Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program
The information processing device identifies trends from user behavior and delivers relevant information through a separate account, ensuring appropriate users receive trend updates, thereby enhancing user engagement and reducing missed sales opportunities.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LY CORP
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-01
Smart Images
Figure 2026089567000001_ABST
Abstract
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 for presenting information related to trends have been proposed. As an example of such a technology, for example, there is known a technology that aggregates the number of searches for search queries within a predetermined period and visually presents the search tendencies of users in an easy-to-understand manner by relatively displaying the number of searches for each search query.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, with the above-described technology, there are cases where it cannot be said that information related to trends can be provided to appropriate users.
[0005] For example, with the above-described conventional technology, it only visually presents the search tendencies of users in an easy-to-understand manner, and it cannot be said that information related to trends can be provided to appropriate users.
[0006] The present application has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide information related to trends to appropriate users.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0007] The information processing device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: an identification unit that identifies a trend based on user behavior information in a predetermined service; an extraction unit that extracts accounts in a predetermined messaging service that correspond to the trend identified by the identification unit; and a provision unit that provides trend information related to the trend on the predetermined messaging service to target persons linked to the accounts extracted by the extraction unit, via a provision account different from the account. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] According to one embodiment of the system, it has the effect of providing trend-related information to appropriate users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of information processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the screen of the user terminal 100 according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the screen of the user terminal 100 according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the official account database 31. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the user information database 32. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the news article database 33. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing procedure according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the information processing device 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0010] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, the embodiments for implementing the information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). Note that these embodiments do not limit the information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application. Furthermore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in each of the following embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.
[0011] [1. Embodiments] The information processing realized by the information processing device of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of information processing according to the embodiment. In Figure 1, the information processing according to the embodiment is realized by the information processing device 10, which is an example of the information processing device according to the present application.
[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment includes an information processing device 10, a user terminal 100, and a service server 200. The information processing device 10, the user terminal 100, and the service server 200 are connected to each other via wired or wireless connections through a network N (see, for example, Figure 4) so that they can communicate with each other. The network N is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet. Note that the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 may include multiple information processing devices 10, multiple user terminals 100, and multiple service servers 200.
[0013] The information processing device 10 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing device that performs information processing according to the embodiment, and can be realized by, for example, a server device or a cloud system. In the example in Figure 1, the information processing device 10 provides a search service (search engine) #1 to the user. The information processing device 10 also provides a news distribution service #1 that distributes content showing news articles collected from various mass media such as newspaper companies, publishing houses, and broadcasting stations (television stations, radio stations).
[0014] Note that the information processing apparatus 10 may have a function as a web server that provides websites related to various services such as search service #1 and news distribution service #1. Also, the information processing apparatus 10 may be a device that distributes information to be displayed on applications related to search service #1, news distribution service #1, etc. installed on the user terminal 100 to the user terminal 100. Further, the information processing apparatus 10 may be a server that distributes the application data itself.
[0015] Also, the information processing apparatus 10 may function as a distribution device that distributes control information to the user terminal 100. 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 application itself distributed from the information processing apparatus 10 may be regarded as control information.
[0016] The user terminal 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing apparatus used by a user. The user terminal 100 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like. Also, the user terminal 100 displays information distributed by the information processing apparatus 10, the service server 200, etc. on a web browser or an application. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 1, the case where the user terminal 100 is a smartphone is shown.
[0017] The service server 200 shown in FIG. 1 provides a message service #1 for the exchange of messages between users and for the exchange of messages between a user and an official account (for example, an account managed by an enterprise or store administrator) to users, administrators who manage official accounts, and the like. To give a specific example, the information processing device 10 provides a user with a message service for the exchange of messages with other users associated with the user (in other words, other users with whom the user has registered as a friend) or with an official account associated with the user (in other words, an official account with whom the user has registered as a friend).
[0018] Note that the service server 200 may have a function as a web server that provides a website related to the message service #1. Also, the service server 200 may be a device that distributes information to be displayed on an application related to the message service #1 installed on the user terminal 100 to the user terminal 100. Further, the service server 200 may be a server that distributes the application data itself.
[0019] Also, the service server 200 may function as a distribution device that distributes control information to the user terminal 100. Here, the control information is described by, for example, a script language such as JavaScript or a style sheet language such as CSS. Note that the application itself distributed from the service server 200 may be regarded as control information.
[0020] The following describes an example of information processing performed by the information processing device 10, using Figure 1. In the following explanation, user terminals 100 will be referred to as user terminals 100-1 to 100-N (where N is any natural number), depending on the user using the user terminal 100. For example, user terminal 100-1 is user terminal 100 used by the user identified by user ID "UID#1". In the following explanation, when user terminals 100-1 to 100-N are not specifically distinguished, they will be referred to simply as user terminal 100. In the following explanation, user terminal 100 may be treated as the same as the user. That is, in the following explanation, the user can be read as user terminal 100.
[0021] Furthermore, in the following explanation, it is assumed that the following applications are pre-installed on the user terminal 100: an application for providing search service #1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "search app"), an application for providing news distribution service #1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "news app"), and an application for providing messaging service #1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "messaging app").
[0022] Furthermore, in the following explanation, it is assumed that the user's account has already been created in Message Service #1. The information processing device 10 links the user ID of the user in Search Service #1, the user ID of the user in News Distribution Service #1, and the user ID of the user in Message Service #1, and manages this information in its own storage. Note that a common user ID may be assigned to the user in both Search Service #1 and News Distribution Service #1.
[0023] Furthermore, the linking of the user ID in search service #1, the user ID in news distribution service #1, and the user ID in messaging service #1 may be carried out in any manner. For example, the user may link the IDs by launching a messaging application installed on the user terminal 100 and logging in to search service #1 and news distribution service #1 on a designated page (for example, the account center).
[0024] Furthermore, in the following explanation, it is assumed that an account for providing trend-related information in Message Service #1, managed by the administrator of Information Processing Device 10 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "Providing Account"), has already been created and that the Providing Account is linked to each user.
[0025] Furthermore, in the following explanation, it is assumed that the information processing device 10 collects information regarding official accounts in message service #1 from the service server 200 and manages it in its own storage unit (for example, the storage unit 30 described later). For example, the information processing device 10 collects information such as the name of the official account (for example, the company name or store name), transaction information regarding the transaction items provided by the company or store indicated by the official account, the address of the store indicated by the official account, and the business hours of the store indicated by the official account, and manages this information in association with information that identifies the official account in message service #1 (official account ID).
[0026] Here, "transaction target" refers to goods or services, and "transaction target information" refers to, for example, the name of the transaction target or the category of the transaction target. The information processing device 10 may collect the transaction target information of the official account from a server device or the like that provides a predetermined service (for example, an e-commerce service or a delivery service). The information processing device 10 may also collect information regarding purchase content for purchasing the transaction target as the transaction target information of the official account (for example, links to purchase content in e-commerce services, delivery services, or services provided by companies or stores indicated by the official account (for example, mobile ordering)). The predetermined service may be a service provided by a mini-app launched within the messaging app.
[0027] The information processing device 10 may also repeatedly perform the process of collecting information related to the official account at predetermined intervals (for example, every hour).
[0028] First, the information processing device 10 collects behavioral information from the user terminal 100 regarding the user's actions in services such as search service #1 and news distribution service #1 (step S1). For example, the information processing device 10 acquires search history (for example, text information indicating the search query and information such as the date and time the search query was entered) as behavioral information in search service #1. The information processing device 10 also acquires browsing history (for example, information identifying the news article (news article ID) and information such as the date and time the news article was viewed) as behavioral information in news distribution service #1.
[0029] Next, the information processing device 10 collects information from the service server 200 regarding the linking of users with official accounts (step S2). For example, the information processing device 10 collects information (official account ID) that identifies the official account that the user has added as a friend, and manages it in its own storage unit in association with the user.
[0030] The information processing device 10 may perform steps S1 and S2 in any order, simultaneously, or in parallel. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may repeatedly perform steps S1 and S2 at predetermined intervals (for example, every hour).
[0031] Next, the information processing device 10 identifies currently occurring trends based on user behavior information (step S3). For example, the information processing device 10 extracts keywords from news articles (which may be referred to as "trending news articles") whose number of views on news distribution service #1 exceeds a predetermined threshold (for example, 10,000 or 100,000) during the most recent predetermined period (for example, the last 24 hours), and identifies keywords (in other words, text information) that meet predetermined conditions from among the extracted keywords as currently occurring trends.
[0032] To give a specific example, the information processing device 10 extracts keywords (for example, proper nouns such as product names or service names) by performing morphological analysis on the text information contained in trending news articles (for example, the title of the trending news article or the body of the trending news article). Then, for each keyword, the information processing device 10 extracts the corresponding news articles and identifies keywords for which the total number of views of the corresponding news articles exceeds a predetermined threshold (for example, 100,000 views) as currently occurring trends. Here, news articles corresponding to keywords refer to news articles that contain the keyword, synonyms of the keyword, strings indicating a higher-level concept of the keyword, strings indicating a lower-level concept of the keyword, etc., in the title or body of the news article.
[0033] For example, the information processing device 10 identifies keyword #1 as a currently occurring trend if the total number of views of news articles corresponding to keyword #1 extracted from trending news articles exceeds a predetermined threshold.
[0034] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may calculate the search lift in search service #1 for each keyword extracted from trending news articles, and identify keywords with a search lift of 1 or more than a predetermined threshold (e.g., 1.5 times) as currently occurring trends. For example, the information processing device 10 aggregates the number of times keyword #1 was entered into search service #1 during a first period (e.g., within the last 24 hours) and the number of times keyword #1 was entered into search service #1 during a second period (e.g., more than the last 24 hours but within the last 48 hours). Then, if the search lift of keyword #1 in the first period is 1 or more than a predetermined threshold compared to the second period (in other words, if the number of times keyword #1 was entered in the first period has increased by 1 or more than a predetermined threshold compared to the second period), the information processing device 10 identifies keyword #1 as a currently occurring trend.
[0035] Here, in step S3, the keyword "product #1" extracted from news article #1 is identified as a trend. In this case, the information processing device 10 extracts official accounts corresponding to the keyword "product #1" (step S4). For example, the information processing device 10 extracts official accounts that can offer "product #1" as a trading item. The information processing device 10 also identifies co-occurring words (e.g., company names or store names) with "product #1" in news articles distributed by news distribution service #1, and extracts official accounts indicated by the identified co-occurring words. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 identifies co-occurring words when a search query containing "product #1" is entered into search service #1, and extracts official accounts indicated by the identified co-occurring words. Any method may be used for the analysis of co-occurring words.
[0036] Here, let's assume that in step S4, the official account #1 for store #1 has been extracted. In this case, the information processing device 10 instructs the service server 200 to provide trend information to the user associated with official account #1 (step S5). Subsequently, the service server 200 provides the trend information to the user associated with official account #1 via a different provider account on message service #1 (step S6). In other words, by instructing the service server 200 to provide trend information, the information processing device 10 provides the trend information to the user associated with official account #1 via a different provider account on message service #1.
[0037] Here, we will explain the trend information provided to the user terminal 100 using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the user terminal 100 according to this embodiment.
[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the user terminal 100 displays screen C11 showing trend information provided by the account that provides message service #1. For example, the user terminal 100 displays screen C11 which includes area AR11 that displays the keyword "product #1" and area AR12 that displays information about news article #1 (a link to news article #1). For example, the user terminal 100 displays a summary of news article #1 in area AR12.
[0039] Furthermore, the user terminal 100 displays a button B11 for giving a positive evaluation (e.g., "like") to the information (in other words, the trend) displayed in area AR12. The information processing device 10 counts the number of users who press button B11, manages this in association with the trend information, and displays the counted number, for example, by placing it within button B11. This allows users who view screen C11 to understand to what extent they have given "likes," etc., to the trend shown in area AR12, thereby understanding the level of popularity and reliability of the trend.
[0040] Furthermore, the user terminal 100 displays buttons B12 to B14 on screen C11, which indicate links to services available for the keyword "product #1". For example, button B12 is a link to delivery service #1 (e.g., a food delivery service) where "product #1" can be purchased. Button B13 is a link to e-commerce service #1 where "product #1" can be purchased. Button B14 is a link to a messaging service #1 for purchasing "product #1" from store #1 (e.g., mobile ordering).
[0041] Additionally, the user terminal 100 displays a button B15 on screen C11 for setting a reminder related to the keyword "product #1".
[0042] In the example shown in Figure 2, if the user clicks on the link to news article #1 displayed in area AR12, the user terminal 100 transitions from screen C11 to screen C12. For example, the user terminal 100 launches a news app and displays screen C12, which shows news article #1 delivered by the news app.
[0043] Furthermore, when button B15 is pressed by the user, the user terminal 100 displays a screen for entering the conditions for the reminder and accepts the user's input of the conditions. Based on the conditions entered by the user, the user terminal 100 then sends a notification (for example, a push notification) indicating a reminder about visiting store #1.
[0044] For example, the user terminal 100 accepts input of a date and time from the user and sends a notification reminding the user to visit store #1 at the entered date and time. The user terminal 100 also accepts input of a range from the user (for example, within 500m of store #1) and sends a notification reminding the user to visit store #1 if the user is located within that range.
[0045] Furthermore, if button B15 is pressed by the user (in other words, if the user allows reminder notifications), the user terminal 100 may issue a notification indicating a reminder about visiting store #1 based on predetermined conditions. For example, the user terminal 100 may issue a notification indicating a reminder about visiting store #1 at a date and time when the user is estimated to be able to visit store #1. In addition, the user terminal 100 may issue a notification indicating a reminder about visiting store #1 when the user is located within a predetermined range from store #1.
[0046] Furthermore, if the user presses any of buttons B12 to B14, a screen showing the corresponding link destination may be displayed. Here, the rinse destinations provided to the user terminal 100 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the screen of the user terminal 100 according to this embodiment.
[0047] For example, if button B12 is pressed, the user terminal 100 launches the application related to delivery service #1 that is pre-installed on its device and displays screen C3 for purchasing "product #1".
[0048] Furthermore, if button B13 is pressed, the user terminal 100 launches an application related to the e-commerce service #1 that is pre-installed on its device and displays screen C4 for purchasing "product #1". Note that the user terminal 100 may display screen C4 for purchasing a product similar to "product #1" rather than "product #1" itself. For example, if "product #1" is coffee, the user terminal 100 may display screen C4 for purchasing its ingredients (for example, coffee beans used in "product #1").
[0049] Furthermore, if button B14 is pressed, the user terminal 100 displays screen C5, which shows information about the official account of store #1 in message service #1. If the official account of store #1 provides a service related to the provision of "product #1" (for example, mobile ordering), and an application related to that service is installed on the user terminal 100, the user terminal 100 may launch the application and display a screen for purchasing "product #1" instead of screen C5. In addition, such an application may be a mini-app launched within message app #1.
[0050] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment provides trend information to users associated with accounts corresponding to the trends that have occurred, via a different providing account. This allows the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment to provide trend information to users associated with accounts corresponding to the trends, in other words, to users who are presumed to be interested in the trends that have occurred. That is, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment can provide trend-related information to appropriate users.
[0051] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment can increase the user's willingness to purchase the items indicated by the trends by providing the user with trend information that is narrowed down to only those items that are presumed to be of interest to the user. In addition, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment can provide links to various services where such items can be purchased, along with information indicating the trends, thereby reducing lost opportunities related to the provision of items.
[0052] Furthermore, if the account corresponding to the trend itself provides information about the trend to users, users may doubt whether the trend is actually occurring, which could lead to lost opportunities. Therefore, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment can provide information about the trend from an account different from the account corresponding to the trend, thereby reducing lost opportunities.
[0053] [2. Other processing examples] The process described above is merely an example, and the information processing device 10 may perform various processes using various types of information. Examples of this are listed below.
[0054] [2-1. Regarding the subject indicated by the trend] In the example shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 10 does not identify a keyword extracted as a trend from a trending news article as a trend if that keyword indicates an item that the user cannot purchase. For example, if the keyword extracted as a trend from a trending news article is a place name or a person's name, the information processing device 10 does not identify that keyword as a trend. In other words, the information processing device 10 identifies keywords as trends that indicate items that the user can purchase.
[0055] [2-2. Trends indicating negative events] In the example shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 10 estimates whether the identified trend (keyword) indicates a negative event. If the trend does not indicate a negative event, it provides trend information related to the trend. If the keyword indicates a negative event, it does not need to provide trend information related to the keyword. For example, if the keyword identified as a trend indicates a negative event such as an accident, disaster, illness, war, or scandal, the information processing device 10 estimates that the keyword indicates a negative event and does not provide trend information related to that keyword. In other words, the information processing device 10 only provides trend information related to trends that indicate positive events.
[0056] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may identify co-occurring words with keywords in news articles distributed by news distribution service #1, and if the identified co-occurring words indicate a negative event, it may presume that the keyword indicates a negative event. In addition, the information processing device 10 may identify co-occurring words when a search query containing the keyword is entered in search service #1, and if the identified co-occurring words indicate a negative event, it may presume that the keyword indicates a negative event.
[0057] [2-3. Providing trend information tailored to users] In the example shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 10 may provide trend information corresponding to the user's attributes (e.g., demographic attributes or psychographic attributes). For example, the information processing device 10 may provide trend information corresponding to the attributes indicated by the information entered by the user in the search service #1, news distribution service #1, and message service #1, or to the attributes estimated from that information.
[0058] For example, if the total number of views of news articles corresponding to a keyword identified as a trend by corresponding users having attributes corresponding to user U1 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the information processing device 10 provides user U1 with trend information related to that keyword.
[0059] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 aggregates the number of times a keyword was entered into search service #1 by a user during the first period, and the number of times the keyword was entered into search service #1 by a user during the second period. Then, if the search lift of the keyword in the first period is above a predetermined threshold compared to the second period, the information processing device 10 provides trend information regarding the keyword to user U1.
[0060] [2-4. Regarding the selection of an official account] In the example shown in Figure 1, if multiple official accounts managed by the corresponding administrator (for example, official accounts of affiliated stores or chain stores managed by the same company) are linked to users who are the target of trend information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "target users"), the information processing device 10 may select the official account with the highest relevance to the target user from among the multiple official accounts and provide trend information including a link to the selected account.
[0061] For example, let's assume that "Chain Store #1 Shibuya" located in Shibuya and "Chain Store #1 Shinjuku" located in Shinjuku are chain stores managed by the same company. Furthermore, let's assume that official accounts #11 for "Chain Store #1 Shibuya" and #12 for "Chain Store #1 Shinjuku" are extracted as official accounts corresponding to the trend (keyword) "Product #2," and that the target individual is associated with official accounts #11 and #12. In such a case, the information processing device 10 selects the account with the highest relevance to the target individual from official accounts #11 and #12 based on the target individual's location information, and provides trend information including links related to the selected account. For example, if the target individual's current location is Shibuya, the information processing device 10 provides trend information that includes links related to official account #11 but does not include links related to official account #12. To give a specific example, the information processing device 10 provides trend information that includes links to content for placing mobile orders for "Chain Store #1 Shibuya."
[0062] Furthermore, if the target person's address, school, or workplace is in Shinjuku, or if their travel route (e.g., school route or work route) includes Shinjuku but does not include Shibuya, the information processing device 10 may provide trend information that includes a link to official account #12 but does not include a link to official account #11.
[0063] Furthermore, if the number of times the subject has visited a store (for example, the number of visits estimated based on the subject's location information) is greater for "Chain Store #1 Shinjuku" than for "Chain Store #1 Shibuya," the information processing device 10 may provide trend information that includes a link to official account #12 but does not include a link to official account #11.
[0064] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may, based on the subject's behavioral information in a predetermined service, select the account with the highest relevance to the subject from among official accounts #11 and #12, and provide trend information including links related to the selected account. For example, if the number of times the subject has sent messages in message service #1 is greater for official account #12 than for official account #11, the information processing device 10 will provide trend information that includes links related to official account #12 but does not include links related to official account #11.
[0065] The information processing device 10 may also provide the target audience with trending information, including links to official accounts #11 and #12.
[0066] [2-5. Regarding the provision of information to the administrator of the official account] In the example shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 10 may present information to the administrator of official account #1 indicating that trend information has been provided to the user associated with official account #1 (in other words, it may notify the terminal device used by the administrator). For example, the information processing device 10 may present information indicating that a trend related to official account #1 has occurred, or information about the user to whom the trend information was provided (e.g., user ID).
[0067] This allows official account administrators to be aware of trends related to their account. Furthermore, they can see which users received the trend information (in other words, which users are interested in the trend), enabling them to target sales promotions to the appropriate users and prevent lost opportunities.
[0068] [2-6. Regarding permission from the administrator of the official account] In the example shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 10 may receive information from the administrator of official account #1 of store #1 indicating whether or not they permit the provision of trend information related to official account #1. If information indicating permission to provide trend information is received, the information processing device 10 may provide trend information related to the keyword "product #1" to the user.
[0069] [3. Configuration of the Information Processing Device] Next, the configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 10 has a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.
[0070] (Regarding Communications Section 20) The communication unit 20 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 20 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with user terminals 100, service servers 200, etc.
[0071] (Regarding memory unit 30) The storage unit 30 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or by storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. As shown in Figure 4, the storage unit 30 has an official account database 31, a user information database 32, and a news article database 33.
[0072] (Regarding Official Account Database 31) The official account database 31 stores various information about official accounts in message service #1. Here, an example of the information stored in the official account database 31 is explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the official account database 31. In the example in Figure 5, the official account database 31 has items such as "Official Account ID," "Administrator Information," "Profile Information," and "Transaction Target Information."
[0073] "Official Account ID" indicates identification information used to identify the official account. "Administrator Information" indicates information about the administrator of the official account. "Profile Information" indicates information about the official account's profile, such as the name of the official account, the address of the store indicated by the official account, and the business hours of the store indicated by the official account. "Transaction Item Information" indicates information about the transaction items provided by the company or store indicated by the official account, such as the name of the transaction item, the category of the transaction item, and information about the purchase content required to buy the transaction item.
[0074] In other words, Figure 5 shows an example where the administrator information of an official account identified by the official account ID "OAID#1" is "Administrator Information#1", the profile information is "Profile Information#1", and the transaction target information is "Transaction Target Information#1".
[0075] (Regarding User Information Database 32) The user information database 32 stores various types of information about the user. Here, an example of the information stored in the user information database 32 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user information database 32. In the example in Figure 6, the user information database 32 has items such as "User ID," "Linking Information," "Attribute Information," "Browsing History," "Search History," and "Reminder Information."
[0076] "User ID" indicates identification information for identifying the user. The "User ID" field may store the user ID used in search service #1, news distribution service #1, messaging service #1, etc. "Linking Information" indicates other users and official accounts that the user has added as friends in messaging service #1, and stores information such as user ID and official account ID. "Attribute Information" indicates the user's attributes. "Browsing History" shows the history of content viewed by the user (for example, news articles distributed by news distribution service #1), and stores information such as information to identify the content (for example, news article ID) and the date and time the content was viewed. "Search History" shows the history of search queries entered by the user in search service #1, etc., and stores information such as text information indicating the search query and the date and time the search query was entered and the search was performed. "Reminder Information" shows information about reminder settings made by the user regarding trending information.
[0077] In other words, Figure 6 shows an example where the user identified by the user ID "UID#1" has the following associated information: "Associated Information#1", attribute information "Attribute Information#1", browsing history "Browsing History#1", search history "Search History#1", and reminder information "Reminder Information#1".
[0078] (Regarding News Article Database 33) The news article database 33 stores various information about news articles distributed by news distribution service #1. Here, an example of the information stored in the news article database 33 is explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the news article database 33. In the example in Figure 7, the news article database 33 has items such as "news article ID," "number of views," "text information," and "image information."
[0079] "News Article ID" indicates identification information used to identify a news article. "View Count" indicates the number of views of the news article. "Text Information" indicates the text information contained in the news article, such as the title and body text of the news article. "Image Information" indicates the images contained in the news article.
[0080] In other words, Figure 7 shows an example where the number of views of a news article identified by the news article ID "NID#1" is "Views#1", the text information is "Text Information#1", and the image information is "Image Information#1".
[0081] (Regarding the control unit 40) The control unit 40 is a controller and is realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in the memory device inside the information processing device 10 using RAM as a working area. Alternatively, the control unit 40 is a controller and is realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 40 according to this embodiment has a specific unit 41, an extraction unit 42, an estimation unit 43, a provision unit 44, a notification unit 45, and a presentation unit 46, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below.
[0082] (Regarding specific section 41) The identification unit 41 identifies trends based on user behavior information in a predetermined service. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the identification unit 41 refers to the storage unit 30 (for example, the user information database 32) and identifies trends based on behavioral information such as search history showing search queries entered by the user in search service #1, and browsing history showing the history of news articles viewed by the user in news distribution service #1.
[0083] Furthermore, the identification unit 41 may extract keywords from news articles whose user views in a predetermined news distribution service exceed a certain threshold, and if the total number of views of news articles containing those keywords in the predetermined news distribution service exceeds a predetermined threshold, the keyword may be identified as a trend. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the identification unit 41 extracts keywords contained in trending news articles whose views in news distribution service #1 exceed a predetermined threshold in the most recent predetermined period, extracts corresponding news articles for each keyword, and identifies keywords whose total number of views of corresponding news articles exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., 100,000 times) as currently occurring trends.
[0084] Furthermore, the identification unit 41 may extract keywords from news articles that have been viewed by a certain number of users in a predetermined news distribution service, and if the search lift of those keywords in a predetermined search service is above a predetermined threshold, it may identify those keywords as trends. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the identification unit 41 calculates the search lift in search service #1 for each keyword extracted from trending news articles, and identifies keywords whose search lift is above a predetermined threshold as currently occurring trends.
[0085] Furthermore, the identification unit 41 may identify trends that indicate items that can be purchased. For example, in the example in Figure 1, if the keywords extracted as trends from the trend news article are place names or personal names, the identification unit 41 will not identify those keywords as trends.
[0086] (Regarding the extraction unit 42) The extraction unit 42 extracts accounts in a predetermined messaging service that correspond to the trends identified by the identification unit 41. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the extraction unit 42 refers to the storage unit 30 (e.g., the official account database 31) and extracts the official accounts corresponding to the keyword "product #1" identified as a trend.
[0087] Furthermore, the extraction unit 42 may extract accounts that can offer the items indicated by the trend. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the extraction unit 42 extracts official accounts that can offer "product #1" as the trading item.
[0088] (Regarding Estimation Section 43) The estimation unit 43 estimates whether a trend indicates a negative event. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the estimation unit 43 estimates that a keyword identified as a trend indicates a negative event such as an accident, disaster, illness, war, or scandal. The estimation unit 43 also identifies co-occurring words with the keyword in news articles distributed by news distribution service #1, and estimates that the keyword indicates a negative event if the identified co-occurring words indicate a negative event. Furthermore, the estimation unit 43 identifies co-occurring words when a search query containing the keyword is entered in search service #1, and estimates that the keyword indicates a negative event if the identified co-occurring words indicate a negative event.
[0089] (Regarding Section 44) The provisioning unit 44 provides trend information on a predetermined message service to the target users linked to the accounts extracted by the extraction unit 42, via a provisioning account different from the account itself. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the provisioning unit 44 refers to the storage unit 30 (for example, the official account database 31 or the user information database 32) and instructs the service server 200 to provide trend information, thereby providing trend information on message service #1 to users linked to official account #1, via a provisioning account different from official account #1.
[0090] Furthermore, the provisioning unit 44 may provide trend information including links to news articles from which trending keywords have been extracted. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the provisioning unit 44 provides trend information including a link to news article #1 from which the keyword "product #1" has been extracted.
[0091] Furthermore, the information provider 44 may provide trend information that includes links to accounts. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the information provider 44 provides trend information that includes links to the official account of store #1 corresponding to the keyword "product #1".
[0092] Furthermore, the provisioning unit 44 may provide trend information that includes links to content for purchasing the items indicated by the trend. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the provisioning unit 44 provides trend information that includes a link to delivery service #1 where "product #1" can be purchased, a link to e-commerce service #1 where "product #1" can be purchased, and a link to a service in messaging service #1 for purchasing "product #1" from store #1.
[0093] Furthermore, if the target person is linked to multiple accounts managed by the corresponding administrator, the provision unit 44 may select the account with the highest relevance to the target person from among the multiple accounts and provide trend information including a link related to the selected account. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the provision unit 44 extracts official account #11 for "Chain Store #1 Shibuya" and official account #12 for "Chain Store #1 Shinjuku" as official accounts corresponding to the trend (keyword) "Product #2," and if the target person is linked to official accounts #11 and #12, it selects the account with the highest relevance to the target person from among official accounts #11 and #12 and provides trend information including a link related to the selected account.
[0094] Furthermore, the information provider 44 may select the account with the highest relevance to the subject from among multiple accounts based on the subject's location information. For example, in the example in Figure 1, if the subject's current location is Shibuya, the information provider 44 will provide trend information that includes a link to official account #11 of "Chain Store #1 Shibuya" but does not include a link to official account #12 of "Chain Store #1 Shinjuku". Also, if the subject's address, school, or workplace is in Shinjuku, or if their travel route includes Shinjuku but not Shibuya, the information provider 44 will provide trend information that includes a link to official account #12 but does not include a link to official account #11. Furthermore, if the subject has visited "Chain Store #1 Shinjuku" more times than "Chain Store #1 Shibuya", the information provider 44 will provide trend information that includes a link to official account #12 but does not include a link to official account #11.
[0095] Furthermore, the service provider 44 may select the account with the highest relevance to the target person from among multiple accounts, based on the target person's behavioral information in a predetermined service. For example, in the example in Figure 1, if the number of times the target person has sent messages in message service #1 is greater for official account #12 than for official account #11, the service provider 44 will provide trend information that includes links related to official account #12 but does not include links related to official account #11.
[0096] Furthermore, the provision unit 44 may provide trend information if the trend corresponds to the attributes of the target user. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the provision unit 44 provides trend information regarding a keyword to user U1 if the total number of views of news articles corresponding to the keyword identified as a trend by corresponding users having attributes corresponding to user U1 is above a predetermined threshold. The provision unit 44 also aggregates the number of times the keyword was entered into search service #1 by corresponding users in the first period and the number of times the keyword was entered into search service #1 by corresponding users in the second period, and if the search lift for the keyword in the first period is above a predetermined threshold when compared with the second period, it provides trend information regarding the keyword to user U1.
[0097] Furthermore, the information provider 44 may provide trend information if the trend does not indicate a negative event, and may not provide trend information if the trend indicates a negative event. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the information provider 44 will not provide trend information regarding a keyword identified as a trend if that keyword indicates a negative event such as an accident, disaster, illness, war, or scandal.
[0098] Furthermore, the provisioning unit 44 may provide trend information that includes information about users' reactions to the trend information. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the provisioning unit 44 provides trend information that shows the number of users who gave a positive evaluation to the trend indicated by the trend information.
[0099] (Regarding Notification Section 45) The notification unit 45 sends reminder notifications about trends to the target user based on the conditions set by the target user. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the notification unit 45 refers to the storage unit 30 (for example, the official account database 31 or the user information database 32) and sends a reminder notification about the keyword "product #1" to the user based on the user's reminder settings.
[0100] Furthermore, the notification unit 45 may also send a reminder notification regarding trends to the user if the user is located within a predetermined range from the store indicated by the account. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the notification unit 45 sends a reminder notification regarding a visit to store #1 if the user is located within a predetermined range from store #1.
[0101] (Regarding the presentation section 46) The presentation unit 46 presents information to the administrator managing the account indicating that trend information has been provided to the target user. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the presentation unit 46 refers to the storage unit 30 (for example, the official account database 31 or the user information database 32) and presents information indicating that a trend related to official account #1 has occurred, as well as information about the user to whom the trend information was provided.
[0102] [4. Information Processing Flow] The information processing procedure of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the information processing procedure according to the embodiment.
[0103] As shown in Figure 8, the information processing device 10 determines whether or not a trend has been identified based on user behavior information in a predetermined service (step S101). If a trend has not been identified (step S101; No), the information processing device 10 waits until a trend is identified.
[0104] On the other hand, if a trend is identified (Step S101; Yes), the information processing device 10 extracts the account corresponding to the trend and is an account in a predetermined message service (Step S102). Subsequently, the information processing device 10 provides trend information regarding the trend to the target person associated with the account via a different providing account on the predetermined message service (Step S103), and then terminates the process.
[0105] [5. Variations] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.
[0106] [5-1. Regarding the processing method] Of the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, and conversely, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above text and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.
[0107] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.
[0108] Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not contradictory.
[0109] [6. Effects] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment includes a specification unit 41, an extraction unit 42, an estimation unit 43, a provision unit 44, a notification unit 45, and a presentation unit 46. The specification unit 41 identifies trends based on user behavior information in a predetermined service. The specification unit 41 also extracts keywords from news articles that have been viewed by a certain number of users in a predetermined news distribution service, and identifies the keyword as a trend if the total number of views of news articles containing the keyword in the predetermined news distribution service is above a predetermined threshold. The specification unit 41 also extracts keywords from news articles that have been viewed by a certain number of users in a predetermined news distribution service, and identifies the keyword as a trend if the search lift for the keyword in a predetermined search service is above a predetermined threshold. The extraction unit 42 extracts accounts in a predetermined messaging service that correspond to the trends identified by the specification unit 41. The provision unit 44 provides trend information on the predetermined messaging service to the target person linked to the account extracted by the extraction unit 42, via a provision account different from the account. Furthermore, the provision section 44 provides trend information, including links to news articles that extract trending keywords.
[0110] As a result, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment can provide trend information to users who are presumed to be interested in the trends that have occurred, thus enabling the provision of trend-related information to appropriate users.
[0111] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the identification unit 41 identifies a trend indicating a purchasable item.
[0112] As a result, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment can provide trend information regarding trends that indicate purchasable items, thereby increasing the desire to purchase items indicated by the trends and encouraging the purchase of the items being traded.
[0113] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment, for example, the extraction unit 42 extracts accounts that can provide the target indicated by the trend. The provision unit 44 provides trend information including links related to the accounts. The provision unit 44 also provides trend information including links to content for purchasing the target indicated by the trend.
[0114] As a result, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment can provide trend information including links to accounts that can provide the target indicated by the trend, thereby preventing the loss of opportunities related to the provision of said target.
[0115] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment, for example, the estimation unit 43 estimates whether the trend indicates a negative event or not. The providing unit 44 then provides trend information if the trend does not indicate a negative event, and does not provide trend information if the trend indicates a negative event.
[0116] As a result, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment can provide users with trends indicating negative events, thereby preventing situations that may upset the users.
[0117] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment, for example, if a target person is linked to multiple accounts managed by a corresponding administrator, the providing unit 44 selects the account with the highest relevance to the target person from among the multiple accounts and provides trend information including links related to the selected account. The providing unit 44 also selects the account with the highest relevance to the target person from among the multiple accounts based on the target person's location information. The providing unit 44 also selects the account with the highest relevance to the target person from among the multiple accounts based on the target person's behavior information in a predetermined service.
[0118] As a result, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment can prevent situations in which information about multiple similar accounts is provided, thereby improving convenience.
[0119] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the providing unit 44 provides trend information when the trend corresponds to the attributes of the target person.
[0120] As a result, the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment can provide trend information tailored to the attributes of the target audience, thereby providing information with a high persuasive effect.
[0121] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the providing unit 44 provides trend information including information about users' reactions to the trend information.
[0122] As a result, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment can visualize reactions to trends, thereby enabling it to grasp the degree of trend momentum and the reliability of the trend.
[0123] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment, for example, the notification unit 45 notifies the target user of a reminder regarding trends based on conditions set by the target user. In addition, if the target user is located within a predetermined range from the store indicated by the account, the notification unit 45 notifies the target user of a reminder regarding trends.
[0124] As a result, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment can provide reminders about trends, thereby improving convenience.
[0125] Furthermore, in the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment, for example, the presentation unit 46 presents information to the administrator who manages the account indicating that trend information has been provided to the target person.
[0126] As a result, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment allows the administrator of an official account to understand when a trend related to them has occurred and to which users the trend information has been provided, thereby enabling them to promote sales to appropriate users and prevent lost opportunities.
[0127] [7. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 according to each embodiment described above can be implemented by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 9. The following explanation will use the information processing device 10 as an example. Figure 9 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that implements the functions of the information processing device 10. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, ROM 1200, RAM 1300, HDD 1400, communication interface (I / F) 1500, input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and media interface (I / F) 1700.
[0128] The CPU 1100 operates based on programs stored in the ROM 1200 or HDD 1400, and controls various parts. The ROM 1200 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.
[0129] The HDD 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, as well as data used by such programs. The communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via the communication network 500 (corresponding to network N in this embodiment) and sends it to the CPU 1100, and also transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the communication network 500.
[0130] 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.
[0131] 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 1300. The CPU 1100 loads the program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1300 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.
[0132] For example, when computer 1000 functions as information processing device 10, the CPU 1100 of computer 1000 realizes the functions of control unit 40 by executing programs loaded on RAM 1300. The HDD 1400 stores the data in the storage device of information processing device 10. The CPU 1100 of computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from other devices via a predetermined communication network.
[0133] [8. Other] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are illustrative examples, and the present invention can be implemented in various other forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention.
[0134] Furthermore, the configuration of the aforementioned information processing device 10 can be flexibly changed, for example, by calling external platforms, etc., via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) or network computing, depending on the function.
[0135] Furthermore, the term "part" in the claims can be replaced with "means," "circuit," etc. For example, "specific part" can be replaced with "specific means" or "specific circuit." [Explanation of Symbols]
[0136] 1. Information Processing System 10 Information Processing Devices 20 Communications Department 30 Storage section 31 Official Account Database 32 User Information Database 33 News Article Database 40 Control Unit 41 Specific part 42 Extraction part 43 Estimation part 44 Providing Department 45 Notification Department 46 Presentation section 100 User Terminals 200 service servers
Claims
1. A specific unit identifies trends based on user behavior information in a designated service, An extraction unit extracts accounts in a predetermined messaging service that correspond to the trend identified by the identification unit, A providing unit provides trend information regarding the trend on the predetermined messaging service to the target person linked to the account extracted by the extraction unit, via a different providing account from the account. An information processing device characterized by having the following features.
2. The specified part is, Keywords are extracted from news articles that have been viewed by a certain number of users on a designated news distribution service. If the total number of views of news articles containing those keywords on the designated news distribution service exceeds a predetermined threshold, those keywords are identified as the aforementioned trend. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.
3. The specified part is, Keywords are extracted from news articles that have been viewed by a certain number of users on a designated news distribution service, and if the search lift of those keywords on a designated search service exceeds a predetermined threshold, those keywords are identified as the aforementioned trend. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.
4. The aforementioned supply unit is, The trend information includes links to news articles from which the aforementioned keywords representing the trends have been extracted. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the above.
5. The specified part is, Identify the aforementioned trends that indicate items available for purchase. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.
6. The aforementioned supply unit is, The trend information includes links related to the aforementioned accounts. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.
7. The extraction unit is Extract the accounts that can provide the target indicated by the aforementioned trend. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.
8. The aforementioned supply unit is, The trend information includes links to content for purchasing the items indicated by the aforementioned trend. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.
9. The aforementioned supply unit is, If multiple accounts managed by the corresponding administrator are linked to the subject, the administrator selects the account with the highest relevance to the subject from among the multiple accounts and provides the trend information, including a link related to the selected account. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.
10. The aforementioned supply unit is, Based on the location information of the subject, select the account that is most relevant to the subject from among the multiple accounts. The information processing apparatus according to feature 9.
11. The aforementioned supply unit is, Based on the subject's behavioral information in a specified service, the account with the highest relevance to the subject is selected from among multiple accounts. The information processing apparatus according to feature 9.
12. The aforementioned supply unit is, When the aforementioned trend corresponds to the attributes of the subject, the trend information is provided. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.
13. The first notification unit sends a reminder notification regarding the trend to the aforementioned target person based on the conditions set by the aforementioned target person. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the features.
14. The second notification unit sends a reminder notification regarding the trend to the subject when the subject is located within a predetermined range from the store indicated by the account. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the features.
15. Estimation unit that estimates whether the aforementioned trend indicates a negative event or not. It further possesses, The aforementioned supply unit is, If the trend does not indicate a negative event, the trend information will be provided; if the trend does indicate a negative event, the trend information will not be provided. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.
16. The aforementioned supply unit is, The trend information is provided, including information regarding user reactions to the aforementioned trend information. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.
17. A display unit that presents information to the administrator managing the account indicating that the trend information has been provided to the target person. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the features.
18. A method of information processing performed by a computer, A specific process to identify trends based on user behavior information in a given service, An extraction step for extracting accounts in a predetermined messaging service that correspond to the trend identified by the aforementioned specific step, A provision step, which provides trend information regarding the trend on the predetermined messaging service to the target person linked to the account extracted by the extraction step, via a different provision account from the account. An information processing method characterized by including
19. A procedure for identifying trends based on user behavior information in a specified service, An extraction procedure for extracting accounts in a predetermined messaging service that correspond to the trend identified by the aforementioned identification procedure, A provision procedure to provide trend information regarding the trend on the predetermined messaging service to the target person linked to the account extracted by the extraction procedure, via a different provision account from the account. An information processing program that causes a computer to execute something.