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

Abstract

To provide an information processing device that improves the economic situations of bookstores, publishers, and authors and revives reading culture by stimulating potential readers' interest in books (specifically, novels, for example) and turning them into new readers. [Solution] A server 1 as an information processing device has a memory unit 12 that records book image videos, which are videos about books that have not been commercially made into films and include elements that convey the interestingness of the story, and a communication unit 13 that selects and transmits book image videos from the memory unit in response to a request from a user terminal. The book image videos include elements that convey the interestingness of the story, such as mystery, crime, enemy, evil, monster, revenge, unpredictable developments, a sudden reversal, despair, thrill, suspense, close calls, encounters, romance, allure, sensuality, longing, nostalgia, fear, unknown phenomena, crisis, urgent situations, absurdity, action, sports, games, laughter, failure, bonds, family, animals, separation, sadness, death, moving moments, crossroads in life, and youth.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program suitable for use in promoting a book. [Background technology]

[0002] A known conventional technology for searching for books is a book search system that includes a book information database that stores multiple pieces of book information, including book names and publisher identification information; a search condition input unit that inputs a search key as a search condition; a publisher location acquisition unit that acquires, for each piece of book information stored in the book information database, the location of the publisher identified by the publisher identification information included in the book information; a judgment unit that determines, for each piece of book information stored in the book information database, that the search key matches if the input search key is included in at least one of the book name included in the book information or the acquired publisher location, and identifies book information that matches the search conditions; and a search result list output unit that outputs a search result list based on the book information that matches the search conditions (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-076701 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, the number of book readers has been declining due to a shift away from print media, and the publishing recession is seen as a social issue. As existing readers continue to move away from print media, while new readers are extremely scarce, the number of book readers is declining. If new readers cannot be increased, the decline in readership is likely to continue. Therefore, it is important to stop existing readers from moving away from print media and to increase new readers. If the number of new readers increases beyond the decline in existing readers, the overall readership will increase, even if the number of existing readers decreases. However, because promotions for the majority of books are only carried out in bookstores, they do not reach people who do not visit bookstores, and new readers are not increasing.

[0005] If we define potential readers as those who read one book or less in six months, a survey has shown that just under 60% of survey respondents are potential readers (Reading Survey 2023 / Cross Marketing). Given this current situation, it is important to consider strategies to get people who are indifferent to reading or who have a prejudiced dislike for books interested in books and encourage them to visit bookstores or purchase books from online bookstores, as well as to consider what segment these people are in and what approach would be effective.

[0006] According to government statistics (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, 2021 Information and Communications White Paper) on "Purposes and Uses of Internet Use by Age Group," over 70% of people in their teens to 30s watch videos. Meanwhile, approximately 40% of people in their 20s and 30s visit bookstores less than once every six months ("Bookstore Survey 2022" / Cross Marketing). These results suggest that videos (specifically, movies, dramas, videos on various video sites / video sharing sites, etc.) and reading are both forms of "entertainment," and given that they often share the common theme of connoting a "story," it can be inferred that this segment represents the core of potential readers.

[0007] The current issue is that the publishing market relies solely on existing readers. The reason for this is that the majority of books that have not been commercially adapted into films are only promoted in bookstores, meaning that people who are not used to visiting bookstores have no opportunity to become interested in reading.

[0008] Taking the above situation into consideration, the inventor thought that promoting books through video would be an effective way to resolve the negative spiral of people turning away from print and the publishing recession. Promoting books through video not only allows promotion to be made to people who don't visit bookstores, but also maximizes the appeal of video (i.e., it appeals not only to the eyes but also to the ears, and is packed with information; seeing is believing, as the saying goes). Furthermore, as mentioned above, both have in common the fact that they are "entertainment" and contain "stories," and since the majority of potential readers are thought to be people who are accustomed to watching videos, tremendous effects can be expected.

[0009] However, only some books (works) are commercially adapted into films (specifically, theatrical films, dramas, streaming films (films, dramas, etc.); so-called media mixes), while other books (works) are only promoted in bookstores. This is because, for books (works) that have not been adapted into films (specifically, theatrical films, dramas, streaming films (films, dramas, etc.)), there is no main footage to use as a basis for creating a video, so no promotional video is created and promotions cannot be centered around that.

[0010] Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention aims to provide technology that can stimulate potential readers' interest in books (specifically, novels, for example) and turn them into new readers, thereby improving the economic situation of bookstores, publishers, and authors and reviving reading culture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problems, an information processing device according to the present invention has a storage unit that records book image videos, which are videos about books that have not been commercially made into films and which include elements that convey the interest of the story, and a communication unit that selects and transmits the book image videos from the storage unit in response to a request from a user terminal, and the book image videos include elements that convey the interest of the story, such as: A) mystery, crime, enemy, evil, monster, revenge; B) unpredictable developments, sudden reversals, despair; C) thrill, suspense, close calls; D) encounters; The theme may include at least one of the following: romance, allure, sensuality, longing, nostalgia, e) fear, unknown phenomena (including spirits, UAPs, UMAs, etc.), crisis, urgent situations (mental, physical, human relationships, etc.), unreasonableness, f) action, sports, games, g) laughter, failure, h) bonds, family, animals, i) separation, sadness, death, j) emotion, crossroads in life, k) youth, friendship, school, l) adventure, hero, survival, m) large scale, beautiful scenery, history, se) confrontation, battle, rivalry, so) another world, fantasy, magic, dystopia, science fiction.

[0012] The information processing method according to the present invention is a method executed by an information processing device, and includes the steps of: recording a book image video that is a video about a book for which no commercially available film exists and that includes elements that convey the interest of the story; and selecting and transmitting the recorded book image video in response to a request from a user terminal, wherein the book image video includes, as elements that convey the interest of the story, a) mystery, crime, enemy, evil, monster, revenge; b) unpredictable developments, sudden reversals, despair; c) thrills, suspense, close calls, adventures, and the like. The meaning may include at least one of the following: a) encounter, love, allure, sensuality, longing, nostalgia, e) fear, unknown phenomena (including spirits, UAPs, UMAs, etc.), crisis, urgent situation (mental, physical, human relationships, etc.), unreasonableness, f) action, sports, games, g) laughter, failure, h) bonds, family, animals, i) separation, sadness, death, j) emotion, crossroads in life, k) youth, friendship, school, l) adventure, hero, survival, m) large scale, beautiful scenery, history, se) confrontation, battle, rival, so) another world, fantasy, magic, dystopia, science fiction.

[0013] The information processing program of the present invention causes an information processing device to execute a process of recording a book image video, which is a video about a book that has not been commercially made into a film and which includes elements that convey the interest of the story, and a process of selecting and transmitting the recorded book image video in response to a request from a user terminal, wherein the book image video includes elements that convey the interest of the story, such as: a) mystery, crime, enemy, evil, monster, revenge; b) unpredictable developments, sudden reversals, despair; c) thrill, suspense, close calls; and d) encounters and romance. The words may include at least one of the following: e) allure, sensuality, longing, nostalgia, f) fear, unknown phenomena (including spirits, UAPs, UMAs, etc.), crisis, urgent situations (mental, physical, human relationships, etc.), unreasonableness, k) action, sports, games, g) laughter, failure, h) bonds, family, animals, i) separation, sadness, death, j) emotion, crossroads in life, k) youth, friendship, school, l) adventure, hero, survival, m) large scale, beautiful scenery, history, se) confrontation, battle, rival, so) another world, fantasy, magic, dystopia, science fiction.

[0014] According to this invention, by using video to visualize the contents of books that have not been made into commercial films and for which no video footage exists, it is possible to arouse potential readers' interest in the book (specifically, for example, a novel) and turn them into new readers (pseudo-media mix).The appeal of video is undeniable, considering that many commercially made media mix works are displayed on shelves in bookstores (i.e., the method of placing the best-selling books (works) in the most prominent locations is adopted). [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to arouse potential readers' interest in a book (specifically, for example, a novel) and turn them into new readers.

[0016] Here, it is thought that "people in the segment who watch videos on the internet but are not yet interested in books" are not accustomed to reading text, so even if they see text information, they will not be able to imagine how interesting it is, and simply announcing the book cover and text information in a video will not be effective in stimulating their interest in the book.For this reason, in order to effectively promote to "people in the segment who watch videos on the internet but are not yet interested in books," it is necessary to edit the video using "elements that convey the interestingness of the story," create a video that effectively visualizes the content of the book (work), and show a concrete part of the work so that they will think it "looks interesting," otherwise they will not be able to become interested in the almost new experience of reading.

[0017] Potential readers like and are accustomed to watching videos, or visual works. In order to capture their interest and spark their interest in reading, it is important to use "elements that convey the story's appeal," which are easy to convey through video, and to build anticipation for the work by highlighting the many elements of the book (work) from multiple angles. Since tastes and preferences vary from person to person, by not narrowing it down to one, but showing it from multiple angles, you can maximize the number of potential readers for that book (work).

[0018] Although new releases generally account for 30% of bookstore sales, previously published books make up an overwhelmingly large portion of the store's sales floor space (and the number of books in stock). Therefore, if sales of previously published books can be increased, a large increase in sales can be expected. Furthermore, for potential readers who rarely have the opportunity to visit bookstores, new releases and previously published books are irrelevant, and it is assumed that there are few books they have already read, so if the habit of reading books can be established, large and continuous sales can be expected.

[0019] As mentioned above, the current challenge is that the publishing market relies solely on existing readers. This is due to limited promotion for the majority of books that have not been commercially adapted into films, meaning that people who do not visit bookstores do not even have the opportunity to develop an interest in reading. The desired solution is to encourage non-readers to believe that reading is enjoyable by exposing them to the joys of various books (developing potential readers). The core of this invention, as a means to achieve this, is to show video viewers who are likely to become potential readers videos that are edited using elements that convey the appeal of a story and that concretely visualize the book's content (characters, entertainment value, worldview, etc.). This is the starting point for a series of promotions that encourage potential readers to convert into regular readers. The expected benefits of this unprecedented method are "improvement of the publishing recession by developing potential readers" and "enriching the daily lives of people who have never known the joy of reading by discovering a new pleasure." [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server and a user terminal in the information processing system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a book promotion site that is displayed on a display unit of a user terminal after screen data is provided by a server of the information processing system of FIG. [Figure 4] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a book promotion site that is displayed on a display unit of a user terminal after screen data is provided by a server of the information processing system of FIG. [Figure 5] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a book promotion site that is displayed on a display unit of a user terminal after screen data is provided by a server of the information processing system of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a method of operating the information processing system of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] In this specification, "books" include novels, but are not limited to any particular genre, and include printed materials and publications of all genres. "Books" in this specification may be fiction or non-fiction, but preferably are works with a narrative. "Books" in this specification also include both printed books on paper and digital e-books. "Video" in this specification also includes still images and videos, as well as formats in which still images are displayed sequentially (e.g., slideshows). It also includes not only videos displayed on monitor displays, but also those displayed in other display devices, such as VR (e.g., the Metaverse).

[0023] (Overall composition) 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment, including a server 1 according to the embodiment, as an example of a specific configuration of an information processing device according to the present invention. Note that an information processing method according to the present invention is implemented in the information processing system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0024] An information processing system 100 according to the embodiment includes a server 1 and a plurality of user terminals 2. The server 1 and the user terminals 2 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally via a communication network 9 such as the Internet.

[0025] The server 1 is an information processing device capable of various information processing and transmitting and receiving information, such as a server computer or a personal computer. Only one server 1 may be provided, or multiple servers 1 may be provided (in other words, the information processing device according to the present invention may be configured by one server device, or may be configured by multiple server devices). The server 1 may also be realized by multiple virtual machines provided in one server device, or may be realized by using a cloud server.

[0026] The server 1 has a function of a web server, and makes available via a communication network 9 a book promotion site 8 that promotes books.

[0027] The server 1 performs various information processing, such as providing screen data of a book promotion site 8 to a user terminal 2 via a communication network 9 .

[0028] The user terminal 2 is a terminal on the user's side that uses various websites (including the book promotion site 8) via the communication network 9, and is a smartphone, tablet terminal, personal computer, or the like.

[0029] The user terminal 2 performs various information processing, such as accessing various websites (including the book promotion site 8) via the communication network 9 and displaying the website screens.

[0030] (Server configuration) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server 1 and the user terminal 2 of the information processing system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0031] The server 1 in the embodiment has a memory unit 12 that records NIM (book image video), which is video related to a book that has not been commercially adapted into a film and which contains "elements that convey the interestingness of the story," and a communication unit 13 that selects and transmits the NIM (book image video) from the memory unit 12 in response to a request from the user terminal 2.

[0032] Specifically, "elements that convey the interest of a story" include cuts, scenes, and montage. A cut is the smallest unit of footage, spanning from the start of filming with a camera to the cut, and is at the structural level equivalent to a word in a sentence. A scene is a block made up of multiple cuts that unfold as a continuous sequence of time in the same location, and is at the structural level equivalent to a phrase in a sentence. Montage is a technique of adding images, whereby a new meaning is created when two images, A and B, are connected and shown, in contrast to the meaning that is created when each is shown separately.

[0033] The server 1 includes a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, a communication unit 13, an input unit 14, and a display unit 15, and each of these units is electrically connected to each other via a bus (in other words, so that signals can be transmitted).

[0034] The control unit 11 includes one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls each unit of the server 1. The control unit 11 executes various control programs 16 (including the information processing program according to the embodiment) stored in the storage unit 12, causing the server 1 to perform various information processes as an information processing device according to the embodiment.

[0035] The storage unit 12 includes a storage medium and stores various data. The storage unit 12 may include, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), and at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 12 stores in advance a control program 16 (including an information processing program according to an embodiment) executed by the control unit 11 and various data required for executing the control program 16. The storage unit 12 also temporarily stores data generated when the control unit 11 executes the control program 16 and performs arithmetic processing.

[0036] The storage unit 12 also stores databases (specifically, an NIM database 171 and an NAM database 172) in which video data is recorded and accumulated.

[0037] The communication unit 13 is a communication interface for connecting to the communication network 9 via at least one of wired communication and wireless communication, and transmits and receives data signals, etc. to and from other devices (e.g., the user terminal 2) via the communication network 9.

[0038] The input unit 14 includes, for example, a mouse and a keyboard, and receives operation input from an administrator who manages the server 1, and outputs to the control unit 11 a control signal corresponding to the content of the operation input.

[0039] The display unit 15 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information in accordance with instructions from the control unit 11.

[0040] (User terminal configuration) The user terminal 2 includes a control unit 21, a memory unit 22, a communication unit 23, an input unit 24, and a display unit 25, and each of these units is electrically connected to each other via a bus (in other words, so that signals can be transmitted).

[0041] The control unit 21 includes one or more processors such as a CPU, and controls each unit of the user terminal 2. The control unit 21 executes various control programs 26 stored in the storage unit 22, causing the user terminal 2 to perform various information processes as a terminal on the user side that uses the information processing system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0042] The storage unit 22 includes a storage medium and stores various data. The storage unit 22 may include, for example, a RAM, a ROM, an HDD, and an SSD. The storage unit 22 stores in advance the control program 26 executed by the control unit 21 and various data required for executing the control program 26. The storage unit 22 also temporarily stores data generated when the control unit 21 executes the control program 26 and performs arithmetic processing.

[0043] The user terminal 2 is configured to be able to browse websites via the communication network 9, and specifically, a web browser application program 27 for browsing websites, or a dedicated app (application software) application program 27 for accessing and browsing specific websites, is also pre-stored in the memory unit 22.

[0044] The communication unit 23 is a communication interface for connecting to the communication network 9 via at least one of wired communication and wireless communication, and transmits and receives data signals, etc. to and from other devices (e.g., the server 1) via the communication network 9.

[0045] The input unit 24 accepts an operation input by the user and outputs a control signal corresponding to the content of the operation input to the control unit 21. Depending on the type of the user terminal 2, the input unit 24 may be, for example, a touch panel, or may include a mouse, a keyboard, etc.

[0046] The display unit 25 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information in accordance with instructions from the control unit 21. Specifically, for example, it displays data received by accessing the server 1 (specifically, the book promotion site 8).

[0047] (Video data) The present invention aims to promote books (e.g., novels) on the Internet using videos to appeal to new readers who are different from traditional readers (in other words, existing readers), leading to increased sales of the book. The present invention also targets books that have not yet been commercially adapted into a video (specifically, a full-length video such as a movie or TV drama).

[0048] Commercial filming refers to the creation of a film for the purpose of broadcasting on television, distributing over the Internet, or screening in cinemas, etc., and the film itself is created as something that has economic value (in other words, something that generates monetary profits).

[0049] In this invention, two types of video are used in book promotion. One of these two types of video is called "NIM (Novels Image Movies)" and the other is called "NAM (Novels Around Movies)." In this invention, NIM is also called "book image video" and NAM is also called "book peripheral information video."

[0050] "NIM (Novels Image Movies)" are videos created to visualize the contents of a book (for example, a novel) and to appeal to viewers visiting book promotion sites8 and video sites. "NIM" is video about a book that has not been commercially adapted into a film (specifically, a feature film, drama, streaming video (film, drama, etc.)); so-called "media mix"), and since there is no footage of the main feature, it is not a trailer edited from footage of the main feature. In other words, it is not a video that introduces a book using footage created according to the plot of the book (work), but rather a video that evokes the content of the book (including the characters, interest, and worldview of the story) by combining footage that was not primarily filmed for the book (work).

[0051] As mentioned above, this invention targets books that do not yet have a commercially available film adaptation (main video). Therefore, existing materials (whether free or paid) that evoke the content of the book (including the story's characters, appeal, and worldview) or newly shot still and video materials are prepared and edited to create a "NIM." (Note: Both existing and newly shot materials include live action and animation, and also include those created using generative AI.) "NIM" may be created using these still and video materials. These still and video materials may be used as is, or they may be used after applying special effects (including SFX / CG), including compositing, as described below. Compositing refers to the simultaneous use of still and video materials, or still and video materials, in the same cut or scene.

[0052] "NIM" may be, for example, a video whose duration ranges from short (specifically, about 1 to 3 minutes) to long (specifically, about 10 minutes).

[0053] The "NIM" is created for each book, and is recorded and accumulated in the NIM database 171 stored in the storage unit 12 of the server 1 in association with each book.

[0054] "NAM (Novels Around Movies)" is a video created as a video of peripheral information about a book (e.g., a novel) to appeal to viewers visiting book promotion sites8 and video sites. Examples of peripheral information about a book include an interview with the author of the book, an interview with the editor in charge, behind-the-scenes stories about the creation of the book, a tour of the settings of the works featured in the book, and an introduction to works in the same genre as the book.

[0055] As mentioned above, this invention targets books for which no commercially available film (main video) exists, and therefore, still images and video materials are prepared and edited from existing materials (whether free or paid) or newly shot materials (both existing materials and newly shot materials include live action and animation, and also include creation by generative AI). "NAM" may be created by preparing still images and video materials related to the aforementioned content, etc., and using these, as well as using the aforementioned "NIM" video (in part or in whole).

[0056] "NAM" may be, for example, a video with a duration of approximately 3 to 30 minutes. "NAM" may be something that can be enjoyed as an independent program in itself.

[0057] A "NAM" is created for each book, and is recorded and accumulated in the NAM database 172 stored in the storage unit 12 of the server 1 in association with each book.

[0058] (NIM) "NIM" is designed to help potential readers expand their imagination of the book's story (including the characters, entertainment value, and worldview), spark their interest, and lead them to pick up the book.

[0059] <1> NIM innovations / Part 1 All videos created as NIM must contain at least one of the following "elements that convey the story's appeal" (specifically, cuts, scenes, montages, etc.) A to S, with the aim of particularly piquing the interest of potential readers. The following elements A to S are easy to convey their appeal visually, and are thought to resonate with people who are familiar with video works. Note that the following A to S categories are merely for the sake of convenience; for example, in A below, "mystery," "crime," "enemy," "evil," "monster," and "revenge" are each independent elements.

[0060] A) Mystery, crime, enemy, evil, monster, revenge B) Unpredictable developments, sudden reversals, despair C) Thrill, suspense, close calls D) Encounter, love, allure, sensuality, admiration, nostalgia Fear, unknown phenomena (including spirits, UAPs, UMAs, etc.), crisis, urgent situations (mental, physical, interpersonal, etc.), unreasonableness Action, sports, games K) Laughter, failure Q) Bonds, family, animals K) Separation, sadness, death Emotions, crossroads in life S) Youth, friendship, school C) Adventure, heroism, survival Large scale, beautiful scenery, history C) Confrontation, battle, rival So) Other worlds, fantasy, magic, dystopia, science fiction

[0061] <2> NIM Ideas / Part 2 In order to bring out the appeal of a book's story in a three-dimensional way, a plurality of "elements that convey the story's appeal" (specifically, cuts, scenes, montages, etc.) may be associated with and presented for a single book's story. In other words, the NIM used in the book promotion service realized and provided by the information processing system 100 (particularly, server 1) may be created as a video that includes a plurality of "elements that convey the story's appeal" (specifically, cuts, scenes, montages, etc.).

[0062] The presentation of multiple "elements that convey the interest of a story" (specifically, cuts, scenes, montages, etc.) may be done by one NIM, or by multiple NIMs. In particular, by presenting multiple "elements that convey the interest of a story" (specifically, cuts, scenes, montages, etc.) contained in each story in a book by multiple NIMs, it is possible to focus on the various elements of the book's story from various angles, making the book's story stand out in three dimensions (note that this is in the realistic sense, not in the 3D sense).

[0063] When multiple "elements that convey the story's appeal" (specifically, cuts, scenes, montages, etc.) are presented by one NIM for the story of one book, for example, one NIM may begin with "romance" (D above), then "mystery" (A above), and then "suspense" (C above). Note that multiple "elements that convey the story's appeal" (specifically, cuts, scenes, montages, etc.) do not need to straddle the (convenient) categories A through S above; for example, one NIM may begin with "encounter" (D above), then "romance" (D above).

[0064] When multiple "elements that convey the story's appeal" (specifically, cuts, scenes, montages, etc.) are presented by multiple NIMs for the story of a book, for example, the first NIM may present "romance" (item D above), the second NIM may present "mystery" (item A above), and the third NIM may present "suspense" (item C above). "Presented" here means that video materials (cuts, scenes) are selected and edited to convey the aforementioned elements to viewers, and this does not necessarily mean that all still and video materials are in line with the aforementioned elements.

[0065] (Creating NIM) NIMs may be created in accordance with the following guidelines, depending on the size of the budget allocated to book promotion, on the premise that they have not been commercially adapted into a film (specifically, a feature film, drama, or streaming film (film, drama, etc.)), i.e., that no actual footage exists.

[0066] 1) If the budget is small No new filming will be done; only NIM will be created using existing materials distributed on the Internet (for example, free or paid video materials that are permitted for commercial use; this includes live action and animation, and also images created by generative AI) (i.e., NAM will not be created).

[0067] 2) Medium-sized budget New footage is shot and existing material distributed on the internet (for example, free or paid video material that is permitted for commercial use) is used to create the NIM (note that both existing and newly shot material can include live action and animation, as well as material created using generative AI).

[0068] Additionally, NAMs are created as short (specifically, 1 to 3 minutes) videos that can be produced on a low budget, such as interviews with the author or the editor in charge.

[0069] 3) When the budget is large NIM is created mainly from new footage. For example, NIM may be created as footage of the same quality as a movie or drama, although it may be up to about 10 minutes.

[0070] Existing materials distributed on the Internet may be collected by periodically and automatically scanning the Internet and using keywords, specifically, for example, by using web scraping technology. The keywords used when automatically scanning the Internet to collect existing materials may be text data from the main text of books, and text mining (information extraction through text analysis) technology may be used to sort words (proper nouns such as people's names) in order of frequency of appearance in the text data, and a predetermined number of words in order of frequency of appearance may be used as keywords.

[0071] Furthermore, when creating a NIM for a story from a certain book, a video technique called "montage" may be used to convey the content of the story of the book and specifically convey the appeal of the story by assembling existing materials that were not filmed specifically for the book, rather than using original footage filmed specifically for the story of the book.

[0072] Montage is a technique of adding images. For example, if there are two images, (A) "a young man eating a hamburger with relish" and (B) "an emaciated child being held by his mother in an unsanitary desert town," and each is shown separately, it only has the meaning mentioned above. However, by connecting (A) and (B), a new meaning, (C) "the cruelty of the gap between rich and poor," is born.

[0073] By carefully selecting footage from the many collected videos that match the appeal of the story of the book in question and connecting them using techniques such as "montage" to generate new meaning, it becomes possible to imagine the interesting content of the story of the book in question, as if the footage was filmed specifically for that story.By making full use of subtitles in addition to the video, it is also possible to convey the interesting content of the story of the book in question more easily.

[0074] (Creating NAM) NAM may be created in accordance with the following guidelines, for example, on the premise that the book has not been commercially adapted into a film (specifically, a feature film, a TV drama, or a streaming video (film, TV drama, etc.)), i.e., that no actual video footage exists, particularly when the budget allocated to book promotion is large.

[0075] NAM may be produced as a video of the same quality as a television program or documentary film, including interviews with the author of the book, interviews with the editor in charge, behind-the-scenes stories about the creation of the book, explorations of the settings of the works featured in the book, or projects by famous people (such as actors) who have a special connection to the work or the author.

[0076] In order to stimulate and sustain potential readers' interest in the content of the work, NAM may create and distribute videos that include not only the story of the book, but also peripheral information (for example, interviews with the author of the book, interviews with the editor in charge, behind-the-scenes stories about the creation of the book, explorations of the settings of the works featured in the book, introductions to works in the same genre as the book, etc.).

[0077] Although most of the NAM will be newly shot, excluding quotes from NIM, by using it in conjunction with NIM, which helps to visualize the story content of the book and convey its appeal, it is expected that potential readers will not only be interested in the story of the book, but will also be drawn to peripheral content, thereby converting them into regular readers.

[0078] (NIM and NAM) By implementing a series of promotional activities using NIM and NAM (specifically, a dedicated homepage that aggregates NIM and NAM, a system that allows you to check bookstore inventory, a keyword creation system that encourages many people to search for videos posted on various video sites, etc.), it will be possible to reach an even larger number of potential readers.

[0079] "NIM" and "NAM" may be made public as content included in a book promotion site 8, which is a homepage dedicated to book promotion and is made public by the server 1. "NIM" and "NAM" may also be posted and made public on various video sites.

[0080] (Book promotion site) 3 to 5 are diagrams showing examples of screens of the book promotion site 8 that are displayed on the display unit 25 of the user terminal 2 after screen data is provided by the server 1 of the information processing system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0081] Figure 3 is an example of the top page of the book promotion site 8, where book titles are displayed in a tiled pattern. As shown in Figure 3, the book titles may be displayed as text, or the book titles may be displayed as text, along with an image of the book cover (in other words, a thumbnail; not shown) and a still image of "NIM" (in other words, a thumbnail; not shown).

[0082] The book titles may be displayed, for example, in order of newest posting from top to bottom. Especially when a large number of books are registered on the book promotion site 8, the book titles may be displayed in alphabetical order or by genre. Furthermore, the page displaying the book titles may be provided with a search window (in other words, a search box or search word input field; not shown) for searching by keyword or genre, or may allow sorting or narrowing down of the results using a drop-down list.

[0083] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen that is displayed when [Book Title A] (symbol 81) in Figure 3 is selected (specifically, clicked or tapped). The screen shown as an example in Figure 4 is a screen that displays unique information about each book. The screen shown as an example in Figure 4, i.e., the screen that displays unique information about each book, is referred to as a "book information screen."

[0084] On the book information screen shown in Figure 4, the "Book Title A (Book Title)" and "Author Name" are displayed in text as information specific to the book "Book Title A" selected (specifically, clicked or tapped) on the screen shown in Figure 3, and the cover image of the book is displayed as an image (symbol 82).

[0085] The book information screen has a button 83 for viewing "NIM," and when this button 83 is selected (specifically, clicked or tapped), "NIM" of "Book Title A" is played. A still image of "NIM" (in other words, a thumbnail; not shown) may be used for this button.

[0086] The book information screen also includes [Work Data] (symbol 84), [Similar / Related Works NIM] (symbol 85), [Sales Link] (symbol 86), and [Bookstore Stock Map] (symbol 87). The configuration and items shown in Figure 4 are the same regardless of which of book titles A to I on the screen shown in Figure 3 is selected.

[0087] When [Seller Link] (reference number 86) is selected, sites selling the book (such as various internet bookstores) may be displayed.

[0088] When [Bookstore inventory map] (symbol 87) is selected, real bookstores and retailers that have the book in stock are displayed, and the nearest bookstore or retailer may be identified based on the user's pre-registered address or by using the GPS function of the user terminal 2. The bookstores and retailers may be displayed in a list, or may be displayed on a map.

[0089] When [Similar / Related Works NIM] (reference number 85) is selected, a button to view "NIM" of similar or related works (such as works by the same author or in the same genre) is displayed on the screen to which the user is redirected. The "related works" in [Similar / Related Works NIM] (reference number 85) may include video works (e.g., movies, dramas) licensed by the copyright holder. In this case, when [Similar / Related Works NIM] is selected, a button to view trailers for the "related works" video works (e.g., movies, dramas) may be displayed on the screen to which the user is redirected. This will help to further increase interest in the work.

[0090] When [Work Data] (symbol 84) is selected, the screen to which the user is redirected (see Figure 5) displays a button 88 to watch "NAM," and may also display information to learn more about the author and their work, such as the author's profile (symbol 89), or a button (not shown) to transition to a page where such information can be viewed.

[0091] It should be noted that the book promotion site 8 handles books published by various publishers for each author, not just books published by a specific publisher.

[0092] (System operation method) FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method of operating the information processing system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0093] In the following description, at least one of the NIM and the NAM will be referred to as "NIM / NAM" (specifically, for example, a NIM may be created while a NAM is not, or both a NIM and a NAM may be created, or a NAM may be created while a NIM is not). In the following description, books handled in the information processing system 100, specifically books promoted on the book promotion site 8 (i.e., books written by a certain author and given a title (book name)) will be referred to as "handled books."

[0094] The operating company 110 that operates the information processing system 100 (or operates and manages the server 1 (i.e., is the operator of the server 1) and operates at least the book promotion site 8) assigns a first key to each book it handles. The first key may be configured, for example, as a sequence of multiple digits, or may be configured as a multiple digit code including at least one of numbers, letters, and symbols. The first key is assigned by the operating company 110 as a unique code for each book it handles.

[0095] The first key may be, for example, a sequence of the publisher's initials (approximately three English letters), the author's initials (approximately two English letters), and a random code (at least one of approximately four to ten numbers, letters, and symbols).

[0096] The operating company 110 sends the first key together with book information and NIM / NAM regarding the books it handles to the publisher 120. The book information is information necessary to identify the book, and specifically may be, for example, the book title (book name) and author name, or the ISBN (International Standard Book Number).

[0097] The publisher 120 assigns a second key to the book (i.e., the book being handled) for which the operating company 110 has sent the first key along with the book information and NIM / NAM, and sends the second key to the operating company 110 along with the first shipping information after the contract. The second key may be configured, for example, as a sequence of multiple digits, or may be configured as a multiple digit code including at least one of numbers, letters, and symbols. The second key is assigned by the publisher 120 as a unique code for each book being handled. The first shipping information after the contract may specifically include, for example, the shipping time and the number of orders for the first shipping after the contract.

[0098] The second key may be, for example, an internal product code for each publisher (at least one of approximately 4 to 10 numbers and letters), or may be a random code (at least one of approximately 4 to 10 numbers, letters, and symbols).

[0099] For each book, a fixed-term promotion contract may be concluded between the operating company 110 and the publisher 120, or between the operating company 110 and the author of the book. When a contract is concluded between the operating company 110 and the author, the second key may be assigned by the author.

[0100] Regarding the creation and use of the NIM / NAM, for example, publisher 120 may enter into a contract with operating company 110 regarding the creation and use of the NIM / NAM (in this case, a request is made to operating company 110 to create the NIM / NAM, along with permission to use the NIM / NAM), or publisher 120 may create the NIM / NAM (including outsourcing to a subsidiary video production company, etc.), and publisher 120 may enter into a contract with operating company 110 regarding promotions using the NIM / NAM (in this case, permission is given to operating company 110 to use the NIM / NAM). Then, publisher 120 registers (in other words, uploads) the NIM / NAM on a predetermined video site, and operating company 110 makes the NIM / NAM public on book promotion site 8.

[0101] When a NIM / NAM is registered on a specified video site 150, the text data of the book's main text is used as search keywords (i.e., keywords linked to the NIM / NAM as metadata, etc.) when searching for the NIM / NAM, and words obtained by analyzing the text data using techniques such as text mining (note that proper nouns such as people's names may be excluded) are arranged in order of frequency of appearance, and a predetermined number of words in descending order of frequency of appearance may be used as search keywords.

[0102] Words that appear in various published ranking data may be used as search keywords. For example, text data of various rankings may be used, and text mining technology may be used to sort words (proper nouns may be excluded) in order of frequency of appearance in the text data, and a predetermined number of words in descending order of frequency of appearance may be used as keywords. Ranking data may be published in print media such as magazines or technical journals, or may be published on various websites via a communication network 9. Specifically, for example, if a "ranking of uplifting songs" is published in a print media or website and words such as "win" or "don't lose" appear in the ranking (specifically, song titles), these words may be used in combination with keywords extracted from the text of the book to further increase the search rate of NIM / NAM.

[0103] The operating company 110 manages the first key and second key in association with the book information as information for each book handled, and also stores initial and cumulative shipping information after the contract is made. For example, an operation management information database 18 may be stored in the memory unit 12 of the server 1, and this operation management information database 18 may record and accumulate combined information of book information, the first key, the second key, and initial and cumulative shipping information after the contract is made for each book handled.

[0104] The operating company 110 associates the first key and the second key with the NIM of each book that is recorded and stored in the NIM database 171 and the NAM of each book that is recorded and stored in the NAM database 172. As a result, when the first key and the second key are identified, the NIM / NAM of the book that is associated with the first key and the second key can be identified.

[0105] The operating company 110 may post an announcement of the books it handles on a predetermined SNS channel 160, and may also post that the NIM / NAM is publicly available on the book promotion site 8.

[0106] The publisher 120 also notifies the first key and the second key to a bookstore 130 (that is, a real bookstore) in the city that stocks the book.

[0107] The bookstore 130 assigns a third key to books (i.e., books available) for which the publisher 120 has notified it of the first and second keys. The third key may be, for example, a sequence of multiple digits, or may be configured as a multiple digit code including at least one of numbers, letters, and symbols. The third key is assigned by the bookstore 130 as a unique code for each book available, and is managed by the bookstore 130.

[0108] The third key may be used as a password for each bookstore 130, and may be, for example, a random code (at least one of about 4 to 10 numbers, letters, and symbols).

[0109] The third key may be managed in association with the book information in the operation management information database 18 stored in the storage unit 12 of the server 1. Specifically, for example, for each book available, a combination of book information, the first key and the second key, initial and cumulative shipping information after the contract is made, and the third key may be recorded and stored.

[0110] A page for bookstores is prepared as a transition destination for the store name displayed on the inventory store map installed in the book promotion site 8, and when the third key generated by the bookstore 130 is entered in addition to the first and second keys notified by the publisher 120, book information is displayed.

[0111] Specifically, for example, by accessing the bookstore page of the book promotion site 8 from a terminal of the bookstore 130 that is connected so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the server 1 via the communication network 9 and entering the first key, the second key, and the third key generated and registered by the bookstore 130, the shipping data after the contract (specifically, the initial shipment number and cumulative shipment number), the cumulative sales number after the contract, and the inventory number calculated from these may be displayed.

[0112] The bookstore 130 places an order for the number of books it will handle at its store to the publisher 120. Note that an agent (not shown) may be present between the publisher 120 and the bookstore 130, and the agent may order the books it will handle in bulk from the publisher 120, and the books may be allocated to the bookstore 130 from among the ordered books, or in this case the bookstore 130 may make a request to the agent.

[0113] A page (referred to as an "inventory management page") is prepared for the bookstores 130 on the book promotion site 8 to register and manage the inventory of each book sold by each bookstore 130. When the first key, second key, and third key are entered on the inventory management page of the book promotion site 8, the inventory of each book sold by each bookstore 130 is automatically calculated and displayed, and if any error occurs, only downward corrections can be made. Note that with regard to inventory quantities, the operating company 110 registers the initial shipment data after the contract provided to the operating company 110 by the publisher 120 at the appropriate time after the contract is concluded, and subsequent additional shipments and sales numbers can be retrieved through sales data linkage with each bookstore 130 and automatically calculated and displayed by a system within the site.

[0114] Specifically, for example, when a terminal of a bookstore 130 connected to the server 1 via the communication network 9 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally is accessed to the inventory management page of the book promotion site 8 and the first, second, and third keys are entered, the inventory status is displayed, the inventory for each book handled is automatically calculated, and if any error occurs, only downward adjustments can be made. The inventory status may be displayed as shipping data after the contract (specifically, the initial shipment number and cumulative shipment number), cumulative sales number after the contract, and the inventory number calculated from these.

[0115] The inventory quantity is automatically calculated by subtracting the cumulative sales quantity imported through sales data linkage from the cumulative shipment quantity during the contract period, but if the book in question has been in stock before the contract, it can be registered in the system from the inventory management page to prevent the inventory from being displayed as a negative number. In the unlikely event that a discrepancy occurs with the inventory quantity for some reason, the number can be adjusted downward by entering these three keys 1 to 3. Upward adjustments can only be made via the publisher 120 or the operating company 110 to prevent stores that do not have stock in order to attract customers from making false adjustments.

[0116] For the first shipment after the contract is concluded with the publisher 120, the operating company 110 obtains data on the first shipment of books handled by the publisher 120 after the contract is concluded, and before the books are received by each bookstore 130, the operating company 110 registers the books to be received as stores that have stock on the inventory management page of the book promotion site 8. As a result, when the "Bookstore Map with Stock" (reference number 87 in Figure 4) is selected on the top page of the book promotion site 8, the relevant bookstore 130 will be displayed as a bookstore or retailer that has stock of the books handled. Furthermore, for additional shipments from the second onwards, the sales data of each bookstore 130 will be linked together with the number of books sold and imported into the system.

[0117] The information about the bookstore 130 may also include the inventory status of other books that the bookstore 130 carries.

[0118] In other words, the information processing system 100 relating to the embodiment may be configured such that NIM (book image video) is transmitted from the server 1 to a terminal of the bookstore 130 via the communication unit 13 and the communication network 9, and when the first key, second key, and a third key assigned by the bookstore 130 for each book they handle are input to the server 1, inventory information for each book they handle at the bookstore 130 is compiled and recorded in the memory unit 12.

[0119] Here, each bookstore 130 may have a promotion request registration field (multiple registrations are possible) on its inventory management page, where at least one of the book title, author name, and ISBN can be registered. The operating company 110 may then tally and view the number of registrations nationwide. This allows the bookstores 130's wishes to be incorporated. This also allows the operating company 110 to propose a promotion contract to the publisher 120 at any time for books whose registrations in the promotion request registration field have reached a predetermined number. If a promotion contract is actually concluded, the information on which bookstores 130 have registered can be communicated to the publisher's 120's sales representative, and used as information for sales promotion. In this case, bookstores that can register in the promotion request registration field may be limited to bookstores that have previously ordered the book. This is expected to prevent irresponsible registrations that do not lead to actual orders.

[0120] (Action and effect) According to the information processing system 100 of the embodiment, books are promoted using NIM and NAM, which are videos about books that have not been commercially adapted into films and which contain "elements that convey the appeal of the story" (specifically, cuts, scenes, montages, etc.).This arouses potential readers' interest in the book (specifically, for example, a novel), and then allows them to check which stores have the book in stock, making it easier to obtain and attracting new readers.

[0121] According to the information processing system 100 according to the embodiment, specifically, the following effects can be achieved for publishers and distributors. You can attract potential readers. - It can revitalize backlogs, which in turn can reduce return rates. - Increase sales by promoting new books by lesser-known authors. Promotion can be used as a persuasive tool within the company to decide whether or not to publish.

[0122] The information processing system 100 according to the embodiment also provides the following specific effects to bookstores. You can attract potential readers. -It is possible to convey the appeal of the work in a way that is not possible through in-store promotions. -Revitalize back-shelf publications and increase sales. - Increase the motivation of store staff to promote sales. For example, it can encourage them to propose promoted works to publishers and link them with in-store promotions.

[0123] The information processing system 100 according to the embodiment also provides the following specific effects to authors. - By increasing sales of new books, it becomes easier to make a profit, which increases opportunities for future writing. - Revitalize your existing publications to increase and stabilize your income. - Discovering new readers will help develop new genres and provide persuasive material for publishers. You can find out readers' reactions before writing (create a NIM before writing / in this case, you can decide whether to write based on the reaction to the video, and if it is, the shipping data will be linked at the time of release).

[0124] The information processing system 100 according to the embodiment also provides the reader with the following specific effects, for example. - (Especially potential readers) can discover new enjoyment. -Provides an opportunity to learn about a wider range of works. You can discover works that you would never find in a bookstore. -Compared to when only text information is available, it reduces the chances of making a mistake when selecting a work.

[0125] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention, but the specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and the present invention also includes forms in which modifications and changes are made to the above embodiments within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0126] For example, in the above embodiment, the target is books that have already been published (i.e., previously published), but NIMs and NAMs for books that have not yet been published (i.e., newly published) may also be created and made public on a book promotion site 8 or a video site. [Industrial Applicability]

[0127] The information processing system 100 of the present invention can arouse potential readers' interest in books (specifically, for example, novels) and turn them into new readers, and is therefore useful, for example, as a method or mechanism for promoting books, and is useful in the field of publishing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 1. Server (information processing device) 11 Control section 12 Storage section 13 Communications Department 14 Input section 15 Display section 16 Control Program 171 NIM database 172 NAM databases 18 Operational Management Information Database 2. User terminal 21 Control Unit 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 24 Input section 25 Display section 26 Control Program 27 Application Programs 8. Book Promotion Sites 9. Communication Networks 100 Information Processing Systems 110 Operating Company 120 publishers 130 Bookstore 150 video sites 160 social media channels

Claims

1. a storage unit for recording book image videos that are videos about books that have not been commercially made into films and that contain elements that convey the interest of the story; a communication unit that selects and transmits the book image video from the storage unit in response to a request from a user terminal, The book image video is an element that conveys the fun of the story, A) Mystery, crime, enemy, evil, monster, revenge B) Unpredictable developments, sudden reversals, despair C) Thrill, suspense, close calls D) Encounter, love, allure, sensuality, longing, nostalgia Fear, unknown phenomena (including spirits, UAPs, UMAs, etc.), crisis, urgent situations (mental, physical, interpersonal, etc.), unreasonable Action, sports, games K) Laughter, failure Q) Bonds, family, animals K) Separation, grief, death J) Emotions, crossroads in life S) Youth, friendship, school C) Adventure, heroism, survival S) Large scale, beautiful scenery, history C) Confrontation, battle, rival S) Other worlds, fantasy, magic, dystopia, science fiction at least one of:

1. An information processing device comprising:

2. One of the book image videos relating to one of the books includes a plurality of elements that convey the interestingness of the story, or each of the plurality of book image videos relating to one of the books includes at least one element that conveys the interestingness of the story, 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. In addition to the book image video, a book peripheral information video is recorded in the storage unit for one of the books; The book-related information video includes at least one of an interview with the author of the book, an interview with the editor in charge of the book, a behind-the-scenes story about the creation of the book, and a visit to the setting of the work that appears in the book.

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

4. The book image video will be published on a dedicated website.

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

5. The book image video will be released on a video site.

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

6. A predetermined number of words appearing most frequently in the text data of the body of the book are used as search keywords.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5,

7. A predetermined number of words appearing most frequently in the published ranking text data are used as search keywords.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5,

8. Information on the stock of the book at bookstores that carry the book is made public on a dedicated homepage.

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

9. The book image video for the book before publication will be made public on a dedicated website.

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

10. When a first key assigned to each book by an operator of the information processing device, a second key assigned to each book by a publisher, and a third key assigned to each book by a bookstore that handles the book are input, inventory information for each book at the bookstore is compiled and recorded in the storage unit.

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

11. A method executed by an information processing device, A step of recording a book image video that is a video about a book that has not been commercially made into a film and that includes elements that convey the interest of the story; and a step of selecting and transmitting the recorded book image video in response to a request from a user terminal, The book image video is an element that conveys the fun of the story, A) Mystery, crime, enemy, evil, monster, revenge B) Unpredictable developments, sudden reversals, despair C) Thrill, suspense, close calls D) Encounter, love, allure, sensuality, longing, nostalgia Fear, unknown phenomena (including spirits, UAPs, UMAs, etc.), crisis, urgent situations (mental, physical, interpersonal, etc.), unreasonable Action, sports, games K) Laughter, failure Q) Bonds, family, animals K) Separation, grief, death J) Emotions, crossroads in life S) Youth, friendship, school C) Adventure, heroism, survival S) Large scale, beautiful scenery, history C) Confrontation, battle, rival S) Other worlds, fantasy, magic, dystopia, science fiction at least one of: An information processing method comprising:

12. A process of recording a book image video that is a video about a book that has not been commercially made into a film and that contains elements that convey the interest of the story; and selecting and transmitting the recorded book image video in response to a request from a user terminal. The book image video is an element that conveys the fun of the story, A) Mystery, crime, enemy, evil, monster, revenge B) Unpredictable developments, sudden reversals, despair C) Thrill, suspense, close calls D) Encounter, love, allure, sensuality, longing, nostalgia Fear, unknown phenomena (including spirits, UAPs, UMAs, etc.), crisis, urgent situations (mental, physical, interpersonal, etc.), unreasonable Action, sports, games K) Laughter, failure Q) Bonds, family, animals K) Separation, grief, death J) Emotions, crossroads in life S) Youth, friendship, school C) Adventure, heroism, survival S) Large scale, beautiful scenery, history C) Confrontation, battle, rival S) Other worlds, fantasy, magic, dystopia, science fiction at least one of: An information processing program characterized by:

Images