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

Abstract

We provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program that provide appropriate content. [Solution] The information processing device 100 acquires information about the user from an external device 20 S1, acquires information about the transaction target from the external device S2, and receives a search query entered by the user from the terminal device 10 S3. For example, it receives the search query "television" entered by the user. Then, it generates search results through a search process using the search query "television" S4, generates a ranking of transaction targets corresponding to the search query "television" S5, generates content to be provided to the user using the search results for the search query "television" and the ranking of transaction targets corresponding to the search query "television" S6, and provides the terminal device with the content in which the search results are placed on the first tab and the ranking on the second tab S7.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for providing various types of information to users have been known. For example, a technology for providing a product recommendation page in response to the input of a search query (query) has been provided (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the above conventional technology. The above conventional technology only provides a product recommendation page corresponding to a query, and it is desired to provide more appropriate content.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program capable of providing appropriate content.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the present application includes a providing unit that provides content including a first tab in which search results corresponding to a search query are arranged and a second tab in which a ranking of transaction targets is arranged.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, there is an effect that appropriate content can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of information processing performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of content. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a ranking of trading targets from multiple perspectives. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of search results and rankings. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of search results and rankings. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of search results and rankings. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of search results and rankings. [Figure 8] Figure 8 illustrates the concept of product-based ranking. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a user information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a transaction target information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a content storage unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow performed by an information processing device. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow performed by an information processing device. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow performed by an information processing device. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow performed by an information processing device. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing apparatus. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing apparatus. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing executed by the information processing apparatus. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and 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 apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application are not limited by this embodiment. Also, each embodiment can be appropriately combined within a range that does not conflict with the processing content. In addition, in the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] (Embodiment) [1. Example of Information Processing] First, an example of the information processing executed by the information processing apparatus 100 will be described using FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the information processing executed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. The information processing apparatus 100 executes information processing related to a transaction target traded in an electronic commerce (EC: Electronic Commerce) service. Here, the transaction target is the use of a product or service. Note that the transaction targets traded in the electronic commerce service include transaction targets traded in various forms such as an electronic shopping street (online mall), an online shopping site, an auction site, and a free market site. In FIG. 1, information processing for a transaction target traded in an electronic shopping street is shown as an example.

[0011] [1-1. Overview of Information Processing] First, an overview of the information processing flow performed by the information processing apparatus 100 will be described. The information processing apparatus 100 provides information to a user using a search query (also simply referred to as a "query") input by the user who uses the terminal device 10. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 100 generates content including a tab (also referred to as the "first tab") in which search results corresponding to the search query input by the user are arranged, and a tab (also referred to as the "second tab") in which the ranking of trading targets corresponding to the search query is arranged. Then, the information processing apparatus 100 provides the generated content including the first tab and the second tab. The flow of information processing performed by such an information processing apparatus 100 will be described using FIG. 1.

[0012] In FIG. 1, a case where the information processing apparatus 100 functions as a search device that provides search results to the terminal device 10 used by the user who inputs the query will be described as an example. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 has a function as a search engine that executes a search process for trading targets traded in an e-commerce mall. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 has a database (also referred to as a "trading target database") in which trading targets subject to a search process using a query are indexed and stored, and executes a search process for the information in the trading target database. For example, the information in the trading target database is stored in the storage unit 120 (see FIG. 9).

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 100 also functions as a search device, meaning that the information processing device 100 and the search device are integrated. However, the information processing device 100 and the search device may be separate entities. In this case, the information processing system 1 (see Figure 9) includes a search device that performs search processing on queries and provides a search service that delivers search results. For example, the information processing device 100 sends a query entered by a user to the search device, receives search results from the search device, and sends content generated using those search results to the terminal device 10 used by the user. For example, if the external device 20 is the search device, the information processing device 100 sends a query entered by a user to the external device 20, receives search results from the external device 20, and sends content generated using those search results to the terminal device 10 used by the user. Note that the above system configuration is merely an example, and the information processing system 1 may have any device configuration as long as it can provide the desired information to the user who entered the query.

[0014] First, the information processing device 100 obtains information about the user (also called "user information") from the external device 20 (step S1). The external device 20 transmits the user information about the user to the information processing device 100. For example, the external device 20 transmits user information, including the user's attribute information, to the information processing device 100. For example, attribute information includes various types of information, such as demographic attributes like age, gender, residential area, and occupation, and psychographic attributes like interests and lifestyle. Note that attribute information is just an example, and user information may include any information about the user. For example, user information may include the user's activity history, such as their activity on the internet. For example, user information may include the user's activity history, such as browsing history and purchase history of information about transaction items in e-commerce services such as online shopping malls.

[0015] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 acquires information about the trading object (also called "trading object information") from the external device 20 (step S2). For example, the information processing device 100 acquires trading object information of trading objects traded in the online shopping mall from the external device 20. For example, the information processing device 100 acquires trading object information of trading objects currently for sale (listed) in the online shopping mall from the external device 20. For example, the information processing device 100 acquires trading object information of trading objects from the external device 20 at predetermined intervals.

[0016] Here, the transaction information includes various pieces of information about the transaction item. For example, the transaction information includes various pieces of information used to provide information about the transaction item. For example, the transaction information includes the seller, selling price, images of the transaction item, category, title, description, payment method, sales period, and number of items for sale.

[0017] Furthermore, for example, transaction information includes the sales history of the transaction item. For example, transaction information includes information such as the number of reservations, orders, sales, and order amount (revenue) of the transaction item. Furthermore, for example, transaction information includes information such as the time elapsed since the transaction item was sold, the number of views (PV (page views)) of information representing the transaction item, the number of reviews for the transaction item, and the rating for the transaction item.

[0018] Furthermore, the transaction information may include information on external factors related to the transaction. For example, the transaction information may include information on posts about the transaction on SNS (Social Networking Service). For example, the transaction information may include information posted by users on SNS. For example, the posted information may be text information or image information such as images and videos posted by users on Twitter®, Facebook®, Instagram®, YouTube®, etc. For example, the transaction information may include information on the number of searches related to the transaction.

[0019] Furthermore, the transaction information may include information about internal factors related to the transaction. For example, the transaction information may include information about incentives targeting the transaction. For example, the transaction information may include information about incentives given to users targeting the transaction. For example, the transaction information may include information about coupons targeting the transaction. For example, the transaction information may include information about price reductions related to the transaction. Note that the above are merely examples, and the transaction information may include any information related to the transaction.

[0020] In the above example, the information processing device 100 was shown to perform the acquisition process in two steps, S1 and S2. However, the information processing device 100 may acquire user information and transaction target information from the external device 20 simultaneously.

[0021] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 receives the search query entered by the user from the terminal device 10 (step S3). For example, the terminal device 10 sends the search query entered by the user to the information processing device 100. For example, the terminal device 10 used by user U1 sends the search query entered by user U1 to the information processing device 100. As a result, the information processing device 100 obtains the search query entered by user U1. In Figure 1, user U1 enters the search query "television" into the terminal device 10, and the terminal device 10 sends the search query "television" entered by user U1 to the information processing device 100. For example, user U1 enters the search query "television" into an input field for entering a search query, such as the search box BX1 in Figure 2.

[0022] The information processing device 100, upon receiving the search query "television," then performs processing to provide information to the user. In Figure 1, the information processing device 100 generates search results through a search process using the search query "television" (step S4). The information processing device 100 extracts transaction target information corresponding to the search query "television" using information from the transaction target database. For example, the information processing device 100 performs a search process using the search query "television" on the transaction target database and extracts transaction target information corresponding to the search query "television." For example, the information processing device 100 extracts transaction target information that contains information such as a string corresponding to the search query "television."

[0023] The extraction of information corresponding to the query is performed using conventional technology, and any processing is acceptable as long as the transaction target can be identified; therefore, a detailed explanation is omitted. Furthermore, if the search process is performed by a device other than the information processing device 100 (a search device), the information processing device 100 sends the search query "television" to the search device and receives the search results for the search query "television" from the search device. The information processing device 100 generates the search results for the search query "television" using the transaction target information extracted as information corresponding to the search query "television". For example, the information processing device 100 generates a list of transaction target information from the extracted transaction target information as the search result for the search query "television".

[0024] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 generates a ranking of trading targets corresponding to the search query "television" (step S5). For example, the information processing device 100 generates a ranking by assigning a rank to each trading target, which is included in the search results of the search process using the search query "television" (also called "ranking targets"). For example, the information processing device 100 calculates a score for each trading target that is a ranking target and generates a ranking of trading targets using the calculated scores. For example, the information processing device 100 generates a ranking by assigning a higher rank to each trading target in descending order of score.

[0025] For example, the information processing device 100 calculates a score for a trading target based on trading target information. The information processing device 100 calculates the score for a trading target using a function (also called a "score function") that takes trading target information for a trading target as input and outputs a score for that trading target. The information processing device 100 may also calculate the score for a trading target using a score function in which the output value increases as multiple elements such as the number of orders, order amount, and number of views (PVs) for the trading target increase.

[0026] For example, the information processing device 100 calculates a score for a trading target using a value (also called a "partial score") obtained by multiplying each of several elements of the trading target, such as the number of orders, the order amount, and the number of views (PVs), by the weight (coefficient) of each element. The information processing device 100 may also calculate the score for the trading target by summing the partial scores of each of the multiple elements of the trading target. The information processing device 100 may also calculate the score for the trading target by averaging the partial scores of each of the multiple elements of the trading target.

[0027] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may calculate the score of a trading target using aggregated values ​​obtained by aggregating each of several elements of the trading target, such as the number of orders, order amount, and number of views (PVs), for each predetermined period. The information processing device 100 may also calculate the score of a trading target using aggregated values ​​obtained by aggregating each of several elements of the trading target for each date. In this case, the information processing device 100 may calculate the score of a trading target using a value obtained by multiplying the aggregated values ​​of several elements of the trading target aggregated for each predetermined period by the weight (coefficient) of each element (also called the "period score"). The information processing device 100 may also calculate the score of a trading target using a value obtained by multiplying the period score for each period by a decay coefficient corresponding to the difference between the period and the calculation date. The information processing device 100 may also calculate the score of a trading target using a value obtained by multiplying the period score for each period by a decay coefficient whose value decreases with each past period.

[0028] The above is merely an example, and the information processing device 100 may use any information to calculate the score of the transaction target. The information processing device 100 may also correct the score of the transaction target by using a coefficient based on the evaluation of the seller (store) that sells the transaction target. The information processing device 100 may also correct the score of the transaction target by multiplying the calculated score of the transaction target by a coefficient based on the evaluation of the seller that sells the transaction target.

[0029] Then, the information processing device 100 generates content to be provided to the user using the search results for the search query "television" and the ranking of trading targets corresponding to the search query "television" (step S6). The information processing device 100 generates content that includes a first tab containing the search results for the search query "television" and a second tab containing the ranking of trading targets corresponding to the search query "television".

[0030] The information processing device 100 then provides content including the generated first tab and second tab (step S7). The information processing device 100 transmits the content including the generated first tab and second tab to the terminal device 10 used by the user who entered the search query "television".

[0031] Here, an example of content provided to the terminal device 10 will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of content. Content C1 in Figure 2 includes a first tab content (not shown) which contains the search results for the search query "television," and a second tab content C2 which contains a ranking of trading targets corresponding to the search query "television." In addition, the search box BX1 of content C1 in Figure 2 contains the search query "television" entered by the user.

[0032] Furthermore, content C1 in Figure 2 includes a first heading TB1 and a second heading TB2 for switching between displaying the first tab content and the second tab content C2. Either the first heading TB1 or the second heading TB2 can be selected, and the display area AR1 of content C1 will show either the first tab content or the second tab content, depending on the user's selection of the first heading TB1 or the second heading TB2.

[0033] In Figure 2, the information processing device 100 generates content C1 which includes a first tab content, a second tab content C2, and first and second headings TB1 and TB2 for switching between the first and second tab content C2. The information processing device 100 then transmits content C1, which includes the first tab content, the second tab content C2, and first and second headings TB1 and TB2 for switching between the first and second tab content C2, to the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10, having received content C1 from the information processing device 100, displays content C1.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the first heading TB1 is labeled "Search," and when the first heading TB1 is selected, the first tab content containing the search results is displayed in the display area AR1. The second heading TB2 is labeled "Ranking," and when the second heading TB2 is selected, the second tab content containing the ranking of the trading target is displayed in the display area AR1.

[0035] In Figure 2, when the user selects the first heading TB1, the first tab content containing search results for the search query "television" is displayed in display area AR1. Similarly, when the user selects the second heading TB2, the second tab content C2 containing rankings of transactions corresponding to the search query "television" is displayed in display area AR1.

[0036] Figure 2 shows the state where the second heading TB2 is selected, and the terminal device 10 displays the second tab content C2 in the display area AR1, which contains a ranking of trading targets corresponding to the search query "television". Specifically, the display area AR1 of content C1 displays the second tab content C2, which shows a ranking of trading targets corresponding to the search query "television" arranged in descending order of score.

[0037] Figure 2 shows the case where the display area AR1 of content C1 displays information about the transaction item ranked 1st (referred to as "transaction item G1"). Transaction item G1 is television X sold by distributor SA. Distributor SA is, for example, a store that sells in an online marketplace. Terminal device 10 displays various information about transaction item G1, such as the product name, price, and free shipping. In addition, terminal device 10 displays reason information RS1 indicating the reason why transaction item G1 is ranked 1st, near the information about transaction item G1, but details about the reason will be described later.

[0038] In Figure 2, only the information for the first-ranked trading target G1 is shown. However, in the second tab content C2, below the first-ranked trading target G1, information for the second-ranked trading target is placed, and below that, information for trading targets (televisions) ranked third and below is placed. For example, a user of terminal device 10 can touch the display screen of terminal device 10 and scroll down the display area AR1 to display information for trading targets (televisions) ranked second and below in display area AR1. Note that the above user operation is merely an example, and terminal device 10 may accept any operation from the user as long as it can change the display in display area AR1 in response to the user's operation.

[0039] Furthermore, in Figure 2, when a user selects the first heading TB1, and the selected heading is switched from the second heading TB2 to the first heading TB1, the terminal device 10 displays the first tab content in the display area AR1, which contains the search results for the search query "television". In other words, the terminal device 10 switches the display in the display area AR1 from the second tab content C2 to the first tab content containing the search results for the search query "television". Note that the search results for the search query "television" in the first tab content may be arranged randomly, or the items may be arranged according to any arbitrary criteria such as newest first or best-selling first.

[0040] In this way, the terminal device 10 switches between the first tab content and the second tab content C2 and displays them in the display area AR1 according to the user's selection. That is, the terminal device 10 displays either the first tab content or the second tab content C2 in the display area AR1 of content C1 according to the user's selection.

[0041] As described above, the information processing device 100 provides the user's terminal device 10 with content C1, which is displayed in the display area AR1 by switching between the first tab content and the second tab content C2 according to the user's selection. As a result, a user using the terminal device 10 that has received content C1 can display the first tab content on the terminal device 10 if they simply want to see the search results, and display the second tab content C2 on the terminal device 10 if they want to see the rankings. With content C1 that switches and displays information in this way, users using the terminal device 10 can switch the display and display it on the terminal device 10 according to what they want to see and check the content. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can provide appropriate content.

[0042] [1-2. Details of various processes] Based on the information processing described above, the details of various processes will be explained. Note that explanations of points similar to those described above will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the various processes described below may be combined as appropriate. For example, in the rankings based on multiple criteria described later, information explaining the reason for the ranking of the trading target may also be provided. Note that the above is merely an example, and the various processes may be combined in any way possible, within the scope of what is possible.

[0043] [1-2-1. Approach] The information processing device 100 may provide content that shows a ranking of the transaction target based on the search query and the perspective from which the search query is related to the transaction target, among multiple perspectives corresponding to the transaction target, that satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0044] The "perspectives" referred to here as "perspectives on the subject of the transaction" refer to various viewpoints (perspectives) on the subject of the transaction. For example, perspectives on the subject of the transaction include the category, brand, usage scenario, specifications (product specifications and functions), problems that the subject of the transaction can solve, and people's concerns that the subject of the transaction can solve. Below, we will explain the process for determining the perspectives to be used for ranking display, and then explain how to display the rankings using the determined perspectives.

[0045] The information processing device 100 determines, among multiple perspectives, the perspective with the highest relevance to the search query as the relevant perspective. For example, the information processing device 100 determines, among multiple perspectives, the perspective whose relevance score (also simply called "relevance") indicating the degree of relevance to the search query is above a predetermined threshold as the relevant perspective with a high degree of relevance to the search query. For example, the information processing device 100 calculates the relevance of each of the multiple perspectives for the search query using a predetermined algorithm for calculating relevance. The information processing device 100 may also calculate the relevance of each of the multiple perspectives for the search query using an algorithm that interprets the intent of the search query and estimates the relevance of that search query to each perspective. For example, the information processing device 100 calculates the relevance of each of the multiple perspectives for the search query using a predetermined algorithm for calculating normalized relevance. For example, the information processing device 100 calculates the relevance of each of the multiple perspectives for the search query such that the sum of the relevances of each perspective is 1.

[0046] The above is merely an example, and the information processing device 100 may use any information to calculate the degree of relevance between each of the multiple perspectives and the search query. The information processing device 100 may use a relevance list information, in which the degree of relevance of each of the multiple perspectives is associated with a keyword, to calculate the degree of relevance of each of the multiple perspectives for the search query. For example, the information processing device 100 may refer to the relevance list information, determine the keyword corresponding to the search query, and then use the degree of relevance of each of the multiple perspectives associated with the determined keyword.

[0047] For example, the information processing device 100 determines that a segment whose relevance is above a predetermined threshold is a relevant segment with a high relevance to the search query. For example, if there is a segment whose relevance is above a first threshold (e.g., 0.5), the information processing device 100 determines only that segment as a relevant segment. In this case, the information processing device 100 provides content that includes a ranking based on one relevant segment and the search query.

[0048] For example, if there are no categories with a relevance of 1 or higher, the information processing device 100 will determine a category with a relevance of 2 or higher (e.g., 0.1) but less than the 1st threshold as a relevant category. For example, if there are multiple categories with a relevance of 2 or higher but less than the 1st threshold (relevant categories), the information processing device 100 will provide content that includes multiple rankings (multi-rankings) based on each of the multiple relevant categories and the search query. If there are no categories with a relevance of 2 or higher, the information processing device 100 may provide content without rankings based on the relevant categories and the search query. Note that the above is merely an example, and the information processing device 100 may determine the rankings to be provided based on any conditions. The information processing device 100 may also provide content that includes multiple rankings (multi-rankings) based on each of the relevant categories and the search query, without using the 1st threshold, by designating categories with a relevance of 2 or higher as relevant categories.

[0049] Based on the above points, we will explain information processing according to the perspective using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of ranking of trading targets using multiple perspectives. Note that in Figure 3, the data is shown divided by perspective for explanatory purposes. Figure 3 explains the ranking when multiple perspectives are determined to be related perspectives. Figure 3 explains the case where the search query is the string "XXXX" as an example. Note that in Figure 3, we will explain using an abstract string such as the string "XXXX", but the string "XXXX" represents a predetermined target (in the example of Figure 4, the name of a predetermined game software series).

[0050] Furthermore, Figure 3 shows the case where three perspectives, perspective #1, perspective #2, and perspective #3, are determined as related perspectives. Note that in Figure 3, perspectives #1, perspective #2, and perspective #3 are shown as abstract strings, but each perspective is information that indicates a specific perspective, such as "stuffed animals," "hero play," and "trading cards" in the case of Figure 4.

[0051] For example, the information processing device 100 determines which transaction items (search result transaction items) included in the search results of a search process using the search query "XXXX" correspond to each of the three criteria: criterion #1, criterion #2, and criterion #3. For example, the information processing device 100 uses the transaction item information of the search result transaction items to determine which transaction items correspond to each of the three criteria: criterion #1, criterion #2, and criterion #3.

[0052] Here, the transaction information includes information that indicates the perspective to which each transaction item belongs. For example, the transaction information includes information that indicates multiple perspectives to which each transaction item belongs, such as the category, brand, usage scenario, specifications, problems that the transaction item can solve, and people's problems that the transaction item can solve.

[0053] For example, the information processing device 100 refers to the transaction information of the search results and determines (identifies) the transaction items that correspond to each of the criteria #1, criterion #2, and criterion #3. The information processing device 100 then ranks the transaction items that correspond to criterion #1 as ranking targets for criterion #1, thereby generating a ranking for criterion #1.

[0054] For example, the information processing device 100 calculates a score for the transaction items that fall under the ranking criteria #1, and uses the calculated scores to generate a ranking for criterion #1. The calculation of the transaction item scores is the same as explained in Figure 1, so the explanation is omitted. For example, the information processing device 100 generates a ranking for criterion #1 by assigning higher ranks to the items with higher scores.

[0055] The list information TA1 shown in Figure 3 shows a list that associates the rank of a transaction target with the transaction target ID (Identifier), which is identification information that identifies the transaction target, and its score. In list information TA1, the rank "1st" is transaction target ID "M34" and has a score of "0.94". The rank "2nd" is transaction target ID "M7" and has a score of "0.89". The rank "3rd" is transaction target ID "M1" and has a score of "0.63". The information processing device 100 generates a ranking for angle #1 using the information shown in list information TA1.

[0056] Similarly, the information processing device 100 generates a ranking for perspective #2 by ranking the transaction targets corresponding to perspective #2 as ranking targets for perspective #2. For example, the information processing device 100 calculates a score for the transaction targets corresponding to perspective #2 that are to be ranked, and uses the calculated scores to generate a ranking for perspective #2.

[0057] The list information TA2 shown in Figure 3 shows a list that associates the rank of a transaction target with the transaction target ID, which is identification information that identifies the transaction target, and its score. In the list information TA2, the rank "1st" is transaction target ID "M162" and has a score of "0.84". The rank "2nd" is transaction target ID "M77" and has a score of "0.74". The rank "3rd" is transaction target ID "M18" and has a score of "0.68". The information processing device 100 generates a ranking for angle #2 using the information shown in the list information TA2.

[0058] Similarly, the information processing device 100 generates a ranking for perspective #3 by ranking the transaction targets corresponding to perspective #3 as ranking targets for perspective #3. For example, the information processing device 100 calculates a score for the transaction targets corresponding to perspective #3 that are to be ranked, and uses the calculated scores to generate a ranking for perspective #3.

[0059] The list information TA3 shown in Figure 3 shows a list that associates the rank of a transaction target with the transaction target ID, which is identification information that identifies the transaction target, and its score. In list information TA3, the rank "1st" is transaction target ID "M15" and has a score of "0.98". The rank "2nd" is transaction target ID "M41" and has a score of "0.79". The rank "3rd" is transaction target ID "M91" and has a score of "0.53". The information processing device 100 generates a ranking for angle #3 using the information shown in list information TA3. Note that the process for generating rankings for each angle is not limited to the above; any process is acceptable as long as it is possible to generate rankings for the multiple angles described above. The information processing device 100 may also generate a ranking for each angle by calculating the score of each transaction target in the search results, classifying the transaction targets according to each angle, and then sorting them in descending order of score for each angle after classification.

[0060] The information processing device 100 then generates content that includes rankings for perspective #1, perspective #2, and perspective #3. For example, the information processing device 100 generates content that includes a first tab content containing the search results for the search query "XXXX" and a second tab content containing rankings for perspective #1, perspective #2, and perspective #3. The information processing device 100 then transmits the content, which includes the first tab content containing the search results for the search query "XXXX" and the second tab content containing rankings for perspective #1, perspective #2, and perspective #3, to the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10, having received the content from the information processing device 100, displays the received content.

[0061] In this way, the information processing device 100 can provide appropriate content by providing content that shows a ranking of transaction targets based on the search query, along with related perspectives that satisfy predetermined conditions for relevance to the search query.

[0062] The above is merely an example, and the information processing device 100 may determine the approach using various information as appropriate. The information processing device 100 may determine the approach according to user attributes or user concerns. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may determine the approach based on search history. If the proportion of times the search query "bouquet" is used in combination with the search query "present" is above a predetermined proportion, the approach for the search query "bouquet" may be determined to be "present".

[0063] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may determine the angle based on interests estimated from the search history. As described above, the information processing device 100 may generate a ranking of transaction targets linked to information (title, body text, reviews) corresponding to the search query and angle. Also, if the relevance of a particular angle is too high (meets predetermined conditions), the information processing device 100 may generate a ranking only for that angle.

[0064] [1-2-2. Examples of search results and rankings] Next, we will explain examples of search results and rankings using Figures 4 to 7. Figures 4 to 7 are diagrams showing examples of search results and rankings.

[0065] [1-2-2-1. Multiple perspectives] First, let's explain the example in Figure 4. In Figure 4, the string "XXXX" used as the search query represents the name of a specific game software series. The information processing device 100 generates search results through a search process using the search query "XXXX".

[0066] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 determines three related categories: "stuffed animals," "hero play," and "trading cards," which fall between the second threshold and the first threshold. The information processing device 100 then generates content that includes rankings for the "stuffed animals" category, the "hero play" category, and the "trading cards" category. In Figure 4, the information processing device 100 generates content that includes a second tab content C12, which includes rankings RL11 for the "stuffed animals" category, RL12 for the "hero play" category, and RL13 for the "trading cards" category.

[0067] In Figure 4, the information processing device 100 generates content including a first tab content C11, a second tab content C12, and first and second headings TB1 and TB2 for switching between the first and second tab content C11 and C12. The information processing device 100 then transmits the content including the first tab content C11, the second tab content C12, and first and second headings TB1 and TB2 for switching between the first and second tab content C11 and C12 to the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10, having received the content including the first tab content C11, the second tab content C12, and first and second headings TB1 and TB2 from the information processing device 100, displays the received content.

[0068] The first tab content C11 and the second tab content C12 are displayed in areas that display tabs (content) within content, such as area AR1 of content C1. For example, the first tab content C11 and the second tab content C12 are displayed in area AR1 when the search query "XXXX" entered by the user is placed in the search box BX1 of content C1 in Figure 2.

[0069] For example, if the user selects the first heading TB1, the first tab content C11, which contains the search results for the search query "XXXX", will be displayed in the display area AR1. If the user selects the second heading TB2, the second tab content C12, which contains the ranking of transactions corresponding to the search query "XXXX", will be displayed in the display area AR1. In other words, the terminal device 10 switches between displaying the first tab content C11 and the second tab content C12 in the display area AR1 according to the user's selection.

[0070] Next, let's explain the example in Figure 5. Figure 5 shows the case where the string "birth celebration" is used as the search query. The information processing device 100 generates search results through a search process using the search query "birth celebration". The information processing device 100 generates content including a first tab content C21 which contains the search results corresponding to the search query "birth celebration".

[0071] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 determines three categories, "diaper cakes," "swaddles," and "baby tableware," which are categories between the second threshold and the first threshold, as related categories. The information processing device 100 then generates content that includes rankings for the categories "diaper cakes," "swaddles," and "baby tableware." In Figure 5, the information processing device 100 generates content that includes a second tab content C22, which includes rankings RL21 for the category "diaper cakes," RL22 for the category "swaddles," and RL23 for the category "baby tableware."

[0072] In Figure 5, the information processing device 100 generates content including a first tab content C21, a second tab content C22, and first and second headings TB1 and TB2 for switching between displaying the first and second tab content C21 and C22. The information processing device 100 then transmits the content including the first tab content C21, the second tab content C22, and first and second headings TB1 and TB2 for switching between displaying the first and second tab content C22 to the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10, having received the content including the first tab content C21, the second tab content C22, and first and second headings TB1 and TB2 from the information processing device 100, displays the received content.

[0073] The first tab content C21 and the second tab content C22 are displayed in areas that display tabs (content) within content, such as area AR1 of content C1. For example, the first tab content C21 and the second tab content C22 are displayed in area AR1 when the search query "baby shower gift" entered by the user is placed in the search box BX1 of content C1 in Figure 2.

[0074] For example, if the user selects the first heading TB1, the first tab content C21, which contains the search results for the search query "baby shower gift," will be displayed in the display area AR1. If the user selects the second heading TB2, the second tab content C22, which contains the ranking of transactions corresponding to the search query "baby shower gift," will be displayed in the display area AR1. In other words, the terminal device 10 switches between displaying the first tab content C21 and the second tab content C22 in the display area AR1 according to the user's selection.

[0075] Next, let's explain the example in Figure 6. Figure 6 shows the case where the string "perfume" is used as the search query. The information processing device 100 generates search results through a search process using the search query "perfume". The information processing device 100 generates content that includes a first tab content C31 containing the search results corresponding to the search query "perfume".

[0076] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 determines three related categories: "Brand #1," "Brand #2," and "Brand #3," which fall between the second threshold and the first threshold. The information processing device 100 then generates content that includes rankings for category "Brand #1," category "Brand #2," and category "Brand #3." In Figure 6, these are shown as abstract strings such as Brand #1, Brand #2, and Brand #3, but each brand is information that can identify a specific brand. In Figure 6, the information processing device 100 generates content that includes a second tab content C32, which includes rankings RL31 for category "Brand #1," RL32 for category "Brand #2," and RL33 for category "Brand #3."

[0077] In Figure 6, the information processing device 100 generates content including a first tab content C31, a second tab content C32, and first and second headings TB1 and TB2 for switching between displaying the first and second tab content C31 and C32. The information processing device 100 then transmits the content including the first tab content C31, the second tab content C32, and first and second headings TB1 and TB2 for switching between displaying the first and second tab content C32 to the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10, having received the content including the first tab content C31, the second tab content C32, and first and second headings TB1 and TB2 from the information processing device 100, displays the received content.

[0078] The first tab content C31 and the second tab content C32 are displayed in areas that display tabs (content) within content, such as area AR1 of content C1. For example, the first tab content C31 and the second tab content C32 are displayed in area AR1 when the search query "perfume" entered by the user is placed in the search box BX1 of content C1 in Figure 2.

[0079] For example, if the user selects the first heading TB1, the first tab content C31, which contains the search results for the search query "perfume," will be displayed in the display area AR1. If the user selects the second heading TB2, the second tab content C32, which contains the ranking of transactions corresponding to the search query "perfume," will be displayed in the display area AR1. In other words, the terminal device 10 switches between displaying the first tab content C31 and the second tab content C32 in the display area AR1 according to the user's selection.

[0080] [1-2-2-2. One perspective] Next, we will explain the case where there is only one related perspective, as shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 shows the case where the string "washing machine" is used as the search query. The information processing device 100 generates search results through a search process using the search query "washing machine". The information processing device 100 generates content including a first tab content C41 in which the search results corresponding to the search query "washing machine" are placed.

[0081] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 determines one perspective that is above the first threshold as a related perspective. The information processing device 100 then generates content that includes a ranking for that one perspective. In Figure 7, the information processing device 100 generates content that includes a second tab content C42 that includes a ranking for that one perspective. In this case, the information processing device 100 can display a larger number of trading targets for the ranking of a single perspective compared to the case where rankings for multiple perspectives are included. The information processing device 100 may also generate a second tab content C42 that includes text information indicating the single perspective.

[0082] In Figure 7, the information processing device 100 generates content including a first tab content C41, a second tab content C42, and first and second headings TB1 and TB2 for switching between displaying the first and second tab content C41 and C42. The information processing device 100 then transmits the content including the first tab content C41, the second tab content C42, and first and second headings TB1 and TB2 for switching between displaying the first and second tab content C42 to the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10, having received the content including the first tab content C41, the second tab content C42, and first and second headings TB1 and TB2 from the information processing device 100, displays the received content.

[0083] The first tab content C41 and the second tab content C42 are displayed in areas that display tabs (content) within content, such as area AR1 of content C1. For example, the first tab content C41 and the second tab content C42 are displayed in area AR1 when the search query "washing machine" entered by the user is placed in the search box BX1 of content C1 in Figure 2.

[0084] For example, if the user selects the first heading TB1, the first tab content C41, which contains the search results for the search query "washing machine," will be displayed in the display area AR1. If the user selects the second heading TB2, the second tab content C42, which contains the ranking of items that can be traded for the search query "washing machine," will be displayed in the display area AR1. In other words, the terminal device 10 switches between displaying the first tab content C41 and the second tab content C42 in the display area AR1 according to the user's selection.

[0085] [1-2-3. Narrowing down the target of transactions] The information processing device 100 may determine which trading targets to display as a ranking (also called "target trading targets") based on trading target information relating to the trading targets. This point is explained below. For example, the information processing device 100 determines which trading targets to display as a ranking (target trading targets) from among the trading targets included in the search results of a search process using a search query (search result trading targets), based on trading target information. In this case, the information processing device 100 generates a ranking based on the determined (narrowed) target trading targets. For example, the information processing device 100 generates content that includes a second tab content on which the ranking generated for the target trading targets is placed.

[0086] The information processing device 100 then provides content that displays a ranking generated for the target transaction. For example, the information processing device 100 provides content that includes a second tab containing a ranking generated for the target transaction.

[0087] For example, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction targets based on sales history (information such as whether or not an item was sold, and the number of orders). For example, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction targets based on the period elapsed since the date and time the transaction target was sold. For example, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction targets to be those for which the period elapsed since the date and time of the last sale is within a predetermined period. For example, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction targets to be a predetermined number of transaction targets in order from those with the most recent date and time of the last sale.

[0088] For example, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction targets based on the number of items sold. For example, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction targets to be items that have been sold in quantities equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

[0089] For example, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction targets based on the number of times the information subject to the transaction has been viewed (page views). For example, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction targets to be those whose information has been viewed (page views) at or above a predetermined number of times.

[0090] For example, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction target based on the number of reviews for that transaction target. For example, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction target to be a transaction target whose number of reviews is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

[0091] For example, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction target based on an evaluation of the transaction target. For example, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction target to be a transaction target whose evaluation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0092] Furthermore, for example, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction target based on the score of the transaction target. The information processing device 100 may also determine the target transaction target to be a transaction target whose score satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0093] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may determine target transactions based on external factors such as trends, social media activity, and search volume. For example, the information processing device 100 may determine target transactions to be those whose number of social media posts exceeds a predetermined number. For example, the information processing device 100 may determine target transactions to be those whose number of searches exceeds a predetermined number.

[0094] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transactions based on internal factors such as coupons or price reductions. For example, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transactions to be those for which coupons were offered within a predetermined period. For example, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transactions to be those for which the price was reduced within a predetermined period.

[0095] For example, the information processing device 100 transmits to the terminal device 10 content that includes a first tab content containing the search results of a search query, and a second tab content containing a ranking generated using the target (population) of target transactions determined (narrowed down) based on the transaction information from among the search results corresponding to the search query. The terminal device 10, having received the content from the information processing device 100, displays the received content.

[0096] Through the above process, the information processing device 100 can appropriately determine the transactions to be included in the ranking. This allows the information processing device 100 to provide appropriate content. The above is merely an example, and the information processing device 100 may use various information as appropriate to determine the target transactions. For example, the information processing device 100 may use user information of the information recipients as appropriate to determine the target transactions, but this point will be discussed later.

[0097] [1-2-4. Reasons for the ranking] As shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 100 may provide content that includes reason information indicating the reason why a trading target is ranked in a particular order. For example, the information processing device 100 estimates the reason for the ranking of a trading target (target trading target) to be displayed as a ranking based on the trading target information of the trading target, and provides content that indicates the estimated reason for the target trading target.

[0098] The information processing device 100 may provide the estimated reason along with the ranking. For example, the information processing device 100 generates content in which the reason is placed near the information indicating the target transaction in the ranking. In Figure 2, the information processing device 100 generates content C1 which includes a second tab content C2 in which reason information RS1 indicating the reason why transaction item G1, which is TV X sold by distributor SA, is ranked 1st is placed to the right (nearby) the image of transaction item G1. The information processing device 100 transmits content C1 which includes a second tab content C2 in which reason information RS1 indicating the reason why transaction item G1 is ranked 1st is placed to the right of the image of transaction item G1 to the terminal device 10.

[0099] For example, the information processing device 100 may make estimations based on the trends of the trading target information of multiple elements (types) included in the trading target information. For example, the information processing device 100 may estimate that the most distinctive element is the reason for the ranking of the target trading target. For example, the information processing device 100 may estimate that the element with the highest evaluation is the reason for the ranking of the target trading target. The multiple elements included in the trading target information include various elements related to the number of orders for the trading target, the number of times the information has been viewed, the number of reviews, the number of reservations, external factors, internal factors, etc.

[0100] For example, the information processing device 100 estimates that the element with the highest score among several elements related to views (PV), orders, reviews, etc., is the reason for the ranking of the target transaction object. In this case, the information processing device 100 may calculate partial scores corresponding to each of the several elements included in the transaction object information. For example, the information processing device 100 calculates partial scores for each of the several elements included in the transaction object information using a function (score function) that takes information on several elements included in the transaction object information as input and outputs partial scores for those elements. For example, the information processing device 100 calculates the average value of the partial scores corresponding to each of the several elements included in the transaction object information as the score of the transaction object. For example, the information processing device 100 calculates the score of the transaction object by summing the partial scores corresponding to each of the several elements included in the transaction object information. The information processing device 100 estimates that the element with the highest partial score for the target transaction object is the reason for its ranking. For example, the information processing device 100 estimates that the element with the highest partial score for the element "number of orders" is the reason for the ranking of the target transaction object.

[0101] Through the above processing, the information processing device 100 can appropriately estimate the reason for the ranking of a trading target in the ranking. Note that the above is merely an example, and the information processing device 100 may use various information as appropriate to estimate the reason for the ranking of a target trading target. For example, the information processing device 100 may estimate the reason for the ranking of a target trading target based on the results of a comparison with the trends of each element of other trading targets. In this case, the information processing device 100 provides reasons for the comparison results. For example, the information processing device 100 provides reasons for the comparison results with other trading targets, such as the trading target being rated worse than the first-ranked trading target.

[0102] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may provide a ranking that takes into account external factors, including factors other than e-commerce services, and the reasons for the ranking of the target transaction. For example, the information processing device 100 may estimate factors that have become characteristic of the target transaction after the external factors occurred, along with the external factors, as reasons. If the number of views (PVs) and the ranking of a target transaction increase after it is posted on social media, the information processing device 100 may estimate both the social media post and the number of views as reasons for the ranking of the target transaction. In this case, the information processing device 100 may provide both the social media post and the number of views as reasons for the ranking of the target transaction. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may provide a ranking that takes into account internal factors and the reasons for the ranking of the target transaction. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may estimate factors according to the user's attributes as reasons.

[0103] The information processing device 100 estimates the reason for the ranking based on the elements of the ranking. The information processing device 100 may estimate and provide reasons such as, "This transaction item is an older product, but it is ranked number one because it has a high rating." Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may analyze the elements of the ranking, such as external factors, internal factors, leading indicators, and review ratings, to estimate the reason for the ranking.

[0104] For example, if the ratio (weighting) of page views (PV), orders, and reviews, which are elements used to calculate the score, is 10:1:1, the information processing device 100 estimates that the reason for the ranking of the target transaction is the element "page views (PV)".

[0105] For example, if the ratio (weighting) of page views (PV), orders, and reviews, which are elements used to calculate the score, is 1:1:10, the information processing device 100 may estimate that the reason for the ranking of the target transaction is the element "reviews". In this way, the information processing device 100 may estimate the reason for the ranking of the target transaction from the comparison results and weights of the elements used to calculate the score. The information processing device 100 may also find an element that is a singularity with a high score and estimate that this element is the reason for the ranking of the target transaction.

[0106] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may estimate the reason for the ranking of the target transaction target based on the relative comparison results with other ranked transaction targets. For example, the information processing device 100 may estimate the reason for the ranking of the target transaction target based on the comparison results, such as "It is ranked second because its evaluation is lower than the first-ranked transaction target."

[0107] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may estimate that external factors related to trends, such as "because it was provided by a certain comedian," are the reason for the ranking of the target transaction item. The information processing device 100 may also estimate that internal factors, such as "because it sold well after a coupon was issued" or "because the price was reduced," are the reason for the ranking of the target transaction item. The information processing device 100 may, based on rules, estimate that if the number of orders increases after the occurrence of external or internal factors, those factors are the reason for the ranking of the target transaction item. The information processing device 100 may, if the number of searches increases, analyze it to estimate the factors and estimate that the estimated factors are the reason for the ranking of the target transaction item. The information processing device 100 may also estimate that buzzwords are the reason for the ranking of the target transaction item. The information processing device 100 may analyze whether it was featured on television using voice recognition and estimate the reason for the ranking of the target transaction item based on the analysis results.

[0108] The information processing device 100 may use a value obtained by excluding the number of promotional links from the page views (PV). In this case, the information processing device 100 may provide a ranking generated using the page views (PV) excluding the number of promotional links. The information processing device 100 may also estimate the reason for the ranking of the target transaction in the ranking generated using the page views (PV) excluding the number of promotional links, using the information on page views (PV) excluding the number of promotional links.

[0109] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may switch the reasons depending on the user's attributes. For example, the information processing device 100 may decide which reasons to provide to each user based on whether they like price reductions or new products. For example, if a user likes price reductions, the information processing device 100 may decide to provide the element "price reduction" as the reason for the ranking of the target transaction items. Also, the information processing device 100 may change the threshold depending on the user's attributes.

[0110] [1-2-5. Items to be ranked (products, etc.)] The example above showed that each transaction item was included in the ranking, but the ranking is not limited to transaction items. This point will be explained below. First, let's explain the premise of the ranking described below.

[0111] As shown in Figure 2, the TV X, which is item G1 sold by distributor SA, is an item that may also be sold by other distributors as a different item. Thus, even if multiple distributors (shops) sell multiple items, they may be the same product. For example, item G1, which is TV X sold by distributor SA, and item G2, which is TV X sold by distributor SB, are different items when viewed as trade items, but they are the same product (TV X) when viewed as products.

[0112] For example, if there are a large number of trading items corresponding to the same product, it's possible that only information on different trading items of the same product will be displayed. For instance, if thousands of vendors sell TV X, and multiple trading items of TV X occupy the top 100 rankings, the top of the rankings will be filled with the same product (TV X), albeit different trading items, which is hardly useful information for the user. In this way, when each trading item is included in the ranking, it can be difficult to provide information that is truly useful to the user.

[0113] Therefore, the information processing device 100 generates a ranking by treating a group of transactions that are the same product as a single ranking target, and provides the generated ranking to the user. The information processing device 100 determines a group of transactions that are the same product from among multiple transactions that correspond to a search query, and generates a ranking with the determined group of transactions as a single product. For example, the information processing device 100 determines a group of transactions that are the product "TV X" from among multiple transactions that correspond to the search query "TV", and generates a ranking with that group of transactions as a single product "TV X".

[0114] For example, the information processing device 100 determines which trading objects are the same product by using trading objects whose identification information for identifying the product (also called "product identification information") matches. For example, the product identification information is a JAN code. For example, the information processing device 100 determines that a group of trading objects with matching JAN codes are the same product.

[0115] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 determines that a transaction object to which no product identification information is associated is a non-product individual transaction object (also called a "non-product"). For example, the information processing device 100 determines that a transaction object to which no JAN code is associated is a non-product individual transaction object.

[0116] The information processing device 100 then generates a ranking (also called a "product-based ranking") in which two types of ranking targets, products and individual transaction targets, are ranked. The information processing device 100 generates a product-based ranking in which two types of ranking targets, products and individual transaction targets, are mixed. The following explains the process using the example of using "baby shower gift" as the search query.

[0117] For example, the information processing device 100 generates a product ranking using a first score for individual transaction items and a second score for the product (also called the "product score"). For example, the information processing device 100 calculates the score for each transaction item (search result transaction item) included in the search results of a search process using the search query "baby shower gift". Note that the calculation of the transaction item score is the same as explained in Figure 1, so the explanation is omitted. For transaction items that are individual transaction items among the search result transaction items, the information processing device 100 uses their score as the first score.

[0118] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 calculates a second score (product score) for a single product using the scores of each of the transaction targets in the search results that have been identified as a single product. The information processing device 100 may also calculate the product score for a single product based on the sum of the scores of each of the transaction targets in the group that have been identified as a single product. The information processing device 100 may also calculate the product score for a single product by taking the average of the scores of each of the transaction targets in the group that have been identified as a single product. For example, the information processing device 100 calculates the product score for product "Swaddle W" using the scores of each of the transaction targets G11, G12, and G13, which have been identified as product "Swaddle W", from the search results for the search query "baby shower gift". For example, the information processing device 100 calculates the product score for product "Swaddle W" by taking the average of the scores of each of the transaction targets G11, G12, and G13, which have been identified as product "Swaddle W".

[0119] Through the above processing, the information processing device 100 can appropriately generate rankings for ranking targets, including products. This enables the information processing device 100 to provide appropriate content. Note that the above is merely an example, and the information processing device 100 may calculate a first score for individual transaction targets and a second score for products by processing various information as appropriate. The information processing device 100 may calculate scores only for individual transaction targets among the search result transaction targets included in the search results of a search process using the search query "baby shower gift," in the same manner as in Figure 1, and calculate only the product score for products without calculating scores for the transaction target group corresponding to products. Note that the information processing device 100 may also calculate scores and generate rankings based on evaluations of the vendors that sell each transaction target, but this point will be discussed later.

[0120] For example, the information processing device 100 uses the first score of individual transaction items and the second score (product score) of the product to assign a higher rank to each item based on whichever of the first or second score is higher, thereby generating a product ranking that includes both individual transaction items and products. The information processing device 100 generates a product ranking that includes one product, "Okurumi W", which corresponds to transaction items G11, G12, and G13.

[0121] The information processing device 100 then generates content that includes product rankings. For example, when a product "Swaddle W" is selected in the product ranking, the information processing device 100 generates content that displays information on the corresponding transaction targets G11, G12, and G13 for the product "Swaddle W". For example, the information processing device 100 generates content that includes a first tab content containing search results for the search query "baby shower gift" and a second tab content containing product rankings corresponding to the search query "baby shower gift".

[0122] The information processing device 100 then transmits content to the terminal device 10, which includes a first tab content containing search results for the search query "baby shower gift" and a second tab content containing a ranking of products corresponding to the search query "baby shower gift". The terminal device 10, having received the content from the information processing device 100, displays the received content. If the user selects one of the products "Swaddle W" from the displayed ranking of products, the terminal device 10 displays information on the transaction targets G11, G12, and G13 corresponding to the product "Swaddle W".

[0123] [1-2-5-1. Processing Image, Restriction Removal] The following describes the processing image and the removal of restrictions mentioned above. First, the processing image will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the concept of ranking based on products.

[0124] Figure 8 shows an example of a processing image PS1 that deals with four items: goods A, B, C, and D. In Figure 8, the information processing device 100 determines that goods A and C are the same product X. The information processing device 100 also determines that goods B is an individual item (non-product). The information processing device 100 also determines that goods D is product Y. For example, if there are other goods that are product Y besides goods D, the information processing device 100 determines that the other goods and goods D are the same product Y.

[0125] The information processing device 100 then generates a ranking (product-based ranking) using product X, product B, and product Y as the ranking targets. If product Y consists only of product D, the information processing device 100 may also rank product D.

[0126] The process described above is merely one example of a process for generating a product ranking, and the information processing device 100 may generate the product ranking using various information as appropriate. The removal of this limitation is described below.

[0127] The information processing device 100 may calculate a score for the vendor that sells the transaction item (vendor score) and a score for the transaction item itself (transaction item score). The information processing device 100 may use the vendor score and the transaction item score to calculate various scores such as a first score and a second score (product score). The information processing device 100 may use the sum of the vendor score and the transaction item score as the score.

[0128] The information processing device 100 may adjust the product score based on the number of transactions involving the same product. The information processing device 100 may adjust the product score based on the number of sales of transactions involving the same product. The information processing device 100 may adjust the product score based on the ratings of vendors (stores) that sell transactions involving the same product. For example, even if the rating of one vendor is poor, the information processing device 100 may reduce the amount of adjustment if the ratings of other vendors are high.

[0129] The information processing device 100 may calculate a score based on the review content for each transaction item. The information processing device 100 may analyze the review content to estimate the evaluation of the vendor and the evaluation of the transaction item, and calculate a score from the evaluation of the transaction item.

[0130] The information processing device 100 generates a product ranking based on transaction information. The information processing device 100 generates a product ranking based on the rankings of both the transaction items and the products. The information processing device 100 may also calculate a transaction item score based on the evaluation of the vendor. The information processing device 100 may rank the same product highly if, among the vendors selling the same product, one vendor performs poorly, but the reputation of the product is presumed to be high. The information processing device 100 may calculate the product score by excluding the transaction item score of one vendor from the same vendor if one vendor performs poorly. The information processing device 100 may also perform scoring according to the number of transaction items that make up one product.

[0131] The information processing device 100 may estimate the evaluation of the product (excluding the evaluation of the seller) from the evaluation (score, etc.) of the transaction object and calculate a product score. The information processing device 100 may exclude transaction objects from sellers (stores) with poor evaluations from processing. The information processing device 100 may evaluate the product (calculate a score, etc.) using the average review score. The information processing device 100 may exclude transaction objects from sellers whose values ​​clearly deviate above a threshold from processing.

[0132] The information processing device 100 may perform linguistic analysis of the review content and evaluate the trading target (product) (calculate a score, etc.). The information processing device 100 may also consider the number of units sold. The information processing device 100 may generate a ranking by considering the number of sellers listing the products, the number of units sold, the price, etc. The information processing device 100 may score products and trading target units based on sales volume, PV, etc., and generate a product ranking. The information processing device 100 may calculate the median from the review evaluations for each seller and perform weighting to integrate the product and trading target scores. The information processing device 100 may estimate whether the search query is a product search or a trading target search and change the weighting accordingly. The information processing device 100 may also estimate the product. The information processing device 100 may determine groups of trading targets that are the same product by performing text analysis or image analysis of the trading target information. The information processing device 100 may treat bundled sales as one trading target.

[0133] [1-2-6. Transactions tailored to the user] The information processing device 100 may determine which transaction targets (also called "target transaction targets") to display as a ranking based on the user information of the user who entered the search query. In other words, the information processing device 100 may provide a ranking in which the target transaction targets change according to the user information. This point will be explained below. For example, the information processing device 100 may determine which transaction targets (target transaction targets) to display as a ranking based on the user information from among the transaction targets included in the search results of a search process using a search query (search result transaction targets). In this case, the information processing device 100 generates a ranking based on the determined target transaction targets. For example, the information processing device 100 generates content that includes a second tab content in which the ranking generated based on the target transaction targets is placed.

[0134] The information processing device 100 then provides content that displays a ranking generated for the target transaction. For example, the information processing device 100 provides content that includes a second tab containing a ranking generated for the target transaction.

[0135] The information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction target based on user information, including the user's attribute information. The information processing device 100 may also determine the target transaction target as a transaction target selected by a similar user with similar attributes to the user. The information processing device 100 may also determine the target transaction target as a group of transaction targets previously selected by a similar user similar to user U1.

[0136] The information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction items to be those purchased by similar users with similar attributes to the user. The information processing device 100 may also determine the target transaction items to be those previously purchased by similar users with similar attributes to user U1.

[0137] If the user to whom the ranking is provided is a man in his 30s, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction targets to be those included in the purchase history of similar users who are men in their 30s. If user U1 who entered the search query "vacuum cleaner" is a woman in her 20s, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction targets to be those among the transaction targets included in the search results of the search process using the search query "vacuum cleaner" (search result transaction targets) that have a sales history to similar users who are women in their 20s.

[0138] The information processing device 100 may provide content that shows rankings corresponding to other rankings provided to similar users with similar attributes to the user. When user U2, who is similar to user U1 who entered the search query "YYYY", enters the search query "YYYY", the information processing device 100 determines the group of transaction targets included in the ranking provided to user U2 as the target transaction targets (target transaction targets TG). The information processing device 100 then generates a ranking of the target transaction targets TG and provides the generated ranking to user U1.

[0139] The information processing device 100 may provide content that shows rankings corresponding to other rankings provided when similar users selected trading targets. When a user U2 similar to user U1, who entered the search query "YYYY", previously selected trading targets from the search results for the search query "YYYY", the information processing device 100 determines the group of trading targets included in the ranking provided to user U2 as the target trading targets (target trading targets TG). The information processing device 100 then generates a ranking of the target trading targets TG and provides the generated ranking to user U1.

[0140] For example, the information processing device 100 transmits to the terminal device 10 content that includes a first tab content containing search results for a search query, and a second tab content containing a ranking generated using a target (population) of target transactions determined (narrowed down) based on user information from among the search results transactions corresponding to the search query. The terminal device 10, upon receiving the content from the information processing device 100, displays the received content.

[0141] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may provide content that shows the reason for the ranking of the target transaction items. The information processing device 100 may switch the reason depending on the user's attributes. The information processing device 100 may decide which reason to provide for each user, such as whether they prioritize quality (specifications) or price. If the user prioritizes quality, the information processing device 100 may decide to provide the element "specifications" as the reason for the ranking of the target transaction items.

[0142] Through the above process, the information processing device 100 can appropriately determine the transactions to be included in the ranking. This allows the information processing device 100 to provide appropriate content. Note that the above is merely an example, and the information processing device 100 may use various other pieces of information as appropriate to determine the target transactions.

[0143] As described above, the information processing device 100 determines (selects) the target transaction target according to the user's attributes. For example, the information processing device 100 selects the transaction target selected by a similar user as the target transaction target. For example, the information processing device 100 selects the transaction target purchased by a similar user as the target transaction target.

[0144] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may generate rankings of types according to the user's attributes. The information processing device 100 may generate rankings of types (perspectives) that were displayed when similar users of the user selected a transaction target. The information processing device 100 may display the reason for the ranking. The information processing device 100 may generate content that includes reasons according to the user's attributes.

[0145] As described above, the information processing device 100 provides a ranking of transaction items according to the user's attributes. For example, the information processing device 100 generates a ranking of transaction items according to new users, gender, and age group. For example, the information processing device 100 generates a ranking that includes only items purchased by similar users corresponding to the user's attributes. For example, the information processing device 100 determines the target transaction items to be those viewed or added to the cart by users with similar attributes corresponding to the user's attributes, and generates a ranking. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may determine the target transaction items (population) based on personal characteristic information such as the user's family structure, purchase history, and purchase price range, and generate a ranking of that population.

[0146] The information processing device 100 may generate a ranking of a particular perspective (viewpoint) from among multiple rankings, based on user attributes. The information processing device 100 may generate a ranking of a particular perspective determined based on user information from among multiple rankings. The information processing device 100 generates and provides to the user a ranking of a particular perspective (such as brand or price) selected (clicked) by the user themselves or a similar user with similar attributes to the user. This may also be the user who is the target of the display. The information processing device 100 may also generate content that displays the reasons why a particular transaction target was displayed when a person of the user's age group selected (clicked), or it may generate content that displays reasons corresponding to attributes.

[0147] [1-2-7. Boost] The information processing device 100 may determine which trading targets are subject to a boosting process in the ranking, and generate a ranking that reflects the results of the boosting process performed on the boosted targets. This point will be explained below. For example, the information processing device 100 determines the boosted targets and generates content that includes a second tab content in which a ranking reflecting the results of the boosting process performed on the determined boosted targets is placed.

[0148] The information processing device 100 then provides content that shows a ranking reflecting the results of the boosting process performed on the boosted items. For example, the information processing device 100 provides content that includes a second tab containing a ranking reflecting the results of the boosting process performed on the boosted items.

[0149] For example, the information processing device 100 determines the boost target based on the transaction information relating to the transaction item. The information processing device 100 may also determine the boost target based on the sales history of the transaction item. The information processing device 100 may also determine the boost target based on the sales volume of the transaction item. The information processing device 100 may also determine the boost target based on the sales volume trend of the transaction item. For example, if the sales volume trend of the transaction item is on an upward trend, the information processing device 100 will decide that the transaction item will be a boost target. For example, if the sales volume increase rate of the transaction item is above a predetermined value, the information processing device 100 will decide that the transaction item will be a boost target.

[0150] The information processing device 100 may determine which items to boost based on the number of times the information indicating the items to be traded has been viewed. For example, if the number of views of the information indicating the items to be traded is trending upwards, the information processing device 100 may decide that an item to boost is a target for boosting. For example, if the rate of increase in the number of views of the information indicating the items to be traded is above a predetermined value, the information processing device 100 may decide that an item to boost is a target for boosting.

[0151] The information processing device 100 may determine which items to boost based on the number of reviews for each item. For example, the information processing device 100 may determine an item to boost if the number of reviews for that item is trending upward. For example, the information processing device 100 may determine an item to boost if the rate of increase in the number of reviews for that item is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

[0152] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may determine which items to boost based on external factors such as SNS activity and search volume. For example, the information processing device 100 may decide to boost an item if the number of SNS posts related to that item is on an upward trend. For example, the information processing device 100 may decide to boost an item if the rate of increase in the number of SNS posts related to that item is above a predetermined value. For example, the information processing device 100 may decide to boost an item if the number of searches for that item is on an upward trend. For example, the information processing device 100 may decide to boost an item if the rate of increase in the number of searches for that item is above a predetermined value.

[0153] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may determine the boost targets based on internal factors such as coupons and price reductions. The information processing device 100 may determine the boost targets to be transactions for which coupons have been offered within a predetermined period. The information processing device 100 may also determine the boost targets to be transactions for which the price has been reduced within a predetermined period.

[0154] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may determine the boost targets depending on the user to whom the ranking is provided. The information processing device 100 may determine the boost targets to be the transaction items that the user to whom the ranking is provided has viewed most recently (for example, within 1 day from the time the ranking was provided). The information processing device 100 may also determine the boost targets to be the transaction items that a similar user, similar to the user to whom the ranking is provided, has purchased most recently (for example, within 3 days from the time the ranking was provided).

[0155] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may determine the timing of the boost processing based on the transaction target information. The information processing device 100 may determine the timing of the boost processing to vary depending on the transaction target. If there are periodic fluctuations in the sales volume of a transaction target, the information processing device 100 may determine the timing of the boost processing to vary according to the periodic fluctuations. If the peak sales volume of a certain transaction target is on October 31, the information processing device 100 may determine a point in time before that peak (for example, September 1) as the start timing for the boost processing of that transaction target.

[0156] The information processing device 100 may determine the timing of the boost processing according to seasonal fluctuations if the sales volume of the trading target has seasonal variations. If the sales volume of a certain trading target is on an upward trend towards the end of the year (end of December), the information processing device 100 may determine the start timing of the boost processing for that trading target several months before the peak (for example, in October). Alternatively, if the sales volume of a certain trading target is on an upward trend towards the end of the year (end of December), the information processing device 100 may decide to target the boost processing for that trading target from several months before the peak until the end of the year.

[0157] The above is merely an example, and the information processing device 100 may use various information as appropriate to determine the boost targets and the timing of the boost processing. The information processing device 100 generates a ranking that reflects the results of the boost processing performed on the determined boost targets.

[0158] For example, the information processing device 100 performs a boost process to raise the rank of the item to be boosted in the ranking, and generates a ranking. For example, if the information processing device 100 determines that item G23 is the item to be boosted in a ranking where trading items G21, G22, G23, and G24 are ranked in that order, it raises the rank of trading item G23.

[0159] In this case, for example, the information processing device 100 may perform a boost process on trading target G23 and generate a ranking in the order of trading targets G21, G23, G22, and G24. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may perform a boost process on trading target G23 and generate a ranking in the order of trading targets G23, G21, G22, and G24. Note that the above process is merely one example of a boost process, and the information processing device 100 may perform any process as a boost process as long as it can change (increase) the rank of the boosted target in the ranking.

[0160] For example, the information processing device 100 may perform a boosting process to increase the score of the boosted items in the ranking, and generate a ranking. In this case, the information processing device 100 uses the score after the boosting process to determine the rank of each trading item. For example, the information processing device 100 may multiply the score of the trading items determined to be boosted by a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 1.2), and use the score after the boosting process to determine the rank of each trading item and generate a ranking.

[0161] For example, the information processing device 100 sends content to the terminal device 10 that includes a first tab content containing search results for a search query, and a second tab content containing rankings corresponding to the search query after the boosting process has been performed. The terminal device 10, having received the content from the information processing device 100, displays the received content.

[0162] Through the above process, the information processing device 100 determines the transaction targets (boosted targets) to be boosted in the ranking, and generates a ranking that reflects the results of the boosting process performed on the determined boosted targets. This allows the information processing device 100 to provide appropriate content. Note that the above is merely an example, and the information processing device 100 may use various information as appropriate to determine the boosted targets, execute the boosting process, and generate the ranking.

[0163] As described above, the information processing device 100 may determine boost targets by taking seasonality into consideration. The information processing device 100 may determine boost targets for trading targets whose trading target information includes seasonal information such as "Spring XX" or "Summer XX". For example, the information processing device 100 may determine boost targets for trading targets that are approaching their peak based on trading target information including sales history, search volume, page views, SNS posts, price, etc. The information processing device 100 may also determine the period for performing boost processing according to the type (category) of trading targets. The information processing device 100 may also determine boost targets or the period for performing boost processing based on the results of actually performing boost processing.

[0164] The information processing device 100 may, depending on the sales history, postpone boosting for transactions that have passed their peak. The information processing device 100 may also decide to boost for transactions that are likely to reach their peak. The information processing device 100 may also decide to boost for transactions that have seen a rapid increase in sales. The information processing device 100 may also decide to boost for transactions based on the proportion of similar (category) transactions.

[0165] The information processing device 100 may perform a boost process for a particular trading target when any element of that trading target, such as sales volume, search volume, or page views, increases even slightly. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may perform a boost process for a particular trading target when any element of that trading target, such as sales volume, search volume, or page views, increases above a predetermined threshold. The information processing device 100 may also change the timing depending on the trading target.

[0166] The information processing device 100 may determine the timing of boost processing in accordance with changes in the variable factors for trading targets where the peak is caused by variable factors, such as weather-related products. The information processing device 100 may also determine the timing of boost processing in accordance with the non-variable factors for trading targets where the peak is caused by non-variable factors, such as seasonal products like Halloween products. In this way, the information processing device 100 may determine the timing of boost processing by appropriately using various information.

[0167] [1-3. Summary] Through the various processes described above, the information processing device 100 can propose a search method that allows users to choose from content that can be a deciding factor, such as "rankings," in a prominent position in the first view, by providing a ranking tab for the content. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can reduce the possibility of users abandoning the site if they are unable to select a transaction target on their own from the search results. In addition, the information processing device 100 can encourage users who spend less time than a predetermined amount of time (light users) to browse the site.

[0168] For example, consider a use case where a user enters a search query and there are many options (transaction items) corresponding to it, but the user has little prior knowledge and is unsure what to buy. In this case, for example, the information processing device 100 provides rankings based on categories, specifications, etc. This makes it easier for users to grasp an overview of the transaction items, deepen their understanding of their intentions, and naturally narrow down their options, even with queries that have a broad intent. Furthermore, since the information processing device 100 does not forcibly narrow down to a specific category, it broadens the range of suggestions offered to the user and reduces the likelihood of the user abandoning the process.

[0169] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 can make it easier for users to visualize purchasing a transaction item by providing content that organizes the transaction items by category. In addition, the information processing device 100 can make it easier for users to narrow down their choices based on trends, popularity, etc., by providing content that organizes the transaction items by category, such as by brand.

[0170] For example, in the case of expensive items or items that users want to carefully consider, a use case can be envisioned where users want to compare items to avoid making a mistake when purchasing them. In this case, for example, the information processing device 100 provides content that includes rankings of items, taking into account trends and post-purchase satisfaction based on items previously purchased by other users. For example, by aggregating and ranking the sales performance of multiple vendors (stores), the information processing device 100 can suppress duplication in the presentation of items and provide rankings that list products and non-products side by side. As a result, the information processing device 100 displays a highly comprehensive range of items, allowing users to compare rankings with confidence. Furthermore, by treating the same product as a single ranking item, the information processing device 100 can separate the differences between vendors (stores) and appropriately provide options for comparison.

[0171] In this way, the information processing device 100 can provide appropriate content by providing rankings through various processes.

[0172] [2. Configuration of the Information Processing System] As shown in Figure 9, the information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 10, an external device 20, and an information processing device 100. The terminal device 10, the external device 20, and the information processing device 100 are connected via a network N, either by wired or wireless communication. Note that the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 9 may include multiple terminal devices 10, multiple external devices 20, and multiple information processing devices 100.

[0173] The terminal device 10 according to this embodiment is an information processing device used by users who access content such as web pages and application content displayed in a browser. For example, the terminal device 10 may be a desktop PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, a tablet device, a mobile phone, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). However, the terminal device 10 is not limited to the above examples and may be, for example, a smartwatch or a wearable device.

[0174] The external device 20 according to this embodiment is an information processing device that provides various types of information, and is implemented, for example, by a server device or a cloud system. For example, the external device 20 provides user information as various types of information. Another example is that the external device 20 provides information on transaction targets in internet shopping, e-commerce sites, flea market sites, auction sites, travel or restaurant reservation sites, credit card contract sites, financial product provision sites, etc.

[0175] The information processing device 100 according to this embodiment is an information processing device that can communicate with various devices via a predetermined network N such as the Internet, and is implemented, for example, by a server device or a cloud system. For example, the information processing device 100 is connected to other various devices via the network N in a way that allows communication.

[0176] [3. Configuration of the Information Processing Device] The following describes an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 100 described above. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the information processing device 100 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0177] (Communications Department 110) The communication unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 110 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with various other devices.

[0178] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or by storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. The storage unit 120 also includes a user information storage unit 121, a transaction target information storage unit 122, a content storage unit 123, and a ranking information storage unit 124.

[0179] (User information storage unit 121) The user information storage unit 121 stores various user information about the user. Figure 10 shows an example of the user information storage unit according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 10, the user information storage unit 121 has items such as "User ID" and "User Information". For example, "User Information" includes items such as "Attribute Information", "Purchase History", and "Browsing History".

[0180] The "User ID" is an identifier that identifies a user. "Attribute Information" is attribute information relating to the user's attributes, which is associated with the "User ID". For example, attribute information may include the user's age, gender, telephone number, address, etc. Note that the attribute information described above is merely an example, and may include various other types of information, such as demographic attributes like age and gender, or psychographic attributes like interests and lifestyle.

[0181] "Purchase history" refers to the purchase history of a user associated with a "User ID." For example, purchase history includes information about the items purchased by the user, the type of item, the number of times the item was purchased, and the date and time the item was purchased.

[0182] "Browsing history" is a record of content viewed by a user associated with a "User ID". For example, "Browsing history" may also be a record of content displayed on the terminal device 10 used by the user. For example, browsing history may include information about the content viewed (displayed) by the user, the type of content, the number of times the content was displayed, and the date and time the content was displayed.

[0183] For example, in Figure 10, "U1," identified by user ID, has attribute information of "CH1," purchase history of "PH1," and display history of "WA1." In the example shown in Figure 10, attribute information is represented by abstract codes such as "CH1," but attribute information may also be specific numerical values, specific strings, or file formats containing various types of information.

[0184] Furthermore, the user information storage unit 121 may store various types of information depending on the purpose, not limited to those mentioned above. The user information storage unit 121 may also store information for each transaction target, such as the number of times the user has viewed the information, for each user.

[0185] (Transaction target information storage unit 122) The transaction target information storage unit 122 stores various transaction target information relating to the transaction target. Figure 11 shows an example of the transaction target information storage unit according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 11, the transaction target information storage unit 122 includes items such as "transaction target ID," "transaction target," "transaction target information," "category," and "product identification information." Note that in Figure 11, "category" and "product identification information" are explained as separate items from "transaction target information" for the purpose of explanation, but category information and product information may be included in the transaction target information.

[0186] Although not shown in the diagram, the transaction item information storage unit 122 also stores information indicating the perspective to which each transaction item belongs, in addition to categories. For example, the transaction item information storage unit 122 stores information indicating multiple perspectives to which each transaction item belongs, such as the category, brand, usage scenario, specifications, problems that can be solved by the transaction item, and people's problems that can be solved by the transaction item, and associates this information with each transaction item.

[0187] The "Trade Target ID" is an identifier that identifies the trade target. The "Trade Target" refers to the trade target associated with the "Trade Target ID". The "Trade Target Information" is the trade target information of the trade target identified by the "Trade Target ID".

[0188] "Category" refers to information about the category to which the transaction item identified by the "Transaction Item ID" belongs. "Product Identification Information" refers to information about the product to which the transaction item identified by the "Transaction Item ID" belongs.

[0189] For example, in Figure 11, "M1," identified by the transaction ID, represents the transaction "MA1." Note that in the example shown in Figure 11, the transaction is represented by an abstract code such as "MA1," but in reality, the transaction is a specific string of characters (such as the product name) indicating the goods sold by each vendor.

[0190] Furthermore, in Figure 11, "M1," identified by the transaction ID, represents the transaction information as "MD1." Note that in the example shown in Figure 11, the transaction information is represented by an abstract code such as "MD1," but the transaction information may also be in a file format containing various information about the transaction.

[0191] Furthermore, in Figure 11, "M1," identified by the transaction ID, has the category "CT1." Note that in the example shown in Figure 11, the category is represented by an abstract code such as "CT1," but the category is information indicating the category of the transaction.

[0192] Furthermore, in Figure 11, "M1," identified by the transaction ID, has product identification information "PD1." While the example in Figure 11 uses an abstract code like "PD1" to represent product identification information, product identification information is information used to identify a product (e.g., a JAN code) if the transaction item has a corresponding product. Conversely, if the transaction item does not have a corresponding product, product identification information indicates that there is no corresponding product (e.g., a flag indicating no matching product).

[0193] Furthermore, the transaction target information storage unit 122 is not limited to the above and may store various types of information depending on the purpose. For example, the transaction target information storage unit 122 may store information such as scores and display counts corresponding to each transaction target.

[0194] (Content storage unit 123) The content storage unit 123 stores information about the content. Figure 12 shows an example of the content storage unit according to this embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 12, the content storage unit 123 has items such as "Content ID" and "Content".

[0195] A "Content ID" is an identifier that identifies the content. "Content" refers to information about the content associated with the "Content ID." Specifically, "Content" may refer to information about the content itself.

[0196] For example, the content could be content related to a portal site. Other examples include content related to news sites, auction sites, weather forecast sites, shopping sites, finance (stock price) sites, etc.

[0197] Furthermore, the content may also be related to route search websites, map provision websites, travel websites, restaurant review websites, web blog sites, social networking sites, etc.

[0198] For example, in Figure 12, "C1," identified by the content ID, represents content "CO1." Note that in the example shown in Figure 12, content is represented by abstract codes such as "CO1," but content may also be specific numerical values, specific strings, or file formats containing various information.

[0199] The content storage unit 123 may store various types of information depending on the purpose, not limited to those described above.

[0200] (Ranking information storage unit 124) The ranking information storage unit 124 stores various types of information used to generate rankings. The ranking information storage unit 124 stores information indicating the criteria for ranking trading targets (ranking criteria). The ranking information storage unit 124 stores information indicating the ranking criteria, such as assigning higher ranks to those with higher scores. For example, the ranking information storage unit 124 stores information used to calculate various scores for trading targets. The ranking information storage unit 124 stores score functions used to calculate various scores for trading targets.

[0201] Furthermore, the ranking information storage unit 124 may store various types of information depending on the purpose, not limited to those mentioned above.

[0202] (Control unit 130) The control unit 130 is a controller, and is implemented, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs (an example of an information processing program) stored in the memory device inside the information processing device 100 using RAM as the working area. Alternatively, the control unit 130 is a controller and can be implemented, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0203] As shown in Figure 9, the control unit 130 includes an acquisition unit 131, a reception unit 132, a determination unit 133, an estimation unit 134, a generation unit 135, and a provision unit 136, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 130 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 9, and other configurations are also acceptable as long as they perform the information processing described later.

[0204] (Acquisition part 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information. The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information from the storage unit 120. The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of information from the user information storage unit 121, the transaction target information storage unit 122, the content storage unit 123, and the ranking information storage unit 124, etc.

[0205] The acquisition unit 131 receives various information from an external information processing device via the communication unit 110. The acquisition unit 131 receives various information from the terminal device 10 or the external device 20. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires user information about the user from the external device 20. In Figure 1, the acquisition unit 131 acquires user information such as the user's attribute information, purchase history on internet shopping, e-commerce sites, auction sites or flea market sites, and content display history from the external device 20. The acquisition unit 131 then stores this user information in the user information storage unit 121. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires user information from the external device 20 at predetermined intervals and updates the user information stored in the user information storage unit 121.

[0206] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information about the trading object from the external device 20. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information about the trading object traded on an auction site or a flea market site from the external device 20. The acquisition unit 131 then stores this information about the trading object in the trading object information storage unit 122. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information about the trading object from the external device 20 at predetermined intervals and updates the information about the trading object stored in the trading object information storage unit 122.

[0207] The acquisition unit 131 acquires information about the transaction target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires information about the transaction target, including its sales history. The acquisition unit 131 acquires information about the transaction target, including the number of orders for the transaction target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires information about the transaction target, including the period of time elapsed since the date and time the transaction target was sold. The acquisition unit 131 acquires information about the transaction target, including the number of sales of the transaction target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires information about the transaction target, including the number of times the information indicating the transaction target has been viewed.

[0208] The acquisition unit 131 acquires transaction target information including the number of reviews for the transaction target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires transaction target information including ratings for the transaction target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires transaction target information including external factors related to the transaction target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires transaction target information including posts about the transaction target on social media. The acquisition unit 131 acquires transaction target information including the number of searches for the transaction target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires transaction target information including internal factors related to the transaction target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires transaction target information including incentives for the transaction target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires transaction target information including coupons for the transaction target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires transaction target information including price reductions related to the transaction target.

[0209] The acquisition unit 131 acquires element information relating to multiple elements included in the transaction target information. The acquisition unit 131 acquires element information indicating the trends of the multiple elements included in the transaction target information. The acquisition unit 131 acquires a score corresponding to each of the multiple elements.

[0210] The acquisition unit 131 acquires element information showing trends in multiple elements, including the number of orders for the trading target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires element information showing trends in multiple elements, including the number of times information indicating the trading target has been viewed. The acquisition unit 131 acquires element information showing trends in multiple elements, including the number of reviews for the trading target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires element information showing trends in multiple elements, including the number of reservations for the trading target.

[0211] The acquisition unit 131 acquires element information showing trends for multiple factors, including external factors related to the transaction target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires element information showing trends for multiple factors, including posts on social media related to the transaction target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires element information showing trends for multiple factors, including the number of searches related to the transaction target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires element information showing trends for multiple factors, including internal factors related to the transaction target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires element information showing trends for multiple factors, including incentives targeting the transaction target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires element information showing trends for multiple factors, including coupons targeting the transaction target. The acquisition unit 131 acquires element information showing trends for multiple factors, including price reductions related to the transaction target.

[0212] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information from the terminal device 10 indicating the number of times the transaction target has been displayed (the number of times it has been viewed by the user). For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the number of times the content has been displayed and the number of times each transaction target has been displayed from the terminal device 10. The acquisition unit 131 also acquires the number of displays along with the content through control information that has been provided in advance. The acquisition unit 131 then stores these number of displays in the transaction target information storage unit 122.

[0213] (Reception desk 132) The reception unit 132 receives various requests. The reception unit 132 receives various requests from external information processing devices. The reception unit 132 receives information indicating various requests from external information processing devices via the communication unit 110. For example, the reception unit 132 receives requests from the terminal device 10 or the external device 20. The reception unit 132 receives search queries (queries) entered by the user from the terminal device 10. For example, the reception unit 132 receives search queries (queries) entered by the user from the terminal device 10 as a request for the provision of content related to the query.

[0214] (Decision Section 133) The decision unit 133 performs decision processing to determine various types of information. For example, the decision unit 133 performs decision processing based on various types of information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. The decision unit 133 performs decision processing based on various types of information stored in the storage unit 120. For example, the decision unit 133 performs decision processing based on various types of information received from an external information processing device.

[0215] For example, the decision unit 133 performs a decision process based on the information estimated by the estimation unit 134. For example, the decision unit 133 performs a decision process based on the information generated by the generation unit 135.

[0216] The decision unit 133 determines a related angle from among multiple angles corresponding to the transaction target, which is an angle that satisfies predetermined conditions for its relationship with the search query. The decision unit 133 determines an angle with a high degree of relevance to the search query from among multiple angles as a related angle. The decision unit 133 determines an angle with a score indicating its degree of relevance to the search query that is above a predetermined threshold as a related angle.

[0217] The decision unit 133 determines relevant angles from among multiple angles, including angles related to the category of the transaction target. The decision unit 133 determines relevant angles from among multiple angles, including angles related to the brand of the transaction target. The decision unit 133 determines relevant angles from among multiple angles, including angles related to the usage scenarios of the transaction target. The decision unit 133 determines relevant angles from among multiple angles, including angles related to the specifications of the transaction target. The decision unit 133 determines relevant angles from among multiple angles, including angles related to problems that can be solved by the transaction target. The decision unit 133 determines relevant angles from among multiple angles, including angles related to people's problems that can be solved by the transaction target.

[0218] The decision unit 133 determines the target trading targets to be displayed as a ranking based on trading target information relating to the trading targets. The decision unit 133 determines the target trading targets based on trading target information including the sales history of the trading targets. The decision unit 133 determines the target trading targets based on trading target information including the number of orders for the trading targets. The decision unit 133 determines the target trading targets based on trading target information including the period elapsed since the date and time the trading targets were sold.

[0219] The decision unit 133 determines the target transaction target based on transaction target information including the number of sales of the transaction target. The decision unit 133 determines the target transaction target based on transaction target information including the number of views of information indicating the transaction target. The decision unit 133 determines the target transaction target based on transaction target information including the number of reviews for the transaction target. The decision unit 133 determines the target transaction target based on transaction target information including ratings for the transaction target.

[0220] The decision unit 133 determines the target transaction target based on transaction target information including external factors related to the transaction target. The decision unit 133 determines the target transaction target based on transaction target information including posts about the transaction target on social media. The decision unit 133 determines the target transaction target based on transaction target information including the number of searches related to the transaction target. The decision unit 133 determines the target transaction target based on transaction target information including internal factors related to the transaction target. The decision unit 133 determines the target transaction target based on transaction target information including incentives targeting the transaction target. The decision unit 133 determines the target transaction target based on transaction target information including coupons targeting the transaction target. The decision unit 133 determines the target transaction target based on transaction target information including price reductions related to the transaction target.

[0221] The determination unit 133 determines a group of identical products from among multiple trading targets corresponding to the search query. The determination unit 133 determines a group of trading targets based on the trading target information of each of the multiple trading targets. The determination unit 133 determines a group of trading targets based on trading target information including identification information associated with each of the multiple trading targets. The determination unit 133 determines a group of trading targets based on trading target information including identification information associated with each of the multiple trading targets. The determination unit 133 determines a group of trading targets from among multiple trading targets traded in electronic commerce.

[0222] The decision unit 133 determines the target transaction items to be displayed as a ranking from the transaction items corresponding to the search query, based on the user information of the user who entered the search query. The decision unit 133 determines the target transaction items based on user information, including the user's attribute information. The decision unit 133 determines the target transaction items to be selected by similar users with similar attributes to the user. The decision unit 133 determines the target transaction items to be purchased by similar users with similar attributes to the user.

[0223] The decision unit 133 determines which trading targets will be subject to the boost process that will boost their ranking among the trading targets. The decision unit 133 determines the boost targets based on trading target information regarding the trading targets.

[0224] The decision unit 133 determines the boost target based on the transaction target information, including the sales history of the transaction target. The decision unit 133 determines the boost target based on the transaction target information, including the number of sales of the transaction target. The decision unit 133 determines the boost target based on the transaction target information, including the transition of the number of sales of the transaction target. The decision unit 133 determines the boost target based on the transaction target information, including the number of views of information indicating the transaction target. The decision unit 133 determines the boost target based on the transaction target information, including the number of reviews for the transaction target.

[0225] The decision unit 133 determines the boost target based on the trading target information, including external factors related to the trading target. The decision unit 133 determines the boost target based on the trading target information, including posts about the trading target on social media. The decision unit 133 determines the boost target based on the trading target information, including the number of searches related to the trading target.

[0226] The decision unit 133 determines the timing of the boost processing based on the transaction target information. The decision unit 133 determines the timing of the boost processing, which varies depending on the transaction target. If there are variable factors in the transaction target, the decision unit 133 determines the timing of the boost processing.

[0227] The decision unit 133 determines the boost target according to the user to whom the ranking will be provided. The decision unit 133 determines the boost target based on user information about the user. The decision unit 133 determines the boost target from among the transaction items traded in e-commerce.

[0228] (Estimation part 134) The estimation unit 134 performs estimation processing to estimate various types of information. For example, the estimation unit 134 performs estimation processing based on various types of information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. The estimation unit 134 performs estimation processing based on various types of information stored in the storage unit 120. The estimation unit 134 performs estimation processing based on various types of information received from an external information processing device.

[0229] For example, the estimation unit 134 performs estimation processing based on the information determined by the determination unit 133. For example, the estimation unit 134 performs estimation processing based on the information generated by the generation unit 135.

[0230] The estimation unit 134 estimates the reason for the ranking of the target trading object, which is the trading object to be displayed as a ranking, based on the trading object information about the trading object. The estimation unit 134 estimates the reason based on the trends of multiple elements included in the trading object information. The estimation unit 134 estimates the reason based on the score corresponding to each of the multiple elements. The estimation unit 134 estimates the reason based on the element with the highest influence among the multiple elements.

[0231] The estimation unit 134 estimates the target trading target based on trends in multiple factors, including the number of orders for the trading target. The estimation unit 134 estimates the target trading target based on trends in multiple factors, including the number of times information indicating the trading target has been viewed. The estimation unit 134 estimates the target trading target based on trends in multiple factors, including the number of reviews for the trading target. The estimation unit 134 estimates the target trading target based on trends in multiple factors, including the number of reservations for the trading target.

[0232] Estimation unit 134 estimates target trading targets based on trends of multiple factors, including external factors related to the trading targets. Estimation unit 134 estimates target trading targets based on trends of multiple factors, including posts about the trading targets on social media. Estimation unit 134 estimates target trading targets based on trends of multiple factors, including the number of searches related to the trading targets. Estimation unit 134 estimates target trading targets based on trends of multiple factors, including internal factors related to the trading targets. Estimation unit 134 estimates target trading targets based on trends of multiple factors, including incentives targeting the trading targets. Estimation unit 134 estimates target trading targets based on trends of multiple factors, including coupons targeting the trading targets. Estimation unit 134 estimates target trading targets based on trends of multiple factors, including price reductions related to the trading targets.

[0233] (Generation unit 135) The generation unit 135 performs generation processing to estimate various types of information. For example, the generation unit 135 performs generation processing based on various types of information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. The generation unit 135 performs generation processing based on various types of information stored in the storage unit 120. The generation unit 135 performs generation processing based on various types of information received from an external information processing device.

[0234] For example, the generation unit 135 executes a generation process based on the information determined by the determination unit 133. For example, the generation unit 135 executes a generation process based on the information generated by the generation unit 135.

[0235] The generation unit 135 generates rankings based on the following: The generation unit 135 generates rankings based on the following: The generation unit 135 generates rankings based on the following: The sales history of

[0236] The generation unit 135 generates rankings based on transaction target information including external factors related to the transaction target. The generation unit 135 generates rankings based on transaction target information including posts about the transaction target on social media. The generation unit 135 generates rankings based on transaction target information including the number of searches related to the transaction target. The generation unit 135 generates rankings based on transaction target information including internal factors related to the transaction target. The generation unit 135 generates rankings based on transaction target information including coupons targeting the transaction target. The generation unit 135 generates rankings based on transaction target information including price reductions related to the transaction target.

[0237] The generation unit 135 calculates a score for a trading target based on the trading target information related to the trading target. The generation unit 135 calculates a score for a trading target using a function (score function) that takes the trading target information of the trading target as input and outputs a score for that trading target. The generation unit 135 generates a ranking of trading targets based on the calculated scores.

[0238] The generation unit 135 calculates partial scores corresponding to each of the multiple elements included in the trading target information. The generation unit 135 calculates partial scores for each of the multiple elements included in the trading target information using a function (score function) that takes information on the multiple elements included in the trading target information as input and outputs partial scores for those elements. For example, the generation unit 135 calculates the average value of the partial scores corresponding to each of the multiple elements included in the trading target information as the score of the trading target. For example, the generation unit 135 calculates the score of the trading target by summing up the partial scores corresponding to each of the multiple elements included in the trading target information.

[0239] The generation unit 135 generates content that includes a first tab and a second tab. The generation unit 135 generates content that includes a first tab containing search results corresponding to the search query and a second tab containing rankings of trading targets corresponding to the search query. Depending on the user's selection, the generation unit 135 generates content in which either the first tab or the second tab is displayed in a predetermined display area of ​​the content. The generation unit 135 generates content that includes a first tab and a second tab targeting the search query entered by the user.

[0240] The generation unit 135 generates content that shows a ranking of trading targets based on the relevant criteria and search queries determined by the decision unit 133. If there are multiple relevant criteria determined by the decision unit 133, the generation unit 135 generates content that includes multiple rankings based on each of the multiple relevant criteria and the search query. If there is only one relevant criterion determined by the decision unit 133, the generation unit 135 generates content that includes one ranking based on one relevant criterion and the search query. The generation unit 135 generates content of trading targets traded in e-commerce. The generation unit 135 generates content that switches between displaying the first tab and the second tab according to the user's selection.

[0241] The generation unit 135 generates content that shows the ranking of the target transaction items determined by the determination unit 133. The generation unit 135 generates content of the target transaction items traded in e-commerce.

[0242] The generation unit 135 generates content that shows the reasons for the target transaction item estimated by the estimation unit 134. The generation unit 135 generates content that places the reasons near the information indicating the target transaction item in the ranking. The generation unit 135 generates content that shows the reasons for the target transaction item traded in e-commerce.

[0243] The generation unit 135 generates a ranking in which the group of trading targets determined by the decision unit 133 is treated as a single product. The generation unit 135 generates a ranking in which the group of trading targets treated as a single product is treated as a single ranking target. The generation unit 135 generates a ranking in which individual trading targets that were not treated as the same product and products corresponding to the group of trading targets are ranked. The generation unit 135 generates a ranking in which individual trading targets and products are mixed together.

[0244] The generation unit 135 generates a ranking using the first score of individual transaction items and the second score of the product. The generation unit 135 generates a ranking using the first and second scores based on the scores calculated for each of multiple transaction items. The generation unit 135 generates a ranking using the second score of the product calculated based on the sales volume of each of the transaction item group. The generation unit 135 generates a ranking using the second score of the product calculated based on the reviews of each of the transaction item group. The generation unit 135 generates a ranking using the second score of the product calculated based on the evaluation of the vendors that sell each of the multiple transaction items.

[0245] The generation unit 135 generates content that shows rankings corresponding to other rankings provided to similar users with similar attributes to the user. The generation unit 135 generates content that shows rankings corresponding to other rankings provided when similar users selected a transaction target. The generation unit 135 generates rankings that reflect the results of the boost processing performed on the boost target determined by the decision unit 133.

[0246] The generation unit 135 generates various information, such as screens (content), to be provided to an external information processing device, using various technologies as appropriate. The generation unit 135 generates screens (content), etc., to be provided to the terminal device 10. For example, the generation unit 135 generates screens (content), etc., to be provided to the terminal device 10 based on the information stored in the storage unit 120. The generation unit 135 generates each content, such as content CT1, CT2, etc. The generation unit 135 may generate screens (content), etc., by any processing as long as it is possible to generate screens (content), etc., to be provided to an external information processing device. For example, the generation unit 135 generates screens (content), etc., to be provided to the terminal device 10 using various technologies such as image generation and image processing as appropriate. For example, the generation unit 135 generates screens (content), etc., to be provided to the terminal device 10 using various technologies such as Java (registered trademark) as appropriate. The generation unit 135 may also generate screens (content), etc., to be provided to the terminal device 10 based on CSS, JavaScript (registered trademark), or HTML format. Furthermore, for example, the generation unit 135 may generate screens (content) in various formats such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), and PNG (Portable Network Graphics).

[0247] (Provider 136) The information provision unit 136 provides various information. The information provision unit 136 transmits various information to an external information processing device via the communication unit 110. The information provision unit 136 transmits various information to the terminal device 10 or the external device 20. The information provision unit 136 transmits content to the terminal device 10. The information provision unit 136 transmits information related to the transaction subject to the terminal device 10.

[0248] The providing unit 136 provides information generated by the generating unit 135. The providing unit 136 provides content that includes the information generated by the generating unit 135. The providing unit 136 provides content that includes a ranking of the trading targets. The providing unit 136 transmits the content C1 in Figure 2 to the terminal device 10.

[0249] The provisioning unit 136 provides content including a first tab containing search results corresponding to the search query and a second tab containing rankings of trading targets corresponding to the search query. The provisioning unit 136 provides content generated by the generation unit 135. The provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab containing rankings of trading targets traded in e-commerce.

[0250] The provisioning unit 136 transmits content to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The provisioning unit 136 transmits content to the terminal device 10, which displays either the first tab or the second tab in a predetermined display area of ​​the content, according to the user's selection. The provisioning unit 136 provides the terminal device 10 with content including the first tab and the second tab, which target the search query entered by the user.

[0251] The provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction information relating to the transaction item. The provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction information including the sales history of the transaction item. The provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction information including the number of orders for the transaction item. The provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction information including the time elapsed since the date and time the transaction item was sold.

[0252] The provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction information, including the number of sales of the transaction items. The provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction information, including the number of views of information indicating the transaction items. The provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction information, including the number of reviews for the transaction items. The provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction information, including ratings for the transaction items.

[0253] The provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction target information, including external factors related to the transaction target. The provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction target information, including posts about the transaction target on social media. The provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction target information, including the number of searches related to the transaction target.

[0254] The provisioning section 136 provides content including a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction information, including internal factors related to the transaction item. The provisioning section 136 provides content including a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction information, including coupons for the transaction item. The provisioning section 136 provides content including a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction information, including price reductions related to the transaction item.

[0255] The provisioning unit 136 provides content that shows a ranking of trading targets based on the relevant criteria and search query determined by the decision-making unit 133. If there are multiple relevant criteria determined by the decision-making unit 133, the provisioning unit 136 provides content that includes multiple rankings based on each of the multiple relevant criteria and the search query. If there is only one relevant criterion determined by the decision-making unit 133, the provisioning unit 136 provides content that includes one ranking based on that one relevant criterion and the search query. The provisioning unit 136 provides content of trading targets traded in e-commerce. The provisioning unit 136 transmits the content to the terminal device 10, which switches between displaying the first tab and the second tab according to the user's selection.

[0256] The provisioning unit 136 provides content showing the ranking of target transaction targets determined by the determination unit 133. The provisioning unit 136 provides content of target transaction targets traded in electronic commerce.

[0257] The provisioning unit 136 provides content indicating the reasons for the target transaction estimated by the estimation unit 134. The provisioning unit 136 transmits content including rankings to the terminal device 10 used by the user. The provisioning unit 136 transmits content in which the reasons are placed near the information indicating the target transaction in the ranking. The provisioning unit 136 provides content indicating the reasons for the target transaction traded in e-commerce.

[0258] The provisioning unit 136 provides content that displays the rankings generated by the generation unit 135. The provisioning unit 136 provides content that includes a first tab containing search results corresponding to the search query and a second tab containing the rankings.

[0259] The provisioning unit 136 provides a ranking where a group of trading targets is treated as a single product. The provisioning unit 136 provides a ranking where a group of trading targets treated as a single product is treated as a single ranking target. The provisioning unit 136 provides a ranking where individual trading targets that were not treated as the same product and products corresponding to the group of trading targets are ranked. The provisioning unit 136 provides a ranking where individual trading targets and products are mixed together.

[0260] The provisioning unit 136 provides content that shows rankings corresponding to other rankings provided to similar users with similar attributes to the user. The provisioning unit 136 also provides content that shows rankings corresponding to other rankings provided when similar users selected a transaction target.

[0261] The provisioning unit 136 provides content that shows a ranking reflecting the results of the boosting process. The provisioning unit 136 transmits the content that shows the ranking reflecting the results of the boosting process to the terminal device 10 used by the user.

[0262] [4. Processing Procedure] Next, using Figures 13 to 19, the information processing procedure performed by the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment will be described. Figures 13 to 19 are flowcharts showing an example of the flow of information processing performed by the information processing device.

[0263] First, let's explain Figure 13. For example, Figure 13 shows an example of the process performed by the information processing device 100 from obtaining a search query from a user to providing content. In Figure 13, the information processing device 100 obtains a search query from a user (step S101). The information processing device 100 then generates content that includes a first tab containing search results corresponding to the search query and a second tab containing a ranking of trading targets corresponding to the search query (step S102). The information processing device 100 then provides content that includes the first tab and the second tab (step S103).

[0264] Next, Figure 14 will be explained. For example, Figure 14 shows an example of ranking provision based on the relevant criteria of a query performed by the information processing device 100. In Figure 14, the information processing device 100 determines a relevant criterion from among several criterions corresponding to the transaction target, which is a criterion whose relationship with the search query satisfies predetermined conditions (step S201). Then, the information processing device 100 provides content that shows a ranking of the transaction target based on the relevant criterion and the search query (step S202).

[0265] Next, Figure 15 will be explained. For example, Figure 15 shows an example of the information processing device 100 providing a ranking for narrowed-down transaction targets. In Figure 15, the information processing device 100 determines the target transaction targets to be displayed as a ranking based on the transaction target information (step S301). Then, the information processing device 100 provides content that shows the ranking of the target transaction targets (step S302).

[0266] Next, Figure 16 will be explained. For example, Figure 16 shows an example of the information processing device 100 providing a ranking that shows the reason for the ranking. In Figure 16, the information processing device 100 estimates the reason for the ranking of the target transaction object, which is the transaction object to be displayed as a ranking, based on the transaction object information relating to the transaction object (step S401). Then, the information processing device 100 provides content that shows the reason for the target transaction object (step S402).

[0267] Next, Figure 17 will be explained. For example, Figure 17 shows an example of ranking generation performed by the information processing device 100, where products (transaction targets) of the same product are treated as a single ranking target. In Figure 17, the information processing device 100 determines a group of transaction targets that are the same product from among multiple transaction targets corresponding to the search query (step S501). Then, the information processing device 100 generates a ranking with the group of transaction targets as a single product (step S502). For example, the information processing device 100 provides the generated content.

[0268] Next, Figure 18 will be explained. For example, Figure 18 shows an example of the information processing device 100 providing a ranking of transaction targets according to the user. In Figure 18, the information processing device 100 determines the target transaction targets to be displayed as a ranking from the transaction targets corresponding to the search query, based on the user information of the user who entered the search query (step S601). Then, the information processing device 100 provides content that shows the ranking of the target transaction targets (step S602).

[0269] Next, Figure 19 will be explained. For example, Figure 19 shows an example of generating a boosted ranking for a specific transaction target through a boost process performed by the information processing device 100. In Figure 19, the information processing device 100 determines the target transaction target from among the transaction targets to be subject to the boost process that will boost the ranking (step S701). Then, the information processing device 100 generates a ranking that reflects the results of the boost process performed on the target transaction target (step S702). For example, the information processing device 100 provides the generated content.

[0270] [5. Variation Example] The above-described information processing apparatus 100 may be implemented in various different forms other than the above embodiment. Therefore, other embodiments of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described below.

[0271] [5-1. User] In the above embodiment, the description was given by taking as an example a user registered as a member of a predetermined service, but it is not necessarily limited to the above example. For example, the user may be any user, for example, a user who is not registered as a member of a predetermined service, etc.

[0272] [5-2. Transaction Target] In the above embodiment, the description was given by taking as an example a transaction target traded in an e-mall, but it is not necessarily limited to the above example. For example, the transaction target may be any transaction target. For example, the transaction target may be a transaction target with a limited quantity. Also, the transaction target may be a transaction target traded through Internet shopping, an auction site, a free market site, etc.

[0273] [5-3. Providing Information Regarding Transaction Target] In the above embodiment, an example of information processing in which the information processing apparatus 100 provides content to the terminal device 10 was given, but it is not necessarily limited to the above example. For example, an external server may provide content to the terminal device 10. In this case, the information processing apparatus 100 may provide information regarding the transaction target to the external server.

[0274] For example, the external server provides content regarding a portal site as an example of content. In this case, the information processing apparatus 100 may provide, as information regarding the transaction target, an image of the transaction target, information regarding the layout when arranged in the content, etc. to the external server.

[0275] [5-4. Program] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 according to the above-described embodiment is realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Figure 20. Figure 20 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 an arithmetic unit 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output IF (Interface) 1060, an input IF 1070, and a network IF 1080 are connected by a bus 1090.

[0276] The arithmetic unit 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 and the secondary storage device 1050, as well as programs read from the input device 1020, and executes various processes. The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device, such as RAM, that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations. The secondary storage device 1050 is a storage device where data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is implemented using ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, etc.

[0277] Output IF1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to output devices 1010, which output various types of information such as monitors and printers. It is implemented using connectors of standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), and HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). Input IF1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as mice, keyboards, and scanners. It is implemented using, for example, USB.

[0278] The input device 1020 may also be a device that reads information from, for example, an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), tape media, magnetic recording media, or semiconductor memory. Furthermore, the input device 1020 may also be an external storage medium such as a USB memory stick.

[0279] Network IF1080 receives data from other devices via network N and sends it to the arithmetic unit 1030, and also transmits data generated by the arithmetic unit 1030 to other devices via network N.

[0280] The arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and the input IF 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the secondary storage device 1050 onto the primary storage device 1040 and executes the loaded program.

[0281] For example, when computer 1000 functions as an information processing device 100, the arithmetic unit 1030 of computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 130 by executing a program loaded onto the primary storage device 1040.

[0282] [5-5. Others] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments and modifications, 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 by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0283] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0284] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0285] Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" mentioned above can be replaced with "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, the acquisition unit can be replaced with acquisition means or acquisition circuit.

[0286] [6. Effects] As described above, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment has a providing unit 136. The providing unit 136 provides content including a first tab which contains search results corresponding to a search query, and a second tab which contains a ranking of trading targets corresponding to the search query.

[0287] Thus, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate content by providing content that includes information from two different perspectives: a first tab containing search results corresponding to the search query, and a second tab containing rankings of trading targets corresponding to the search query.

[0288] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment has a generation unit 135. The generation unit 135 generates content including a first tab and a second tab. The providing unit 136 provides the content generated by the generation unit 135.

[0289] Thus, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate content by generating content that includes a first tab and a second tab.

[0290] Also, in the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, the providing unit 136 provides content including a second tab on which a ranking of transaction targets to be transacted in the electronic commerce is arranged.

[0291] Thus, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment can provide appropriate content for transaction targets to be transacted in the electronic commerce.

[0292] Also, in the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, the providing unit 136 transmits the content to the terminal device used by the user.

[0293] Thus, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment can provide appropriate content by transmitting the content to the terminal device used by the user.

[0294] Also, in the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, the providing unit 136 transmits the content to a terminal device that displays either the first tab or the second tab in a predetermined display area of the content according to the user's selection.

[0295] Thus, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment can provide appropriate content by transmitting the content to a terminal device that displays either the first tab or the second tab in a predetermined display area of the content according to the user's selection.

[0296] [[ID= 23]] Also, in the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, the providing unit 136 provides the terminal device with content including the first tab and the second tab for the search query input by the user.

[0297] Thus, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment can provide appropriate content by providing the terminal device with content including the first tab and the second tab for the search query input by the user.

[0298] Furthermore, in the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment, the provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab on which rankings generated based on transaction information relating to the transaction object are placed.

[0299] Thus, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate content to a terminal device by providing it with content including a second tab that contains a ranking generated based on transaction information relating to the transaction object.

[0300] Furthermore, in the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment, the provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab on which a ranking generated based on transaction target information, including the sales history of the transaction target, is placed.

[0301] Thus, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate content by providing content that includes a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction information, including the sales history of the transaction target.

[0302] Furthermore, in the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment, the providing unit 136 provides content including a second tab which contains a ranking generated based on transaction target information, including the number of orders for the transaction target.

[0303] Thus, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate content by providing content that includes a second tab containing a ranking generated based on transaction information, including the number of orders for the transaction.

[0304] Furthermore, in the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment, the provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab which contains a ranking generated based on transaction information, including the period elapsed since the date and time the transaction item was sold.

[0305] Thus, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate content by providing content that includes a second tab containing a ranking generated based on transaction information, including the period elapsed since the date and time the transaction item was sold.

[0306] Furthermore, in the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment, the provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab which contains rankings generated based on transaction target information, including the number of sales of the transaction target.

[0307] Thus, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate content by providing content that includes a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction information, including the number of sales of the transaction items.

[0308] Furthermore, in the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment, the provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab which contains a ranking generated based on transaction target information, including the number of times the information indicating the transaction target has been viewed.

[0309] Thus, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate content by providing content that includes a second tab containing a ranking generated based on transaction target information, including the number of times the information indicating the transaction target has been viewed.

[0310] Furthermore, in the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment, the provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab which contains rankings generated based on transaction target information, including the number of reviews for the transaction target.

[0311] Thus, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate content by providing content that includes a second tab containing a ranking generated based on transaction target information, including the number of reviews for the transaction target.

[0312] Furthermore, in the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment, the provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab which contains rankings generated based on transaction target information, including evaluations of the transaction target.

[0313] Thus, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate content by providing content that includes a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction target information, including evaluations of the transaction target.

[0314] Furthermore, in the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment, the providing unit 136 provides content including a second tab which contains rankings generated based on transaction target information, including external factors related to the transaction target.

[0315] Thus, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate content by providing content that includes a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction target information, including external factors related to the transaction target.

[0316] Furthermore, in the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment, the provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab which contains rankings generated based on transaction target information, including posts about transaction targets on SNS.

[0317] Thus, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate content by providing content that includes a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction target information, including posts about transaction targets on SNS.

[0318] Furthermore, in the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment, the provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab which contains rankings generated based on transaction target information, including the number of searches related to the transaction target.

[0319] Thus, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate content by providing content that includes a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction target information, including the number of searches related to the transaction target.

[0320] Furthermore, in the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment, the providing unit 136 provides content including a second tab which contains rankings generated based on transaction target information, including internal factors related to the transaction target.

[0321] Thus, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate content by providing content that includes a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction target information, including internal factors related to the transaction target.

[0322] Furthermore, in the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment, the provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab on which a ranking generated based on transaction target information, including coupons targeting the transaction target, is placed.

[0323] Thus, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate content by providing content including a second tab which contains rankings generated based on transaction target information, including coupons targeting the transaction target.

[0324] Furthermore, in the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment, the provisioning unit 136 provides content including a second tab which contains rankings generated based on transaction target information, including price reductions related to the transaction target.

[0325] Thus, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can provide appropriate content by providing content that includes a second tab containing rankings generated based on transaction information, including price reductions related to the transaction items.

[0326] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0327] N Network 1. Information Processing System 10 Terminal devices 20 External device 100 Information Processing Devices 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 User information storage unit 122 Transaction Information Storage Unit 123 Content Storage Unit 124 Ranking Information Storage Unit 130 Control Unit 131 Acquisition Department 132 Reception Department 133 Decision Section 134 Estimation Department 135 Generation part 136 Provision Department

Claims

1. The content provider offers a first tab containing search results corresponding to the search query, and a second tab containing rankings of the items being traded. An information processing device characterized by comprising:

2. A generation unit that generates the content including the first tab and the second tab, Furthermore, The aforementioned supply unit is, The content generated by the generation unit is provided. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned supply unit is, The content includes a second tab which displays the ranking of the traded items traded in electronic commerce. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned supply unit is, The content is transmitted to the terminal device used by the user. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned supply unit is, The terminal device, which switches between displaying the first tab and the second tab according to the user's selection, transmits the content. The information processing apparatus according to feature 4.

6. The aforementioned supply unit is, In accordance with the user's selection, the terminal device that displays either the first tab or the second tab in a predetermined display area of ​​the content transmits the content. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The aforementioned supply unit is, The terminal device is provided with the content, including the first tab and the second tab, which target the search query entered by the user. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. The aforementioned supply unit is, The content includes a second tab on which the ranking generated based on the transaction information relating to the transaction object is placed. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The aforementioned supply unit is, The content includes a second tab on which the ranking generated based on the transaction information, including the sales history of the transaction subject, is placed. The information processing apparatus according to feature 8.

10. The aforementioned supply unit is, The content includes a second tab on which the ranking generated based on the trading target information, including the number of orders for the trading target, is placed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The aforementioned supply unit is, The content includes a second tab which displays the ranking generated based on the transaction information, including the period elapsed since the date and time the transaction was sold. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. The aforementioned supply unit is, The content includes a second tab on which the ranking generated based on the transaction information, including the number of sales of the transaction target, is placed. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. The aforementioned supply unit is, The content includes a second tab which displays the ranking generated based on the transaction target information, including the number of times the information indicating the transaction target has been viewed. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 12.

14. The aforementioned supply unit is, The content includes a second tab which displays the ranking generated based on the trading target information, including the number of reviews for the trading target. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 13.

15. The aforementioned supply unit is, The content includes a second tab on which the ranking generated based on the transaction information, including an evaluation of the transaction subject, is placed. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

16. The aforementioned supply unit is, The content includes a second tab on which the ranking generated based on the transaction information, including external factors relating to the transaction, is placed. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 15.

17. The aforementioned supply unit is, The content includes a second tab on which the ranking generated based on the transaction target information, including posts about the transaction target on SNS (Social Networking Service), is placed. The information processing apparatus according to feature 16.

18. The aforementioned supply unit is, The content includes a second tab on which the ranking generated based on the transaction information, including the number of searches related to the transaction, is placed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16 or 17.

19. A method of information processing performed by a computer, A content delivery process that includes a first tab displaying search results corresponding to the search query and a second tab displaying rankings of the items being traded. An information processing method characterized by including

20. A delivery procedure that provides content including a first tab containing search results corresponding to the search query and a second tab containing rankings of items to be traded. An information processing program characterized by causing a computer to execute it.

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