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

Abstract

This technology provides a way to easily identify previously published articles in a timeline displaying multiple articles. [Solution] The information processing device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first generation unit that generates a timeline showing a plurality of summary contents corresponding to each of a plurality of contents based on a distribution request from a user's terminal device; a second generation unit that generates difference information showing the difference between a first timeline which is a newly generated timeline and a second timeline which is a timeline generated based on the previous distribution request from the terminal device; a detection unit that detects viewing of content by the terminal device; and a provision unit that provides the terminal device with a timeline set including the first timeline and difference information.

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, technologies related to information distribution via the Internet are known. As an example of such a technology, there is known a technology for displaying in a so-called timeline format, in a list, content composed of summaries, headings, etc. of a plurality of news articles, advertisement articles, comments posted by users, and the like (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In such a display format, for example, the content is arranged and displayed in the order of arrival of new content postings, or in the order of recommendation based on the user's own interests, concerns, attributes, degree of attention from the entire user group, etc. The user selects content that attracts interest from the content composed of summaries, headings, etc. displayed in a list by tapping or the like, and thereby displays and browses the original article of the selected content.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the display in the timeline format, when transitioning to and browsing the content that is the original article, or after leaving once and then newly updated content is provided, there are cases where the article that was intended to be browsed next cannot be found, or it becomes difficult to distinguish between existing articles and new articles, and inconvenience may be felt.

[0006] This application was made in view of the above, and aims to facilitate the identification of previously published articles in a timeline showing multiple articles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first generation unit that generates a timeline showing a plurality of summary contents corresponding to each of a plurality of contents based on a distribution request from a user's terminal device; a second generation unit that generates difference information showing the difference between a first timeline which is a newly generated timeline and a second timeline which is a timeline generated based on the previous distribution request from the terminal device; a detection unit that detects viewing of the contents by the terminal device; and a provision unit that provides the terminal device with a timeline set including the first timeline and the difference information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the system, previously published articles can be easily identified in a timeline showing multiple articles. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [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 a timeline display according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the previous timeline display according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the display of the previous browsing information according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a user information storage unit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a content information storage unit. [Figure 8]Figure 8 shows an example of a timeline information storage unit. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a hardware configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] 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.

[0011] [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 this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 10 and an information processing device 100. The terminal device 10 and the information processing device 100 are connected via a network N so as to be able to communicate by wired or wireless means. 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 who receives various types of content, such as summaries and headlines of news articles, advertisements, and comments posted by user U, and who selects, views, and posts content. By operating terminal device 10, user U performs various actions to view and post 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 is realized by, for example, a computer such as a PC, a blade server, a mainframe, or a workstation. Further, the information processing device 100 may be realized by cloud computing. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 100 is an information processing device that provides various contents composed of, for example, outlines, headings, etc. of news articles, advertisement articles, comments posted by the user U, etc. to the terminal device 10 of each user U.

[0016] Note that the information processing device 100 may have a function as a web server that provides a website related to a news service. Further, the information processing device 100 may be a device that distributes information to be displayed on an application related to a news service (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "news app") installed in the terminal device 10 of the user U to the terminal device 10 of the user U. Further, the information processing device 100 may be a server that distributes the news app data itself. Further, the information processing device 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 news app itself distributed from the information processing device 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 one terminal device 10 is shown, but this is merely an example and not limiting, and two or more may be used.

[0018] The following describes the information processing performed by the information processing device 100 using Figure 1. First, the information processing device 100 receives a request from each user U's terminal device 10 to deliver a timeline containing summary content, which consists of summaries and headlines of multiple news articles, advertisements, and comments posted by user U (step S1). For example, user U makes a request to deliver the timeline by accessing a website related to the news service using their terminal device 10.

[0019] The information processing device 100, in response to a distribution request from user U's terminal device 10, acquires user information, timeline history information, and browsing history information corresponding to the requesting user U's terminal device 10 (step S2). User information indicates information about user U associated with terminal device 10. Timeline history information indicates information about timelines previously distributed to user U's terminal device 10. Browsing history information indicates information about news articles and other article content previously viewed by user U using terminal device 10.

[0020] Next, the information processing device 100 generates a new timeline containing summary content such as multiple news articles (step S3). The timeline is a composite content where multiple summary contents, such as headlines, summaries, and thumbnail images of news articles, are arranged in order of newest postings to the news service. The information processing device 100 may, for example, select the summary contents that make up the timeline based on acquired user information, or determine the priority display order of the summary contents.

[0021] The information processing device 100 generates difference information showing the difference between the previous timeline and the new timeline based on the acquired timeline history information and the newly generated timeline (step S4). The information processing device 100 identifies, for example, the summary content such as news articles that constitute the new timeline, which has already been presented when the previous timeline was provided (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "previously presented content").

[0022] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 generates browsing information about the previous browsing content based on the acquired browsing history information (step S5). Specifically, the information processing device 100 first extracts identification information, the number, and the genre of news articles viewed by user U when the terminal device 10 previously requested the delivery of the timeline from the browsing history information. The information processing device 100 generates content that shows browsing information including the number and genre trends of the news articles viewed last time, and a list of headlines and summaries of the news articles.

[0023] Next, the information processing device 100 provides a timeline set to the user U's terminal device 10 (step S6). The timeline set includes a newly generated timeline, difference information between it and the previous timeline, and browsing information indicating the content viewed in the previous browsing. The difference information may also include the previous timeline. For example, the information processing device 100 displays the newly generated timeline TL1, the thumbnail image TN1 of the previous timeline, and the thumbnail image TN2 of the previous browsing information on the screen of the terminal device 10.

[0024] In this case, the information processing device 100 may present the difference information by displaying it in a way that makes it distinguishable from new summary content, for example, by graying out previously published content on the timeline TL1. Alternatively, the information processing device 100 may display it in a way that makes it distinguishable from news articles that have not been viewed, for example, by adding an icon such as a check mark to the summary content of news articles that have been viewed.

[0025] For example, if user U selects thumbnail image TN1, terminal device 10 displays the previous timeline TL2. Also, for example, if user U selects thumbnail image TN2, terminal device 10 displays the previous browsing information LG.

[0026] When user U selects any summary content from timeline TL1, TL2, or browsing information LG, the information processing device 100 displays the original article content of the selected summary content on the terminal device 10. The information processing device 100 detects the browsing status of content such as news articles (step S7). Based on the detected browsing status, the information processing device 100 updates user U's browsing history information.

[0027] [2. Example of displaying a timeline set] Here, we will explain examples of how the timeline set provided to the terminal device 10 is displayed, using Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of how the timeline is displayed according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of how the previous timeline is displayed according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of how the previous browsing information is displayed according to the embodiment.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the terminal device 10 displays screen C11, which includes areas AR11, AR12, and AR13. Area AR11 displays a timeline listing summary contents CT11, CT12, CT13, CT14, etc., corresponding to news articles #11, #12, #13, #14, etc. Area AR12 displays an icon IC, such as a checkmark, indicating that it has been viewed, and is displayed embedded in each of the summary contents CT11, CT12, CT13, CT14, etc. Area AR13 displays a button BT11 for switching the display and hiding of thumbnail images TN21 and TN31.

[0029] On screen C11, for example, if user U selects button BT11, terminal device 10 displays screen C12 including areas AR14 and AR15 in addition to areas AR11, AR12, and AR13. Area AR14 displays thumbnail image TN21 corresponding to thumbnail #21 of the previous timeline. Thumbnail #21 corresponds to area AR21 shown in Figure 3 below. Area AR15 displays thumbnail image TN31 corresponding to thumbnail #31 of the previously viewed information. Thumbnail #31 corresponds to areas AR31 and AR32 shown in Figure 4 below. In the example shown in Figure 2, areas AR14 and AR15 are displayed overlaid on area AR11, which shows the timeline, but they do not necessarily have to be displayed overlaid on area AR11.

[0030] On screen C12, for example, if user U performs an operation to select button BT11, or an operation to select an area other than thumbnail images TN21 and TN31, the terminal device 10 displays screen C11.

[0031] On screen C12, for example, if user U selects thumbnail image TN21, terminal device 10 displays screen C21, which includes areas AR21, AR22, AR23, and AR24 as shown in Figure 3. Area AR21 displays the previously viewed timeline. The previous timeline is a list of summary contents CT21, CT22, CT23, CT24, etc., corresponding to news articles #21, #22, #23, #24, etc. Area AR22 displays an icon IC such as a check mark to indicate that it has been viewed, and is displayed embedded in each of the summary contents CT21, CT22, CT23, CT24, etc. Area AR23 displays the date and time when the previously viewed timeline was generated. Area AR24 displays a button BT21 for switching the display and hiding of thumbnail images TN11 and TN31.

[0032] On screen C21, for example, if user U selects button BT21, terminal device 10 displays screen C22 which includes areas AR25 and AR26 in addition to areas AR21, AR22, AR23, and AR24. Area AR25 displays thumbnail image TN11 corresponding to the newly generated thumbnail #11 of the current timeline. Thumbnail #11 corresponds to area AR11 shown in Figure 2. Area AR26 displays thumbnail image TN31 corresponding to thumbnail #31 of the previously viewed information. Thumbnail #31 corresponds to areas AR31 and AR32 shown in Figure 4, which will be described later. In the example shown in Figure 3, areas AR25 and AR26 are displayed overlaid on areas AR21 and AR23, but they do not necessarily have to be displayed overlaid on areas AR21 and AR23.

[0033] On screen C22, for example, if user U performs an operation to select button BT21, or an operation to select an area other than thumbnail images TN11 and TN31, the terminal device 10 displays screen C21.

[0034] On screen C22, for example, if user U performs an operation to select thumbnail image TN11, the terminal device 10 displays screen C11 as shown in Figure 2.

[0035] In screen C12 shown in Figure 2 or screen C22 shown in Figure 3, for example, if user U performs an operation to select thumbnail image TN31, the terminal device 10 displays screen C31, which includes areas AR31, AR32, and AR33 shown in Figure 4. Area AR31 displays a list of summary contents CT31, CT32, CT33, ... corresponding to the previously viewed news articles #31, #32, #33, ... Area AR31 may also display a list of summary contents CT31, CT32, CT33, ... categorized by news article genre. Area AR32 displays an overview of the previously viewed content. The overview of the previously viewed content includes, for example, the number of news articles viewed and the trend of the genres of news articles viewed. Area AR33 displays a button BT31 for switching the display and hiding of thumbnail images TN11 and TN21.

[0036] On screen C31, for example, if user U selects button BT31, terminal device 10 displays screen C32 which includes areas AR34 and AR35 in addition to areas AR31, AR32, and AR33. Area AR34 displays thumbnail image TN11, which corresponds to thumbnail #11 of the newly generated timeline. Thumbnail #11 corresponds to area AR11 shown in Figure 2. Area AR35 displays thumbnail image TN21, which corresponds to thumbnail #21 of the previous timeline. Thumbnail #21 corresponds to area AR21 shown in Figure 3. In the example shown in Figure 4, areas AR34 and AR35 are displayed overlaid on areas AR31 and AR32, but they do not necessarily have to be displayed overlaid on areas AR31 and AR32.

[0037] On screen C32, for example, if user U performs an operation to select button BT31, or an operation to select an area other than thumbnail images TN11 and TN21, the terminal device 10 displays screen C31.

[0038] On screen C32, for example, if user U performs an operation to select thumbnail image TN11, the terminal device 10 displays screen C11 as shown in Figure 2.

[0039] On screen C32, for example, if user U performs an operation to select thumbnail image TN21, the terminal device 10 displays screen C21 as shown in Figure 3.

[0040] In this way, user U can switch between displaying the current timeline, the previous timeline, and the previous browsing information from the timeline set provided by the information processing device 100 on the terminal device 10. Note that the processing, content display arrangement, and screen switching method described above are merely examples; for example, the previous and current timelines may be displayed side by side simultaneously, or the timeline and the previous browsing information may be displayed simultaneously.

[0041] [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 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, 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.

[0042] 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 1) by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with the user U's terminal device 10.

[0043] 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 5, the storage unit 120 includes a user information storage unit 121, a content information storage unit 122, and a timeline information storage unit 123.

[0044] The user information storage unit 121 stores various types of information relating to user U or terminal device 10. Figure 6 shows an example of the user information storage unit 121. In the example shown in Figure 6, the user information storage unit 121 has items such as "user ID," "attribute information," "timeline history information," and "browsing history information."

[0045] "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.

[0046] "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.

[0047] "Timeline history information" refers to information about timelines previously provided to user U's terminal device 10, and includes, for example, index information managed by the "Timeline ID" described later, and generation date and time information when the timeline was created.

[0048] "Browsing history information" refers to information about content that user U has previously viewed using terminal device 10, and includes, for example, information managed by "Content ID" as described below.

[0049] In other words, Figure 6 shows that the user information of user U, identified by user ID "UID#1", is "UDT#1", the timeline history information is "TLOGDT#1", and the browsing history information is "RLOGDT#1".

[0050] The content information storage unit 122 shown in Figure 5 stores various information related to the content, which represents news articles. Figure 7 shows an example of the content information storage unit 122. In the example shown in Figure 7, the content information storage unit 122 has items such as "Content ID," "Text Information," "Image Information," "Delivery Date and Time," and "Classification."

[0051] "Content ID" refers to identifying information used to identify content, and includes identifiers represented by strings of characters, numbers, etc.

[0052] "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.

[0053] "Image information" refers to images included in the content, such as thumbnail images displayed on the timeline.

[0054] "Distribution date and time" indicates the date and time when the content began to be distributed on the news service.

[0055] "Classification" refers to classification information for content, including, for example, the genre of a news article or information about the event.

[0056] In other words, Figure 7 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".

[0057] The timeline information storage unit 123 shown in Figure 5 stores various information related to the generated timeline. Figure 8 shows an example of the timeline information storage unit 123. In the example shown in Figure 8, the timeline information storage unit 123 has items such as "timeline ID", "timeline information", and "acquisition date and time".

[0058] "Timeline ID" refers to identification information used to identify a timeline, and includes identifiers such as strings of characters or numbers.

[0059] "Timeline information" refers to information about the content that makes up the timeline, including, for example, index information managed by "Content ID".

[0060] "Acquisition Date and Time" indicates the date and time the timeline was created.

[0061] In other words, Figure 8 shows that the timeline identified by the timeline ID "TLID#1" is "TLDT#1", and the acquisition date and time is "ADT#1".

[0062] The control unit 130 shown in Figure 5 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 5, the control unit 130 of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit 131, a reception unit 132, a detection unit 133, a learning unit 134, a first generation unit 135, a second generation unit 136, a third generation unit 137, a provision unit 138, and a display control unit 139, and implements or executes the information processing functions and operations described below.

[0063] The acquisition unit 131 acquires various types of content provided through the news service. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires news articles from the terminal device of the news article poster via the network N. The acquisition unit 131 stores the acquired news articles in the content information storage unit 122.

[0064] The reception unit 132 receives a timeline distribution request from user U's terminal device 10 via the network N. The reception unit 132 determines that it has received a distribution request, for example, by detecting that user U's terminal device 10 has accessed a website related to the news service.

[0065] The detection unit 133 detects actions taken by user U on content such as news articles and acquires action information. For example, the detection unit 133 detects viewing of content by detecting access to content by user U's terminal device 10. The detection unit 133 updates the browsing history information in the user information storage unit 121 based on the information of the content viewed by user U's terminal device 10 from the action information.

[0066] Here, "action" refers to the user U's actions toward the delivered content, and includes, for example, actions such as accessing the delivered content, viewing it, clicking on it, and posting to the content. For example, if user U selects summary content from the timeline TL1 shown in Figure 1 and accesses the original article content, the information processing device 100 detects that the article content has been viewed and stores it as read content.

[0067] The learning unit 134 learns user U's hobbies, preferences, interests, and concerns based on the action information acquired by the detection unit 133, and updates the attribute information stored in the user information storage unit 121. The learning unit 134 may also use machine learning to estimate user U's attributes from the titles and content of news and other content in which user U has taken a predetermined action, and the content of the action taken in response to these. Machine learning methods such as deep learning, RNN (Recurrent Neural Network), or LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) may be used. These are just examples, and the system is not limited to these examples.

[0068] The first generation unit 135 generates a new timeline based on the distribution request from user U's terminal device 10 received by the reception unit 132. The first generation unit 135 extracts multiple content items from the content such as news articles stored in the content information storage unit 122 and generates a timeline showing multiple summary content items corresponding to each of the multiple content items. At this time, the first generation unit 135 may obtain user information (attribute information) of user U linked to the terminal device 10 from the user information storage unit 121 and select the content to extract or determine the order of the summary content items based on the obtained user information. The first generation unit 135 stores the generated timeline in the timeline information storage unit 123.

[0069] The second generation unit 136 generates difference information showing the difference between the newly generated timeline and the timeline generated based on the previous delivery request by user U's terminal device 10. The second generation unit 136 obtains user U's timeline history information linked to the terminal device 10 from the user information storage unit 121, and also obtains the timeline from the first generation unit 135, and compares the difference between the new timeline and the previous timeline. If there is a difference, the second generation unit 136 generates difference information showing the difference. For example, the second generation unit 136 identifies summary content (previously provided content) that was already presented when the previous timeline was provided, among the summary content such as news articles that constitute the new timeline.

[0070] The third generation unit 137 generates browsing information about the previously viewed content based on the distribution request received by the reception unit 132. The third generation unit 137 obtains the browsing history information of user U, which is linked to the terminal device 10, from the user information storage unit 121, and generates browsing information based on the browsing history information. In other words, the third generation unit 137 generates browsing information that indicates the information of the content whose viewing was detected by the detection unit 133.

[0071] The provisioning unit 138 provides a timeline set, including the new timeline generated by the first generation unit 135, the difference information generated by the second generation unit 136, and the viewing information generated by the third generation unit 137, to the user U's terminal device 10 via the network N. The difference information may also include the previous timeline. If there is no difference between the new timeline and the previous timeline, the provisioning unit 138 provides a timeline set, including the new timeline and the viewing information, to the user U's terminal device 10 via the network N.

[0072] The display control unit 139 displays the timeline set on the user U's terminal device 10. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the display control unit 139 displays on the terminal device 10 a timeline that lists content including news article titles, summaries, thumbnail images, etc., as well as a thumbnail image of the previous timeline and a thumbnail image of the previous viewing information. Depending on the operation on the screen of the terminal device 10, the display control unit 139 switches and displays the content of the original news article text, content showing difference information such as the previous timeline, and content showing the previous viewing information, respectively.

[0073] The display control unit 139, for example in the example shown in Figure 2, simultaneously displays the newly generated timeline, the thumbnail image TN21 corresponding to the previous timeline (which is differential information), and the thumbnail image TN31 corresponding to the browsing information on the terminal device 10. For example in the example shown in Figure 2, if user U selects the thumbnail image TN21, the display control unit 139 displays the previous timeline (which is differential information) on the terminal device 10, as shown on screen C21 in Figure 3. For example in the example shown in Figure 2, if user U selects the thumbnail image TN31, the display control unit 139 displays the browsing information on the terminal device 10, as shown on screen C31 in Figure 4.

[0074] Furthermore, the display control unit 139 presents difference information by displaying previously displayed content in a way that makes it distinguishable from new summary content, for example, by graying out the previously displayed content in the example shown in Figure 1. The display control unit 139 may also present difference information by displaying the new summary content in a list.

[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 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing flow according to the embodiment. The process shown in Figure 9 is for generating a timeline set.

[0076] As shown in Figure 9, first, the information processing device 100 receives a distribution request from the user U's terminal device 10 (step S101). Next, the information processing device 100 acquires user information, timeline history information, and browsing history information corresponding to the terminal device 10 (step S102). Then, the information processing device 100 generates a timeline based on the user information (step S103).

[0077] Next, the information processing device 100 determines whether there is a difference between the timeline generated this time and the previous timeline (step S104). If there is a difference (step S104; Yes), the information processing device 100 generates difference information between the new timeline and the previous timeline (step S105). Next, the information processing device 100 generates browsing information about the content viewed last time based on the browsing history information (step S106).

[0078] Next, the information processing device 100 provides the timeline set to the user U's terminal device 10 (step S107). If there is a difference between the new timeline and the previous timeline (step S104; Yes), the information processing device 100 provides the user U's terminal device 10 with a timeline set including the new timeline, difference information, previous viewing information, and difference information. If there is no difference between the new timeline and the previous timeline (step S104; No), the information processing device 100 provides the user U's terminal device 10 with a timeline set including the timeline and previous viewing information.

[0079] Next, the information processing device 100 updates the timeline history information with the new timeline information (step S108). Note that step S108 may be executed at any time after step S103.

[0080] Next, the information processing device 100 acquires action information for the content and updates the browsing history information and user information (step S109). Step S109 is repeatedly performed until a new distribution request is received from the terminal device 10 of the same user U (step S101).

[0081] [5. Variations] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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 5, and may be any other configuration as long as it performs the information processing described above. Also, the connection relationships of each processing unit in the control unit 130 are not limited to the connection relationships shown in Figure 3, and may be any other connection relationships.

[0084] Furthermore, a timeline set may include multiple past timelines as differential information. The timeline history may be displayed, for example, as a chronologically organized index, allowing access to each individual timeline.

[0085] Furthermore, the browsing information of the embodiment may include browsing history information of comment sections associated with content such as news articles, and information regarding the history of posting comments on content.

[0086] 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.

[0087] [6. Effects] As described above, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment comprises a first generation unit 135, a second generation unit 136, a detection unit 133, a third generation unit 137, and a provision unit 138. The first generation unit 135 generates a timeline showing multiple summary contents corresponding to each of multiple contents based on a delivery request from the user U's terminal device 10. The second generation unit 136 generates difference information showing the difference between a first timeline, which is a newly generated timeline, and a second timeline, which is a timeline generated based on the previous delivery request from the terminal device 10. The detection unit 133 detects that the terminal device 10 has viewed the content. The third generation unit 137 generates viewing information showing information about the content whose viewing has been detected. The provision unit 138 provides the terminal device 10 with a timeline set including the first timeline, difference information, and viewing information.

[0088] As a result, when the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment provides user U with a timeline showing summary content corresponding to each of multiple news articles or other content, it simultaneously provides difference information from the previously provided timeline. Therefore, even if user U transitions to and views the original content such as a news article, or leaves the site, and is then provided with an updated timeline that includes newly acquired content, user U can easily understand whether the content is previously presented or new. In addition, since user U can check the content they viewed previously using the viewing information, they can recall their own impressions and opinions at the time of viewing.

[0089] Furthermore, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment further comprises a display control unit 139. The display control unit 139 displays the timeline set on the terminal device 10 and switches between displaying the first timeline, differential information, and browsing information on the terminal device 10 in response to the selection of user U.

[0090] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment provides a way for users to easily switch between viewing differential information and browsing information on a new timeline. Therefore, users U can easily access new content while referring to their past browsing history, such as differential information and browsing information, thus preventing them from repeatedly viewing the same content or missing out on content of interest.

[0091] Furthermore, in the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment, for example, the display control unit 139 simultaneously displays, for example, a first timeline, a first thumbnail image of difference information, and a second thumbnail image of browsing information on the terminal device 10. Then, if user U selects the first thumbnail image, the display control unit 139 displays the difference information on the terminal device 10, and if user U selects the second thumbnail image, the display control unit 139 displays the browsing information on the terminal device 10.

[0092] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to this embodiment can simultaneously present an overall view of the timeline set and provide the ability to display detailed content for each with simple operation, thereby improving convenience. Therefore, user U can intuitively operate each part of the timeline set and easily and appropriately obtain the desired information.

[0093] Furthermore, in the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment, for example, the differential information includes a second timeline which is a timeline generated based on the previous distribution request by the terminal device 10.

[0094] As a result, the information processing device 100 according to the embodiment can display the previously presented timeline again. Therefore, the user U can check the order of the previous timeline and intuitively understand how far they had progressed in the previous viewing.

[0095] [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 10. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] [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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate, as long as the processing content is not contradictory.

[0106] 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]

[0107] 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 Timeline Information Storage Unit 130 Control Unit 131 Acquisition Department 132 Reception Department 133 Detection unit 134 Learning Department 135 First generation part 136 Second generation part 137 Third generation part 138 Provision Department 139 Display Control Unit N Network U User

Claims

1. A first generation unit generates a timeline showing multiple summary contents corresponding to each of multiple contents based on a delivery request from the user's terminal device, A second generation unit generates difference information showing the difference between a first timeline, which is a newly generated timeline, and a second timeline, which is a timeline generated based on the previous delivery request by the terminal device. A detection unit that detects when the terminal device accesses the content, A providing unit that provides the terminal device with the first timeline and a timeline set including the differential information, An information processing device characterized by comprising:

2. The difference information includes the second timeline. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The terminal device further includes a display control unit that displays the aforementioned timeline set on the terminal device and switches between the first timeline and the difference information in response to the user's selection and displays them on the terminal device. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The display control unit, The first timeline and the thumbnail image of the difference information are displayed simultaneously on the terminal device. If the user selects the thumbnail image, the terminal device will display the difference information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The system further includes a third generation unit that generates browsing information indicating information about the content whose browsing has been detected, The aforementioned timeline set further includes the aforementioned browsing information The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

6. The terminal device further includes a display control unit that displays the aforementioned timeline set on the terminal device and switches between displaying the first timeline, the difference information, and the browsing information on the terminal device in response to the user's selection. The information processing apparatus according to feature 5.

7. The display control unit, The first timeline, the first thumbnail image of the difference information, and the second thumbnail image of the browsing information are displayed simultaneously on the terminal device. If the user selects the first thumbnail image, the terminal device will display the difference information. If the user selects the second thumbnail image, the browsing information is displayed on the terminal device. The information processing apparatus according to feature 6.

8. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, A first generation step generates a timeline showing multiple summary contents corresponding to each of multiple contents based on a delivery request from the user's terminal device, A second generation step generates difference information showing the difference between a first timeline, which is a newly generated timeline, and a second timeline, which is a timeline generated based on the previous delivery request by the terminal device. A detection step for detecting that the terminal device has viewed the content, A provision step of providing the terminal device with the first timeline and a timeline set including the differential information, An information processing method characterized by including

9. A first generation procedure that generates a timeline showing multiple summary contents corresponding to each of multiple contents based on a delivery request from the user's terminal device, A second generation procedure for generating difference information showing the difference between a first timeline, which is a newly generated timeline, and a second timeline, which is a timeline generated based on the previous distribution request by the terminal device, A detection procedure for detecting the viewing of the content by the terminal device, A provisioning procedure for providing the terminal device with the first timeline and a timeline set including the differential information, An information processing program that causes a computer to execute something.

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