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

Abstract

Users can easily access content that presents opposing viewpoints to a given topic. [Solution] The information processing device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: an estimation unit that estimates the direction of opinion indicated by a predetermined content; a search unit that searches for opposing content indicating opposing opinions to the direction of opinion estimated by the estimation unit; and a provision unit that provides opposing content when a predetermined operation (for example, an operation to flip the predetermined content over) is performed on the predetermined content.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0005] ,

[0007] , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies related to information distribution via the Internet are known. As an example of such a technology, when distributing content such as news articles, a service is known that accepts a selection of a theme from a user and provides news articles included in the selected theme, comments on the news articles, and the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described technology, content indicating opposing opinions on a given content cannot always be easily viewed by a user.

[0005] For example, in the above-described technology, only content along the theme selected by the user is provided, and content indicating opposing opinions on a given content cannot always be easily viewed by the user.

[0006] The present application has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to enable a user to easily view content indicating opposing opinions on a given content.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The information processing device according to the present application is characterized by comprising: an estimation unit that estimates the direction of opinion indicated by predetermined content; a search unit that searches for opposing content indicating opposing opinions to the direction of opinion estimated by the estimation unit; and a provision unit that provides the opposing content when a predetermined operation is performed on the predetermined content. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment, the effect is achieved that users can easily view content that presents opposing viewpoints on a given piece of content. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an example of the screen of user terminal 100, shown in Figure (1). [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an example of the screen of user terminal 100, shown in Figure (2). [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a content information database 31. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing procedure according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the information processing device 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, the embodiments for implementing the information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). Note that these embodiments do not limit the information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application. Furthermore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in each of the following embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] [1. Embodiments] The information processing realized by the information processing device of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of information processing according to the embodiment. In Figure 1, the information processing according to the embodiment is realized by the information processing device 10, which is an example of the information processing device according to the present application.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment includes an information processing device 10 and a user terminal 100. The information processing device 10 and the user terminal 100 are connected to each other via a network N (see, for example, Figure 4) by wire or wireless means so that they can communicate with each other. The network N is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet. Note that the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 may include multiple information processing devices 10 and multiple user terminals 100.

[0013] The information processing device 10 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing device that performs information processing according to the embodiment, and can be realized, for example, by a server device or a cloud system. In the example in Figure 1, the information processing device 10 is, for example, an information processing device that provides a news service that provides content related to news articles to a user.

[0014] The information processing device 10 may also function as a web server providing a website related to the news service. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may be a device that distributes information to the user terminal 100 for display on an application related to the news service (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "news app") installed on the user terminal 100. The information processing device 10 may also be a server that distributes the news app data itself. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may function as a distribution device that distributes control information to the user terminal 100. Here, the control information is described, for example, using a scripting language such as JavaScript (registered trademark) or a stylesheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). The news app itself distributed from the information processing device 10 may also be considered as control information.

[0015] The user terminal 100 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing device used by a user. The user terminal 100 can be implemented as, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). In the example shown in Figure 1, the user terminal 100 is a smartphone used by the user.

[0016] Furthermore, the user terminal 100 displays the information provided by the information processing device 10 using a web browser or application. When the user terminal 100 receives control information from the information processing device 10 or other devices to implement the information display process, it performs the display process according to the control information.

[0017] Hereinafter, the information processing performed by the information processing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. In the following description, it is assumed that the user terminal 100 is used by a user (user U1) identified by the user ID "UID#1". Also, in the following description, the user terminal 100 may be regarded as the same as user U1. That is, hereinafter, user U1 can also be read as the user terminal 100.

[0018] Also, in the following description, it is assumed that a news application is pre-installed on the user terminal 100.

[0019] First, the information processing apparatus 10 provides content related to news articles to the user terminal 100 via the news application (step S1). For example, the information processing apparatus 10 provides the user terminal 100 with content #1 indicating news article #1, a comment group #1 posted for news article #1, etc., in response to an operation by user U1.

[0020] Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 10 estimates the direction of the opinion indicated by content #1 (step S2). For example, the information processing apparatus 10 estimates the direction of the opinion indicated by news article #1, the direction of the opinion indicated by each of the comment group #1, etc., using text mining technology. To give a specific example, the information processing apparatus 10 performs keyword extraction and sentiment analysis on the extracted keywords using text mining technology, thereby estimating the direction of the opinion indicated by news article #1, the direction of the opinion indicated by each of the comment group #1, etc.

[0021] For example, the information processing device 10 extracts keywords such as event #1 (in other words, the event reported by news article #1) and objects related to event #1. The information processing device 10 then estimates the direction of opinion expressed by news article #1, determining whether news article #1 is positive, negative, or neutral with respect to the extracted keywords. The information processing device 10 also estimates the direction of opinion expressed by each comment in comment group #1, determining whether each comment is positive, negative, or neutral with respect to the extracted keywords.

[0022] Here, the event #1 referred to in news article #1 refers to, for example, a disaster, accident, incident, or scandal. Furthermore, the object related to event #1 refers to, for example, a person, organization, building, or structure.

[0023] Any text mining technique may be used. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may, for example, use model #1, which has been trained to generate answers to input questions, to estimate the direction of opinion expressed by content #1.

[0024] For example, the information processing device 10 estimates the direction of opinion expressed by news article #1 by inputting information from news article #1 (e.g., text information) and an instruction sentence that instructs model #1 to output the direction of opinion expressed by news article #1 regarding the keyword, based on the information from news article #1. In addition, the information processing device 10 estimates the direction of opinion expressed by each of the comment group #1 by inputting information from comments posted to news article #1 (e.g., text information) and an instruction sentence that instructs model #1 to output the direction of opinion expressed by the comment regarding the keyword, based on the information from news article #1.

[0025] Here, Model #1 is a model trained to output a response corresponding to an input question, and is a language model that performs natural language processing, such as GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) or Transformer. Model #1 resides within the information processing device 10 and was created independently by the business operator managing the information processing device 10. It is desirable that the input information be kept confidential by training the model so that it is not used as a new answer.

[0026] Next, the information processing device 10 searches for conflicting content that contradicts the direction of opinion expressed in content #1 (step S3). For example, the information processing device 10 searches for news articles (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "conflicting articles") that contradict the direction of opinion expressed in news article #1 from among the news article group #1 that describes event #1. In other words, the information processing device 10 searches for conflicting articles as an example of conflicting content.

[0027] To give a specific example, the information processing device 10 uses the same method as described above to estimate the direction of opinion expressed by each piece of content included in news article group #1. Then, the information processing device 10 searches for news articles from news article group #1 that contradict the direction of opinion expressed by news article #1, classifying them as opposing articles. For example, if news article #1 is negative towards the keyword "person #1", the information processing device 10 searches for news articles from news article group #1 that are positive towards the keyword "person #1".

[0028] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 searches for comments in comment group #1 that have opposing viewpoints (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "conflicting comments") for each comment included in comment group #1. In other words, the information processing device 10 searches for conflicting comments as an example of conflicting content.

[0029] For example, if comment #1 included in comment group #1 is negative towards the keyword "person #1", the information processing device 10 searches for a comment from comment group #1 that is positive towards the keyword "person #1" as a contrasting comment.

[0030] The information processing device 10 may also set keywords for searching for opposing content (hereinafter referred to as "opposing keywords") and use these keywords to search for opposing content. For example, the information processing device 10 searches for opposing articles based on opposing keywords that indicate the antonyms of strings contained in news article #1. To give one example, if news article #1 contains a string such as "Person #1 is responsible," the information processing device 10 uses "Person #1 is not responsible" as the opposing keyword to search for opposing articles.

[0031] Next, if user U1 performs a predetermined operation on content #1, the information processing device 10 provides the opposing content to the user terminal 100 (step S4). For example, if the information processing device 10 receives information from the user terminal 100 indicating that an operation to flip news article #1 has been performed, it provides the opposing article to news article #1. Also, if the information processing device 10 receives information from the user terminal 100 indicating that an operation to flip any of the comments in comment group #1 has been performed, it provides the opposing comment to that comment.

[0032] In other words, when an operation is performed to reverse a news article or comment, the information processing device 10 reverses the direction of opinion expressed in the news article or comment (i.e., the stated viewpoint) and provides a news article or comment that shows the opposing viewpoint (i.e., the reversed viewpoint).

[0033] Here, we will explain the content provided to the user terminal 100 using Figure 2. Figure 2 is an example of the screen of the user terminal 100 (Figure (1)).

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the user terminal 100 displays screen C11 showing content #1. For example, the user terminal 100 displays screen C11 which includes area AR11 that displays text information, image information, and a button B11 for flipping news article #1, and area AR12 that displays comments #1 posted to news article #1 and a button B12 for flipping comment #1. To give a specific example, the user terminal 100 displays screen C11 showing news article #1 that is negative towards the keyword "person #1" and comment #1 that is negative towards the keyword "person #1".

[0035] Here, if user U1 presses button B11 on screen C11, user terminal 100 displays screen C12 showing news article #2, which is opposed to the opinion expressed in news article #1. For example, user terminal 100 displays screen C12 which includes area AR13, which displays text information, image information, and a button B13 for flipping news article #2, and area AR14, which displays comments #2 posted on news article #2 and a button B14 for flipping comments #2. To give a specific example, user terminal 100 displays screen C12 showing news article #2, which is positive towards the keyword "person #1".

[0036] Furthermore, if user U1 presses button B12 on screen C11, screen C13 will be displayed showing comment #3, which is among the comments in comment group #1 and contradicts the direction of opinion indicated by comment #1. For example, user terminal 100 will display comment #3 in area AR12 instead of comment #1. To give a specific example, user terminal 100 will display comment #3, which is positive towards the keyword "person #1". Also, user terminal 100 will display button B15 in area AR12 to perform the operation of flipping comment #3.

[0037] Furthermore, the operation of flipping over is not limited to pressing a button; it can be any operation. For example, the operation of flipping over may include dragging, swiping, or shaking the user terminal 100.

[0038] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment provides opposing articles and comments in response to an operation to flip over news articles and comments. This allows the user to easily view content that shows opposing viewpoints on a predetermined content.

[0039] Furthermore, in news services and the like, personalized content is prioritized for users, which can result in a bias in the opinions expressed in the provided content. Additionally, users may wish to view content with a different perspective than the one provided. In such cases, searching for content with a different perspective within the personalized content provided can be burdensome for the user. Therefore, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment allows users to easily view content that presents opposing viewpoints to the content they have been provided with, thereby improving the convenience of news services.

[0040] [2. Other processing examples] The process described above is merely one example, and the information processing device 10 may perform various processes using various types of information. Examples of this are listed below.

[0041] [2-1. Processing in response to content highlighting] In the example shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 10 may estimate the direction of opinion indicated by the part of content #1 that user U1 has highlighted, and if the user U1 performs an operation to flip that part over, it may provide opposing content that contradicts the direction of opinion indicated by that part.

[0042] Here, we will explain the content provided to the user terminal 100 using Figure 3. Figure 3 is Figure (2), which shows an example of the screen of the user terminal 100.

[0043] As shown in Figure 3, the user terminal 100 displays screen C21 showing content related to news article #3. For example, the user terminal 100 displays screen C21 which includes area AR21 that displays text information and image information related to news article #3, and area AR22 that displays comment #4 posted to news article #3.

[0044] Here, let's assume that user U1 performs an operation to highlight the string T21 in the text information representing news article #3. In this case, user terminal 100 displays a button B21 on the string T21 to perform the operation of flipping the string T21. Then, when user U1 presses button B21, user terminal 100 displays screen C22, which shows news article #4, which is opposed to the direction of opinion indicated by string T21. For example, user terminal 100 displays screen C22 which includes area AR23 that displays text information and image information representing news article #4, and area AR24 that displays comment #5 posted to news article #4.

[0045] For example, if the user terminal 100 finds that the string T21 expresses a positive opinion regarding the keyword "person #2", it will display screen C22 showing news article #4, which is negative regarding the keyword "person #2".

[0046] [2-2. Regarding the provision of related content] In the example shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 10 may search for related content that is different from the opposing content based on the direction of opinion indicated by content #1, and provide the related content when an operation different from the flipping operation (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "related operation") is performed on content #1. A related operation may be any operation that is different from the flipping operation, such as pressing a designated button, dragging, swiping, or shaking the user terminal 100.

[0047] [2-2-1. Regarding the provision of compatible content] The information processing device 10 may provide corresponding content that corresponds to the direction of opinion expressed in content #1. For example, the information processing device 10 searches the news article group #1 for news articles that express opinions corresponding to the direction of opinion expressed in news article #1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "corresponding articles"). Then, if an operation related to news article #1 is performed, the information processing device 10 provides corresponding articles. To give one example, if news article #1 is negative towards the keyword "person #1", the information processing device 10 provides news articles that are negative towards the keyword "person #1" as corresponding articles.

[0048] Furthermore, for each comment included in comment group #1, the information processing device 10 searches comment group #1 for a comment whose opinion direction corresponds to that of the comment in comment group #1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "corresponding comment"). Then, if an operation related to comment #1 is performed on comment #1, the information processing device 10 provides a corresponding comment. For example, if comment #1 is negative towards the keyword "person #1", the information processing device 10 provides a comment that is negative towards the keyword "person #1" as a corresponding comment.

[0049] [2-2-2. Regarding the provision of alternative opinion content] The information processing device 10 may provide alternative opinion content that differs from the direction of opinion expressed in content #1 and also differs from the opposing opinion. For example, the information processing device 10 searches the news article group #1 for news articles that differ from the direction of opinion expressed in news article #1 and also differ from the opposing opinion (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "alternative opinion articles"). Then, if an operation related to news article #1 is performed, the information processing device 10 provides alternative opinion articles. To give one example, if news article #1 is negative towards the keyword "person #1", the information processing device 10 provides news articles that are neutral towards the keyword "person #1" as alternative opinion articles.

[0050] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 searches for comments within comment group #1 that have a different direction of opinion and express an opinion different from the opposing opinion (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "alternative opinion comments") for each comment included in comment group #1. Then, if an operation related to comment #1 is performed, the information processing device 10 provides alternative opinion comments. For example, if comment #1 is negative towards the keyword "person #1", the information processing device 10 provides comments that are neutral towards the keyword "person #1" as alternative opinion comments.

[0051] [2-3. Regarding the provision of event-related content] In the example in Figure 1, the information processing device 10 may search for event content, which is supplementary content, with respect to event #1 indicated by content #1, and provide the event content when an operation other than a reversal operation (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "event operation") is performed on content #1. For example, if the information processing device 10 is updated by news article #1, it searches for news articles that indicate event #1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "event articles") among the news articles previously distributed in the news service. The information processing device 10 then provides content #1 along with information indicating that the information regarding event #1 has been updated. Here, the information processing device 10 provides content indicating the event article when an event operation is performed on content #1.

[0052] Furthermore, an event operation can be any operation that is different from an operation to flip over or a related operation, such as pressing a designated button, dragging, swiping, or shaking the user terminal 100.

[0053] [3. Configuration of the Information Processing Device] Next, the configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 10 has a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0054] (Regarding Communications Section 20) The communication unit 20 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 20 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with the user terminal 100, etc.

[0055] (Regarding memory unit 30) The storage unit 30 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. As shown in Figure 4, the storage unit 30 has a content information database 31 and a model database 32.

[0056] (Regarding Content Information Database 31) The content information database 31 stores various types of information about news articles provided by the news service. Here, an example of the information stored in the content information database 31 is illustrated using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the content information database 31. In the example in Figure 5, the content information database 31 has items such as "Content ID," "Event ID," "Event Information," "Text Information," "Image Information," and "Comment Information."

[0057] "Content ID" indicates identification information used to identify content. "Event ID" indicates identification information used to identify the event described in the news article. "Event Information" indicates information about the event described in the news article, such as the type of event, the name of the event, and the location where the event occurred. "Text Information" indicates the text information contained in the news article. "Image Information" indicates the images contained in the news article. "Comment Information" indicates comments posted to the news article.

[0058] In other words, Figure 5 shows an example where the event indicated by the news article of the content identified by the content ID "CID#1" is identified by the event ID "MID#1", the event information of that event is "event information#1", the text information of the news article is "text information#1", the image information is "image information#1", and the posted comment is "posted comment#1".

[0059] (Regarding Model Database 32) The model database 32 stores models that have been trained to generate answers to input questions.

[0060] (Regarding the control unit 40) The control unit 40 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by executing various programs stored in the memory device inside the information processing device 10 using RAM as a working area, using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), etc. Alternatively, the control unit 40 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 40 according to this embodiment includes an estimation unit 41, a search unit 42, and a provision unit 43, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below.

[0061] (Regarding the estimation section 41) The estimation unit 41 estimates the direction of opinion indicated by a given content. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the estimation unit 41 refers to the storage unit 30 (for example, the content information database 31) and estimates the direction of opinion indicated by content #1.

[0062] Furthermore, the estimation unit 41 may estimate the direction of opinion indicated by a portion of the predetermined content specified by the user. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the estimation unit 41 estimates the direction of opinion indicated by a portion of the content related to news article #3 that user U1 has highlighted, and when the user U1 performs an operation to flip that portion over, it provides opposing content that contradicts the direction of opinion indicated by that portion.

[0063] (Regarding search unit 42) The search unit 42 searches for opposing content that shows opposing opinions to the direction of opinion estimated by the estimation unit 41. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the search unit 42 searches for opposing content that contradicts the direction of opinion shown by content #1.

[0064] Furthermore, the search unit 42 may search for opposing content that includes keywords indicating opposing viewpoints. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the search unit 42 searches for opposing articles based on opposing keywords that indicate antonyms of the strings contained in news article #1.

[0065] Furthermore, the search unit 42 may also search for related content that is different from the opposing content, based on the direction of opinion. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the search unit 42 searches for related content that is different from the opposing content, based on the direction of opinion indicated by content #1.

[0066] The search unit 42 may also search for related content that shows the direction of opinion and corresponding opinions. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the search unit 42 searches for news articles from news article group #1 that show opinions that correspond to the direction of opinion shown in news article #1.

[0067] Furthermore, the search unit 42 may search for related content that expresses opinions different from the direction of opinion expressed. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the search unit 42 searches for news articles from news article group #1 that express alternative opinions that differ from the direction of opinion expressed in news article #1 and that are different from opposing opinions.

[0068] Furthermore, the search unit 42 may also search for event content related to the event indicated by a predetermined content. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the search unit 42 searches for event content that is supplementary content to event #1 indicated by content #1.

[0069] (Regarding Section 43) The provisioning unit 43 provides conflicting content when a predetermined operation is performed on predetermined content. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the provisioning unit 43 provides conflicting content to the user terminal 100 when user U1 performs a predetermined operation on content #1.

[0070] Furthermore, the providing unit 43 may provide opposing content when a predetermined operation is performed on a portion. For example, in the example in Figure 1, when a predetermined operation is performed on a portion highlighted by user U1, the providing unit 43 provides opposing content that contradicts the direction of opinion indicated by that portion.

[0071] Furthermore, the provisioning unit 43 may provide counter-content if, as a predetermined operation, a predetermined content is flipped over while viewing predetermined content. For example, in the example in Figure 1, if the provisioning unit 43 receives information from the user terminal 100 indicating that news article #1 has been flipped over, it provides a counter-article for news article #1. Also, if the provisioning unit 43 receives information from the user terminal 100 indicating that any comment in comment group #1 has been flipped over, it provides a counter-comment for that comment.

[0072] Furthermore, the providing unit 43 may provide related content when an operation other than a predetermined operation is performed on predetermined content. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the providing unit 43 provides related content when an operation other than the flipping operation is performed.

[0073] Furthermore, the providing unit 43 may provide event content when an operation other than a predetermined operation is performed on a predetermined content. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the providing unit 43 provides event content when an operation other than the flipping operation is performed on content #1.

[0074] [4. Information Processing Flow] The information processing procedure of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart of an example of the information processing procedure according to the embodiment.

[0075] As shown in Figure 6, the information processing device 10 estimates the direction of opinion indicated by a predetermined content (step S101). Next, the information processing device 10 searches for opposing content that indicates opposing opinions to the estimated direction of opinion (step S102). Subsequently, the information processing device 10 determines whether a predetermined operation has been performed (step S103). If the predetermined operation has not been performed (step S103; No), the information processing device 10 waits until the predetermined operation is performed.

[0076] On the other hand, if a predetermined operation is performed (step S103; Yes), the information processing device 10 provides the conflicting content (step S104) and terminates the process.

[0077] [5. Variations] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0078] [5-1. Regarding the processing method] Of the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, and conversely, 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 text and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not contradictory.

[0081] [6. Effects] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment includes an estimation unit 41, a search unit 42, and a provision unit 43. The estimation unit 41 estimates the direction of opinion indicated by a predetermined content. The search unit 42 searches for opposing content that indicates opposing opinions to the direction of opinion estimated by the estimation unit 41. The search unit 42 also searches for opposing content that includes keywords indicating opposing opinions. The provision unit 43 provides opposing content when a predetermined operation is performed on the predetermined content. The provision unit 43 also provides opposing content when, as a predetermined operation, the predetermined content is viewed and the predetermined content is flipped over.

[0082] As a result, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment can provide opposing content in response to an operation to flip the content, so that users can easily view content that shows opposing viewpoints on a given content.

[0083] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the search unit 42 further searches for related content different from the opposing content based on the direction of opinion. The providing unit 43 then provides related content when an operation different from a predetermined operation is performed on a predetermined content. The search unit 42 also searches for related content that indicates an opinion corresponding to the direction of opinion. The search unit 42 also searches for related content that indicates an opinion different from the direction of opinion. The search unit 42 also further searches for event content related to the event indicated by the predetermined content. The providing unit 43 then provides event content when an operation different from a predetermined operation is performed on a predetermined content.

[0084] As a result, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment can provide various types of content in response to user operations, thereby improving convenience.

[0085] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment, for example, the estimation unit 41 estimates the direction of opinion indicated by a portion of predetermined content specified by the user. The provision unit 43 then provides opposing content when a predetermined operation is performed on that portion.

[0086] As a result, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment can provide contrasting content corresponding to the portion specified by the user, thereby improving convenience.

[0087] [7. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 according to each embodiment described above can be implemented by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 7. The following explanation will use the information processing device 10 as an example. Figure 7 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the information processing device 10. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, ROM 1200, RAM 1300, HDD 1400, communication interface (I / F) 1500, input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0088] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1200 or HDD 1400, and controls various parts. The ROM 1200 stores boot programs executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.

[0089] The HDD 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, as well as data used by such programs. The communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via the communication network 500 (corresponding to network N in this embodiment) and sends it to the CPU 1100, and also transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the communication network 500.

[0090] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input devices such as keyboards and mice, via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs the data it generates to output devices via the input / output interface 1600.

[0091] The media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in the recording medium 1800 and provides it to the CPU 1100 via the RAM 1300. The CPU 1100 loads the program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1300 via the media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0092] For example, when computer 1000 functions as information processing device 10, the CPU 1100 of computer 1000 realizes the functions of control unit 40 by executing programs loaded on RAM 1300. The HDD 1400 stores the data in the storage device of information processing device 10. The CPU 1100 of computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via a predetermined communication network.

[0093] [8. Other] 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.

[0094] Furthermore, the configuration of the aforementioned information processing device 10 can be flexibly changed, for example, by calling external platforms, etc., via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) or network computing, depending on the function.

[0095] Furthermore, the term "part" in the claims can be replaced with "means," "circuit," etc. For example, "reception part" can be replaced with "reception means" or "reception circuit." [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 10 Information Processing Devices 20 Communications Department 30 Storage section 31 Content Information Database 32 Model Databases 40 Control Unit 41 Estimation part 42 Search Section 43 Providing Department 100 User Terminals

Claims

1. An estimation unit that estimates the direction of opinions indicated by the given content, A search unit searches for conflicting content that shows opposing opinions to the direction of opinion estimated by the estimation unit, When a predetermined operation is performed on the predetermined content, the providing unit that provides the opposing content An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

2. The aforementioned search unit, Search for the conflict content that includes keywords indicating the aforementioned conflicting opinions. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The estimation unit, The direction of the opinion indicated by the portion of the predetermined content specified by the user is estimated, The aforementioned supply unit is, When the predetermined operation is performed on the aforementioned portion, the opposing content is provided. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The aforementioned supply unit is, As a predetermined operation, when the predetermined content is viewed, the operation to flip the predetermined content over is performed, and the opposing content is provided. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

5. The aforementioned search unit, Furthermore, based on the direction of the aforementioned opinion, search for related content that is different from the aforementioned conflicting content, The aforementioned supply unit is, When an operation other than the predetermined operation is performed on the predetermined content, the related content is provided. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

6. The aforementioned search unit, Search the related content that shows the direction of the aforementioned opinion and corresponding opinions. The information processing apparatus according to feature 5.

7. The aforementioned search unit, Search for related content that expresses opinions different from the direction of the aforementioned opinion. The information processing apparatus according to feature 5.

8. The aforementioned search unit, Furthermore, the system searches for event content related to the event indicated by the predetermined content, The aforementioned supply unit is, When an operation other than the predetermined operation is performed on the predetermined content, the event content is provided. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

9. A method of information processing performed by a computer, An estimation process to estimate the direction of opinions indicated by the given content, A search process to search for conflicting content that shows opposing opinions to the direction of opinion estimated by the estimation process, When a predetermined operation is performed on the predetermined content, the process of providing the opposing content is performed. An information processing method characterized by including

10. An estimation procedure for estimating the direction of opinions indicated by a given content, A search procedure for searching for conflicting content that shows opposing opinions to the direction of opinion estimated by the estimation procedure, When a predetermined operation is performed on the predetermined content, the procedure for providing the opposing content is as follows: An information processing program characterized by causing a computer to execute it.

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