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

Abstract

To implement distribution reflected with estimation results of a highly accurate target user on a service provider side separately from setting of individual distribution destination conditions by a distributor in a push distribution service such as a mail.SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises: a creation unit which creates a user model of a user from history information of a plurality of services used by the user; a calculation unit which matches objects in which the user indicated by the user model is interested with contents of distribution schedule information of each distributor and calculates a relation score; a determination unit which determines information to be distributed among distribution schedule information on the basis of the relationship score; and a provision unit which provides the user with determined information.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] Conventionally, a technique has been disclosed that can know the relationship between the analysis results of different services (see Patent Document 1). Also, a technique has been disclosed that estimates a user's interests, concerns, mood, and the degree thereof from the user's behavior and usage history (see Non-Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The conventional technologies described above have been confirmed to be able to estimate users' interests and preferences with considerable accuracy. However, currently, this high level of accuracy is not reflected in push delivery services such as email. For example, in push delivery services such as email, the sender (distributor) estimates appropriate recipient attributes based on the user's usage history of the services provided by the sender, sets individual recipient conditions, and requests the service provider to deliver emails to users who meet those conditions. In other words, instead of using the overall estimation results of users' interests and preferences based on the usage history of multiple services, as in the conventional technologies described above, the sender derives users' interests and preferences individually for each service from the sender's own service usage history and delivers emails accordingly. As a result, even though the service provider can estimate users' interests and preferences with considerable accuracy, the problem arises that the individual emails requested by the sender will be emails with low accuracy in estimating users' interests and preferences (emails that are not worth reading for the user).

[0006] This application was made in view of the above, and aims to enable push delivery services such as email to deliver emails based on highly accurate estimations of target users by the service provider, in addition to the setting of individual delivery destination conditions by the sender. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The information processing device relating to this application is User modeling is performed on the users, and the above Used by the user References or collectibles regarding various services History information from multiple services By analyzing this, we estimate the user's interests and concerns. The aforementioned user Become a user persona The system is characterized by comprising: a creation unit that creates a user model; a calculation unit that matches the interests of the user indicated by the user model with the content of the information scheduled to be distributed by individual distributors and calculates a relationship score; a determination unit that determines which information to be distributed from the information scheduled to be distributed based on the relationship score; and a provision unit that provides the determined information to the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the system, in a push delivery service such as email, the service provider can perform delivery by reflecting highly accurate estimation results of target users, separate from the setting of individual delivery destination conditions by the sender. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [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 relationship 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]

[0010] 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.

[0011] [1. Overview of Information Processing Methods] First, referring to FIG. 1, an overview of an information processing method performed by an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the information processing method according to the embodiment. In FIG. 1, in a push distribution service such as email, a case will be described as an example where distribution is carried out by reflecting the estimation result of highly accurate target users on the service provider side separately from the setting of individual distribution destination conditions by the distributor.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 10, a server device 100, and a distributor terminal 200. The terminal device 10, the server device 100, and the distributor terminal 200 are connected to each other via a network N (see FIG. 2) so as to be communicable with each other by wire or wirelessly. In the present embodiment, the terminal device 10 and the distributor terminal 200 cooperate with the server device 100.

[0013] The terminal device 10 is a smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal used by a user U, and is a portable terminal device capable of communicating with an arbitrary server device via a wireless communication network such as 4G (Generation) or LTE (Long Term Evolution). Further, the terminal device 10 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display and has a screen having a touch panel function, and accepts various operations on display data such as content, such as a tap operation, a slide operation, and a scroll operation, from the user U using a finger or a stylus. Among the screens, an operation performed on the area where the content is displayed may be regarded as an operation on the content. Further, the 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.

[0014] The server device 100 is managed by a service provider serving as a platform, cooperates with the terminal device 10 of each user U, and is an information processing device that provides an API (Application Programming Interface) service and various data for various applications (hereinafter referred to as apps) to the terminal device 10 of each user U, and is realized by a computer, a cloud system, or the like.

[0015] Also, the server device 100 may be an information processing device that provides some kind of Web service online to each 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 in charge of the processing of the Web services.

[0016] Note that the server device 100 can acquire user information regarding the user U. For example, the server device 100 acquires 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.

[0017] Furthermore, the server device 100 acquires various historical information (log data) indicating user U's actions from user U's terminal device 10, or from various servers based on the user ID, etc. For example, the server device 100 acquires location history, which is the history of user U's location and date and time, from the terminal device 10. The server device 100 also acquires search history, which is the history of search queries entered by user U, from the search server (search engine). The server device 100 also acquires browsing history, which is the history of content viewed by user U, from the content server. The server device 100 also acquires purchase history (payment history), which is the history of user U's product purchases and payment processing, from the e-commerce server or payment processing server. The server device 100 may also acquire listing history and sales history, which are the history of user U's listings on the marketplace, from the e-commerce server or payment processing server. The server device 100 also acquires posting history, which is the history of user U's posts, from posting servers that provide word-of-mouth posting services or SNS servers. The various servers mentioned above may also be the server device 100 itself. In other words, the server device 100 may function as the various servers mentioned above.

[0018] The sender terminal 200 is an information processing device such as a desktop PC (Personal Computer) or notebook PC used by sender D, and performs tasks such as creating, posting, and requesting email distribution based on the sender D's operation or instructions. The sender terminal 200 may be the same device as terminal device 10.

[0019] [1-1. Expansion of reasons for sending emails] Traditionally, push delivery services such as email received "email x recipient attribute" settings from the sender, and the recipient was determined individually for each email. In this embodiment, only the emails are collected initially, and separately, based on the results of estimating the user's interests and preferences with high accuracy from the usage history of multiple services, the emails that need to be delivered to each user are identified, and the users to whom the collected emails will be delivered are finally determined.

[0020] Furthermore, when determining the recipients of an email, conventionally, a score was calculated for each email indicating the degree to which it satisfies the attributes of each user U, and the emails were distributed to the top X people (where X is arbitrary) in order of highest score. However, in this embodiment, emails addressed to each user U are collected from the sender, a relationship score is calculated for each email and user U, and X emails (where X is arbitrary) are selected from the collected emails in order of highest calculated score and distributed to user U.

[0021] For example, as shown in Figure 1, the server device 100 performs user modeling for each user U (for each user), analyzes the usage history (log data) of multiple services that can be referenced or collected, estimates the interests of each user U, and creates a user model (user persona) (step S1). At this time, the server device 100 performs user modeling periodically / at predetermined intervals and updates the user model.

[0022] Next, the server device 100 collects emails from each email distribution service (step S2). At this time, the server device 100 receives emails and delivery conditions (delivery destination, delivery date and time, number of emails / number of sent emails) from the sender terminal 200 of the sender D of each email distribution service. The sender D of each email distribution service registers the emails and the specified delivery conditions.

[0023] Next, the server device 100 temporarily stores the emails for the day before sending them (step S3). In other words, the server device 100 holds off on sending the emails for the day and temporarily stores the emails to be sent.

[0024] Next, the server device 100 matches the user model with the content of the stored emails for each user U (for each user) and calculates a relationship score as a matching score (step S4). In other words, a relationship score is calculated for each "email × user" (pair of email and user).

[0025] For example, if the server device 100 finds that the interests of user U, as indicated by the user model, are the same as the content of the email, it increases the relationship score (increases the score). The server device 100 may assign a higher relationship score if the affinity between the user U's interests, as indicated by the user model, and the content of the email is high (i.e., if user U is highly interested in the content of the email). Alternatively, the server device 100 may assign a higher relationship score if the number of parts of the email content that match user U's interests is large.

[0026] Furthermore, the server device 100 increases the relationship score of emails with approaching delivery deadlines, based on factors such as the recommended products and campaign periods. Alternatively, if there are few emails with high relationship scores, the server device 100 increases the relationship score of emails that are far from the minimum delivery limit (emails that have not met the delivery criteria).

[0027] The server device 100 may also use a model that has been trained to calculate "scores of interests" from "service-related actions" as a method for calculating relationship scores. For example, when the server device 100 inputs information about a user U who has performed a predetermined conversion (e.g., purchase of a product) in a certain service, it trains its model to set the score of the keyword corresponding to the predetermined conversion (e.g., the category of the purchased product) to "1" and the scores of other items to "0".

[0028] Furthermore, when performing matching, the server device 100 may also check the recommendation tags in the emails. This allows the server device 100 to confirm what model (proprietary model) was used to estimate the results for each service.

[0029] Furthermore, the server device 100 may analyze the content of the email (title, body, attached images, videos, audio, etc.) to estimate what kind of recommendation it is. In this case, the server device 100 may perform natural language processing (NLP), such as morphological analysis, on the content of the email, or it may perform image recognition or speech recognition. The server device 100 may also apply character recognition or speech recognition in combination with natural language processing.

[0030] Next, the server device 100 refers to the relationship score for each user U, selects a predetermined number of emails (X emails) in order from those with the highest relationship scores, and determines that the selected emails will be delivered (step S5). In other words, the server device 100 performs filtering, looks at the relationship scores, and designates only emails with high relationship scores as deliverables.

[0031] In practice, the server device 100 may select emails based on their relationship score ranking rather than the number of emails. For example, the server device 100 may select all emails with a relationship score within the top XX ranks (e.g., within the top 10 ranks), regardless of the number of emails, and decide to distribute the selected emails.

[0032] Next, the server device 100 processes the unselected emails to increase their relationship scores, if possible and necessary, and then determines the processed emails to be delivered (step S6). That is, as a post-filtering process, the server device 100 may select and extract or combine the content of emails that have relatively high relationship scores from among the unselected emails.

[0033] For example, in order to increase the relationship score, the server device 100 may discard parts of the email content that are irrelevant to user U's interests (unnecessary parts), and select only the parts that are relevant to the user's interests, format them into an email format for distribution, and then decide which emails to distribute.

[0034] Alternatively, the server device 100 may mix recommendations from multiple emails so that the relationship score reaches the email delivery criteria. In other words, the server device 100 may synthesize the contents of multiple emails and format them into a delivery email to determine which email will be delivered in order to increase the relationship score.

[0035] Next, the server device 100 distributes the determined email to the terminal device 10 of each user U, which is the recipient, via the network N (see Figure 2) (step S7).

[0036] Next, the server device 100 feeds back the email delivery result (delivery status) to the sender D's sender terminal 200 (step S8). For example, the server device 100 may also feed back to the sender D's sender terminal 200 whether or not the email was delivered, and whether or not it was delivered as is (whether or not it was processed such as being cut out or combined).

[0037] In practice, the server device 100 may not collect or distribute emails itself, but may only provide the matching results and filtering results to the sender D's sender terminal 200. For example, the server device 100 may receive notification of emails scheduled for distribution from the sender D's sender terminal 200, match its own created user model with the content of the emails scheduled for distribution, and provide the calculated relationship score to the sender D's sender terminal 200. Alternatively, the server device 100 may determine emails with high relationship scores as emails to be distributed and notify the sender D's sender terminal 200 of information regarding the determined emails.

[0038] In this embodiment, the server device 100 receives information to be push-delivered to each user U, as well as the conditions for the information's delivery destination, from multiple distributors D. The server device 100 also calculates a relationship score between each user U's multiple service usage histories and each piece of information. Based on the calculated relationship score, the server device 100 delivers the information to each user U.

[0039] This improves the accuracy of email delivery, suppresses the delivery of emails that are of low interest to the user, even if they are relevant, and ensures that only emails that are truly of high interest to the user are delivered.

[0040] The type of email in this embodiment is not limited. It may be a collaborative filtering email, a personalized recommendation email, a ranking email, a new item email, etc. It may also be an email distributed via a mailing list (email magazine). Note that email is just one example. In practice, it may be information similar to email, such as advertisements, messages, push notifications, or social media posts.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the determination and filtering of information to be distributed is achieved by "matching a user model created from the usage history information of multiple services used by the user with the information scheduled for distribution," that is, "matching users with items." Based on the determination and filtering of information to be distributed through "matching users with items," a history of "information that was distributed" and "information that was not distributed" is accumulated. It is also possible to determine and filter the information to be distributed using this history. In other words, it is also possible to determine and filter the information to be distributed by "matching items with items." For example, by matching scheduled distribution information with information that was not distributed in the past, it is possible to determine that since it was not distributed before, it will not be distributed this time either. Conversely, by matching scheduled distribution information with information that was distributed in the past, it is possible to determine that since it was distributed before, it will be distributed this time as well.

[0042] [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, a server device 100, and a distribution terminal 200. 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.

[0043] 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 and one distribution terminal 200 are shown for the sake of illustration, but this is merely an example and not limiting; there may be two or more.

[0044] 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 mobile phone such as a feature phone, a PC (Personal Computer), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a game console or AV equipment with communication functions, an information appliance or digital appliance, 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, a home appliance, an electronic device, etc.

[0045] 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. The distribution terminal 200 is the same as the terminal device 10.

[0046] 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.

[0047] [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.

[0048] (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.

[0049] (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.

[0050] (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.

[0051] (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).

[0052] 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.

[0053] (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.

[0054] (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.

[0055] (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.

[0056] (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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] (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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] (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.

[0066] (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.

[0067] (Receiver 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.

[0068] (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.

[0069] (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.

[0070] [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.

[0071] (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.

[0072] (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 relationship information database 123.

[0073] (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".

[0074] "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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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".

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] (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".

[0083] "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.

[0084] 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".

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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).

[0087] (Relationship Information Database 123) The relationship information database 123 stores various information related to the history information (log data) that shows the user U's actions. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship information database 123. In the example shown in Figure 7, the relationship information database 123 has items such as "User ID", "User Model", "Email", "Relationship Score", "Recipient", and "Scheduled Delivery Date and Time".

[0088] The "User ID" indicates identification information used to identify user U. The "User Model" indicates a user model created by analyzing the usage history (log data) of multiple services used by user U. This user model shows user U's interests.

[0089] Furthermore, "email" refers to emails received from each sender D via each email distribution service. The email may also contain identifying information to identify sender D. Note that email is merely an example; in reality, it could be information similar to an email. "Relationship score" refers to the relationship score calculated as a matching score by matching the user model with the email content. "Recipient" indicates whether or not the email should be delivered to that recipient. "Scheduled delivery date and time" indicates the scheduled delivery date and time of the email.

[0090] For example, in the example shown in Figure 7, a predetermined number of emails are selected as "target emails" based on the "Relationship Score #1A" calculated as a result of matching the usage history (log data) of multiple services used by user U, identified by user ID "U1," with the content of "Email #1A," and these emails are delivered to user U at the "Scheduled Delivery Date and Time #1A."

[0091] In the example shown in Figure 7, abstract values ​​such as "U1", "User Model #U1", "Email #1A", "Relationship Score #1A", and "Scheduled Delivery Date and Time #1A" are used for illustration. However, it is assumed that "U1", "User Model #U1", "Email #1A", "Relationship Score #1A", and "Scheduled Delivery Date and Time #1A" will actually store specific strings, numbers, or other information.

[0092] The relationship information database 123 is not limited to the above and may store various types of information depending on the purpose. For example, the relationship information database 123 may store identification information for identifying the sender D, and address information (email address, IP address, etc.) for providing feedback on the email delivery results (delivery status). The relationship information database 123 may also store information regarding whether or not the email has been processed, and information regarding the processing content.

[0093] (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 creation unit 132, a reception unit 133, a calculation unit 134, a determination unit 135, and a provision unit 136.

[0094] (Acquisition part 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires the search query entered by the user U. For example, when the 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 the user U into the search box of a search engine, website, or application via the communication unit 110.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] (Creation section 132) The creation unit 132 creates a user model of user U from the history information (log data) of multiple services used by user U. The creation unit 132 may also use "Anatagu (registered trademark)" to create the user model of user U. Alternatively, the creation unit 132 may create the user model of user U using machine learning.

[0098] (Reception desk 133) The reception unit 133 receives the emails to be delivered and the delivery destination conditions from the sender D of the emails to be delivered via the communication unit 110. In other words, the reception unit 133 collects emails from each email delivery service. At this time, the reception unit 133 temporarily stores the emails to be delivered. Note that the reception unit 133 may be the acquisition unit 131 described above.

[0099] (Calculation section 134) The calculation unit 134 matches the interests of user U, as indicated by the user model, with the content of emails scheduled to be sent by individual senders D, and calculates a relationship score.

[0100] (Decision Section 135) The decision unit 135 determines which emails to send from the emails scheduled for delivery based on the relationship score. For example, the decision unit 135 refers to the relationship score, selects a predetermined number of emails in descending order of relationship score, and determines the selected emails to be sent. Alternatively, the decision unit 135 refers to the relationship score, selects emails with relationship scores within a predetermined rank, and determines the selected emails to be sent.

[0101] Furthermore, the decision unit 135 processes emails that were not selected for distribution in order to increase their relationship score, and then determines that the processed emails will be selected for distribution. For example, the decision unit 135 may discard parts of the content of emails that were not selected for distribution that are not relevant to user U's interests, and select the parts that are relevant to U's interests and format them for distribution, and then determine that the resulting email will be selected for distribution. Alternatively, the decision unit 135 may combine the contents of multiple emails that were not selected for distribution and format them for distribution, and then determine that the resulting email will be selected for distribution. In other words, the decision unit 135 may also be a processing unit that processes emails.

[0102] Furthermore, the decision unit 135 may also increase the relationship score of emails with an approaching delivery deadline, or increase the relationship score of emails that are far from the minimum number of emails to be delivered (emails that have not met the delivery criteria).

[0103] (Provider 136) The provision unit 136 provides the determined email to user U via the communication unit 110. The provision unit 136 also feeds back the delivery results of the determined email to the sender D via the communication unit 110.

[0104] Alternatively, the provisioning unit 136 provides the relationship score to the sender D of the email to be delivered via the communication unit 110, thereby providing the email to user U based on the relationship score from sender D. Alternatively, the provisioning unit 136 provides information about the determined email to sender D via the communication unit 110, thereby providing the determined email to user U from sender D.

[0105] [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.

[0106] For example, as shown in Figure 8, the acquisition unit 131 of the server device 100 acquires history information (log data) of multiple services used by user U via the communication unit 110 (step S101).

[0107] Next, the creation unit 132 of the server device 100 creates a user model of user U from the history information of multiple services used by user U (step S102).

[0108] Next, the receiving unit 133 of the server device 100 receives, via the communication unit 110, the sender D of the email scheduled for distribution, specifying the email to be distributed and the destination conditions (step S103). In other words, the receiving unit 133 collects emails from each email distribution service. At this time, the receiving unit 133 temporarily stores the emails scheduled for distribution.

[0109] Next, the calculation unit 134 of the server device 100 matches the interests of user U indicated by the user model with the content of emails scheduled to be delivered by individual senders D, and calculates a relationship score (step S104).

[0110] Next, the decision unit 135 of the server device 100 determines which emails to be delivered from among the emails scheduled for delivery based on the relationship score (step S105). For example, the decision unit 135 refers to the relationship score and selects a predetermined number of emails in descending order of relationship score, and determines the selected emails to be delivered. Alternatively, the decision unit 135 refers to the relationship score and selects emails with relationship scores within a predetermined rank, and determines the selected emails to be delivered.

[0111] Next, the decision unit 135 of the server device 100 processes the emails that were not selected for distribution in order to increase their relationship score, if possible and necessary, and then determines that the processed emails will be selected for distribution (step S106). For example, the decision unit 135 discards parts of the content of the emails that were not selected for distribution that are not related to the interests of user U, and selects the parts that are related to the interests and prepares the email in a distribution format, and then determines that the email will be selected for distribution. Alternatively, the decision unit 135 combines the contents of multiple emails that were not selected for distribution and prepares the email in a distribution format, and then determines that the email will be selected for distribution.

[0112] Next, the provision unit 136 of the server device 100 provides the determined email to user U via the communication unit 110 (step S107). That is, the provision unit 136 delivers the email to be delivered. In practice, the provision unit 136 may also provide the relationship score to the sender D of the email to be delivered via the communication unit 110, and the sender D may then provide the email to user U based on the relationship score. Alternatively, the provision unit 136 may provide information about the determined email to the sender D via the communication unit 110, and the sender D may then provide the determined email to user U.

[0113] Next, the supply unit 136 of the server device 100 feeds back the determined email delivery result to the sender D via the communication unit 110 (step S108).

[0114] [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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the server device 100 may create a user model for each user segment rather than for each user. The server device 100 may then determine which segment's user model each user belongs to and link the user to the user model according to the determination result.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the server device 100 may limit the historical information (log data) used when creating a user model. For example, the server device 100 may create a user model for users who are using a specific group of services (several specified services).

[0118] [7. Effects] As described above, the information processing device (terminal device 10 and server device 100) according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a creation unit 132 that creates a user model of user U from history information of multiple services used by user U; a calculation unit 134 that matches the interests of user U indicated by the user model with the content of information (email, etc.) scheduled to be delivered by individual distributors D and calculates a relationship score; a determination unit 135 that determines which information to be delivered from the information scheduled to be delivered based on the relationship score; and a provision unit 136 that provides the determined information to user U.

[0119] Furthermore, the information processing device according to the present application further includes a receiving unit 133 that receives the information to be distributed and the distribution destination conditions from the distributor D of the information to be distributed. The providing unit 136 feeds back the distribution results of the determined information to the distributor D.

[0120] The provision unit 136 provides the relationship score to the information provider D, who is scheduled to distribute the information, and the information provider D then provides the information scheduled to distribute to the user U based on the relationship score.

[0121] The provision unit 136 provides the distributor D with information regarding the determined information (email, etc.), thereby providing the distributor D with the determined information to the user U.

[0122] The decision unit 135 refers to the relationship score, selects a predetermined number of pieces of information in order from those with the highest relationship scores, and determines that the selected information will be distributed.

[0123] The decision unit 135 refers to the relationship score, selects information whose relationship score is within a predetermined rank, and determines that the selected information will be distributed.

[0124] The decision unit 135 processes the information that was not selected for distribution in order to increase its relationship score, and then determines that the processed information will be selected for distribution.

[0125] The decision unit 135 discards the parts of the information that were not selected for distribution that are unrelated to user U's interests, and selects the parts that are related to the user's interests and formats them into a distribution format, which is then selected as the information to be distributed.

[0126] The decision unit 135 determines that the information to be distributed is the information that is created by combining the contents of multiple pieces of information that were not selected for distribution and formatting them for distribution.

[0127] Through any or a combination of the above-described processes, the information processing device according to the present invention can perform push delivery services such as email, reflecting highly accurate estimation results of target users on the service provider side, separate from the setting of individual delivery destination conditions by the sender D.

[0128] [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.

[0129] 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).

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] [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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] Furthermore, the embodiments and modifications described above can be combined as appropriate, provided that the processing content is not inconsistent.

[0143] 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]

[0144] 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 Relationship Information Database 130 Control Unit 131 Acquisition Department 132 Creation Department 133 Reception Department 134 Calculation Section 135 Decision Section 136 Provision Department

Claims

1. A creation unit that performs user modeling on a user, analyzes reference or collectible historical information of multiple services related to various services used by the user to estimate the user's interests and concerns, and creates a user model that will be the user persona of the user, A calculation unit matches the user's interests indicated by the user model with the content of the information scheduled to be distributed by each distributor, and calculates a relationship score. Based on the aforementioned relationship score, a decision unit determines which information to be distributed from the information scheduled for distribution, A provision unit that provides the determined information to the user. An information processing device characterized by comprising:

2. The system further includes a reception unit that receives specifications for the information to be distributed and the distribution destination conditions from the distributor of the information to be distributed. The providing unit provides feedback to the distributor on the distribution results of the determined information. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The providing unit provides the relationship score to the distributor of the information scheduled for distribution, thereby allowing the distributor to provide the information scheduled for distribution to the user based on the relationship score. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The providing unit provides the distributor with information regarding the determined information, thereby providing the distributor with the determined information to the user. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

5. The determination unit refers to the relationship score and selects a predetermined number of pieces of information in order from those with the highest relationship scores, and determines that the selected information will be distributed. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

6. The determination unit refers to the relationship score, selects information whose relationship score is within a predetermined rank, and determines that the selected information will be distributed. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

7. The decision unit processes the information that was not selected for distribution in order to increase its relationship score, and then determines that the processed information will be selected for distribution. The information processing apparatus according to feature 1.

8. The decision-making unit discards the parts of the information that were not selected for distribution that are unrelated to the user's interests, and selects the parts related to the user's interests and formats them into a distribution format, which is then selected as the information to be distributed. The information processing apparatus according to feature 7.

9. The aforementioned decision unit determines that the information to be distributed is the information that is created by combining the contents of multiple pieces of information that were not selected for distribution and formatting them for distribution. The information processing apparatus according to feature 7.

10. An information processing method performed by an information processing device, The process involves creating a user model that will serve as the user persona for the user, by performing user modeling on the user, analyzing historical information from multiple services that can be referenced or collected regarding the various services used by the user, estimating the user's interests, and so on. A calculation process involves matching the user's interests, as indicated by the user model, with the content of the information that each distributor plans to distribute, and calculating a relationship score. Based on the aforementioned relationship score, a decision process is performed to determine which information to be distributed from the information scheduled for distribution, A provision process in which the determined information is provided to the user. An information processing method characterized by including

11. A creation procedure for creating a user model that will serve as a user persona for a user, by performing user modeling on a user, analyzing historical information of multiple services that can be referenced or collected regarding various services used by the user, estimating the user's interests, and A calculation procedure for matching the user's interests, as indicated by the user model, with the content of the information scheduled to be distributed by individual distributors, and calculating a relationship score, Based on the aforementioned relationship score, a decision procedure is established to determine which information to be distributed from the information scheduled for distribution, and A procedure for providing the determined information to the user. An information processing program characterized by causing a computer to execute it.

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