Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To notify suitable other persons of distribution content such as news.SOLUTION: According to the present application, an information processing device includes a reception part for receiving the designation of attributes of other users desired as an introduction destination of distribution content from a user to be a distribution destination of the distribution content, and a distribution part of distributing the distribution content to the other users having the attributes designated from the user. According to the present application, the information processing device further includes a determination part for determining whether the number of designated persons exceeds a prescribed threshold on the basis of the attributes of the other persons designated by the user, and the distribution part distributes the distribution content to the other users having the designated attributes in the case of the number of designated persons exceeding the prescribed threshold about the attributes of the designated other users.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for introducing some or all of the content to others are disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the above conventional technology transmits some or all of the content to other computers that store the same program as the computer that reproduces or displays the content such as music (music data, etc.). Therefore, it cannot be said that the distribution content is transmitted to an appropriate other user among an unspecified number of other users who the user wants to introduce the distribution content such as news to.

[0005] The present application has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to transmit distribution content such as news to an appropriate other person.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing apparatus according to the present application includes a reception unit that receives designation of attributes of other users desired as introduction destinations of the distribution content from a user who is a distribution destination of the distribution content, and A determination unit that determines whether the number of other users specified by the aforementioned user exceeds a predetermined threshold, from the user If the specified number of other users with the specified attributes exceeds a predetermined threshold, a distribution unit that distributes the distribution content to other users having the designated attributes, and is characterized by including the same.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment of the system, news and other distribution content can be transmitted to appropriate individuals. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the information processing method according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of a server device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a user information database. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a historical information database. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a referral information database. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a hardware configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes in detail, with reference to the drawings, embodiments for implementing the information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments"). Note that these embodiments do not limit the information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program according to the present application. Furthermore, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the following embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] [1. Overview of Information Processing Methods] First, with reference to Figure 1, an overview of the information processing method performed by the information processing device according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the information processing method according to the embodiment. In Figure 1, the example of conveying news and other distribution content to an appropriate person will be used for explanation.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 10 and a server device 100. The terminal device 10 and the server device 100 are connected to each other via a network N (see Figure 2) by wire or wireless means so that they can communicate with each other. In this embodiment, the terminal device 10 cooperates with the server device 100.

[0012] Terminal device 10 is a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet used by user U, and is a mobile terminal device capable of communicating with any server device via a wireless communication network such as 4G (Generation) or LTE (Long Term Evolution). Terminal device 10 also has a screen such as an LCD display with touch panel functionality, and accepts various operations on displayed data such as content from user U using a finger or stylus, such as tapping, sliding, and scrolling. Operations performed on the area of ​​the screen where content is displayed may also be considered operations on the content. Furthermore, terminal device 10 may be not only a smart device, but also an information processing device such as a desktop PC (Personal Computer) or a notebook PC.

[0013] The server device 100 is an information processing device that works in conjunction with each user U's terminal device 10 and provides each user U's terminal device 10 with API (Application Programming Interface) services for various applications (hereinafter referred to as "apps") and various data, and is implemented by a computer or cloud system.

[0014] Further, the server device 100 may be an information processing device that provides some kind of web service online to the terminal device 10 of each user U. For example, as a web service, the server device 100 may provide services such as Internet connection, search service, SNS (Social Networking Service), e-commerce (EC: Electronic Commerce), electronic payment, online game, online banking, online trading, accommodation and ticket reservation, video and music distribution, news, map, route search, route guidance, route information, operation information, weather forecast, etc. In fact, the server device 100 may cooperate with various servers that provide the above web services and mediate the web services, or be responsible for the processing of web services.

[0015] In addition, the server device 100 can obtain user information regarding the user U. For example, the server device 100 obtains information regarding the attributes of the user U, such as the gender, age, and residential area of the user U. Then, the server device 100 stores and manages the information regarding the attributes of the user U together with the identification information (such as user ID) indicating the user U.

[0016] In addition, the server device 100 acquires various types of history information (log data) indicating the actions of the user U from the terminal device 10 of the user U or from various servers etc. based on the user ID etc. For example, the server device 100 acquires a location history, which is a history of the location and time of the user U, from the terminal device 10. Also, the server device 100 acquires a search history, which is a history of search queries input by the user U, from a search server (search engine). Also, the server device 100 acquires a browsing history, which is a history of the content browsed by the user U, from a content server. Also, the server device 100 acquires a purchase history (settlement history), which is a history of the user U's product purchases and settlement processing, from an e-commerce server or a settlement processing server. Also, the server device 100 may acquire a listing history or a sales history, which is a history of the user U's listings on the marketplace, from an e-commerce server or a settlement processing server. Also, the server device 100 acquires a posting history, which is a history of the user U's posts, from a posting server or an SNS server that provides a word-of-mouth posting service. Note that the above various servers etc. may be the server device 100 itself. That is, the server device 100 may function as the above various servers etc.

[0017] [1-1. Mechanism for transmitting news etc. distribution content to others] In this embodiment, a new information circulation mechanism for users by users is proposed to realize a user participation type mass media. Specifically, the server device 100 receives from the user U who is the distribution destination of distribution content such as news, the designation of the attributes (user segments, user personas are also acceptable) of other user Us who the user U wishes to be the introduction destination of the distribution content. Then, the server device 100 distributes the distribution content to other user Us (target users corresponding to the designated attributes) having the designated attributes.

[0018] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the server device 100 acquires user information (attribute information, history information, etc.) regarding the user U from the terminal device 10 of the user U (user) directly or indirectly (via other server devices etc.) (step S1). <000009​​At this time, the server device 100 obtains user information for each of the unspecified number of users U (U1, U2, ...) from their respective terminal devices 10 (10A, 10B, ...). In other words, the server device 100 obtains user information for each user U (U1, U2, ...).

[0020] Next, the server device 100 distributes news and other content to the terminal device 10 (10A) of user U (U1), who is the recipient of the content, and also distributes a "share button" ("share" button) for sharing the content with others (step S2).

[0021] For example, when a user U (U1) accesses a site (such as a news site) that displays a list of distributed content such as news, the server device 100 distributes the content and also distributes a "refer button" for sharing the content with others.

[0022] In this case, the server device 100 may, in accordance with user information relating to user U(U1), distribute news and other content to user U(U1)'s terminal device 10(10A), and may also distribute a "refer button" for sharing the content with others.

[0023] Next, if the referral button is selected (pressed) by user U(U1), the server device 100 receives a specification from user U(U1) regarding the attributes of the target users to whom user U(U1) wants to inform about the existence of the distributed content (i.e., to have them read the news article, etc.) (step S3).

[0024] Here, the target users to whom user U(U1) wants to inform about the existence of the distributed content are users other than user U(U1). These target users may have the same attributes as user U(U1), or they may have different attributes.

[0025] In this case, if the referral button is selected (pressed) by user U(U1), the server device 100 may provide a user interface to user U(U1)'s terminal device 10(10A) for receiving the specification of the attributes of the target users to whom it wishes to inform about the existence of the distributed content, and may receive the specification of the attributes of the target users to whom it wishes to inform about the existence of the distributed content from user U(U1) via the user interface.

[0026] For example, the server device 100 may present "candidate buttons" (or tags) indicating candidate attributes of the target user to be communicated, and when a candidate button is selected (pressed) by user U (U1), it may accept the specification of the target user attribute corresponding to the selected (pressed) candidate button. The number of "candidate buttons" may be displayed equal to the number of candidate attributes for the target user. Alternatively, the server device 100 may allow user U (U1) to select multiple attribute candidates simultaneously (press multiple buttons) and accept all candidates selected (pressed) simultaneously as specification of the target user's attributes.

[0027] In this case, the server device 100 may use machine learning to estimate candidate attributes of the target user from the title and content of the distributed content such as news (and the attributes of user U(U1), or the history of the attributes of target users previously specified by user U(U1)). For example, the server device 100 takes the title and content of the distributed content such as news (and the attributes of user U(U1), or the history of the attributes of target users previously specified by user U(U1)) as input data and generates an estimation model that outputs candidate attributes of the target user. Note that there may be multiple candidate attributes of the target user that are output.

[0028] Regarding machine learning methods, deep learning, RNN (Recurrent Neural Network), or LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) may be used. These are merely examples, and the method is not limited to these.

[0029] The server device 100 may also present candidate buttons based on attributes such as "frequently views," "frequently comments," "frequently posts on social media," and "frequently 'likes'."

[0030] Alternatively, the server device 100 may distribute a "candidate button" from the start instead of the "refer button" mentioned above, and determine that the refer button has been selected (pressed) when the "candidate button" is selected (pressed). In other words, the server device 100 may distribute news and other content, as well as the "candidate button".

[0031] Alternatively, the server device 100 may present a text box for inputting the attributes of the target user to be communicated, and a "specify button" for specifying the attributes entered in the text box. When the user U (U1) selects (presses) the specify button, the server device 100 may accept the specification of the target user's attributes that correspond to (match) the attributes entered in the text box. In this way, the server device 100 may specify a target user that has the attributes entered in the text or similar attributes.

[0032] Furthermore, the server device 100 may present a text box for user U (U1) to input text such as introductory comments to introduce the distributed content to the target user.

[0033] Next, the server device 100 determines whether the specified number of people with the specified attribute exceeds a predetermined threshold (step S4).

[0034] The specified number indicates how many users have specified the specified attribute. In other words, it shows the number of users who are introducing the distributed content to target users who possess that attribute.

[0035] Next, if the number of users with a specified attribute exceeds a predetermined threshold, the server device 100 prioritizes distributing the content to the terminal device 10 (10B) of user U (U2) who is a target user possessing that attribute (step S5).

[0036] At this time, the server device 100 prioritizes the distribution of the content to the terminal device 10 (10B) of user U (U2) who is the target user, and also presents (or distributes) a message or comment such as "This is news that XX people want to tell you" ("Number of people who want to tell you: XX people") indicating the number of users who have introduced the content to the target user.

[0037] For example, when a target user with the relevant attributes accesses a site (such as a news site) that displays a list of distributed content such as news, the server device 100 prioritizes displaying the distributed content and displays a message such as "This is news that XX people want to tell you." In practice, the server device 100 may also display the number of people (number of individuals) that the content is intended for along with the distributed content.

[0038] Furthermore, the server device 100 may also display the number of users (people) who are introducing the distributed content to the target user, as well as the attributes of the users who are introducing the distributed content.

[0039] Furthermore, when the server device 100 distributes content to a target user having specified attributes, it does not have to distribute the content if the target user has a history of having previously received and viewed that content. In other words, even if there is a referral, it does not have to distribute content that has already been distributed (viewed). Alternatively, the server device 100 may show the target user having specified attributes that the content has already been viewed, along with the number of users who have referred the content to it.

[0040] Furthermore, following the same procedure as described above, the target user may introduce the distributed content to other users. That is, user U(U2) may introduce the distributed content to other users (third parties) other than the above-mentioned users U(U1, U2). For example, the server device 100 receives a request from the target user to whom the distributed content such as news has been delivered, specifying the attributes of other target users to whom the distributed content should be introduced, and distributes the distributed content to other target users with the specified attributes.

[0041] Furthermore, the server device 100 may use machine learning to estimate candidate user attributes from the content and category of news articles, etc., and display the estimated attribute candidates as "candidate buttons." For example, the server device 100 may use machine learning to estimate candidate user attributes from the content and category of news articles, etc., and display the estimated attribute candidates as "candidate buttons." In other words, the target users are people similar to the reader (other users who are interested in the same content and category as the user). In this case, the server device 100 may allow the user to specify the content and category by text input.

[0042] Furthermore, the server device 100 may accept settings from individual users regarding the attributes of target users to be excluded from the specified target, as well as the content and categories of news articles, etc., or these settings may be made by the business operator providing the news distribution service. For example, the server device 100 may accept settings from individual users regarding the content and categories of news articles, etc., that they do not wish to be introduced to. The server device 100 may also accept settings from the business operator regarding combinations of news article content, categories, etc., that they deem should be restricted from being introduced, and user attributes. In some cases, it may be preferable not to convey sensitive news articles, etc., or their categories, to users with specific attributes. If the server device 100 accepts a setting to exclude from the specified target, it may choose not to distribute news articles, etc., with the excluded content or categories to target users who possess the excluded attributes. Alternatively, if the server device 100 accepts a setting to exclude attributes from the specified target, it may choose not to present the attributes to be excluded as "candidate buttons".

[0043] Furthermore, the server device 100 may distribute content to users who have a high degree of attribute overlap with users who have read news articles, etc. (other users). Note that attribute overlap does not have to be an exact match; partial overlap is also acceptable.

[0044] According to this embodiment, user-driven news mining can be achieved. In this embodiment, the user's desire to share information with many people (e.g., "I want these people to read this") generates information dissemination. As a result, the information (news) that the user wants to share reaches the people who should know it.

[0045] [2. Example of an information processing system configuration] Next, the configuration of the information processing system 1, which includes the server device 100 according to the embodiment, will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment includes a terminal device 10 and a server device 100. These various devices are connected to each other via a network N, either by wire or wireless communication. The network N is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet.

[0046] Furthermore, the number of devices included in the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 2 is not limited to those illustrated. For example, in Figure 2, only one terminal device 10 is shown for the sake of illustration, but this is merely an example and not limiting; there may be two or more.

[0047] Terminal device 10 is an information processing device used by user U. For example, terminal device 10 may be a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet, a feature phone, a PC (Personal Computer), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a game console or AV equipment with communication functions, a car navigation system, a wearable device such as a smartwatch or head-mounted display, or smart glasses. Alternatively, terminal device 10 may be a house or building compatible with the Internet of Things (IoT), a car, home appliances, electronic devices, etc.

[0048] Furthermore, the terminal device 10 can connect to the network N via wireless communication networks such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G (4th Generation), and 5G (5th Generation), or via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (Local Area Network), and communicate with the server device 100.

[0049] The server device 100 is, for example, a computer such as a PC or blade server, or a mainframe or workstation. The server device 100 may also be implemented through cloud computing.

[0050] [3. Example of terminal device configuration] Next, the configuration of the terminal device 10 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 10. As shown in Figure 3, the terminal device 10 comprises a communication unit 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, a positioning unit 14, a sensor unit 20, a control unit 30 (controller), and a storage unit 40.

[0051] (Communications Section 11) The communication unit 11 is connected to the network N (see Figure 2) by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information to and from the server device 100 via the network N. For example, the communication unit 11 can be implemented using a NIC (Network Interface Card) or an antenna.

[0052] (Display section 12) The display unit 12 is a display device that displays various information such as location information. For example, the display unit 12 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electro-luminescent display (OLED). The display unit 12 may also be a touch panel display, but is not limited to this.

[0053] (Input section 13) The input unit 13 is an input device that receives various operations from the user U. For example, the input unit 13 has buttons for inputting characters, numbers, etc. The input unit 13 may also be an input / output port (I / O port) or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. If the display unit 12 is a touch panel display, a part of the display unit 12 functions as the input unit 13. The input unit 13 may also be a microphone that receives voice input from the user U. The microphone may be wireless.

[0054] (Positioning unit 14) The positioning unit 14 receives signals (radio waves) transmitted from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and, based on the received signals, acquires position information (e.g., latitude and longitude) indicating the current position of the terminal device 10. In other words, the positioning unit 14 determines the position of the terminal device 10. Note that GPS is just one example of a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

[0055] Furthermore, the positioning unit 14 can determine its position using various methods other than GPS. For example, the positioning unit 14 may use various communication functions of the terminal device 10 to determine its position as an auxiliary positioning means for position correction, etc., as described below.

[0056] (Wi-Fi positioning) For example, the positioning unit 14 determines the location of the terminal device 10 by utilizing the Wi-Fi® communication function of the terminal device 10 and the communication network provided by each telecommunications company. Specifically, the positioning unit 14 determines the location of the terminal device 10 by performing Wi-Fi communication, etc., and determining the distance to nearby base stations and access points.

[0057] (Beacon positioning) Furthermore, the positioning unit 14 may determine the location using the Bluetooth® function of the terminal device 10. For example, the positioning unit 14 determines the location of the terminal device 10 by connecting to a beacon transmitter connected via the Bluetooth® function.

[0058] (Geomagnetic positioning) Furthermore, the positioning unit 14 determines the position of the terminal device 10 based on the geomagnetic pattern of the structure, which has been measured in advance, and the geomagnetic sensor provided by the terminal device 10.

[0059] (RFID positioning) Furthermore, if, for example, the terminal device 10 is equipped with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag function equivalent to that of a contactless IC card used at a train station ticket gate or in a store, or if it is equipped with a function to read RFID tags, the location where it was used will be recorded along with the information on the payment or other transactions made by the terminal device 10. The positioning unit 14 may determine the location of the terminal device 10 by acquiring such information. Alternatively, the location may be determined by an optical sensor or infrared sensor equipped in the terminal device 10.

[0060] The positioning unit 14 may, if necessary, determine the position of the terminal device 10 using one or a combination of the positioning means described above.

[0061] (Sensor unit 20) The sensor unit 20 includes various sensors mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10. The connection can be wired or wireless. For example, the sensors may be detection devices other than the terminal device 10, such as wearable devices or wireless devices. In the example shown in Figure 3, the sensor unit 20 includes an acceleration sensor 21, a gyro sensor 22, a barometric pressure sensor 23, a temperature sensor 24, a sound sensor 25, a light sensor 26, a magnetic sensor 27, and an image sensor (camera) 28.

[0062] The sensors 21-28 described above are merely examples and not limiting. In other words, the sensor unit 20 may be configured to include some of the sensors 21-28, or it may include other sensors such as humidity sensors in addition to or instead of the sensors 21-28.

[0063] The acceleration sensor 21 is, for example, a 3-axis acceleration sensor and detects the physical movement of the terminal device 10, such as its direction of movement, velocity, and acceleration. The gyro sensor 22 detects the physical movement of the terminal device 10, such as its tilt in the three axes, based on its angular velocity. The barometric pressure sensor 23 detects the atmospheric pressure around the terminal device 10, for example.

[0064] Since the terminal device 10 is equipped with the acceleration sensor 21, gyroscope 22, barometric pressure sensor 23, etc., it becomes possible to determine the position of the terminal device 10 using technologies such as pedestrian dead-reckoning (PDR) that utilize these sensors 21 to 23. This makes it possible to obtain indoor location information that is difficult to obtain with positioning systems such as GPS.

[0065] For example, a pedometer using an accelerometer 21 can calculate the number of steps, walking speed, and distance walked. Additionally, a gyroscope 22 can be used to determine the user U's direction of movement, gaze direction, and body tilt. Furthermore, the barometric pressure detected by the barometric pressure sensor 23 can be used to determine the altitude and floor number of the user U's terminal device 10.

[0066] The temperature sensor 24 detects, for example, the ambient temperature around the terminal device 10. The sound sensor 25 detects, for example, the ambient sound around the terminal device 10. The light sensor 26 detects the ambient illumination around the terminal device 10. The magnetic sensor 27 detects, for example, the Earth's magnetic field around the terminal device 10. The image sensor 28 captures an image of the area around the terminal device 10.

[0067] The aforementioned pressure sensor 23, temperature sensor 24, sound sensor 25, light sensor 26, and image sensor 28 can detect the surrounding environment and conditions of the terminal device 10 by detecting atmospheric pressure, temperature, sound, and illuminance, respectively, and by capturing images of the surroundings. Furthermore, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of the location information of the terminal device 10 based on the surrounding environment and conditions.

[0068] (Control Unit 30) The control unit 30 includes, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM, input / output ports, and various circuits. Alternatively, the control unit 30 may be composed of hardware such as an integrated circuit (ASIC) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 30 includes a transmission unit 31, a reception unit 32, and a processing unit 33.

[0069] (Transmitter 31) The transmission unit 31 can transmit various information, such as information input by the user U using the input unit 13, various information detected by sensors 21-28 mounted on or connected to the terminal device 10, and location information of the terminal device 10 determined by the positioning unit 14, to the server device 100 via the communication unit 11.

[0070] (Receiving unit 32) The receiving unit 32 can receive various information provided by the server device 100, as well as requests for various information from the server device 100, via the communication unit 11.

[0071] (Processing 33) The processing unit 33 controls the entire terminal device 10, including the display unit 12. For example, the processing unit 33 can output and display various information transmitted by the transmission unit 31 and various information received from the server device 100 by the reception unit 32 to the display unit 12.

[0072] (Storage unit 40) The storage unit 40 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or by storage devices such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), and optical discs. Various programs and various data are stored in this storage unit 40.

[0073] [4. Example of Server Device Configuration] Next, the configuration of the server device 100 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the server device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130.

[0074] (Communications Department 110) The communication unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 110 is connected to the network N (see Figure 2) by wire or wireless connection.

[0075] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or by storage devices such as HDDs, SSDs, and optical discs. As shown in Figure 4, the storage unit 120 has a user information database 121, a history information database 122, and a referral information database 123.

[0076] (User Information Database 121) The user information database 121 stores user information about user U. For example, the user information database 121 stores various information such as user U's attributes. Figure 5 shows an example of the user information database 121. In the example shown in Figure 5, the user information database 121 has items such as "User ID (Identifier)", "Age", "Gender", "Home", "Workplace", and "Interests".

[0077] "User ID" refers to identification information used to identify user U. Note that "User ID" may be user U's contact information (telephone number, email address, etc.) or identification information used to identify user U's terminal device 10.

[0078] Furthermore, "Age" indicates the age of user U, identified by the user ID. Note that "Age" may be information indicating user U's specific age (e.g., 35 years old), or information indicating user U's age group (e.g., 30s), or "Age" may be information indicating user U's date of birth, or information indicating user U's generation (e.g., born in the 1980s). Furthermore, "Gender" indicates the gender of user U, identified by the user ID.

[0079] Furthermore, "Home" indicates the location information of user U's home, which is identified by the user ID. In the example shown in Figure 5, "Home" is represented by an abstract code such as "LC11," but it could also be latitude and longitude information, etc. Also, for example, "Home" could be a regional name or address.

[0080] Furthermore, "Workplace" indicates the location information of the workplace (or school in the case of a student) of user U, identified by the user ID. In the example shown in Figure 5, "Workplace" is illustrated with an abstract code such as "LC12," but it may also be latitude and longitude information, etc. Also, for example, "Workplace" may be a regional name or address.

[0081] Furthermore, "Interests" indicate the interests of user U, who is identified by their user ID. In other words, "Interests" indicate the subjects of high interest to user U, who is identified by their user ID. For example, "Interests" may be search queries (keywords) that user U enters into a search engine. In the example shown in Figure 5, one "Interest" is shown for each user U, but there may be multiple interests.

[0082] For example, in the example shown in Figure 5, user U, identified by user ID "U1", is in their 20s and is male. Also, for example, user U, identified by user ID "U1", has their home address at "LC11". Furthermore, for example, user U, identified by user ID "U1", has their workplace at "LC12". Finally, for example, user U, identified by user ID "U1", is interested in "sports".

[0083] In the example shown in Figure 5, abstract values ​​such as "U1," "LC11," and "LC12" are used to illustrate the information, but it is assumed that "U1," "LC11," and "LC12" actually store specific strings, numbers, or other information. In the following diagrams relating to other information, abstract values ​​may also be used to illustrate the information.

[0084] The user information database 121 is not limited to the above and may store various types of information depending on the purpose. For example, the user information database 121 may store various types of information about user U's terminal device 10. In addition, the user information database 121 may store information about user U's demographic, psychographic, geographic, and behavioral attributes. For example, the user information database 121 may store information such as name, family structure, place of origin (hometown), occupation, job title, income, qualifications, type of residence (detached house, apartment, etc.), whether or not a car is owned, commuting time, commuting route, commuter pass section (station, line, etc.), frequently used stations (other than the nearest station to home / workplace), lessons / classes (location, time, etc.), hobbies, interests, and lifestyle.

[0085] (History Information Database 122) The history information database 122 stores various information related to the history information (log data) that shows the user U's actions. Figure 6 shows an example of the history information database 122. In the example shown in Figure 6, the history information database 122 has items such as "User ID", "Location History", "Search History", "Browsing History", "Purchase History", and "Posting History".

[0086] "User ID" indicates identification information used to identify user U. "Location History" indicates the location history, which is the history of user U's location and movements. "Search History" indicates the search history, which is the history of search queries entered by user U. "Browsing History" indicates the browsing history, which is the history of content viewed by user U. "Purchase History" indicates the purchase history, which is the history of purchases made by user U. "Posting History" indicates the posting history, which is the history of posts made by user U. Note that "Posting History" may include questions about user U's possessions.

[0087] For example, in the example shown in Figure 6, user U, identified by user ID "U1", moves as described in "Location History #1", searches as described in "Search History #1", views content as described in "Browsing History #1", purchases specified goods at specified stores as described in "Purchase History #1", and posts as described in "Posting History #1".

[0088] In the example shown in Figure 6, abstract values ​​such as "U1", "Location History #1", "Search History #1", "Browsing History #1", "Purchase History #1", and "Posting History #1" are used for illustration. However, it is assumed that "U1", "Location History #1", "Search History #1", "Browsing History #1", "Purchase History #1", and "Posting History #1" will actually store specific strings, numbers, and other information.

[0089] The history information database 122 is not limited to the above and may store various types of information depending on the purpose. For example, the history information database 122 may store the usage history of user U for a specified service. The history information database 122 may also store the visit history of user U to a physical store or a facility. The history information database 122 may also store the payment history of user U using the terminal device 10 for payments (electronic payments).

[0090] (Introduction Information Database 123) The referral information database 123 stores various information about the attributes of target users to whom user U wants to inform about the existence of news and other distributed content. Figure 7 shows an example of the referral information database 123. In the example shown in Figure 7, the referral information database 123 has items such as "distributed content," "specified attributes," and "specified number of people."

[0091] "Distributed Content" refers to identification information used to identify the distributed content, such as news, viewed by user U. "Specified Attributes" refers to the attributes (user segments or user personas) of other users U who user U has specified as potential recipients of the distributed content. "Number of Specified Users" indicates the number of users U who have specified the specified attributes; in other words, it shows the number of users U who are being introduced to the distributed content by users with the specified attributes.

[0092] For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, the attribute of the target user to whom the distributed content "Distribution #A" is introduced is specified as attribute "Attribute #A1" and the specified number of users "Number #A1" (User U).

[0093] In the example shown in Figure 7, abstract values ​​such as "Distribution #A", "Attribute #A1", and "Number of People #A1" are used for illustration, but it is assumed that "Distribution #A", "Attribute #A1", and "Number of People #A1" will actually store specific strings, numbers, or other information.

[0094] The referral information database 123 is not limited to the above and may store various types of information depending on the purpose. For example, the referral information database 123 may store identification information for identifying individual users U who are recipients of the distributed content and have specified specific attributes, and / or attribute information of the user U who made the referral. The referral information database 123 may also store referral comments and the like for introducing the distributed content.

[0095] (Control unit 130) Returning to Figure 4, let's continue the explanation. The control unit 130 is a controller, and is realized by various programs (corresponding to an example of an information processing program) stored in the internal memory of the server device 100, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), executing them using a memory area such as RAM as the working area. In the example shown in Figure 4, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, a reception unit 132, a determination unit 133, and a distribution unit 134.

[0096] (Acquisition part 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires the search query entered by user U. For example, when user U enters a search query into a search engine or the like and performs a keyword search, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the search query via the communication unit 110. In other words, the acquisition unit 131 acquires the keyword entered by user U into the search box of a search engine, website, or app via the communication unit 110.

[0097] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires user information about user U via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires identification information (such as user ID), location information, and attribute information of user U from user U's terminal device 10. The acquisition unit 131 may also acquire identification information and attribute information of user U when user U is registered. The acquisition unit 131 then registers the user information in the user information database 121 of the storage unit 120.

[0098] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various historical information (log data) indicating the user U's actions via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 acquires various historical information indicating the user U's actions from the user U's terminal device 10, or from various servers based on the user ID, etc. The acquisition unit 131 then registers the various historical information in the history information database 122 of the storage unit 120.

[0099] (Reception desk 132) The reception unit 132 receives, via the communication unit 110, the attribute specifications of other users U(U2) that the user U(U1) will receive the content from. At this time, the reception unit 132 receives the attribute specifications of other users U(U2) that the user U(U1) will receive from the user U(U1) when the referral button is selected.

[0100] Furthermore, when a candidate button is selected by user U(U1), the reception unit 132 accepts the specification of attributes of another user U(U2) corresponding to the selected candidate button.

[0101] In this case, the reception unit 132 may use machine learning to estimate candidate attributes of other users U(U2) from the title and content of the distributed content such as news (and the attributes of user U(U1), or the history of attributes of other users U(U2) that user U(U1) has previously specified). In other words, the reception unit 132 may have an estimation unit that estimates candidate attributes of other users U(U2).

[0102] Alternatively, when a designated button is selected by user U(U1), the reception unit 132 accepts the specification of attributes from another user U(U2) that correspond to the attributes entered in the text box.

[0103] The reception unit 132 receives, via the communication unit 110, the specification of attributes of another user (third party) from another user U (U2) to whom the distributed content is delivered.

[0104] Furthermore, the reception unit 132 accepts settings via the communication unit 110 regarding attributes to be excluded from the designated target and the content or category of the distributed content. For example, the reception unit 132 may accept specifications from individual users regarding the content or category of news articles they do not wish to be introduced to. The reception unit 132 may also accept specifications from businesses regarding combinations of news article content or category that they have determined should be restricted from being introduced, and user attributes.

[0105] (Judgment unit 133) The determination unit 133 determines whether the number of other users U(U2) whose attributes were specified by user U(U1) exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0106] (Distribution Section 134) The distribution unit 134 distributes the content to other users U(U2) who have the attributes specified by user U(U1) via the communication unit 110. At the same time, the distribution unit 134 distributes the content to user U(U1) and also distributes a referral button to share the content with others.

[0107] Furthermore, the distribution unit 134, via the communication unit 110, presents user U(U1) with candidate buttons that show the attributes of other users U(U2) that the user U(U1) wishes to be referred to.

[0108] Alternatively, the distribution unit 134, via the communication unit 110, presents user U(U1) with a text box for entering the attributes of another user U(U2) that the user wishes to be referred to, and a selection button for specifying the attributes entered in the text box.

[0109] At this time, the distribution unit 134 distributes the content to other users U(U2) who possess the specified attributes if the number of users with the specified attributes exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0110] The distribution unit 134 distributes the content to other users U(U2) with specified attributes via the communication unit 110, and also displays information indicating the number of users U(U1) who have introduced the content to the other users U(U2). In addition, the distribution unit 134 also distributes the content to other users U(U2), along with a referral button for sharing the content with others.

[0111] If the distribution unit 134 receives a request from another user U(U2) to specify the attributes of yet another user (third party) to which the distributed content has been delivered, it will distribute the distributed content to the other user (third party) who possesses the attributes specified by the other user U(U2).

[0112] Furthermore, the distribution unit 134 restricts the distribution of content and categories excluded from the specified target to other users U(U2) who have attributes excluded from the specified target.

[0113] [5. Processing Procedure] Next, the processing procedure by the server device 100 according to the embodiment will be described using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the processing procedure according to the embodiment. Note that the processing procedure shown below is repeatedly executed by the control unit 130 of the server device 100.

[0114] For example, as shown in Figure 8, the acquisition unit 131 of the server device 100 acquires user information about each user via the communication unit 110 (step S101).

[0115] Next, the reception unit 132 of the server device 100 receives settings from each user or business operator via the communication unit 110 regarding attributes to be excluded from the designated target and the content or category of the distributed content (step S102).

[0116] Next, the distribution unit 134 of the server device 100 distributes the content to the user who is the recipient of the content via the communication unit 110, and also distributes a referral button for sharing the content with others (step S103).

[0117] Next, when the referral button is selected, the distribution unit 134 of the server device 100 presents the user U(U1) via the communication unit 110 with candidate buttons showing the attributes of other users U(U2) that the user wishes to refer to, excluding the attributes to be excluded from the specified target (step S104).

[0118] Next, the reception unit 132 of the server device 100 receives, via the communication unit 110, the specification of the attribute of another user U (U2) corresponding to the selected candidate button when a candidate button is selected by user U (U1) (step S105).

[0119] Next, the determination unit 133 of the server device 100 determines whether the number of other users U(U2) specified by user U(U1) exceeds a predetermined threshold (step S106).

[0120] Next, the distribution unit 134 of the server device 100, when the number of other users U(U2) with the specified attributes exceeds a predetermined threshold, distributes the distribution content to other users U(U2) with the specified attributes via the communication unit 110, along with a referral button for sharing the distribution content with others, and also displays information indicating the number of users U(U1) who have introduced the distribution content to the other users U(U2) (step S107).

[0121] Next, the reception unit 132 of the server device 100, via the communication unit 110, performs the same processing as in steps S104 to S107 above (step S108) in order to introduce the content to yet another user (third party) if the referral button is selected by another user U (U2) to whom the distributed content has been delivered.

[0122] Furthermore, the reception unit 132 of the server device 100 terminates processing if the referral button is not selected by another user U (U2).

[0123] [6. Variant Example] The terminal device 10 and server device 100 described above may be implemented in various other forms besides those of the embodiment described above. Therefore, the following describes modifications of the embodiment.

[0124] In the above embodiment, some or all of the processing performed by the server device 100 may actually be performed by the terminal device 10. For example, the processing may be completed in a standalone manner (by the terminal device 10 alone). In this case, the terminal device 10 is assumed to have the functions of the server device 100 in the above embodiment. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, since the terminal device 10 is in cooperation with the server device 100, from the perspective of the user U, it appears as if the processing of the server device 100 is also being performed by the terminal device 10. In other words, from another perspective, it can be said that the terminal device 10 is equipped with the server device 100.

[0125] For example, the terminal device 10 may execute the processing of the server device 100 in the above embodiment as processing on an installed application. That is, the processing of the server device 100 in the above embodiment may be processing on an application installed on the terminal device 10. In this case, the terminal device 10 may generate an estimation model by on-device learning. Alternatively, the terminal device 10 may cooperate with the server device 100, provide data to the server device 100, and obtain an estimation model generated by the server device 100 through machine learning. Furthermore, the terminal device 10 may cooperate with the server device 100 and generate an estimation model by federated learning.

[0126] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, news and the like are merely examples of distributed content. In practice, distributed content may include websites such as bulletin boards, as well as social networking services (SNS), SMS (Short Message Service), messaging apps, etc. The content may also be commercial content. For example, it may be movies, books, or comments related to them.

[0127] [7. Effects] As described above, the information processing device (terminal device 10 and server device 100) according to the present invention includes a receiving unit 132 that receives a specification of the attributes of other users U(U2) that the user U(U1) who will be the recipient of the distributed content wishes to introduce to the distributed content, and a distribution unit 134 that distributes the distributed content to other users U(U2) who have the attributes specified by the user U(U1).

[0128] The distribution unit 134 distributes the content to user U(U1) and also distributes a referral button to share the content with others. When the referral button is selected, the reception unit 132 receives a request from user U(U1) to specify the attributes of another user U(U2) to whom the user wishes to refer the content.

[0129] The distribution unit 134 presents user U(U1) with candidate buttons that indicate the attributes of other users U(U2) that the user U(U1) wishes to refer to, along with the distribution content. The reception unit 132 accepts the specification of the attributes of other users U(U2) corresponding to the selected candidate button when a candidate button is selected by user U(U1).

[0130] The distribution unit 134 presents the user U(U1) with the distribution content, a text box for entering the attributes of other users U(U2) that the user U(U1) wishes to refer to, and a selection button for specifying the attributes entered in the text box. The reception unit 132 accepts the specification of the attributes of other users U(U2) corresponding to the attributes entered in the text box when the selection button is selected by user U(U1).

[0131] Furthermore, the information processing device according to the present invention further includes a determination unit 133 that determines whether the number of other users U(U2) with the specified attributes exceeds a predetermined threshold. The distribution unit 134 distributes the content to other users U(U2) who have the specified attributes if the number of other users U(U2) with the specified attributes exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0132] The distribution unit 134 distributes the content to other users U(U2) who have the specified attributes, and also displays information indicating the number of users U(U1) who have introduced the content to the other users U(U2).

[0133] The reception unit 132 receives the specification of attributes of another user (third party) from another user U(U2) to whom the distributed content is delivered. The distribution unit 134 delivers the distributed content to the other user (third party) who has the attributes specified by the other user U(U2).

[0134] The reception unit 132 accepts settings regarding attributes to be excluded from the designated target and the content or category of the distributed content. The distribution unit 134 restricts the distribution of content with excluded content and categories to other users U (U2) who have the attributes excluded from the designated target.

[0135] Through any or a combination of the above-described processes, the information processing device relating to this application can transmit news and other distribution content to appropriate third parties.

[0136] [8. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, the terminal device 10 and server device 100 according to the above-described embodiment are realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 9. The following explanation will use the server device 100 as an example. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and has a configuration in which an arithmetic unit 1030, a primary storage device 1040, a secondary storage device 1050, an output interface 1060, an input interface 1070, and a network interface 1080 are connected by a bus 1090.

[0137] The arithmetic unit 1030 operates based on programs stored in the primary storage device 1040 and the secondary storage device 1050, as well as programs read from the input device 1020, and executes various processes. The arithmetic unit 1030 can be implemented using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0138] The primary storage device 1040 is a memory device, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations. The secondary storage device 1050 is a storage device where data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and can be implemented using ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), flash memory, etc. The secondary storage device 1050 may be internal storage or external storage. The secondary storage device 1050 may also be a removable storage medium such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or SD (Secure Digital) memory card. The secondary storage device 1050 may also be cloud storage (online storage), NAS (Network Attached Storage), file server, etc.

[0139] The output I / F 1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to output devices 1010, such as displays, projectors, and printers, and is implemented using connectors of standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), and HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). The input I / F 1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as mice, keyboards, keypads, buttons, and scanners, and is implemented using, for example, USB.

[0140] Furthermore, the output interface 1060 and input interface 1070 may be wirelessly connected to the output device 1010 and input device 1020, respectively. In other words, the output device 1010 and input device 1020 may be wireless devices.

[0141] Furthermore, the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 may be integrated as a touch panel. In this case, the output I / F 1060 and the input I / F 1070 may also be integrated as an input / output I / F.

[0142] The input device 1020 may also be a device that reads information from, for example, an optical recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or PD (Phase Change Rewritable Disk), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

[0143] The network interface 1080 receives data from other devices via network N and sends it to the computing unit 1030, and also transmits data generated by the computing unit 1030 to other devices via network N.

[0144] The arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output interface 1060 and the input interface 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or the secondary storage device 1050 onto the primary storage device 1040 and executes the loaded program.

[0145] For example, when computer 1000 functions as a server device 100, the arithmetic unit 1030 of computer 1000 realizes the functions of the control unit 130 by executing a program loaded onto the primary storage device 1040. Alternatively, the arithmetic unit 1030 of computer 1000 may load a program obtained from another device via the network interface 1080 onto the primary storage device 1040 and execute the loaded program. Furthermore, the arithmetic unit 1030 of computer 1000 may cooperate with other devices via the network interface 1080 and call and use program functions, data, etc., from other programs on other devices.

[0146] [9. Other] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited by the content of these embodiments. Furthermore, the aforementioned components include those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that fall within the so-called equivalent range. Moreover, the aforementioned components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the gist of the embodiments described above.

[0147] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0148] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0149] For example, the server device 100 described above may be implemented using multiple server computers, and the configuration can be flexibly changed, such as by calling external platforms via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) or network computing depending on the function.

[0150] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0151] Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" mentioned above can be replaced with "means" or "circuit," etc. For example, the acquisition unit can be replaced with acquisition means or acquisition circuit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0152] 1. Information Processing System 10 Terminal devices 100 Server Devices 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 User Information Database 122 History Information Database 123 Introduction Information Database 130 Control Unit 131 Acquisition Department 132 Reception Department 133 Judgment section 134 Distribution Department

Claims

1. A reception desk that receives requests from users who will be the recipients of the distributed content to specify the attributes of other users they wish to introduce the distributed content to, A determination unit that determines whether the number of other users specified by the aforementioned user exceeds a predetermined threshold, If the number of other users with the specified attributes exceeds a predetermined threshold, the distribution unit will distribute the distribution content to other users who possess the specified attributes. An information processing device characterized by comprising:

2. The distribution unit distributes the distribution content to the user and also distributes a referral button for sharing the distribution content with others. The reception unit, when the referral button is selected, receives from the user the attribute of the other user they wish to refer. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The distribution unit presents the user with candidate buttons that indicate the attributes of other users the user wishes to be introduced to, along with the distributed content. The reception unit, when the user selects a candidate button, receives the specification of the attributes of other users corresponding to the selected candidate button. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The distribution unit presents the user with the distribution content, a text box for entering the attributes of other users the user wishes to be introduced to, and a selection button for specifying the attributes entered in the text box. The reception unit, when the user selects the designated button, accepts the designation of other users' attributes corresponding to the attributes entered in the text box. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. When the user accesses a site that displays a list of distribution content, the distribution unit distributes the distribution content to the user. The reception unit receives from the user who has received the distributed content the specification of the attributes of the other user to whom the user wishes to inform about the existence of the distributed content. The distribution unit, when another user having the attributes specified by the user accesses the site, prioritizes distributing the content to that other user. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

6. The distribution unit distributes the distribution content to other users who have the specified attributes, and also displays information indicating the number of users who are introducing the distribution content to those other users. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

7. The reception unit receives the specification of the attributes of yet another user from another user to whom the distributed content has been delivered. The distribution unit distributes the distribution content to another user who has the attributes specified by the other user. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

8. The aforementioned reception unit accepts settings regarding attributes to be excluded from the designated target and the content or category of the distributed content. The distribution unit restricts the distribution of content and categories excluded from the specified target to other users who have attributes excluded from the specified target. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

9. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, A reception process for receiving requests from users who will be the recipients of the distributed content to specify the attributes of other users they wish to introduce the distributed content to, A determination step of determining whether the number of other users specified by the aforementioned user exceeds a predetermined threshold, If the number of other users with the specified attributes exceeds a predetermined threshold, the distribution process includes distributing the content to other users who possess the specified attributes. An information processing method characterized by including

10. A procedure for receiving requests from users who will be the recipients of the distributed content to specify the attributes of other users they wish to introduce the said distributed content to, A determination procedure for determining whether the number of other users specified by the aforementioned user exceeds a predetermined threshold, A distribution procedure for distributing the content to other users who possess the specified attributes, if the number of users with the attributes specified by the aforementioned user exceeds a predetermined threshold, An information processing program characterized by causing a computer to execute it.

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