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

Abstract

This technology provides the ability for specific users to share comments on various types of content. [Solution] The information processing device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a setting unit that performs set exchange settings to set a pair of user terminal devices that exchange exchange sets, each containing content and comments on said content, as exchange partners; a receiving unit that receives exchange sets containing content and comments from the user terminal devices for which set exchange settings have been made; and a providing unit that provides the exchange sets to the user terminal devices that are the exchange partners.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, techniques related to information distribution via the Internet are known. As an example of such a technique, there is known a technique for providing comments posted by users on news articles to other users who have viewed the news articles (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described technique, it only provides comments posted by an unspecified number of users for each news article, and there are still problems in communication between specific users.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for sharing comments on various contents between specific users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing device according to the present application is characterized by comprising: a setting unit that performs set exchange settings for setting a pair of user terminal devices as exchange partners for exchanging exchange sets in which content and comments on said content are linked; a receiving unit that receives exchange sets in which comments are linked to content from the user's terminal device for which the set exchange settings have been made; and a providing unit that provides the exchange set to the user's terminal device which is the exchange partner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the system, comments on various types of content can be shared among specific users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the display of the exchange set according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a user information storage unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a content information storage unit. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a replacement set information storage unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 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 each of the following embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] [Embodiment] [1. Overview of Information Processing] First, with reference to Figure 1, an overview of information processing by the information processing system 1 having the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 includes terminal devices 10a and 10b for a plurality of users Ua and Ub, and the information processing device 100. In the following description, when users Ua and Ub are not specifically distinguished, they will be referred to as "user U" as appropriate. Also, when terminal devices 10a and 10b are not specifically distinguished, they will be referred to as "terminal device 10" as appropriate.

[0011] The terminal device 10 and the information processing device 100 are connected via a network N (see Figure 3) via a wired or wireless connection, enabling communication between them. This allows the terminal device 10 to cooperate with the information processing device 100. The network N is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet.

[0012] Terminal device 10 is an information processing device used by user U. User U is a user to whom content is delivered, and who can select, view, and post comments on the content. By operating terminal device 10, user U can perform various actions to view various types of content and post comments on the content.

[0013] Typical examples of terminal devices 10 include smart devices such as smartphones and tablet terminals, but they may also include PCs (Personal Computers) such as desktop or laptop computers, mobile phones such as feature phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), game consoles and AV equipment with communication functions, information appliances and digital appliances, car navigation systems, wearable devices such as smartwatches, head-mounted displays, and smart glasses. Furthermore, terminal devices 10 may also include houses and buildings compatible with the Internet of Things (IoT), cars, home appliances, electronic devices, etc.

[0014] Furthermore, the terminal device 10 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, that has touch panel functionality, and accepts various operations on displayed data such as content from the user U using their 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 operations on the content.

[0015] The information processing device 100 is an information processing device that performs various information processing in the information processing system 1. The information processing device 100 can be implemented using a computer such as a PC, blade server, mainframe, or workstation. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may be implemented using cloud computing. In the example shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 100 is, for example, an information processing device that provides various content to the terminal device 10 of each user U.

[0016] Note that the information processing apparatus 100 may have a function as a web server that provides websites related to various services such as news services, blog services, and SNS services. Further, the information processing apparatus 100 may be a device that distributes information to be displayed on applications (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "apps") related to various services installed on the terminal device 10 of the user U to the terminal device 10 of the user U. Further, the information processing apparatus 100 may be a server that distributes the apps themselves. Further, the information processing apparatus 100 may function as a distribution device that distributes control information to the terminal device 10 of the user U. Here, the control information is described by, for example, a script language such as JavaScript (registered trademark) or a style sheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). Note that the app itself distributed from the information processing apparatus 100 may be regarded as control information.

[0017] Note that the number of each device included in the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is not limited to that shown. For example, in FIG. 1, for simplicity of illustration, only two terminal devices 10 are shown, but this is merely an example and is not limited, and three or more may be used.

[0018] Hereinafter, the outline of the information processing performed by the information processing apparatus 100 will be described using FIG. 1. First, the information processing apparatus 100 acquires an exchange setting request indicating that it requests a setting for exchanging an exchange set, which is a pair of content and a comment associated with the content, with another user U from the terminal device 10a of the user Ua (step S1). Further, the information processing apparatus 100 acquires an exchange setting request from the terminal device 10b of the user Ub (step S2).

[0019] Here, the content may be, for example, the content of news articles or advertisement articles, but may also be the content of blog articles, the content posted on SNS, or other content. Note that the content may be, instead of or in addition to the content, its summary, heading, URL (Uniform Resource Locator), etc. The comment is, for example, a comment posted by the user U on the content, or a comment further posted by the user U on the comment on the content. The comment is the opinion, impression, etc. of the user U and includes a character string, a stamp, an emoji, etc.

[0020] As in steps S1 and S2, the information processing apparatus 100 acquires exchange setting requests from the terminal apparatuses 10 of a plurality of users U. Then, the information processing apparatus 100 performs set exchange setting for setting, as an exchange partner, a set of terminal apparatuses 10 that exchange an exchange set among the terminal apparatuses 10 that have received the exchange setting requests (step S3). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 100 performs set exchange setting between the terminal apparatus 10a of the user Ua and the terminal apparatus 10b of the user Ub.

[0021] The information processing apparatus 100 matches users U with each other, for example, based on predetermined conditions. The predetermined conditions include conditions based on the attributes of the users U, an exchange history including information on the content exchanged in the past, and feedback on the content and comments. The attributes of the user U include user segments, user personas, etc. The information on the content includes, for example, the title and content of the content such as news (which may also be the source, theme, category, etc.).

[0022] Alternatively, the exchange setting request in step S1 may include the designation of the user Ub by the user Ua, and the exchange setting request in step S2 may include the consent by the user Ub. Further, before step S1, the information processing apparatus 100 may recommend the user Ub to the user Ua as an optimal exchange partner based on conditions based on the attributes of the user U, the past exchange history, and feedback on the content and comments.

[0023] Next, the information processing device 100 receives an exchange set A from the user Ua's terminal device 10a, in which comment A is associated with content A (step S4). For example, the terminal device 10a receives the content A that user Ua wants from the list of content by operating the terminal device 10a, associates the comment A created for content A with content A, and sends it to the information processing device 100 as an exchange set A. At this time, the information processing device 100 may receive identification information that identifies content A instead of content A itself.

[0024] Next, the information processing device 100 provides the exchange set A received from the terminal device 10a to the terminal device 10b of user Ub (step S5). For example, the information processing device 100 causes the terminal device 10b to display content A and comment A. In the example shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 100 displays summary content A, which includes an overview and headings of content A, instead of content A. For example, user Ua can view the full text of content A by operating the terminal device 10a and selecting summary content A.

[0025] Next, the information processing device 100 receives an exchange set B from the user Ub's terminal device 10b, in which comment B is associated with content B (step S6). For example, when user Ub operates the terminal device 10b, the terminal device 10b selects the desired content B from the list of content, associates the comment B created for content B with content B, and sends it to the information processing device 100 as an exchange set B. At this time, the information processing device 100 may accept identification information that identifies content B instead of content B itself.

[0026] Next, the information processing device 100 provides the exchange set B received from the terminal device 10b to the user Ua's terminal device 10a (step S7). For example, the information processing device 100 causes the terminal device 10a to display content B and comment B. In the example shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 100 displays summary content B, which includes an overview and headings of content B, instead of content B. Also in the example shown in Figure 1, the summary content B and comment B of the provided content B are displayed below the summary content A and comment A of the transmitted content A, and the history of the exchange is displayed in a so-called timeline format. For example, the user Ub can view the main text of content B by operating the terminal device 10b and selecting summary content B.

[0027] Thus, the information processing system 1 is a system that can exchange exchange sets, which are pairs of content and comments on that content, in real time between designated users U. Such real-time exchange continues, for example, for a period predetermined by user U or the system, or until a predetermined termination request is received. In this case, the exchange sets are exchanged in a catch-and-throw format, with one set being provided from one user Ua to the other user Ub, and then one set being provided from the other user Ub to the first user Ua. That is, steps S4 to S7 may be executed repeatedly.

[0028] [2. Example of display for the exchange set] Here, using Figure 2, we will explain an example of the display of the exchange set in terminal devices 10a and 10b. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the exchange set according to the embodiment.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the terminal device 10a of user Ua, which sent exchange set A in which comment A is associated with content A, displays screen C11 including regions AR11 and AR12. Region AR11 displays summary content A of content A sent to user Ub. Region AR12 displays user Ua's comment A on content A.

[0030] At this time, the terminal device 10b of user Ub, which has received exchange set A, displays screen C21 which includes areas AR21, AR22, and AR23. Area AR21 displays the summary content A of content A sent by user Ua. That is, area AR21 corresponds to area AR11 of terminal device 10a. Area AR22 displays user Ua's comment A on content A. That is, area AR22 corresponds to area AR12 of terminal device 10a. Area AR23 displays the selection screen for exchange set B that user Ub provides to user Ua. Specifically, area AR23 displays, for example, a search box for keyword searching for content and an input box for specifying the URL of content.

[0031] For example, when user Ub performs an operation to select desired content B, terminal device 10b displays screen C22 which includes areas AR21, AR22, and areas AR24 and AR25 instead of area AR23. Area AR24 displays a summary of content B selected by user Ub. Area AR25 displays the screen for creating a comment B that user Ub provides to user Ua.

[0032] For example, if user Ub enters comment B and sends exchange set B, in which comment B is associated with content B, to user Ua, terminal device 10b displays screen C23 which includes areas AR21, AR22, AR24, and area AR26 instead of area AR25. Area AR26 displays the sent comment B.

[0033] At this time, the terminal device 10a of user Ua, which has received exchange set B, displays screen C13 which includes areas AR13, AR14, and AR15 in addition to areas AR11 and AR12. Area AR13 displays the summary content B of content B sent from user Ub. That is, area AR13 corresponds to area AR24 of terminal device 10b. Area AR14 displays user Ub's comment B on content B. That is, area AR14 corresponds to area AR26 of terminal device 10b. Area AR15 displays the selection screen for exchange set A' that user Ua will next provide to user Ub.

[0034] Thus, when user U receives an exchange set from their exchange partner, they then select content to send to the exchange partner user U, create comments on this content, and send the exchange set of content and comments to the exchange partner user U.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 2, only content and comment exchange sets are shown, and the exchange history is displayed in a timeline format. However, in addition to the exchange sets, feedback such as comments, ratings, and empathy levels for the provided exchange sets may also be exchanged.

[0036] [3. Configuration of the Information Processing Device] Next, the configuration of the information processing 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 information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. The information processing device 100 may also have an input unit (for example, a keyboard or mouse) that accepts various operations from an administrator or the like who uses the information processing device 100, and a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) for displaying various information.

[0037] The communication unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 110 is connected to the network N (see Figure 3) by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with the user U's terminal device 10.

[0038] 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 HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), and optical discs. As shown in Figure 3, the storage unit 120 includes a user information storage unit 121, a content information storage unit 122, and an exchange set information storage unit 123.

[0039] The user information storage unit 121 stores various information about the user U or the terminal device 10. Figure 4 shows an example of the user information storage unit 121. In the example shown in Figure 4, the user information storage unit 121 has items such as "user ID", "attribute information", "exchange history information", and "exchange setting information".

[0040] "User ID" refers to identification information for identifying terminal device 10, and includes identifiers represented by strings of characters, numbers, etc. "User ID" may also refer to identification information for identifying user U associated with terminal device 10.

[0041] "Attribute information" refers to information about user U, including, for example, information about user U's attributes such as gender, age, and place of residence. "Attribute information" may also include, for example, information about user U's hobbies, preferences, and interests, analyzed from user U's past actions on various types of content.

[0042] "Exchange history information" refers to information about exchange sets that user U has exchanged with other users U in the past, and includes, for example, content, comments, exchange partners, and feedback information such as empathy levels, which are managed by the "exchange set ID" described below.

[0043] "Exchange settings information" refers to information about user U's current set exchange settings, and includes, for example, identification information that identifies the exchange partner user U, managed by "User ID".

[0044] In other words, Figure 4 shows that user information for user U, identified by user ID "UID#1", is "UDT#1", exchange history information is "LOGDT#1", and exchange information is "SETDT#1".

[0045] The content information storage unit 122 shown in Figure 3 stores various information related to content that represents news articles. Figure 5 shows an example of the content information storage unit 122. In the example shown in Figure 5, the content information storage unit 122 has items such as "Content ID," "Text Information," "Image Information," "Delivery Date and Time," and "Classification."

[0046] "Content ID" refers to identifying information used to identify content, and includes identifiers represented by strings of characters, numbers, etc.

[0047] "Text information" refers to the text information of the content, and stores text information such as the title of a news article and the body of a news article. "Text information" may also include text information such as the summary text of summary content displayed on the timeline. In addition, "text information" may include source information indicating the source from which the content was posted to the news service.

[0048] "Image information" refers to images included in the content, such as thumbnail images displayed on the timeline.

[0049] "Distribution date and time" indicates the date and time when the content began to be distributed on the news service.

[0050] "Classification" refers to classification information for content, including, for example, the genre of a news article or information about the event.

[0051] In other words, Figure 5 shows that the text information of news articles and other content identified by the content ID "CID#1" is "TXTDT#1", the image information is "PICDT#1", the delivery date and time is "DDT#1", and the classification is "CATDT#1".

[0052] The exchange set information storage unit 123 shown in Figure 3 stores various information about exchange sets provided by user U to other users U. Figure 6 shows an example of the exchange set information storage unit 123. In the example shown in Figure 6, the exchange set information storage unit 123 has items such as "exchange set ID", "content information", "comment information", "poster information", and "recipient information".

[0053] The "Exchange Set ID" indicates identification information for identifying an exchange set, and includes identifiers such as strings or numbers.

[0054] "Content information" refers to identification information used to identify the content included in the exchange set, and is managed, for example, by the aforementioned "Content ID".

[0055] "Comment information" refers to comments posted by user U on the content, and for example, text information representing the comment is stored there.

[0056] "Sender information" refers to identification information used to identify user U who sent the exchange set, and is managed, for example, by the aforementioned "User ID".

[0057] "Recipient information" refers to identification information used to identify user U who received the exchange set, and is managed, for example, by the aforementioned "User ID".

[0058] In other words, Figure 6 shows that the content information identified by the exchange set ID "SID#1" is "CID#11", the comment information is "MDT#1", the sender information is "UID#11", and the recipient information is "UID#21".

[0059] The control unit 130 shown in Figure 3 is implemented, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in the memory device inside the information processing device 100 using RAM as the working area. Alternatively, the control unit 130 can be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 130 of this embodiment includes a presentation unit 131, a recommendation unit 132, a setting unit 133, a reception unit 134, a provision unit 135, a display control unit 136, an analysis unit 137, and a notification unit 138, and implements or executes the information processing functions and operations described below.

[0060] The presentation unit 131 presents various content to the user U's terminal device 10. For example, the presentation unit 131 acquires various content provided through a news service. The presentation unit 131 acquires news articles from the terminal device of the news article poster via the network N. The presentation unit 131 stores the acquired news articles in the content information storage unit 122 and, based on a distribution request from the user U's terminal device 10, presents the content corresponding to the news articles to the user U's terminal device 10. The presentation unit 131 recognizes that it has received a distribution request, for example, by detecting that the user U's terminal device 10 has accessed a website related to the news service.

[0061] The recommendation unit 132 recommends exchange partners for exchange sets based on user U's attribute information and exchange history information showing information on exchange sets exchanged in the past. For example, the recommendation unit 132 matches users U together and recommends each other as exchange partners to the matched users U. The recommendation unit 132 collects information such as user U's attributes, content title, content, source, theme, category, content comments on the content, comments and ratings on the content and comments, and feedback such as empathy levels. For example, the recommendation unit 132 matches users U with high empathy levels based on the empathy level measured by the analysis unit 137 described later. The recommendation unit 132 notifies each matched user U's terminal device 10 of the recommendation information, which includes information on the recommended user U. The information on the recommended user U includes the user U's account name and attribute information that has been permitted to be disclosed.

[0062] The setting unit 133 performs a set exchange setting, which sets a pair of terminal devices 10 from among the terminal devices 10 of multiple users U as the exchange partner for the exchange set. In this embodiment, the setting unit 133 pairs the terminal devices 10 one-to-one. The setting unit 133 performs a set exchange setting between the terminal device 10 of the first user U (for example, user Ua shown in Figures 1 and 2) (for example, terminal device 10a shown in Figures 1 and 2) and the terminal device 10 of the second user U (for example, user Ub shown in Figures 1 and 2) (for example, terminal device 10b shown in Figures 1 and 2). The setting unit 133, for example, obtains an exchange setting request from the terminal device 10 of user U and performs the set exchange setting triggered by the acquisition of the exchange setting request.

[0063] Here, we will explain an example of the procedure for setting up the exchange.

[0064] For example, the first user Ua identifies the second user Ub as the person they wish to exchange with and sends an exchange setting request to the information processing device 100. In this case, the recommendation unit 132 recommends the first user Ua to the second user Ub as the exchange partner. When the setting unit 133 receives an exchange acceptance from the second user Ub, i.e., an exchange setting request that identifies the first user Ua as the exchange partner, it performs a set exchange setting between the first user Ua and the second user Ua.

[0065] Alternatively, for example, multiple users U may send exchange setting requests to the information processing device 100 without specifying who they wish to exchange with. In this case, the recommendation unit 132 matches the users U based on the attribute information and exchange history information of each user U who made the exchange setting request. The setting unit 133 sets up a set exchange between the user U matched by the recommendation unit 132. After the recommendation unit 132 has made a match, the setting unit 133 may notify each user U of the information of the recommended user U and request their acceptance of the set exchange setting.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, the recommendation unit 132 may determine which exchange partners to recommend to a user U who has made an exchange setting request, based on the attribute information and exchange history information of each user U, including users U who have not made an exchange setting request.

[0067] The reception unit 134 receives exchange sets in which comments are associated with content from the terminal device 10 of user U, for which the setting unit 133 has performed the set exchange settings. The reception unit 134 receives a first exchange set from the terminal device 10a of the first user Ua, in which a first comment (for example, comment A shown in Figures 1 and 2) is associated with a first content (for example, content A shown in Figures 1 and 2). The reception unit 134 also receives a second exchange set from the terminal device 10b of the second user Ub, in which a second comment (for example, comment B shown in Figures 1 and 2) is associated with a second content (for example, content B shown in Figures 1 and 2). The reception unit 134 may receive identification information that identifies the content instead of the content itself. The reception unit 134 may also receive feedback such as the degree of empathy or evaluation from the user U who sent the exchange set.

[0068] The provisioning unit 135 provides the exchange set received by the receiving unit 134 to the terminal device 10 of user U, which is set as the exchange partner of user U who sent the exchange set. For example, the provisioning unit 135 links the summary content of the first content and the first comment of the first exchange set received from the first user U and provides it to the second user U.

[0069] The display control unit 136 communicates with the user U's terminal device 10 via the communication unit 110 to control the information displayed on the screen of the user U's terminal device 10. For example, the display control unit 136 controls the arrangement and display of summary content and comments, thumbnails, and advertisements displayed on the screen of the user U's terminal device 10.

[0070] The display control unit 136 displays, for example, summary content showing a summary of the content and comments associated with the content on the terminal device 10. When user U performs an operation to select summary content, the display control unit 136 displays the main text of the content on the terminal device 10. The display control unit 136 displays, for example, the first content A and first comment A, and the second content B and second comment B side by side in a timeline format on the terminal device 10a of the first user Ua and the terminal device 10b of the second user Ub.

[0071] The above-mentioned supply unit 135 and display control unit 136 may be integrated. For example, the supply unit 135 may transmit control signals to the user U's terminal device 10 to control the information displayed on the screen of the user U's terminal device 10.

[0072] Furthermore, either the information provision unit 135 or the display control unit 136 may function independently. For example, if user U's terminal device 10 does not require display control by the information processing device 100, the information provision unit 135 will only provide information to the terminal device 10. Alternatively, if user U's terminal device 10 accepts display control from the information processing device 100, the display control unit 136 may control the information displayed on the screen of the terminal device 10.

[0073] The analysis unit 137 analyzes the user information of the exchange partner user U, the exchanged content and comments, and feedback information. For example, the analysis unit 137 analyzes user U's hobbies, preferences, interests, and concerns, and updates the attribute information and exchange history information stored in the user information storage unit 121. For example, the analysis unit 137 measures the degree of empathy for content and comments exchanged in the past, and updates the attribute information and exchange history information stored in the user information storage unit 121.

[0074] The notification unit 138 notifies the terminal device 10 of user U, who has received the exchange set, of feedback information indicating the degree of empathy and evaluation of user U who sent the exchange set. The feedback information may be notified each time during the exchange period of the exchange set, or it may be notified after the end of the exchange period.

[0075] [4. Processing Flow of Information Processing Devices] Next, the processing procedure by the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow according to the embodiment.

[0076] As shown in Figure 7, first, the information processing device 100 receives an exchange setting request from user U's terminal device 10, indicating a request to set up the exchange of a set of content and comments associated with that content with another user U (step S101). Step S101 is performed for multiple users U. Next, the information processing device 100 performs a set exchange setting that enables the exchange of exchange sets between the terminal device 10 of the first user U (for example, user Ua shown in Figure 1) (for example, terminal device 10a shown in Figure 1) and the terminal device 10 of the second user U (for example, user Ub shown in Figure 1) (for example, terminal device 10b shown in Figure 1) (step S102).

[0077] Next, the information processing device 100 receives a first exchange set from the terminal device 10 of the first user U, in which the first content is associated with the first comment (step S103). Then, the information processing device 100 provides the received first exchange set to the terminal device 10 of the second user U (step S104).

[0078] Next, the information processing device 100 receives a second exchange set from the terminal device 10 of the second user U, in which the second comment is associated with the second content (step S105). Then, the information processing device 100 provides the received second exchange set to the terminal device 10 of the first user U (step S106).

[0079] [5. Variations] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0080] For example, some or all of the processing performed by the information processing 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 be equipped with the functions of the information processing device 100 in the above embodiment. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, since the terminal device 10 is in cooperation with the information processing device 100, from the perspective of the user U, it appears as if the processing of the information processing 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 information processing device 100.

[0081] Furthermore, the internal configuration of the control unit 130 of the information processing device 100 in the above embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3, and may be any other configuration as long as it performs the information processing described above. Also, the connection relationships of the various processing units in the control unit 130 are not limited to the connection relationships shown in Figure 3, and may be any other connection relationships.

[0082] Furthermore, the exchange of exchange sets may be carried out by a team of three or more people. In the case of a team of three people, for example, first, user U sends the exchange set to user U II and user U III, then user U II sends the exchange set to user U II and user U III, and then user U III sends the exchange set to user U II and user U III.

[0083] Furthermore, the method of providing the exchange set is not limited to the format shown in the embodiment, and may be displayed in story format in a single room that is accessible to both the first user U and the second user U. Also, the exchange set may be made public to users U other than the two participating users U.

[0084] Furthermore, the content of the exchange sets may be based on specific themes or topics. Themes and topics may be automatically set based on each other's interests, or they may be set independently by user U. For example, rooms could be created for each theme or topic, with a limit on the number of participants, and users U who enter the rooms could be matched on a first-come, first-served basis to exchange exchange sets based on the themes or topics.

[0085] The information processing device 100 may provide a summary of feedback on the exchanged content and comments after the exchange period for the exchange set has ended. The information processing device 100 may also provide a ranking of the exchanged content and comments that received the most positive feedback and empathy. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may analyze trends in the exchanged content and comments and provide popular topics and opinions in real time.

[0086] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 may provide a discussion room that is linked to the exchange of exchange sets. The flow of the discussion may be displayed in a story format alongside the history of the exchange of exchange sets. In addition, the information processing device 100 may provide a specific discussion room for picking out and discussing comments where opinions are in conflict among the exchanged comments.

[0087] Furthermore, although the above embodiments use news articles and other articles concerning events as examples, in practice, instead of news articles and other articles, the target may be content that can be displayed in a browser or app, etc., and that relates to a predetermined theme, article, topic, etc. For example, the content may be social networking services, video streaming sites, Q&A sites, specialized field sites, life advice sites, etc.

[0088] [6. Effects] As described above, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment includes a setting unit 133, a receiving unit 134, and a providing unit 135. The setting unit 133 performs a set exchange setting to set a pair of terminal devices 10 of user U as the exchange partner for exchanging exchange sets in which content and comments on that content are linked. The receiving unit 134 receives the exchange set in which comments are linked to content from the terminal device 10 of user U for which the set exchange setting has been made. The providing unit 135 provides the exchange set to the terminal device 10 of user U, which is the exchange partner.

[0089] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can exchange exchange sets in which comments are linked to content among specific users U. That is, user U introduces the content they have viewed to a specific exchange partner and provides comments on it, and receives content that the exchange partner has viewed and comments on it from the exchange partner. Therefore, compared to services that unilaterally disclose information to an unspecified number of users, such as social networking services, it is possible to share comments on various content among specific users U and deepen interactions.

[0090] Furthermore, in the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment, the receiving unit 134 receives a first exchange set from the terminal device 10a of the first user Ua, who has set up a set exchange, in which the first comment A is linked to the first content A, and also receives a second exchange set from the terminal device 10b of the second user Ub, in which the second comment B is linked to the second content B. The providing unit 135 provides the first exchange set to the terminal device 10b of the second user Ub, and provides the second exchange set to the terminal device 10a of the first user Ua. After the providing unit 135 has provided the first exchange set to the terminal device 10b of the second user Ub, the receiving unit 134 receives the second exchange set from the terminal device 10b of the second user Ub. The reception unit 134 receives a third exchange set from the terminal device 10a of the first user Ua, after the provision unit 135 has provided the second exchange set to the first user Ua's terminal device 10a, in which the third comment is linked to the third content.

[0091] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment repeatedly exchanges information in a catch-and-throw format, with one user U providing an exchange set to the other user U, and then the other user U providing an exchange set to the first user U. In other words, it is not a one-way exchange where one user U provides an exchange set only to the other user U. Therefore, by sequentially exchanging exchange sets, users U can be exposed to new perspectives and information from each other, and can deepen their interaction with the other user U.

[0092] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment further comprises a display control unit 136. The display control unit 136 causes summary content showing a summary of the content and comments corresponding to the content to be displayed on the terminal device 10. For example, the display control unit 136 causes a first summary content A and a first comment A showing a summary of the first content A, and a second summary content B and a second comment B showing a summary of the second content B, to be displayed side by side in a timeline format on the terminal device 10a of the first user Ua and the terminal device 10b of the second user Ub.

[0093] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can present the exchange of exchange sets between users U in chronological order. Therefore, users U can easily understand the content and history of the exchanges.

[0094] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment further includes a recommendation unit 132. The recommendation unit 132 recommends exchange partners for exchanging exchange sets based on attribute information that indicates information about the attributes of user U. The recommendation unit 132 also recommends exchange partners for exchanging exchange sets based on exchange history information that indicates information about exchange sets that user U has exchanged in the past. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment further includes an analysis unit 137 that measures the degree of empathy for content and comments that have been exchanged in the past. The recommendation unit 132 then matches user U with a high degree of empathy and recommends them as an exchange partner.

[0095] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment can recommend a suitable exchange partner for user U, thereby promoting communication between users U through the exchange of exchange sets.

[0096] [7. Hardware Configuration] The information processing device 100 according to the above-described embodiment is realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 includes 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.

[0097] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1300 or HDD 1400, and controls various parts. The ROM 1300 stores boot programs executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 starts up, as well as programs that depend on the computer 1000's hardware.

[0098] The HDD1400 stores programs executed by the CPU1100, as well as data used by those programs. The communication interface1500 receives data from other devices via the network N and sends it to the CPU1100, and also transmits data generated by the CPU1100 to other devices via the network N.

[0099] The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as displays and printers, and input devices such as keyboards and mice, via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs the data it generates to output devices via the input / output interface 1600.

[0100] 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.

[0101] For example, when computer 1000 functions as information processing device 100, the CPU 1100 of computer 1000 implements the functions of the control unit 130 by executing programs loaded onto RAM 1200. The HDD 1400 stores the data within the storage device (storage unit 120) of the information processing device 100. The CPU 1100 of computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via a predetermined communication network.

[0102] [8. 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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, usage conditions, etc.

[0105] For example, the information processing device 100 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.

[0106] Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate, as long as the processing content is not contradictory.

[0107] Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" used above can be replaced with "means," "circuit," etc. For example, the acquisition unit can be replaced with acquisition means or acquisition circuit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 1. Information Processing System 10 Terminal devices 100 Information Processing Devices 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 User information storage unit 122 Content Information Storage Unit 123 Exchange Set Information Storage Unit 130 Control Unit 131 Presentation section 132 Recommendation Department 133 Settings Section 134 Reception Department 135 Provision Department 136 Display Control Unit 137 Analysis Department 138 Notification Department N Network U User

Claims

1. A setting unit that performs set exchange settings, which sets a set of user terminal devices as the exchange partner for exchanging exchange sets that link content and comments on that content, A reception unit that receives exchange sets with comments associated with content from the terminal device of the user who has configured the set exchange settings, A providing unit that provides the exchange set to the terminal device of the user who is the exchange partner, An information processing device characterized by comprising:

2. The aforementioned reception unit is The first user's terminal device accepts a first exchange set in which the first comment is linked to the first content, and the second user's terminal device accepts a second exchange set in which the second comment is linked to the second content. The aforementioned supply unit The first exchange set is provided to the terminal device of the second user, and the second exchange set is provided to the terminal device of the first user. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned reception unit is After the supply unit provides the first exchange set to the terminal device of the second user, the supply unit receives the second exchange set from the terminal device of the second user. After the providing unit provides the second exchange set to the terminal device of the first user, the terminal device of the first user receives a third exchange set in which the third comment is associated with the third content. The information processing apparatus according to feature 2.

4. The system further includes a display control unit that displays, in a timeline format, a first summary content and the first comment showing a summary of the first content, and a second summary content and the second comment showing a summary of the second content, side by side, on the terminal device of the first user and the terminal device of the second user. The information processing apparatus according to feature 2.

5. The system further comprises a recommendation unit that recommends exchange partners for the exchange set based on attribute information indicating information about the user's attributes. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

6. The system further includes a recommendation unit that recommends exchange partners for the exchange set based on exchange history information showing information about the exchange sets previously exchanged by the user. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

7. The system further includes an analysis unit that measures the degree of empathy for the aforementioned content and comments that have been exchanged in the past, The aforementioned recommendation department matches users with a high level of empathy and recommends them as exchange partners. The information processing apparatus according to feature 6.

8. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, A setting process for performing set exchange settings, which involves setting a set of user terminal devices as the exchange partner for an exchange set in which content and comments on that content are linked, A receiving process for receiving an exchange set in which comments are associated with content from the terminal device of the user who has configured the set exchange settings, A provision step of providing the exchange set to the terminal device of the user who is the exchange partner, An information processing method characterized by including

9. A setting procedure for performing a set exchange, which involves setting a set of user terminal devices as the exchange partner for an exchange set in which content and comments on that content are linked, A reception procedure for receiving an exchange set in which comments are associated with content from the terminal device of the user who has configured the set exchange settings, A procedure for providing the exchange set to the terminal device of the user who is the exchange partner, An information processing program that causes a computer to execute something.

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