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

Abstract

Provides real-time comments from users viewing the content. [Solution] The information processing device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a distribution unit that distributes content that meets predetermined conditions; a reception unit that receives comments from users simultaneously viewing the content for content that meets predetermined conditions; and a provision unit that links the received comments with the content and provides them in real time to users simultaneously viewing the content.

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, techniques related to information distribution via the Internet are known. As an example of such a technique, a technique for providing comments posted by users on news articles to other users who have viewed the news articles is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, it cannot be said that the above-described technique can provide comments of users who are viewing articles in real time.

[0005] For example, the above-described technique only provides comments posted on the content, and it cannot be said that it can provide comments of users who are viewing the content in real time.

[0006] The present application has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide comments of users who are viewing content in real time.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The information processing device according to the present application is characterized by comprising: a distribution unit that distributes content that meets predetermined conditions; a reception unit that receives comments from users simultaneously viewing the content that meet the predetermined conditions; and a provision unit that links the received comments with the content and provides the content to the users simultaneously viewing it in real time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the system, it has the effect of providing comments from users viewing the content in real time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of content and comments according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of display control according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a content information database. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a comment information database. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing procedure according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of an information processing device. [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 5) 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, and can be implemented, 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 to users, which distributes content related to news articles.

[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] Next, the information processing performed by the information processing apparatus 10 will be described using FIG. 1. In the following description, for the users who use the user terminal 100, the user terminals 100-1 to 100-N (N is an arbitrary natural number) will be described. For example, the user terminal 100-1 is the user terminal 100 used by the user (user U1) identified by the user ID "UID#1". Also, in the following, when the user terminals 100-1 to 100-N are described without particular distinction, they will be referred to as the user terminal 100. Also, in the following description, the user terminal 100 may be regarded as the same as the user. That is, in the following, the user can also be read as the user terminal 100.

[0018] First, the information processing apparatus 10 distributes content to the user (step S1). For example, the information processing apparatus 10 causes the push notification P of the content to be displayed on the user terminal 100-1. To give a specific example, the information processing apparatus 10 causes the push notification P of the content including the title, summary, thumbnail image, etc. of the news article to be displayed on the user terminal 100-1. Note that the information processing apparatus 10 is not limited to displaying the push notification P of the content.

[0019] The content preferably satisfies a predetermined condition. In the present embodiment, the predetermined condition is preferably content that is eye-catching and content with a large number of accesses within a predetermined period (for example, within 24 hours). Examples of the content include the activities of sports players. Such content often becomes a topic within a predetermined period and is simultaneously viewed by many users. That is, the user will view it in real time during the predetermined period. Note that the predetermined period may be several hours or half a day. Note that the content may include gloomy news. In FIG. 1, as an example of the content, the activities of sports players are shown.

[0020] Next, the information processing device 10 receives a content selection from the user terminal 100 (step S2). For example, suppose that at time #1, the information processing device 10 receives a request for news service provision (for example, a request for a website related to news service) from the user terminal 100-1. In other words, suppose that user U1 has selected a content push notification P. In this case, the information processing device 10 provides the content. Then, the screen of the user terminal 100 transitions to the content (news article) screen C21.

[0021] Next, the information processing device 10 receives comments on the content from the user terminal 100 (step S3). The information processing device 10 receives comments on the content from the time the content is distributed until a predetermined period of time has elapsed. For example, if a user enters a comment, the information processing device 10 receives comment #1 (CM1) from the user terminal 100-1, which indicates the user U1's evaluation or impressions of the content, until the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0022] For example, the information processing device 10 receives a comment CM1, which is text information such as "The patented player is amazing."

[0023] The information processing device 10 distributes content to each user terminal 100, and when each user accesses the content, it accepts comments from each user on the distributed content in real time. At this time, it can be said that each user is simultaneously viewing the distributed content.

[0024] The information processing device 10 may also accept comments from the user via voice input.

[0025] Next, the information processing device 10 provides the user with the comments received from the user terminal 100 (step S4). For example, the comment CM1 at time point #1 is linked to the content and displayed on the user terminal 100.

[0026] Here, we will explain the content and comments provided to the user terminal 100 using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of content and comments according to the embodiment.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the user terminal 100 displays a screen C21 which includes an area AR21 for displaying content, an area AR22 for displaying comments, an area AR23 for entering comments, and a post button B1 for submitting the entered comments.

[0028] Assume that user U1 enters a comment in area AR23 and presses the submit button B1. In this case, user terminal 100 displays screen C22 showing the comment. For example, user U1 selects area AR23 which displays "Enter a comment," enters "Patent player is amazing," and submits the comment by pressing the submit button B1. Once user U1 has entered and submitted the comment, user terminal 100 displays "Enter a comment" again in area AR23.

[0029] Similarly, when user U2 enters a comment (for example, "Thanks to the perfect conditions!") in area AR23 and presses the submit button, user terminal 100 displays the comment CM2 entered by user U2, linking it to the content.

[0030] Similarly, whenever the information processing device 10 receives a comment from the user terminal 100, it displays the received comment on the user terminal 100. The information processing device 10 displays the comment for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, 10 seconds, 1 minute, etc., but can be set arbitrarily. For example, after the information processing device 10 has displayed the comment for the predetermined time, it stops displaying the comment. In this case, the information processing device 10 hides or deletes the comment that was displayed in area AR22 for the predetermined time, and then makes it available for display again when the user selects the comment that was stopped from being displayed.

[0031] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment delivers content to users, and users access the content. The information processing device 10 receives comments on the content from each user who accesses the content, links them to the content, and provides and displays them to the user. In this way, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment can provide user comments on the content in real time. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 can prevent comments from becoming difficult to read by hiding comments that have been displayed for a predetermined time and then making them viewable to users later.

[0032] The information processing device 10 may also display speech bubbles on the user terminal 100 to indicate people, objects, etc., that are shown in the photograph.

[0033] [2. Other processing examples] The above-described process is merely an example, and the information processing device 10 may perform various processes using various types of information. Examples of this are listed below.

[0034] [2-1. Regarding the display position of comments] In the example shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 10 may allow the user to specify the display position of the comment and display the comment on the user terminal 100 at the position corresponding to that position.

[0035] Here, we will explain the display control of the user terminal 100 using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of display control according to the embodiment.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the user terminal 100 displays a screen C31 which includes an area AR31 for displaying content, an area AR32 for displaying comments, an area AR33 for entering comments, an area AR34 for specifying article content, and a post button B2 for submitting the entered comments.

[0037] For example, as shown in Figure 3, suppose user U3 enters a comment (e.g., "The fastest ever is amazing!") in area AR33 and article content (e.g., "The fastest ever") in area AR34. In such a case, user terminal 100 will change the display style of the text entered in area AR34 within the article (e.g., "The fastest ever"). For example, user terminal 100 will display comment CM3 in area AR32 to indicate the part where the display style has been changed (the modified part). In the example shown in Figure 3, user terminal 100 changes the display style by making the modified part ("The fastest ever") bold. The user may also change the display style of the article title or change the type of display style (e.g., change the text color, use a marker, underline, or italicize) on user terminal 100.

[0038] [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 5, the information processing device 10 has a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0039] (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.

[0040] (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 5, the storage unit 30 has a content information database 31 and a comment information database 32.

[0041] (Regarding Content Information Database 31) The content information database 31 stores various types of information related to content that represents news articles. Here, an example of the information stored in the content information database 31 is explained 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," "Text Information," "Image Information," and "Delivery Date and Time."

[0042] "Content ID" indicates identification information used to identify the content. "Text Information" indicates the text information of the content, such as the title of a news article or the body of the news article. "Image Information" indicates the images included in the content, such as the thumbnail image displayed in the timeline. "Distribution Date and Time" indicates the date and time when the content was first distributed on the news service.

[0043] In other words, Figure 6 shows an example where the text information of the content identified by the content ID "CID#1" is "Text Information#1", the image information is "Image Information#1", and the delivery date and time is "Delivery Date and Time#1".

[0044] (Regarding comment information database 32) The comment information database 32 stores various information about comments posted to the timeline. Here, an example of the information stored in the comment information database 32 is explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the comment information database 32. In the example in Figure 7, the comment information database 32 has items such as "Comment ID", "User ID", "Comment", and "Content Information".

[0045] "Comment ID" indicates identification information used to identify a comment. "User ID" indicates identification information used to identify a user. "Comment" indicates a comment posted by a user, and stores, for example, text information describing the comment. "Content Information" indicates the content to which the comment was posted, and stores, for example, the date and time the content was delivered to the user, and information about the content (for example, content ID).

[0046] In other words, Figure 7 shows an example where comment "Comment #1," identified by comment ID "MID#1," is posted by a user identified by user ID "UID#1," and the information regarding the content on which the comment was posted is "Content Information #1."

[0047] (Regarding the control unit 40) The control unit 40 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in the memory device inside the information processing device 10 using RAM as a working area. 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 5, the control unit 40 according to this embodiment has a distribution unit 41, a reception unit 42, a provision unit 43, and a display control unit 44, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below.

[0048] (Regarding Distribution Section 41) The distribution unit 41 distributes content. For example, in the example shown in Figure 1, the distribution unit 41 displays a push notification P on the user terminal 100 that includes the title, summary, and thumbnail image of the content (news article).

[0049] (Regarding reception desk 42) The reception unit 42 receives content selections from the user terminal 100. For example, the reception unit 42 receives a request for news service provision from the user terminal 100.

[0050] The reception unit 42 receives comments from users simultaneously viewing the content distributed by the distribution unit 41. The reception unit 42 receives comments on the content from the time of distribution until a predetermined period has elapsed. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the reception unit 42 receives comment #1 from user terminal 100-1, which indicates user U1's evaluation or impressions of the content, until a predetermined period has elapsed, and stores it in the storage unit 30 (for example, the comment information database 32). Similarly, the reception unit 42 stores each comment received from a user in the storage unit 30.

[0051] Furthermore, the reception unit 42 accepts the specification of the display position of the comment. For example, in the example in Figure 3, the display position of user U3's comment is received from user terminal 100-3 and stored in the storage unit 130.

[0052] (Regarding Section 43) The provisioning unit 43 associates the comments received by the receiving unit 42 with the content and provides them in real time to users who are simultaneously viewing the content. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the provisioning unit 43 refers to the storage unit 30 (for example, the comment information database 32), associates the comments received from the user terminal 100 with the content, and provides them in real time to users who are simultaneously viewing the content.

[0053] (Regarding the display control unit 44) The display control unit 44 displays the content and the comments associated with the content on the user's terminal 100. The display control unit 44 displays the comments in a speech bubble format. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the display control unit 44 displays the comments in a speech bubble format so as not to overlap with the content (news article). The display control unit 44 displays the content in area AR21 and displays the comments in a speech bubble format in area AR22.

[0054] Furthermore, the display control unit 44 displays comments on the user's terminal for a predetermined period of time. In addition, the display control unit 44 displays comments on the user's terminal for articles up to a predetermined period of time after the content has been delivered.

[0055] Furthermore, when the reception unit 42 receives the display position from the user, the display control unit 44 displays a comment on the user terminal at the position corresponding to the display position. For example, in the example in Figure 3, the display control unit 44 displays a comment in a different format to indicate the changed section ("fastest ever") by changing the display style of the changed section.

[0056] [4. Information Processing Flow] The information processing procedure of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example of the information processing procedure according to the embodiment.

[0057] As shown in Figure 7, the information processing device 10 distributes content (step S101). Next, the information processing device 10 receives comments on the content (step S102). Then, the information processing device 10 provides the comments linked to the content (step S103).

[0058] [5. Variations] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the information processing device 10 may refer to comments from other groups on the same content. For example, the information processing device 10 may display a button below the content for referring to other comments, and when a user presses that button, comments from other groups will be displayed. In this case, for example, when a predetermined number of users (e.g., several thousand) have gathered to view the content, the information processing device 10 will designate the users included in that predetermined number as the first group. Then, after the predetermined number has been gathered, when a predetermined number of users have gathered again to view the content, the information processing device 10 will designate the users included in that predetermined number as the second group. The information processing device 10 will display a button below the content for referring to comments from each group, and when a user presses that button, comments from other groups will be displayed.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not contradictory.

[0063] [6. Effects] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment includes a distribution unit 41, a reception unit 42, a provision unit 43, and a display control unit 44. The distribution unit 41 distributes content that meets predetermined conditions. The reception unit 42 receives comments from users simultaneously viewing the content for content that meets the predetermined conditions. The provision unit 43 links the received comments to the content and provides them to each user viewing the content. The display control unit 44 displays the content and the comments linked to the content on the user's terminal.

[0064] As a result, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment can distribute content to each user, receive comments from each user viewing the content simultaneously, and provide the received comments linked to the content, thereby providing comments in real time.

[0065] Furthermore, the reception unit 42 accepts comments on the content from the time it is distributed until a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0066] As a result, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment can provide comments from users who are viewing the information during a predetermined period.

[0067] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment, for example, the display control unit 44 displays comments in a speech bubble format on the user terminal.

[0068] As a result, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment can display content without overlapping it.

[0069] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the display control unit 44 displays comments on the user terminal for a predetermined period of time. The display control unit 44 also displays comments on the user terminal for content from the time the content is delivered until a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0070] As a result, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment can suppress the continued display of comments.

[0071] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment, for example, the reception unit 42 receives a specification for the display position of the comment. The display control unit 44 then displays the comment on the user terminal at the position corresponding to the display position.

[0072] As a result, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment can display comments at a location specified by the user.

[0073] [7. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 according to each embodiment described above can be implemented by a computer 1000 having the configuration shown in Figure 8, for example. The following explanation will use the information processing device 10 as an example. Figure 8 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, RAM 1200, ROM 1300, HDD 1400, communication interface (I / F) 1500, input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0074] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400, and controls various parts. The ROM 1300 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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 1200. The CPU 1100 loads the program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1200 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.

[0078] For example, when computer 1000 functions as information processing device 10, the CPU 1100 of computer 1000 implements the functions of control unit 40 by executing programs loaded onto RAM 1200. The HDD 1400 stores the data from 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.

[0079] [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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Furthermore, the term "part" in the claims can be replaced with "means," "circuit," etc. For example, "presentation part" can be replaced with "presentation means" or "presentation circuit." [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 10 Information Processing Devices 20 Communications Department 30 Storage section 31 Content Information Database 32 Comment Information Database 40 Control Unit 41 Distribution Department 42 Reception Department 43 Providing Department 44 Display Control Unit 100 User Terminals

Claims

1. A distribution unit that delivers content that meets specified conditions, A reception unit that accepts comments from users simultaneously viewing the content that meets the specified conditions, A service unit that links the received comments with the content and provides the content in real time to users who are simultaneously viewing it, An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

2. The reception unit accepts comments on the content from the time the content is distributed until a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. Display control unit that displays the aforementioned comment in a speech bubble format on the user's terminal. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the above.

4. The display control unit causes the comment to be displayed on the user terminal for a predetermined time. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The reception unit receives the specification of the display position of the comment, The display control unit causes the user terminal to display a comment at a position corresponding to the display position. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

6. The aforementioned content is a news article. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A method of information processing performed by a computer, A distribution process that delivers content that meets predetermined conditions, A process for receiving comments from users who are simultaneously viewing the content that meets the specified conditions, A provision process that involves linking the received comments to the content and providing the content to users who are simultaneously viewing it in real time, An information processing method characterized by including

8. A distribution procedure for delivering content that meets specified conditions, A procedure for receiving comments from users simultaneously viewing the content that meets the specified conditions, A procedure for providing the content in real time to users simultaneously viewing the content, by linking the received comments to the content, An information processing program that causes a computer to execute something.

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