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

Abstract

To revitalize user groups. [Solution] The information processing device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires user information of a target user and group information of a user group; an estimation unit that estimates the activation potential of the user group for each target user when the target user joins the user group; a generation unit that generates content indicating the estimated activation potential; and a provision unit that provides the content to users who are already members of the user group.

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, a technique has been disclosed for attaching information representing content mentioned in other communities to content presented to a user (see Patent Document 1). In this technique, a community is formed when a user follows another user.

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 prior art, although it is possible to provide information regarding content mentioned in other communities to the user, there is room for improvement in activating the community. Therefore, means for activating a user group will be proposed.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to activate a user group.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing device according to the present application is characterized by comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires user information of a target user and group information of a user group; an estimation unit that estimates the activation potential of the user group for each target user when the target user joins the user group; a generation unit that generates content indicating the estimated activation potential; and a provision unit that provides the content to users who are already members of the user group. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment, it is possible to revitalize the user group. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a server device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a hardware configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, 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 the following embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] [1. Overview of the Information Processing System] First, with reference to Figure 1, an overview of the information processing system according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the information processing system according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment includes a terminal device 10 and a server device 100. The terminal device 10 and the server device 100 are connected to each other via a network N, either by wired or wireless means, enabling communication between them. This allows the terminal device 10 to cooperate with the server device 100. The network N is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet.

[0011] Terminal device 10 is an information processing device used by user U. For example, terminal device 10 may be a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet, a PC (Personal Computer) such as a desktop or notebook (laptop), a mobile phone such as a feature phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a game console or AV equipment with communication functions, an information appliance or digital appliance, a car navigation system, a wearable device such as a smartwatch, head-mounted display, or smart glasses. Alternatively, terminal device 10 may be a house or building compatible with the Internet of Things (IoT), a car, a home appliance, an electronic device, etc.

[0012] In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 is a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet used by user U, and is a mobile terminal device that can communicate with any server device via wireless communication networks such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or wireless LAN. The terminal device 10 also has a screen such as a liquid crystal display with touch panel functionality, and accepts various operations on displayed data such as content from user U using a finger or stylus, such as tapping, sliding, and scrolling. Operations performed on the area of ​​the screen where content is displayed may also be considered as operations on the content. Furthermore, the terminal device 10 may be an information processing device such as a desktop PC or notebook PC, not just a smart device.

[0013] The server device 100 is, for example, a computer such as a PC or blade server, or a mainframe or workstation. The server device 100 may also be implemented through cloud computing.

[0014] In this embodiment, the server device 100 is an information processing device that works in conjunction with each user U's terminal device 10 and provides each user U's terminal device 10 with API (Application Programming Interface) services for various applications (hereinafter referred to as "apps") and various data, and is implemented by a computer or cloud system.

[0015] Furthermore, the server device 100 may be an information processing device that provides some kind of online service to each user U's terminal device 10. For example, the server device 100 may provide services such as internet connection, search service, chat service, conversational service using voice, images, video, etc., SNS (Social Networking Service), e-commerce (EC), electronic payment, online games, online banking, online trading, accommodation / ticket reservations, video / music distribution, news, maps, route search, route guidance, route information, service information, and weather forecasts as online services. In practice, the server device 100 may cooperate with various servers that provide the above-mentioned online services and act as an intermediary for online services, or it may be responsible for processing online services.

[0016] The server device 100 can acquire user information about user U. For example, the server device 100 can acquire information about user U's attributes (attribute information), such as gender, age, and residential area. The server device 100 can also acquire information about user U's demographics, psychographics, geographics, behavioral attributes, etc. The server device 100 may also acquire information about the segment or persona to which user U belongs in the field of marketing, as user information. The server device 100 stores and manages information about user U's attributes (attribute information) along with identification information (user ID, etc.) that identifies user U.

[0017] In addition, the server device 100 acquires various types of history information (log data) indicating the actions of the user U from the terminal device 10 of the user U or from various servers or the like based on the user ID or the like. For example, the server device 100 acquires a location history, which is a history of the location and time of the user U, from the terminal device 10. Further, the server device 100 acquires a search history, which is a history of search queries input by the user U, from a search server (search engine). Further, the server device 100 acquires a browsing history, which is a history of content browsed by the user U, from a content server. Further, the server device 100 acquires a purchase history (settlement history), which is a history of product purchases and settlement processing of the user U, from an e-commerce server or a settlement processing server. Further, the server device 100 may acquire a listing history and a sales history, which are histories of the user U's listings on the marketplace, from an e-commerce server or a settlement processing server. Further, the server device 100 acquires a posting history, which is a history of the user U's posts, from a posting server or an SNS server that provides a word-of-mouth posting service. Note that each of the above-mentioned various servers or the like may be the server device 100 itself. That is, the server device 100 may function as each of the above-mentioned various servers or the like.

[0018] Also, the number of each device included in the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is not limited to that shown. In the following description, depending on the user who uses the terminal device 10, the terminal devices 10-1 to 100-N (N is an arbitrary natural number) will be described. For example, the terminal device 10-1 is the terminal device 10 used by a user (user U1) identified by the user ID "UID#1". Further, in the following, when the terminal devices 10-1 to 10-N are described without particular distinction, they will be referred to as the terminal device 10. Further, in the following description, the terminal device 10 may be regarded as the same as the user. That is, in the following, the user can also be read as the terminal device 10. Further, in the present embodiment, the user U (user) includes a target user and an affiliated user, which will be described later.

[0019] [2. Proposal for Target User] News on news sites / apps, etc. includes news distributed by newspapers and news agencies, as well as videos, articles written by magazines and individual writers. In the future, it is expected that users will be able to follow accounts on news sites / apps, etc. Furthermore, it is expected that users who follow the same news will create a community (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a user group). And when a user group is created, it is expected that users belonging to this user group (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as belonging users) will want to activate the user group. Also, after a user group is created, users who have viewed or browsed the news may follow the account that posted the news. In this embodiment, after a user group is created, the news account is followed, and users who do not belong to the user group are targeted users.

[0020] Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to promote the activation of the user group, the belonging users are provided with an explanation of the target users and proposed target users who are considered to be able to promote activation. The server device 100 presents to the belonging users, as an explanation of the target users, what kind of users the target users are and what merits (activation potential) they have. That is, the server device 100 adds an explanation to the display of the target users and displays them.

[0021] For example, the server device 100 estimates or selects target users who may be able to activate the user group from the target users who have followed the news account and presents them to the users belonging to the user group. At this time, the server device 100 calculates and determines the relevance based on the follow-up tendency with other accounts followed by the target users, their posted content, and other users as hubs. For example, the server device 100 displays the characteristics, genre, posting frequency, unpleasantness, etc. of the target users in text based on the posted content, genre (news group, category, etc. are also possible), posting frequency, and highly relevant events of the related accounts.

[0022] For example, a user group may have a defined theme. The user group may cover a specific news genre or topic, and set that genre or topic as its theme. For example, the user group may post specific content such as the latest news, detailed analysis articles, and expert opinions. For example, the user group may focus on genres such as news, analysis, and expert opinions. For example, the user group may post a predetermined number of times within a certain period. For example, it is presumed that the user group posts several times a day. For example, the user group may provide deep insights into a topic as a highly relevant activity. Users belonging to a user group can preferentially view posts, comments, etc., made by other users in the user group. In this embodiment, the theme set by the user group is described as a technology.

[0023] The server device 100 may implement the mechanism according to this embodiment using AI (Artificial Intelligence) such as GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer). GPT is a text generation AI and a language model capable of generating text using natural language processing.

[0024] For example, as shown in Figure 1, the server accepts user follows of a news account and obtains and analyzes the user information of the followed user and the group information of the user group (step S1). The server device 100 obtains the user information of the target user. As the user information of the target user, the server device 100 obtains the user information described above. The server device 100 also analyzes the characteristics of the target user, such as the target user's detailed profile, posted content, genre, other accounts followed, and posting frequency. The server device 100 may also analyze the context of the target user, such as the target user's interests and concerns, daily behavior and circumstances, and intentions and environment, from the target user's attribute information and history information.

[0025] Furthermore, the server device 100 analyzes the acquired group information. For example, group information includes user group activity information, such as the user group's theme, the number of members, historical information including the joining and leaving of affiliated users, posting information, and comment information. The server device 100 analyzes the group activity information. Note that group information is not limited to these.

[0026] Next, the server device 100 estimates the activation potential of the user group (step S2). For example, the server device 100 estimates what kind of activation potential (benefits) would be brought to the user group if the target user were invited, based on the analysis results of the target users who followed the account. Activation potential could include, for example, an increase in posting frequency. For example, the server device 100 estimates the posting frequency of the user group if the target user joins the user group.

[0027] Next, content is generated that shows the activation potential of user groups for each target user (step S3).

[0028] For example, content that demonstrates activation potential may include a description of the target user, an activity prediction graph showing the predicted activity of the target user within a user group, a topic distribution showing the target user's interests, a network map showing the connections between people within the target user, similarity (score) for each target user, score rankings, and changes in scores and rankings over time. However, the content is not limited to these examples.

[0029] The server device 100 generates a description of the target user and a text recommending the invitation of the target user. In this case, the server device 100 may use AI such as GPT to generate the text describing the target user.

[0030] For example, server device 100 generates a description of the target user, including post predictions, interests, and a network map. For example, server device 100 generates a description such as, "This user is expected to post 3-5 times a week, which matches the posting frequency of the user group. This user's posts are similar to those of user XX, and they are expected to contribute to the activity of the user group. Because they follow various news accounts covering technology, sports, music, etc., it can be inferred that they will also be active in this group regarding technology. Their activity levels are well-balanced."

[0031] The server device 100 may use modal, pop-up, or dialog methods to display a description of the target user on the screen of the user's terminal device 10.

[0032] Furthermore, the server device 100 generates an activity prediction graph showing the predicted activity of the target user within the user group once the target user joins. For example, the server device 100 may analyze the target user's user information and generate a weekly activity prediction graph for when the target user joins the user group. In the example shown in Figure 1, the activity prediction graph is a bar graph with the number of activities on the vertical axis and the activity content on the horizontal axis. The activity prediction graph may also be a pie chart or the like.

[0033] Furthermore, the server device 100 generates a topic distribution that indicates the target user's interests. For example, the server device 100 analyzes the topics included in the posts and generates a topic distribution. For example, the server device 100 generates a bar graph as the topic distribution, with topics on the vertical axis and the percentage of posts containing those topics on the horizontal axis. The percentage of posts containing those topics refers to the proportion of topics included in the posts made by the target user, the posts of accounts they follow, their characteristics, etc.

[0034] Furthermore, the server device 100 generates a network map of the target user. For example, the server device 100 analyzes the target user's user information and generates a network map showing who the target user is connected to, that is, the connections between the target user and other users. The server device 100 generates visual information of the target user's connections. The server device 100 generates visual information showing the connections between the target user and the users they belong to. If there are multiple target users who follow the account, the server device 100 generates visual information showing the connections between those target users. For example, the server device 100 generates lines, shapes, text information, etc., as visual information.

[0035] Furthermore, the server device 100 calculates the activation potential score for each user group for each target user. For example, the server device 100 vectorizes the content of posts by the target user and the content of posts by other users in the group, calculates the cosine similarity of each vector, and then calculates the activation potential score. Although the above describes the case using cosine similarity, in practice, it is also possible to use simply the similarity or distance of the vectorized data instead of cosine similarity. In other words, the method for calculating similarity is not limited, and any method, including known methods, can be used.

[0036] The server device 100 may also calculate a score using a learning model. For example, the server device 100 may use a learning model that has learned pairs of posts made by affiliated users and the characteristics of accounts followed by those affiliated users to calculate a score using the posts made by a target user and the characteristics of accounts followed by the target user as input data.

[0037] The server device 100 calculates the score at regular intervals. For example, the server device 100 calculates the score every three days. The interval can be set arbitrarily. For example, the interval could be every 15 minutes, every hour, every day, every week, etc.

[0038] Furthermore, the server device 100 generates a score ranking for the target users. For example, the server device 100 may compare the calculated scores and rank the target users with higher scores higher. The server device 100 also calculates the changes in the scores. In this case, if the ranking changes before and after the score change due to the calculation of the score changes, the server device 100 also calculates the ranking after the score change.

[0039] Next, the server device 100 provides the target user's content to its affiliated users (step S4). The server device 100 provides the content indicating activation potential to affiliated users who are already members of the user group. The server device 100 displays the content indicating activation potential on the screen of the affiliated user's terminal device 10 via the network N. At this time, the server device 100 may select target users and provide the affiliated users with the content of the selected target users. The selection criteria can be arbitrarily determined, but for example, the server device 100 may provide affiliated users with user information only for target users with high activation potential scores. For example, the server device 100 may provide affiliated users with target users ranked in the top 5. At this time, the server device 100 also provides affiliated users with an invite button and proposes to the affiliated users that they invite the target user to the user group.

[0040] The timing at which the server device 100 explains the target user to its affiliated users and proposes an invitation is at the server device's discretion. For example, the server device 100 may explain the target user when the target user follows the account. Alternatively, the server device 100 may explain the target user when a predetermined application (app) is launched.

[0041] The server device 100 may also calculate the level of discomfort a target user has with a user group and display it along with an explanation. The method for calculating the level of discomfort is arbitrary. For example, the server device 100 may calculate the level of discomfort based on how much of the target user's posts contain words or themes that the members of the group find offensive. Alternatively, the server device 100 may decide to provide an explanation of the user to the members of the group only if the level of discomfort is below a threshold, and not to provide an explanation or invitation proposal to the members of the group if the level of discomfort is above the threshold. In other words, if the level of discomfort is above the threshold, the server device 100 may exclude the target user from the list of candidates for explanation and invitation proposal to the members of the group.

[0042] Note that the weekly activity forecast graph, topic distribution diagram, network map, etc. shown in Figure 1 are examples only and can be anything you like.

[0043] [3. Example of terminal device configuration] Next, the configuration of the terminal device 10 will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a positioning unit 14, a sensor unit 20, a control unit 30 (controller), and a storage unit 40.

[0044] (Communications Section 11) The communication unit 11 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information to and from the server device 100 via the network N. For example, the communication unit 11 can be implemented using a NIC (Network Interface Card) or an antenna.

[0045] (Display section 12) The display unit 12 is a display device that displays various information such as location information. For example, the display unit 12 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electro-luminescent display (OLED). The display unit 12 may also be a touch panel display, but is not limited to this.

[0046] (Input section 13) The input unit 13 is an input device that receives various operations from the user U. For example, the input unit 13 has buttons for inputting characters, numbers, etc. The input unit 13 may also be an input / output port (I / O port) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. If the display unit 12 is a touch panel display, a part of the display unit 12 functions as the input unit 13. The input unit 13 may also be a microphone that receives voice input from the user U. The microphone may be wireless.

[0047] (Positioning unit 14) The positioning unit 14 receives signals (radio waves) transmitted from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and, based on the received signals, acquires position information (e.g., latitude and longitude) indicating the current position of the terminal device 10. In other words, the positioning unit 14 determines the position of the terminal device 10. Note that GPS is just one example of a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

[0048] Furthermore, the positioning unit 14 can determine its position using various methods other than GPS. For example, the positioning unit 14 may use various communication functions of the terminal device 10 to determine its position as an auxiliary positioning means for position correction, etc., as described below.

[0049] (Wi-Fi positioning) For example, the positioning unit 14 determines the location of the terminal device 10 by utilizing the Wi-Fi® communication function of the terminal device 10 and the communication network provided by each telecommunications company. Specifically, the positioning unit 14 determines the location of the terminal device 10 by performing Wi-Fi communication, etc., and determining the distance to nearby base stations and access points.

[0050] (Beacon positioning) Furthermore, the positioning unit 14 may determine the location using the Bluetooth® function of the terminal device 10. For example, the positioning unit 14 determines the location of the terminal device 10 by connecting to a beacon transmitter connected via the Bluetooth® function.

[0051] (Geomagnetic positioning) Furthermore, the positioning unit 14 determines the position of the terminal device 10 based on the geomagnetic pattern of the structure, which has been measured in advance, and the geomagnetic sensor provided by the terminal device 10.

[0052] (RFID positioning) Furthermore, if, for example, the terminal device 10 is equipped with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag function equivalent to that of a contactless IC card used at a train station ticket gate or in a store, or if it is equipped with a function to read RFID tags, the location where it was used will be recorded along with the information on the payment or other transactions made by the terminal device 10. The positioning unit 14 may determine the location of the terminal device 10 by acquiring such information. Alternatively, the location may be determined by an optical sensor or infrared sensor equipped in the terminal device 10.

[0053] The positioning unit 14 may, if necessary, determine the position of the terminal device 10 using one or a combination of the positioning means described above.

[0054] (Sensor unit 20) The sensor unit 20 includes various sensors mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10. The connection can be wired or wireless. For example, the sensors may be detection devices other than the terminal device 10, such as wearable devices or wireless devices. In the example shown in Figure 2, the sensor unit 20 includes an acceleration sensor 21, a gyro sensor 22, a barometric pressure sensor 23, a temperature sensor 24, a sound sensor 25, a light sensor 26, a magnetic sensor 27, and an image sensor (camera) 28.

[0055] The sensors 21-28 described above are merely examples and not limiting. In other words, the sensor unit 20 may be configured to include some of the sensors 21-28, or it may include other sensors such as humidity sensors in addition to or instead of the sensors 21-28.

[0056] The acceleration sensor 21 is, for example, a 3-axis acceleration sensor and detects the physical movement of the terminal device 10, such as its direction of movement, velocity, and acceleration. The gyro sensor 22 detects the physical movement of the terminal device 10, such as its tilt in the three axes, based on its angular velocity. The barometric pressure sensor 23 detects the atmospheric pressure around the terminal device 10, for example.

[0057] Since the terminal device 10 is equipped with the acceleration sensor 21, gyroscope 22, barometric pressure sensor 23, etc., it becomes possible to determine the position of the terminal device 10 using technologies such as pedestrian dead-reckoning (PDR) that utilize these sensors 21 to 23. This makes it possible to obtain indoor location information that is difficult to obtain with positioning systems such as GPS.

[0058] For example, a pedometer using an accelerometer 21 can calculate the number of steps, walking speed, and distance walked. Additionally, a gyroscope 22 can be used to determine the user U's direction of movement, gaze direction, and body tilt. Furthermore, the barometric pressure detected by the barometric pressure sensor 23 can be used to determine the altitude and floor number of the user U's terminal device 10.

[0059] The temperature sensor 24 detects, for example, the ambient temperature around the terminal device 10. The sound sensor 25 detects, for example, the ambient sound around the terminal device 10. The light sensor 26 detects the ambient illumination around the terminal device 10. The magnetic sensor 27 detects, for example, the Earth's magnetic field around the terminal device 10. The image sensor 28 captures an image of the area around the terminal device 10.

[0060] The aforementioned pressure sensor 23, temperature sensor 24, sound sensor 25, light sensor 26, and image sensor 28 can detect the surrounding environment and conditions of the terminal device 10 by detecting atmospheric pressure, temperature, sound, and illuminance, respectively, and by capturing images of the surroundings. Furthermore, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of the location information of the terminal device 10 based on the surrounding environment and conditions.

[0061] (Control Unit 30) The control unit 30 includes, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), input / output ports, and various circuits. Alternatively, the control unit 30 may be composed of hardware such as an integrated circuit (ASIC) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 30 includes a transmission unit 31, a reception unit 32, and a processing unit 33.

[0062] (Transmitter 31) The transmission unit 31 can transmit various information, such as information input by the user U using the input unit 13, various information detected by sensors 21-28 mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10, and location information of the terminal device 10 determined by the positioning unit 14, to the server device 100 via the communication unit 11.

[0063] (Receiving unit 32) The receiving unit 32 can receive various information provided by the server device 100, as well as requests for various information from the server device 100, via the communication unit 11.

[0064] (Processing 33) The processing unit 33 controls the entire terminal device 10, including the display unit 12. For example, the processing unit 33 can output and display various information transmitted by the transmission unit 31 and various information received from the server device 100 by the reception unit 32 to the display unit 12.

[0065] (Storage unit 40) The storage unit 40 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or by storage devices such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), and optical discs. Various programs and various data are stored in this storage unit 40.

[0066] [4. Example of Server Device Configuration] Next, the configuration of the server device 100 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the server device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0067] (Communications Department 110) The communication unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 110 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection.

[0068] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or by storage devices such as HDDs, SSDs, and optical discs. The storage unit 120 may store identification information (such as a user ID) indicating user U, as well as attribute information and history information (log data) of user U.

[0069] (Control unit 130) The control unit 130 is a controller, and is realized by executing various programs (corresponding to an example of an information processing program) stored in the internal storage device of the server device 100 using a storage area such as RAM as a working area, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In the example shown in Figure 3, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, an estimation unit 132, a generation unit 133, and a provision unit 134.

[0070] (Acquisition part 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires the search query entered by the user U. For example, when the user U enters a search query into a search engine or the like and performs a keyword search, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the search query via the communication unit 110. In other words, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the keyword entered by the user U into the search box of a search engine, website, or application via the communication unit 110.

[0071] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires user information about user U via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires identification information (such as user ID), location information, and attribute information of user U from user U's terminal device 10. The acquisition unit 131 may also acquire identification information and attribute information of user U when user U is registered. The acquisition unit 131 then stores the user information in the storage unit 120.

[0072] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various historical information (log data) indicating the user U's actions via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various historical information indicating the user U's actions from the user U's terminal device 10, or from various servers based on the user ID, etc. The acquisition unit 131 then stores the various historical information in the storage unit 120.

[0073] For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires user information (user data) of target users who have followed a news account.

[0074] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires group information of user groups. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires activity information of user groups from the terminal devices 10 of the members. The acquisition unit 131 then stores the group information in the storage unit 120.

[0075] (Estimation part 132) The estimation unit 132 estimates the activation potential (benefits) of each user group when the target user joins the user group. The estimation unit 132 estimates the activation potential based on the analysis results of the target user's user information and group information. For example, based on the acquired user information, the estimation unit 132 analyzes the characteristics of the target user U (target user) who followed the account, such as the target user's detailed profile, posted content, genre, other accounts followed, and posting frequency. The estimation unit 132 also analyzes the target user's interests and concerns, daily behavior and circumstances, intentions and environment, and other contexts from the target user's attribute information and history information. The estimation unit 132 also analyzes the group information of the acquired user group. The estimation unit 132 analyzes the theme and number of members of the user group, history information including the joining and leaving of affiliated users, posting information, and comment information. For example, the estimation unit 132 estimates the posting frequency of a user group when the target user joins the user group, based on the results of analyzing user information and group information.

[0076] (Generation unit 133) The generation unit 133 generates content that shows the estimated activation potential. The generation unit 133 generates, for example, a description of the target user for the affiliated users. That is, for each target user, the generation unit 133 generates a description of the target user directed at the affiliated users.

[0077] Furthermore, the generation unit 133 generates an activity prediction graph. For example, the generation unit 133 generates an activity prediction graph for one week when the target user joins a user group.

[0078] Furthermore, the generation unit 133 generates a topic distribution for the target users. For example, the generation unit 133 generates a topic distribution for the target users.

[0079] Furthermore, the generation unit 133 generates a network map of the target user. For example, the generation unit 133 generates a network map showing the connections between people in the target user's network. The generation unit 133 generates visual information such as lines, shapes, and text information as the target user's network map.

[0080] Furthermore, the generation unit 133 calculates an activation potential score based on the user information of the target user and the group information of the user group. At this time, for example, the generation unit 133 calculates the similarity (score) between the characteristics of accounts that user U has followed and the characteristics of accounts that user U has followed, based on the analysis results analyzed by the estimation unit 132, and estimates the target user as a target user with a high potential score if the similarity is above a threshold. The generation unit 133 calculates the score for each period.

[0081] The generation unit 133 generates, for example, a score ranking of target users. The generation unit 133 compares the calculated scores and generates a ranking with target users with higher scores at the top. The generation unit 133 calculates the score changes. At this time, if the ranking changes before and after the score changes due to the calculation of the score changes, the generation unit 133 also calculates the ranking after the score changes.

[0082] (Provider 134) The provisioning unit 135 provides content demonstrating the activation potential of target users to users already belonging to the user group. The provisioning unit 135 may also provide content tailored to each target user to the users. The provisioning unit provides the users with a score. The provisioning unit provides the users with the changes in the score calculated for each period. The provisioning unit 135 may also provide the users with user information only for target users with high scores. For example, the provisioning unit 135 may provide the users with content only for target users with high scores. In this case, the provisioning unit 135 provides the users with an invitation button and proposes inviting the target users.

[0083] Furthermore, the provisioning unit 135 prioritizes providing users belonging to a user group with posts, comments, etc., made by other users belonging to the same group. The provisioning unit 135 may also provide such posts, comments, etc., so that the display unit 12 of the terminal device 10 displays them in a list.

[0084] [5. Processing Procedure] Next, the processing procedure by the server device 100 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the processing procedure according to the embodiment. Note that the processing procedure shown below is repeatedly executed by the control unit 130 of the server device 100.

[0085] For example, as shown in Figure 4, the acquisition unit 131 of the server device 100 acquires the user information of the target user and the user information of the user group (step S101).

[0086] Next, the estimation unit 132 of the server device 100 analyzes the acquired information to estimate the activation potential when the target user joins a user group (step S102).

[0087] Next, the generation unit 133 of the server device 100 generates content that indicates activation potential (step S103).

[0088] Next, the provision unit 135 of the server device 100 provides the content to the affiliated users (step S104).

[0089] [6. Variant Example] The terminal device 10 and server device 100 described above may be implemented in various other forms besides those of the embodiment described above. Therefore, the following describes modifications of the embodiment.

[0090] In the above embodiment, some or all of the processing performed by the server device 100 may actually be performed by the terminal device 10 (or an application running on the terminal device 10). For example, the processing may be completed in a standalone manner (by the terminal device 10 alone). In this case, the terminal device 10 is assumed to have the same functions as the server device 100 in the above embodiment. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, since the terminal device 10 is in cooperation with the server device 100, from the perspective of the user U, it appears as if the processing of the server device 100 is also being performed by the terminal device 10. In other words, from another perspective, it can be said that the terminal device 10 is equipped with the server device 100.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the server device 100 may display the target user's activity history in a timeline format. For example, the server device 100 may display past posts, comment history, etc., that are highly similar to the theme of the target user's user group in a timeline format.

[0092] Furthermore, although the above embodiments use news from news sites / apps as an example, in reality, it could also be articles posted on social networking services (SNS), Q&A sites, life advice sites, specialized websites, video / music distribution sites, novel / illustration posting sites, or other posting sites / apps.

[0093] [7. Effects] As described above, the information processing device (terminal device 10 and server device 100) according to the present application is characterized by comprising: an acquisition unit 131 that acquires user information of a target user and group information of a user group; an estimation unit 132 that estimates the activation potential of the user group for each target user when the target user joins the user group; a generation unit 133 that generates content that shows the estimated activation potential; and a provision unit 134 that provides the content to users who are already members of the user group.

[0094] This will help to revitalize the user group.

[0095] The generation unit 133 generates a descriptive text explaining the target user. This helps to activate the user group.

[0096] The generation unit 133 generates an activity prediction graph showing the predicted activity of the target user within the user group when the target user joins the user group. This helps to revitalize the user group.

[0097] The generation unit 133 generates a network map showing the connections between the target users. This helps to activate user groups.

[0098] The generation unit 133 calculates an activation potential score based on user information and group information, and the provision unit 134 provides the score to the user. This makes it possible to activate the user group.

[0099] The generation unit 133 calculates a score for each period, and the provision unit 135 provides the user with the changes in the score calculated for each period. This helps to revitalize the user group.

[0100] The provisioning unit 134 provides user information only to users belonging to the target user group, specifically those with high scores. This helps to revitalize the user group.

[0101] The generation unit 133 generates a ranking of scores. The provision unit 134 provides the ranking to the users. This helps to revitalize the user group.

[0102] By any or a combination of the above-described processes, the information processing device according to the present invention can activate user groups.

[0103] [8. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the terminal device 10 and server device 100 according to the above-described embodiment are realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 5. The following explanation will use the server device 100 as an example. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and has a configuration in which an arithmetic unit 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output interface 1060, an input interface 1070, and a network interface 1080 are connected by a bus 1090.

[0104] The arithmetic unit 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 and the secondary storage device 1050, as well as programs read from the input device 1020, and executes various processes. The arithmetic unit 1030 can be implemented using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0105] The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations. The secondary storage device 1050 is a storage device where data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and can be implemented using ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, etc. The secondary storage device 1050 may be internal storage or external storage. The secondary storage device 1050 may also be a removable storage medium such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or SD (Secure Digital) memory card. The secondary storage device 1050 may also be cloud storage (online storage), NAS (Network Attached Storage), file server, etc.

[0106] The output I / F 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to output devices 1010, such as displays, projectors, and printers, and is implemented using connectors of standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), and HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). The input I / F 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as mice, keyboards, keypads, buttons, and scanners, and is implemented using, for example, USB.

[0107] Furthermore, the output interface 1060 and input interface 1070 may be wirelessly connected to the output device 1010 and input device 1020, respectively. In other words, the output device 1010 and input device 1020 may be wireless devices.

[0108] Furthermore, the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 may be integrated as a touch panel. In this case, the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070 may also be integrated as an input / output I / F.

[0109] The input device 1020 may also be a device that reads information from, for example, an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0110] The network interface 1080 receives data from other devices via network N and sends it to the computing unit 1030, and also transmits data generated by the computing unit 1030 to other devices via network N.

[0111] The arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output interface 1060 and the input interface 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the secondary storage device 1050 onto the primary storage device 1040 and executes the loaded program.

[0112] For example, when computer 1000 functions as a server device 100, the arithmetic unit 1030 of computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 130 by executing a program loaded onto the primary storage device 1040. Alternatively, the arithmetic unit 1030 of computer 1000 may load a program obtained from another device via the network interface 1080 onto the primary storage device 1040 and execute the loaded program. Furthermore, the arithmetic unit 1030 of computer 1000 may cooperate with other devices via the network interface 1080 and call and use program functions, data, etc., from other programs on other devices.

[0113] [9. 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.

[0114] 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 information including various data and parameters shown in the above document 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] For example, the server device 100 described above may be implemented using multiple server computers, and the configuration can be flexibly changed, such as by calling external platforms via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) or network computing depending on the function.

[0117] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0118] Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" mentioned above can be replaced with "means" or "circuit." For example, the acquisition unit can be replaced with acquisition means or acquisition circuit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 1. Information Processing System 10 Terminal devices 100 Server Devices 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 130 Control Unit 131 Acquisition Department 132 Estimation Department 133 Generation part 134 Provision Department

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires user information of the target user and group information of the user group, An estimation unit that estimates the activation potential of the user group for each target user when the target user joins the user group, A generation unit that generates content showing the estimated activation potential, A provisioning unit that provides the aforementioned content to users who are already members of the user group, An information processing device characterized by comprising:

2. The generation unit generates an explanatory text describing the target user. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The generation unit generates an activity prediction graph showing the predicted activity of the target user within the user group when the target user joins the user group. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The generation unit generates a network map showing the connections between people in the target user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The generation unit calculates the activation potential score based on the user information and the group information. The providing unit provides the score to the affiliated user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The generation unit calculates the score for each period, The aforementioned provisioning unit provides the affiliated users with the changes in the scores calculated for each of the aforementioned periods. The information processing apparatus according to feature 5.

7. The provisioning unit provides user information only to the affiliated users of target users with high scores. The information processing apparatus according to feature 5.

8. The generation unit generates a ranking of the scores, The aforementioned provisioning unit provides the aforementioned ranking to the affiliated users. The information processing apparatus according to feature 5.

9. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, The acquisition process involves obtaining user information for the target user and group information for the user group, An estimation step for estimating the activation potential of the user group when the target user joins the user group, A generation step of generating content that shows the estimated activation potential, A provision process that provides the aforementioned content to users who are already members of the user group, An information processing method characterized by including

10. Procedure for obtaining user information for the target user and group information for the user group, An estimation procedure for estimating the activation potential of the user group when the target user joins the user group, A generation procedure for generating content that shows the estimated activation potential, A procedure for providing the aforementioned content to users who are already members of the user group, An information processing program characterized by causing a computer to execute it.

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