyond, can also be considered user attributes.

[0066] Furthermore, the server device 100 may control the release of the reveal depending on the attributes of the user. For example, the server device 100 may control the reveal setting so that the content is disclosed in stages by counting only "likes" from teenage females. Alternatively, the server device 100 may control the disclosure of part of the content when 100 "likes" from teenage females and 10 "likes" from teenage males are collected, and then disclose more of the content when 200 "likes" from teenage females, 100 "likes" from women in their twenties, 30 "likes" from teenage males, and 10 "likes" from men in their twenties are collected.

[0067] [2-5. Reveal Release Variations] Instead of the number of "likes," the server device 100 may gradually release content based on cooperative play of a game with friends. For example, the server device 100 may gradually release content each time the total score of participants in cooperative play of a predetermined game exceeds a threshold.

[0068] Furthermore, the server device 100 may release the content in stages according to the degree of diffusion instead of the number of "Likes." For example, the server device 100 may release the content up to the first stage when it has been spread to the first generation "friends," release it up to the second stage when it has been spread to the second generation "friends of friends," release it up to the second stage when it has been spread to the third generation "friends of friends of friends," and release it up to the third stage, and may release it in stages thereafter as it is spread, and release it completely when it has been spread to the nth generation "friends of friends of friends" (n is arbitrary).

[0069] [2-6. Variations other than mosaic] The server device 100 may use a reveal method that gradually reveals or changes the text, rather than gradually removing the mosaic. For example, the server device 100 may allow the reader to read the rest of a submitted novel once a certain number of "likes" have been received. The server device 100 may also allow the reader to know the answer to a quiz (see the correct answer) once a certain number of "likes" have been received.

[0070] Furthermore, the server device 100 may gradually release text, images, music, or the like once a certain number of "likes" have been received. For example, the server device 100 may gradually change the resolution of images in accordance with the number of "likes," such as low resolution at "like" level 1, medium resolution at level 2, and so on. For text such as a submitted novel, the server device 100 may gradually increase the amount of content to be released in accordance with the number of "likes," such as only the first episode at "like" level 1, up to the second episode at level 2, and so on. For music, the server device 100 may gradually increase the number of instruments to be released in accordance with the number of "likes," such as only three instruments at "like" level 1, up to four instruments at level 2, and so on, so that the music becomes closer to the original.

[0071] Furthermore, when a certain number of "likes" are received, the server device 100 may gradually change the text content to something else, such as images, music, or audio. That is, the text content may be gradually changed to something else, such as images, music, or audio, depending on the number of "likes." In this case, the text may be gradually changed to images, and then the images may finally be changed to video, music, audio, or the like, depending on the number of "likes." Alternatively, the server device 100 may initially disclose only text, and then gradually disclose images along with the text depending on the number of "likes." After disclosing the images in their entirety, the server device 100 may further gradually disclose video, music, audio, sound effects, or the like depending on the number of "likes." In this case, the server device 100 may provide (preview) an explanation of the next change to occur to the viewer in advance, depending on the number of "likes."

[0072] [2-7. Variations of SNS participants] The server device 100 may record the past reveal participation rate for each SNS user. For example, the server device 100 may record the number of times each SNS user has participated in the content for which the reveal has been set, the participation rate, the reveal cancellation success rate, etc.

[0073] Then, the server device 100 may disclose the record to third-party SNS users (other users). For example, the server device 100 may present information such as "Mr. / Ms. XX, who has a 98% success rate in unlocking reveals, participated" in the content that is the target of "Like."

[0074] Furthermore, the server device 100 may change the weight of the "Likes" given by the SNS user (the "Likes" given) according to the recorded service usage status of the SNS user. That is, the server device 100 may change the weight of the "Likes" for each user according to the service usage status of each user.

[0075] [2-8. Other variations] The server device 100 may be configured to notify a predetermined notification destination each time there is progress in the disclosure level of the revealed content. For example, the server device 100 notifies the person who "liked" the content each time the number of "likes" reaches a threshold and the content is gradually disclosed. In this case, the server device 100 may notify the friends of the person who "liked" the content. Furthermore, the server device 100 may allow the user to set any notification destination. In other words, it may be configured to collect more "likes."

[0076] Furthermore, if the server device 100 does not receive as many "likes" as expected and the reveal disclosure fails, the server device 100 may return the reveal setting to its original state. For example, the server device 100 may reset the number of "likes" to the initial value and allow another attempt. In this case, the server device 100 may be able to set the number of attempts (such as an upper limit) in advance. Furthermore, the server device 100 may charge an option for whether or not a retry is possible and the number of attempts that can be made. For example, the server device 100 may be able to change (increase) the number of attempts depending on the amount charged.

[0077] Furthermore, the server device 100 may grant the right to "like" only to users who have performed a predetermined action / met a predetermined condition. For example, a user may obtain the right to "like" by watching an advertisement for 5 seconds or more / answering a questionnaire / requesting information / purchasing a specific product / spending XX yen or more / using other services or functions.

[0078] The server device 100 also recommends reveal-set content posted by a content contributor as "recommended" to users who are likely to be interested in the content. For example, the server device 100 estimates users who are likely to be interested in the content using an interest model or a similarity extension model, and recommends the content to the estimated users. The server device 100 also proposes / presents various monetization methods (including PR options that allow content to be displayed at the top) to the content contributor.

[0079] As described above, the gradual content disclosure SNS is an SNS in which the content of posted content changes depending on user actions. The server device 100 sets the posted content received from the poster to change gradually. The server device 100 provides the user U with gradual change content that changes gradually. The server device 100 controls the degree of change in the gradual change content depending on the user U's actions on the gradual change content.

[0080] For example, gradually changing content is initially hidden by a mosaic or the like, and as the number of "likes" increases, the content gradually becomes visible. The means of hiding the content may be other than a mosaic, such as masking or changing the brightness. As the number of "likes" increases, the masking or the like is gradually removed from the content. Alternatively, the content may be in a blank state. As the number of "likes" increases, more and more display objects are gradually displayed.

[0081] The content can be a deformed image, etc. This will gradually change and return to its original state. The generative AI will gradually lower the X in the "Please mix this in X proportions" command. Also, the content is not limited to images, but can be video, music, audio, text, etc. The content will initially be disclosed in an incomplete / insufficient state, and will gradually approach a complete state as the number of "likes" increases.

[0082] Coupons may be used instead of "Likes." For example, in this embodiment, one coupon distributed to a user who has used another service may be considered as one "Like." Also, coupons equivalent to 5 "Likes," 10 "Likes," or the like may be provided depending on the user's attributes, service usage status, etc.

[0083] Furthermore, the means for hiding the content may not be to make it completely invisible, but may be to make it partially invisible. For example, only the product portion or the character's face may be hidden.

[0084] Furthermore, the means for disclosing the content may not only be removing the mosaic but also improving the resolution. For example, the server device 100 may gradually increase the resolution of the content from low resolution according to the number of "likes," and when the number of "likes" reaches a predetermined value, the server device 100 may disclose the content in high resolution (highest image quality).

[0085] Furthermore, the means for disclosing the content may not only be removing the mosaic, but also releasing the content piece by piece. For example, the server device 100 releases the content piece by piece according to the number of "likes," and when the number of "likes" reaches a predetermined value, releases the entire content (all of the content).

[0086] The gradual change in content may also be a change in content domain. For example, the server device 100 may gradually change text into images as the number of "likes" increases. For example, a text description (or product name, character name, etc.) explaining each product, character, etc. may change into an image of each product, character, etc. as the number of "likes" increases. Alternatively, as the number of "likes" increases, products, characters, etc. corresponding to the content of the text may be added to a single image.

[0087] Furthermore, the action that changes the content is not limited to "Like," but may be a comment or a view. That is, the content may be changed according to the number of comments or views, not limited to the number of "Likes."

[0088] The server device 100 may also change the content under the initiative of the poster through negotiation between the poster and the viewer. The server device 100 may also change the content according to user conditions. The user conditions may be limited to certain attributes, or may be a combination of multiple conditions or attributes. The server device 100 may also change the content according to conditions desired by an advertiser who has posted the content as an advertisement.

[0089] Furthermore, the disclosure of content may be time-limited. For example, the content may be deleted or the mosaic restored after a certain period of time has passed. Furthermore, "likes" may be limited to once a day. In this case, if user U views an advertisement, the "likes" may be replenished (restored). Furthermore, if user U "likes" an advertisement published in content, the content may also be "liked."

[0090] The server device 100 may also enable posters to invite users to view or "like" content. For example, the server device 100 may enable posters to inform users who may be interested in the posted content and send direct mail (DM) to the users. In this case, the server device 100 may have a poster support function that adds 10 "likes" to a user's posted content by a beginner when the user adds one "like" to the content. Alternatively, the server device 100 may grant a user who adds one "like" to a content posted by a beginner the right to add 10 "likes" to other content (such as a "super like")

[0091] Furthermore, the server device 100 may notify people who have "liked" posted content of the disclosure status of the "liked" content by push notification. For example, the server device 100 may notify people who have "liked" posted content by push notification every time the number of "likes" reaches a threshold. In this case, the server device 100 may also notify people who have not yet "liked" the posted content of the disclosure status of the content by push notification.

[0092] The server device 100 may also pay advertising fees to the poster when the content is posted, when the content is revealed, or when a predetermined number of "likes" are collected. Also, "likes" may be charged. A portion of the "like" fee may be paid to the poster.

[0093] Furthermore, when a user "likes" content posted as an advertisement and the content is gradually disclosed, the server device 100 may charge the advertiser according to the degree of disclosure (the stage of disclosure). Furthermore, when an advertiser provides "content material" and another poster posts content using the content material with a gradual disclosure function (e.g., a corporate project involving an influencer), the server device 100 may share revenue from the fee from the advertiser with the content poster according to the degree of gradual disclosure.

[0094] Furthermore, the server device 100 may create an analysis report of users who "liked" each posted content and provide the analysis report to the poster, advertiser, or other interested party, etc. This allows the poster, advertiser, etc. to devise ways to get "likes" from people who correspond to their target.

[0095] [3. Example of terminal device configuration] Next, the configuration of the terminal device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a positioning unit 14, a sensor unit 20, a control unit 30 (controller), and a storage unit 40.

[0096] (Communications Department 11) The communication unit 11 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the server device 100 via the network N. For example, the communication unit 11 is realized by a NIC (Network Interface Card), an antenna, etc.

[0097] (Display section 12) Display unit 12 is a display device that displays various information such as position information. For example, display unit 12 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electro-luminescent display (OLED). Display unit 12 is also a touch panel display, but is not limited to this.

[0098] (Input section 13) The input unit 13 is an input device that accepts various operations from the user U. For example, the input unit 13 has buttons for inputting characters, numbers, etc. The input unit 13 may be an input / output port (I / O port), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, etc. If the display unit 12 is a touch panel display, a part of the display unit 12 functions as the input unit 13. The input unit 13 may be a microphone that accepts voice input from the user U. The microphone may be wireless.

[0099] (Positioning unit 14) The positioning unit 14 receives signals (radio waves) transmitted from satellites of a GPS (Global Positioning System), and acquires position information (e.g., latitude and longitude) indicating the current position of the terminal device 10, which is the device itself, based on the received signals. That is, the positioning unit 14 positions the position of the terminal device 10. Note that GPS is merely an example of a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

[0100] The positioning unit 14 can also measure the position using various methods other than GPS. For example, the positioning unit 14 may measure the position by using various communication functions of the terminal device 10 as an auxiliary positioning means for position correction, etc., as described below.

[0101] (Wi-Fi positioning) For example, the positioning unit 14 uses a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication function of the terminal device 10 or a communication network provided by each communication company to measure the position of the terminal device 10. Specifically, the positioning unit 14 performs Wi-Fi communication or the like and measures the distance to a nearby base station or access point, thereby measuring the position of the terminal device 10.

[0102] (Beacon positioning) The positioning unit 14 may also measure the position by using a Bluetooth (registered trademark) function of the terminal device 10. For example, the positioning unit 14 measures the position of the terminal device 10 by connecting to a beacon transmitter connected by the Bluetooth (registered trademark) function.

[0103] (geomagnetic positioning) The positioning unit 14 also measures the position of the terminal device 10 based on a geomagnetic pattern of a structure that has been measured in advance and a geomagnetic sensor that the terminal device 10 has.

[0104] (RFID positioning) Furthermore, for example, if the terminal device 10 has a function of an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag equivalent to a contactless IC card used at station ticket gates, in stores, etc., or has a function of reading an RFID tag, the location where the terminal device 10 was used is recorded together with information on the payment or the like made by the terminal device 10. The positioning unit 14 may obtain such information to determine the location of the terminal device 10. Alternatively, the location may be determined by an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like provided in the terminal device 10.

[0105] The positioning unit 14 may measure the position of the terminal device 10 using one or a combination of the above-mentioned positioning means, as needed.

[0106] (Sensor unit 20) The sensor unit 20 includes various sensors mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10. The connection may be wired or wireless. For example, the sensors may be detection devices other than the terminal device 10, such as wearable devices or wireless devices. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the sensor unit 20 includes an acceleration sensor 21, a gyro sensor 22, a barometric pressure sensor 23, a temperature sensor 24, a sound sensor 25, a light sensor 26, a magnetic sensor 27, and an image sensor (camera) 28.

[0107] The above-described sensors 21 to 28 are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. That is, the sensor unit 20 may be configured to include some of the sensors 21 to 28, or may include other sensors such as a humidity sensor in addition to or instead of the sensors 21 to 28.

[0108] The acceleration sensor 21 is, for example, a three-axis acceleration sensor, and detects physical movements of the terminal device 10, such as the direction of movement, speed, and acceleration of the terminal device 10. The gyro sensor 22 detects physical movements of the terminal device 10, such as tilt in three axial directions, based on the angular velocity of the terminal device 10. The air pressure sensor 23 detects, for example, the air pressure around the terminal device 10.

[0109] Since the terminal device 10 includes the acceleration sensor 21, the gyro sensor 22, the atmospheric pressure sensor 23, etc., it is possible to measure the position of the terminal device 10 using a technique such as Pedestrian Dead-Reckoning (PDR) that uses these sensors 21 to 23. This makes it possible to obtain indoor position information that is difficult to obtain using a positioning system such as GPS.

[0110] For example, the number of steps, walking speed, and distance walked can be calculated using a pedometer that uses the acceleration sensor 21. In addition, the direction of travel, line of sight, and body tilt of the user U can be determined using the gyro sensor 22. In addition, the altitude and floor on which the terminal device 10 of the user U is located can be determined from the air pressure detected by the air pressure sensor 23.

[0111] The temperature sensor 24 detects, for example, the temperature around the terminal device 10. The sound sensor 25 detects, for example, the sound around the terminal device 10. The light sensor 26 detects the illuminance around the terminal device 10. The magnetic sensor 27 detects, for example, the geomagnetism around the terminal device 10. The image sensor 28 captures an image around the terminal device 10.

[0112] The above-mentioned air pressure sensor 23, temperature sensor 24, sound sensor 25, light sensor 26, and image sensor 28 can detect the air pressure, temperature, sound, and illuminance, respectively, and capture images of the surroundings, thereby detecting the environment and situation around the terminal device 10. Furthermore, the accuracy of the location information of the terminal device 10 can be improved based on the environment and situation around the terminal device 10.

[0113] (control unit 30) The control unit 30 includes, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), input / output ports, etc., and various other circuits. The control unit 30 may also be configured with hardware such as an integrated circuit, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 30 includes a transmitting unit 31, a receiving unit 32, and a processing unit 33.

[0114] (Transmitter 31) The transmission unit 31 can transmit, for example, various information input by the user U using the input unit 13, various information detected by each sensor 21 to 28 mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10, and location information of the terminal device 10 measured by the positioning unit 14 to the server device 100 via the communication unit 11.

[0115] (Receiving unit 32) The receiving unit 32 can receive various types of information provided by the server device 100 and requests for various types of information from the server device 100 via the communication unit 11.

[0116] (Processing unit 33) The processing unit 33 controls the entire terminal device 10, including the display unit 12. For example, the processing unit 33 can output various information transmitted by the transmitting unit 31 and various information received from the server device 100 by the receiving unit 32 to the display unit 12 for display.

[0117] (Storage unit 40) The storage unit 40 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an optical disk, etc. The storage unit 40 stores various programs, various data, etc.

[0118] [4. Server device configuration example] Next, the configuration of the server device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the server device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0119] (Communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to a network N by wire or wirelessly.

[0120] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as an HDD, an SSD, an optical disk, etc. The storage unit 120 may store attribute information and history information (log data) of the user U together with identification information (such as a user ID) indicating the user U.

[0121] (control unit 130) The control unit 130 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like, by executing various programs (corresponding to an example of an information processing program) stored in a storage device inside the server device 100 using a storage area such as a RAM as a working area. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, a reception unit 132, a setting unit 133, a presentation unit 134, a measurement unit 135, and a disclosure control unit 136.

[0122] (Acquisition part 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires a search query input by a user U. For example, when the user U inputs a search query into a search engine or the like to perform a keyword search, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the search query via the communication unit 110. That is, the acquisition unit 131 acquires, via the communication unit 110, the keywords input by the user U into the search box of a search engine, website, or app.

[0123] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires user information about the user U via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires identification information (such as a user ID) indicating the user U, location information of the user U, attribute information of the user U, etc. from the terminal device 10 of the user U. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 may acquire the identification information indicating the user U, attribute information of the user U, etc. when the user U is registered. Then, the acquisition unit 131 stores the user information in the storage unit 120.

[0124] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of history information (log data) indicating the behavior of the user U via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of history information indicating the behavior of the user U from the terminal device 10 of the user U or from various servers based on the user ID or the like. Then, the acquisition unit 131 stores the various types of history information in the storage unit 120.

[0125] (Reception Department 132) The reception unit 132 receives content posted by a poster. For example, the reception unit 132 receives content posted from the terminal device 10 of the poster, a user U, via the communication unit 110, and stores the posted content in the storage unit 120. Note that the reception unit 132 may be the above-described acquisition unit 131. For example, the reception unit 132 may be one of the functions of the above-described acquisition unit 131.

[0126] (Setting section 133) The setting unit 133 sets the content as a gradual disclosure type content. For example, the setting unit 133 sets the posted content as a gradual disclosure type content by performing a reveal setting on the posted content to make it a target for reveal disclosure based on predetermined conditions or in accordance with a poster's designation.

[0127] The setting unit 133 also has a function of setting a pattern for gradually disclosing the gradual disclosure-type content in response to an operation by the poster.

[0128] Furthermore, the setting unit 133 has a function of setting, when an advertisement that is a staged disclosure content is posted, that the advertiser is charged an advertising fee according to the stage of disclosure of the advertisement.

[0129] In addition, the setting unit 133 has a function of setting a basic publication fee for an advertisement that is a gradual disclosure content, and also setting a pay-per-view advertising fee for the advertiser each time a viewer takes a specified action on the advertisement and the disclosure stage progresses.

[0130] In addition, the setting unit 133 has a function of setting up a revenue share for the content poster of the content when an advertiser provides content material and another poster posts content using the content material and sets it as gradual disclosure content, depending on the stage of disclosure of the gradual disclosure content (or the content material).

[0131] (Presentation part 134) The presentation unit 134 presents the gradual disclosure-type content to the viewer in a concealed state. For example, the presentation unit 134 presents the gradual disclosure-type content to the terminal device 10 of the viewer, user U, via the communication unit 110 with the gradual disclosure-type content blurred or with only a portion of the content disclosed. In other words, the presentation unit 134 presents the gradual disclosure-type content to the viewer in an incomplete state.

[0132] (Measurement section 135) The measurement unit 135 measures a predetermined action of a viewer. For example, the measurement unit 135 measures the number of "likes" by a viewer. Note that the predetermined action is not limited to "likes," and may be a comment, a view, or the like, or may be the use of another service, etc.

[0133] The measurement unit 135 measures the positive and negative actions of the viewer. The measurement unit 135 also limits the upper limit of the number of predetermined actions of the viewer that are measured, depending on the attributes of the viewer.

[0134] (Disclosure Control Unit 136) The disclosure control unit 136 gradually discloses the hidden gradual disclosure-type content according to a value measured from a predetermined action of the viewer, and when a predetermined value is reached, the disclosure control unit 136 discloses the gradual disclosure-type content in a complete state. That is, the disclosure control unit 136 gradually brings the gradual change content from an incomplete state to a complete state according to a value measured from a predetermined action of the viewer. Therefore, the disclosure control unit 136 can also be said to be a change control unit that gradually changes the content.

[0135] The disclosure control unit 136 has a function of gradually disclosing a portion of the next gradual disclosure content in advance. The disclosure control unit 136 also has a function of gradually changing music according to a value measured from a predetermined action of a viewer. The measurement unit 135 also has a function of changing the weight of a predetermined action of a viewer when measuring according to the viewer's billing or attributes. The disclosure control unit 136 also has a function of disclosing gradual disclosure content through a dialogue between the poster and the viewer.

[0136] Furthermore, the disclosure control unit 136 has a function of disclosing the gradual disclosure-type content in its complete state and then returning it to a hidden state after a certain period of time has elapsed. Furthermore, the disclosure control unit 136 has a function of returning the measured value of the viewer's predetermined action to an initial value and returning the gradual disclosure-type content to a hidden state again if the measured value of the viewer's predetermined action does not reach a threshold within a certain period of time. Alternatively, the disclosure control unit 136 has a function of deleting the gradual disclosure-type content if the measured value of the viewer's predetermined action does not reach a threshold within a certain period of time.

[0137] In addition, the disclosure control unit 136 may gradually disclose the gradual disclosure type content according to a value measured from the viewer's positive action, and may return the gradual disclosure type content to a hidden state again according to a value measured from the viewer's negative action.

[0138] For example, the disclosure control unit 136 gradually removes the obstruction that conceals the gradual disclosure content according to the value measured for a predetermined action of the viewer, and when a specified value is reached, completely removes the obstruction that conceals the gradual disclosure content.

[0139] In addition, the disclosure control unit 136 gradually increases the resolution of the gradual disclosure content from low resolution according to the value measured for a predetermined action of the viewer, and when a specified value is reached, the gradual disclosure content is disclosed in high resolution.

[0140] Furthermore, the disclosure control unit 136 discloses the gradual disclosure content piece by piece according to a value obtained by measuring a predetermined action of the viewer, and when the value reaches a specified value, discloses the entire gradual disclosure content.

[0141] In addition, the disclosure control unit 136 gradually changes the gradual disclosure content to content from another content domain according to the value measured for a predetermined action of the viewer, and when a specified value is reached, changes the gradual disclosure content completely to content from another content domain.

[0142] In addition, when gradual disclosure type content is disclosed, the disclosure control unit 136 makes the gradual disclosure type content disclosed only to viewers who have taken a specified action, and keeps the gradual disclosure type content hidden from viewers who have not taken the specified action.

[0143] [5. Processing Procedure] Next, a processing procedure by the server device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure according to the embodiment. Note that the processing procedure shown below is repeatedly executed by the control unit 130 of the server device 100.

[0144] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the accepting unit 132 of the server device 100 accepts a content submission from a contributor (step S101).

[0145] Next, the setting unit 133 of the server device 100 sets the posted content as gradual disclosure content by performing a reveal setting that gradually discloses the posted content based on predetermined conditions or in accordance with the poster's specifications (step S102).

[0146] Next, the presenting unit 134 of the server device 100 presents the gradual disclosure-type content to the viewer in a concealed state (step S103).

[0147] Next, the measurement unit 135 of the server device 100 measures the number of "likes" by the viewer as a predetermined action by the viewer (step S104).

[0148] Next, the disclosure control unit 136 of the server device 100 determines whether the number of "Likes" from the viewers is equal to or greater than the threshold value for each stage (step S105).

[0149] At this time, if the number of "Likes" from the viewer is less than the threshold (step S105; No), the disclosure control unit 136 of the server device 100 determines whether a certain time has passed since the start of measurement of the relevant stage (step S106). At this time, if the certain time has not passed since the start of measurement of the relevant stage (step S106; No), the disclosure control unit 136 continues to measure the number of "Likes" from the viewer (return to step S104).

[0150] Next, if a certain time has elapsed since the start of measurement of the stage (step S106; Yes), the disclosure control unit 136 of the server device 100 deletes the gradual disclosure-type content and ends the series of processes (step S107). Alternatively, the number of "likes" by the viewer may be initialized to return the gradual disclosure-type content to a hidden state (return to step S103).

[0151] Next, if the number of "Likes" from the viewers is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S105; Yes), the disclosure control unit 136 of the server device 100 gradually discloses the gradual disclosure-type content (step S108).

[0152] Next, the disclosure control unit 136 of the server device 100 determines whether the number of "Likes" by the viewer is equal to or greater than the final specified value (step S109). At this time, if the number of "Likes" by the viewer is less than the final specified value (step S109; No), the disclosure control unit 136 continues counting the number of "Likes" by the viewer (return to step S104).

[0153] Next, if the number of "Likes" from viewers is equal to or greater than the final specified value (step S109; Yes), the disclosure control unit 136 of the server device 100 makes the gradual release-type content publicly available in its complete state (step S110).

[0154] Next, disclosure control unit 136 of server device 100 determines whether a certain time has passed since the content was made public in a complete state (step S111). At this time, if the certain time has not passed since the content was made public in a complete state (step S111; No), disclosure control unit 136 continues the complete disclosure of the staged-release-type content (return to step S110).

[0155] Next, if a certain amount of time has passed since the content was made public in its complete state (step S111; Yes), the disclosure control unit 136 of the server device 100 initializes the number of "likes" from viewers and returns the gradual disclosure content to its hidden state (return to step S103).

[0156] [6. Modifications] The terminal device 10 and the server device 100 described above may be implemented in various different forms other than the above embodiment. Therefore, modifications of the embodiment will be described below.

[0157] In the above embodiment, some or all of the processing executed by the server device 100 may actually be executed by the terminal device 10 (or an application running on the terminal device 10). For example, the processing may be completed in a stand-alone manner (by the terminal device 10 alone). In this case, the terminal device 10 is assumed to have the functions of the server device 100 in the above embodiment. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the terminal device 10 cooperates with the server device 100, and therefore, from the perspective of the user U, it appears that the processing of the server device 100 is also being executed by the terminal device 10. In other words, from another perspective, the terminal device 10 can also be said to be equipped with the server device 100.

[0158] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the reveal-type content may be a streaming distribution. For example, the server device 100 may initially hide the appearance of the distributor in a live broadcast (live distribution), and gradually make the distributor's appearance visible as viewers give "likes." Alternatively, the server device 100 may initially hide the appearance of characters in a video, and gradually make the appearance of characters clearer as viewers give "likes."

[0159] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the reveal-type content is music with vocals, the server device 100 may initially release the music in an off-vocal state, and as viewers give "likes," the audio may gradually become clearer, or the music may be released bar by bar. Alternatively, the server device 100 may initially release the music in a humming or humming state, and as viewers give "likes," the lyrics may gradually be replaced with the correct lyrics.

[0160] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the content-gradual disclosure type SNS is not limited to SNS, but may also be a news site / news app, a video sharing service (video distribution site), an illustration / photo posting site, a novel posting site, etc. The content may also be advertising content. For example, it may be advertising content that advertises or announces new dramas, movies, anime, etc. It may also be advertising content that introduces products, services, events, etc. that attract the user's interest.

[0161] [7. Effects] As described above, the information processing device (terminal device 10 and server device 100) according to the present application is characterized by comprising a receiving unit 132 that receives content posted by a poster, a setting unit 133 that sets the content to gradual disclosure content, a presentation unit 134 that presents the gradual disclosure content to a viewer in a concealed state, a measurement unit 135 that measures a predetermined action of the viewer, and a disclosure control unit 136 that gradually discloses the concealed gradual disclosure content according to the measured value of the predetermined action of the viewer, and discloses the gradual disclosure content in its complete state when a predetermined value is reached.

[0162] This allows the posted content to be kept secret at first and then gradually made public depending on the user's actions.

[0163] The setting unit 133 sets a pattern for gradually disclosing the gradual disclosure-type content in accordance with the operation of the poster.

[0164] This allows the content poster to decide in what pattern the posted content will be published in various places.

[0165] The disclosure control unit 136 pre-discloses a portion of the next gradual disclosure-type content in small amounts.

[0166] This can increase viewers' anticipation for the release of unpublished parts of the posted content, and can encourage more "likes."

[0167] The disclosure control unit 136 changes the music in stages according to a value obtained by measuring a predetermined action of the viewer.

[0168] This allows, for example, background music to be changed in stages.

[0169] The measurement unit 135 changes the weight of a predetermined action of a viewer when measuring, depending on the charge or attribute of the viewer.

[0170] This allows one "like" to be changed to 10 "likes," etc., depending on the amount paid and attributes of the viewer of the content.

[0171] The disclosure control unit 136 discloses the gradual disclosure type content in a complete state, and then returns it to a concealed state after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0172] This allows you to limit the time period for which the complete post is available, and also allows you to collect "likes" to view the complete post again.

[0173] If the value measured of the viewer's specified action does not reach the threshold within a certain period of time, the disclosure control unit 136 resets the value measured of the viewer's specified action to the initial value and returns the gradual disclosure content to a hidden state again.

[0174] This allows the system to start over from the beginning each time a predetermined stage is not reached within a certain time after the number of "likes" is tallied.

[0175] The disclosure control unit 136 deletes the gradual disclosure content if the value measured for a predetermined action of the viewer does not reach a threshold within a certain period of time.

[0176] This means that if the number of "likes" does not reach a predetermined level within a certain time after being tallied, the posted content can be taken off the public list, assuming that it has not generated as much interest among viewers as expected.

[0177] The disclosure control unit 136 discloses the gradual disclosure type content through a dialogue between the poster and the viewer.

[0178] This allows viewers who really want to see the content to negotiate with the poster as a relief measure in the event that the content does not receive enough likes, and have the posted content made public in its entirety under different conditions.

[0179] The measurement unit 135 measures the positive actions and negative actions of the viewer. The disclosure control unit 136 gradually discloses the gradual disclosure-type content according to the measured value of the viewer's positive actions, and returns the gradual disclosure-type content to a hidden state again according to the measured value of the viewer's negative actions.

[0180] This allows the content to be gradually made public according to the number of "likes" (reverse likes) so that it can be gradually made private again. For example, viewers who do not want the content to be made public for various reasons can prevent it from being made public by giving "no" to the content.

[0181] The measurement unit 135 limits the upper limit of the number of predetermined actions of a viewer to be measured, depending on the attributes of the viewer.

[0182] This allows you to limit the number of "likes" that can be given to each viewer's attribute. For example, you can set an upper limit on the number of "likes" that a viewer's "friends of friends" can give.

[0183] The disclosure control unit 136 gradually removes the obstruction that conceals the gradual disclosure content according to the value measured for a predetermined action of the viewer, and when the value reaches a specified value, completely removes the obstruction that conceals the gradual disclosure content.

[0184] This allows content that is covered with mosaics or masking to be gradually removed and made public according to the number of "likes."

[0185] The disclosure control unit 136 gradually increases the resolution of the gradual disclosure content from low resolution according to the value measured for a predetermined action of the viewer, and when a specified value is reached, discloses the gradual disclosure content at high resolution.

[0186] This allows you to publish content at the lowest quality, then gradually increase the resolution depending on the number of likes it receives, and finally publish the content at the highest quality.

[0187] The disclosure control unit 136 discloses the gradual disclosure content piece by piece according to a value obtained by measuring a predetermined action of the viewer, and when the value reaches a specified value, discloses the entire gradual disclosure content.

[0188] This allows you to, for example, make the first part of a novel public, and then gradually release the rest of the novel depending on the number of likes, until you can finally read the whole novel.Also, you can make the first part of a piece of music public, and then gradually release the rest of the music depending on the number of likes, until you can finally listen to the whole piece.

[0189] The disclosure control unit 136 gradually changes the gradual disclosure content to content from another content domain according to the value measured from a predetermined action of the viewer, and when a specified value is reached, changes the gradual disclosure content completely to content from another content domain.

[0190] This allows, for example, text content to gradually change into image or music content depending on the number of "likes." Also, text or image content can gradually change into music content depending on the number of "likes." Also, content such as photos or illustrations can gradually change into video content depending on the number of "likes."

[0191] When gradual disclosure content is disclosed, the disclosure control unit 136 keeps the gradual disclosure content disclosed only to viewers who have taken a specified action, and keeps the gradual disclosure content hidden from viewers who have not taken the specified action.

[0192] This allows only viewers who have "liked" the content to view it, and viewers who have not "liked" it to not be able to view it, thereby protecting privacy.

[0193] The setting unit 133 has a function of setting, when an advertisement that is a staged disclosure content is posted, that the advertiser is charged an advertising fee according to the stage of disclosure of the advertisement.

[0194] This allows the advertising fee to be determined according to the stage of disclosure of the advertising content and billed to the advertiser, or alternatively, the advertising fee can be generated and billed to the advertiser for each stage of disclosure of the advertising content.

[0195] The setting unit 133 has a function of setting a basic publication fee for an advertisement that is a gradual disclosure content, as well as adding a pay-per-view advertising fee to the advertiser each time a viewer takes a specified action on the advertisement and the disclosure stage progresses.

[0196] This allows the advertiser to be charged an advertising fee each time the advertising content is gradually disclosed in addition to the basic advertising content fee.

[0197] The setting unit 133 has a function of setting up a revenue share of the fee from the advertiser to the content poster according to the stage of disclosure of the gradual disclosure type content when an advertiser provides content material and another poster posts content using the content material and sets it as gradual disclosure type content.

[0198] This allows affiliates and other contributors of gradual disclosure content that uses content material provided by an advertiser to share revenue from the fee paid by the advertiser according to the stage of disclosure of the gradual disclosure content (the content material used in it).

[0199] By using any one or a combination of the above-described processes, the information processing device according to the present application can conceal posted content and gradually make it public in accordance with the user's actions.

[0200] [8. Hardware Configuration] The terminal device 10 and the server device 100 according to the above-described embodiments are realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 5, for example. The following description will be given taking the server device 100 as an example. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and has a configuration in which a calculation device 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output I / F (Interface) 1060, an input I / F 1070, and a network I / F 1080 are connected via a bus 1090.

[0201] The arithmetic device 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 and the secondary storage device 1050, programs read from the input device 1020, and the like, and executes various processes. The arithmetic device 1030 is realized by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

[0202] The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations. The secondary storage device 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic device 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is realized by a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, or the like. The secondary storage device 1050 may be an internal storage device or an external storage device. The secondary storage device 1050 may also be a removable storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD (Secure Digital) memory card. The secondary storage device 1050 may also be cloud storage (online storage), a NAS (Network Attached Storage), a file server, or the like.

[0203] The output I / F 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information, such as a display, a projector, a printer, etc., and is realized by a connector conforming to a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), etc. The input I / F 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a keypad, a button, a scanner, etc., and is realized by a USB, etc.

[0204] Furthermore, the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070 may be wirelessly connected to the output device 1010 and the input device 1020, respectively. That is, the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 may be wireless devices.

[0205] The output device 1010 and the input device 1020 may be integrated into one device, such as a touch panel. In this case, the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070 may also be integrated into one device as an input / output I / F.

[0206] The input device 1020 may be a device that reads information from, for example, an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0207] The network I / F 1080 receives data from other devices via the network N and sends it to the arithmetic device 1030, and also transmits data generated by the arithmetic device 1030 to other devices via the network N.

[0208] The arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the secondary storage device 1050 onto the primary storage device 1040 and executes the loaded program.

[0209] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the server device 100, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 executes a program loaded onto the primary storage device 1040 to realize the functions of the control unit 130. The arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 may also load a program acquired from another device via the network I / F 1080 onto the primary storage device 1040 and execute the loaded program. The arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 may also cooperate with the other device via the network I / F 1080 to call and use the functions and data of a program from another program of the other device.

[0210] [9. Other] Although the embodiments of the present application have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the scope of so-called equivalents. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments.

[0211] 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.

[0212] 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.

[0213] For example, the above-mentioned server device 100 may be realized by multiple server computers, and depending on the function, the configuration can be flexibly changed, such as by calling an external platform using an API (Application Programming Interface) or network computing.

[0214] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction in the processing content.

[0215] 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]

[0216] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Terminal Equipment 100 Server device 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 130 Control Unit 131 Acquisition Department 132 Reception Department 133 Settings 134 Presentation section 135 Measurement Unit 136 Disclosure Control Section

Claims

1. a reception unit that receives content submissions from contributors; a setting unit for setting the content to a gradual disclosure type content; a presentation unit that presents the gradual disclosure type content to a viewer in a concealed state; a measurement unit that measures a predetermined action of the viewer; a disclosure control unit that gradually discloses the hidden gradual disclosure type content according to a value obtained by measuring a predetermined action of the viewer, and when a predetermined value is reached, discloses the gradual disclosure type content in its complete state; An information processing device comprising:

2. The setting unit sets a pattern for gradually disclosing the gradual disclosure-type content in response to an operation by the contributor.

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

3. The disclosure control unit pre-discloses a part of the next gradually disclosed content in small amounts.

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

4. The disclosure control unit changes the music in stages according to a value obtained by measuring a predetermined action of the viewer.

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

5. The measurement unit changes a weight of a predetermined action of the viewer when measuring, depending on a charge or an attribute of the viewer.

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

6. The disclosure control unit discloses the gradual disclosure type content in a complete state, and then returns the content to a hidden state after a certain period of time has elapsed.

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

7. When the value measured of the predetermined action of the viewer does not reach the threshold value within a certain time, the disclosure control unit resets the value measured of the predetermined action of the viewer to an initial value and returns the gradual disclosure-type content to a hidden state again.

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

8. The disclosure control unit deletes the step-by-step disclosure content when a value obtained by measuring a predetermined action of the viewer does not reach a threshold value within a certain time period.

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

9. The disclosure control unit discloses the step-by-step disclosure-type content through a dialogue between the poster and the viewer.

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

10. the measurement unit measures positive actions and negative actions of the viewer; The disclosure control unit gradually discloses the gradual disclosure-type content according to a value obtained by measuring a positive action of the viewer, and returns the gradual disclosure-type content to a hidden state according to a value obtained by measuring a negative action of the viewer.

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

11. The measurement unit limits an upper limit of the number of predetermined actions of the viewer to be measured according to an attribute of the viewer.

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

12. The disclosure control unit gradually removes the shielding that conceals the gradual disclosure type content according to a value measured from a predetermined action of the viewer, and completely removes the shielding that conceals the gradual disclosure type content when a predetermined value is reached.

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

13. The disclosure control unit increases the resolution of the gradual disclosure type content from a low resolution in a stepwise manner according to a value measured from a predetermined action of the viewer, and when a predetermined value is reached, the gradual disclosure type content is disclosed in a high resolution.

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

14. The disclosure control unit discloses the gradual disclosure type content piece by piece according to a value obtained by measuring a predetermined action of the viewer, and when a predetermined value is reached, discloses the entire gradual disclosure type content.

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

15. The disclosure control unit gradually changes the gradual disclosure type content to content of another content domain according to a value measured from a predetermined action of the viewer, and when a predetermined value is reached, changes the gradual disclosure type content completely to content of another content domain.

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

16. When the gradual disclosure-type content is disclosed, the disclosure control unit keeps the gradual disclosure-type content disclosed only to viewers who have taken the predetermined action, and keeps the gradual disclosure-type content hidden from viewers who have not taken the predetermined action.

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

17. The setting unit has a function of setting such that, when an advertisement that is the step-by-step disclosure content is posted, an advertising fee is charged to the advertiser according to the stage of disclosure of the advertisement.

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

18. The setting unit has a function of setting a basic publishing fee for the advertisement that is the step-by-step disclosure content, and also setting a pay-as-you-go advertising fee for the advertiser each time a viewer takes a predetermined action on the advertisement and the disclosure step progresses.

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

19. The setting unit has a function of setting a revenue share of the fee from the advertiser to the content contributor according to the stage of disclosure of the gradual disclosure type content when an advertiser provides content material and another contributor posts content using the content material and sets the gradual disclosure type content.

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

20. An information processing method executed by an information processing device, a receiving step of receiving content submissions from contributors; a setting step of setting the content to progressive disclosure content; a presentation step of presenting the gradual disclosure type content to a viewer in a concealed state; a measuring step of measuring a predetermined action of the viewer; a disclosure control step of gradually disclosing the hidden gradual disclosure type content in accordance with a value obtained by measuring a predetermined action of the viewer, and disclosing the gradual disclosure type content in its complete state when a predetermined value is reached; An information processing method comprising:

21. A procedure for accepting submissions of content from contributors; a setting procedure for setting the content to progressive disclosure content; a presentation step of presenting the gradual disclosure type content to a viewer in a concealed state; a measurement procedure for measuring a predetermined action of the viewer; a disclosure control procedure for gradually disclosing the hidden gradual disclosure type content in accordance with a value obtained by measuring a predetermined action of the viewer, and disclosing the gradual disclosure type content in its complete state when a predetermined value is reached; An information processing program characterized by causing a computer to execute the above.

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