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 a retrieval unit and a decision unit. The retrieval unit retrieves objects corresponding to a user. The decision unit decides an object to be provided to the user by ranking the objects on the basis of first score information obtained by evaluating the objects based on user information on the user and second score information for each object, obtained by evaluating in advance a degree of association with the object, regarding each of a plurality of users who are likely to be provided with the information on the object.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 action 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 toward 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 includes a search unit and a determination unit. The search unit searches for an object corresponding to a user. The determination unit determines an object to be provided to the user by ranking the objects based on first score information obtained by evaluating the object based on user information related to the user and second score information for each object obtained by pre-evaluating the relevance of the object for each of a plurality of users who can be the information provider of the object information.

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]

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[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 within a range that does not cause contradictions in the processing content. In addition, in the plurality of embodiments described below, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] (Embodiment) [1. Example of Information Processing] (1-1. Outline of Information Processing) An example of information processing executed by the information processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. 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 the distribution of content. The content includes various types of content such as advertising 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 traded in the electronic commerce service include transaction targets traded 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") traded in an electronic shopping street is shown as an example.

[0011] The information processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 provides information to a user U who uses the terminal device 10 by using a search query (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a "query") input by the user U. 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 contents to the user in descending order. 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 apparatus 100. The terminal device 10 and the information processing apparatus 100 are connected to a network N (for example, see FIG. 4) by wire or wirelessly. The terminal device 10 and the information processing apparatus 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 apparatuses 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 apparatus 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-type terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or the like.

[0014] The terminal device 10 also 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: 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 use 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 on 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 or the like from the information processing device 100, it realizes the display processing according to the received control information.

[0016] The information processing device 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described by taking as an example the case where it functions as a search device that provides search results to the terminal device 10 used by the user U who has input a query. For example, the information processing device 100 has a function as a search engine that executes a search process for products traded in an e-commerce mall. Further, the information processing device 100 has a database in which information on products subject to the search process using the query is indexed and stored, and executes a search process on 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 the seller, the selling price, the image of the product, the category, the title, the description, the payment method, the sales period, and various information used for providing product information such as the number of items sold. In addition, 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 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 information such as the evaluation of the trading partner. Note that the information about the product may include information on external factors related to the product such as information on posts on SNS (Social Networking Service).

[0018] Note that in the information processing system SYS shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 100 does not function only as a search apparatus, and the information processing system SYS shown in FIG. 1 may have any configuration as long as it can realize the information processing according to the embodiment. For example, the information processing system SYS may 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 posted in the content. For each product (an example of the "target") posted 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 the content provider. 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 when viewed from the products posted in the content.

[0020] Further, the terminal device 10 transmits a search query input by the user U to the information processing device 100 (step S2). In contrast, the information processing device 100 executes a search process for products (contents) corresponding to the search query based on the search query specified by the user U (step S3). For example, the information processing device 100 acquires contents in which products corresponding to the search query are posted from a 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 device 100 generates a search result using the contents acquired by the search process (step S4). For example, the information processing device 100 narrows down the products posted in each content acquired by the search process based on the user information of the user U, the source of the search query, and ranks the narrowed-down products to generate a ranking of each product.

[0022] Specifically, the information processing device 100 calculates a product score (an example of "first score information") obtained by evaluating the products posted in each content based on the user information, and narrows down the products based on the calculated product score. For example, the information processing device 100 narrows down products whose scores are equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Further, the information processing device 100 ranks the narrowed-down products based on the scores corresponding to the products. For example, the information processing device 100 assigns higher ranks in order from the products with higher scores. Then, the information processing device 100 generates a search result arranged in order from the contents posting the products with higher ranks.

[0023] A method for calculating a 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, the order amount, and the number of views of a product 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 regarding the product as the product score, or may calculate the average of the partial scores of each of the plurality of elements regarding the 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, the order amount, and the number of views of the product. 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 a decay 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 a decay 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 regarding the product.

[0025] Further, the information processing apparatus 100 may use the inner product value of the product vector, the estimated CTR (Click Through Rate) regarding the product, the score output by a model based on machine learning, etc. as the product score.

[0026] Note that the above score calculation method is an example, and the information processing apparatus 100 may calculate a product score using any method. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 may correct the product score 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 a product score (an example of "first score information") obtained by evaluating a product based on user information regarding user U, and a user score (an example of "second score information") corresponding to user U in the user list regarding this product. Specifically, the information processing apparatus 100 ranks the products based on the sum result (hereinafter referred to as "sum score") of the product score and the user score regarding this product. 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. Further, 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 content listing objects corresponding to users such as products. Sum score = n × product score + (1 - n) × user score ··· (1)

[0028] Also, for example, the information processing apparatus 100 selects either one of the product score and the user score regarding this product based on the comparison result between the product score and the user score regarding 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 regarding 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 regarding this product, and perform ranking based on the selected score.

[0029] In addition, when the information processing apparatus 100 receives a search query from a new user, it may re-rank the search results using the product scores obtained by evaluating products based on the information of similar users similar to the new user, and the user score information regarding these products. Also, when a new product is searched, the information processing apparatus 100 may re-rank the search results using the product scores corresponding to other products similar to the new product, and the user scores regarding the other products. 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 posted products starting from the ones with higher ranks. Then, the information processing apparatus 100 provides the user U with the content regarding the determined posted products (step S7).

[0031] Also, the information processing apparatus 100 identifies the conversion products for which a predetermined conversion has been performed among the products posted in the content provided to the user U as 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, the information processing apparatus 100 updates the usage mode of the user list according to whether the user U who has performed the predetermined conversion is included in the user list associated with the product posted in the identified content (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 where the predetermined conversion has been performed, the information processing apparatus 100 increases the weight of the user score corresponding to the relevant 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 where the predetermined conversion has been performed, the information processing apparatus 100 decreases the weight of the user score corresponding to the relevant 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 the information processing apparatus 100 updates the user list associated with the product posted in the content where the user U has performed a predetermined conversion, 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 may be increased. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can update by reflecting the result of the predetermined conversion in the user list.

[0036] (1-2. Regarding the user list) Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2, the generation of the 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 an embodiment. In FIG. 2, an example of a user list showing, for each product, the user U who ranks first among each user U in terms of the ranking seen from 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 ranks first among the products listed in the content is illustrated. However, a user list showing the user U specified up to a predetermined rank, such as a user list (Top-K (K = 2)) showing the user U who ranks up to the second place among the products, 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 that individually shows candidate users who can be the content providers for each product. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can individually specify the user with the highest degree of relevance as seen from the product. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus 100 generates list information indicating the attributes of 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 as seen from 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 a 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 a 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] In addition, 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] In addition, 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] In addition, 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 destinations for content provision for each product based on the user list. Then, the information processing apparatus 100 provides the candidate users with 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 examples 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. In addition, 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 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, score α1 as the score of product Y1 listed in content C1, score α2 as the score of product Y2 listed in content C2, score α3 as the score of product Y3 listed in content C3, 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 user U1 from the perspective of the products listed in the searched content in the background of product scoring (step S14). In FIG. 3, score β1 of user U1 from the perspective of product Y1 listed in content C1, score β2 of user U1 from the perspective of product Y2 listed in content C2, score β3 of 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, thereby correcting 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, the information processing apparatus 100 can increase the possibility of providing various information by using the score of user U1 from the perspective of the product to correct (re-rank) the search results corresponding to user U1. For example, by pre-scoring user U who can be the distribution destination of content from the product perspective, it is possible to increase 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. Similarly, it is possible to increase 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. In addition, for a user who has searched for a predetermined product, it is possible to increase the possibility of providing not only content with popular products listed but also content with other products that match the destination user listed. Also, even for information with unlimited resources such as news content, it is possible to increase the possibility of providing news that matches only a specific user to the specific user.

[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 item of "Product ID", identification information for identifying products traded in the e-mall is stored. In the item of "Product Information", various information about the products is stored. For example, the information stored in the item of "Product Information" 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 item of "Product Information" may include the sales history of the product such as the number of reservations, orders, sales, and order amount (sales). For example, the information about the product may 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 product. Note that the information about 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 about 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 items such as an item of "User ID", an item of "Personal Information", an item of "Search History", an item of "Purchase History", and an item of "Posting History". These items included in the user information are associated with each other. Note that in FIG. 6, the information stored in the items such as the item of "Personal Information", the item of "Search History", the item of "Purchase History", and the item of "Posting History" 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 of the user list information 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" of the above-mentioned 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 (product → 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" in the above-described user information.

[0071] In the item of "Weight of Product Score", when correcting the search result of a product, 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-described formula (1). In the item of "Weight of User Score", when correcting the search result of a product, 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-described formula (1).

[0072] According to FIG. 8, when correcting the search result of a product 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 RAM as a working 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, and 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 a product (an example of a "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 among the product information stored in the product information storage unit 121. Note that the search by the search unit 131 may be performed by proximity search.

[0076] Also, the search unit 131 generates a search result using the content obtained by the search process. 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 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 scores are equal to or higher than a predetermined value. Then, the information processing apparatus 100 ranks the narrowed-down 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.

[0077] (Generation Unit 132) For each product to be listed 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 descending order of their scores, and generates a user list in which the identification information and scores of the identified users are associated with their ranks based on the scores. For example, when generating a user list indicating the user ranked first in terms of the products listed 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] Also, 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 listed, for each product. Specifically, for each product, the generation unit 132 identifies a predetermined number of users in descending order of their scores, and generates a user list in which the attribute information and scores associated with the identified users are associated with their ranks based on the scores. For example, when generating a user list indicating the user ranked first in terms of the products listed 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 degree of relevance to the product for each of a plurality of users who can be the destination for providing product information, 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-described 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, the determination unit 134 determines the products to be provided included in the search results to be provided to the user U based on the modified search results. For example, the determination unit 134 determines a predetermined number of products in order from the ones with higher scores among the modified search results as the products to be provided.

[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 a product score obtained by evaluating products based on information of similar users similar to the new user, and 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 a product score corresponding to another product similar to the new product, and a user score regarding the other product. By doing so, the information processing apparatus 100 can handle the cold start problem.

[0086] (Providing unit 135) The providing unit 135 provides content that posts the product determined by the determination unit 134 to the user U who input the query. Further, the providing unit 135 provides content in which the corresponding product is posted to the candidate user specified by the specifying unit 133.

[0087] (Updating unit 136) The updating unit 136 updates the usage mode of the user list. For example, the updating unit 136 specifies the content in which the user U has performed 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 previously evaluated for each of a plurality of users who may be the destination of the content posting the information regarding the product. Then, the updating 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 performed the predetermined action.

[0088] Specifically, 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 where the predetermined conversion has been performed, the weight of the user score corresponding to this user U (the weight for using the user list) is increased. 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). Also, 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 where the predetermined conversion has been performed, the weight of the user score corresponding to the user U (the weight for using the user list) is decreased. 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 the user list associated with the product posted in the content where 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 the user U (hereinafter referred to as the "relevant user") who has performed a predetermined conversion is included in the user list associated with the product for which the predetermined conversion has been performed, the score associated with the relevant user in the user list may be increased by a predetermined ratio. Also, for example, when the relevant user is similar to the users included in the user list associated with the product for which the predetermined conversion has been performed, the score associated with the users similar to the relevant user in the user list may be increased by a predetermined ratio. At this time, the update unit 136 may suppress the increase ratio of the score to be lower than when the relevant 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 Provision Processing) 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 among 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 piece of 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 for each product to generate a ranking of 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 in consideration of the user score for each product.

[0094] Subsequently, the determination unit 134 determines the products to be provided included in the search result to be 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 products to be provided (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 for which a predetermined conversion has been performed by the user U among the products listed in the content provided to the user U as search results (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 modification. As shown in FIG. 11, the user list according to the modification 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 modification, since processing can be executed using the user ID as a key in the same manner as 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. In addition, information on the influencer can also 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 a user list indicating other users with a high degree of relevance as viewed from the user in advance for each user, and use this user list when expanding the user to be processed. In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 may associate a content list indicating other contents with a high degree of relevance as viewed from the content in advance for each content, and use this content list for "i2i" recommendation.

[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), or 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, optical recording media such as CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and PDs (Phase change rewritable Disks), magneto-optical recording media such as MOs (Magneto-Optical disks), tape media, magnetic recording media, or semiconductor memories. 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 manually performed, or all or part of the processes described as being manually performed can be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings 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 figure. That is, the specific form of the distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage situations.

[0116] In addition, the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents do not conflict.

[0117] [7. Effects] The information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment includes a search unit 131 and a determination unit 134. The search unit 131 searches for a target corresponding to the user. The determination unit 134 determines a target to be provided to the user by ranking the targets based on the first score information obtained by evaluating a target (for example, a product) based on user information related 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 users who can be the providers of the target information.

[0118] For example, in the information processing apparatus 100, the determination unit 134 re-ranks the search results of the targets corresponding to the user based on the total result of the first score information and the second score information.

[0119] Further, for example, in the information processing apparatus 100, the determination unit 134 selects one of the first score information and the second score information based on the comparison result between the first score information and the second score information, and re-ranks the search results of the target corresponding to the user based on the selected score information.

[0120] From this, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment can increase the possibility that various information is provided in information distribution. For example, by pre-scoring the user U who can be the distribution destination of the content from the product perspective, the information about products with a small inventory such as auction items can be provided pinpoint to the user U who strongly desires to purchase such products. Similarly, the information such as job positions with limited employment quotas can be provided pinpoint to the user U who has the conditions and suitability for the job position. In addition, for the user who has searched for a predetermined product, not only the content in which the popular products are listed, but also the possibility that the content in which other products matching the destination user are listed can be increased. Also, even for information such as news content with unlimited resources, the possibility that news that matches only a specific user can be provided to the specific user can be increased.

[0121] Further, in the information processing apparatus 100, when the search unit 131 searches for a target corresponding to a new user, the determination unit 134 uses the first score information obtained by evaluating the target based on the information of similar users similar to the new user, and the second score information obtained by evaluating the relevance in advance for each of the similar users, to rank the target.

[0122] Further, in the information processing apparatus 100, when the search unit 131 searches for a new target, the determination unit 134 uses the first score information corresponding to other targets similar to the new target, and the second score information obtained by evaluating the relevance to other targets in advance for each of the plurality of users, to rank the new target.

[0123] As a result, the information processing apparatus 100 can handle the cold start problem.

[0124] As described above, some embodiments of the present application have been described in detail with reference to several drawings. However, these are merely 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, including the aspects described in the column of the disclosure of the invention.

[0125] In addition, the "section, module, unit" described above can be read as "means", "circuit", etc. For example, the control section can be read as a control means or a control circuit.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0126] 10 Terminal device 100 Information processing apparatus 110 Communication section 120 Storage section 121 Product information storage section 122 User information storage section 123 User list storage section 124 Weight information storage section 130 Control section 131 Search section 132 Generation section 133 Identification section 134 Decision section 135 Provision section 136 Update section

Claims

1. A search unit that searches for an object corresponding to a user, Based on the first score information obtained by evaluating the object based on the user information about the user, and the second score information for each object obtained by pre-evaluating the relevance of each of the plurality of users who can be the information providers of the object to the object, by ranking the objects, a determination unit that determines the object to be provided to the user Comprising, The determination unit, Based on the combined result of the first score information and the second score information, re-rank the search results of the object corresponding to the user An information processing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. A search unit that searches for an object corresponding to a user, Based on the first score information obtained by evaluating the object based on the user information about the user, and the second score information for each object obtained by pre-evaluating the relevance of each of the plurality of users who can be the information providers of the object to the object, by ranking the objects, a determination unit that determines the object to be provided to the user Comprising, The determination unit, Based on the comparison result of the first score information and the second score information, select either one of the first score information and the second score information, and based on the selected score information, re-rank the search results of the object corresponding to the user An information processing apparatus characterized by the above.

3. An information processing method executed by a computer, A search step of searching for an object corresponding to a user, Based on the first score information obtained by evaluating the object based on the user information about the user, and the second score information for each object obtained by pre-evaluating the relevance of each of the plurality of users who can be the information providers of the object to the object, by ranking the objects, a determination step that determines the object to be provided to the user Including, The determination step, Based on the combined result of the first score information and the second score information, re-rank the search results of the object corresponding to the user An information processing method characterized by the above.

4. On a computer, A search procedure for searching for an object corresponding to a user, A determination procedure for determining the target to be provided to the user by ranking the target based on the first score information obtained by evaluating the target based on the user information regarding the user and the second score information for each target obtained by previously evaluating the relevance of the target for each of a plurality of users who can be the information provider of the target is executed, The determination procedure is re-ranking the search results of the target corresponding to the user based on the combined result of the first score information and the second score information An information processing program characterized by the above.

5. An information processing method executed by a computer, a search step of searching for a target corresponding to a user, a determination step of determining the target to be provided to the user by ranking the target based on the first score information obtained by evaluating the target based on the user information regarding the user and the second score information for each target obtained by previously evaluating the relevance of the target for each of a plurality of users who can be the information provider of the target including, The determination step is selecting either one of the first score information and the second score information based on the comparison result between the first score information and the second score information, and re-ranking the search results of the target corresponding to the user based on the selected score information An information processing method characterized by the above.

6. On a computer, a search procedure for searching for a target corresponding to a user, a determination procedure for determining the target to be provided to the user by ranking the target based on the first score information obtained by evaluating the target based on the user information regarding the user and the second score information for each target obtained by previously evaluating the relevance of the target for each of a plurality of users who can be the information provider of the target is executed, The determination procedure is selecting either one of the first score information and the second score information based on the comparison result between the first score information and the second score information, and re-ranking the search results of the target corresponding to the user based on the selected score information An information processing program characterized by the above.

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