Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To increase the possibility that various pieces of information are provided in information distribution.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus includes an update unit which specifies content for which a user performed a predetermined action, out of pieces of content provided in the order based on first score information obtained by evaluating an object corresponding to a user, and second score information for each object, obtained by evaluating in advance a degree of association with the target regarding each of users who are likely to be provided with the content on which information on the object is posted, and updates a combination ratio of first score information and second score information that decides the order for providing the content on the basis of a result of comparison between the user who has performed the predetermined action and a user list which is associated with the object corresponding to the specified content and indicates each of users specified from among the users who are likely to be provided with the content with the second score information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in advertisement distribution through the Internet, so-called targeting, which is narrowing down of users who are advertisement distribution destinations, has been performed. Not limited to advertisement distribution, in information distribution through the Internet such as provision of various contents and recommendation of information, narrowing down of users who are information distribution destinations is performed based on attributes and behavior histories of users registered in advance.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the conventional technology in enhancing the possibility of providing various information in information distribution. For example, it is difficult to pinpointedly provide information on products with low inventory to users who strongly desire to purchase such products. Also, the content distributed to users who have searched for a predetermined product may be biased towards popular products, and other products relevant to the distribution destination users may be buried.

[0005] This application has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program capable of enhancing the possibility of providing various information in information distribution.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the present application identifies content in which the user has performed a predetermined action among the content provided in an order based on the first score information obtained by evaluating the target corresponding to the user and the second score information for each target in which the relevance to the target has been preliminarily evaluated for each of a plurality of users who can be content providers of information related to the target, and is a list associated with the target corresponding to the identified content. Based on the comparison result between the user list that individually indicates the users identified from among the plurality of users who can be content providers by the second score information and the corresponding user who has performed the predetermined action, an update unit that updates the synthesis ratio of the first score information and the second score information that determines the order in which the content is provided is provided.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to increase the possibility of providing various information in information distribution.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application are not limited by the plurality of embodiments described below. Also, the plurality of embodiments described below can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents do not conflict. In the plurality of embodiments described below, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0010] (Embodiment) [1. Example of Information Processing] (1-1. Outline of Information Processing) Using FIG. 1, an example of information processing executed by the information processing apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of information processing executed by the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. The information processing apparatus 100 executes information processing related to content distribution. The content includes various types of content such as advertisement content distributed along with the use of various services, web content corresponding to a search query input to a search engine, and content related to a transaction target input to a search bar provided on a site of an electronic commerce (EC: Electronic Commerce) service. Here, the transaction target is the use of a product or service. Note that the transaction targets in an electronic commerce service include transaction targets transacted in various forms such as an electronic shopping street (online mall), an online shopping site, an auction site, and a free market site. In FIG. 1, information processing for a product (an example of a "target") transacted in an electronic shopping street is shown as an example.

[0011] The information processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 provides information to the user using a search query (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a "query") input by the user U who uses the terminal device 10. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 100 searches for content corresponding to the search query, narrows down the searched content, re-ranks the narrowed-down content, and provides a predetermined number of content to the user in descending order. The information processing related to content distribution executed by the information processing apparatus 100 that performs such information provision will be described below. In the following description, the terminal device 10 may be described as the user U. That is, the user U can be read as the terminal device 10.

[0012] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system SYS includes a plurality of terminal devices 10 and an information processing device 100. The terminal devices 10 and the information processing device 100 are connected to a network N (see, for example, FIG. 4) by wire or wirelessly. The terminal devices 10 and the information processing device 100 can communicate with each other via the network N. Note that the example shown in FIG. 1 is not particularly limited, and the information processing system SYS may include more terminal devices 10 and information processing devices 100 than shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] The terminal device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is an information processing terminal used by each user U who is a user of various services provided by the information processing device 100. Each user U is assumed to use at least one terminal device 10. As a typical example of the terminal device 10, a smartphone is assumed, but it may be realized by a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like.

[0014] Further, the terminal device 10 has a communication unit for connecting to the network N via a wireless communication network such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation: the 5th generation mobile communication system), or short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The user U operates the terminal device 10 having the communication unit to access the information processing device 100 and uses various services provided by the information processing device 100.

[0015] Also, the terminal device 10 can display information for using various services provided by the information processing device 100 by a web browser or an application. At this time, when the terminal device 10 receives control information for realizing information display processing by a web browser or an application from the information processing device 100, the terminal device 10 realizes the display processing according to the received control information.

[0016] As an example, a case will be described in which the information processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 functions as a search apparatus that provides search results to the terminal device 10 used by the user U who has input a query. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 has a function as a search engine that executes a search process for products traded in an electronic shopping street. Further, the information processing apparatus 100 has a database in which information about products targeted for search processing using a query is indexed and stored, and executes a search process for the information in the database. For example, the information in this database is stored in the storage unit 120 (see FIG. 4, for example).

[0017] The information about the product can include various types of information. For example, the information about the product can include various information used for providing product information such as the seller, the selling price, the product image, the category, the title, the description, the payment method, the sales period, and the number of sales. Further, the information about the product can include the sales history of the product such as the number of reservations, the number of orders, the number of sales, and the order amount (sales). For example, the information about the product can include information such as the period elapsed since the date and time when the product was sold, the number of views of the information indicating the product, the number of reviews for the product, and the evaluation of the transaction target. Note that the information about the product may include information on external factors related to the product such as information on posts in an SNS (Social Networking Service).

[0018] Note that in the information processing system SYS shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system SYS shown in FIG. 1 may have any configuration as long as it is possible to realize the information processing according to the embodiment, not limited to the case where the information processing apparatus 100 functions as a search apparatus. For example, the information processing system SYS may be configured to include a search apparatus physically distributed from the information processing apparatus 100.

[0019] First, the information processing apparatus 100 generates a user list (step S1). The user list is a list associated with the products listed in the content. For each product (an example of a "target") listed in the content, the information processing apparatus 100 individually indicates the user U identified from among a plurality of users U by a score obtained by previously evaluating the degree of relevance to the product for each of the plurality of users U who can be content providers. The information processing apparatus 100 generates, for example, a user list that indicates a predetermined number of users U identified in order from the highest score among the plurality of users U as candidate users. The user list can indicate the order of each user U with a stronger degree of relevance as seen from the products listed in the content.

[0020] Also, the terminal device 10 transmits a search query input by the user U to the information processing apparatus 100 (step S2). In response, the information processing apparatus 100 executes a search process for the product (content) corresponding to the search query based on the search query specified by the user U (step S3). For example, the information processing apparatus 100 acquires the content in which the product corresponding to the search query is listed from the database. The acquisition of information corresponding to the query is performed using existing technologies, and any process may be used as long as the product can be identified, and detailed description is omitted.

[0021] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 generates a search result using the content obtained by the search process (step S4). For example, the information processing apparatus 100 narrows down the products listed in each content obtained by the search process based on the user information of the user U who is the source of the search query, and ranks the narrowed-down products to generate a ranking for each product.

[0022] Specifically, the information processing apparatus 100 calculates a product score (an example of "first score information") for products listed in each content based on user information, and filters the products based on the calculated product score. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 filters products whose score is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Further, the information processing apparatus 100 ranks the filtered products based on the scores corresponding to the products. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 assigns higher ranks in order from the products with higher scores. Then, the information processing apparatus 100 generates a search result by arranging in order the contents that list the products with higher ranks.

[0023] A method for calculating the product score will be specifically described. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 calculates a product score using a value obtained by multiplying each of a plurality of elements such as the number of orders for a product, the order amount, and the number of views by the weight (coefficient) of each element (hereinafter referred to as "partial score"). For example, the information processing apparatus 100 may calculate the sum of the partial scores of each of the plurality of elements for a product as the product score, or may calculate the average of the partial scores of each of the plurality of elements for a product as the product score.

[0024] Further, the information processing apparatus 100 may calculate a product score using an aggregated value aggregated for each predetermined period for each of a plurality of elements such as the number of orders for a product, the order amount, and the number of views. In this case, the information processing apparatus 100 may calculate a product score using a value obtained by multiplying the aggregated value of the plurality of elements of the product aggregated for each predetermined period by the weight (coefficient) of each element (hereinafter referred to as "period score"). Further, the information processing apparatus 100 may calculate a product score using a value obtained by multiplying the period score of each period by an attenuation coefficient corresponding to the difference between the period and the calculation time point. In this case, the information processing apparatus 100 may calculate the score of the transaction target using a value obtained by multiplying the period score of each period by an attenuation coefficient that becomes smaller for past periods. Further, the information processing apparatus 100 may calculate a product score using an aggregated value aggregated for each date for each of a plurality of elements for a product.

[0025] Further, the information processing apparatus 100 may use, as the product score, the inner product value of the product vectors, the estimated CTR (Click Through Rate) related to the product, the score output by the model based on machine learning, and the like.

[0026] Note that the above score calculation method is an example, and the information processing apparatus 100 may calculate the product score using any method. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 may correct the product score by using a coefficient based on the evaluation of the seller (store) that sells the product for the calculated product score. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 can correct the product score by multiplying the calculated product score by a coefficient based on the evaluation of the seller that sells the product.

[0027] After generating the search results, the information processing apparatus 100 re-ranks (modifies) the search results using the user list (step S5). For example, the information processing apparatus 100 re-ranks the search results based on the product score (an example of the "first score information") obtained by evaluating the product based on the user information about the user U and the user score (an example of the "second score information") corresponding to the user U in the user list for this product. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 100 ranks the products based on the sum result of the product score and the user score for this product (hereinafter referred to as the "sum score"). Specifically, the information processing apparatus 100 calculates the sum score based on the following formula (1). Note that "n" shown in the following formula (1) is a predetermined weight for determining the usage mode of the user score based on the user list. Also, the following formula (1) is an example, and any function taking the product score and the user score as inputs may be learned from the distribution results of the content corresponding to the target for the user such as the product from the distribution results of the content corresponding to the target for the user such as the product. Sum score = n × product score + (1 - n) × user score ··· (1)

[0028] Further, for example, the information processing apparatus 100 selects one of the product score and the user score related to this product based on the comparison result between the product score and the user score related to this product, and ranks the products based on the selected score. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 100 selects the larger score of the product score and the user score related to this product, and performs ranking based on the selected score. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus 100 may select the smaller score of the product score and the user score related to this product, and perform ranking based on the selected score.

[0029] Further, when the information processing apparatus 100 receives a search query from a new user, it may re-rank the search results using the product score obtained by evaluating the product based on the information of similar users similar to the new user, and the user score information related to this product. Also, when a new product is searched, the information processing apparatus 100 may re-rank the search results using the product score corresponding to another product similar to the new product, and the user score related to the other product. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 100 can handle the cold start problem.

[0030] Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 100 determines the products to be provided to the user U based on the re-ranked search results (step S6). For example, the information processing apparatus 100 determines a predetermined number of products from the re-ranked products as the products to be listed, starting from the ones with higher ranks. Then, the information processing apparatus 100 provides the content related to the determined products to be listed to the user U (step S7).

[0031] Also, the information processing apparatus 100 identifies the conversion products for which a predetermined conversion has been performed among the products listed in the content provided to the user U as the search results (step S8). For example, examples of the predetermined conversion include purchasing a product, adding a product to the shopping cart, posting on SNS, and viewing the page on which the detailed information of the product is posted.

[0032] Then, according to whether the user U who has performed a predetermined conversion is included in the user list associated with the product posted in the identified content, the information processing apparatus 100 updates the usage mode of the user list (step S9).

[0033] For example, when the user U who has performed a predetermined conversion is included in the user list associated with the product posted in the content in which the predetermined conversion has been performed, the information processing apparatus 100 increases the weight of the user score corresponding to the corresponding user U (the weight for using the user list). Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can provide information on the product that more reflects the degree of relevance of the user U from the perspective of the product.

[0034] Also, for example, when the user U who has performed a predetermined conversion is not included in the user list associated with the product posted in the content in which the predetermined conversion has been performed, the information processing apparatus 100 decreases the weight of the user score corresponding to the corresponding user U (the weight for using the user list). Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can provide information on the product that more reflects the evaluation of the product.

[0035] In addition, when updating the user list associated with the product posted in the content in which the user U has performed a predetermined conversion, the information processing apparatus 100 may increase the score corresponding to the user U who has performed the predetermined conversion and the scores corresponding to similar users similar to the user U. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can reflect the result of the predetermined conversion in the user list and update it.

[0036] (1-2. Regarding the user list) Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, generation of a user list by the information processing apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for generating a user list according to the embodiment. In FIG. 2, an example of a user list showing, for each product, the user U who is ranked first among each user U from the perspective of the products listed in the content will be described. Note that in FIG. 2, a user list (Top-K (K = 1)) showing, for each product, the user U who is ranked first among the products listed in the content is illustrated, but a user list (Top-K (K = 2)) showing, for each product, the user U ranked up to the second place, or a user list showing the user U specified up to a predetermined rank can be arbitrarily generated. Also, "Product X1", "Product X2", and "Product X3" shown in FIG. 2 indicate the content in which the products are listed.

[0037] For example, for each product listed in the content, the information processing apparatus 100 calculates a score (an example of "second score information") that evaluates the degree of relevance to the product for each of a plurality of users U who can be the content providers. Then, the information processing apparatus 100 generates a Top-K (K = 1) user list by specifying, for each content, the user U with the largest calculated score. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 generates a user list showing, for each product, the candidate users who can be the content providers. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can individually specify the user with the highest degree of relevance from the perspective of the product. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus 100 generates list information showing the attributes of the candidate users who can be the content providers for each product. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can specify the attributes of the user with the highest degree of relevance from the perspective of the product. Also, when generating the user list, the information processing apparatus 100 may weight the scores for the first user who has performed a predetermined conversion on the product or the second user similar to the first user, and include a predetermined number of users in the user list in order from the highest score. Thereby, a user list reflecting the results of the predetermined conversion can be generated.

[0038] In FIG. 2, when looking at each user U from "Product X1", the rank of user U3 is the first. When looking at each user U from "Product X2", the rank of user U1 is the first. When looking at each user U from "Product X3", it is shown that the rank of user U2 is the first. Also, in FIG. 2, the user list L2-1 and the user list L2-2 generated by the information processing apparatus 100 are shown.

[0039] The user list L2-1 shown in FIG. 2 shows an example of a user list that individually shows candidate users who are content providers for each product. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the user list L2-1 has an item of "Product ID" and an item of "Related User Ranking", and these items are associated with each other. In the item of "Product ID", the product ID which is identification information for identifying a product is stored. In the item of "Related User Ranking", the user ID which is identification information for identifying user U whose rank is the first from the perspective of the product and the score indicating the degree of relevance of the user to the product are stored. According to the user list L2-1 shown in FIG. 2, from the perspective of "Product X1", "Product X2", or "Product X3", the user U whose rank is the first (with the highest degree of relevance and matching) can be individually identified.

[0040] Also, the user list L2-2 shown in FIG. 2 shows an example of a user list that shows the attributes of candidate users who are content providers for each product. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the user list L2-2 has an item of "Product ID" and an item of "Related User Attribute Ranking", and these items are associated with each other. In the item of "Product ID", the above-mentioned product ID is stored. In the item of "Related User Ranking", the attribute information indicating the attributes of the user whose rank is the first from the perspective of the above-mentioned product and the above-mentioned score are stored. According to the user list L2-2 shown in FIG. 2, from the perspective of "Product X1", "Product X2", or "Product X3", the attributes of user U whose rank is the first (with the highest degree of relevance and matching) can be identified.

[0041] Further, the information processing apparatus 100 may weight the scores for users who have performed a predetermined conversion on a product or users similar to this user, and include a predetermined number of users in the user list in order from the highest score. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can reflect the result of the predetermined conversion in the user list.

[0042] Also, when ranking the products posted in the content provided to the user U, the information processing apparatus 100 uses the user lists L2-1 and L2-2 shown in FIG. 2. For example, as will be described later, the information processing apparatus 100 can rank the products in consideration of the user scores defined in the user lists L2-1 and L2-2.

[0043] Further, the information processing apparatus 100 can also execute information provision based on the user list. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 identifies candidate users who are the destinations for providing content for each product based on the user list. Then, the information processing apparatus 100 provides the candidate users with the content in which the corresponding product is posted. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can realize information provision that targets users with a high degree of relevance from the perspective of the product.

[0044] (1-3. Specific example of reranking of search results) Hereinafter, a specific example of reranking of search results by the information processing apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of reranking of search results according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a case where the user U of the terminal device 10 is the user U1. Further, FIG. 3 shows a specific example of reranking of search results executed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, but for convenience of explanation, the illustration of the information processing apparatus 100 is omitted.

[0045] The information processing apparatus 100 searches for content that lists products corresponding to the user U1 (step S11). In FIG. 3, as the content searched by the information processing apparatus 100, content C1 that lists product Y1, content C2 that lists product Y2, content C3 that lists product Y3, etc. are shown.

[0046] Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 100 calculates the product scores of the products listed in the searched content (step S12). In FIG. 3, as the score of product Y1 listed in content C1, score α1, as the score of product Y2 listed in content C2, score α2, and as the score of product Y3 listed in content C3, score α3, etc. are shown.

[0047] Subsequently, the information processing apparatus 100 filters the products listed in the searched content based on the product scores, ranks the products listed in the filtered content, and generates a search result (step S13). In FIG. 3, a search result L3-1 including product Y1 in the first place, product Y2 in the second place, product Y3 in the third place, etc. is shown.

[0048] Also, the information processing apparatus 100 calculates the score of the user U1 from the perspective of the products listed in the searched content in the background of product scoring (step S14). In FIG. 3, as the score β1 of the user U1 from the perspective of product Y1 listed in content C1, the score β2 of the user U1 from the perspective of product Y2 listed in content C2, and the score β3 of the user U1 from the perspective of product Y3 listed in content C3, etc. are shown.

[0049] Subsequently, based on the sum of the product score calculated in step S12 and the score of user U1 calculated in step S14, the information processing apparatus 100 re-ranks the products included in the search results to correct the search results based on the product score (step S15). In the search result L3-2 shown in FIG. 3, the product rankings have changed due to the correction of the search result L3-1. According to the search result L3-2 shown in FIG. 3, the product ranked first has changed from product Y1 to product Y2, the product Y2 ranked second has changed to product Y3, and the product Y3 ranked third has changed to product Y1.

[0050] In this way, by using the score of user U1 from the perspective of the product and performing correction (re-ranking) of the search results corresponding to user U1, the information processing apparatus 100 can increase the possibility of providing various information. For example, by pre-scoring user U who can be the distribution destination of content from the product perspective, the possibility of pinpoint providing information about products with low inventory such as auction items to user U who strongly desires to purchase such products can be increased. Similarly, the possibility of pinpoint providing information such as job positions with limited employment quotas to user U who has conditions and suitability for the job position can be increased. Also, for a user who has searched for a predetermined product, the possibility of providing not only content with best-selling products but also content with other products that match the destination user can be increased. Also, even for information such as news content with unlimited resources, the possibility of providing news that matches only a specific user to the specific user can be increased.

[0051] [2. Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus] The information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0052] (Regarding the communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. The communication unit 110 is connected to the network N by wire or wirelessly. The information processing apparatus 100 transmits and receives information to and from the terminal device 10 via the network N.

[0053] (Regarding the storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. For example, the storage unit 120 includes a product information storage unit 121, a user information storage unit 122, a user list storage unit 123, and a weight information storage unit 124.

[0054] (Product information storage unit 121) The product information storage unit 121 stores information about products traded in the electronic shopping street. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of product information according to the embodiment. Note that FIG. 5 shows an example of product information according to the embodiment and may include information other than that shown in FIG. 5.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5, the product information stored in the product information storage unit 121 has an item of "product ID" and an item of "product information". These items included in the product information are associated with each other. Note that in FIG. 5, the information stored in the item of "product information" is simplified and expressed as an abstract concept.

[0056] In the "Product ID" field, identification information for identifying products traded in the e-mall is stored. In the "Product Information" field, various information related to the product is stored. For example, the information stored in the "Product Information" field may include various information used for providing product information such as the product's seller, selling price, product image, category, title, description, payment method, sales period, and number of sales. In addition, the information stored in the "Product Information" field may include the sales history of the product such as the number of reservations, orders, sales, and order amount (sales). For example, the information related to the product may include information such as the period elapsed since the product was sold, the number of views of the information indicating the product, the number of reviews for the product, and the evaluation of the product. Note that the information related to the product may include information on external factors related to the product such as information on posts in SNS (Social Networking Service).

[0057] According to FIG. 5, it is shown that the product information of the product identified by the product ID: "Product #1" is "Product Information #1".

[0058] (User Information Storage Unit 122) The user information storage unit 122 stores user information related to the user U who uses the e-mall. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of user information according to the embodiment. Note that FIG. 6 shows an example of user information according to the embodiment, and may include information other than that shown in FIG. 6.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, the user information stored in the user information storage unit 122 has a plurality of fields such as the "User ID" field, the "Personal Information" field, the "Search History" field, the "Purchase History" field, and the "Posting History" field. These fields of the user information are associated with each other. Note that in FIG. 6, the information stored in the "Personal Information" field, the "Search History" field, the "Purchase History" field, the "Posting History" field, etc. is simplified and expressed as an abstract concept.

[0060] In the item of "User ID", identification information for identifying user U is stored. In the item of "Personal Information", personal information belonging to user U is stored. The personal information may include information such as name, gender, age, family composition, living form, annual income, interests and hobbies.

[0061] In the item of "Search History", the history of search queries input by user U is stored. In the item of "Purchase History", the purchase history which is the history of purchases made by user U is stored. In the item of "Posting History", the posting history which is the history of postings made by user U is stored.

[0062] According to FIG. 6, user U identified by user ID: "U#1" is specified by "Personal Information": "Personal Information #1", performs a search using the search queries stored in search history: "Search History #1", makes a purchase shown in purchase history: "Purchase History #1", and makes a posting shown in posting history: "Posting History #1".

[0063] (User List Storage Unit 123) The user list storage unit 123 stores the information of the user list. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the information of the user list according to the embodiment. Note that FIG. 7 shows an example of the information of the user list according to the embodiment, and may include information other than that shown in FIG. 7.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 7, the information of the user list stored in the user list storage unit 123 has an item of "Product ID" and an item of "Related User Ranking". These items included in the information of the user list are associated with each other.

[0065] In the item of "Product ID", identification information for identifying the products traded in the e-mall is stored. The identification information stored in the item of "Product ID" may be the same as the identification information stored in the item of "Product ID" included in the above-described product information.

[0066] The "Related User Ranking" item has a plurality of items for storing information on user IDs and scores for each rank of users from the perspective of the product. In FIG. 7, items for storing the user ID and score of the first-ranked user, items for storing the user ID and score of the second-ranked user, and items for storing the user ID and score of the third-ranked user are shown.

[0067] According to FIG. 7, from the perspective of the product identified by the product ID: "Product #1", the user U identified by the user ID: "U#3" is the sole first place, and the score indicating the degree of relevance of the user U identified by "U#3" is shown as "Score SC-1". Also, from the perspective of the product identified by the product ID: "Product #1", the users U identified by the user ID: "U#4" and the user ID: "U#11" are tied for the second place, and the score indicating the degree of relevance of each user U identified by "U#4" and "U#11" is shown as "Score SC-2". Also, from the perspective of the product identified by the product ID: "Product #1", the user U identified by the user ID: "U#5" is the sole third place, and the score indicating the degree of relevance of the user U identified by "U#5" is shown as "Score SC-3".

[0068] (Weight Information Storage Unit 124) The weight information storage unit 124 stores weight information for determining the usage mode of the user list. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the weight information according to the embodiment. Note that FIG. 8 shows an example of the weight information according to the embodiment, and may include information other than that shown in FIG. 8.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, the weight information stored in the weight information storage unit 124 has an item of "User ID", an item of "Weight of Product Score", and an item of "Weight of User Score (from Product to User)". These items included in the weight information are associated with each other.

[0070] In the item of "User ID", identification information for identifying user U is stored. The identification information stored in the item of "User ID" is the same as the identification information stored in the item of "User ID" of the above-described user information.

[0071] In the item of "Weight of Product Score", when correcting the search results of products, weight information to be multiplied by the product score is stored. The weight information stored in the item of "Weight of Product Score" corresponds to the value of "n" shown in the above formula (1). In the item of "Weight of User Score", when correcting the search results of products, weight information to be multiplied by the user score (score defined in the user list) as viewed from the product is stored. The weight information stored in the item of "Weight of User Score" corresponds to the value of "1 - n" shown in the above formula (1).

[0072] According to FIG. 8, when correcting the search results of products corresponding to user U identified by user ID: "U#1", it is shown that the weight to be multiplied by the product score is "0.8", and the weight of the score to be multiplied by the user score as viewed from the product is "0.2".

[0073] (Regarding Control Unit 130) Control Unit 130 is realized by various programs stored in the storage device inside Information Processing Device 100 being executed with the RAM as the work area by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like. Further, Control Unit 130 is realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0074] The control unit 130 shown in FIG. 4 includes a search unit 131, a generation unit 132, a specification unit 133, a determination unit 134, a provision unit 135, and an update unit 136. Each of these units realizes or executes the functions and operations of information processing described below. Note that the control unit 130 may have a plurality of divided internal configurations as processing units that realize or execute the functions and operations of information processing described below. The configuration is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4, and other configurations may be used as long as they perform the information processing described later.

[0075] (Search unit 131) The search unit 131 searches for products (an example of "target") corresponding to the user U. For example, the search unit 131 searches for content listing products corresponding to the search query specified by the user U from the product information stored in the product information storage unit 121. Note that the search by the search unit 131 may be executed by proximity search.

[0076] In addition, the search unit 131 uses the content obtained by the search process to obtain search results. For example, the search unit 131 narrows down the products listed in each content obtained by the search process based on the user information of the user U, the sender of the search query, and ranks the narrowed-down products to generate a ranking of each product. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 100 calculates a score (an example of "first score information") for evaluating the products listed in each content based on the user information, and narrows down the products based on the calculated score. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 extracts products whose score is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Then, the information processing apparatus 100 ranks the narrowed-down products based on the score corresponding to the product. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 assigns higher ranks in order from the products with higher scores.

[0077] (Generation unit 132) For each product to be published in the content, the generation unit 132 calculates a score (an example of "second score information") that evaluates the relevance to the product for each of a plurality of candidate users who can be the content recipients. Then, based on the calculated scores, the generation unit 132 generates a user list by identifying user U for each product.

[0078] For example, the generation unit 132 can generate a user list that individually indicates candidate users for each product. Specifically, for each product, the generation unit 132 identifies a predetermined number of users in order from the highest score, and generates a user list in which the identification information and scores of the identified users are associated with the ranks based on the scores. For example, when generating a user list indicating the user ranked first among the products published in the content, the generation unit 132 identifies the user with the highest score for each product, and generates a user list by associating the identification information of the identified user with the score. Note that the generation unit 132 can handle users with the same score as having the same rank.

[0079] In addition, the generation unit 132 may generate a user list indicating the attributes of candidate users who can be the recipients of the content in which the product is published for each product. Specifically, for each product, the generation unit 132 identifies a predetermined number of users in order from the highest score, and generates a user list in which the attribute information and scores associated with the identified users are associated with the ranks based on the scores. For example, when generating a user list indicating the user ranked first among the products published in the content, the generation unit 132 identifies the user with the highest score for each product, and generates a user list by associating the identification information associated with the identified user with the score. Note that when there are multiple users with the same score, the generation unit 132 can obtain the attribute information common to the users and associate the obtained attribute information with the user list.

[0080] (Specific identification unit 133) Based on the information of the user list stored in the user list storage unit 123, the specific unit 133 specifies candidate users who are the destinations for content provision for each product listed in the content. For example, when there is an input of advertisement data by an advertiser who wishes to distribute an advertisement, the specific unit 133 can refer to the user list associated with the product corresponding to the advertisement and specify candidate users.

[0081] (Determination unit 134) Based on the product score (an example of "first score information") obtained by evaluating a product based on user information regarding the user, and the user score for each product (an example of "second score information") obtained by previously evaluating the relevance of each of a plurality of users who can be the destination for the product information to the product, the determination unit 134 determines the products to be provided to the user by ranking the products.

[0082] First, the determination unit 134 re-ranks (modifies) the search results generated by the search unit 131 based on the user list. Specifically, the determination unit 134 re-ranks (re-ranks) the products included in the search results corresponding to the user based on the combined result of the product score and the user score calculated by the above formula (1). That is, the determination unit 134 modifies the search results based on the product score in consideration of the user score for each product.

[0083] Also, for example, the determination unit 134 may select either the product score or the user score based on the comparison result of the product score and the user score, and re-rank (re-rank) the products included in the search results corresponding to the user based on the selected score.

[0084] Then, based on the modified search results, the determination unit 134 determines the products to be provided included in the search results to be provided to the user U. For example, the determination unit 134 determines a predetermined number of products as the products to be provided in order from the ones with higher scores among the modified search results.

[0085] Further, for example, when the determination unit 134 receives a search query from a new user, it may re-rank the search results using the product score obtained by evaluating products based on information of similar users similar to the new user, and the user score information regarding this product. Further, when a new product is searched, the information processing apparatus 100 may re-rank the search results using the product score corresponding to another product similar to the new product, and the user score regarding the other product. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 100 can handle the cold start problem.

[0086] (Provision unit 135) The provision unit 135 provides content for posting the product determined by the determination unit 134 to the user U who input the query. Further, the provision unit 135 provides content in which the corresponding product is posted to the candidate users specified by the specification unit 133.

[0087] (Update unit 136) The update unit 136 updates the usage mode of the user list. For example, the update unit 136 specifies the content in which the user U has taken a predetermined action among the content provided in the order based on the product score obtained by evaluating the product corresponding to the user U and the user score for each product in which the relevance to the product has been preliminarily evaluated for each of a plurality of users who may be the destination of the content posting the information regarding the product. Then, the update unit 136 updates the combined ratio of the product score and the user score that determines the order in which the content is provided based on the comparison result between the user list associated with the product posted in the specified content, which individually indicates the users specified from among the plurality of users who may be the destination of the content by the user score, and the user who has taken the predetermined action.

[0088] Specifically, when a user U who has performed a predetermined conversion is included in a user list associated with a product posted in the content on which the predetermined conversion has been performed, the update unit 136 increases the weight of the user score corresponding to this user U (the weight for using the user list). Thereby, when providing the content, the information processing apparatus 100 can provide information on the product that more reflects the user score (the degree of relevance of the user from the perspective of the product). Further, when a user U who has performed a predetermined conversion is not included in a user list associated with a product posted in the content on which the predetermined conversion has been performed, the update unit 136 decreases the weight of the user score corresponding to the user U (the weight for using the user list). Thereby, when providing the content, the information processing apparatus 100 can provide information on the product that more reflects the product score based on the user information.

[0089] Also, for example, when updating a user list associated with a product posted in the content on which a predetermined conversion has been performed, the update unit 136 may increase the score corresponding to the user U who has performed the predetermined conversion and the scores corresponding to similar users similar to the user U. For example, when a user U (hereinafter referred to as the "corresponding user") who has performed a predetermined conversion is included in a user list associated with the product on which the predetermined conversion has been performed, the update unit 136 may increase the score associated with the corresponding user in the user list by a predetermined ratio. Also, for example, when the corresponding user is similar to a user included in the user list associated with the product on which the predetermined conversion has been performed, the update unit 136 may increase the score associated with the user similar to the corresponding user in the user list by a predetermined ratio. At this time, the update unit 136 may keep the score increase ratio lower than when the corresponding user is included in the user list. In this way, the information processing apparatus 100 can update the user list so as to reflect the result of the predetermined conversion.

[0090] [3. Processing Procedure] (3-1. Content Providing Process) Next, the procedure of information processing executed by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment will be described. First, an example of the procedure of content providing processing according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of content providing processing according to the embodiment. The processing procedure shown in FIG. 9 is executed by the control unit 130 of the information processing apparatus 100. The processing procedure shown in FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed during the operation of the information processing apparatus 100.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 9, the search unit 131 searches for products corresponding to the user U (step S101). For example, the search unit 131 searches for content listing products corresponding to the search query specified by the user U from the product information stored in the product information storage unit 121.

[0092] Subsequently, the search unit 131 generates a search result using the content obtained by the search process (step S102). For example, the search unit 131 narrows down the products listed in each content obtained by the search process based on the user information of the user U, who is the sender of the search query, and ranks the narrowed-down products to generate a ranking for each product.

[0093] Also, the determination unit 134 corrects (reranks) the search result generated by the search unit 131 based on the user list (step S103). That is, the determination unit 134 corrects the search result based on the product score, taking into account the user score for each product.

[0094] Subsequently, the determination unit 134 determines the provided products to be included in the search result provided to the user U based on the corrected search result (step S104).

[0095] Also, the providing unit 135 provides the user U with the content listing the provided products (step S105), and ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 9.

[0096] (3-2. Weight Update Processing of User List) Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an example of the procedure for updating the weights of the user list according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for updating the weights of the user list according to the embodiment. The processing procedure shown in FIG. 10 is executed by the control unit 130 of the information processing apparatus 100. The processing procedure shown in FIG. 10 is repeatedly executed during the operation of the information processing apparatus 100.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 10, the update unit 136 identifies products among the products listed in the content provided to the user U as the search result, for which a predetermined conversion has been performed by the user U (step S201).

[0098] Next, the update unit 136 matches the user U who has performed the predetermined conversion with the user U included in the user list associated with the product identified in step S201 (step S202).

[0099] Next, the update unit 136 determines whether the user U who has performed the predetermined conversion is included in the user list associated with the product identified in step S201 (step S203).

[0100] If the update unit 136 determines that the user U who has performed the predetermined conversion is included in the user list associated with the product identified in step S201 (step S203; Yes), it increases the weight for using the user list for the corresponding user (step S204) and ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 10.

[0101] On the other hand, if the update unit 136 determines that the user U who has performed the predetermined conversion is not included in the user list associated with the product identified in step S201 (step S203; No), it decreases the weight for using the user list for the corresponding user (step S205) and ends the processing procedure shown in FIG. 10.

[0102] [4. Modification Example] The information processing apparatus 100 according to the above embodiment may be implemented in various different forms other than the above embodiment. Therefore, other embodiments of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described below.

[0103] (4-1. About the user list) The user list generated by the information processing apparatus 100 is not limited to a configuration that stores information on related user rankings in association with products, as shown in FIG. 7 above. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 may generate a user list having a configuration that stores information on related product rankings in association with the user U. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user list according to a modified example. As shown in FIG. 11, the user list according to the modified example has an item of "user ID" and an item of "related product ranking", and these items are associated with each other. According to the user list according to the modified example, since processing can be executed using the user ID as a key in the same manner as in the search processing, it can cope with large-scale implementation.

[0104] (4-2. Application to matching between users) In the above embodiment, the processing executed by the information processing apparatus 100 can also be applied to matching between users. For example, in an SNS or the like, when there is an influencer who introduces a certain product, information on users who can become followers of the influencer can be provided to the influencer. Also, information on the influencer can be provided to users who have a high degree of relevance to the product introduced by the influencer.

[0105] (4-3. Other applications) In the above embodiment, the information processing apparatus 100 may associate in advance a user list indicating other users having a high degree of relevance from the perspective of the user for each user, and use this user list when expanding the user to be processed. Also, the information processing apparatus 100 may associate in advance a content list indicating other contents having a high degree of relevance from the perspective of the content for each content, and use this content list for "i2i" recommendations.

[0106] [5. Hardware Configuration] In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment described above is realized by, for example, a computer 1000 having a configuration as shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the service providing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[0107] The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and has a form in which an arithmetic unit 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output IF (Interface) 1060, an input IF 1070, and a network IF 1080 are connected by a bus 1090.

[0108] The arithmetic unit 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 or the secondary storage device 1050, programs read from the input device 1020, etc., and executes various processes. The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device that primarily stores data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various operations, such as a RAM. In addition, the secondary storage device 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various operations and various databases are registered, and is realized by a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD, a flash memory, etc.

[0109] The output IF 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to an output device 1010 that outputs various types of information, such as a monitor or a printer, and is realized by a connector of a standard such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), HDMI (registered trademark) (High Definition Multimedia Interface). In addition, the input IF 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as a mouse, a keyboard, and a scanner, and is realized by, for example, USB.

[0110] Note that the input device 1020 may be a device that reads information from, for example, an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a PD (Phase change rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Further, the input device 1020 may be an external storage medium such as a USB memory.

[0111] The network IF 1080 receives data from other devices via the network N and sends it to the arithmetic unit 1030, and also sends the data generated by the arithmetic unit 1030 via the network N to other devices.

[0112] The arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and the input IF 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the secondary storage device 1050 onto the primary storage device 1040 and executes the loaded program.

[0113] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 realizes the same functions as the control unit 130 by executing a program (for example, an information processing program) loaded onto the primary storage device 1040. That is, the arithmetic unit 1030 realizes the processing by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment in cooperation with a program (for example, an information processing program) loaded onto the primary storage device 1040.

[0114] [6. Others] Among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed can also be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, regarding the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings, they can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

[0115] Also, each component of each illustrated device is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the drawings. That is, the specific form of the distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage situations, etc.

[0116] In addition, the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined within a range that does not conflict with the processing contents.

[0117] [7. Effects] The information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment identifies the content in which the user has performed a predetermined action among the content provided in the order based on the first score information obtained by evaluating the object corresponding to the user and the second score information for each object in which the relevance to the object has been previously evaluated for each of a plurality of users who can be the providers of the content posting the information about the object, and is a list associated with the object corresponding to the identified content. The update unit 136 updates the mode of determining the order based on the comparison result between the user list that individually indicates the users identified from among the plurality of users who can be the providers according to the second score information and the corresponding user who has performed the predetermined action.

[0118] From this, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment can flexibly change the order of providing the content posting the information about the object based on a predetermined action by the user, and can increase the possibility that various information is provided in information distribution.

[0119] Also, for example, in the information processing apparatus 100, when the corresponding user who has performed a predetermined action is included in the user list associated with the target posted on the content where the predetermined action has been performed, the update unit 136 increases the weight of using the user list for the corresponding user. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can provide information on the product that more reflects the second score information (user score) indicating the degree of relevance of the user from the perspective of the product.

[0120] Also, for example, in the information processing apparatus 100, when the corresponding user who has performed a predetermined action is not included in the user list associated with the target posted on the content where the predetermined action has been performed, the update unit 136 decreases the weight of using the user list for the corresponding user. Thereby, information on the product that more reflects the product score based on the user information can be provided.

[0121] Also, in the information processing apparatus 100, when updating the user list associated with the target posted on the content where a predetermined action has been performed, the update unit 136 increases the scores corresponding to the user who has performed the predetermined action and the scores corresponding to similar users similar to the user. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can update the user list so as to reflect the results of a predetermined conversion.

[0122] As described above, the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail based on several drawings, but these are examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms with various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting from the aspects described in the column of the disclosure of the invention.

[0123] Also, the "section, module, unit" described above can be read as "means" or "circuit". For example, the control unit can be read as a control means or a control circuit.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0124] 10 Terminal device 100 Information processing apparatus 110 Communication unit 120 Memory unit 121 Product information memory unit 122 User information memory unit 123 User list memory unit 124 Weight information memory unit 130 Control unit 131 Search unit 132 Generation unit 133 Identification unit 134 Decision unit 135 Provision unit 136 Update unit

Claims

1. Among the content provided in the order based on the first score information obtained by evaluating the target corresponding to the user and the second score information for each target obtained by pre-evaluating the degree of relevance to the target for each of the plurality of users who can be the providers of the content posting the information about the target, identify the content on which the user has performed a predetermined action, A list associated with the target corresponding to the identified content, the user list individually indicating the users identified from among the plurality of users who can be the providers by the second score information, and an update unit that updates the combined ratio of the first score information and the second score information that determines the order in which the content is provided based on the comparison result between the user list and the corresponding user who has performed the predetermined action Comprising The update unit When the corresponding user is included in the user list associated with the target posted in the content where the predetermined action has been performed, increase the weight corresponding to the second score information for the corresponding user An information processing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. The update unit When the corresponding user is not included in the user list associated with the target posted in the content where the predetermined action has been performed, decrease the weight corresponding to the second score information for the corresponding user The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The update unit When updating the user list associated with the target posted in the content where the predetermined action has been performed, increase the scores corresponding to the user who has performed the predetermined action and the scores corresponding to the similar users similar to the user The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. An information processing method executed by a computer, Among the content provided in the order based on the first score information obtained by evaluating the target corresponding to the user and the second score information for each target obtained by pre-evaluating the degree of relevance to the target for each of the plurality of users who can be the providers of the content posting the information about the target, identify the content on which the user has performed a predetermined action, A list associated with the target corresponding to the specified content, the user list individually indicating users specified from among a plurality of users who can be the recipients, based on the second score information, and an update step of updating a combined ratio of the first score information and the second score information that determines the order in which the content is provided, based on a comparison result between the corresponding user who has performed the predetermined action and the user list including the update step is when the corresponding user is included in the user list associated with the target posted in the content in which the predetermined action has been performed, increasing the weight corresponding to the second score information for the corresponding user characterized by the information processing method

5. Causing a computer to identify the content in which the user has performed a predetermined action, from among the content provided in an order based on the first score information obtained by evaluating a target corresponding to the user and the second score information for each target obtained by previously evaluating the degree of relevance to the target for each of a plurality of the users who can be the recipients of the content posting information about the target a list associated with the target corresponding to the identified content, the user list individually indicating users specified from among a plurality of users who can be the recipients, based on the second score information, and an update procedure of updating a combined ratio of the first score information and the second score information that determines the order in which the content is provided, based on a comparison result between the corresponding user who has performed the predetermined action and the user list execute the update procedure is when the corresponding user is included in the user list associated with the target posted in the content in which the predetermined action has been performed, increasing the weight corresponding to the second score information for the corresponding user characterized by the information processing program

Images