Notification program, notification device, and notification method

Abstract

To improve convenience for a user.SOLUTION: A notification program causes a computer to execute: a determination procedure which determines whether the number of pieces of content that satisfy a predetermined condition has reached a predetermined number or not, the content being additional content which was decided to be distributed on a predetermined server after a distribution request is made from a user terminal used by a user, out of pieces of content distributed from the predetermined server; and a notification procedure that issues a predetermined notification to the user when a determination is made that the number of pieces of content satisfying the predetermined condition has reached the predetermined number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a notification program, a notification device, and a notification method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a technique for notifying a user of update information of content. For example, there is known a technique for notifying a user of update information of content when an update has been made to content that belongs to a category in which the user is interested. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6810516 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned conventional techniques are not necessarily convenient for users.

[0005] For example, in the conventional technology described above, the method of presenting update information for content corresponding to a field of interest to the user is simply determined based on the user's level of secrecy in that field, which is not necessarily convenient for the user.

[0006] The present application has been made in consideration of the above, and has an object to improve convenience for users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The notification program of the present application is characterized in that it causes a computer to execute a determination procedure for determining whether or not the number of contents that satisfy a specified condition among the contents distributed from a specified server and that have become newly distributed from the specified server after a distribution request is made from a user terminal used by the user has reached a specified number, and a notification procedure for providing a specified notification to the user when it is determined that the number of contents that satisfy the specified condition has reached the specified number. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the embodiment, an effect is achieved in that it is possible to improve convenience for users. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification process according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the second application according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the display process according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of a notification process according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the terminal device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given of a mode for carrying out the notification program, notification device, and notification method according to the present application (hereinafter, referred to as "embodiments") with reference to the drawings. Note that the notification program, notification device, and notification method according to the present application are not limited to these embodiments. In addition, the same components in the following embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] 1. Embodiment The notification process realized by the notification program etc. of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the notification process according to the embodiment. Fig. 1 shows an example in which an application that provides content related to news articles (hereinafter, may be referred to as a "news app") is implemented in a terminal device 100 used by a user. Note that in Fig. 1, it is assumed that the notification process according to the embodiment is realized by the function of the news app.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the notification system 1 according to the embodiment includes a service server 10 and a terminal device 100. The service server 10 and the terminal device 100 are connected to each other via a network N (see Fig. 2, for example) so as to be able to communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. The network N is, for example, a Wide Area Network (WAN) such as the Internet. Note that the notification system 1 shown in Fig. 1 may include a plurality of service servers 10 and a plurality of terminal devices 100.

[0013] 1 is an information processing device that provides various services to users, and is realized by, for example, a server device, a cloud system, etc. For example, the service server 10 distributes to the terminal device 100 information to be displayed on web pages related to, for example, a portal site, a news site, an auction site, a weather forecast site, a shopping site, a finance (stock price) site, a route search site, a map providing site, a travel site, a restaurant introduction site, a web blog, etc., and various applications (for example, a portal application, a news application, an auction site, a weather forecast application, a shopping application, a finance (stock price) application, a route search application, a map providing application, a travel application, a restaurant introduction application, a blog viewing application, etc.) installed in the terminal device 100.

[0014] In the example of FIG. 1, the service server 10 provides a news site or a news application that provides a news service.

[0015] The service server 10 may also function as a distribution device that distributes control information to the terminal device 100. Here, the control information is described in, for example, a script language such as JavaScript (registered trademark) or a style sheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). Note that the application itself distributed from the service server 10 may be regarded as the control information.

[0016] The terminal device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing device used by a user. The terminal device 100 is realized by, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 100 is a smartphone used by a user. The terminal device 100 has an output unit (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a screen) such as a liquid crystal display, and is assumed to employ a touch panel. That is, a user U1 performs various operations on the terminal device 100 by touching the display surface of the output unit with a finger or a dedicated pen.

[0017] Hereinafter, the notification process of the news app performed by the terminal device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the screen displayed by the terminal device 100 is an example of the terminal device 100 being a PC, a tablet, or the like, but may be displayed as a screen for a smartphone. In addition, the screen displayed by the terminal device 100 may be displayed by a news app implemented in the terminal device 100, or the display mode may be changed appropriately on the news app side. In addition, the following description will show an example in which the terminal device 100 is used by a user U1. In addition, in the following description, the terminal device 100 may be regarded as the same as the user U1. That is, in the following, the user U1 may also be read as the terminal device 100.

[0018] First, the terminal device 100 acquires content related to a news article (step S1). For example, the terminal device 100 acquires content related to a news article from the service server 10 in response to an operation of starting up a news application by the user U1.

[0019] Next, the terminal device 100 specifies, as the specific content, the content that satisfies a predetermined condition from among the contents acquired from the service server 10 (step S2). For example, the terminal device 100 specifies, as the specific content, the content that became the target of distribution from the service server 10 after the news application was last started (in other words, the content that the user U1 missed) from among the contents acquired from the service server 10, and the number of times that the content was viewed by other users, the number of comments posted by other users, and the like, are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. In addition, the terminal device 100 specifies, as the specific content, the content that became the target of distribution from the service server 10 after the news application was last started, and the importance, urgency, and the like set by the service server 10 are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0020] Next, the terminal device 100 displays the contents other than the specific content in the first display mode, and displays the specific content on the screen in the second display mode (step S3). For example, the terminal device 100 displays a screen C1 including an area AR1 for receiving a designation of a category of the content to be displayed on the screen, an area AR2 for displaying the specific content, and an area AR3 for displaying the content other than the specific content. Note that FIG. 1 shows an example in which the screen C1 is displayed in a state in which the category "Main" is preselected in the area AR1 as an initial display.

[0021] As a specific example, the terminal device 100 displays in the area AR2 numerical information indicating the number of specific contents "8 articles". The terminal device 100 also displays in the area AR2 specific contents including the title of the content, part of the text information indicating the outline of the content, the time when the content was distributed in the service server 10, label information indicating the label given to the content, etc. in a left-right scrollable manner (carousel display). As a more specific example, the terminal device 100 displays specific contents including label information indicating a label "everyone's talking about" given to specific contents for which the number of comments posted by other users is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and a label "today's hot topic" given to specific contents for which the number of times the content has been viewed by other users is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0022] Furthermore, the terminal device 100 vertically arranges content including titles, images, etc., as content other than the specific content in the area AR3, and displays them vertically scrollably (tile display). That is, the terminal device 100 displays the specific content in a manner that allows scrolling in a different direction from the content other than the specific content.

[0023] Here, when a button B1 included in the area AR2 is pressed, the terminal device 100 displays in the area AR2 the entire text information indicating the outline of the specific content, instead of the specific content corresponding to the button B1.

[0024] Furthermore, when a scroll operation is performed on area AR2, the terminal device 100 reduces the number indicated by the numerical information according to the number of specific contents displayed (viewed by user U1) in area AR2. That is, the terminal device 100 displays a countdown indicating the remaining specific contents. Then, when all the specific contents have been displayed, the terminal device 100 displays the character string "CHECK COMPLETE" in area AR2, as shown on screen C2, indicating that the display of all the specific contents has been completed.

[0025] Furthermore, when a selection operation is performed on a specific content, the terminal device 100 displays a screen C3 showing the link destination of the selected specific content. For example, the terminal device 100 gradually enlarges the specific content on which the selection operation is performed, and after the specific content is displayed on the entire screen, displays a screen C3 showing the link destination of the specific content. On the other hand, when the content displayed in the area AR3 is selected, the terminal device 100 does not change the display mode of the selected content, and immediately displays the link destination on the screen. That is, the terminal device 100 displays the link destination in a different manner when the specific content is selected and when the content displayed in the area AR3 is selected.

[0026] The terminal device 100 may display the area AR2 as shown in the screen C1 if a predetermined period (e.g., 3 hours, 5 hours) has passed since the news app was last launched, and may display a screen including the areas AR1 and AR3 without displaying the area AR2 if the predetermined period has not passed since the news app was last launched. The terminal device 100 may display the area AR2 as shown in the screen C1 if the number of identified specific contents is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., 5, 10), and may display a screen including the areas AR1 and AR3 without displaying the area AR2 if the number of identified specific contents is less than the predetermined threshold.

[0027] In addition, the terminal device 100 may not display area AR2 during times when it is estimated that user U1 will have missed less content (for example, the morning hours), but may display a screen including areas AR1 and AR3, and may display area AR2 as shown on screen C1 during times other than the time periods when the content is estimated to have been missed by user U1 (for example, the morning hours).

[0028] Furthermore, the terminal device 100 may display the area AR2 as shown on the screen C1 during a time period corresponding to behavioral information (in other words, life rhythm) related to various behaviors of the user U1, and may display a screen including the area AR1 and the area AR3 without displaying the area AR2 during a time period other than the time period. For example, the terminal device 100 may display the area AR2 when a news application is started during a time period when it is estimated that the user U1 can view specific content based on the behavioral information. As a specific example, the terminal device 100 may display the area AR2 when a news application is started during a time period before the user U1 moves to a workplace or school, during the user U1 moves to a workplace or school, during the user U1 moves from a workplace or school to a home, during a break, or after returning home from a workplace or school.

[0029] Furthermore, when the terminal device 100 does not acquire predetermined content such as content (e.g., disaster information) whose importance or urgency is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold set by the service server 10 or content related to breaking news, the terminal device 10 may display the area AR2 as shown on the screen C1, and when such content is acquired, the specific content may not be displayed. For example, when the terminal device 100 acquires predetermined content, the terminal device 100 may display the predetermined content in the area AR2 instead of the specific content.

[0030] Furthermore, the terminal device 100 may display in the area AR2 specific content belonging to a category specified in the area AR1. For example, when the category "sports" is selected in the area AR1, the terminal device 100 may display in the area AR2 specific content belonging to the category "sports."

[0031] Furthermore, the terminal device 100 may display in the area AR2 specific content identified based on the importance according to the attributes (e.g., demographic attributes, psychographic attributes) of the user U1. For example, the terminal device 100 may display in the area AR2 specific content corresponding to the hobbies and preferences of the user U1. Furthermore, the terminal device 100 may display in the area AR2 disaster information and crime prevention information for the area where the user U1 resides.

[0032] Furthermore, when all the specific contents have been displayed, the terminal device 100 may display a predetermined digital content on the screen. Furthermore, when all the specific contents have been displayed, the terminal device 100 may display a screen indicating that a benefit that can be used in a predetermined electronic transaction service, a predetermined electronic payment service, or the like has been granted to the user U1.

[0033] Here, the terminal device 100 may execute, in the background, a process of acquiring contents related to news articles and a process of identifying specific contents. In such a case, the terminal device 100 determines whether the number of specific contents has reached a predetermined number (step S4). For example, the terminal device 100 determines whether the number of specific contents that have become the target of distribution in the service server 10 since the last time the news app was started and contents related to news articles were displayed on the screen has reached a predetermined number (e.g., 5, 10).

[0034] Next, when it is determined that the number of specific contents has reached a predetermined number, the terminal device 100 performs a predetermined notification to the user U1 (step S5). For example, the terminal device 100 displays on the screen a notification (such as a push notification) indicating that the number of specific contents has reached a predetermined number.

[0035] As described above, the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment identifies, among the contents missed by the user U1, contents whose number of times viewed by other users, the number of comments posted by other users, importance, urgency, etc. are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and displays the contents on the screen in a manner that makes them easier to view than other contents. As a result, the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment can present, for example, an important news article to a user who has missed such a news article as a news article that should be viewed, thereby preventing a situation in which the user is embarrassed because he or she does not know an important news article. In other words, the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment can provide the content to the user in an appropriate manner.

[0036] Furthermore, when the number of news articles to be read by the user reaches a predetermined number, the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment performs a predetermined notification to the user. As a result, the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment notifies the user that there are a large number of news articles to be read, and can promote the reading of the news articles. In other words, the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment can improve the convenience of the user.

[0037] 2. Terminal Device Configuration Next, a terminal device 100 for implementing the above-mentioned update process will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal device according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the terminal device 100 has a communication unit 110, an input unit 120, an output unit 130, and a control unit 140.

[0038] (Regarding communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC) etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the service server 10 etc.

[0039] (Regarding the input unit 120 and the output unit 130) The input unit 120 is an input device that accepts various operations from a user. For example, the input unit 120 is realized by a keyboard, a mouse, operation keys, etc. The output unit 130 is a display device for displaying various information. That is, the output unit 130 corresponds to the display screen of the terminal device 100. For example, the output unit 130 is realized by a liquid crystal display, etc. Note that when a touch panel is adopted in the terminal device 100, the input unit 120 and the output unit 130 are integrated.

[0040] (Regarding the control unit 140) The control unit 140 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 100 using a RAM as a working area. When control information or an application for realizing the above-mentioned notification process is distributed from an application distribution server or the like, the control unit 140 operates according to the control information or application to realize information processing.

[0041] The control unit 140 is a controller, and is realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0042] Here, the control unit 140 executes a plurality of applications to realize various functions related to the terminal device 100. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 140 executes a first application 141 and a second application 142. Note that the control unit 140 may execute any number of applications to realize any function other than the applications shown in Fig. 2.

[0043] The first application 141 is an application that becomes the OS (Operating System) of the terminal device 100. The second application 142 causes the terminal device 100 to execute the above-mentioned information processing. Hereinafter, an example of a functional configuration of the second application 142 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of the second application according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the second application 142 according to the embodiment has an acquisition unit 1421, an identification unit 1422, a display unit 1423, a determination unit 1424, and a notification unit 1425, and realizes or executes functions and actions of information processing described below.

[0044] (Regarding the acquisition unit 1421) The acquisition unit 1421 acquires content from a predetermined server based on a content distribution request displayed on a user terminal used by the user. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the acquisition unit 1421 acquires content from the service server 10 in response to an application start operation by the user U1.

[0045] In addition, the acquisition unit 1421 may acquire content from a predetermined server based on a delivery request for content that is a news article. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the acquisition unit 1421 acquires content related to a news article from the service server 10 in response to an operation of starting up a news app by the user U1.

[0046] (Regarding the identification unit 1422) The identification unit 1422 identifies, as the specific content, the content that has become a new distribution target in the predetermined server after the previous distribution request has been made, and that satisfies a predetermined condition, among the contents acquired by the acquisition unit 1421. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the identification unit 1422 identifies, as the specific content, the content that has become a distribution target in the service server 10 after the news application was last launched, and that satisfies a predetermined condition, among the contents acquired from the service server 10. As a specific example, the identification unit 1422 identifies, as the specific content, the content that has become a distribution target in the service server 10 after the news application was last launched, and that has been viewed by other users a number of times, the number of comments posted by other users, or the like, that is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, among the contents acquired from the service server 10, and that has become a distribution target in the service server 10 after the news application was last launched, and that has an importance level, urgency, or the like set by the service server 10 that is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, among the contents acquired from the service server 10.

[0047] The identification unit 1422 may identify specific content based on the importance according to the attributes of the user. For example, the identification unit 1422 determines the importance of content corresponding to the user's hobbies and preferences to be higher than the importance of other content, and identifies content whose importance is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold as specific content. The identification unit 1422 determines the importance of content related to disaster information and crime prevention information in the area where the user lives to be higher than the importance of other content, and identifies content whose importance is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold as specific content. The identification unit 1422 determines the importance of content corresponding to the user's life stage (e.g., job hunting, child rearing) to be higher than the importance of other content, and identifies content whose importance is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold as specific content.

[0048] (Regarding the display unit 1423) The display unit 1423 causes the user terminal to display the content other than the specific content in a first display mode, and the specific content in a second display mode. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the display unit 1423 causes the content other than the specific content to be displayed in the first display mode, and the specific content to be displayed in the second display mode that is easier to view than the content other than the specific content.

[0049] Furthermore, the display unit 1423 may display the specific content in a predetermined area of ​​the screen of the user terminal that is easier to view than other areas, and display content other than the specific content in the other areas. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the display unit 1423 displays the specific content in area AR2 (top of the screen) that is easier to view than other areas, and displays content other than the specific content in area AR3.

[0050] Furthermore, the display unit 1423 may display specific content in a predetermined area if a predetermined period has passed since the previous distribution request, and may display the content to be distributed without displaying a predetermined area if the predetermined period has not passed since the previous distribution request. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the display unit 1423 displays the area AR2 as shown in the screen C1 if a predetermined period has passed since the news app was last launched, and displays a screen including the areas AR1 and AR3 without displaying the area AR2 if the predetermined period has not passed since the news app was last launched.

[0051] Furthermore, the display unit 1423 may display the specific contents in a predetermined area when the number of specific contents is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and may display the content to be distributed without displaying the predetermined area when the number of specific contents is less than the predetermined threshold. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the display unit 1423 displays the area AR2 as shown in the screen C1 when the number of specific contents specified is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and displays a screen including the areas AR1 and AR3 without displaying the area AR2 when the number of specific contents specified is less than the predetermined threshold.

[0052] Furthermore, the display unit 1423 may display specific content in a predetermined area during a predetermined time period, and may display the content to be distributed without displaying the predetermined area during a time period other than the predetermined time period. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the display unit 1423 may display a screen including areas AR1 and AR3 without displaying area AR2 during a time period when it is estimated that user U1 will have missed less content, and may display area AR2 as shown on screen C1 during a time period other than the time period.

[0053] In addition, the display unit 1423 may display specific content in a predetermined area when the time period corresponds to the user's behavior information, and may display the content to be distributed without displaying the predetermined area when the time period is other than the time period. For example, the display unit 1423 displays a predetermined area in a time period corresponding to the user's behavior history in a news app or behavior history in various other services. To give a specific example, in the example of FIG. 1, the display unit 1423 displays the area AR2 when the news app is started in a time period before the user U1 moves to the destination of work or school, while the user U1 is moving to the destination of work or school, a time period when the user U1 moves from the destination of work or school to his / her home, a time period when the user is taking a break, a time period after returning home from the destination of work or school, etc.

[0054] Furthermore, the display unit 1423 may display specific content in a specific area when the acquisition unit 1421 does not acquire the specific content, and may display the content to be distributed when the specific content is acquired by the acquisition procedure without displaying the specific area. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, when the display unit 1423 does not acquire specific content such as content (e.g., disaster information) whose importance or urgency is equal to or greater than a specific threshold set by the service server 10 or content related to breaking news, the display unit 1423 displays the area AR2 as shown in the screen C1, and when such content is acquired, displays it in the area AR2 instead of the specific content.

[0055] The display unit 1423 may combine a plurality of the above processes to display the specific content in a predetermined area. For example, the display unit 1423 may display the specific content in a predetermined area if a predetermined period has passed since the previous distribution request, the number of specific contents is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it is a predetermined time period, and the specific content has not been acquired, and may display the content to be distributed without displaying the predetermined area if a predetermined period has not passed since the previous distribution request, the number of specific contents is less than a predetermined threshold, it is not a predetermined time period, or the specific content has been acquired.

[0056] Furthermore, the display unit 1423 may cause the user terminal to display, among the contents belonging to a category selected by the user, the contents other than the specific content in the first display mode, and to display the specific content in the second display mode. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, when the category "sports" is selected in the area AR1, the display unit 1423 causes the specific content belonging to the category "sports" to be displayed in the area AR2.

[0057] Furthermore, the display unit 1423 may further display numerical information indicating the number of specific contents on the user terminal, and may decrease the number indicated by the numerical information in response to an operation for viewing the specific contents. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the display unit 1423 displays numerical information indicating the number of specific contents, "8 articles," in the area AR2. Then, the display unit 1423 decreases the number indicated by the numerical information in response to a scroll operation on the area AR2 and the number of specific contents displayed in the area AR2.

[0058] Furthermore, the display unit 1423 may further display label information indicating a label assigned to the specific content. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the display unit 1423 displays the specific content including label information indicating a label "everyone's talking about" assigned to the specific content for which the number of comments posted by other users is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, or a label "today's hot topic" assigned to the specific content for which the number of times viewed by other users is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0059] Furthermore, the display unit 1423 may display the specific content in a manner that allows scrolling in a direction different from that of the content other than the specific content. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the display unit 1423 displays the specific content in an area AR2 in a manner that allows scrolling left and right, and displays the content other than the specific content in an area AR3 so that it can be scrolled vertically.

[0060] Furthermore, when a specific content is selected, the display unit 1423 may display the link destination of the specific content on the user terminal in a manner different from that when a content other than the specific content is selected. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, when a selection operation for a specific content is performed, the display unit 1423 displays a screen C3 indicating the link destination of the selected specific content in a manner different from that when a content other than the specific content is selected.

[0061] Furthermore, when a specific content is selected, the display unit 1423 may gradually enlarge the specific content, and after the specific content is displayed over the entire screen of the user terminal, display the link destination of the specific content on the screen, and when content other than the specific content is selected, may display the link destination on the screen while maintaining the state of the selected content. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the display unit 1423 may gradually enlarge the specific content for which a selection operation has been performed, and after the specific content is displayed over the entire screen, display a screen C3 indicating the link destination of the specific content. On the other hand, when content displayed in the area AR3 is selected, the display unit 1423 does not change the display mode of the selected content, and immediately displays the link destination on the screen.

[0062] In addition, the display unit 1423 may display the specific content having a larger amount of information than the content other than the specific content. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the display unit 1423 displays the content including the title and the image as the content other than the specific content in the area AR3, and displays the content having a larger amount of information than the content displayed in the area AR3 as the specific content in the area AR2.

[0063] Furthermore, the display unit 1423 may display, as the specific content, content including the title of the content, an image, text information indicating an outline of the content, and the time when the content became a distribution target in a predetermined server, and may display, as the content other than the specific content, content including the title of the content and an image. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the display unit 1423 displays, in the area AR2, specific content including the title of the content, part of the text information indicating an outline of the content, the time when the content became a distribution target in the service server 10, label information indicating the label given to the content, and the like, and displays, in the area AR3, content including the title of the content, an image, and the like, as the content other than the specific content.

[0064] Furthermore, the display unit 1423 may display specific content indicating a part of the text information, and may display the entire text information in response to a predetermined operation on the specific content. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the display unit 1423 displays specific content including a part of the text information indicating the outline of the content in the area AR2, and when the button B1 is pressed, displays the entire text information indicating the outline of the specific content in the area AR2 instead of the specific content corresponding to the button B1.

[0065] Furthermore, the display unit 1423 may display a predetermined content when all the specific contents have been viewed. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the display unit 1423 displays a predetermined digital content on the screen when all the specific contents have been displayed. Furthermore, the display unit 1423 displays a screen indicating that a benefit available for a predetermined electronic transaction service, a predetermined electronic payment service, or the like has been granted to the user U1 when all the specific contents have been displayed. The display unit 1423 may display a predetermined digital content on the screen when the user performs a predetermined action (for example, posting a comment on the specific content) after all the specific contents have been displayed.

[0066] Here, it is conceivable that there is a demand to display specific content including contents different from those when the specific content is displayed on the user terminal as content other than the specific content. Therefore, the display unit 1423 may display specific content including a title different from those when the specific content is displayed as content other than the specific content. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the display unit 1423 displays specific content including a title different from those when the specific content is displayed in the area AR3 in the area AR2. Note that the display unit 1423 may display specific content including an image different from those when the specific content is displayed as content other than the specific content.

[0067] Furthermore, there may be a case where a video content is desired to be displayed as the specific content. Therefore, the display unit 1423 may display the specific content, which is a thumbnail of the video content, and play the video content in response to a selection operation on the specific content. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the display unit 1423 displays the specific content, which is a thumbnail of the video content, in the area AR2, and when a selection operation on the specific content is performed, displays the video content on the entire screen and plays it.

[0068] (Regarding the determination unit 1424) The determination unit 1424 determines whether the number of contents that satisfy a predetermined condition and that are newly distributed in the predetermined server after a distribution request is made from the user terminal used by the user, among the contents distributed from the predetermined server, has reached a predetermined number. For example, the determination unit 1424 determines whether the number of specific contents that are newly distributed in the service server 10 after a distribution request is made from the terminal device 100, among the contents distributed from the service server 10, has reached a predetermined number.

[0069] Furthermore, the determination unit 1424 may determine whether or not the number of web contents that have become new distribution targets in a predetermined server after a distribution request is made from a user terminal and that satisfy a predetermined condition has reached a predetermined number. For example, the determination unit 1424 determines whether or not the number of specific contents that have become distribution targets in the service server 10 after a distribution request is made from the terminal device 100, among contents such as videos and contents posted by other users on SNS, distributed from the service server 10, has reached a predetermined number.

[0070] Furthermore, the determination unit 1424 may determine whether or not the number of news articles that have become new distribution targets in a specified server after a distribution request is made from a user terminal and that satisfy a specified condition has reached a specified number. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the determination unit 1424 determines whether or not the number of specific contents that have become distribution targets in the service server 10 after the previous news app was started and contents related to news articles were displayed on the screen has reached a specified number.

[0071] Furthermore, the determination unit 1424 may determine whether or not the number of messages newly sent from other users to the user after the user terminal accesses a predetermined server has reached a predetermined number. For example, when the service server 10 provides a service (such as a short message service (SMS) or an instant messenger) through which users exchange messages with each other, the determination unit 1424 determines whether or not the number of messages newly sent from other users after the terminal device 100 accesses the service server 10 has reached a predetermined number among the messages sent from other users.

[0072] (Regarding the notification unit 1425) When it is determined that the number of contents that satisfy a predetermined condition has reached a predetermined number, the notification unit 1425 performs a predetermined notification to the user. For example, in the example of Fig. 1, the determination unit 1424 displays on the screen a notification indicating that the number of specific contents has reached a predetermined number.

[0073] 3. Flow of display processing by terminal device 100 Next, a procedure of the display process of the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the display process according to the embodiment.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal device 100 acquires content from a predetermined server based on a content distribution request (step S101). Then, the terminal device 100 specifies, as specific content, content that has become a new distribution target after the previous content distribution request is made and that satisfies a predetermined condition (step S102). Then, the terminal device 100 determines whether a predetermined period has passed since the previous distribution request is made (step S103). If the predetermined period has passed (step S103; Yes), the terminal device 100 displays the specific content in a predetermined area in a first display mode, and displays content other than the specific content in other areas in a second display mode (step S104), and ends the process.

[0075] On the other hand, if the predetermined period has not elapsed (step S103; No), the terminal device 100 displays the content to be distributed without displaying the predetermined area (step S105), and ends the process.

[0076] 4. Notification Processing Flow by Terminal Device 100 Next, a procedure of a notification process of the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a notification process according to the embodiment.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 5, the terminal device 100 acquires content from a predetermined server (step S201). Then, the terminal device 100 determines whether the number of contents that are newly distributed after the distribution request is made and that satisfy a predetermined condition has reached a predetermined number (step S202). If the number of contents has reached the predetermined number (step S202; Yes), the terminal device 100 issues a predetermined notification to the user (step S203) and ends the process.

[0078] On the other hand, if the number of contents has not reached the predetermined number (step S202; No), the terminal device 100 ends the process.

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

[0080] 5-1. Services provided by the service server 10 In the above embodiment, an example in which the service server 10 provides a news service has been described, but the service provided by the service server 10 is not limited to this example, and any service may be provided. The terminal device 100 may identify specific content from among the content corresponding to the service provided by the service server 10 and display it on the screen. For example, when the service server 10 provides various web content (e.g., videos or content posted by other users on SNS), the terminal device 100 may identify specific content from among the web content and display it on the screen. Also, when the service server 10 provides a short message service or an instant messenger, the terminal device 100 may identify specific content from among messages sent by other users and display it on the screen.

[0081] [5-2. Processing mode] Among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, and conversely, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above text 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.

[0082] In addition, each component of each device shown in the figure is a functional concept, 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 part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0083] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents are not contradictory.

[0084] 6. Effects As described above, the second application 142 included in the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit 1421, a specification unit 1422, a display unit 1423, a determination unit 1424, and a notification unit 1425. The acquisition unit 1421 acquires content from a predetermined server based on a distribution request for content displayed on a user terminal used by a user. The acquisition unit 1421 also acquires content from a predetermined server based on a distribution request for content that is a news article. The specification unit 1422 specifies, as specific content, content that has become a new distribution target in the predetermined server after the previous distribution request has been made, and satisfies a predetermined condition, among the contents acquired by the acquisition unit 1421. The specification unit 1422 also specifies the specific content based on the importance according to the attributes of the user. The display unit 1423 causes the user terminal to display content other than the specific content in a first display mode, and to display the specific content in a second display mode. The determination unit 1424 determines whether or not the number of contents that satisfy a predetermined condition among the contents distributed from a predetermined server after a distribution request is made from a user terminal used by the user, which are newly distributed in the predetermined server, reaches a predetermined number. The determination unit 1424 also determines whether or not the number of web contents that satisfy a predetermined condition among the web contents, which satisfy a predetermined condition among the web contents, which satisfy a predetermined condition among the news articles, which satisfy a predetermined condition among the news articles, which satisfy a predetermined condition among the news articles, which satisfy a predetermined condition among the news articles, which satisfy a predetermined condition among the news articles, which satisfy a predetermined condition among the news articles, reaches a predetermined number. The determination unit 1424 also determines whether or not the number of messages that are newly sent from other users to the user after the user terminal accesses the predetermined server, reaches a predetermined number among the messages sent from other users to the user, reaches a predetermined number. If it is determined that the number of contents that satisfy the predetermined condition reaches a predetermined number, the notification unit 1425 performs a predetermined notification to the user.

[0085] As a result, the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment can present important news articles to a user who has missed such news articles as news articles to be read, and therefore can provide content to the user in an appropriate manner. Also, the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment can notify a user that there are accumulated news articles to be read, and can promote reading of the news articles, thereby improving the convenience of the user.

[0086] In addition, in the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment, for example, the display unit 1423 displays the specific content in a predetermined area of ​​the screen of the user terminal that is easier to view than other areas, and displays content other than the specific content in other areas. In addition, the display unit 1423 displays the specific content in the predetermined area when a predetermined period has passed since the previous distribution request, and displays the content to be distributed without displaying the predetermined area when the predetermined period has not passed since the previous distribution request. In addition, the display unit 1423 displays the specific content in the predetermined area when the number of specific contents is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and displays the content to be distributed without displaying the predetermined area when the number of specific contents is less than the predetermined threshold. In addition, the display unit 1423 displays the specific content in the predetermined area when it is a predetermined time period, and displays the content to be distributed without displaying the predetermined area when it is a time period other than the predetermined time period. Furthermore, the display unit 1423 displays the specific content in a predetermined area if it is a time period according to the user's behavior information, and displays the content to be distributed without displaying the predetermined area if it is a time period other than the time period. Furthermore, the display unit 1423 displays the specific content in a predetermined area if the acquisition unit 1421 has not acquired the specific content, and displays the content to be distributed without displaying the predetermined area if the specific content has been acquired by the acquisition procedure.

[0087] As a result, the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment can display the specific content at an appropriate timing, thereby enhancing the appeal of the specific content.

[0088] Furthermore, in the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment, for example, the display unit 1423 causes the user terminal to display, among the contents belonging to a category selected by the user, contents other than the specific content in a first display mode, and displays the specific content in a second display mode. Furthermore, the display unit 1423 causes the user terminal to further display numerical information indicating the number of specific contents, and decreases the number indicated by the numerical information in response to an operation for viewing the specific content. Furthermore, the display unit 1423 further displays label information indicating a label given to the specific content. Furthermore, the display unit 1423 causes the specific content to be displayed in a mode that allows scrolling in a different direction from that of contents other than the specific content. Furthermore, when the specific content is selected, the display unit 1423 causes the user terminal to display a link destination of the specific content in a mode that differs from that when content other than the specific content is selected. Moreover, when a specific content is selected, the display unit 1423 gradually enlarges the specific content, and after the specific content is displayed on the entire screen of the user terminal, displays the link destination of the specific content on the screen, and when a content other than the specific content is selected, displays the link destination on the screen while maintaining the state of the selected content. Moreover, the display unit 1423 displays the specific content having a larger amount of information than the content other than the specific content. Moreover, the display unit 1423 displays, as the specific content, a content including a title of the content, an image, text information indicating an outline of the content, and a time when the content became a target for distribution on a predetermined server, and displays, as the content other than the specific content, a content including a title of the content and an image. Moreover, the display unit 1423 displays the specific content indicating a part of the text information, and displays the entire text information in response to a predetermined operation on the specific content. Moreover, the display unit 1423 displays the predetermined content when the specific content has been viewed in its entirety.

[0089] As a result, the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment can display the enriched specific content, thereby enhancing the appeal of the specific content.

[0090] Furthermore, in the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment, for example, the display unit 1423 displays the specific content including a title different from that in the case of displaying the specific content as content other than the specific content.

[0091] As a result, the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment can display specific content whose contents have been changed as desired, and can display any content according to the situation of the content distributor, etc., as the specific content.

[0092] Furthermore, in the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment, for example, the display unit 1423 displays specific content, which is a thumbnail of video content, and plays the video content in response to a selection operation on the specific content.

[0093] As a result, the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment can display video content as specific content, thereby improving user convenience.

[0094] [7. Hardware Configuration] Moreover, the terminal device according to each of the above-described embodiments is realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 6, for example. The terminal device 100 will be described below as an example. Fig. 6 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the terminal device. The computer 1000 has a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a ROM 1300, a HDD 1400, a communication interface (I / F) 1500, an input / output interface (I / F) 1600, and a media interface (I / F) 1700.

[0095] The CPU 1100 operates and controls each unit based on a program stored in the ROM 1300 or the HDD 1400. The ROM 1300 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 is started up, programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 1000, and the like.

[0096] The HDD 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100, data used by such programs, etc. The communication interface 1500 receives data from other devices via a communication network 500 (corresponding to the network N in the embodiment) and sends the data to the CPU 1100, and also transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the communication network 500.

[0097] The CPU 1100 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 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from the input devices via the input / output interface 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs data generated via the input / output interface 1600 to the output devices.

[0098] The media interface 1700 reads a program or data stored in the recording medium 1800 and provides it to the CPU 1100 via the RAM 1200. The CPU 1100 loads the program from the recording medium 1800 onto the RAM 1200 via the media interface 1700 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 1800 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or 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.

[0099] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the terminal device 100, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 executes a program loaded onto the RAM 1200 to realize the function of the control unit 140. In addition, the HDD 1400 stores each piece of data in the storage device of the terminal device 100. The CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 1800, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from another device via a predetermined communication network.

[0100] [8. Other] Although some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be embodied in other forms that incorporate 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.

[0101] Further, the configuration of the above-described terminal device 100 can be flexibly changed, for example, by calling an external platform or the like using an API (Application Programming Interface) or network computing to realize some functions.

[0102] Furthermore, the term "unit" in the claims may be read as "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, a display unit may be read as a display means or a display circuit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 100 Terminal Equipment 110 Communications Department 120 Input section 130 Output section 140 Control section 141 Application No. 1 142 Application No. 2 1421 Acquisition Department 1422 Specific part 1423 Display section 1424 Judgment section 1425 Notification Department

Claims

1. a determination step of determining whether or not a number of contents that satisfy a predetermined condition among contents distributed from a predetermined server and that have become new distribution targets in the predetermined server after a distribution request is made from a user terminal used by the user in response to an operation of the user has reached a predetermined number; a notification step for giving a predetermined notification to the user when it is determined that the number of contents satisfying the predetermined condition has reached a predetermined number; A notification program that causes a computer to execute the above steps.

2. The determination procedure includes: It is determined whether or not the number of web contents that have become new distribution targets in the predetermined server after a distribution request is made from the user terminal and that satisfy a predetermined condition has reached a predetermined number.

2. The notification program according to claim 1,

3. The determination procedure includes: It is determined whether or not the number of news articles that have become new distribution targets in the predetermined server after a distribution request is made from the user terminal and that satisfy a predetermined condition has reached a predetermined number.

3. The notification program according to claim 2.

4. The determination procedure includes: It is determined whether or not the number of messages newly sent from other users to the user after the user terminal accesses the predetermined server has reached a predetermined number among the messages sent from other users to the user.

4. The notification program according to claim 1, wherein the notification program is a program for notifying a user of a notification message.

5. a determination unit that determines whether or not a number of contents that satisfy a predetermined condition among contents distributed from a predetermined server and that have become new distribution targets in the predetermined server after a distribution request is made from a user terminal used by the user in response to an operation of the user has reached a predetermined number; a notification unit that issues a predetermined notification to the user when it is determined that the number of contents that satisfy the predetermined condition has reached a predetermined number; A notification device comprising:

6. 1. A computer implemented notification method, comprising: a determining step of determining whether or not the number of contents that satisfy a predetermined condition among the contents distributed from a predetermined server and that are newly distributed from the predetermined server after a distribution request is made from a user terminal used by the user in response to an operation of the user has reached a predetermined number; a notification step of giving a predetermined notification to the user when it is determined that the number of contents satisfying the predetermined condition has reached a predetermined number; A notification method comprising:

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