System, method, and program for supporting consensus building on the Internet

Abstract

A method, program and system using the Internet to support consensus building among users on a variety of topics is provided. [Solution] The method includes a quoting step of quoting a second post by a second user when having a first user send a first post, and including all or part of the content of the second post in the first post; a first evaluation value assigning step of, when a third user performs a point voting operation on the first post, associating a first evaluation value calculated based on the voted points with the first user and saving the first evaluation value; and a second evaluation value assigning step of, when the third user performs a point voting operation on the first post, associating a second evaluation value calculated based on the voted evaluation points with the second user and saving the second evaluation value.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a system, method, and program for supporting consensus building on the Internet, and more particularly to a system, method, and program for supporting the efficient building of consensus by avoiding unnecessary disputes. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, various posts have been made on the Internet via social networking services (SNS) and online bulletin boards. Specifically, bulletin boards for various genres and topics are set up, and on each bulletin board, multiple users exchange opinions. While these bulletin boards allow multiple users to express a wide variety of opinions, raise issues, and reach appropriate consensus, meaningful exchanges of opinions rarely occur. Furthermore, the only way to ask questions and receive answers on query sites and other platforms is through questions with clear answers or questionnaire-style questions. Asking questions about issues not previously discussed often poses a significant challenge. While discussions about familiar topics like etiquette and politics were commonplace in the early days of the Internet, these discussions often led to problems, and today, online discussions between strangers are generally considered undesirable.

[0003] The difficulty of actual discussion lies in the following aspects. Many of the opinions and assertions posted by others are controversial and cannot be clearly stated as wrong. For example, even if people share the same opinion, the judgment of whether something is "within the acceptable range" or "excessive" depends on the person's values. For this reason, it is difficult to set standards for people's values, which vary from person to person. Even if a comment is posted requesting correction of such inappropriate posts, the desired correction is almost never made, and there is a high risk of the post escalating into an argument or a flame war.

[0004] To correct such inappropriate posts, a system is known in which users can request the operator (operating company) of the SNS to delete the post by pressing a "report button" displayed on the screen for the inappropriate post (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The inappropriate post management system described in Patent Document 1 has a prohibited information statistics database that stores statistics on prohibited information related to users, and a report management server that manages reports of inappropriate posts on a video distribution server. When the report management server receives a request from the video distribution server to investigate the reporter who reported that a posted file is an inappropriate post, it uses the prohibited information statistics database to investigate the reporter's credibility, and sends a notification to the video distribution server to reject, approve, or suspend the report based on this investigation.

[0005] Meanwhile, on the Internet, when processing information about an item provided by multiple users via a network and registered in a collective intelligence database system such as Wikipedia, a system is known that accurately determines whether the item needs to be edited and notifies the user (see, for example, Patent Document 2). The item information processing device in the collective intelligence database system described in Patent Document 2 extracts terms in text and link destination information as item attributes from information about each of multiple items in the collective intelligence database system. Next, the extracted attributes of each item are used to calculate the similarity between two items. Then, a notification is sent to encourage the integration of information about the two items based on the calculated similarity. Regarding item division, for one item, the text that is information about the item is divided into paragraphs, the similarity for each paragraph is calculated using attributes, and cluster analysis of the paragraphs is performed using this similarity. If the number of clusters is greater than one, a notification is sent to encourage the division of the item into cluster units.

[0006] However, with the technology of Patent Document 1, if the reporter's report is permitted, the administrator can only delete the post; no third party other than the reporter or poster can question the appropriateness of the post. Furthermore, even with the technology of Patent Document 2, the system only determines whether an item needs to be edited and notifies the user accordingly; this technology also does not allow a third party to question the appropriateness of the post (whether the item needs to be edited). In other words, conventional technology has not been able to enable debate between the poster, reporter, and third parties on the Internet, reach an appropriate consensus, and solve difficult problems. In this regard, while online bulletin boards and the like allow for the exchange of opinions, the heated exchanges simply cause posts to escalate, making it difficult to generate substantive discussion and making it difficult to reach an appropriate consensus.

[0007] Local governments have a diverse range of citizens, including the elderly, adults, children, immigrants from other countries, men and women or LGBTQ people, able-bodied people, and people with physical disabilities. It is desirable for such local governments to listen to the opinions of a wide variety of citizens and reach an appropriate consensus. For example, one problem that arises in such local governments is when they have vacant land within the city and are considering how to use it. In this case, the optimal use envisioned by each of the elderly, adults, children, immigrants from other countries, men and women or LGBTQ people, able-bodied people, and people with physical disabilities will differ depending on the type of land. This makes it extremely difficult to reach a consensus that reflects the opinions of a diverse range of citizens.

[0008] Typically, when it comes to how to use such vacant lots, city officials submit several use proposals after soliciting public comments, and the city council or other bodies decide which of these to use, or the mayor decides on the use in a top-down manner. However, in these cases, because there are limited personnel to consider use proposals for vacant lots, measures such as referring to examples from other cities and towns are often taken, and it is rare that the use reflects the majority or best opinions of the citizens. For example, it is possible to hold a citizens' referendum to select the use, but citizen referendums are often basically just a binary choice of YES or NO, and there are cases where the optimal use desired by the citizens is not even included in the options. Furthermore, completely unexpected problems may arise once the plan is implemented.

[0009] To solve these problems, it would be possible to consider ways of using the Internet that would fully reflect the opinions of citizens, such as by discussing how to use the Internet, posting their opinions on Internet bulletin boards where citizens can freely access the Internet, and then voting by selecting the appropriate option from these opinions.However, as mentioned above, the Internet is prone to heated exchanges of opinions, and posts simply escalate, making it difficult for substantive discussion to take place.As a result, opinions that reflect the will of the majority of citizens and excellent opinions that ordinary people would never think of (so-called genius opinions) are buried, and it is not possible to use the Internet to solve difficult problems.

[0010] In recent years, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to derive solutions to problems has become increasingly common. However, despite its advances, AI is only capable of reverse-calculating from a goal, and is unable to provide direction or inspiration for thinking. Specifically, while AI can derive certain answers based on big data, it cannot define the problem itself or derive superior opinions that are not present in big data and would not be thought of by the average person. Furthermore, even if the big data contains superior opinions that the average person would not be able to think of, AI will eliminate these minority opinions and derive a general answer. For this reason, currently, answers derived through thorough discussion among multiple users are more likely to be appropriate than answers derived by AI. For this reason, there is a need for an internet-based consensus-building support system that allows multiple users to reach an appropriate agreement on something through thorough discussion over the internet.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a system, method, and program using the Internet that can support consensus building among diverse users of the Internet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-178706 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-8599 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] To provide a system, method, program, and computer system that efficiently supports consensus building on the Internet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The ideal approach to consensus building is to reach a consensus among those involved in the goal. To achieve this, it is essential that everyone be able to freely express their opinions and that the discussion process be made visible. In today's internet environment, the necessary conditions are already in place; all that is needed is to create a forum for such discussion. However, as noted above, it is difficult to hold meaningful discussions in the current internet environment. The first problem is that people's opinions vary widely. To properly understand these, it is necessary to properly analyze, organize, and classify opinions, and then compare and verify them. We believe that by categorizing and ordering various views and distinguishing between important and unimportant opinions, the essence of the problem will emerge. This sorting and classification process will enable objective analysis and judgment, clearly revealing the next issues and the path to resolution.

[0015] The present invention addresses the above problem by providing a "mapping function." In addition, by sorting and classifying posts in advance, posters are less likely to be attacked by others, allowing them to post with peace of mind.

[0016] The next problem is the vast amount of information currently available on the Internet, a mixture of valuable and irrelevant information. While it is easy to rank this information, it is extremely difficult to accurately determine ranking results, given that features like the "Like" button are often used as a communication tool and judged based on personal likes and dislikes. One factor contributing to this is that, due to the nature of the Internet, viewing content and voting are often in highly visible locations, limiting the scope of information that can be judged instantly. If the goal is consensus-building, submitted opinions are likely to become complex and lengthy, often incorporating underlying ideals and beliefs. Furthermore, serious opinions are likely to lack interest or be beyond the recipient's understanding, leading to rejection or lack of response even when encountering valuable opinions. This requires users to be literate, but the prevalence of irresponsible evaluations could lead to confusion and impede the progress of discussion. This invention addresses the above problem by providing a "voting point awarding function."

[0017] The next problem is that gathering a wide range of opinions from the public is extremely difficult. First, even if opinions are collected, publicizing them requires a lot of money and effort. Indifferent people are expected to remain unresponsive, and even those who are aware of the issue will not take the time out of their busy daily lives to post their opinions. However, if one's knowledge and opinions can be used to their advantage with little effort, it will attract the interest of many people. Furthermore, if it is considered a social contribution with a competitive or gamified element, many participants are likely to participate. This invention addresses the above problems by providing a "quotation function and parent-child point awarding function."

[0018] In this invention, by making full use of the above functions, opinions are collected from as many people as possible to derive the optimal solution for solving a problem, and this information is organized and classified, allowing for appropriate and healthy discussion, thereby enabling appropriate consensus building.

[0019] That is, the present invention solves the above problems by the following [1] to [9]. [1] A computer-executed method for a social networking service, the method including: a quoting step of quoting a second post by a second user when having a first user send a first post, and including all or part of the content of the second post in the first post; a first evaluation value assigning step of, when a third user performs a point voting operation on the first post, associating a first evaluation value calculated based on the voted points with the first user and saving the first evaluation value; and a second evaluation value assigning step of, when the third user performs a point voting operation on the first post, associating a second evaluation value calculated based on the voted evaluation points with the second user and saving the second evaluation value. [2] The method described in [1], wherein the citation step further includes an automatic citation determination step of calculating the similarity between the first post and the second post, and determining that the second post is a citation if the similarity exceeds a predetermined value. [3] The method according to [1] further includes an incentive granting step of calculating an incentive value when the third user performs a point voting operation on the first post and storing the incentive value in association with the third user, wherein the calculation of the incentive value is performed based on the number of votes by users other than the third user after the third user performs a point voting operation on the first post. [4] The method described in [1], wherein the second evaluation value assignment step further includes a step of increasing the second evaluation value when the second post quotes the entire text of the first post in the previous period compared to when the second post quotes only part of the first post in the previous period. [5] A program executed in a social networking system, A program that causes a computer to execute the following commands: a group of quoting instructions that, when causing a first user to send a first post, quote a second post by a second user and include all or part of the content of the second post in the first post; a group of first evaluation value assigning instructions that, when a third user performs a point voting operation on the first post, associates a first evaluation value calculated based on the voted points with the first user and saves the first evaluation value; and a group of second evaluation value assigning instructions that, when the third user performs a point voting operation on the first post, also associates a second evaluation value calculated based on the voted evaluation points with the second user and saves the second evaluation value. [6] The program described in [5], wherein the citation command group further includes an automatic citation determination command group that calculates the similarity between the first post and the second post and determines that the second post is a citation if the similarity exceeds a predetermined value. [7] The program described in [5], wherein the first evaluation value assignment command group includes a command group for calculating the first evaluation value based on the number of point votes by users other than the third user after the third user performs a point voting operation on the first post. [8] The program described in [5] further causes a computer to execute a set of incentive granting instructions that, when the third user performs a point voting operation on the first post, calculates an incentive value and stores the incentive value in association with the third user, and the set of instructions for calculating the incentive value are calculated based on the number of votes by users other than the third user that were cast after the third user performed a point voting operation on the first post. [9] A computer system configured to carry out the methods described in [1] to [4]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] A method, program, and computer system are provided that efficiently support consensus building on the Internet. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a consensus building support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a two-dimensional map according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing various functions possessed by an information processing device, a storage device, and a plurality of user terminals that execute a mapping function of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a simplified information processing process of a mapping function of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a mapping function of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a two-dimensional map displayed on a display unit of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a check image displayed on the display unit of the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of transmission from a user terminal to an information processing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a voting table according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is an image diagram showing voter ID and coordinate information stored in a storage device of this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing voting results in this embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a two-dimensional consensus map according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of acquired voting points in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the allocation of voting points according to the present embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of voting data according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of voting data according to the present embodiment. [Figure 17]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of voting data according to the present embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the screen by the quotation function in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a copy board according to the present embodiment. [Figure 20] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a storage device and an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the font method in the quotation function of the present embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a font-based user terminal screen in the quotation function of the present embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an image method in the quotation function of the present embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image-based user terminal screen in the quotation function of the present embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a detection method in the quotation function of the present embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a user terminal screen of a detection method in the quotation function of the present embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a color display change function in the quotation function of the present embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a user terminal screen for a color display change function in the quotation function of the present embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a comment table and a quotation table according to the present embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the partial quotation function of this embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a copy history management process in the partial quotation function of this embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a parent-to-descendant point allocating function according to the present embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing parent-child relationships of posted opinions according to the present embodiment. [Figure 34]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user terminal screen in the posted opinion overwriting function of the present embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of character code shifting, which is a measure to prevent copying and pasting according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be given only when necessary.

[0023] As mentioned above, to support appropriate consensus building online, (1) gather as many opinions as possible from various positions and perspectives and clarify the benefits and disadvantages of each. Then, (2) demarcate each opinion and discuss compromises and solutions among multiple users. Then, (3) arrive at an appropriate agreement that satisfies users from various positions. Then, (4) solicit specific examples (perspective drawings and CG images, etc., in the case of building a building) of countermeasures based on the agreement reached (for example, a proposed use for the vacant lot in the city mentioned above), and narrow down the most promising ones through a competition. Then, (5) estimate the cost of each of the narrowed-down countermeasures and compile a more specific and realistic final proposal. By implementing each of the steps (1) through (5), it becomes possible to support consensus building on a variety of topics online.

[0024] First, in step (1), opinions are collected from as many different users as possible, and the content of those opinions varies from user to user. For this reason, if multiple users exchange opinions without sorting the opinions of each user, there is a risk that the discussion will not develop appropriately. For this reason, in step (1), it is necessary to attribute and sort the various opinions posted on the Internet so that each user can reliably recognize the attributes of those opinions (opinion sorting and the position of the posted opinion). To perform this opinion sorting, the consensus building support system of this embodiment has a mapping function.

[0025] Furthermore, even if the mapping function sorts user opinions, it may be difficult to determine which of the sorted opinions are valuable. To clearly determine whether an opinion is valuable or not, the consensus building support system of this embodiment has a voting point assignment function that ranks the vast amount of opinions (information) spread over the Internet based on votes from viewers and easily determines whether an opinion is valuable or not. The voting point assignment function can also be used in step (3) when selecting one opinion from the final two or three opinions narrowed down to arrive at a consensus that users from various positions can agree on.

[0026] Furthermore, in step (2), in order to present a compromise or solution to the opinion of a certain user, other users may formulate their own opinions based on the opinion of the certain user. In such cases, it is efficient to use the copy and paste function (hereinafter sometimes referred to as copy and paste) on a computer to copy the text of the quoting user. Using the copy and paste function allows viewers to make comments efficiently, saving time and contributing to an increase in the number of comments. In particular, if an opinion that you believe is correct already exists (has already been posted), adding your own opinion based on that already makes work much more efficient and reduces effort. In order to create your own opinion by quoting such opinions of others, the consensus building support system of this embodiment has a quotation function. Details of the quotation function will be described later.

[0027] Furthermore, if an opinion of another user is copied and pasted, the user who posted the original opinion needs to take some kind of action. For this reason, the consensus building support system of this embodiment has a parent-descendant point awarding function that awards unique points to the user who posted the original opinion.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1 , the online consensus building support system 1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as system 1) of this embodiment comprises an information processing device 200 (server), a storage device (database) 300, individual user terminals (personal computers, smartphones, etc.) 400 owned by each user, and an internet line (network) 100 connecting these. It is a system within an online community (a so-called social networking site) run by the information processing device 200, storage device 300, and user terminal 400. While the storage device 300 is configured separately from the information processing device 200, it may be directly connected to the information processing device 200 or may be built into the information processing device 200. This consensus building support system 1 has the aforementioned mapping function, voting point assignment function, citation function, parent-descendant point assignment function, and suspicion detection function. The various functions and systems described above are described in detail below for each embodiment.

[0029] [First embodiment] The mapping function of this embodiment is realized by a consensus building support system 1 including an information processing device 200, a storage device 300, and multiple user terminals 400 connected via a network 100 shown in FIG. 1. This mapping function is a function that classifies difficult-to-categorize objects in two dimensions through a voting system among multiple people. This mapping function prepares a two-dimensional map (distribution diagram) of the objects to be classified (opinions, statements, feelings, etc., which in this embodiment are posted content), and multiple users vote for the classification position they believe is correct, resulting in the object being classified into the corresponding position. A program running on the information processing device 100 displays the prepared two-dimensional map on the screen of the user terminal 400, accepts user input, and stores the results in the storage device 300.

[0030] As an example, let us consider the two-dimensional map shown in Figure 2. In this two-dimensional map, the top, bottom, left, and right sides form pairs, representing a binary opposition. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, freedom is emphasized at the top of the two-dimensional map, and control is emphasized at the bottom. Furthermore, equality is emphasized on the left side of the two-dimensional map, and competition is emphasized on the right side. By displaying opposing content at the top, bottom, left, and right sides in this way, many users can determine which position a certain user's post takes and check the voting marker (voting button) corresponding to that post's position. The position of the most selected voting marker (the position with the most votes) among the voting markers selected by multiple users can be determined as the position of that post. This determination is made based on the cumulative ratings of multiple users, making it possible to clearly identify the position of the posted opinion. Note that in the example shown in Figure 2, four voting markers are displayed at the top, bottom, left, and right of the center of the two-dimensional map (a completely neutral position), but the number of voting markers and the content displayed at the top, bottom, left, and right sides can be freely set.

[0031] Such a two-dimensional map is displayed on the screen of the user terminal 400 next to objects to be classified, such as products, works, posts, etc. (in this embodiment, posted opinions). This allows the user to easily recognize that the two-dimensional map displayed next to a post (for example, to the right) is the two-dimensional map corresponding to that post. Other users (viewers) then determine the appropriate position for the posted opinion and vote, and the object of the post, etc., is assigned a classification based on the results of this voting. Below, a method for deriving a two-dimensional map representing the consensus of voters (hereinafter referred to as a consensus two-dimensional map) from the votes of each user (voter) will be described in detail.

[0032] 3 is a block diagram showing various functions possessed by an information processing device 200, a storage device 300, and a plurality of user terminals 400 that execute the mapping function of this embodiment. Each user terminal 400 includes a control unit that executes various processes of the user terminal 400, an operation unit for operating the user terminal 400, a display unit that displays various information, a storage unit that stores various information, and a communication unit that is connected to the network 100 and transmits various information. As shown in FIG. 3, each user terminal 400 includes a two-dimensional map display function and a voting function, and these functions are executed by the control unit, operation unit, display unit, and communication unit described above.

[0033] Of these, the display function of the two-dimensional map is configured by the screen (display unit) of the user terminal 400. The voting function is achieved by selecting the position of the posted opinion by tapping the voting marker at the corresponding position on the two-dimensional map displayed on the screen, and transmitting this to the information processing device 200. In other words, the voting function is configured by the screen (display unit) and touch panel sensor (operation unit) of the user terminal 400, as well as a communication unit that transmits the selected voting data to the information processing device 200 via the network 100.

[0034] The information processing device 200 includes a control unit that executes various processes within the information processing device 200, an operation unit for operating the information processing device, a display unit that displays various information, a memory unit that stores various information, and a communication unit that is connected to the network 100 and transmits various information. As shown in FIG. 3 , the information processing device 200 includes a voting data (voting information) storage function and a voting data tallying function, and these functions are executed by the control unit, operation unit, display unit, and communication unit of the information processing device 200. The voting data storage function temporarily stores voting data transmitted from each user terminal 400, and is implemented by a memory unit within the information processing device 200. Specifically, the voting data storage function associates an ID number for identifying the user terminal transmitted from each user terminal 400 with coordinate information (position information of the voting marker), temporarily stores the voting data in a memory unit within the information processing device 200, and transmits the temporarily stored voting data to the storage device 300 (tallying result transmission function).

[0035] The storage device 300 has a function of storing the user ID number and coordinate information of the voting data transmitted from the information processing device 200 in a voting table. The voting result counting function of the information processing device 200 acquires the voting data stored in the voting table of the storage device 300, counts it, and based on the counting results, creates a two-dimensional consensus map with the maximum voting position as the consensus of user votes, and transmits the two-dimensional consensus map to each user terminal 400.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing in simplified form the information processing process of the mapping function of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the mapping function of this embodiment sends voting data from each user terminal 400 to the information processing device 200 (1. Vote), the information processing device 200 stores the voting data in the storage device 300 (2. Store), and when a predetermined number of voting data (28 in this embodiment) have been stored in the storage device 300, the voting data is acquired from the storage device 300 (3. Acquire), the acquired voting data is tallied by the information processing device 200 (4. Tally), and a consensus two-dimensional map is created by classifying the tallied results into coordinates with the most votes (5. Classify), the consensus two-dimensional map is sent to each user terminal 400, and the consensus two-dimensional map is displayed on each user terminal 240 (6. Display Classification Results).

[0037] More specifically, the above-described mapping function is executed according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the information processing device 200 transmits a map (two-dimensional map) on which voting buttons (voting markers) are arranged two-dimensionally, along with posted opinions, to each user terminal 400, and each user terminal 400 displays the posted opinions and the two-dimensional map on its display unit (step S01). In this embodiment, for example, a two-dimensional map such as that shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit. In this two-dimensional map, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are assigned to the vertical axis and A, B, C, D, and E are assigned to the horizontal axis, displaying a total of 25 buttons (voting markers). Characters indicating the positions of the voting contents, as shown in FIG. 2, are displayed above, below, left, and right of the buttons (omitted in FIG. 6). This allows the user to visually easily recognize the positions of the posted opinions, and in this state, the user can select the positions of the posted opinions. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a two-dimensional map is displayed in a state where no voting markers are selected.

[0038] Next, the user selects, by clicking, tapping, pressing, or other operations, a button (voting marker) at coordinates that the user deems to be the optimal position for the classification target (posted opinion, etc.) on the two-dimensional map displayed on the user terminal 400 (step S02). For example, if the user taps the fourth voting marker from the left and the second from the top, a check mark indicating the selection is displayed on the tapped voting marker, as shown in FIG. 7. This allows the user to easily recognize the selected voting marker on the two-dimensional map. In the example shown in Figure 7, a check image is displayed, but this is not limited to this, and the voting marker may be displayed in black, or in a color different from the other voting markers.

[0039] Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the user terminal 400 links the coordinate position information (D:2 in the example shown in FIG. 7) selected in step S02 with the voter's ID information and transmits it to the information processing device 200 via the network 100 (step S03).

[0040] The information processing device 200 stores the voter ID information and coordinate information transmitted from each user terminal 400 in a voting table of the storage device 300 (step S04). Specifically, the information processing device 200 temporarily stores the voting data transmitted from each user terminal 400 in an internal storage unit, and stores this in the voting table of the storage device 300. As shown in Fig. 9, this stored data is stored in a state in which the voter ID for identifying the user terminal transmitted from each user terminal 400 is linked to the coordinate information (position information of the voting marker). This voting table is managed for each voter ID and coordinate information in the storage device 300, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0041] Then, when a predetermined number of voting data (e.g., 28 votes) have been stored in storage device 300, information processing device 200 retrieves the voting data from the voting table in storage device 300 and tallies it (step S05). In the processing of step S05, coordinates are associated with the number of votes (count) cast for each coordinate and tallied, with the results being, for example, as shown in Fig. 11. In the results shown in Fig. 11, C:1 received 1 vote, D:1 received 5 votes, E:2 received 2 votes, B:2 received 1 vote, C:3 received 3 votes, D:2 received 8 votes, E:2 received 4 votes, C:3 received 1 vote, D:3 received 2 votes, and E:1 received 1 vote.

[0042] Next, the information processing device 200 classifies D:4, which received the most votes from the above tallying results, as the highest value, and creates the consensus two-dimensional map shown in Fig. 12 in which a black circle image is displayed as the marker for D:4 (step S06). Then, the data of the consensus two-dimensional map is transmitted to each user terminal 400.

[0043] Finally, the user terminal 400 displays the consensus two-dimensional map transmitted from the information processing device 200 next to the posted opinion (step S07). This allows the user to easily recognize the position of the posted opinion simply by visually checking the consensus two-dimensional map displayed next to the posted opinion. The processes in steps S01 to S07 are repeated, and the votes are tallied every time a predetermined number of votes are received.

[0044] [Effects of the first embodiment] The consensus building support system 1 of this embodiment has a mapping function, so it can easily recognize the position of posted opinions, which was difficult to do with conventional technology when collecting and discussing opinions on social issues, for example. In other words, it can classify various different viewpoints on a single issue, making it easier to grasp the outline and enabling objective analysis. When used in conjunction with rankings, viewers can search for and quickly find the information they want from among all the opinions. Furthermore, it is expected that comparing all the opinions will raise new questions and points of contention. It is expected that the discussion will evolve as the analysis of posts leads to the creation of further posts.

[0045] [Modification of the first embodiment] In the first embodiment, posted opinions are mapped, but the method is not limited to this, and can also be used to classify impressions obtained through the five human senses, such as visual sense (e.g., pictures and photographs), auditory sense (e.g., music), taste (e.g., food), olfactory sense (e.g., smell), and tactile sense (e.g., bodily sensation). It is also possible to derive the consensus of multiple users by using the mapping function various maps already existing in each industry (e.g., flavor charts for various seasonings, tea, coffee, black tea, sake, wine, whiskey, etc.). Furthermore, experts can display in advance on a two-dimensional map the position of a product, and consumers who purchase the product can use the mapping function to determine any discrepancies in perception between experts and consumers, which can also increase the desire to purchase the product. Furthermore, by comparing vague human concepts and feelings with the two-dimensional map, it is possible to determine where one stands or what one's way of thinking is, and it can also be used as a tool for so-called self-analysis. In other words, the mapping function of this embodiment is not limited to posted opinions, and since it can two-dimensionalize human feelings, its scope of use is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and examples, and any object can be used as a classification target.

[0046] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a two-dimensional map is displayed on multiple user terminals 400, and a consensus two-dimensional map is displayed on each user terminal 400 based on data transmitted from the user terminals 400. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the two-dimensional map printed on the ballot paper may be printed on postcards or flyers and distributed to each user, and a consensus two-dimensional map may be created based on the returned two-dimensional map and displayed on each user terminal 400. Any method of counting may be used, for example, manual counting or mark sheet counting. On the other hand, if manual counting is performed using transparent paper (tracing paper) or celluloid, and methods such as filling in or punching holes are used, it is possible to easily create a two-dimensional consensus map by simply overlapping the ballots after collection.

[0047] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a two-dimensional consensus map was created in which the position with the most votes was set as the position of the post, but the classification method is not limited to this, and the position of the post may be set, for example, based on the average value or median value.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the two-dimensional map displayed on each user terminal is in a state where no voting markers are selected, but this is not limited to this. For example, a user (contributor) who posted an opinion may perform a self-analysis (self-determination) of the location of their posted opinion in advance, and the voting marker selected by the user who posted the opinion may be displayed in a different color from the other voting markers, so that the location of the posted opinion selected by the contributor is displayed in advance to other users. Furthermore, in the pre-voting stage (pre-mapping stage), the location selected by the contributor may be displayed in a different color, and once a certain number of votes have been obtained, the location with the most votes at the current stage may be displayed in a different color.

[0049] [Second embodiment] Here, by using the mapping function described in the first embodiment, it is possible to clarify the position of the opinions posted by the poster. However, even if the opinions of the poster are sorted by the mapping function (the positions of the posted opinions are made clear), it may be difficult to determine which of the sorted opinions are valuable. To solve this problem, the consensus building support system 1 of this embodiment has a voting point assignment function that ranks the vast amount of opinions (information) distributed on the Internet through voting by viewers and easily determines whether an opinion has value. This voting point assignment function is realized by the consensus building support system 1 that includes multiple user terminals 400, a storage device 300, and an information processing device 200 connected via a network 100 shown in FIG.

[0050] In this second embodiment, although not shown in the drawings, each user terminal 400 has the function of displaying a point voting screen on the screen and of voting by operating the evaluation value voting screen. As shown in the first embodiment, these functions are executed by the control unit, operation unit, display unit, and communication unit of the user terminal 400. Furthermore, the information processing device 200 has the function of saving point voting results and the function of tallying point voting results. As shown in the first embodiment, these functions are executed by the control unit, operation unit, storage unit, and communication unit of the information processing device 200. Furthermore, the storage device 300 has the function of storing point voting results in a point voting table.

[0051] The point voting function of this embodiment is executed based on preset rules. First, as a first rule, the number of votes for one topic (submitted opinion) is preferably two or more, and more preferably about three to five (three in this embodiment). Setting the number of votes to two or more makes it easier to avoid the risk of overconcentration on a specific submitted opinion and also avoids the risk of voting stalling due to concerns that a better opinion will not be submitted if one is submitted after voting. Furthermore, the voting point awarding function of this embodiment provides a so-called "first come, first served" incentive. This is because, in the line-by-line state immediately after voting begins, reading comprehension and judgment skills are tested, and providing an incentive to voters who cast their votes in this state encourages voting. If voting were simply an act of voting, there would be a concern that votes would tend to be biased toward the quality of written expression or opinions that are already considered common knowledge. However, using this method makes it possible to make appropriate judgments that focus on what opinions and solutions are essentially valuable. This creates a competitive and game-like element as the literacy contest is pitted against one another, and is expected to attract many talented viewers. This will also encourage participation by shining a spotlight on so-called geniuses who have previously refrained from speaking out, encouraging them to speak out. Furthermore, by using the appropriate / inappropriate button (see Patent No. 7431926) in the flame war prevention system described separately, even those who vote for phishing or prank opinions for fun will ultimately lose their valuable voting rights, resulting in harm to the voter. For these reasons, inappropriate posts will not be voted out, and the risk of discussion being undermined can be prevented.

[0052] Below, an example of the point awarding rule in this embodiment will be given. Each user has three votes per topic (post). You can only vote once (one vote) for each topic (one post). The incentive (point awarding) method is determined by the number of votes from others after a vote. For example, if there are 100 votes for one post and that vote is the first vote, all votes after that vote (the next 99 votes) will be eligible for points. Also, if that vote is the 50th vote, all votes after that vote (the next 50 votes) will be eligible for points. Voting points are limited to a minimum and maximum. For example, each subsequent vote counts as 0.01 points. In this case, 10 votes equals 1 unit, and 0.1 points are added. The minimum is 0.3 points and the maximum is 1.0 points. Therefore, when the number of subsequent votes reaches 40, the points are added as 0.4 points, and when the number of subsequent votes reaches 50, the points are added as 0.5 points. Specifically, the minimum of 0.3 points is the point for the act of voting. Thereafter, incentive points are awarded in increments of 0.1 for correct predictions, with the maximum being 1.0 point. For example, the progress of acquired voting points increases in stages, as shown in Figure 13. The purpose of this specification is to avoid display complexity and facilitate point settlement.

[0053] Here, an example will be given to explain how voting points are awarded. As shown in FIG. 14, when opinions A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, and K are posted, in order to earn a large number of points, it is necessary to vote for opinions F, J, and E at an early stage (for example, the first). In this regard, it is impossible to predict when these high-scoring opinions will be posted, and in the absence of any other votes, it is extremely difficult to determine the timing of voting. Furthermore, since the posted opinions that earn high points are extremely diverse, it is impossible to earn high points from a biased perspective. For this reason, in this embodiment, each user (each user terminal 400) is granted three voting rights, ensuring that appropriate voting is performed.

[0054] The voting point allocating function described above is basically executed in the same procedure as that of the first embodiment. First, the information processing device 200 transmits a point voting button (point awarding marker) together with the posted opinion to each user terminal 400, and each user terminal 400 displays the posted opinion and the point awarding marker on the display unit. Next, the user selects a posted opinion to which points should be awarded from among the posted opinions displayed on the user terminal 400, and selects the point awarding button corresponding to this posted opinion by clicking, tapping, or pressing. Then, the user terminal 400 associates the selected posted opinion with the voter's ID information and transmits it to the information processing device 200 via the network 100.

[0055] In this regard, in this embodiment, not only the number of votes but also information on which user voted for which voting opinion and when is required, so the information processing device 200 creates voting data with a data structure such as that shown in FIG. 15. In FIG. 15, all of the items number, physical name, logical name, type, data size, and primary key are saved, and the numbers indicate the voting order. Here, a major difference from conventional voting systems is that the number of votes (number of votes) is not stored as data. In other words, in this embodiment, the number of votes (number of votes) is stored as historical information of the point voting process (voting was performed, voting was canceled, etc.), and the total number of votes cast for each voting opinion (final number of votes) can be calculated from this historical information of the point voting process.

[0056] For example, if user ID: 321 casts a vote third for post ID: A001-01 of agenda ID: A001, the user terminal 400 transmits point voting data shown in FIG. 16, which indicates the agenda ID, post ID, user ID, and voting number (voting order), to the information processing device 200 via the network 100, and the information is stored in the memory of the information processing device 200. Also, for example, if user ID: 432 casts a vote fourth for post ID: A001-01 of agenda ID: A001, the user terminal 400 transmits point voting data shown in FIG. 17 to the information processing device 200 via the network 100.

[0057] 15, transmits this to the storage device 300 via the network 100, and stores it in the storage device 300. Note that since the above-mentioned voting point data does not contain information on the "number of votes," when calculating the number of votes for each posted opinion, the information processing device 200 obtains the number of data narrowed down by the posting ID, which results in a value that is the same as the number of votes.

[0058] Regarding incentive rewards (voting points), taking the example of Figure 16, since the voting number of user ID: 321 is 3, the data is narrowed down by the condition "voting numbers 3 and above for the same posting ID," and voting points are calculated according to the number of votes from the fourth onwards, and these are awarded to user ID: 321. In this case, the incentive (voting points) for the voter can be calculated using the following formula 1. Incentive = (number of data points obtained / threshold) × 1 point unit (Equation 1) The above-described processes are repeatedly executed, and points are tallied each time a point vote is cast.

[0059] [Effects of the second embodiment] In addition to assigning voting points, the information processing device 200 also calculates the number of votes cast for the posted opinion and displays the number of votes next to the posted opinion. This allows users viewing the screen of each user terminal 400 to recognize the posted opinion while also seeing the number of votes for that opinion. Therefore, users can easily determine whether a posted opinion is meaningful or not simply by visually checking the number of votes displayed next to the posted opinion. In other words, the value of concepts such as "opinions" and "ways of thinking," which are difficult to judge, can be made visible, enabling genuine information provision, opinion contribution, and discussion. Furthermore, the voting point assignment function allows all opinions to be highlighted, making it possible to warn users of the risk of valuable opinions being buried.

[0060] [Third embodiment] Here, there must be some basis for the opinion that one believes to be correct, and there must be at least a few others who share the same opinion. If such an opinion already exists, it is much more efficient and less labor-intensive to base one's opinion on it and add one's own. Contributors can achieve their goal more quickly by extracting existing information and the opinions of others to create and publish their own original opinion. However, while copying and pasting (hereafter referred to as "copy and paste") text or poetry for personal use has become commonplace, creating and publishing copied and pasted text or poetry as one's own is considered plagiarism and is prohibited. To solve such problems, in this embodiment, the system 1 of this embodiment is a system that assumes copying and pasting, and it is made known in advance that copying and pasting is limited to within the site, and a system is provided in which consent is obtained from the party whose information is copied and pasted, for example, that points will be awarded to the party whose information is copied and pasted. In other words, the system 1 of this embodiment has a quoting function and a parent-child point awarding function as functions that enable appropriate posted opinions to be easily created using copying and pasting.

[0061] The citation function and parent-descendant point assignment function of this embodiment are realized by a consensus building support system 1 including an information processing device 200, a storage device 300, and multiple user terminals 400 connected via a network 100 as shown in FIG. 1. The citation function allows users to freely edit documents created by others and express them as their own documents. The parent-descendant point assignment function automatically assigns points to the creator of the citation source and creators two or three generations further back. The citation function and parent-descendant point assignment function of this embodiment are described in detail below.

[0062] (Citation feature configuration) In this third embodiment, although not shown, each user terminal 400 has a function for displaying a screen of posts by others on its screen. This function is implemented by the control unit and display of the user terminal 400. Such a quotation function has two types: full quotation and partial quotation. Possible usage patterns include a first pattern in which the quoted user's description is added to a full quotation; a second pattern in which the quoted user's description is added to a combination of a full quotation and one or more partial quotation(s); and a third pattern in which one or more partial quotation(s) are combined with a newly created description by a user. The first pattern of full quotation is expected to be used to add one's own opinion to something that is roughly similar to one's own. Another possible usage is to express an opposing opinion to an opposing opinion. Of these, the image displayed on the screen by the quotation function in the first usage pattern displays, for example, that the post is from another person, as well as the title and text of the other person's post, as shown in FIG. 18 . In addition, a quote button is displayed in the upper right corner of the other person's post. When the user taps or presses this quote button on the user terminal 400, the balloon screen of FIG. 18 is displayed, and the user can create a post by quoting the entire text of the article posted by the other person.

[0063] Furthermore, when the "Quote" button on the speech bubble screen of FIG. 18 is pressed on each user terminal 200, the copyboard shown in FIG. 19 is displayed on the screen of each user terminal 200. As shown in FIG. 19, this copyboard is an operation screen for adding one's own opinion to a quoted opinion posted by another person and posting it as a single comment. Within the copyboard, one's own opinion can be added before or after the opinion posted by another person. Furthermore, there are cases where the quoted comment has already quoted another person's opinion. In such cases, it is necessary to clarify the generation from the original comment and the quoted portion. For this reason, in the initial stage (when the "Quote" button on the speech bubble screen of FIG. 18 is pressed), an underline is displayed to indicate that the text is quoted from the original. For example, the second generation has two underlines, the third generation has three underlines, and so on. The number of underlines increases with each generation. Furthermore, to clarify the source of the quotation, the original comment can be displayed in a tooltip by selecting, tapping, or hovering the mouse over the underlined portion.

[0064] Such copyboards are displayed in a frame of a different color than the original posting screen, and by clicking the source button in the upper right corner, the original's posted opinion can be displayed. Furthermore, within the copyboard, the title of the original is enclosed in " " and automatically created with "Consideration XX" at the end. XX is assigned a number that is the next highest based on the number of other citations. For example, if a post has already been cited 14 times, it will be displayed as "Consideration 15," making it easy to see how many citations have been made so far. The title is automatically created as described above, but it can also be erased and replaced with a new title. In addition, methods for indicating the source of a quotation are not limited to underlining, but can also be changed to different display colors.If the quotation function is also used in the source, this quotation will be in a grandchild relationship, so it is acceptable to use different display colors to clearly indicate whether the quoted texts are in a parent-child relationship or an ancestor-grandchild relationship.

[0065] The technical methods available for implementing the copyboard include a font method, which copies text data with citation information added, an image method, which copies image data, and a detection method, which copies plain text and performs internal analysis.

[0066] A flowchart for the font method is shown in Figure 21, and a schematic diagram is shown in Figure 22. With the font method, when a user selects a quotation and performs a copy operation (step S11), the text with citation information added is copied (step S12). There are no particular restrictions on the method for adding citation information, but a suitable method is to embed parameters within tags, following the HyperText Markup Language (HTML) description format commonly used in web services. In HTML, parameters can be added to text by enclosing the text portion to be displayed to the user in tags expressed as <>. For example, the ID of the user who created the quotation and the citation order can be added as shown below. " <p id=""123456”" ref=""2”"> Quoted text In the above example, the text was created by user 123456, and the citation relationship is second-generation (grandchild citation).

[0067] When copying, a script such as JavaScript may be used to process the text in order to add citation information to the text. Furthermore, if the service is provided via a web browser, the script may be used in conjunction with the above to customize the copy operation to a desired behavior, such as changing the copy operation performed by pressing the Ctrl+C keys simultaneously to copy text with citation information added. Alternatively, the script may be used in combination to prohibit text copying operations on a web browser using operations other than the quote copy button. In addition to using the script in combination, prohibiting copy operations can also be achieved by detecting specific user operations (for example, right-clicking, pressing the Ctrl+C key combination, or pressing the Ctrl+V key combination) by writing an event handler in HTML.

[0068] The quoted text with the added citation information is temporarily stored in a storage device until the user pastes the quoted text into the posting screen (step S13). The temporary storage location can be a storage device built into the user terminal 400 or a storage device 300 of the company that operates the service. When using the user terminal 400, the text can be stored, for example, on the terminal's clipboard. When using the storage device 300, it is preferable to store the quoted text with the added citation information in the storage device in a form linked to information (for example, a user ID) for identifying the user who performed the copy. When the information is stored in the storage device 300 of the company that operates the service, it is preferable to provide a user interface that stores the user's temporary information on a server and allows the user to call up and paste the information from the server. For example, a quote copy button and a quote paste button can be provided.

[0069] When a user pastes a quotation (step S14), tag information may be automatically determined (step S15), and text may be modified to indicate on the user terminal 400 that the quotation is a quotation (step S16). A scripting language capable of dynamically processing information based on user operations, such as JavaScript, may be used to detect tag information. The design of the text modification is not particularly limited as long as it can be determined to be a quotation. For example, the number of underlines may be used to indicate the citation, such as a single underline for a first-generation quotation and two underlines for a quotation within a quotation. Modifications such as changing the font color of the text, changing the background color, or using shading, bolding, or italics may also be used. For example, changing the font color to dark blue for a full quotation and purple for a partial quotation may indicate the extent of the quotation. However, the color is not particularly limited, and any color within the RGB range may be used.

[0070] For example, when a quotation is included within a quotation, the background color can be changed to light blue or ivory, but the background color can be selected appropriately from the range of colors that can be expressed with RGB. For example, when a quotation is included within a quotation, shading can be expressed using repeating patterns such as diagonal lines, dots, squares, stars, or ellipses, but there are no restrictions on the shape of the shading, and any commonly available pattern can be selected appropriately. Text can be modified using methods such as specifying HTML tags or specifying CSS styles.

[0071] When the tag information is detected, if necessary, the fact that a quote has been made may be saved in the storage device 300. At this time, parent-descendant points may be calculated and points may be linked to the quoting user. These processes may be performed at the time the post is actually made or at any time during periodic screening of the posted data, and there are no particular restrictions on the timing of their execution.

[0072] A flowchart for the image method is shown in FIG. 23, and a schematic diagram is shown in FIG. 24. In the image method, when a user selects a quote and performs a copy operation (step S21), the quote is copied in image format. The user can quote by pasting the image into the posting screen. When performing a copy operation, a script such as JavaScript may be used to convert the quote into an image, and the image processing may be performed. Furthermore, when a service is provided via a web browser, for example, the script may be used in combination to customize the copy operation to a desired behavior, such as changing the copy operation performed by pressing the Ctrl+C keys simultaneously to copy in image format.

[0073] The image of the quotation is temporarily stored in a storage device until the user pastes the image on the posting screen (step S22). As a temporary storage location, a storage device similar to that used for the text method described above can be suitably used. When using storage device 300 as the temporary storage destination for the image, parameters for specifying the citation relationship can be embedded in the URL of the image. Examples of embedded parameters include the user ID of the quote source, the number of generations of the quote, and the citation relationship of the quote source. When the user pastes the quotation, it is inserted as image data on the posting screen (step S23).

[0074] When converting a quotation into an image, it is possible to add processing to the image as needed. For example, it is possible to insert text into the image indicating that it is a quotation, to insert text indicating the user who is the quotation source, or to modify the text of the quotation based on the citation relationship of the source before converting it into an image. There are no particular limitations on how the text of the quotation can be modified, but for example, the text modification designs exemplified in the font method described above can be used.

[0075] A flowchart of the detection method is shown in Figure 25, and a schematic diagram is shown in Figure 26. In the detection method, when a user selects a quote and performs a copy operation, simple text is simply copied. When the copied text is pasted, or after it is actually posted, it is automatically determined whether the posted content contains a quote (step S31). The automatic determination of quotations is made by comparing the text to be posted with text posted in the past and calculating the degree of similarity (step S32). If the result of the comparison exceeds a set threshold value for similarity, the text is determined to be a quotation (step S33).

[0076] The method for calculating the similarity is not particularly limited, and the most appropriate method may be selected depending on the nature of the service. For example, the posted text is divided into words and phrases using morphological analysis, and then the repetition rate and rarity of each word within the text are calculated. After performing these processes on the text to be compared, the similarity is calculated by calculating the inner product of the processed data as word vectors. The analyzer used for morphological analysis can be a known engine, such as MeCab, Sudachi, JUMAN, janome, etc. Furthermore, the TF-IDF method, Word Vectors method, doc2vec method, etc. can be suitably used as a method for calculating repetition and rarity.

[0077] The similarity threshold for determining whether a citation is true can be set appropriately depending on the nature of the service and the parent-child point criteria, but for example, to prevent false positives, it is preferable to set the similarity threshold to 0.4 or more, 0.5 or more, 0.7 or more, 0.8 or more, or 0.9 or more. Furthermore, to increase the detection rate, it is preferable to set the similarity threshold to 1 or less, 0.95 or less, 0.85 or less, 0.75 or less, 0.65 or less, 0.55 or less, or 0.45 or less.

[0078] If it is determined from the similarity comparison that the posted text contains a citation, citation information is added to the text or the citation relationship is saved in storage device 300 (step S34). When citation information is added to a text, for example, the method of embedding parameters in HTML tags as described above can be suitably used. When saving citation relationships in storage device 300, for example, each post can be managed by a unique identification number, and managed in a table that links the identification number to the citation relationship.

[0079] When adding citation information or saving citation relationships, text modification may be performed to indicate to the user terminal 400 that the posted text contains a quotation, or parent-descendant points may be calculated or linked to the cited user. The same methods and timing for implementing these may be suitably used as for the font method described above.

[0080] The process of determining citations by comparing with past posts as described above is performed on all past posts to detect all citation relationships (step S35). To shorten processing time, it is possible to limit the past posts to be referenced as needed. For example, it is possible to apply a filter based on the posting date and time, or to target only posts that are expected to have a high degree of similarity based on text cluster classification.

[0081] (Color display change function) The screen displayed on the user terminal 400 may have a function that allows the user to arbitrarily change the screen display as a custom setting to make text easier to read. A flowchart and a schematic diagram of the color display change are shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. When the execution of the color display change function is detected (step S41), a setting menu is displayed for the user (step S42). The system checks whether the color display setting has been changed (step S43). If a change has been made, the color display on the user terminal is changed (step S44), and the setting is saved in a storage device (step S45). The configurable items may be selected as appropriate for the user's convenience. Examples include changing the text color, background color, shading, bolding, and italics. When citation relationships are indicated using these decorations, it is preferable to be able to change the settings individually. For example, if text colors are used to distinguish between non-quotation, quotation, and quotation within a quotation, the text color can be specified for each citation relationship.

[0082] There are no particular limitations on how the custom settings can be implemented, but for example, a settings menu can be created on the screen using HTML, and dynamic processing can be performed by detecting when a user selects a setting menu using JavaScript. The settings can be reflected in the screen display by rewriting the HTML or CSS using JavaScript according to the user's selection.

[0083] (Configuration of parent-children point allocation function) Here, the purposes of quotation vary. For example, examples of quoting the entire text include adding an opinion to agree with or refute a posted opinion, engaging in a question-and-answer session, or providing information or adding a supplementary opinion. On the other hand, examples of partial quotation include presenting the posted opinion as material for one's own post, or collecting sympathetic or hostile text. In this regard, if the point award rate for quoting the entire text and for quoting only a portion of it were set to the same, a sense of unfairness could arise between the poster whose entire text is quoted and the poster whose partial text is quoted, which could lead to problems. For this reason, in this embodiment, the parent-descendant point award rate for a poster whose entire text is quoted is set to be different from the parent-descendant point award rate for a poster whose partial text is quoted. In this embodiment, parent-descendant points are not awarded by a poster who quotes a post to the poster who originally quoted it, but rather by a poster whose post is quoted being awarded parent-descendant points by processing of the information processing device 200. An example of how parent-descendant points are awarded is shown below.

[0084] For example, if a new poster who posts a full quote (creates a new post using the full text of another person's post) earns 100 points, the quoter will be awarded 30 points, which is a flat 30% of the points earned. Note that the earned points here refer to the voting points described in the second embodiment above. In other words, the parent-descendant points awarded to the quoter will vary depending on the voting points earned by the new poster. Furthermore, if the quoter's post also includes a quoter from one generation before the quoter, 9% of the 30% (30% x 30% = 9%) of the parent-descendant points will also be awarded to the quoter from one generation before the quoter.

[0085] Additionally, if a post is made by quoting part of another person's post (creating a new post by quoting part of another person's post), points will be awarded depending on the number of characters in the quoted portion. Specifically, if the quoted character count is between 20 and 100 characters, the points will be set at 3% of the voting points earned by the new voter; if the quoted character count is between 101 and 300 characters, the points will be set at 5% of the voting points earned by the new voter; and if the quoted character count is between 301 and 600 characters, the points will be set at 7% of the voting points earned by the new poster. (If the quoted character count is 600 characters or more, the full text will be used as a quote.)

[0086] In this embodiment, parent-descendant points are awarded according to the voting points of a new post depending on the number of characters in the citation source, but this is not limited to this. For example, images, videos, and audio data can also be quoted. In this case, a flat rate of 5% of the voting points of a new post may be awarded regardless of the number of images, videos, and audio data quoted. Also, when both text and images, videos, and audio data are used, the combined parent-descendant points may be awarded. Furthermore, if the citation source includes a citation from one generation earlier, the same treatment as above applies.

[0087] On the other hand, if too much of the original quoted text is deleted during editing when posting a quote, i.e., if the number of quoted characters is less than 20, it is preferable that the quote be automatically switched to a "new original post" (separate thread) rather than a quote post, and that a notice to that effect be displayed on the screen of each user terminal 200. Also, in cases where the quoter's opinion has not been added to the quoted text, it is considered necessary to display a warning message and to restrict or control posting. Furthermore, it is preferable to set a limit on the number of partial quotes that can be used, as it is expected that they will be used in ways that are different from the original purpose. Similarly, if the quoted text contains more than 600 characters, it is preferable to automatically switch to a full-text quote. It should also be clearly stated that anyone who intentionally disconnects the link between the parent and descendant point allocation function despite having made a citation will be guilty of a violation. It would also be possible to crack down on inappropriate use by placing the appropriate / inappropriate button for the separately described flame prevention system (see Patent No. 7431926) nearby.

[0088] The quotation function and parent-descendant point assignment function described above are achieved by various functions of the information processing device 200, the storage device 300, and each user terminal 400. Specifically, as the full-text quotation function, the information processing device 200 has a copyboard creation function that creates a copyboard and transmits it to each user terminal 200 when the quotation button is operated on the user terminal 400, a display function that transmits the copyboard to the user terminal 400 and displays it, a user ID acquisition function that acquires the user ID of the quotation source, a quotation determination function that acquires the number of quoted characters, a parent-descendant point calculation function that calculates parent-descendant points for the user ID (user terminal 400) of the quotation source from the points tallied by the point voting result tallying function described in the second embodiment, and a storage control function that associates the calculated parent-descendant points with the user ID and stores them in the storage device 300. These various functions are executed by the control unit, operation unit, display unit, storage unit, and communication unit of the information processing device 200.

[0089] On the other hand, as partial quotation functions, the information processing device 200 has a thread generation lock function that generates a separate thread and locks (disables) the post button when part of a sentence from another person's post is copied or pasted by the user terminal 400; a post acquisition function that acquires the string (copied characters) saved in the clipboard after the separate thread is created, the post currently displayed on the screen, and previously viewed posts; a determination function that determines whether the post currently displayed on the screen and previously viewed posts contain the same content as the clipboard; and a function that acquires the user ID of the quote source in order to link it as a quotation and saves the quotation linking information in a database.

[0090] The storage device 300 also has a function of storing the quoter's user ID and parent-descendant points transmitted from the information processing device 200 in a parent-descendant point table. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 29, the storage device 300 includes a comment table that stores the opinions posted by posters, a point table that stores points corresponding to the posted opinions, and a quotation table that stores the posting ID of the quote destination, the posting ID of the quoter, the quotation start position, the number of quoted characters, and the number of inserted characters or lines. The comment table stores the posting ID, poster ID, and posting content associated with each of various posted opinions, and the point table stores the poster ID and assigned points such as posting points and parent-descendant points. The number of characters to be inserted and the number of lines to be inserted stored in the quotation table are values ​​that specify the position and line of the character string in the quoted post to which the quotation is to be added.

[0091] In addition, as a full-text quotation function, the user terminal 400 has a copyboard display function for displaying a copyboard sent from the information processing device 200, an editing function for editing the contents of the copyboard, and a copyboard posting function for posting the edited contents of the copyboard. On the other hand, as a partial quotation function, the user terminal 400 has a copy-and-paste function for copying and pasting part of the characters of the quotation source text. This copy-and-paste function is executed by the control unit, operation unit, display unit, storage unit, and communication unit of the user terminal 400 described above.

[0092] (Partial quotation function) Unlike full-text quotations, there are cases where partial quotations are desirable, such as when gathering information to support an opinion, or when using quotations to work more efficiently. The partial quotation function is executed based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, when a user performs a copy or paste operation of a sentence (character string) in an opinion posted by another person on the user terminal 400 on the system (step S51), the information processing device 200 generates a separate thread (step S52) and locks (disables) the post button (step S53). Then, the information processing device 200 acquires the character string on the clipboard (the character string copied in step S21) (step S54) and acquires the list of posts displayed on the screen of the user terminal 400 (step S55).

[0093] In this embodiment, when a copy and paste operation is performed, a separate thread (a new post screen) is displayed and the post button is locked, but this is not limiting. For example, there is a case where a user performs a copy and paste operation while the new post screen is displayed. In this case, when a copy and paste operation is performed, the post button on the new post screen displayed on the display unit may be locked.

[0094] After generating the separate thread, the information processing device 200 determines whether the posted opinion currently displayed on the screen contains the character string (copied character) saved in the clipboard (whether the character string on the clipboard matches a part of the character string in the posted opinion) (step S56). If it is determined in the determination process of step S56 that the character string on the clipboard does not match a part of the character string in the posted opinion (mismatch), the information processing device 200 acquires the posted opinion displayed before the currently displayed posted opinion (step S57) and executes the determination process of step S56. As long as it is determined in the determination process of step S56 that there is a mismatch, step S57 and step S56 for acquiring the next posted opinion are repeatedly executed. In addition, to prevent unintentional linking of opinions from the post list with other opinions that use the same words, it is also possible to save the poster's views and link them by tracing the viewing history from most recent to oldest.

[0095] On the other hand, if the determination process in step S56 determines that the character string saved on the clipboard matches a portion of the character string in the posted opinion, the posting ID of the matching posted opinion is acquired in order to link the posted opinion determined to match as the quoted posted opinion, and the quoting post ID, quoting destination post ID, quote start position, quoted character count, etc. are saved in the citation table, and the post button is unlocked (step S57). This allows the user to operate the post button, and when the post button is operated, a new posted opinion is posted with the citation information linked. Once the post button is processed, editing of the posted content is considered complete, and the number of inserted characters or lines of the quote is registered in the citation table data added in S57.

[0096] For example, when a character string saved in the clipboard as described above is pasted into part of a new post, the information processing device 200 executes the above processes S51 to S58 using the copy-and-paste quotation or detection function, posts a new posted opinion, and stores the quotation source's post ID in association with the quotation destination's post ID in the quotation table, assigns parent-children's points to the quotation source's post ID, and stores the number of points in the storage device 300.

[0097] (Copy history management for partial quotation function) Since the method for generating a copyboard in which the entire text is quoted has been described above, the copy history management process in the partial quotation function in which part of an opinion posted by another person is quoted will be described here. First, when the quote button for another person's posted opinion is operated, the quote source post is determined as shown in FIG. 31 (step S61). At this time, the information processing device 200 acquires the posting ID of the quote source. Next, the range of text to be quoted is selected from the entire text of the posted opinion (step S62). In the process of step S62, the information processing device 200 acquires the quote start position and the number of quoted characters. Next, the information processing device 200 acquires the current cursor position in the text to be quoted, i.e., the insertion position of the quoted text (step S63). Then, the information processing device 200 saves the acquired information (quoted text, number of quoted characters, and quote source posting ID) in the quotation table of the storage device 300.

[0098] (Parent-child points awarding function) The parent-offspring points are awarded according to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, when a new post is made by operating each user terminal 400, the information processing device 200 acquires various information related to the new post (step S71). Next, the information processing device 200 determines whether the new post contains at least a portion (quote) of an opinion posted by another person (step S72). Specifically, in the determination process of step S72, the information processing device 200 determines whether the text in the new post contains a quotation from a quotation table stored in the storage device 300, which stores the quotation destination post ID, the quotation source post ID, the quotation start position, the number of quoted characters, and the number of inserted characters or lines. If it is determined through this determination process that a quotation is not included (NO in S72), the parent-descendant point assignment process is terminated.

[0099] On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of step S72 that the text in the new post contains a quotation (YES in S72), the poster ID of the quotation is checked (step S73). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 29, the information processing device 200 acquires the posting ID of the quote source that contains the text determined to be a quotation. Then, the information processing device 200 assigns parent-children points to the poster ID of the quote source (step S74), and ends this process. Note that no posting points are assigned when a new post is made. For this reason, in this embodiment, the parent-to-descendant point assigning process (steps S42 to S4) is executed again at a predetermined timing (for example, once a month) to add up parent-to-descendant points. The timing of point assignment is not limited to the above, and the parent-to-descendant point assigning process may be executed each time posting points are assigned to a new post. In other words, the details of parent-to-descendant point assignment can be changed as appropriate to suit actual operations.

[0100] In this embodiment, the parent-child relationship of a posted opinion is, for example, as shown in the figure. In the example of Figure 33, the number of citations increases as the generations progress from parent generation (1st generation) to child generation (2nd generation) to grandchild generation (3rd generation). In this embodiment, for example, if a new post is for 3 generations, parent-child point awards are given for the 2nd and 1st generations. The award rate of these parent-child point awards is as described above. Here, citation relationships continue from parent to descendant to great-grandchild to great-great-grandchild, but a single citation (one time) contains only two pieces of information: "the quoted text itself" and "where its parent is," and the parent-child relationship is established by connecting these units. Points are awarded by tracing back from the end to the parent, but if points were awarded unlimitedly, the citations would become intricately intertwined, creating an infinite loop of parent-descendant point awarding. For this reason, in this embodiment, parent-descendant points are only awarded up to two generations back, preventing the infinite awarding of parent-descendant points.

[0101] In addition, in this embodiment, even if a user cancels their membership, the account data is not deleted. Instead, the status of the data is switched from "active user" to "cancelled user." When the data is displayed, the user name is replaced with "cancelled user." This makes it possible to trace all of the posts and operation logs of users who have canceled their membership. Therefore, even if a user cancels their membership, there will be no problems with the allocation of citation relationships or parent-children points. In addition, if an inappropriate post is made, the post may be subject to punishment using the separately described inappropriate button (see Patent No. 7431926). In this case, it is expected that the post will be hidden, but this will not affect the quoted post.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to maintain the above-mentioned mutual relationship, the poster of the quote cannot change their opinion. It is also intended to prevent the discussion from becoming unclear, since it is assumed that the discussion will continue. (Same specifications as email.) As the discussion progresses, comments are made using new posts such as the first draft, second draft, third draft, etc. (Figure 34). In this case, categorization in mapping will either inherit the previous classification position or start from the position desired by the person, but there may be cases where opinions change significantly. In such cases, it is expected that viewers will feel uncomfortable, but the number of mapping votes up to the previous time will be invalidated, and a new classification will be determined by a new vote.

[0103] [Effects of the third embodiment] In this embodiment, copying and pasting within the site is no longer prohibited and is instead considered a legitimate and encouraged activity. This allows users to express their opinions with significantly reduced time and effort. It is also expected that unique opinions, rather than commonplace ideas, will be valued. Furthermore, the incentive of collecting points is expected to attract valuable, easy-to-understand posts that can influence others. While it is usually unpleasant to have one's opinion denied or refuted, it is believed that debates that involve disagreements can be highly valuable and influential. Such debates can lead to the acquisition of high points, which in turn encourages users to listen to negative opinions. Healthy debates, rather than the fruitless bashing that results from flame wars, encourage beneficial activities for other viewers and site management.

[0104] [Modification of the third embodiment] In the third embodiment, the rate at which parent-children points are awarded is changed depending on whether the entire text is quoted or only a portion of it is quoted. However, this is not limited to this. For example, regardless of the number of characters quoted, the rate at which parent-children points are awarded may be varied depending on the importance of the keywords included or the number of quotations.

[0105] In the above embodiment, parent-descendant points are only awarded up to two generations back to prevent infinite points from being awarded. However, this is not limited to this, and parent-descendant points may be awarded for three or more generations back. In this case, to prevent infinite points from being awarded, for example, the quoting destination posting ID may be referenced, and if an infinite loop occurs, a "warning message" may be displayed to notify the user that quoting is not possible. Furthermore, "Quote Source" and "Quote Destination" buttons may be provided on the display screen, and a list of points awarded for parent-descendant, great-grandchildren, etc. (see, for example, FIG. 34) may be displayed.

[0106] [Measures to prevent violations in the third embodiment] While this invention provides useful discussions and solutions, it also poses the risk of valuable information being misused. The following method is one example of a preventative measure. Create a font specifically for the system and register the character code by shifting it a certain number of codes from the original code. An example of shifting the codes is shown in Figure 35. The purpose of using original fonts (characters) within a site is to prevent external misuse or leakage. If characters are copied and pasted outside the system, the misaligned character codes will cause the characters to display incorrectly and appear garbled. Since the original font is intended to be "incompatible," any format other than the one listed above is acceptable. While a work table like Notepad is necessary for drafting and other tasks, this can be resolved by distributing dedicated application software. Furthermore, by combining this with the locking function mentioned above, even more strict violation prevention measures are possible.

[0107] In addition, using this method will prevent the site from being searched by search robots. This will distinguish between malicious use from external parties and genuine use, and operators can encourage users to use the site's internal search function and call for appropriate use.

[0108] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The components in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary and not limited as long as they can achieve the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1. Consensus Building Support System 100 Network 200 Information processing device 300 storage device 400 User Terminals

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method in a social networking service, comprising: a quoting step of quoting a second post by a second user when causing a first user to send a first post, and causing the first user to include all or part of the content of the second post in the first post; a first evaluation value assigning step of, when a third user performs a point voting operation on the first post, storing a first evaluation value calculated based on the voted points in association with the first user; a second evaluation value assigning step of, when the third user performs a point voting operation for the first post, associating a second evaluation value calculated based on the voted points with the second user and storing the second evaluation value; The second evaluation value assigning step further includes a step of increasing the second evaluation value when the first post is sent by quoting the entire content of the second post compared to when the first post is sent by quoting only a part of the content of the second post. method.

2. the citation step further includes an automatic citation determination step of calculating a similarity between the first post and the second post, and determining that the second post is a citation when the similarity exceeds a predetermined value; The method of claim 1.

3. The method further includes an incentive granting step of calculating an incentive value when the third user performs a point voting operation on the first post, and storing the incentive value in association with the third user; the calculation of the incentive value is performed based on the number of votes by users other than the third user after the third user performs a point voting operation on the first post; The method of claim 1.

4. A program executed in a social networking system, a group of citation instructions for causing a first user to quote a second post by a second user when causing the first user to send a first post, and causing the first user to include all or part of the content of the second post in the first post and send the second post; a first evaluation value assignment command group for, when a third user performs a point voting operation on the first post, storing a first evaluation value calculated based on the voted points in association with the first user; and a second evaluation value assignment command group for, when the third user performs a point voting operation for the first post, associating a second evaluation value calculated based on the voted points with the second user and saving the second evaluation value, The second evaluation value assignment instructions further include instructions for increasing the second evaluation value when the first post is sent quoting the entire content of the second post compared to when the first post is sent quoting only a part of the content of the second post. program.

5. the citation command group further includes a citation automatic determination command group that calculates a similarity between the first post and the second post, and determines that the second post is a citation when the similarity exceeds a predetermined value; The program according to claim 4.

6. and causing the computer to execute a set of incentive granting instructions to calculate an incentive value when the third user performs a point voting operation on the first post and store the incentive value in association with the third user; the set of instructions for calculating the incentive value calculates the incentive value based on the number of votes by users other than the third user that are cast after the third user performs a point voting operation on the first post; The program according to claim 4.

7. A computer system configured to perform the method of claims 1 to 3.

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