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

Abstract

To revitalize the community by facilitating interaction among users. [Solution] The information processing device according to the present invention comprises an extraction unit that extracts two or more accounts linked to user information having a predetermined or higher correlation with a predetermined article from among multiple accounts, to be used as destinations for distributing the article, and a baton management unit that controls the exchange of a baton, which signifies a request to post a comment on the article, between multiple accounts. The baton management unit counts the time elapsed since the baton was given to a predetermined account among the multiple accounts, and when a predetermined time has elapsed since the baton was given, it prohibits the posting of comments using the baton from the predetermined account.

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] On the Internet, various contents such as news articles with various contents are provided. Users can perform various actions such as posting comments on news articles (for example, see 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, since individual users individually post comments on news articles, there is no mutual communication between users, and it is difficult to lead to an active discussion on news articles and the solution of problems based on such discussions.

[0005] The present invention 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 activating a community by facilitating mutual communication between users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the information processing device according to the present invention comprises: an extraction unit that extracts two or more accounts linked to user information having a predetermined or higher correlation with a predetermined article from among a plurality of accounts as destinations for the article; and a baton management unit that controls the exchange of a baton, which signifies a request to post a comment on the article, between the plurality of accounts. The baton management unit counts the time elapsed since the baton was given to a predetermined account among the plurality of accounts, and when a predetermined time has elapsed since the baton was given, it prohibits the posting of the comment using the baton from the predetermined account. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to revitalize communities by facilitating interaction among users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a display screen related to the exchange of batons in a user terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows another example of a display screen related to the exchange of batons in a user terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the display screen when a predetermined article delivered to a user terminal according to the embodiment is shared on another site. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows yet another example of a display screen related to the exchange of batons in a user terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 8]Figure 8 shows yet another example of a display screen related to the exchange of batons in a user terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall processing procedure for exchanging comment batons in the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for the exchange of comment batons between predetermined users in the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] 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 described herein (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). However, these embodiments do not limit the information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program described herein.

[0010] [Embodiment] [1. Information Processing] First, an example of information processing according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of information processing according to the embodiment. The information processing according to the embodiment is realized by the information processing device 10 shown in Figure 1.

[0011] The information processing device 10 shown in Figure 1 is owned by a provider that operates various web media such as news sites. More specifically, the information processing device 10 provides news articles and other information to multiple users, for example, through various media sites. The information processing device 10 is implemented, for example, by a cloud system or a server.

[0012] The user terminals 20 (20a, 20b, 20c ···) shown in FIG. 1 are terminal devices respectively owned by individual users. For example, each individual user can operate the user terminal 20 they possess to view news articles and the like distributed through various media sites. In FIG. 1, the case where the user terminal 20 is a smartphone is illustrated, but the user terminal 20 may be other devices such as a PC (Personal Computer).

[0013] By the way, individual users can post comments on news articles and the like individually. In such cases, although other users can view the posted comments, it is difficult for multiple users to interact with each other, have lively discussions, or solve problems based on such discussions.

[0014] Therefore, in the information processing according to the embodiment, it is made possible to issue a request for posting a comment on a news article or the like in the form of passing a baton among multiple users.

[0015] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, when the information processing apparatus 10 distributes news articles and the like through a media site such as a news site, it identifies a plurality of users with a high degree of match to the news article, and distributes the news article to the identified users. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 causes the comment baton 31c to be passed among a plurality of users starting from the user who first posts a comment on the news article among these users. At this time, a time limit is set from when each user receives the comment baton 31c until they post a comment.

[0016] Thereby, for the purpose of connecting the comment baton 31c, the participation awareness of each individual user can be enhanced, and the posting of comments can be promoted. Also, by limiting the time during which each user can post a comment, prompt posting of comments is promoted, and active interaction among multiple users can be achieved.

[0017] [2. Information Processing Apparatus] Next, a configuration example of the information processing apparatus 10 of the embodiment will be described using FIGS. 2 and 3. First, FIG. 2 shows the overall configuration of the information processing system 1 including the information processing apparatus 10 of the embodiment.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the information processing system 1 of the embodiment includes an information processing apparatus 10 and a plurality of user terminals 20 (20a, 20b, 20c ···). The information processing apparatus 10 and the user terminal 20 are communicably connected by wire or wirelessly via a predetermined communication network such as the network N.

[0019] The user terminal 20 is an information processing apparatus used by a user who performs web actions on a predetermined media site such as a news site. The user can use the user terminal 20 to, for example, view a predetermined article on a predetermined media site and post a comment on it.

[0020] Here, the articles on the predetermined media site include not only news articles that convey the latest information on social situations, current affairs, or some event, but also articles with a predetermined event as a topic or theme, and various other articles. The articles on the media site may include not only character information but also images, videos, or sounds. By being able to handle such diverse articles, the interests of many users can be attracted.

[0021] When the user posts a comment on a predetermined article, the user's comment is reflected in the comment column associated with the predetermined article. As a result, the posted comment is displayed to the user who is the poster and other users.

[0022] The user terminal 20 can be any device as long as it can perform the processing described in the embodiment. Examples of user terminal 20 include smartphones, tablet devices, notebook PCs, desktop PCs, mobile phones, and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants).

[0023] As an example of a user terminal 20, a smartphone or a smart device such as a tablet is a mobile terminal device that can communicate with any server device via a network N using wireless communication such as 4G-5G (Generation) or LTE (Long Term Evolution). Furthermore, these mobile terminal devices may have a screen such as an LCD display that has touch panel functionality and be configured to accept various operations on the displayed data from the user, such as tapping, sliding, and scrolling with a finger or stylus.

[0024] The information processing device 10 is implemented by a server device of an operator that runs a predetermined service on which users perform web actions, or by a cloud system, etc. In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 is an information processing device aimed at appropriately prompting comment posting by multiple users, and any device may be used as long as it can implement the processing in this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 10 comprises a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a storage unit 13. The information processing device 10 may also have an input unit such as a keyboard and mouse for receiving various operations from an administrator or other user of the information processing device 10, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display for displaying various information.

[0027] The communication unit 11 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 11 is connected to a network N, such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation), by wired or wireless connection, and transmits and receives information to and from each of the user terminals 20, etc., via the network N.

[0028] The control unit 12 is a controller, and is realized by executing various programs stored in the memory device inside the information processing device 10 using RAM as the working area, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The various programs stored in the information processing device 10 are examples of information processing programs.

[0029] The control unit 12 may be implemented using an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0030] The control unit 12 comprises an acquisition unit 121, an extraction unit 122, a baton management unit 123, a distribution unit 124, and a presentation unit 125, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below. Note that the internal configuration of the control unit 12 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3, and other configurations are also possible as long as they are capable of performing the information processing described later. Furthermore, the connection relationships between the control unit 12 and each processing unit are not limited to the connection relationships shown in Figure 3, and other connection relationships are also possible.

[0031] The acquisition unit 121 acquires news articles and other articles provided through media sites such as news websites. For example, the acquisition unit 121 acquires articles from the terminal of the news article's creator via the network N. The acquisition unit 121 registers the acquired news articles in the article information storage unit 131.

[0032] The extraction unit 122 refers to the user information storage unit 132 stored in the storage unit 13 and extracts user accounts associated with user information that has a high correlation with the article to be distributed, as the distribution destination for that article. At this time, the extraction unit 122 extracts, for example, two or more accounts from among the accounts of multiple active users of the media site.

[0033] The user information storage unit 132 stores user information, including attribute information such as the age, gender, occupation, hobbies, and residential area of ​​each individual user of the media site, as well as historical information such as records of past articles viewed and comments made on past articles, all linked to the user's account information. The correlation of individual users with a given article is estimated based on this user information.

[0034] In other words, if the articles being distributed are about baseball, for example, users whose user information includes attribute information related to their hobby of watching baseball games can be presumed to have a high correlation with those articles. Also, if the articles being distributed are about a specific current event, for example, users whose history includes information indicating they have previously posted comments on articles dealing with similar current events can be presumed to have a high correlation with those articles.

[0035] In estimating the actual correlation, the extraction unit 122 can extract user information with a high correlation based on the number of matches between multiple keywords assigned to the article by the acquisition unit 121 based on the article content and items included in the user information of each individual user, and where that number exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0036] When the extraction unit 122 extracts accounts for multiple users, the communication unit 11, for example, distributes the target article to the extracted multiple accounts.

[0037] The baton management unit 123 controls the exchange of comment batons between multiple accounts, including the account from which the designated article was distributed.

[0038] More specifically, the baton management unit 123 initiates the exchange of comment batons between multiple accounts, starting with the account from which the article was first posted. Furthermore, when a comment is posted from a designated account, the baton management unit 123 passes the comment baton that was assigned to that account to the next account.

[0039] Furthermore, once the exchange of comment baton has begun, as will be detailed later, it may be possible to target the accounts of all active users of that media site as recipients of subsequent comment baton passes.

[0040] When a comment baton is given to a designated account, the baton management unit 123 counts the time elapsed since the comment baton was given. Furthermore, once a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the comment baton was given, the baton management unit 123 prohibits that account from posting comments using that comment baton.

[0041] Furthermore, the baton management unit 123 counts the number of times the comment baton is passed while the exchange of the comment baton continues.

[0042] The awarding unit 124 awards incentives to accounts that participate in the exchange of the comment baton. The incentives awarded by the awarding unit 124 include, for example, an incentive awarded each time a comment baton is given and a comment is posted, and an incentive awarded when the exchange of the comment baton continues for a predetermined number of times. The number of times the comment baton is exchanged is counted, for example, by the baton management unit 123, as described above.

[0043] The display unit 125 changes the display manner of the article corresponding to the comment baton according to the number of times the comment baton has been passed. That is, as the number of times the comment baton has been passed increases, the display unit 125 improves the visibility of the article by displaying the corresponding article higher up or by adding a special banner or effect. This control of article display is performed by receiving a command from the awarding unit 124.

[0044] The storage unit 13 is implemented by semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or by storage devices such as hard disks or optical discs. The storage unit 13 comprises an article information storage unit 131 and a user information storage unit 132.

[0045] The article information storage unit 131 stores article information such as news articles acquired by the acquisition unit 121 via the network N, etc.

[0046] The user information storage unit 132 stores attribute information and history information of individual active users who use the media site, linked to the corresponding user's account.

[0047] [3. Operation] Next, an example of the operation of the information processing device 10 of the embodiment will be described using Figures 4 to 8. Figures 4 to 8, excluding Figure 6, are diagrams showing examples of various display screens related to the exchange of comment batons on the user terminal 20 according to the embodiment. Note that the displays on the user terminal 20 shown in these drawings are merely examples, and the content displayed on the screen of the user terminal 20, the manner of display, and the screen layout can be designed arbitrarily as appropriate.

[0048] In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 sends a baton notification via the communication unit 11 to two or more accounts extracted by the extraction unit 122 that have a high correlation with the target article, and also distributes the target article. Upon receiving the baton notification, users with the target accounts can be informed that a comment baton has been provided along with the specified article.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, a user who receives a baton notification can display the article 30 on their user terminal 20, etc. At this time, the user terminal 20 displays a baton icon 31 indicating that the comment baton has been given to that user, and a comment posting button 32 for passing the comment baton to the next user, along with the target article 30.

[0050] Near the baton icon 31, there is an indication of the time elapsed since the comment baton was given. Specifically, the time elapsed since the comment baton was given may be displayed alongside the baton icon 31, or the remaining time until a comment can be posted in accordance with the given comment baton may be displayed.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 4, the time available for posting comments after the comment baton is given is set to 24 hours, and the remaining time for posting comments is displayed as a countdown timer attached to the baton icon 31.

[0052] The comment submission button 32 is used to post comments on a distributed article and to pass on the assigned comment baton to the next user. In other words, a user who has been given the comment baton can post a comment on that article by pressing the comment submission button 32.

[0053] The baton management unit 123 of the information processing device 10 initiates the exchange of comment baton starting from the account that made the first comment on the article, out of the two or more accounts that distributed the article. The information processing device 10 also receives comments from users and passes the comment baton to the next user.

[0054] At this time, the baton management unit 123 can select any of the two or more accounts that distributed the article, excluding the account that initially posted the comment and was the starting point, as the recipient of the comment baton. Alternatively, the baton management unit 123 may have the user of the starting account select the recipient of the comment baton.

[0055] The user of the starting account may select any user from among multiple users of the media site, not just users who own other accounts to which the article was distributed. When selecting a recipient for the comment relay, the user can select, for example, a user from their followers who is likely to be interested in the article.

[0056] In addition, whether the selection is made automatically by the baton management unit 123 or by the user of the starting account, it may be possible to select multiple recipients for the comment baton.

[0057] Furthermore, when the first user posts a comment, the awarding unit 124 of the information processing device 10 awards a predetermined incentive.

[0058] Incentives for posting comments may include improving the visibility of the article by displaying it higher on the media site or by adding special banners or effects, as mentioned above. The awarding unit 124 transmits commands to the presentation unit 125 to control the way the article is displayed in order to improve visibility. This makes it easier for other users to view the comment posted by the first user.

[0059] Furthermore, the initial user's comment itself will receive more direct incentives, such as being displayed to other users before other comments, or receiving power-up effects. These power-up effects could include an increased score for positive ratings given by other users. For example, the number of "likes" or recommendations from other users might be doubled.

[0060] In this way, by awarding a power-up effect to submitted comments, the likelihood of those comments being selected for the top of the comment rankings or being chosen as Tokushu content increases.

[0061] As an additional incentive, the account of the first user to post a comment may be awarded an exclusive badge or a designated reward.

[0062] By providing the incentives described above, it is expected that the motivation of individual users to post comments will be further increased.

[0063] Furthermore, the incentives awarded when a designated user posts a comment are not limited to the examples above. Also, the recipients of the incentives are not limited to the article itself, the posted comment, or the user's account.

[0064] As described above, once the first user posts a comment and the comment baton is passed to the next user, the information processing device 10 sends a baton notification to the next user's account.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5, the next user terminal 20 that receives the comment baton also displays the baton icon 31 and the comment posting button 32 along with the target article 30. The baton icon 31 is associated with, for example, the remaining time until the next user can post a comment.

[0066] The article in question, 30, also has a comment, 33, posted by the first user. Comment 33 has a power-up icon, 34, indicating that a power-up effect has been applied.

[0067] Furthermore, other users besides the next user to whom the comment baton is passed can also view the article 30 that is the subject of the comment baton, along with the comment 33 posted by the first user and bearing the power-up icon 34, on their own user terminals 20, etc.

[0068] At this time, on each user's user terminal 20, the comment 33 posted by the first user is displayed in priority over other comments. Also, if the next user to whom the comment baton is passed, or another user, gives a positive rating to the comment 33 posted by the first user, the first user can receive an increased score.

[0069] From this point onward, the comment baton is passed between multiple users in a similar manner to when the first user passes the comment baton to the next user. Each time this happens, the information processing device 10 improves the visibility of the target article on the media site, prioritizes the display of comments from users who participated in the comment baton exchange over other comments, and applies a power-up effect to those comments. Exclusive badges or predetermined benefits may be awarded to individual user accounts.

[0070] Furthermore, as described above, while the exchange of comment batons continues among multiple users, the baton management unit 123 counts the number of times the comment baton has been exchanged. When the number of times the comment baton has been exchanged reaches a predetermined number, the awarding unit 124 awards a predetermined incentive.

[0071] As an incentive for the comment relay to reach a predetermined number of consecutive posts, it may be necessary to share the article on sites other than the media site, such as SNS (Social Networking Service) sites, to increase the number of views of the article. This will further increase the article's visibility, and the comments posted by individual users will also be viewed more often.

[0072] Furthermore, the awarding unit 124 may award predetermined rewards, such as bonus points, to the accounts of individual users who participated in the exchange of the comment baton.

[0073] Furthermore, the incentives awarded when the comment relay chain reaches a predetermined number of entries are not limited to the examples above. Also, the recipients of the incentives are not limited to the articles themselves or the user accounts mentioned above.

[0074] Figure 6 shows how the number of consecutive comment baton sessions reaches a predetermined number, and the designated article is shared on the timeline 35a of another site. As shown in Figure 6, articles 30a and 30b, which are reprinted from the designated media site, are displayed higher up on the timeline 35a of other sites, with improved visibility, for example by increasing the display size, as the number of consecutive comment baton sessions increases.

[0075] Please note that the display of other sites shown in Figure 6 is merely an example, and the content, display style, and screen layout of other sites can be designed as appropriate.

[0076] Figure 7 shows how a designated user's dedicated page, such as their "My Page," is displayed on that user's terminal 20. As shown in Figure 7, the designated user's account is awarded a limited badge for participating in the exchange of several comment batons, and rewards are also given when several comment batons reach a predetermined number of consecutive participations.

[0077] In the example shown in Figure 7, six badge icons 36 and two reward icons 37 are displayed at the top of the user's dedicated page. Alternatively, a timeline 35b may be displayed on the user's dedicated page, and the badge icons 36 and reward icons 37 may be displayed on the timeline 35b in association with the articles 30c and 30d in which the user participated in the exchange of comment baton.

[0078] On the other hand, once a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the comment baton was passed to a designated user, the baton management unit 123 imposes predetermined restrictions on that user with respect to the article related to that comment baton, as described above.

[0079] As shown in Figure 8, once a predetermined time has elapsed since the comment baton was passed to a designated user, a time-expiration message will appear on the baton icon 31 on that user's terminal 20, and the comment posting button 32 will be disabled. As a result, that user will no longer be able to post comments on the corresponding article using the comment baton from their own account.

[0080] Furthermore, for a certain period of time, that account will be prohibited from viewing other comments posted in connection with the exchange of that comment baton, and from passing on that comment baton to that account from other accounts.

[0081] [4. Processing Flow] Next, the processing procedure executed by the information processing device 10 of this embodiment will be described using Figures 9 and 10. The following processing is repeatedly executed by the information processing device 10 at a predetermined cycle.

[0082] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the overall processing procedure for exchanging comment batons in the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0083] As shown in Figure 9, the extraction unit 122 of the information processing device 10 refers to the user information storage unit 132 and extracts user accounts that have a high correlation with the articles to be distributed acquired by the acquisition unit 121 (step S101). The communication unit 11 posts the articles to two or more of the extracted accounts (step S102).

[0084] The baton management unit 123 sets the account from which the first comment was posted among two or more accounts as the starting point of the comment baton (step S103). The baton management unit 123 also counts the number of times the comment baton has been passed between multiple accounts while the exchange of the comment baton continues (step S104).

[0085] The display unit 125 changes the way the article is displayed to improve visibility each time the comment baton continues, in accordance with the instructions of the awarding unit 124 (step S105). The awarding unit 124 grants a power-up effect to the comments posted by designated users each time a comment is posted by those users, and displays them with priority over other comments (step S106). The awarding unit 124 also awards exclusive badges, etc., to the accounts of those users (step S107).

[0086] The baton management unit 123 determines, at a predetermined time, whether the chain of comment batons has reached a predetermined number (step S108). If the number of comment batons has not reached the predetermined number (step S108: No), the process from step S104 is repeated.

[0087] When the chain of comment batons reaches a predetermined number (Step S108: Yes), the awarding unit 124 shares the target article on other sites via the communication unit 11 (Step S109). The awarding unit 124 also awards rewards to the accounts of each user who contributed to the exchange of comment batons (Step S110).

[0088] With the above steps completed, the processing performed by the information processing device 10 of this embodiment is finished.

[0089] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may continue to perform processes (steps S106, S107) such as adding a power-up effect to comments posted by other users who have been given the comment baton, displaying them higher in the list, and granting exclusive badges to the accounts from which those comments were posted.

[0090] Next, the control process for exchanging comment batons between multiple users in the information processing device 10 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for exchanging comment batons between predetermined users in the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0091] As shown in Figure 10, the baton management unit 123 of the information processing device 10 sends a baton notification to a predetermined user's account via the communication unit 11 (step S111). At this time, the predetermined user is a user initially selected as the recipient of the article, or a user selected as the recipient of a comment baton from another user.

[0092] The baton management unit 123 starts timing from the time the baton notification is sent (step S112) and monitors whether a comment has been posted from the designated user's account (step S113). If no comment is posted (step S113: No), the baton management unit 123 monitors whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the baton notification was sent (step S114). The baton management unit 123 repeats the processes in steps S113 and S114 until the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0093] If a comment is posted from the designated user's account before the predetermined time has elapsed (Step S114: No) (Step S113: Yes), the baton management unit 123 either has the designated user select the next user or automatically selects the next user (Step S118) and passes the comment baton to the next user's account (Step S119). From this point onward, the baton management unit 123 repeats the process from Step S111.

[0094] If a specified user's account does not post a comment (Step S113: No) and a specified time has elapsed (Step S114: Yes), the baton management unit 123 invalidates the comment baton provided to that user and prohibits the posting of comments using that comment baton (Step S115). In addition, the baton management unit 123 prohibits the user's account from viewing other comments posted in connection with that comment baton for a certain period of time (Step S116), and prohibits the re-provision of that comment baton to that user's account (Step S117).

[0095] With the above steps completed, the process of exchanging comment batons between predetermined users, which is performed by the information processing device 10 of the embodiment, is finished.

[0096] [5. Effects] The information processing device 10 of this embodiment includes a baton management unit 123 that controls the exchange of comment batons, which represent requests to post comments on a given article, between multiple accounts. By adopting a format in which comment batons are exchanged by specifying a given account, a motivation to pass on the comment baton is created in individual users, encouraging them to actively post comments. Furthermore, mutual interaction between users becomes easier, which can help revitalize the community.

[0097] According to the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, the baton management unit 123 prohibits the posting of comments from an account using the provided comment baton once a predetermined time has elapsed since the provision of the comment baton to that account. By setting a time limit on when comments can be posted after being provided with a comment baton in this way, individual users can be encouraged to post comments promptly.

[0098] According to the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, the baton management unit 123 starts the exchange of comment batons from the account that first posted a comment among the two or more accounts initially extracted as destinations for article distribution. This enables the smooth start of the exchange of comment batons among multiple users.

[0099] According to the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, when a comment is posted from an account that has been given a comment baton, the baton management unit 123 passes the comment baton to the next account. In this way, the comment baton can be passed to the next user by posting a comment, which reduces the operational burden on individual users and makes it easier to continue the collaboration of the comment baton.

[0100] According to the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, the next account to receive the comment baton is selected by the baton management unit 123 from, for example, two or more accounts that were initially extracted. In this case, the operational burden on individual users is reduced, and the collaboration of the comment baton becomes even easier to continue.

[0101] According to the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, the next account to receive the comment baton is selected from among multiple accounts on the account to which the comment baton was provided and the comment was posted, instead of the above. By allowing the user to select the next user in this way, it becomes easier to select a more appropriate user, such as a user with a higher level of interest in the article. Furthermore, interaction between individual users becomes even more active. Moreover, if the comment baton is received from a known user, the user's motivation to continue the comment baton can be further increased.

[0102] The information processing device 10 of this embodiment further includes an awarding unit 124 that awards incentives to accounts that participate in the exchange of comment batons. This further encourages individual users to post comments.

[0103] According to the information processing device 10 of this embodiment, when a comment baton is provided and a comment is posted, the awarding unit 124 awards a predetermined incentive to each account that participated in the exchange of the comment baton. If the exchange of the comment baton continues for a predetermined number of times, it awards a different predetermined incentive to each of the accounts that participated in the exchange of the comment baton. By providing different incentives at different stages of the exchange of the comment baton in this way, user motivation can be further enhanced.

[0104] [6. Hardware Configuration] The information processing device 10 of the embodiment described above is realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 11. Figure 11 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. 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.

[0105] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400, controlling various components. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 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.

[0106] The HDD1400 stores programs executed by the CPU1100, as well as data used by such programs. The communication interface1500 receives data from other devices via the network (communication network) N and sends it to the CPU1100, and transmits the data generated by the CPU1100 to other devices via the network N.

[0107] 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. In Figure 11, output devices and input devices are collectively referred to as "input / output devices." The CPU 1100 acquires data from input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs the generated data to output devices via the input / output interface 1600.

[0108] 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.

[0109] For example, if computer 1000 functions as an information processing device 10 according to the embodiment, the CPU 1100 of computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 12 by executing programs loaded on RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 of computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800. Alternatively, as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via a network N.

[0110] [7. Other] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited by the content of these embodiments. Furthermore, the aforementioned components include those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that fall within the so-called equivalent range. Moreover, the aforementioned components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the gist of the embodiments described above.

[0111] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] For example, the information processing device described above may be implemented using multiple server computers, and depending on the function, it may be implemented by calling external platforms, etc., via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) or network computing, allowing for flexible configuration changes.

[0114] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0115] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1. Information Processing System 10 Information Processing Devices 11 Communications Department 12 Control Unit 13 Storage section 20 User Terminals 121 Acquisition Department 122 Extraction part 123 Baton Management Department 124 Awards Department 125 Presentation section 131 Article Information Storage Unit 132 User Information Storage Unit

Claims

1. An extraction unit that extracts two or more accounts from among multiple accounts that are linked to user information having a predetermined or higher correlation with a given article, to be used as distribution destinations for the said article. The system includes a baton management unit that controls the exchange of a baton, which signifies a request to post comments on the aforementioned article, between the aforementioned multiple accounts, The aforementioned baton management unit, The elapsed time since the baton was passed to a specific account among the aforementioned multiple accounts is counted. Once a predetermined time has elapsed since the provision of the aforementioned baton, posting of the aforementioned comments using the aforementioned baton from the aforementioned designated account will be prohibited. Information processing device.

2. The aforementioned baton management unit, The exchange of the baton will begin with the account from which the comment was first posted among the two or more accounts mentioned above. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned baton management unit, When the comment is posted from one of the aforementioned multiple accounts to which the baton has been passed, the baton is passed on to the next account. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The following account that will receive the baton is: Selected from the two or more accounts by the aforementioned baton management unit, On the account to which the baton was passed and the comment was posted, a selection is made from among the multiple accounts: The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The system further includes an awarding unit that awards incentives to the accounts among the aforementioned multiple accounts that participated in the exchange of the baton. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The awarding department said, When the aforementioned baton is passed and the aforementioned comment is posted, the first incentive will be awarded to each account that participated in the passing of the baton. If the exchange of the baton continues for a predetermined number of times, a second incentive is awarded to each of the accounts that participated in the exchange of the baton. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5.

7. A method of information processing performed by a computer, From among multiple accounts, two or more accounts linked to user information that has a certain degree of correlation or higher with a given article are extracted as destinations for the article. Control the exchange of a baton, which signifies a request to post comments on the aforementioned article, between the aforementioned multiple accounts. The control of the passing of the baton is as follows: The process involves counting the time elapsed since the baton was passed to a specific account among the aforementioned multiple accounts, This includes prohibiting the posting of comments using the aforementioned baton from the aforementioned designated account once a predetermined time has elapsed since the provision of the aforementioned baton. Information processing methods.

8. From among multiple accounts, extract two or more accounts linked to user information that has a certain degree of correlation or higher with a given article, and select them as recipients for the article's distribution. The computer controls the exchange of a baton, which means a request to post comments on the aforementioned article, between the aforementioned multiple accounts, and performs the following: The control of the passing of the baton is as follows: The process involves counting the time elapsed since the baton was passed to a specific account among the aforementioned multiple accounts, This includes prohibiting the posting of comments using the aforementioned baton from the aforementioned designated account once a predetermined time has elapsed since the provision of the aforementioned baton. Information processing program.

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