Contribution information processing apparatus and contribution information processing method

Abstract

To provide a contribution system that satisfies both a content contributor and a viewer.SOLUTION: A system that makes it possible to further contribute another information in association with a contribution image includes a contribution-associated contribution information registration unit 4 that associates associated contribution information provided by a contributor of a contribution image with a position identified by the contributor in the contribution image to register it, and a viewing-associated contribution information registration unit 7 that associates associated contribution information provided by a viewer of a contribution image with a position identified by the viewer among the contribution-identified position and other positions to register it. The system allows the contributor to contribute contribution-associated information by identifying a position where the contributor would like to be evaluated, and allows the viewer to contribute associated contribution information in association with a contributor-identified position, or contribute associated post information by identifying a position where the viewer would like to be evaluated and commented.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a post information processing apparatus and a post information processing method, and is particularly suitable for use in a system that enables further posting of information such as comments and evaluations in association with posted images.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an Internet-based social networking service (SNS), a system has been known that enables viewers to evaluate content or write comments by clicking an "I like" button on the content (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also known is a system that allows an annotation containing arbitrary input text to be added at a specified position within an article displayed on a web page (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0003] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, when only the "I like" button is clicked by a viewer, the content poster can recognize that the viewer has highly evaluated the content, but cannot recognize what part of the content has received the high evaluation. On the other hand, by using the technology described in Patent Document 2, the content poster can recognize which part of the content has been evaluated by checking the annotation added at an arbitrary specified position.

[0004] By the way, the part that the content poster wants to be evaluated and the part that the content viewer evaluates do not always match. However, the systems described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 above do not provide an annotation mechanism that takes such things into consideration. Therefore, there has been a problem that the content poster does not always obtain an evaluation regarding the expected part. Also, for the viewer, there has been a problem that they can only feedback their own feelings about the content to the poster and nothing more.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a posting mechanism that is expected to improve the satisfaction of both the content poster and the viewer.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above-described problems, in the present invention, in a system that enables further posting of other information in association with a posted image, the attached posting information (posting-side attached posting information) provided by the poster of the posted image is registered in association with the position (poster-specified position) specified by the poster in the posted image, and the attached posting information (viewer-side attached posting information) provided by the viewer of the posted image is registered in association with the position (viewer-specified position) specified by the viewer from among the poster-specified position and other positions.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention configured as described above, the poster of the posted image can post the accompanying posting information by designating, for example, the position that he or she wants to be evaluated. When such a post is made, the posting-side accompanying posting information is registered in association with the position designated by the poster. On the other hand, the viewer of the posted image can post the accompanying posting information in association with the position designated by the poster, for example, after viewing the posting-side accompanying posting information at the position designated by the poster, or can post the accompanying posting information by designating another position where he or she wants to make an evaluation, comment, etc. When such a post is made, the viewing-side accompanying posting information is registered in association with the position designated by the viewer. Therefore, it is possible to create a situation where it is easy for viewers to post accompanying posting information for the position that the poster particularly wants to be evaluated in the posted image, and viewers can post accompanying posting information at a desired position (including both the position designated by the poster and other positions) while referring to the posting-side accompanying posting information. Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a posting mechanism that is expected to improve the satisfaction of both the poster and the viewer of the posted image.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration example of a submission information providing system to which a submission information processing apparatus according to this embodiment is applied. The submission information providing system of this embodiment receives a submission of an image of a finished product of a manufactured item (for example, a plastic model) that has undergone a series of manufacturing processes, and provides the submitted image to a user. The submission information providing system of this embodiment is enabled to further submit another piece of information in association with the submitted image, and this information submitted in association (hereinafter referred to as accompanying submission information) is also provided to the user.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the submission information providing system of this embodiment includes a submission information processing apparatus 100, a plurality of submitter terminals 200 -1 , 200 -2 , ··· (hereinafter, when not particularly distinguished, simply referred to as submitter terminal 200) and a plurality of viewer terminals 300 -1 , 300 -2 , ··· (hereinafter, when not particularly distinguished, simply referred to as viewer terminal 300). These submission information processing apparatus 100, submitter terminals 200, and viewer terminals 300 are connected via a communication network 500 such as the Internet or a mobile phone network.

[0012] The contributor terminal 200 is a terminal used by a plurality of contributors who submit submission images, and is composed of, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, or a smartphone. As will be described later, the contributor can not only use the contributor terminal 200 to submit a submission image to the submission information processing apparatus 100, but also submit accompanying submission information to the submission information processing apparatus 100 along with the submission image.

[0013] The viewer terminal 300 is a terminal used by a plurality of viewers who view submission images, and is composed of, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, or a smartphone. As will be described later, the viewer can not only use the viewer terminal 300 to view a submission image, but also submit accompanying submission information to the submission information processing apparatus 100 along with the submission image.

[0014] In the following description, the contributor and the viewer may be collectively referred to as a user. Also, the contributor terminal 200 and the viewer terminal 300 may be collectively referred to as user terminals 200, 300. Here, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the contributor (contributor terminal 200) and the viewer (viewer terminal 300) are separated, but a contributor who has submitted a certain submission image may become a viewer of a submission image submitted by another contributor. That is, the contributor terminal 200 may become the viewer terminal 300, or the viewer terminal 300 may become the contributor terminal 200.

[0015] The submission information processing apparatus 100 has a web server function, acquires and stores a submission image from the contributor terminal 200, and provides the submission image in response to a request from the contributor terminal 200 or the viewer terminal 300. Providing a submission image means displaying the submission image on the web browser of the contributor terminal 200 or the viewer terminal 300. Also, the submission information processing apparatus 100 acquires and stores accompanying submission information from the contributor terminal 200 or the viewer terminal 300, and provides the accompanying submission image in response to a request from the contributor terminal 200 or the viewer terminal 300. Providing the accompanying submission image means displaying the accompanying submission information together with the submission image on the web browser of the contributor terminal 200 or the viewer terminal 300.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the contribution information processing apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the contribution information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes, as functional components, a contribution image acquisition unit 1, a contributor designated position reception unit 2, a contribution-side associated contribution information acquisition unit 3, a contribution-side associated contribution information registration unit 4, a viewer designated position reception unit 5, a viewing-side associated contribution information acquisition unit 6, a viewing-side associated contribution information registration unit 7, a contribution image display unit 8, a designated position mark display unit 9, an associated contribution information display unit 10, and an attention degree analysis unit 11. Further, the contribution information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a contribution information storage unit 101 as a storage medium.

[0017] Each of the above functional blocks 1 to 11 can be configured by any of hardware, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and software. For example, when configured by software, each of the above functional blocks 1 to 11 is actually configured to include a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, etc. of a computer, and is realized by a program stored in a storage medium such as a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk, or a semiconductor memory operating.

[0018] The contribution image acquisition unit 1 acquires a contribution image provided from the contributor terminal 200. For example, the contribution image acquisition unit 1 provides an upload screen for the contribution image in response to a request from the contributor terminal 200, and acquires the contribution image uploaded from the contributor terminal 200 through the upload screen. The contribution image acquisition unit 1 stores the acquired contribution image in the contribution information storage unit 101 in association with identification information (hereinafter referred to as contributor ID) that can uniquely identify the contributor and identification information (hereinafter referred to as contribution image ID) that can uniquely identify the contribution image. The contributor ID can use, for example, identification information set when the contributor registers as a user when using the service of the contribution information providing system. The same applies to the viewer ID described later. The contribution image ID is identification information set when the contribution image acquisition unit 1 acquires the contribution image.

[0019] The contribution image display unit 8 causes the user terminals 200 and 300 to display the contribution images stored in the contribution information storage unit 101 in response to requests from the user terminals 200 and 300. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a contribution image display screen provided by the contribution image display unit 8. FIG. 3(a) shows thumbnail images 31 -1 , 31 -2 , ··· of a plurality of contribution images stored in the contribution information storage unit 101 arranged and displayed, which is an example of a list display screen. The user can select any one of the plurality of thumbnail images 31 -1 , 31 -2 , ··· listed.

[0020] Hyperlinks are set for the thumbnail images 31 -1 , 31 -2 , ···. When a desired thumbnail image is selected by clicking or tapping, the screen transitions to a screen that displays the contribution image corresponding to the selected thumbnail image alone. FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing an example of an individual display screen that is transitioned and displayed from the list display screen. As shown in FIG. 3(b), in the individual display screen, one contribution image 32 selected by the user is displayed large alone. Note that FIG. 3(b) shows a state where no associated contribution information has been registered for the contribution image 32 yet.

[0021] The contributor-specified position reception unit 2 receives the position specified by the contributor within the contribution image 32 displayed as shown in FIG. 3(b). The position can be specified, for example, by an operation in which the contributor moves the mouse cursor to a desired position within the contribution image and clicks, or by an operation in which the contributor taps a desired position within the contribution image with a finger. The position specified by the contributor within the contribution image may be an area where the product exists, or may be a background area where the product does not exist.

[0022] The contributor-specified position reception unit 2 detects information indicating the position specified by the contributor in the contribution image (hereinafter referred to as the contributor-specified position). The information indicating the contributor-specified position is, for example, coordinate information in the XY coordinate system within the contribution image. As an example, the contributor-specified position reception unit 2 detects, in the XY coordinate system with the upper left corner of the rectangular frame partitioning the contribution image 32 shown in FIG. 3(b) as the origin, the coordinate information indicating the position where the contributor aligned the mouse cursor and clicked or tapped with a finger.

[0023] The contribution-side associated contribution information acquisition unit 3 acquires, from the contributor terminal 200, the associated contribution information provided by the contributor of the contribution image (hereinafter referred to as the contribution-side associated contribution information) in a manner associated with the contributor-specified position detected by the contributor-specified position reception unit 2. The contributor can, for example, perform an operation of contributing the contribution-side associated contribution information to the contribution information processing apparatus 100 following an operation of specifying a desired position within the contribution image. The contribution-side associated contribution information acquisition unit 3 acquires the contribution-side associated contribution information provided from the contributor terminal 200 through this contribution operation by the contributor.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in the operation process when the contributor contributes the contribution-side associated contribution information. For example, when the contributor aligns the mouse cursor with a desired position within the contribution image 32 and performs a right-click operation, a pop-up menu 41 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed at the operation position. The pop-up menu 41 may be displayed in response to an operation such as the contributor long-pressing or double-tapping a desired position within the contribution image 32 with a finger. The pop-up menu 41 displays "Image" and "Annotation" as selectable items, and the contributor can select either to contribute the associated contribution information.

[0025] For example, when the contributor selects the item "Image", a screen for uploading an image is displayed, and through this screen, a desired image can be uploaded to the contribution information processing device 100. The image to be uploaded is arbitrary. For example, it can be an enlarged image of the product part corresponding to the contributor-specified position. Also, it is possible to use an image of the manufacturing process at the product part corresponding to the contributor-specified position.

[0026] On the other hand, when the contributor selects the item "Annotation", a screen for uploading an annotation is displayed, and through this screen, the desired annotation (character information) input can be uploaded to the contribution information processing device 100. The content of the annotation to be input is arbitrary. For example, it is possible to contribute as an annotation the features of the product part corresponding to the contributor-specified position, the tips for manufacturing, the points of attention in manufacturing, the difficulties and efforts for artistic expression, etc. In addition, an input field for the annotation may also be provided on the screen for uploading the image so that the annotation can be uploaded together with the image. In this case, the annotation can also be an annotation for the image of the manufacturing process at the product part corresponding to the contributor-specified position.

[0027] The contribution-side associated contribution information registration unit 4 registers the associated contribution information provided by the contributor of the contribution image (the contribution-side associated contribution information acquired by the contribution-side associated contribution information acquisition unit 3 from the contributor terminal 200) in association with the contributor-specified position detected by the contributor-specified position reception unit 2. That is, when the associated contribution information is contributed in a manner associated with the contributor-specified position by the contributor (when the associated contribution information is uploaded following the specification of the position within the contribution image), the contribution information storage unit 101 stores the coordinate information of the contributor-specified position and the uploaded contribution-side associated contribution information in association with the contributor ID and the contribution image ID.

[0028] The viewer-specified position reception unit 5 receives the position specified by the viewer in the posted image 32 displayed as shown in FIG. 3(b). The position can be specified, for example, by an operation where the viewer places the cursor of the mouse over a desired position in the posted image and clicks, or by an operation where the viewer taps a desired position in the posted image with a finger. The position specified by the viewer in the posted image may be an area where the product exists, or it may be a background area where the product does not exist. Also, the position specified by the viewer in the posted image may be the same position as the poster-specified position, or it may be a different position. The already specified poster-specified position can be identified by a specified position mark described later, and the viewer can also set the same position as the poster-specified position where this specified position mark is displayed as the viewer-specified position.

[0029] Similar to the poster-specified position reception unit 2, the viewer-specified position reception unit 5 detects information indicating the position (hereinafter referred to as the viewer-specified position) specified by the viewer in the posted image. As an example, in the XY coordinate system with the upper left corner of the rectangular frame partitioning the posted image 32 shown in FIG. 3(b) as the origin, the viewer-specified position reception unit 5 detects the coordinate information indicating the position where the viewer placed the cursor of the mouse and clicked or tapped with a finger.

[0030] The viewer-side attached submission information acquisition unit 6 acquires the attached submission information (hereinafter referred to as the viewer-side attached submission information) provided by the viewer of the posted image in a manner attached to the viewer-specified position detected by the viewer-specified position reception unit 5 from the viewer terminal 300. The viewer can, for example, perform an operation of submitting the viewer-side attached submission information to the submission information processing device 100 following an operation of specifying a desired position in the posted image. The viewer-side attached submission information acquisition unit 6 acquires the viewer-side attached submission information provided from the viewer terminal 300 through this submission operation by the viewer.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in the operation process when a viewer posts accompanying post information. For example, when a viewer moves the cursor of the mouse to a desired position within the posted image 32 and performs a right-click operation, a pop-up menu 51 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed at the operation position. The pop-up menu 51 may be displayed in response to an operation of long-pressing a desired position within the posted image 32 with a finger or an operation of double-tapping. The pop-up menu 51 displays "Comment", "Like", and "Tip" as selectable items, Viewer and any one of them can be selected to post the accompanying post information.

[0032] When an operation of specifying a desired position within the posted image is performed, whether to display a pop-up menu 41 having selection items for the poster as shown in FIG. 4 or a pop-up menu 51 having selection items for the viewer as shown in FIG. 5 can be determined by comparing the poster ID associated with the posted image being displayed with the user ID (poster ID or viewer ID) associated with the user who is displaying the posted image. For example, when the poster ID associated with the posted image being displayed matches the user ID associated with the user who is displaying the posted image, a pop-up menu 41 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed. On the other hand, when the poster ID associated with the posted image being displayed does not match the user ID associated with the user who is displaying the posted image, a pop-up menu 51 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.

[0033] For example, when a viewer selects the item "Comment", a screen for uploading any comment as character information is displayed, and it is possible to upload a desired comment to the contribution information processing device 100 through this screen. The content of the comment to be uploaded is arbitrary. For example, it is possible to post, as a comment, impressions, evaluations, questions, etc. regarding the product part corresponding to the viewer-specified position. When the viewer selects the item "Like!", support information is posted. Also, when the viewer selects the item "Donation", a screen for donating money or the like to the contributor is displayed, and it is possible to input a desired amount and post it as social donation information.

[0034] The browsing-side associated contribution information registration unit 7 registers the associated contribution information provided by the viewer of the contribution image (the browsing-side associated contribution information acquired by the browsing-side associated contribution information acquisition unit 6 from the viewer terminal 300) in association with the viewer-specified position detected by the viewer-specified position reception unit 5. That is, when the associated contribution information is posted in a manner that is associated with the viewer-specified position by the viewer (when the associated contribution information is uploaded following the designation of the position within the contribution image), the browsing-side associated contribution information registration unit 7 associates the coordinate information of the viewer-specified position and the uploaded browsing-side associated contribution information with the viewer ID and the contribution image ID and stores them in the contribution information storage unit 101.

[0035] The designated position mark display unit 9 displays a designated position mark indicating that it is the designated position for each of the contributor-specified position and the viewer-specified position. Here, the designated position mark display unit 9 preferably displays the designated position marks shown in a manner that can distinguish the contributor-specified position and the viewer-specified position from each other. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in which the designated position marks are displayed superimposed on the contribution image on the individual display screen of the contribution image. As shown in FIG. 6, the designated position mark indicating the contributor-specified position (hereinafter referred to as the contributor-specified position mark) 61 and the designated position mark indicating the viewer-specified position (hereinafter referred to as the viewer-specified position mark) 62 are configured in different shapes and are displayed in a manner that can distinguish the two from each other.

[0036] The accompanying submission information display unit 10 displays submission-side accompanying submission information or viewing-side accompanying submission information in response to the display position of the designated position mark being specified by the user. For example, when the user moves the mouse cursor over the submitter-specified position mark 61 and clicks the left button, the accompanying submission information display unit 10 reads and displays the accompanying submission information (submission-side accompanying submission information, or viewing-side accompanying submission information if the viewing-side accompanying submission information submitted by designating the same position as the submitter-specified position as the viewer-specified position is associated) stored in the submission information storage unit 101 in association with the submitter-specified position. The accompanying submission information display unit 10 may be configured to display the accompanying submission information in response to an operation in which the user single-taps the submitter-specified position mark 61 with a finger.

[0037] Similarly, when the user moves the mouse cursor over the viewer-specified position mark 62 and clicks the left button, the accompanying submission information display unit 10 reads and displays the viewing-side accompanying submission information stored in the submission information storage unit 101 in association with the viewer-specified position. The accompanying submission information display unit 10 may be configured to display the accompanying submission information in response to an operation in which the user single-taps the viewer-specified position mark 62 with a finger.

[0038] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in a state where the accompanying submission information is displayed by the accompanying submission information display unit 10. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the submission-side accompanying submission information 71, 72 and the viewing-side accompanying submission information 73 registered in association with the submitter-specified position with the submitter-specified position mark 61 superimposed on the submission image 32 are displayed. Among the plurality of pieces of accompanying submission information 71 to 73, it is preferable to display them in a distinguishable manner as to which is the submission-side accompanying submission information and which is the viewing-side accompanying submission information. For example, it is possible to change the line color or background color, line type, line thickness, etc. for the rectangular frame displaying the submission-side accompanying submission information 71, 72 and the rectangular frame displaying the viewing-side accompanying submission information 73.

[0039] The submission-side associated submission information 71, 72 includes images 71A, 72A of the production process at the product part corresponding to the position designated by the submitter, annotations 71B, 72B, and attention degree information 71C, 72C (in order from the left, the number of likes, the number of comments, the total amount of tips) indicating the attention degree analyzed by the attention degree analysis unit 11 described later. The viewing-side associated submission information 73 includes comments 73B and attention degree information 73C regarding the product part corresponding to the viewer-designated position (= the submitter-designated position). In this way, when the associated submission information display unit 10 displays the associated submission information 71 to 73 in response to the designation of the display position of the submitter-designated position mark 61, in addition to the images 71A, 72A of the production process and the annotations 71B, 72B submitted by the submitter, the attention degree information 71C to 73C indicating the attention degree analyzed by the attention degree analysis unit 11 is also displayed together. Note that the associated submission information 71 to 73 may include the user's name or nickname, icon image, and the like.

[0040] Strictly speaking, the images 71A, 72A of the production process and the annotations 71B, 72B are the submission-side associated submission information, and the attention degree information 71C, 72C is not the submission-side associated submission information. However, since the attention degree information 71C, 72C is displayed in a manner associated with the images 71A, 72A of the production process and the annotations 71B, 72B, for the convenience of explanation, this is also included and referred to as the submission-side associated submission information 71, 72.

[0041] In this embodiment, in addition to designating an arbitrary position within the submission image 32 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 to submit the associated submission information, it is also possible to submit the associated submission information by designating the associated submission information 71 to 73 displayed as shown in FIG. 7. For example, when the user moves the mouse cursor to the position of the desired associated submission information 71 to 73 and performs a right-click operation, or performs an operation of long-pressing or double-tapping the position of the desired associated submission information 71 to 73 with a finger, pop-up menus 41, 51 similar to those in FIGS. 4 or 5 are displayed, and any associated submission information can be submitted to the submission information processing device 100.

[0042] That is, in this embodiment, the poster can post the post-side associated post information by designating the position of the poster-designated position mark 61, or can post the post-side associated post information with respect to the viewer-side associated post information 73 associated with the poster-designated position. The post-side associated post information posted in the former case is images 71A, 72A of the production process at the production part, annotations 71B, 72B, and the like. The post-side associated post information posted in the latter case is reply comments to comments, questions, etc. posted by viewers, and related images.

[0043] Also, in this embodiment, the viewer can post viewer-side associated post information with respect to the part of the production in which the poster-designated position mark 61 is displayed, or can post viewer-side associated post information with respect to the post-side associated post information 71, 72 posted by the poster regarding that part. In either the former or the latter case, the viewer-side associated post information posted by the viewer is either a comment, a like, or a tip.

[0044] When the poster of the posted image posts the poster-associated post information by designating the viewer-side associated post information 73, the post-side associated post information registration unit 4 registers the poster-associated post information provided by the poster in the post information storage unit 101 in association with the designated viewer-side associated post information 73. Also, when the viewer of the posted image posts the viewer-associated post information by designating the post-side associated post information 71, 72, the viewer-side associated post information registration unit 7 registers the viewer-associated post information provided by the viewer in the post information storage unit 101 in association with the designated post-side associated post information 71, 72.

[0045] Here, the associated post information being displayed is registered in the post information storage unit 101 in association with the post author-specified position or the viewer-specified position. Therefore, registering the associated post information in association with the specified associated post information corresponds to registering the associated post information in association with the post author-specified position or the viewer-specified position. Note that instead of registering the associated post information provided by the post author or viewer of the post image in association with the specified associated post information, the post-side associated post information registration unit 4 and the viewer-side associated post information registration unit 7 may directly register it in association with the post author-specified position or the viewer-specified position with which the specified associated post information is associated.

[0046] The attention degree analysis unit 11 analyzes, for each of the post author-specified position and the viewer-specified position, the degree to which the associated post information is registered as the attention degree from the viewer. Specifically, the attention degree analysis unit 11 totals the number of comments, the number of likes, and the total amount of tips of the viewers registered in association with the specified position. When viewer-side associated post information such as comments, likes, and tips is posted for the post-side associated post information registered in association with the post author-specified position, the number of comments, the number of likes, and the total amount of tips are totaled for each piece of post-side associated post information registered in association with the post author-specified position. This total result is displayed as attention degree information 71C, 72C, 73C.

[0047] The attention degree information 71C, 72C included in the post-side associated post information 71, 72 indicates the total result of viewer-side associated post information (likes, comments, tips) posted after the viewer specified the position of the post author-specified position mark 61 and further specified the post-side associated post information 71, 72 displayed overlaid on the post image 32. In contrast, the attention degree information 73C included in the viewer-side associated post information 73 indicates the total result of viewer-side associated post information (likes, comments, tips) posted by the viewer specifying the position of the post author-specified position mark 61.

[0048] Here, the post - side associated post information 71 indicates that the image 71A of the production process and the annotation 71B have been posted from the poster of the posted image 32. In a manner associated with this post - side associated post information 71, it shows that 10 pieces of like - support information, 2 comments, and a donation equivalent to 120 yen have been posted from viewers. Also, the view - side associated post information 73 indicates that, with the position of the poster - designated position mark 61 designated as the viewer - designated position, 1 comment, 3 pieces of like - support information, and a donation equivalent to 50 yen have been posted from the viewers of the posted image 32.

[0049] Figure 8 is a diagram showing another screen example of the state in which the associated post information is displayed by the associated post information display unit 10. In the screen example of FIG. 7 described above, all three pieces of associated post information 71 - 73 were posted by designating the position of the poster - designated position mark 61, showing a state in which the three pieces of associated post information 71 - 73 registered in association with the designated position are each independently displayed. In contrast, in the screen example of FIG. 8, the view - side associated post information 73 is the associated post information including the comment posted by designating the second post - side associated post information 72, showing a state in which it is displayed in a manner associated with the post - side associated post information 72. The manner in which the view - side associated post information 73 is associated with the post - side associated post information 72 is a manner of displaying the post - side associated post information 72 and the view - side associated post information 73 within one rectangular frame, with the main post - side associated post information 72 on the upper side and the subordinate view - side associated post information 73 on the lower side.

[0050] Note that FIGS. 7 and 8 show an example of simultaneously displaying both of the two pieces of post - side associated post information 71, 72 including the images 71A, 72A of the production process, but it is not limited to this. For example, the two pieces of post - side associated post information 71, 72 including the images 71A, 72A of the production process may be displayed in order. That is, only the post - side associated post information in any one production step may be displayed in ascending or descending order of the production process, and when the user performs an operation instructing to trace the production process, the post - side associated post information in the next production step may be displayed.

[0051] Also, in FIG. 7, when a viewer of a posted image registers viewing-side associated posted information 73 with the same position as the position of the poster-specified position mark 61 as the viewer-specified position, the specified position mark display unit 9 does not display the viewer-specified position mark 62 at that specified position, and when an operation to specify the display position of the poster-specified position mark 61 is performed, the associated posted information display unit 10 displays the viewing-side associated posted information 73 together with the posting-side associated posted information 71, 72. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when a viewer of a posted image registers viewing-side associated posted information 73 with the same position as the position of the poster-specified position mark 61 as the viewer-specified position, the specified position mark display unit 9 may display the viewer-specified position mark 62 at that specified position. In this case, the associated posted information display unit 10 displays the posting-side associated posted information 71, 72 when an operation to specify the display position of the poster-specified position mark 61 is performed, while displaying the viewing-side associated posted information 73 when an operation to specify the display position of the viewer-specified position mark 62 is performed. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the posting-side associated posted information 71, 72 is displayed while the viewing-side associated posted information 73 is not displayed according to the specification of the display position of the poster-specified position mark 61.

[0052] As described in detail above, in the present embodiment, the posting-side associated posted information provided by the poster of the posted image is registered in association with the position (poster-specified position) specified by the poster in the posted image, and the viewing-side associated posted information provided by the viewer of the posted image is registered in association with the position (viewer-specified position) specified from among the poster-specified position and other positions. Then, when the poster-specified position or the viewer-specified position is specified, the posting-side associated posted information or the viewing-side associated posted information registered in association with that specified position is displayed.

[0053] According to the present embodiment configured as described above, a poster of a posted image can post associated posting information by designating, for example, a position that the poster wants to be evaluated. When such a post is made, the posting-side associated posting information is registered in association with the position designated by the poster. On the other hand, a viewer of the posted image can post associated posting information in association with the position designated by the poster after viewing the posting-side associated posting information at the position designated by the poster, or can post associated posting information by designating another position where the viewer wants to make an evaluation or a comment, etc. When such a post is made, the viewing-side associated posting information is registered in association with the position designated by the viewer. Then, when the position designated by the poster or the viewer is designated, the posting-side associated posting information or the viewing-side associated posting information registered in association with the designated position is displayed.

[0054] In this way, by designating an arbitrary position by the poster himself / herself and posting the posting-side associated posting information, the poster can create a situation where it is easy for the viewer to post associated posting information for the position that the poster particularly wants to be evaluated in the posted image. Also, the viewer can post the associated posting information at a desired position (including both the same position as the position designated by the poster and other positions) while referring to the posting-side associated posting information. Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a posting mechanism that is expected to enhance the satisfaction of both the poster and the viewer of the posted image.

[0055] Also, according to this embodiment, a viewer can post viewing-side associated post information by designating a poster-specified position, or can also post viewing-side associated post information by designating another position different from the poster-specified position. When the viewing-side associated post information is posted by designating the poster-specified position, it can be said that the part of the product that the poster wants the viewer to pay attention to in the posted image coincides with the part that the viewer is interested in. Conversely, when the viewing-side associated post information is posted by designating a position different from the poster-specified position, it can be said that the part of the product that the poster wants the viewer to pay attention to in the posted image does not coincide with the part that the viewer is interested in. Thus, it is also possible to grasp the coincidence (empathy) or deviation of awareness between the poster and the viewer depending on at which position the posting-side associated post information and the viewing-side associated post information are posted.

[0056] Regarding this, in this embodiment, for each of the poster-specified position and the viewer-specified position described above, a designated position mark indicating that it is the designated position is displayed, and the designated position marks indicating the poster-specified position and the viewer-specified position in a manner that can be distinguished from each other are displayed. Thus, it is possible to easily grasp the coincidence or deviation of awareness between the poster and the viewer depending on whether the display positions of the poster-specified position mark and the viewer-specified position mark coincide.

[0057] Also, in this embodiment, the posted image is an image of a product such as a plastic model that is produced through a series of production processes. The poster can designate an arbitrary position and post at least one of an image and an annotation of the production process at the product part corresponding to the designated position as posting-side associated post information, and register the posted posting-side associated post information in association with the poster-specified position. Then, when the poster-specified position is designated, the posting-side associated post information registered in association with the poster-specified position is displayed.

[0058] As a result, the poster can not only simply post an image of the finished product and wait for evaluations from viewers, but also post the features of specific parts, the know-how in manufacturing those parts, the points of attention in manufacturing, the difficulties and efforts in artistic expression of the work, etc. as images and annotations of the manufacturing process to appeal to viewers. Also, viewers can not only see the image of the finished product, but also know how each part was crafted with what kind of ingenuity in the manufacturing process, so they can obtain more interesting information than just looking at the image of the finished product.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, there are functions to register the posting-side associated posting information or the viewing-side associated posting information in association with the posting-side associated posting information registered in association with the poster-specified position, and to register the posting-side associated posting information or the viewing-side associated posting information in association with the viewing-side associated posting information registered in association with the viewer-specified position. Thereby, for example, viewers can not only specify an arbitrary part from the posted images of the finished product and post the viewing-side associated posting information, but also specify the posting-side associated posting information including images and annotations of the manufacturing process and post the viewing-side associated posting information. Therefore, in addition to the evaluation of the finished product, the poster can also obtain an evaluation of the manufacturing process.

[0060] Regarding this, in this embodiment, when the associated posting information display unit 10 displays the posting-side associated posting information (for example, the posting-side associated posting information 71, 72 in FIGS. 7 to 9) in response to the display position of the designated position mark being specified, it is configured to display including the attention degree information (the number of likes, the number of comments, the total amount of tips) indicating the attention degree of the viewer to the posting-side associated posting information. Also, when the associated posting information display unit 10 displays the viewing-side associated posting information (for example, the viewing-side associated posting information 73 in FIG. 7 or FIG. 9) in response to the display position of the designated position mark being specified, it is configured to display including the attention degree information indicating the attention degree of the viewer to the part of the product at the designated position. Thereby, it is possible to easily provide the evaluation of the product part itself at the designated position of the finished product and the evaluation of the manufacturing process of the product part.

[0061] In addition, when the attached post information display unit 10 displays the attached post information 71 to 73 as described above, in addition to displaying the attention degree information 71C to 73C, the designated position mark display unit 9 may display, for each of the poster-specified position and the viewer-specified position, a designated position mark that shows the attention degree analyzed by the attention degree analysis unit 11 for each of the poster-specified position and the viewer-specified position in a visually recognizable manner. In this way, even if the attached post information 71 to 73 is not displayed as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 by designating the display position of the designated position mark, it is possible to recognize the viewer's attention degree with respect to the position of the designated position mark in a state where only the designated position mark is displayed.

[0062] For example, it is possible to calculate an attention degree score by a predetermined function according to any one or a plurality of combinations of the number of comments, the number of likes, and the total amount of donations aggregated by the attention degree analysis unit 11, and display a designated position mark that shows the attention degree in a visually recognizable manner according to the value of the attention degree score. Here, when there is browsing-side attached post information (comments, likes, donations) associated with the designated position, and poster-attached post information associated with the designated position or browsing-side attached post information associated with the browsing-side attached post information associated with the designated position, the attention degree score of the designated position is calculated by comprehensively combining both pieces of browsing-side attached post information. Taking the example of FIG. 7, for the poster-specified position where the poster-specified position mark 61 is displayed, the attention degree score is calculated based on the three pieces of attention degree information 71C to 73C.

[0063] As a mode of the designated position mark that enables the viewing of the degree of attention represented by the attention score, for example, it is possible to color-code and display the designated position mark according to the value of the attention score. Alternatively, ranking may be performed according to the value of the attention score, and a numerical value indicating the ranking may be displayed together with the designated position mark. Here, the posting author designated position and the viewer designated position may be ranked separately, or the posting author designated position and the viewer designated position may be combined and ranked uniformly. Alternatively, color-coding display may be performed for the posting author designated position mark, and ranking display may be performed for the viewer designated position mark. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example in this case, and the color-coded posting author designated position marks 61 -1 ~61 -3 and the ranked viewer designated position marks 62 -1 ~62 -3 are each displayed three at a time.

[0064] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example in which the designated position mark is always displayed for the designated position after the associated posting information is registered in association with the posting author designated position or the viewer designated position has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the designated position mark display unit 9 may make the posting author designated position mark non-displayed in the initial state at the posting author designated position, and display the posting author designated position mark (switch from the non-display state to the display state) in response to an instruction from the posting author or the viewer.

[0065] In this way, viewers can view the posted image with the specified position of the poster not being visualized, and post the accompanying submission information on the viewing side by relying on their own sensibilities and specifying a position of interest without being influenced by the poster's intention. Also, by displaying the poster-specified position mark after posting the accompanying submission information on the viewing side or after determining the position to post, it is possible to confirm whether the position that the viewer is interested in relying on their own sensibilities matches the position that the poster took pains in production. For example, when viewers post in the above-mentioned way for a posted image of a poster with a good reputation for making plastic models, they can have a fun way of testing their own sharpness of sensibilities and their ability in plastic model production.

[0066] Also, in the above embodiment, a plastic model is cited as an example of the product, but it is not limited thereto. Any product that is produced through a series of production processes is applicable. As an example, products such as handicrafts, handmade works by DIY (Do It Yourself), leather crafts, balloon art, pottery, and flower arrangements can be cited.

[0067] Also, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which an image of the finished product of the product is used as the posted image and an image of the production process is used as the accompanying submission information on the posting side, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an image of the production process that the poster recommends can be used as the posted image, and an image of another production process or an image of the finished product can be used as the accompanying submission information on the posting side. Alternatively, an image of the finished product viewed from a certain angle can be used as the posted image, and an image viewed from another angle can be used as the accompanying submission information on the posting side.

[0068] Also, in the above embodiment, the description has been made on the premise that the posted image is a still image, but it may also be a moving image. Similarly, with respect to the image of the production process posted as the accompanying submission information on the posting side, it may be a still image or a moving image. Also, in the above embodiment, images, annotations, comments, likes, and donations have been cited as examples of the accompanying submission information, but it is not limited thereto. For example, voice may be allowed to be posted as the accompanying submission information.

[0069] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, a mechanism is provided that enables a communicator and a viewer to communicate with each other by exchanging posting-side associated posting information and viewing-side associated posting information with respect to a posted image. In addition to this, a production request function that enables a viewer to request the production of a product from the communicator may be provided. Although it is possible to request the production of a product in a comment posted by a viewer as viewing-side associated posting information, the content of the production request will be displayed and widely disclosed to third parties. Therefore, it is conceivable to provide a function that enables a non-public production request. Further, a function may be provided that enables registration of a favorite communicator so that a viewer can follow the communicator, and enables creation of a fan club or community and participation therein.

[0070] Furthermore, each of the above-described embodiments merely shows an example of a specific implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner thereby. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist or main features thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0071] 1 Posting image acquisition unit 2 Communicator designated position reception unit 3 Posting-side associated posting information acquisition unit 4 Posting-side associated posting information registration unit 5 Viewer designated position reception unit 6 Viewing-side associated posting information acquisition unit 7 Viewing-side associated posting information registration unit 8 Posting image display unit 9 Designated position mark display unit 10 Associated posting information display unit 11 Degree of attention analysis unit 100 Posting information processing device 101 Posting information storage unit 200 Communicator terminal 300 Viewer terminal

Claims

1. A submission information processing apparatus applied to a system that enables additional submission of another piece of information in association with a submitted image, a submission-side associated submission information registration unit that registers submission-side associated submission information, which is the associated submission information provided by the submitter of the submitted image, in association with a submitter-specified position, which is the position specified by the submitter within the submitted image, and a viewer-side associated submission information registration unit that registers viewer-side associated submission information, which is the associated submission information provided by the viewer of the submitted image, in association with a viewer-specified position, which is the position specified by the viewer from among the submitter-specified position and other positions, wherein the viewer-side associated submission information registration unit has a viewer-side first function of registering the viewer-side associated submission information in association with the viewer-specified position by designating the same position as the submitter-specified position as the viewer-specified position, and a viewer-side second function of registering the viewer-side associated submission information in association with the submission-side associated submission information registered in association with the submitter-specified position, and executes either the viewer-side first function or the viewer-side second function according to an operation by the viewer A submission information processing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. The submission-side associated submission information registration unit according to claim 1, wherein the submission-side associated submission information registration unit has a submission-side first function of registering the submission-side associated submission information in association with the submitter-specified position, and a submission-side second function of registering the submission-side associated submission information in association with the viewer-side associated submission information registered in association with the viewer-specified position or the submission-side associated submission information, and executes either the submission-side first function or the submission-side second function according to an operation by the submitter.

3. The submission information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a designated position mark display unit that displays a submitter-specified position mark indicating the position specified by the submitter and a viewer-specified position mark indicating the position specified by the viewer for each of the submitter-specified position and the viewer-specified position, wherein when the position of the submitter-specified position mark is specified by the viewer and the viewer-side first function is executed, the designated position mark display unit displays the viewer-specified position mark separately from the submitter-specified position mark A submission information processing apparatus characterized by the above.

4. The apparatus further comprises a designated position mark display unit that displays a poster-designated position mark indicating the position designated by the poster and a viewer-designated position mark indicating the position designated by the viewer for each of the poster-designated position and the viewer-designated position. The designated position mark display unit displays the poster-designated position mark and the viewer-designated position mark in a manner distinguishable from each other. The poster information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

5. The apparatus further comprises an attention degree analysis unit that analyzes, for each of the poster-designated position and the viewer-designated position, the degree to which the associated poster information is registered as the attention degree from the viewer. The designated position mark display unit displays, for each of the poster-designated position and the viewer-designated position, the designated position mark in a manner that enables visual recognition of the attention degree analyzed by the attention degree analysis unit. The poster information processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that.

6. An associated poster information display unit that displays the poster-side associated poster information or the viewer-side associated poster information in response to the display position of the designated position mark being specified, and The apparatus further comprises an attention degree analysis unit that analyzes, for each of the poster-designated position and the viewer-designated position, the degree to which the viewer-side associated poster information is registered as the attention degree from the viewer. When the associated poster information display unit displays the poster-side associated poster information or the viewer-side associated poster information in response to the display position of the designated position mark being specified, the associated poster information display unit also displays attention degree information indicating the attention degree analyzed by the attention degree analysis unit. The poster information processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that.

7. An associated poster information display unit that displays the poster-side associated poster information or the viewer-side associated poster information in response to the display position of the designated position mark being specified, and The apparatus further comprises an attention degree analysis unit that analyzes, for each of the one or more pieces of poster-side associated poster information registered in association with the poster-designated position, the degree to which the viewer-side associated poster information is registered in association with the poster-side associated poster information as the attention degree from the viewer. When the attached submission information display unit displays the submission-side attached submission information or the viewing-side attached submission information in response to the designated position of the designated position mark, it also displays the attention degree information indicating the attention degree analyzed by the attention degree analysis unit. The submission information processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that.

8. For each of the one or more submission-side attached submission information registered in association with the submitter-designated position, the attention degree analysis unit further analyzes the degree to which the viewing-side attached submission information is registered in association with the submission-side attached submission information as the attention degree from the viewer. When the attached submission information display unit displays the submission-side attached submission information or the viewing-side attached submission information in response to the designated position of the designated position mark, it also displays at least one of the attention degree information analyzed for each of the submitter-designated position and the viewer-designated position, and the attention degree information analyzed for each of the submission-side attached submission information. The submission information processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that.

9. A submission information processing method executed by a submission information processing apparatus applied to a system in which it is possible to further submit another piece of information attached to a submission image, a step in which a submission-side attached submission information registration unit of the submission information processing apparatus registers submission-side attached submission information, which is attached submission information provided by the submitter of the submission image, in association with a submitter-designated position, which is the position designated by the submitter in the submission image; a step in which a viewing-side attached submission information registration unit of the submission information processing apparatus registers viewing-side attached submission information, which is attached submission information provided by the viewer of the submission image, in association with a viewer-designated position, which is the position designated by the viewer from among the submitter-designated position and other positions; and a step in which an attached submission information display unit of the submission information processing apparatus displays the submission-side attached submission information or the viewing-side attached submission information in response to the submitter-designated position or the viewer-designated position being designated. The browsing-side associated contribution information registration unit has a first browsing-side function of registering the browsing-side associated contribution information by associating the same position as the contributor-specified position as the browser-specified position and associating the browsing-side associated contribution information with the browser-specified position, and a second browsing-side function of registering the browsing-side associated contribution information in association with the contribution-side associated contribution information registered in association with the contributor-specified position, and executes either the first browsing-side function or the second browsing-side function according to an operation by the browser. A contribution information processing method characterized by the above.

Images