Information providing device, information providing method, and information providing program

Abstract

An information providing device, an information providing method, and an information providing program are provided that are capable of providing appropriate information to a user. [Solution] The information providing device according to the present application includes a distribution unit, an identification unit, and a restriction unit. The distribution unit distributes information to be distributed using a plurality of models that determine the distribution destinations of the information to be distributed. The identification unit identifies, from among the plurality of models, models related to a selected model, which is a model for which a user has selected to opt out, as related models. The restriction unit executes distribution restriction that restricts distribution from the distribution unit using the related models to users who have selected to opt out.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information providing device, an information providing method, and an information providing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known techniques for providing information such as advertisements according to user attributes. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for extracting advertisements according to user attributes and delivering the extracted advertisements to the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-024603 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 above leaves room for improvement in terms of providing appropriate information to the user.

[0005] The present application has been made in consideration of the above, and has an object to provide an information providing device, an information providing method, and an information providing program that are capable of providing appropriate information to a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information providing device according to the present application includes a distribution unit, a specification unit, and a restriction unit. The distribution unit distributes information to be distributed using a plurality of models that determine a destination of the information to be distributed. The specification unit specifies, as an associated model, a model among the plurality of models that is associated with a selected model, which is a model for which a user has selected opt-out. The restriction unit executes a distribution restriction that restricts distribution from the distribution unit using the associated model to the user who has selected opt-out. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to provide appropriate information to a user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the information providing process according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information providing system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of distribution information displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of opt-out selection information displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information providing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information stored in a user information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of model information stored in a model information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of distribution information stored in the distribution restriction information storage unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of inquiry information displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of inquiry information displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of information processing by the processing unit of the information providing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the first distribution restriction process by the processing unit of the information providing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the first additional distribution restriction process by the processing unit of the information providing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the second additional distribution restriction process by the processing unit of the information providing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the second distribution restriction process by the processing unit of the information providing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the third additional distribution restriction process by the processing unit of the information providing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information providing device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the information providing device, the information providing method, and the information providing program according to the present application (hereinafter, referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information providing device, the information providing method, and the information providing program according to the present application are not limited to these embodiments. In addition, each embodiment can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents are not contradictory. In addition, the same parts in each of the following embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0010] [1. An example of information provision processing] First, an example of information provision processing according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining the information provision processing according to the embodiment.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, an information providing device 1 according to the embodiment includes users U1, U2, . . . , U mTerminal devices 21, 22,...,2 used by m are communicatively connected to the terminal devices 21, 22, . . . , 2 m In the following, users U1, U2, . . . , U m When each of the terminal devices 21, 22, . . . , 2 m When referring to each of these without distinguishing them individually, they may be referred to as terminal device 2.

[0012] The information providing device 1 provides distribution information D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, . . . , D k is distributed to user U. k is, for example, an integer equal to or greater than 6. k The distribution to user U is, for example, distribution information D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, . . . , D k This is done by distributing the above to the terminal device 2 of the user U.

[0013] In the following, distribution information D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, . . . , D k When each of the information is not individually distinguished, it may be referred to as distribution information D. k is information displayed on the terminal device 2, and includes, for example, at least one of text information and image information. Image information is still image information, animation information, or video information.

[0014] The information providing device 1 is a device that determines a destination of distribution information D, which is information to be distributed, by using a plurality of models M1, M2, M3, M4, . . . , M n The distribution information D is distributed using a plurality of models M1, M2, M3, M4, . . . , M n For example, for objects T1, T2, T3, T4, , T n This is a model that determines whether or not a user U is interested in each piece of information.

[0015] Specifically, the model M1 is a model corresponding to the target T1, and determines whether a user U who is interested in information of the target T1 is interested in the distributed information D. The model M2 is a model corresponding to the target T2, and determines whether a user U who is interested in information of the target T2 is interested in the distributed information D.

[0016] The model M3 is a model corresponding to the target T3, and determines whether a user U who has an interest in the information of the target T3 has an interest in the distribution information D. The model M4 is a model corresponding to the target T4, and determines whether a user U who has an interest in the information of the target T4 has an interest in the distribution information D. n is the target T n This is a model corresponding to the target T n It is determined whether a user U who has an interest in the information is also interested in the distribution information D.

[0017] In the following, objects T1, T2, T3, T4, . . . , T n When each of these is not individually distinguished, it may be written as the target T, and the models M1, M2, M3, M4, . . . , M n When referring to each of these models without distinguishing them individually, they may be referred to as Model M.

[0018] When the information provided by the information providing device 1 is news content, the target T is, for example, politics, economy, international affairs, business, entertainment, sports, hobbies, or society. The target T may also be a subdivision of these, for example, a subdivision of a hobby, such as cars, bicycles, motorbikes, movies, music, camping, or travel. The information provided by the information providing device 1 may also be advertising content instead of or in addition to news content, or may be content other than news content and advertising content.

[0019] Model M is a learning model that receives delivery information D as input and outputs a score indicating the degree to which user U is interested in delivery information D. For example, when information on target T1 is input to model M1, the score output from model M1 is higher than when information on target T2 is input to model M1. Also, when information on target T2 is input to model M2, the score output from model M2 is higher than when information on target T1 is input to model M2.

[0020] The model M is generated for each target T by machine learning using a dataset including, for example, information to be distributed and information indicating whether a user U who has an interest in the target T has an interest in the information to be distributed. For example, the model M1 is generated by machine learning using a dataset including information to be distributed and information indicating whether a user U who has an interest in the target T1 has an interest in the information to be distributed.

[0021] The model M is generated by machine learning using a neural network such as a convolutional neural network or a recurrent neural network, but is not limited to such examples. For example, the model M may be generated using machine learning using a learning algorithm such as linear regression or logistic regression instead of a neural network.

[0022] When the information providing device 1 distributes distribution information D, the information providing device 1 distributes models M1, M2, M3, M4, . . . , M n Input distribution information D to each of the models M1, M2, M3, M4, . . . , M n The distribution information D is distributed to a user U associated with a model whose output score satisfies a preset distribution condition. The preset distribution condition is the distribution condition for models M1, M2, M3, M4, . . . , M n Among them, the model with the highest output score or the model with an output score equal to or greater than a preset threshold value is used.

[0023] Here, for user U1, models M1, M2, M3, M4, Mn Assume that the distributed information D1 is information on the target T1, the distributed information D2 is information on the target T2, the distributed information D3 is information on the target T3, and the distributed information D4 is information on the target T4. Also, assume that the distributed information D5 is information on the target T n Assume that the information is as follows.

[0024] In this case, the information providing device 1 is a model M1, M2, M3, M4, M n 1, the distribution information D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 is distributed to the user U1 by distributing the information D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 to the terminal device 21.

[0025] When user U1, to whom distribution information D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 has been distributed, judges that distribution of distribution information D1 is undesirable among the distribution information D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5, user U1 selects opt-out for model M1 (step S2). User U1's opt-out for model M1 indicates user U's intention to refuse notification of information (distribution information D1 in the example shown in FIG. 1) distributed using model M1, and is performed, for example, by user U1 operating an operation unit provided on terminal device 21.

[0026] When the user U1 selects opt-out for the model M1, opt-out information, which is information indicating that the user U1 has selected opt-out for the model M1, is transmitted from the terminal device 21 to the information providing device 1 (step S3).

[0027] When the information providing device 1 receives the opt-out information from the terminal device 21, the information providing device 1 excludes the user U1 from the model M1 (step S4). For example, the information providing device 1 excludes the user U1 from the model M1 by canceling the association between the user U1 and the model M1.

[0028] Next, the information providing device 1 sets the model M1 for which the user U1 selected opt-out as the selected model, and identifies the model M related to the selected model as the related model (step S5). In the example shown in Fig. 1, the information providing device 1 identifies the model M2 as the related model of the model M1. The related model is, for example, a model M in which a list of multiple associated users U is similar to a list of multiple users U associated with the selected model, and, for example, a model M in which the proportion of users U who are also associated with the selected model among all associated users U is equal to or greater than a preset proportion.

[0029] Then, the information providing device 1 restricts distribution to the user U1 using the model M2, which is a related model (step S6). The restriction of distribution to the user U1 using the related model is performed, for example, by reducing the frequency of distribution to the user U1 using the related model, or by setting a period during which the related model is not used for the user U1.

[0030] In this way, when the association of the model M1 with the user U1 is released and distribution to the user U1 using the model M2 is restricted, distribution of the distribution information D1 to the user U1 is stopped and distribution of the distribution information D2 to the user U1 is restricted. Therefore, the information providing device 1 distributes the distribution information D3, D4, and D5 out of the distribution information D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 to the terminal device 2 (step S7).

[0031] The related model is a model related to the selection model, and for example, when an associated user U is similar to the selection model, the distribution information D that outputs a high score in the selection model may also output a high score in the related model. Therefore, even if the association of the selection model is dissolved, the same distribution information D as when the selection model is used may be distributed to the user U. For example, when the model that determines whether or not a user U who likes a specific type of movie has an interest is the selection model, distribution information D regarding a specific type of movie or a target T similar to a specific type of movie may be distributed to the user U by using a model M related to the selection model.

[0032] Therefore, as described above, the information providing device 1 is configured to restrict distribution using a related model, which is a model M related to the selected model. This allows the information providing device 1 to restrict distribution to the user U of the same or similar distribution information D as when the selected model is used, and allows appropriate information to be provided to the user U. The configuration and operation of the information providing device 1 will be described in further detail below.

[0033] 2. Information Providing System 100 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information providing system 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the information providing system 100 according to an embodiment includes an information providing device 1 and terminal devices 21, 22, . . . , 2 m The terminal devices 21, 22, . . . , 2 m The mobile terminal may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), or a notebook PC.

[0034] The information providing device 1 includes terminal devices 21, 22, . . . , 2 m It is possible to transmit and receive information between the devices via a communication network 3. The communication network 3 is, for example, a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Note that the communication network 3 includes, for example, a mobile communication system such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation), but is not limited to such examples.

[0035] [3. Terminal Device 2] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 2 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the terminal device 2 according to the embodiment includes a communication unit 10, a display unit 11, an operation unit 12, a sensor group 13, a storage unit 14, and a processing unit 15.

[0036] [3.1. Communication unit 10] The communication unit 10 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC) etc. The communication unit 10 is connected to the communication network 3 by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the information providing device 1 via the communication network 3.

[0037] [3.2. Display section 11] The display unit 11 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0038] [3.3. Operation unit 12] The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a keyboard including keys for inputting letters, numbers, and spaces, an enter key, and arrow keys, a mouse, a power button, etc. When the display unit 11 is a display device that is a touch panel display, the operation unit 12 may be a touch panel.

[0039] [3.4. Sensor Group 13] The sensor group 13 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an illuminance sensor, and an image sensor. The acceleration sensor is a sensor that detects the acceleration of the terminal device 2. The gyro sensor is a sensor that detects the attitude of the terminal device 2, such as the tilt and rotation. The geomagnetic sensor is a sensor that detects geomagnetism. The illuminance sensor is a sensor that detects illuminance indicating the brightness of the surroundings of the terminal device 2, and the image sensor is a sensor that captures an image of the surroundings of the terminal device 2.

[0040] [3.5. Storage section 14] The storage unit 14 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

[0041] The memory unit 14 stores, for example, information transmitted from the information providing device 1 and acquired by the processing unit 15 via the communication network 3 and the communication unit 10, and detection information which is information detected by the sensor group 13, etc.

[0042] [3.6. Processing section 15] The processing unit 15 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the terminal device 2 using the RAM as a working area.

[0043] The processing unit 15 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The processing unit 15 includes an information acquisition unit 16, a display processing unit 17, and an output unit 18.

[0044] [3.6.1. Information acquisition unit 16] The information acquisition unit 16 acquires information transmitted from the information providing device 1 and received by the communication unit 10 via the communication network 3. The information transmitted from the information providing device 1 is, for example, distribution information D or opt-out selection information.

[0045] [3.6.2. Display Processing Unit 17] The display processing unit 17 causes the display unit 11 to display the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 16. For example, the display processing unit 17 causes the display unit 11 to display a screen including the distribution information D acquired by the information acquisition unit 16.

[0046] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of distribution information displayed on the display unit 11 of the terminal device 2 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the display processing unit 17 displays distribution information D1, D2, D3, and D4 in a timeline on the display unit 11 of the terminal device 2.

[0047] In the example shown in Figure 4, distributed information D1 is entertainment news information, distributed information D2 is business news information, distributed information D3 is weather forecast news information, and distributed information D4 is society news information.

[0048] Each of the pieces of delivery information D1, D2, D3, and D4 is information including images and characters, and when selected by a tap operation, a click operation, or the like, more detailed information is delivered from the information providing device 1, and such detailed information is displayed on the display unit 11 by the display processing unit 17. Such detailed information is, for example, information on a landing page.

[0049] In addition, each of the distribution information D1, D2, D3, and D4 includes a mark 50 for selecting opt-out, and when the user U selects the mark 50 by operating the operation unit 12, opt-out selection information for selecting opt-out is displayed on the display unit 11.

[0050] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of opt-out selection information displayed on the display unit 11 of the terminal device 2 according to the embodiment. The opt-out selection information 60 shown in Fig. 5 includes a delivery information area 61, an inquiry information area 62, a Yes button 63, and a No button 64.

[0051] 5, the delivery information area 61 displays delivery information D1, and the inquiry information area 62 displays the text "Do you want to opt out (stop delivery)?". When the user U operates the operation unit 12 to select the Yes button 63, the output unit 18 transmits opt-out information to the information providing device 1, as described below.

[0052] Furthermore, when the user U selects the No button 64 by operating the operation unit 12, the display processing unit 17 returns the information to be displayed on the display unit 11 from the opt-out selection information 60 shown in Fig. 5 to the delivery information D shown in Fig. 4. Furthermore, when the user U selects the Yes button 63 by operating the operation unit 12, the display processing unit 17 also returns the information to be displayed on the display unit 11 from the opt-out selection information 60 shown in Fig. 5 to the delivery information D shown in Fig. 4.

[0053] The opt-out method is not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, when the mark 50 shown in Fig. 4 is tapped or right-clicked, a character string such as "Opt out (stop distribution)?" may be displayed selectably on the distribution information D corresponding to the mark 50, and when the character string is selected, the opt-out information may be transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the information providing device 1.

[0054] Also, in the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5, the distribution information D and the opt-out selection information 60 are web content, but the content acquired and displayed on the terminal device 2 may be e-mail content instead of or in addition to the web content.

[0055] [3.6.3. Output section 18] The output unit 18 transmits, for example, operation information corresponding to an operation on the operation unit 12 by the user U to the information providing device 1 via the communication unit 10.

[0056] For example, when the user U operates the operation unit 12 to select the Yes button 63, the output unit 18 transmits opt-out information to the information providing device 1 via the communication unit 10. The opt-out information includes identification information unique to the model M or the delivery information D for which opt-out has been selected.

[0057] In addition, the output unit 18 transmits detection information, which is information detected by the sensor group 13, to the information providing device 1 via the communication unit 10.

[0058] [4. Information provision device 1] 6 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment includes a communication unit 20, a storage unit 21, and a processing unit 22.

[0059] [4.1. Communication unit 20] The communication unit 20 is realized by, for example, a NIC etc. The communication unit 20 is connected to the communication network 3 by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the terminal device 2 via the communication network 3.

[0060] [4.2. Storage section 21] The storage unit 21 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 21 includes a user information storage unit 30, a model information storage unit 31, a distribution restriction information storage unit 32, a store information storage unit 33, and a distribution information storage unit 34.

[0061] 4.2.1. User information storage unit 30 The user information storage unit 30 stores information on users U1, U2, . . . m 7 is a diagram showing an example of user information stored in the user information storage unit 30 according to the embodiment.

[0062] 7, the user information stored in the user information storage unit 30 includes information such as a “user ID (identifier)” and “attributes” for each user U. The “user ID” is identification information unique to each user U.

[0063] "Attributes" is information indicating attributes of user U. Examples of attributes of user U include demographic attributes and psychographic attributes. Demographic attributes are demographic attributes of user U, such as gender, age, address, occupation, and annual income. Psychographic attributes are attributes indicating user U's values, lifestyle, personality, preferences, and the like.

[0064] In the example shown in FIG. 7, a user U with a user ID "UA1" is "male", is "in his 30s", and has interests in "clothes". A user U with a user ID "UA2" is "female", is "in his 20s", and has interests in "clothes". A user U with a user ID "UA3" is "male", is "in his 40s", and has interests in "cars".

[0065] [4.2.2. Model information storage unit 31] The model information storage unit 31 shown in FIG. 6 stores models M1, M2, M3, M4, . . . , M n 8 is a diagram showing an example of model information stored in the model information storage unit 31 according to the embodiment.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 8, the user information stored in the model information storage unit 31 includes information such as "model ID", "model", and "user list" for each model M. The "model ID" is identification information unique to each model M. The "model" is information on the model M that determines the delivery destination of the information to be delivered.

[0067] Each of the multiple models M is, for example, a model that determines whether or not the user U has an interest in the distribution information D. The multiple models M are, for example, models that correspond to different targets T. Hereinafter, a model that determines whether or not the user U has an interest in the distribution information D may be referred to as an interest model.

[0068] For example, when the information provided by the information providing device 1 is information on web content, the target T indicates the type of web content. When the information provided by the information providing device 1 is news web content, the type of web content is, for example, politics, economy, international affairs, business, entertainment, sports, hobbies, or society. In addition, the target T may be, for example, a subdivision of these, such as cars, bicycles, motorbikes, movies, music, camping, or travel, as a subdivision of hobbies.

[0069] When the information provided by the information providing device 1 is video content, the types of web content include, for example, domestic movies, domestic dramas, domestic animations, foreign movies, foreign dramas, foreign animations, variety shows, documentaries, sports, and news.

[0070] Furthermore, the target T indicates the type of information indicated by the e-mail, for example, when the information provided by the information providing device 1 is information on an e-mail. When the information provided by the information providing device 1 is information on a hobby, the information indicated by the e-mail is, for example, a car, a bicycle, a motorcycle, a movie, music, camping, or travel.

[0071] Furthermore, the multiple models M may include, for example, a model for each user context. In this case, the model M is, for example, a model that determines whether the context of the user U is a context defined by the model, and, for example, inputs detection information transmitted from the terminal device 2 and determines whether the context of the user U is a context defined by the model. For example, the model M is a model that estimates various user contexts such as "bought a PC (Personal Computer)", "went to store A", or "cooking food". In the following, a model for each user context may be referred to as a user context model.

[0072] A "user list" is a list of users U associated with a model M, and the user IDs of each user U associated with the model M. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a model with a model ID "MA1" is a "model M1", and is associated with user IDs such as "UA1", "UA2", and "UA3". A model with a model ID "MA2" is a "model M2", and is associated with user IDs such as "UA2", "UA4", and "UA5".

[0073] Furthermore, a model with a model ID of "MA3" is a "model M3" and is associated with user IDs such as "UA1", "UA3", and "UA6". A model with a model ID of "MA4" is a "model M4" and is associated with user IDs such as "UA3", "UA4", and "UA5".

[0074] [4.2.3. Distribution restriction information storage unit 32] The distribution restriction information storage unit 32 shown in Fig. 6 stores restriction information including the user ID of a user U for whom a distribution restriction or opt-out is set for each model M. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of distribution information stored in the distribution restriction information storage unit 32 according to the embodiment.

[0075] 9, the distribution information D stored in the distribution restriction information storage unit 32 includes information such as a "model ID," an "opt-out user list," and a "distribution restriction user list" for each model M. The "model ID" is identification information unique to each model M, and is the same as the model ID shown in FIG.

[0076] The “opt-out user list” is a list of opt-out users, which are users U who have selected opt-out for model M, and includes the user ID of each user U who has selected opt-out for model M. The “distribution restriction user list” is a list of users U whose distribution is restricted for model M, and includes the user ID of each user U whose distribution is restricted for model M.

[0077] 9, in the model with model ID "MA1", the user ID "UA4" is set as an opt-out user, and the user ID of user U is not set in the delivery restriction user list. In addition, in the model with model ID "MA2", the user ID of user U is not set as an opt-out user, and the user ID "UA3" is set in the delivery restriction user list.

[0078] [4.2.4. Store information storage unit 33] 6 stores store information, which is information for each store (not shown). The store information for each store is information about the corresponding store, and includes, for example, information about events, information about sale items, information about new products, information about new services, etc. The store information is, for example, information provided to the user U by email, but may also be information provided to the user U as web content.

[0079] Furthermore, a distribution excluded user list is stored for each store in the store information storage unit 33. The distribution excluded user list includes user IDs of users U to whom the information providing device 1 does not want to distribute store information.

[0080] 4.2.5. Distribution information storage unit 34 6 stores distribution information D, which is information distributed to user U. The distribution information D stored in the distribution information storage unit 34 is web content such as news or information provided to user U by e-mail, and may include advertising content. When the distribution information D is web content such as news, the distribution information D is displayed on the terminal device 2 as a timeline. However, the distribution information D is not limited to information displayed on the terminal device 2 as a timeline.

[0081] [4.3. Processing section 22] 6 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by a CPU or an MPU, etc., executing various programs (corresponding to an example of an information provision program) stored in a storage device inside the information provision device 1 using a RAM as a work area. The processing unit 22 may also be realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0082] The processing unit 22 determines whether the terminal devices 21, 22, . . . , 2 are connected to the communication unit 20 or the storage unit 21 based on the information acquired by the communication unit 20 and the information stored in the storage unit 21. m The processing unit 22 includes an acquisition unit 40, a distribution unit 41, a reception unit 42, a specification unit 43, an inquiry unit 44, a determination unit 45, and a restriction unit 46.

[0083] [4.3.1. Acquisition part 40] The acquisition unit 40 acquires information transmitted from the terminal device 2 via the communication network 3. The information transmitted from the terminal device 2 is, for example, operation information corresponding to an operation on the operation unit 12 by the user U, detection information corresponding to information detected by the sensor group 13, or opt-out information.

[0084] [4.3.2. Distribution Unit 41] The distribution unit 41 distributes the distribution information D to the user U by transmitting the distribution information D to the terminal device 2 via the communication unit 20 and the communication network 3 using multiple models M that determine the distribution destination of the information to be distributed.

[0085] When the model M is an interest model, the distribution unit 41 inputs the distribution information D to the multiple models M, determines a user U associated with the model M that satisfies a preset distribution condition among the multiple models M as a distribution destination of the distribution information D, and distributes the distribution information D to the determined distribution destination user U. The preset distribution condition is, for example, a model M that outputs a score equal to or higher than a preset threshold and that outputs the highest score among the multiple models M, but is not limited to such an example.

[0086] For example, distribution information D1 is modeled as M1, M2, M3, M4, . . . , M n If you enter n It is assumed that the highest score among the scores output from the model M1 is equal to or higher than a preset threshold and is the score output from the model M2. It is also assumed that the model information stored in the model information storage unit 31 is in the state shown in Fig. 8. In this case, the distribution unit 41 determines users U with user IDs such as "UA1", "UA2", and "UA3" as users U to be the distribution destinations of the distribution information D1.

[0087] In addition, the distribution information D2 is nIf you enter n It is assumed that the highest score among the scores output from the models M1, M2, and M3 is equal to or higher than a preset threshold and is the score output from the model M2. It is also assumed that the model information stored in the model information storage unit 31 is in the state shown in Fig. 8. In this case, the distribution unit 41 determines users U with user IDs such as "UA2", "UA4", and "UA5" as users U to be distribution destinations.

[0088] Furthermore, when the model M is a user context model, the distribution unit 41 inputs the detection information transmitted from the terminal device 2 and acquired by the acquisition unit 40 to each user context model, and determines a user context model that satisfies a preset distribution condition among the scores output by each user context model. The preset distribution condition is, for example, that the output score is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, but is not limited to this example.

[0089] Each user context model is associated with distribution information D, and the distribution unit 41 distributes the distribution information D associated with a user context model that outputs a score equal to or higher than a preset threshold to a user U corresponding to the detection information.

[0090] For example, assume that the model M1 is a user context model, and the distribution information D1 is associated with the model M1. Also assume that when detection information from the terminal device 21 of the user U1 is input to the model M1, the score output from the model M1 is equal to or greater than a preset threshold. In this case, the distribution unit 41 distributes the distribution information D1 to the user U1.

[0091] In addition, the distribution unit 41 can also determine the destination user U by using, instead of or in addition to the detection information, the operation history of the user U on the terminal device 2, the location information of the terminal device 2, or the schedule information of the user U as input information to the model M.

[0092] In addition, when the distributed distribution information D is selected by the user U, the distribution unit 41 distributes detailed information of the distribution information D selected by the user U to the terminal device 2 via the communication unit 20 and the communication network 3, thereby distributing detailed information of the distribution information D selected by the user U to the user U.

[0093] For example, when multiple pieces of distribution information D are input to multiple models M, the distribution unit 41 can distribute the multiple pieces of distribution information D so that the distribution information D with a higher score output from the model M is preferentially displayed at the top.

[0094] For example, assume that the scores output from the model M are highest in the order of distributed information D3, distributed information D2, distributed information D1, distributed information D5, and distributed information D4. In this case, the distribution unit 41 distributes the distributed information D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 so that the distributed information D3 is displayed at the top, the distributed information D2 is displayed at the second top, the distributed information D1 is displayed at the third top, the distributed information D5 is displayed at the fourth top, and the distributed information D4 is displayed at the fifth top.

[0095] Also, assume that the multiple pieces of distribution information D are news contents, and the multiple pieces of distribution information D are displayed on a timeline on the terminal device 2. In this case, the distribution unit 41 distributes the multiple pieces of distribution information D so that, if the news is from the same period, the higher the score output from the model M, the higher the information is displayed, and, if the news is from a different period, the closer the news is to the present time, the higher the information is displayed. Each model M can be weighted, and by increasing the weight, the score output from the model M can be increased, and by decreasing the weight, the score output from the model M can be decreased.

[0096] In addition, in the model information storage unit 31, the user ID of the user U who has selected opt-out is excluded from the association with the model M for which opt-out has been selected. Therefore, information to be distributed corresponding to the model M for which the user U has selected opt-out is not distributed to the user U who has selected opt-out.

[0097] Furthermore, the distribution unit 41 does not need to associate the user U with the model M in advance. In this case, the distribution unit 41 can estimate the interests of the user U based on an estimation model that estimates the interests of the user U. Such an estimation model is a model that inputs user information and determines whether the user U has an interest in the target T, and is provided for each target T. Then, the distribution unit 41 can associate the user U with the model M by identifying the model M corresponding to the target T that matches or is similar to the estimated interests of the user U.

[0098] Furthermore, the distribution unit 41 can distribute the store information to the user U by transmitting the store information stored in the store information storage unit 33 to the terminal device 2 via the communication unit 20 and the communication network 3. The distribution unit 41 inputs attribute information of each user U into an estimation model that estimates for each store whether the user U is interested in the store, thereby estimating users U who are interested in the store, and performs a process of distributing store information to the estimated users U for each store.

[0099] In addition, when a distribution excluded user list is stored in the store information storage unit 33, the distribution unit 41 distributes the store information to users U who are estimated to have an interest in the store, other than users U whose user IDs are included in the distribution excluded user list.

[0100] [4.3.3. Reception unit 42] The reception unit 42 receives opt-out information received by the communication unit 20 via the communication network 3. Based on the received opt-out information, the reception unit 42 updates the model information stored in the model information storage unit 31 or the distribution restriction information stored in the distribution restriction information storage unit 32. The opt-out information is opt-out information for the model M or opt-out information for the store.

[0101] For example, when the reception unit 42 receives opt-out information for model M1 from user U1, it changes the state in which the user ID of user U1 is associated with model M1 to a state in which it is not associated with model M1 in the model information in the model information storage unit 31. In addition, when the reception unit 42 receives opt-out information for model M1 from user U1, it associates the user ID of user U1 with model M1 as a selected model in the opt-out user list in the distribution restriction information in the distribution restriction information storage unit 32.

[0102] In addition, when the reception unit 42 receives opt-out information for a store, it adds the user ID of the user U who added the opt-out to the distribution excluded user list of the store where the opt-out was selected from the distribution excluded user list stored in the store information storage unit 33.

[0103] [4.3.4. Specification part 43] The identification unit 43 identifies, from among the multiple models M, a model related to the selected model, which is a model from which the user U has selected opt-out, as a related model.

[0104] For example, the identification unit 43 identifies a model M whose list of associated users U is similar to the list of users U associated with the selection model as the associated model. The associated model is, for example, a model in which the ratio of users U who are also associated with the selection model among all associated users is equal to or greater than a preset ratio. The associated model may also be a model in which the distance between the associated user list and the user list associated with the selection model is within a preset distance.

[0105] In addition, the related model may be a model whose corresponding distribution target information is similar to the selected model. For example, the similar models are set in advance in the identification unit 43, and the identification unit 43 identifies other models included in the model group including the selected model as related models.

[0106] Furthermore, the identification unit 43 can identify an excluded model or an excluded candidate model based on the distribution excluded user list stored in the store information storage unit 33. For example, the identification unit 43 compares the distribution excluded user list, which is a list of users U who are excluded from distribution of store information of stores from which the users U have opted out, with a user list associated with each model M.

[0107] Then, the identification unit 43 can identify a model M associated with a user list similar to the distribution excluded user list as an excluded model or an excluded candidate model. For example, the identification unit 43 can identify a model M associated with a user list whose distance from the distribution excluded user list is within a preset distance as an excluded model or an excluded candidate model.

[0108] The identification unit 43 can also identify, as an excluded store or an exclusion candidate store, a store corresponding to a delivery excluded user list similar to the list of a user U who has selected opt-out of the selected model from among the delivery excluded user lists of each store. For example, the identification unit 43 identifies, as an excluded store or an exclusion candidate store, a store in a delivery excluded user list whose distance from the list of a user U who has selected opt-out of the selected model is within a preset distance.

[0109] The distance between the above-mentioned user lists may be, for example, Euclidean distance, Manhattan distance, Chebyshev distance, or Mahalanobis distance, and is calculated based on, for example, the distribution state of each attribute of the multiple users U included in the user lists.

[0110] [4.3.5. Inquiry section 44] The inquiring unit 44 inquires of an inquiry destination user, who is a user U associated with the related model identified by the identifying unit 43 among the multiple users U, about an opinion on the information to be distributed that corresponds to the related model.

[0111] 8, and the related model identified by the identification unit 43 is model M2. In this case, the inquiry unit 44 determines that the inquiry destination user is a user U with user IDs "UA2", "UA4", and "UA5".

[0112] Then, the inquiry unit 44 inquires of the inquired user about an opinion on the information of the distribution target corresponding to the model M2. For example, the inquiry unit 44 transmits inquiry information including the information of the distribution target corresponding to the model M2 to the terminal device 2 of the inquired user via the communication unit 20 and the communication network 3, thereby inquiring of the inquired user about an opinion on the information of the distribution target corresponding to the related model.

[0113] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of inquiry information displayed on the display unit 11 of the terminal device 2 according to the embodiment. The inquiry information 70 shown in Fig. 10 includes a delivery information area 71, an inquiry information area 72, a Yes button 73, and a No button 74. The inquiry information 70 shown in Fig. 10 is displayed on the display unit 11 of the terminal device 2 when, for example, the Yes button 63 shown in Fig. 5 is selected.

[0114] 10, the delivery information area 71 displays delivery information D2. Furthermore, the inquiry information area 72 displays the text "May we continue to deliver news related to cars?", indicating that the target T of the related model is "cars." When the user U operates the operation unit 12 to select the Yes button 73, the opinion information is transmitted to the information providing device 1 by the output unit 18 of the terminal device 2.

[0115] Furthermore, when the user U selects the No button 74 by operating the operation unit 12, the display processing unit 17 of the terminal device 2 returns the information to be displayed on the display unit 11 of the terminal device 2 from the inquiry information shown in Fig. 10 to the delivery information shown in Fig. 4. Furthermore, when the user U selects the Yes button 73 by operating the operation unit 12, the display processing unit 17 of the terminal device 2 returns the information to be displayed on the display unit 11 of the terminal device 2 from the inquiry information shown in Fig. 10 to the delivery information shown in Fig. 4.

[0116] The inquiry unit 44 can also insert the inquiry information between a plurality of pieces of delivery information D displayed on a timeline. In this case, the inquiry unit 44 can deliver the inquiry information with priority so that the inquiry information is displayed at the top.

[0117] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing another example of inquiry information displayed on the display unit 11 of the terminal device 2 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the inquiry information is inserted between a plurality of pieces of delivery information D1, D3 displayed on a timeline. Since the inquiry information 70 is displayed at the top as shown in Fig. 11, it is possible to increase the probability of collecting opinions in response to the inquiry to the user U.

[0118] In the inquiry information, a plurality of different pieces of delivery information D corresponding to related models may be included in the delivery information area 71. In addition, the inquiry information may be e-mail content instead of web content.

[0119] The inquiry unit 44 can also inquire about opinions on the information of the distribution target corresponding to the exclusion candidate model, with the user U associated with the exclusion candidate model identified by the identification unit 43 as the inquiry destination user. The method of inquiring about opinions on the information of the distribution target corresponding to the exclusion candidate model is similar to the method of inquiring about opinions on the information of the distribution target corresponding to the related model.

[0120] Furthermore, the inquiring unit 44 can inquire about opinions on the information of the distribution target corresponding to the exclusion candidate store, by designating a user U who is not included in the distribution excluded user list of the exclusion candidate store identified by the identifying unit 43 as the inquiry destination user. The method of inquiring about opinions on the information of the distribution target corresponding to the exclusion candidate store is, for example, an inquiry by email, but may be the same as the method of inquiring about opinions on the information of the distribution target corresponding to the related model.

[0121] [4.3.6. Decision Unit 45] Based on the result of the inquiry by the inquiry unit 44, the decision unit 45 decides whether or not to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to the user U associated with the related model.

[0122] For example, when a preset ratio or more of the users U to whom the inquiry information was delivered have negative opinions, the decision unit 45 determines to restrict delivery from the delivery unit 41 using the related model to the users U associated with the related model. A negative opinion is entered by, for example, operating the No button 74 shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11.

[0123] For example, let us consider the users UA1, UA2, . . . , UA p Let UA1, UA2, . . . , UA p The scores of opinions are x1, x2, , x p Here, p is an integer equal to or greater than 3. In this case, the determination unit 45 calculates the total score SC=(x1+x2+···+x p When the score x1, x2, . . . , x is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, it is determined that distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to the user U associated with the related model is restricted. p For example, 0 is assigned to a positive opinion and 1 is assigned to a negative opinion.

[0124] In addition, the decision unit 45 can decide whether or not to restrict delivery by weighting the opinions of users U whose attributes are more similar to those of the user U who selected opt-out. For example, the users to be contacted are users UA1, UA2, . . . , UA p Let UA1, UA2, . . . , UA p The scores of opinions are x1, x2, , x p and the weights are a1, a2, , a p In this case, the determination unit 45 calculates the total score SC=(a1·x1+a2·x2+···+a p x p ) / p.

[0125] Weights a1, a2, , a p is a value between 0 and 1, and is set to a larger value as the opinion of user U has a higher degree of similarity in attributes with user U who selected opt-out. Then, when the total score SC is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, the decision unit 45 determines to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to user U associated with the related model.

[0126] Furthermore, the determination unit 45 determines whether or not to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the excluded candidate model to users U associated with the excluded candidate model, based on a result of the inquiry by the inquiry unit 44. When a preset ratio or more of users U to whom the inquiry information was delivered have negative opinions, the determination unit 45 determines to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the excluded candidate model to users U associated with the excluded candidate model.

[0127] Furthermore, the determination unit 45 determines whether or not to restrict distribution of the store information of the excluded store to users U who are not included in the distribution excluded user list of the excluded store, based on the result of the inquiry by the inquiry unit 44. When a preset rate or more of the users U to whom the inquiry information was delivered have negative opinions, the determination unit 45 determines to restrict distribution of the store information of the excluded store to users U who are not included in the distribution excluded user list of the excluded store.

[0128] [4.3.7. Restriction section 46] The restriction unit 46 executes a distribution restriction that restricts distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to the user U who has selected opt-out. This allows the restriction unit 46 to restrict distribution of information that corresponds to the model from which the user U has selected opt-out and information that is highly related to the information.

[0129] For example, the restriction unit 46 restricts the above-mentioned distribution by reducing the frequency of distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to the user U who has selected opt-out. Reducing the frequency of distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model can reduce the proportion of the related model used in the distribution unit 41 by, for example, decreasing the weight of the related model for the user U who has selected opt-out during a predetermined period.

[0130] In addition, the frequency of distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model can also be reduced, for example, by stopping the distribution of information corresponding to the related model to a user U who has selected opt-out during a predetermined period.

[0131] The restriction unit 46 can also reduce the frequency of delivery from the delivery unit 41 using the related model to the user U who has selected opt-out, the higher the similarity between the selected model and the related model. This allows the restriction unit 46 to restrict delivery using the related model, the higher the similarity of the related model to the selected model from which the user U has opted out. Therefore, the restriction unit 46 can restrict the delivery of information to be delivered that corresponds to the model M from which the user U has selected opt-out, and information to be delivered that is highly related.

[0132] Furthermore, the restriction unit 46 can restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the associated model to the user U associated with the associated model, based on the determination result by the determination unit 45. The method of restricting distribution is the same as the method of restricting distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the associated model to the user U who has selected opt-out.

[0133] The restriction unit 46 can restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to only some of the users U associated with the related model.

[0134] For example, the restriction unit 46 can also restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to users U associated with the related model, but only to users U associated with the related model who are not associated with the selected model.

[0135] The restriction unit 46 can also execute a distribution restriction that restricts distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the excluded model to a user U who has selected opt-out, by processing similar to that in the case of the related model. The restriction unit 46 can also execute a distribution restriction that restricts distribution of store information of excluded stores to a user U who has selected opt-out, by processing similar to that in the case of the related model.

[0136] In addition, the restriction unit 46 can also restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to users U associated with the related model only for users U associated with the related model whose similarity to users U who have selected opt-out from the selected model is equal to or greater than a preset threshold.

[0137] In addition, based on the decision result by the decision unit 45, the restriction unit 46 can restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the candidate model to be excluded to a user U associated with the candidate model to be excluded, in a manner similar to that in the case of a user U associated with a related model.

[0138] In addition, based on the determination result by the determination unit 45, the restriction unit 46 can restrict the distribution of store information of an excluded store to users U who are not included in the distribution excluded user list of the excluded store in a manner similar to that for users U associated with the related model.

[0139] 5. Processing Procedure Next, a procedure of information processing by the processing unit 22 of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing by the processing unit 22 of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0140] 12, the processing unit 22 of the information providing device 1 distributes distribution information D to the user U (step S10). Next, the processing unit 22 performs a first distribution restriction process (step S11). The first distribution restriction process shown in step S11 is the process of steps S20 to S27 shown in FIG. 13, and will be described in detail later.

[0141] Next, the processing unit 22 performs a second distribution restriction process (step S12). The second distribution restriction process shown in step S12 is the process of steps S50 to S55 shown in Fig. 16, and will be described in detail later.

[0142] When the process of step S12 ends, the processing unit 22 determines whether or not the operation end timing has arrived (step S13). The processing unit 22 determines that the operation end timing has arrived, for example, when the power supply of the information providing device 1 is turned off or when it is determined that an end operation has been performed by operating the operation unit 12.

[0143] If the processing unit 22 determines that the operation end time has not arrived (step S13: No), it transitions to step S10, and if it determines that the operation end time has arrived (step S13: Yes), it terminates the processing shown in Figure 12.

[0144] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the first distribution restriction process by the processing unit 22 of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG 13, the processing unit 22 determines whether or not there is an opt-out selection for the model (step S20).

[0145] When the processing unit 22 determines that an opt-out selection has been made for the model M (step S20: Yes), the processing unit 22 performs an opt-out process for the model M (step S21). The opt-out process is performed by disassociating the opt-out user, who is the user U who selected opt-out, with the model M for which opt-out has been selected in the model information stored in the storage unit 21.

[0146] Next, the processing unit 22 identifies related models that are models related to the selected model (step S22), and starts restricting the distribution of the related models to the opt-out user (step S23).

[0147] Next, the processing unit 22 judges whether or not the first additional restriction mode is set (step S24). When the processing unit 22 judges that the first additional restriction mode is set (step S24: Yes), the processing unit 22 executes a first additional distribution restriction process (step S25). The first additional distribution restriction process in step S25 is the process of steps S30 to S33 shown in FIG. 14, and will be described in detail later.

[0148] When the processing of step S25 is completed or when it is determined that the first additional restriction mode is not set (step S24: No), the processing unit 22 determines whether or not the second additional restriction mode is set (step S26). When it is determined that the second additional restriction mode is set (step S26: Yes), the processing unit 22 executes a second additional delivery restriction process (step S27). The second additional delivery restriction process in step S27 is the process of steps S40 and S41 shown in FIG. 15, and will be described in detail later.

[0149] When the processing of step S27 is completed, when it is determined that the second additional restriction mode is not set (step S26: No), or when it is determined that there is no opt-out selection for model M (step S20: No), the processing unit 22 terminates the processing shown in FIG. 13.

[0150] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the first additional distribution restriction process by the processing unit 22 of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, the processing unit 22 distributes the inquiry information to the user U associated with the related model by transmitting the inquiry information to the terminal device 2 of the user U via the communication unit 20 and the communication network 3 (step S30). The inquiry information is information inquiring about an opinion on the information to be distributed that corresponds to the related model.

[0151] Next, the processing unit 22 determines whether or not to restrict distribution to the user U associated with the related model using the related model based on the opinion information returned from the user U in response to the inquiry information (step S31). The processing unit 22 determines whether or not it has been decided to restrict distribution to the user U associated with the related model using the related model in step S31 (step S32).

[0152] If the processing unit 22 decides in step S31 to restrict distribution using the related model to user U associated with the related model (step S32: Yes), it starts restricting distribution using the related model to user U associated with the related model (step S33).

[0153] When the processing of step S33 is completed, or when it is decided not to restrict distribution using the related model to user U associated with the related model in step S31 (step S32: No), the processing unit 22 terminates the processing shown in FIG. 14.

[0154] 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the second additional distribution restriction process by the processing unit 22 of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG 15, the processing unit 22 determines, as excluded stores, stores in a user list similar to the user list associated with the selected model (step S40).

[0155] Then, the processing unit 22 starts restricting the distribution of store information of excluded stores to the opt-out user (step S41), and ends the process shown in FIG.

[0156] 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the second distribution restriction process by the processing unit 22 of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG 16, the processing unit 22 determines whether or not there is an opt-out selection for the store (step S50).

[0157] When the processing unit 22 determines that there is an opt-out selection for the store (step S50: Yes), it performs an opt-out process for the store (step S51). The opt-out process for the store is performed by adding the user ID of the opt-out user, who is the user U who selected opt-out, to the delivery excluded user list stored in the storage unit 21.

[0158] Next, the processing unit 22 identifies an excluded model that is a model related to the store where opt-out was selected (step S52). In step S52, the processing unit 22 identifies, for example, the model M associated with a user list similar to the delivery excluded user list of the store where the user U opted out as the excluded model. Then, the processing unit 22 starts restricting delivery of the excluded model to the opt-out user (step S53).

[0159] Next, the processing unit 22 judges whether or not the third additional restriction mode is set (step S54). When the processing unit 22 judges that the third additional restriction mode is set (step S54: Yes), the processing unit 22 executes a third additional distribution restriction process (step S55). The third additional distribution restriction process in step S55 is the process of steps S60 to S64 shown in FIG. 17, and will be described in detail later.

[0160] The processing unit 22 terminates the processing shown in FIG. 16 when the processing of step S55 is completed, when it determines that the third additional restriction mode is not set (step S54: No), or when it determines that there is no opt-out selection for the store (step S50: No).

[0161] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the third additional distribution restriction process by the processing unit 22 of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 17, the processing unit 22 specifies an exclusion candidate model (step S60). For example, the processing unit 22 specifies, as the exclusion candidate model, a model M associated with a user list similar to the distribution excluded user list of the store from which the user U has opted out.

[0162] Next, the processing unit 22 distributes the inquiry information to the user U by transmitting the inquiry information to the terminal device 2 of the user U associated with the exclusion candidate model via the communication unit 20 and the communication network 3 (step S61). The inquiry information is information inquiring about an opinion on the information to be distributed that corresponds to the exclusion candidate model.

[0163] Next, the processing unit 22 determines whether or not to restrict distribution to the user U associated with the exclusion candidate model using the exclusion candidate model based on the opinion information returned from the user U in response to the inquiry information (step S62). The processing unit 22 determines whether or not it has been decided to restrict distribution to the user U associated with the exclusion candidate model using the exclusion candidate model in step S62 (step S63).

[0164] If the processing unit 22 decides in step S62 to restrict distribution using the excluded candidate model to the user U associated with the excluded candidate model (step S63: Yes), it starts restricting distribution using the excluded candidate model to the user U associated with the excluded candidate model (step S64).

[0165] When the processing of step S64 is completed, or when it is decided in step S62 not to restrict distribution using the excluded candidate model to user U associated with the excluded candidate model (step S63: No), the processing unit 22 terminates the processing shown in FIG. 17.

[0166] 6. Modifications The distribution unit 41 of the processing unit 22 can also distribute information indicating that the opt-out user has selected opt-out to a similar user who is a user U similar to the opt-out user who has selected opt-out.

[0167] In addition, when the decision unit 45 determines not to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to a user U associated with the related model, the restriction unit 46 of the processing unit 22 can also not restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to an opt-out user.

[0168] In addition, the inquiry unit 44 can increase the frequency of delivery of the inquiry information as the similarity of the related model to the selected model increases, and can lengthen the period of delivery of the inquiry information as the similarity of the related model to the selected model increases.

[0169] Furthermore, the determination unit 45 can determine not to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to opt-out users, based on an opinion from a contact user who is a user U associated with the related model. For example, when the total score SC is less than a preset threshold, the determination unit 45 can determine not to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to opt-out users.

[0170] Furthermore, the determination unit 45 can determine not to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the excluded model to opt-out users, based on an opinion from a contact user who is a user U associated with the exclusion candidate model. For example, when the total score SC is less than a preset threshold, the determination unit 45 can determine not to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the excluded model to opt-out users.

[0171] Furthermore, the determination unit 45 can determine not to restrict the delivery of store information of the excluded store to the opt-out user based on an opinion from a contact user who is a user U not included in the delivery excluded user list of the exclusion candidate store. For example, when the total score SC is less than a preset threshold, the determination unit 45 can determine not to restrict the delivery of store information of the excluded store to the opt-out user.

[0172] [7. Hardware Configuration] The information providing device 1 or the terminal device 2 according to the embodiment described above is realized by a computer 80 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 18, for example. The information providing device 1 will be described below as an example. Fig. 18 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 80 that realizes the functions of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment. The computer 80 has a CPU 81, a RAM 82, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 83, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 84, a communication interface (I / F) 85, an input / output interface (I / F) 86, and a media interface (I / F) 87.

[0173] The CPU 81 operates and controls each part based on a program stored in the ROM 83 or the HDD 84. The ROM 83 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 81 when the computer 80 is started up, a program dependent on the hardware of the computer 80, and the like.

[0174] The HDD 84 stores programs executed by the CPU 81, data used by such programs, etc. The communication interface 85 receives data from other devices via the communication network 3 (see FIG. 2) and sends it to the CPU 81, and transmits data generated by the CPU 81 to other devices via the communication network 3.

[0175] The CPU 81 controls output devices such as a display and a printer, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, via the input / output interface 86. The CPU 81 acquires data from the input devices via the input / output interface 86. The CPU 81 also outputs data generated via the input / output interface 86 to the output devices.

[0176] The media interface 87 reads a program or data stored in a recording medium 88 and provides it to the CPU 81 via the RAM 82. The CPU 81 loads the program from the recording medium 88 onto the RAM 82 via the media interface 87 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 88 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase change rewritable Disc), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0177] For example, when the computer 80 functions as the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment, the CPU 81 of the computer 80 executes a program loaded onto the RAM 82 to realize the function of the processing unit 22. In addition, the HDD 84 stores data in the storage unit 21. The CPU 81 of the computer 80 reads and executes these programs from a recording medium 88, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from another device via the communication network 3.

[0178] [8. Other] In addition, 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 a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed arbitrarily unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the illustrated information.

[0179] In addition, each component of each device shown in the figure is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc. For example, two or more of the acquisition unit 40, distribution unit 41, reception unit 42, identification unit 43, inquiry unit 44, decision unit 45, and restriction unit 46 shown in FIG. 6 may be integrated. In addition, for example, the information stored in the storage unit 21 may be stored in a predetermined storage device provided externally via the communication network 3.

[0180] The information providing device 1 may be configured with two or more server devices, in which case the information providing device 1 includes, for example, a processing server and a storage server. The above-described embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents are not contradictory.

[0181] [9. Effects] As described above, the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment includes a delivery unit 41, a specification unit 43, and a restriction unit 46. The delivery unit 41 delivers information to be delivered using a plurality of models M that determine a delivery destination of the information to be delivered. The specification unit 43 specifies, as a related model, a model M related to a selected model that is a model M to which the user U has selected opt-out among the plurality of models M. The restriction unit 46 executes a delivery restriction that restricts delivery from the delivery unit 41 using the related model to the user U to which the opt-out has been selected. Therefore, the information providing device 1 restricts delivery using a model M related to the model M to which the user U has selected opt-out. As a result, the information providing device 1 can restrict delivery information D related to delivery information D delivered using the model M to which the user U has selected opt-out from being delivered to the user U to which the opt-out has been selected, and can provide appropriate information to the user U.

[0182] Furthermore, the restriction unit 46 restricts distribution by reducing the frequency of distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to the user U who has selected opt-out. This allows the information providing device 1 to restrict distribution information D related to distribution information D distributed using the model M for which the user U has selected opt-out from being distributed to the user U who has selected opt-out, and allows appropriate information to be provided to the user U.

[0183] Furthermore, the restriction unit 46 reduces the frequency of distribution as the degree of similarity between the model M for which the user U has selected opt-out and the related model increases. This allows the information providing device 1 to restrict the distribution of information to models that are more related to the model M for which the user U has selected opt-out, and to provide appropriate information to the user U.

[0184] The information providing device 1 also includes an inquiry unit 44 and a determination unit 45. The inquiry unit 44 inquires of users U associated with the related model among the multiple users U about their opinions on information to be distributed that corresponds to the related model. The determination unit 45 decides whether or not to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to users U associated with the related model, based on a result of the inquiry by the inquiry unit 44. The restriction unit 46 restricts distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to users U associated with the related model, based on a result of the decision by the determination unit 45. This allows the information providing device 1 to restrict distribution to users U other than opt-out users, and provide appropriate information to users U.

[0185] In addition, the restriction unit 46 determines whether or not to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model by increasing the weight of the opinion of a user U whose attribute is more similar to that of the user U who selected opt-out. This allows the information providing device 1 to more appropriately restrict distribution to users U other than the opt-out user.

[0186] In addition, the inquiry unit 44 makes an inquiry about opinions by transmitting information of the distribution target corresponding to the related model. This allows the information providing device 1 to appropriately inquire about opinions on the information of the distribution target corresponding to the related model.

[0187] In addition, the inquiry unit 44 preferentially distributes inquiry information, which is information inquiring about opinions on the information of the distribution target corresponding to the related model, so that the inquiry information is displayed at the top. This allows the information providing device 1 to appropriately inquire about opinions on the information of the distribution target corresponding to the related model.

[0188] Furthermore, the specification unit 43 specifies, as a related model, a model in which the list of the associated user U is similar to the selected model. This allows the information providing device 1 to specify a related model with high accuracy.

[0189] In addition, the specification unit 43 specifies, as a related model, a model corresponding to a distribution target having similar information of the distribution target corresponding to the selected model. This allows the information providing device 1 to specify a related model with high accuracy.

[0190] The delivery unit 41 also delivers store information, which is information for each store. The identification unit 43 identifies, as an excluded model, a model M associated with a list of users U similar to a delivery excluded user list, which is a list of users U from whom delivery of information on stores for which the user U has selected opt-out is excluded. The restriction unit 46 executes a delivery restriction that restricts delivery from the delivery unit 41 using the excluded model to the user U who has selected opt-out of the store. Therefore, the information providing device 1 restricts delivery using the model M related to the store for which the user U has selected opt-out. As a result, the information providing device 1 can restrict delivery information D related to store information of the store for which the user U has selected opt-out from being delivered to the user U who has selected opt-out, and can provide appropriate information to the user U.

[0191] Further, the distribution unit 41 distributes store information, which is information for each store. The identification unit 43 identifies, as excluded stores, stores corresponding to a distribution excluded user list similar to a list of users U who have selected opt-out of the selected model, among a distribution excluded user list which is a list of users U who are excluded from distribution of store information of each store. The restriction unit 46 restricts distribution of store information of excluded stores to users U who have selected opt-out. Therefore, the information providing device 1 restricts distribution of store information related to the model M for which the user U has selected opt-out. As a result, the information providing device 1 can restrict distribution of distribution information D distributed using the model M for which the user U has selected opt-out, and related store information, to users U who have selected opt-out, from being distributed to the users U, and can provide appropriate information to the users U.

[0192] The above describes the embodiment of the present application in detail based on the drawings, but this is merely an example, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms that include various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the forms described in the Disclosure of the Invention section.

[0193] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit", etc. For example, an acquisition section can be read as an acquisition means or an acquisition circuit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0194] 1 Information provision device 2,21,22,···,2 m Terminal equipment 3. Communication Network 10,20 Communications Department 11 Display section 12 Control section 13 Sensor Group 14,21 Storage section 15,22 Processing section 16 Information acquisition department 17 Display processing section 18 Output section 30 User information storage unit 31 Model information storage unit 32 Distribution restriction information storage unit 33 Store information storage unit 34 Distribution information storage unit 40 Acquisition Department 41 Distribution Department 42 Reception 43 Specific part 44 Inquiry Department 45 Decision Section 46 Restrictions 100 Information provision system

Claims

1. An identification unit that identifies, as a related model, a model related to a selected model, which is a model from which a user has selected opt-out, from among a plurality of models that determine a delivery destination of information to be delivered; A restriction unit that executes a distribution restriction that restricts distribution of the information using the association model to the user who has selected the opt-out.

1. An information providing device comprising:

2. The limiting portion is The distribution restriction is performed by reducing the frequency of the distribution of the information using the relevance model to the user who has selected the opt-out.

2. The information providing device according to claim 1 .

3. The limiting portion is The frequency is reduced as the degree of similarity between the model for which the user has selected opt-out and the related model increases.

3. The information providing device according to claim 2.

4. an inquiry unit that inquires of a user associated with the related model about an opinion on information to be distributed that corresponds to the related model; a decision unit that decides whether to restrict distribution of the information to a user associated with the association model using the association model based on a result of the inquiry by the inquiry unit; The limiting portion is Based on a result of the determination by the determination unit, distribution of the information using the association model to a user associated with the association model is restricted.

4. The information providing device according to claim 1, wherein the information providing device is a device for providing information to a user.

5. The limiting portion is The more similar the opinion of a user is to an attribute of the user who selected the opt-out, the more weight is given to the opinion of the user, and it is determined whether or not to restrict the distribution of the information using the relevance model.

5. The information providing device according to claim 4.

6. The inquiry unit, The inquiry for the opinion is made by transmitting information to be distributed corresponding to the related model.

6. The information providing device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The inquiry unit, Inquiry information, which is information inquiring about opinions regarding information to be distributed that corresponds to the related model, is preferentially distributed so as to be displayed at the top.

7. The information providing device according to claim 4, wherein:

8. The identification unit is Identifying as the relevant models those models whose associated user list is similar to the selected model.

8. The information providing device according to claim 1,

9. The identification unit is A model corresponding to a distribution target having information of the distribution target corresponding to the selected model similar to the distribution target is identified as the related model.

8. The information providing device according to claim 1,

10. The information to be distributed includes: It includes store information, which is information for each store. The identification unit is Identifying a model associated with a list of users similar to a delivery exclusion user list, which is a list of users who are excluded from delivery of store information of a store from which the user has selected opt-out, as an exclusion model; The limiting portion is Executing a distribution restriction to restrict distribution of the information using the exclusion model to users who have selected to opt out of the store 10. The information providing device according to claim 1,

11. The information to be distributed includes: It includes store information, which is information for each store. The identification unit is Identifying, as an excluded store, a store corresponding to a delivery excluded user list similar to a list of users who have selected opt-out of the selection model, among a delivery excluded user list which is a list of users who are excluded from delivery of store information of each of the stores; The limiting portion is Restricting delivery of store information of the excluded stores to users who have selected the opt-out option 10. The information providing device according to claim 1,

12. 1. A computer-implemented information providing method, comprising: A step of identifying, as a related model, a model related to a selected model, which is a model from which the user has selected opt-out, from among a plurality of models that determine a delivery destination of the information to be delivered; and a limiting step of limiting distribution of the information using the relevance model to the user who selected the opt-out.

13. An information providing method comprising:

13. A step of identifying a model related to a selected model, which is a model from which a user has selected opt-out, as a related model from among a plurality of models that determine a delivery destination of information to be delivered; and executing a distribution restriction step of restricting distribution of the information using the relevance model to the user who selected the opt-out.

23. An information providing program comprising:

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