Information processing system, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of delivering highly accurate contents to viewers while ensuring the degree of freedom in content delivery. [Solution] A content information acquisition unit 60 acquires content information transmitted from a distribution management server 4 via a communication unit 19. A viewing information acquisition unit 61 acquires viewing information transmitted from a compilation server 5 via the communication unit 19. A viewing tendency estimation unit 62 estimates the viewer's interest and taste tendencies and the strength of the tendencies from the viewing information. A distribution genre determination unit 63 determines the proportion or ranking of genres of content to be distributed to the viewer based on the tendencies and the strength of the tendencies estimated by the estimation means.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in broadcasting environments including television, techniques have been proposed for analyzing viewer attributes and preferences and delivering highly accurate programs, advertisements, etc. to each viewer. For example, the technique described in Patent Document 1 proposes a content display method for selecting and broadcasting content according to a viewer's attributes or preferences based on the viewer's viewing history. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-027405 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional technologies, including the technology described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, were solely intended to determine the content to be distributed based on the viewer's attributes and preferences, and the scope of use and discretion of the content distributor were narrow.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and aims to provide a technique that can deliver highly accurate content to viewers while ensuring freedom in content distribution.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: An acquisition means for acquiring viewing information regarding content viewed by a viewer; A first determination means for estimating the viewer's tastes and preferences based on the viewing information and determining a ratio or a ranking of genres of content to be distributed to the viewer; The information processing system includes:

[0007] An information processing method and a program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are also provided as an information processing method or a program corresponding to an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique that can deliver highly accurate content to viewers while ensuring freedom in content distribution. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an analysis server constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an analysis server and the like that configures an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of information analyzed by an analysis server constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 5 is a diagram showing an example of information analyzed by an analysis server constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a diagram showing an example different from the example of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing an example of information analyzed by an analysis server constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a diagram showing an example different from the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of various processes executed by an analysis server constituting the information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overview of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is a diagram illustrating an example different from the example of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter, referred to as "this system").

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the system includes, for example, an analysis server 1, a broadcasting device 2, a receiving device 3, a distribution management server 4, and a compilation server 5. The analysis server 1, the broadcasting device 2, the receiving device 3, the distribution management server 4, and the compilation server 5 are connected via a predetermined network such as the Internet. However, the network is not a required component, and for example, Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Local Area Network (LAN), etc. may be used. In the following, when "content" is referred to, it includes various contents such as television programs, Internet programs, and various advertisements. In the following, when "program" is referred to, it includes, for example, various advertisements.

[0012] The analysis server 1 is an information processing device managed by an administrator of the system, etc. The analysis server 1 is configured, for example, with a general-purpose PC (Personal Computer), etc. The analysis server 1 executes, for example, various processes related to the services provided by the system.

[0013] The broadcasting device 2 is a platform or the like managed by a business operator that performs various IP (Internet Protocol) broadcasting. The broadcasting device 2 transmits information (hereinafter referred to as “content information”) related to various contents including programs and advertisements that are the subject of television broadcasting or IP broadcasting to the distribution management server 4. Television broadcasting is, for example, a method of broadcasting moving images, audio, and the like, using a television communication method, and can mainly take the form of a broadcast. IP broadcasting is a method of broadcasting video and audio, etc., via a network such as the Internet, using a unicast or multicast method. In IP broadcasting, content is usually distributed in association with the viewer's ID information, etc., making it particularly easy to manage the viewer's viewing history and usage status of other network-related services, etc.

[0014] The receiving device 3 is a receiving device used by a viewer of a broadcast or the like. The receiving device 3 is, for example, configured with a TV receiver equipped with a network function. The receiving device 3, for example, acquires information on the viewing status of the viewer (hereinafter referred to as "viewing information") and transmits the information to the tallying server 5. The viewing information is managed by the tallying server 5.

[0015] The distribution management server 4 is an information processing device used to manage information related to various contents broadcast by the broadcast device 2. The distribution management server 4, for example, acquires content information transmitted from the broadcast device 2 and transmits the information to the analysis server 1 and the receiving device 3. The content information may include, for example, the name of the content broadcast by broadcasting device 2, an overview of the content (e.g., performers, year of production, country of production, producer, etc.), type of content (hereinafter also referred to as "genre"), identifier, broadcast time of the content (start time, end time), channel information, viewing period (e.g., limited time distribution, etc.), viewing attributes (e.g., viewing not permitted for those under 15 years of age, etc.), program guide, list of content, thumbnails, information regarding charges including amount, rights information, viewing area, etc.

[0016] The tallying server 5 is an information processing device used to tally various information related to the viewing status of viewers. For example, the tallying server 5 acquires the viewing information transmitted from the receiving device 3, and transmits the information to the analysis server 1 and the broadcasting device 2. The viewing information may include information such as the content viewed by the viewer, its name, identifier, genre, channel information, distribution platform information, viewing position, viewing date and time, viewing time, viewing speed (normal speed, 1.5x speed, etc.), viewer identifier, viewer attributes (demographics, hobbies and interests, preference information regarding content set by the viewer himself), etc.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an analysis server constituting the information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the analysis server 1 includes a control unit 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0019] The control unit 11 is configured with a microcomputer including a CPU, a GPU, a semiconductor memory, etc. The control unit 11 executes various processes according to a program recorded in a ROM 12 or a program loaded from a storage unit 18 to a RAM 13. The RAM 13 also stores information necessary for the control unit 11 to execute various processes as appropriate.

[0020] The control unit 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to one another via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14. An output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20 are connected to the input / output interface 15.

[0021] The output unit 16 is configured with various displays, speakers, etc. The output unit 16 outputs various images, sounds, etc.

[0022] The input unit 17 is configured with, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The input unit 17 accepts input of various information.

[0023] The storage unit 18 is configured with a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc., and stores various information. The storage unit 18 stores various programs and the like related to the provision of the present service.

[0024] The communication unit 19 controls communications between the device and other hardware devices via a network N including the Internet.

[0025] The drive 20 is provided as necessary. Removable media 31, which may be a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, is appropriately mounted in the drive 20. Programs for executing various processes are stored in the removable media 31. The programs read from the removable media 31 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as necessary. Further, the removable medium 31 can store various information stored in the storage unit 18 in the same manner as the storage unit 18 .

[0026] The hardware configurations of the broadcasting device 2, the receiving device 3, the distribution management server 4, and the tallying server 5 can all be basically the same as the hardware configuration of the analysis server 1, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. However, for example, when the broadcasting device 2 performs television broadcasting, the broadcasting device 2 may have a modulation function for various signals in a communication unit or the like. Similarly, when the receiving device 3 receives television broadcasting, the receiving device 3 may have a demodulation function for various signals. Furthermore, the various hardware (particularly the broadcasting device 2 and the receiving device 3) may have a function such as so-called encryption.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an analysis server and the like constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 11 of the analysis server 1 executes various programs and the like to cause a content information acquisition unit 60, a viewing information acquisition unit 61, a viewing tendency estimation unit 62, a distribution genre determination unit 63, and a distribution content determination unit 64 to function.

[0028] The content information acquisition unit 60 acquires the content information transmitted from the distribution management server 4 via the communication unit 19 .

[0029] The viewing information acquisition unit 61 acquires the viewing information transmitted from the tallying server 5 via the communication unit 19 .

[0030] The viewing tendency estimation unit 62 estimates the tendency (pattern) of the viewer's interests and tastes and the strength of the tendency from the viewing information. Specifically, the viewing tendency estimation unit 62 determines the viewer's genre preferences, patterns, and combinations based on, for example, the names of the contents viewed by the viewer, the outlines of the viewed contents, and the viewing time of each content, among the viewing information acquired by the viewing information acquisition unit 61. In addition, the viewing tendency estimation unit 62 determines the strength of the viewer's preference for each genre, based on the number of times each content was viewed, the frequency, the total viewing time, etc. Note that a method in which the viewing tendency estimation unit 62 specifically estimates the viewer's tendency will be described later with reference to Figs. 4 and 5.

[0031] A distribution genre determination unit 63 determines the ratio or order of genres of content to be distributed to the viewer based on the tendency and the strength of the tendency estimated by the estimation means. Specifically, the distribution genre determination unit 63 determines the proportion or ranking of each genre constituting the content to be distributed to the viewer, based on the viewer's genre preferences and the strength of the viewer's preference for each genre determined by the viewing tendency estimation unit 62. An example of how the distribution genre determination unit 63 determines the distribution genre will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0032] The distribution content determination unit 64 determines the content to be distributed to the viewer based on the ratio or the ranking determined by the first determination means. Specifically, the distribution content determination unit 64 determines the content to be actually distributed or recommended to the viewer for viewing based on the ratio or ranking of each genre constituting the content to be distributed to the viewer determined by the distribution genre determination unit 63. Note that the distribution genre determination unit 63 or the distribution content determination unit 64 may transmit the determined various information to the distribution management server 4 etc. as appropriate.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of information analyzed by an analysis server constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 4, information such as "ID," "date and time," "content name," "genre," and "viewing time" is displayed as a list. "ID" means, for example, the identification number of the receiving device used by the viewer or the identification number (user ID) of the Web service used by the viewer. In the example of Figure 4, only information about the viewer with ID "0001" is displayed. "Date and time" refers to the date and time when the viewer viewed each piece of content. "Content name" refers to the name of each piece of content viewed by the viewer. "Genre" refers to a category classified according to the characteristics of each content viewed by a viewer. Specifically, in the example of Fig. 4, the genre is displayed with the name of the genre determined based on the content of each content, such as "drama," "news," "animation," "sports," and "variety." "Viewing time" refers to the time that a viewer views each piece of content. For example, taking the first and second lines in FIG. 4 as an example, a viewer with ID "0001" watches content A, which is a variety show, for 30 minutes and content B, which is a sports show, for 1 hour on April 1, 2024. Similarly, the viewer watches content C, which is news, for 2 hours on April 3, and then watches variety show content A again on April 5 and April 6. The system acquires such information as part of the viewing information and stores it in a database (not shown) so that it can be used at any time.

[0034] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of information analyzed by an analysis server constituting an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a diagram showing an example different from the example of Fig. 4. The example of Fig. 5 shows an example of statistical information obtained by aggregating various information such as that shown in the example of Fig. 4 for a certain period of time. The example in Fig. 5 displays an example of viewing information for a viewer with ID "0001" collected during the period from April 1, 2024 to May 1, 2024. In the example in Fig. 5, for example, "ID", "content name", "genre", "number of views", "frequency", "total viewing time", etc. are displayed in a table. The "number of views" refers to the number of times a viewer viewed each piece of content during the above-mentioned period. "Frequency" refers to the degree to which a viewer repeatedly viewed each piece of content during the above-mentioned period. For example, if a viewer viewed the same piece of content multiple times within a short period of time, the "frequency" is determined to be high, and if not, the "frequency" is determined to be normal or low. "Total viewing time" refers to the total time that the viewer viewed each piece of content during the period. Specifically, the first line of FIG. 5 shows that the viewer with ID "0001" watched the variety show content A 10 times, for a total of 8 hours, during the above period.

[0035] The present system (particularly the viewing tendency estimation unit 62) determines the viewer's genre preferences and the strength of preference for each genre by using viewing information including various information shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, for example. In the example of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the present system (particularly the viewing tendency estimation unit 62) first determines four genres of content that the viewer particularly likes: "variety," "news," "sports," and "anime." Then, the present system (particularly the viewing tendency estimation unit 62) determines the strength of preference for each of the four genres that the viewer particularly likes. For example, in the example of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the system determines the following: variety "4 points," news "2 points," sports "1 point," anime "1 point," and other "2 points." Note that the score in this case may be determined according to the score regarding the viewing of the genre to be viewed, and may be determined according to, for example, the total number of viewings or frequency, the time elapsed since the most recent viewing date and time (recency), the length of the total viewing time, the most recent number of viewings or frequency, etc. Also, for example, in cases where a channel is associated with a genre (such as a specialty channel), the system may estimate the viewer's preferred genre in response to the selection of that channel. Then, the system (particularly the distribution genre determination unit 63) determines the proportion of content to be distributed to the viewer, for example, as shown in Fig. 6. Specifically, the system (particularly the distribution genre determination unit 63 in Fig. 6) determines the proportion of content to be distributed to the viewer, for example, as shown in Fig. 6. In the example of Fig. 6, the proportion of content to be distributed to the viewer with ID "0001" is determined to be 40% variety, 20% news, 10% sports, 10% anime, and 20% others. Furthermore, the present system (particularly the distribution content determination unit 64) determines the specific content to be distributed to each viewer according to the content ratio determined in this manner. Rather than simply determining the content to be recommended to the viewer, the present system employs such a method, thereby being able to recommend appropriate content to the viewer in a broader and more random manner. In other words, simply recommending content to the viewer based on the viewing history or the like results in a narrow range of recommended content that is prone to bias, whereas the present system employs such a method, and is expected to be able to broaden the viewer's range of choice and appropriately recommend content that is likely to interest the viewer. Although omitted in the examples of Figures 4 and 5, the system may further take into account information about the time periods when each piece of content is broadcast (e.g., information about the time periods when the viewer viewed the content) and determine the viewer's tastes and preferences and the proportion of content to be delivered for each time period.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of various processes executed by the analysis server constituting the information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In step S 1 , the content information acquisition unit 60 of the analysis server 1 acquires the content information transmitted from the distribution management server 4 via the communication unit 19 .

[0037] In step S 2 , the viewing information acquisition unit 61 of the analysis server 1 acquires the viewing information transmitted from the tallying server 5 via the communication unit 19 .

[0038] In step S3, the viewing tendency estimation unit 62 of the analysis server 1 determines the genre that the viewer particularly likes based on, for example, the viewing information acquired by the viewing information acquisition unit 61, such as the names of the contents viewed by the viewer, summaries of the viewed contents, and the time each content was viewed. Furthermore, in step S3, the viewing tendency estimation unit 62 of the analysis server 1 determines the strength with which the viewer prefers each genre, based on, for example, the number of times each content has been viewed, the frequency, the total viewing time, and the like.

[0039] In step S4, the distribution genre determination unit 63 of the analysis server 1 determines the proportion or ranking of each genre that makes up the content to be distributed to the viewer, based on the viewer's genre preferences determined by the viewing tendency estimation unit 62 and the strength of the viewer's preference for each genre.

[0040] In step S5, the distribution content determination unit 64 of the analysis server 1 determines the content to be actually distributed to or recommended for viewing by the viewer, based on the ratio or ranking of each genre constituting the content to be distributed to the viewer determined by the distribution genre determination unit 63. This completes the various processes executed by the analysis server 1.

[0041] Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications and improvements within the scope that can achieve the object of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure.

[0042] [Other embodiments] Here, another example of the configuration of an information processing system that can be adopted in the present system will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the outline of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a diagram showing an example different from the example of Fig. 1.

[0043] In the example of FIG. 8, unlike the example of FIG. 1, a delivery distribution server 6 arranged for each predetermined domain and an IF server 7 arranged independently of the predetermined domain are arranged. Here, a domain is a virtual management area set by an arbitrary classification such as the region where each receiving device 3 is located, the communication company connected to each receiving device 3, the company that manufactures each receiving device 3, etc. The domain is arbitrarily set and managed by, for example, the provider of this system. 8, the content information transmitted from the distribution management server 4 is not directly acquired by the receiving device 3, but is first acquired by the distribution distribution server 6 arranged in domain D1. Then, the distribution distribution server 6 transmits the acquired content information to the IF server 7 arranged independently of the domain D1. The IF server 7 acquires the content information transmitted from the distribution distribution server 6 of domain D1, and transmits the content information to the receiving device 3 of domain D2.

[0044] By having such a system configuration, the present system can distribute the information transmission load and send and receive content information more smoothly than if content information, etc. were simply transmitted from the distribution management server 4 to the receiving device 3. Furthermore, by providing such a system configuration, the robustness of the present system can be improved. Specifically, even if a communication failure or the like occurs or the source distribution distribution server 6 goes down, the IF server 7 or the distribution distribution server 6 of another domain can alternatively transmit and receive content information, thereby improving the robustness of the system. Furthermore, by examining the issues that arise from such a method, it is possible to contribute to improving the functionality of the receiving device 3 (television, etc.). Furthermore, by providing a distribution distribution server 6 for each domain, it is also possible to individually set the service specifications, formats, etc. suitable for each domain for each domain to which each receiving device 3 belongs.

[0045] Although the above embodiment has been described simply, the contents (programs) related to the present system are not limited to television broadcasting or IP broadcasting. The contents related to the present system may broadly include, for example, contents provided by television broadcasting or IP broadcasting, contents provided by various video distribution services, contents provided by various SNS (Social Networking Services) or the Web, etc.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the analysis server 1 is described as acquiring the content information from the distribution management server 4, but this is not limited thereto. The analysis server 1 may acquire the content information directly from the broadcast device 2, for example.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the analysis server 1 has been described as acquiring the viewing information from the tallying server 5, but this is not limited thereto. The analysis server 1 may acquire the viewing information directly from the receiving device 3, for example.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the present system has been described as determining the ratio of content to be distributed to viewers, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the present system may determine the order (ranking) of the genres of content to be distributed, the distribution time of each genre, etc., and use the determined content to be distributed.

[0049] Also, although not explained in the above embodiment, the present system may include various attribute information such as the target person's gender, age, place of residence, family structure, occupation, income, content preferences, etc., and may determine the proportion of content to be delivered to the viewer or the content to be delivered.

[0050] Furthermore, although not explained in the above embodiment, the present system may, for example, include the results of questionnaire surveys or panel surveys (including street surveys that do not use a network) conducted on viewers, and use these to determine the proportion of content to be distributed to viewers or to determine the content to be distributed. The questionnaire survey or panel survey mentioned here may be conducted on the viewer to whom the system is applied, or on other viewers to whom the system is not applied. When the system matches the results of such questionnaire surveys or panel surveys on many other viewers with the viewer to whom the system is applied, it is difficult to simply match the results if the viewer's information is simply ID information. In that case, the system may, for example, obtain information such as the viewing history of the target viewer ID, analyze viewing trends (so-called overlapping time) such as what day of the week and what time of day the content is viewed, and determine the similarity with the results of the viewing trends obtained from the questionnaire survey or panel survey, thereby estimating the hobbies, preferences, and attributes obtained from the questionnaire survey or panel survey for each viewer ID.

[0051] Also, although not described in the above embodiment, the present system may determine the proportion or ranking of genres of content to be delivered to a viewer, for example, by taking into account information regarding the viewing status of content of viewers other than the target viewer.

[0052] Also, although not described in the above embodiment, the present system may include information such as the viewing rate and occupancy rate of each content, and may determine the proportion of content to be delivered to viewers or the content to be delivered.

[0053] Also, although not explained in the above embodiment, the present system may determine the proportion of content to be delivered to a viewer or the content to be delivered, for example, based on information such as the viewer's SNS (social networking service) usage status and Internet usage status.

[0054] Although not described in the above embodiment, the present system may determine the ratio or order of genres of content to be distributed to viewers for each predetermined time period. Specifically, for example, the present system may separately determine the ratio or order of genres of content to be distributed to viewers for the time period from 6:00 to 10:00 and the time period from 19:00 to 22:00. If the number of times that viewers watch news in the morning time period (6:00 to 10:00) is greater than other genres, the score of the news genre may be higher in the morning time period, and the score of drama may be higher in the evening time period (18:00 to 22:00) because viewers tend to watch dramas carefully after returning home.

[0055] In addition, although not described in the above embodiment, the viewing information acquired by this system may include not only content information viewed in real time, but also content such as recordings, reruns, and various catch-up broadcasts.

[0056] Furthermore, although not described in the above embodiment, the system may determine the content to be delivered to the viewer based on a probability according to the proportion or ranking of the content to be delivered to the viewer. Specifically, for example, the system may probabilistically determine the content to be displayed on the receiving device 3 based on a probability according to the proportion or ranking of the content to be delivered to the viewer. That is, for example, if the proportion of content to be delivered is 80%, the system may display the content of that genre with an 80% probability.

[0057] In the above embodiment, the system determines four genres of content that are particularly preferred by the viewer, and determines the proportion or ranking of each genre that constitutes the content to be delivered to the viewer, but this is not limited to this. The system may, for example, determine the genre of content that is particularly preferred by the viewer from any number of content genres, and determine the proportion or ranking of each genre that constitutes the content to be delivered to the viewer. The system may not determine the genre of content that is particularly preferred by the viewer, but may determine the strength of preference for each genre for all content genres, and determine the proportion or ranking of each genre that constitutes the content to be delivered to the viewer.

[0058] Also, although not described in the above embodiment, the present system may display content of the genre that has the highest proportion of content to be delivered to viewers as a so-called fast view (content displayed in the most prominent position on the display screen). The system may also determine the content to be displayed in fast view according to the probability determined by the method described above or the like.

[0059] Although the above embodiment has been described simply, the method of selecting the content to be distributed to the viewer by the system (particularly the distribution content determination unit 64) according to the ratio or ranking of each genre constituting the content to be distributed to the viewer is arbitrary. For example, the system may determine the content to be distributed to the viewer by selecting in order from newly released content in the target genre, frequently viewed content in the target genre, content in the target genre that is highly related to content previously viewed by the viewer, etc.

[0060] In the above embodiment (particularly the embodiment of FIG. 8), the delivery distribution server 6 of the present system has been described as transmitting various information only to the IF server 7, but this is not limited thereto. The delivery distribution server 6 of the present system may transmit various information directly to, for example, the receiving device 3 of the domain to which it belongs.

[0061] In the above-mentioned embodiment (particularly the embodiment of FIG. 8), the IF server 7 of the present system has been described as transmitting various information only to the receiving device 3 in a domain different from the domain to which the source distribution distribution server 6 belongs, but this is not limited thereto. The IF server 7 of the present system may transmit various information, for example, to the receiving device 3 in the domain to which the source distribution distribution server 6 belongs.

[0062] Although not described in the above-mentioned embodiments (particularly the embodiments of FIG. 1 and FIG. 8), in this system, various information (e.g., viewing information, etc.) transmitted from the receiving device 3 is acquired by the tallying server 5 and transmitted to the analysis server 1. In this system, the distribution management server 4 does not process the viewer information, etc., but the tallying server 5 acquires this information and transmits it to the analysis server 1. Compared to the case where the management server (e.g., the distribution management server 4) performs all the processing as in the conventional information processing system, it is possible to reduce the load on the management server (e.g., the distribution management server 4). In addition, by reducing the load on the management server, it is possible to avoid the influence of an increase in the amount of information transmitted from the receiving device 3 on the distribution processing of various information (e.g., content information, etc.) by the management server (e.g., the distribution management server 4). This system can further handle the processing load because the analysis of this information is performed by the analysis server 1. Specifically, the analysis server 1 of this system can process and analyze various information (e.g., viewing information, content information, etc.) acquired from the distribution management server 4 and the aggregation server 5, that is, a large amount of information such as program information, television type, viewer attributes, viewer viewing history, etc.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the outline of the content has been described as including the performers, production year, production country, producer, and the like, but the above description is merely an example and is not limiting.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the content related to the present system is described as a program or the like, but is not limited thereto. The content related to the present system may be an advertisement or the like. In this case, the content information may include, for example, information such as the name of the advertiser, the name of the brand, the name of the advertisement material, and the duration of the material.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the viewer's tastes and preferences are described as being mainly a tendency toward a favorite genre, but are not limited thereto. The viewer's tastes and preferences in the present system are not necessarily limited to a tendency toward a favorite genre, and may include, for example, a viewing tendency or pattern. For example, the viewer's tastes and preferences may include information such as whether the viewer always watches the same channel, always watches at the same time, always watches programs with the same performers, or a combination of these. In addition, such information on tastes and preferences may be used in combination with the genre in the above embodiment. For example, the present system may identify the content broadcast on the channel or in the time period that the viewer frequently watches based on information such as the channel or time period that the viewer frequently watches, and may take this into account when estimating the favorite genre, etc.

[0066] Although not described in the above embodiment, the present system may estimate the viewer's hobbies and preferences (particularly the favorite genre) by taking into account information on performers and the like included in content information and the like. Specifically, for example, in the case where a viewer often watches variety shows and the like in which baseball players appear, the present system may estimate the viewer's hobbies and preferences assuming that the viewer not only likes variety shows but also likes genres such as baseball and sports. Similarly, the present system may estimate the viewer's hobbies and preferences assuming that the viewer likes "variety shows" when watching a show in which a comedian appears, and "dramas" and "movies" when watching a show in which an actor appears. In summary, the present system may estimate the viewer's hobbies and preferences by taking into account indirect information on performers and the like related to the content, rather than simply estimating the genre of the content the viewer likes based on the genre of the content the viewer has viewed.

[0067] Although not described in the above embodiment, the present system may estimate the viewer's tastes (particularly the strength of preference for a genre) by taking into account the playback speed of the content. For example, the present system may estimate that the viewer has a strong interest in a genre when viewing content at normal speed, or may estimate that the viewer has a strong interest in a genre when viewing content at a faster speed in order to quickly see the end. Furthermore, when the target content is an advertisement, and the advertisement itself is intentionally distributed to the viewer (so-called targeting), the system may estimate the viewer's hobbies and preferences by taking into account the commercials and categories of the advertisement. Specifically, for example, when a viewer watches a music advertisement for a certain singer, the system may estimate that the viewer has a strong interest in the music genre, and when a viewer watches an announcement or advertisement for a baseball game, the system may estimate that the viewer has a strong interest in the sports genre. The system may also estimate the viewer's hobbies and preferences by taking into account a viewing log, such as whether the viewer watched all of these advertisements or whether they skipped any of them.

[0068] Although not described in the above embodiment, after determining the content to be distributed or recommended to the viewer, the analysis server 1 may transmit the viewer's ID and information related to the determined content to the distribution management server 4, etc. After that, the distribution management server 4 may recommend various target contents to the viewer based on the acquired information.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the analysis server 1 is described as determining the content to be distributed (recommended) to the viewer, but this is not limited to this. For example, the distribution content determination unit 64 of the analysis server 1 may be provided in the distribution management server 4. In this case, the distribution management server 4 may acquire information regarding the ratio and order of genres determined by the analysis server 1 and the viewer's ID, and the distribution management server 4 may determine the specific content to be distributed (recommended).

[0070] Furthermore, the above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. In other words, the functional configurations in FIG. 3 and the like are merely examples and are not particularly limited. That is, it is sufficient that the information processing system is provided with a function capable of executing the above-mentioned series of processes as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this function is not limited to the example in Fig. 3, etc. Furthermore, the location of the functional block is not limited to the example in Fig. 3, etc., and may be arbitrary. Furthermore, one functional block may be configured as a single piece of hardware, may be configured as a single piece of software, or may be configured as a combination of both.

[0071] In addition, in this specification, the steps of describing the program to be recorded on the recording medium may be executed in parallel or individually, as well as in chronological order. Also, some of the steps described in the above embodiment may be omitted.

[0072] In addition, in this specification, the term "system" refers to an overall device that is composed of a plurality of devices or a plurality of means.

[0073] The system configurations shown in the above-described embodiments (particularly the embodiments in Figs. 1 and 8) are merely examples and are not limiting. The number and types of hardware constituting this system are arbitrary, and any other hardware may be adopted as part of the system, or some of the hardware described above may be omitted. Specifically, for example, in the above embodiment, the present system has been described as one in which the viewing information is handled by the tallying server 5, but the present system does not necessarily have to employ the tallying server 5. In this case, for example, in the present system, the distribution management server 4 may handle the viewing information.

[0074] In addition, in this system, for example, some or all of the series of processes described above may be executed by another server or the like managed by a cloud or the like.

[0075] Furthermore, when the series of processes is executed by software, the programs constituting the software are installed into a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium.

[0076] The computer may be a computer that is built into dedicated hardware, or a computer that is capable of executing various functions by installing various programs. That is, for example, the various hardware in the above-described embodiment may be freely adopted as any computer, any mobile terminal such as a smartphone, etc. Furthermore, any combination of types and contents of various input units and various output units may be adopted.

[0077] Furthermore, the recording medium containing such a program may not only be constituted by a removable medium (not shown) provided separately from the device main body in order to provide the program to a user, etc., but may also be constituted by a recording medium that is provided to the user in a state in which it is pre-installed in the device main body.

[0078] Even when these other embodiments are adopted, the effects of the present embodiment are exhibited. In addition, the present embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments, and other embodiments can be appropriately combined with each other.

[0079] To summarize the above, the information processing system to which the present disclosure is applied can take various embodiments having the following configurations. An acquisition means for acquiring viewing information regarding content viewed by a viewer; A first determination means for estimating the viewer's tastes and preferences based on the viewing information and determining a ratio or a ranking of genres of content to be distributed to the viewer; Any information processing system having the above will suffice.

[0080] Moreover, the above-mentioned information processing system may further include a second determination means for determining content to be delivered to the viewer based on the ratio or the rank determined by the first determination means.

[0081] In addition, the acquisition means may acquire first content information including at least any one of information selected from information regarding the content, information regarding the genre of the content, information regarding the broadcast time of the content, and information regarding the channel on which the content is broadcast.

[0082] The acquisition means may further acquire second content information including at least one of information on a period during which the content can be viewed or information on a condition under which the content can be viewed.

[0083] In addition, the first determination means may determine the genre of content to be delivered to the viewer based on at least any one of information selected from the content viewed by the viewer, the viewing time for which the content was viewed, and the time zone for which the content was viewed.

[0084] In addition, the first determination means may determine the proportion or ranking of genres of content to be delivered to the viewer based on at least any one of information selected from the number of times the viewer viewed the content, the frequency with which the content was viewed, the viewing time for which the content was viewed, and the time period in which the content was viewed.

[0085] The first determination means may determine a ratio or a ranking of genres of content to be distributed to the viewer for each predetermined period.

[0086] The first determination means may determine a ratio or a ranking of genres of content to be distributed to the viewer for each predetermined time period.

[0087] The second determination means may determine the content to be delivered to the viewer based on the ratio or a probability determined according to the rank.

[0088] The first determination means may further include information on content viewed by viewers other than the viewer, and may determine a ratio or a ranking of genres of content to be distributed to the viewer.

[0089] In addition, the information processing system includes: A first information processing device arranged for each predetermined domain; A second information processing device that is arranged independently of a predetermined domain; a receiving device for receiving the content to be viewed by the viewer; Further comprising: the first information processing device receives at least one of the first content information and the second content information from a predetermined information processing device, and transmits at least one of the received first content information and the second content information to the second information processing device; The second information processing device may receive at least one of the first content information and the second content information transmitted from the first information processing device, and transmit at least one of the received first content information and the second content information to the receiving device.

[0090] The information processing system may further include an acquisition device that acquires the viewing information of the viewer from the receiving device, and an analysis device that analyzes the viewing information.

[0091] In addition, as another aspect of the present disclosure, 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: An acquisition step of acquiring viewing information regarding content viewed by a viewer; a first determination step of estimating the viewer's tastes and preferences based on the viewing information and determining a ratio or a ranking of genres of content to be distributed to the viewer; Any information processing method including the above will suffice.

[0092] In addition, as another aspect of the present disclosure, Computer An acquisition means for acquiring viewing information regarding content viewed by a viewer; A first determination means for estimating the viewer's tastes and preferences based on the viewing information and determining a ratio or a ranking of genres of content to be distributed to the viewer; Any program that functions as such will suffice. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 Analysis Server 11 Control section 60 Content information acquisition unit 61 Viewing information acquisition unit 62 Viewing trend estimation section 63 Distribution Genre Decision Department 64 Distribution Content Decision Unit 2 Broadcasting Equipment 3. Receiving device 4. Distribution Management Server 5. Aggregation Server 6. Distribution Server 7 IF Server

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring viewing information regarding content viewed by a viewer; a first determination means for determining a ratio of genres of a plurality of contents to be distributed to the viewer based on the viewing information; a second determination means for determining a content to be distributed to the viewer based on a ratio of genres of the plurality of contents to be distributed to the viewer determined by the first determination means; Equipped with the first determination means determines a ratio of genres of the plurality of contents to be distributed to the viewer based on at least any one of information selected from the content viewed by the viewer, the viewing time of the content viewed by the viewer, and the time zone of the content viewed by the viewer; Information processing system.

2. the acquiring means acquires first content information including at least any one of information related to the content, information related to a genre of the content, information related to a broadcast time of the content, and information related to a channel broadcasting the content; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. the acquiring means further acquires second content information including at least one of information regarding a period during which the content can be viewed or information regarding a condition under which the content can be viewed. The information processing system according to claim 2 .

4. the first determination means determines a ratio of genres of the plurality of contents to be distributed to the viewer based on at least any one of information selected from the number of times the viewer viewed the content, the frequency of viewing, the viewing time, and the time period during which the viewer viewed the content; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

5. the first determination means determines a ratio of genres of a plurality of contents to be distributed to the viewer for each predetermined period of time; 5. The information processing system according to claim 4.

6. The first determination means determines a ratio of genres of the plurality of contents to be distributed to the viewer in accordance with a time period required for distribution.

5. The information processing system according to claim 4.

7. the second determination means determines the content to be distributed to the viewer based on a probability determined according to a ratio of genres of the plurality of contents to be distributed to the viewer; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

8. The first determination means further includes information regarding content viewed by viewers other than the viewer, and determines a ratio of genres of the plurality of contents to be distributed to the viewer. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

9. 1. A computer-implemented information processing method, comprising: An acquisition step of acquiring viewing information regarding content viewed by a viewer; a first determination step of determining a ratio of genres of a plurality of contents to be distributed to the viewer based on the viewing information; a second determination step of determining a content to be distributed to the viewer based on the ratio of genres of the plurality of contents to be distributed to the viewer determined by the first determination step; Including, the first determination step determines a ratio of genres of the plurality of contents to be distributed to the viewer based on at least any one of information selected from the content viewed by the viewer, the viewing time of the content viewed by the viewer, and the time zone of the content viewed by the viewer; Information processing methods.

10. Computer, An acquisition step of acquiring viewing information regarding content viewed by a viewer; a first determination step of determining a ratio of genres of a plurality of contents to be distributed to the viewer based on the viewing information; a second determination step of determining a content to be distributed to the viewer based on the ratio of genres of the plurality of contents to be distributed to the viewer determined by the first determination step; Execute a process including the first determination step determines a ratio of genres of the plurality of contents to be distributed to the viewer based on at least any one of information selected from the content viewed by the viewer, the viewing time of the content viewed by the viewer, and the time zone of the content viewed by the viewer; program.

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