JP7645214B2 - Information providing device, information providing method, and information providing program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information providing device, an information providing method, and an information providing program.

Conventionally, there are known techniques for providing information such as advertisements according to the attributes of a user. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique for extracting advertisements according to the attributes of a user and delivering the extracted advertisements to the user.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-024603

However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of providing appropriate information to users.

The present application has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an information providing device, an information providing method, and an information providing program that can provide appropriate information to a user.

The information providing device according to the present application includes a distribution unit, a specification unit, and a restriction unit. The distribution unit distributes the information to be distributed using a plurality of models that determine the destination of the information to be distributed. The specification unit specifies, from among the plurality of models, a model that is related to a selected model, which is a model for which a user has selected opt-out, as a related model. The restriction unit executes a distribution restriction that restricts distribution from the distribution unit using the related model to users who have selected opt-out.

According to one aspect of the embodiment, it is possible to provide appropriate information to the user.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an information providing process according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information providing system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of distribution information displayed on a display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of opt-out selection information displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information providing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information stored in a user information storage unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of model information stored in a model information storage unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of distribution information stored in a distribution restriction information storage unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of inquiry information displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of inquiry information displayed on the display unit of the terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of information processing by the processing unit of the information providing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the first distribution restriction process by the processing unit of the information providing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a first additional distribution restriction process by the processing unit of the information providing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the second additional distribution restriction process by the processing unit of the information providing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the second distribution restriction process by the processing unit of the information providing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a third additional distribution restriction process by the processing unit of the information providing device according to the embodiment. FIG. 18 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the information providing device according to the embodiment.

Below, the information providing device, information providing method, and information providing program according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the information providing device, information providing method, and information providing program according to the present application are not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as the processing contents are not contradictory. Furthermore, the same parts in the following embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

1. An example of information provision processing
First, an example of an information providing process according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining the information providing process according to an embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 1, an information providing device 1 according to an embodiment is communicably connected to terminal devices ₂₁ , ₂₂ , ..., _2m used by users _U1 , _U2 , ..., _Um , and transmits and receives information between the terminal devices ₂₁ , ₂₂ , ..., _2m . m is, for example, an integer equal to or greater than 3. In the following, when each of the users _U1 , _U2 , ..., _Um is indicated without distinction, it may be referred to as a user U, and when each of the terminal devices ₂₁ , ₂₂ , ..., _2m is indicated without distinction, it may be referred to as a terminal device 2.

The information providing device 1 distributes distribution information _D1 , _D2 , _D3 , _D4 , _D5 , ..., _Dk , which is information to be distributed, to a user U. k is, for example, an integer equal to or greater than 6. The distribution of the distribution information _D1 , _D2 , _D3 , _D4 , _D5 , ..., _Dk to the user U is performed, for example, by distributing the distribution information _D1 , _D2 , _D3 , _D4 , _D5 , ..., _Dk to a terminal device 2 of the user U.

In the following, when each of the pieces of distribution information _D1 , _D2 , _D3 , _D4 , _D5 , ..., _Dk is referred to without being individually distinguished, it may be described as distribution information D. The distribution information _D1 , _D2 , _D3 , _D4 , _D5 , ..., _Dk is information displayed on the terminal device 2, and includes, for example, at least one of text information and image information. The image information is still image information, animation information, or video information.

The information providing device 1 distributes distribution information D using a plurality of models _M1 , _M2 , _M3 , M4, ..., _Mn that determine a distribution destination of the distribution information D, which is information to be distributed. n is, for example, an integer equal to or greater than 5. The plurality of models _M1 , _M2 , _M3 , _M4 , ..., _Mn are models that respectively determine whether or not a user U has an interest in information of targets _{T1 , T2} , _T3 , _T4 , ..., _Tn .

Specifically, model _M1 is a model corresponding to target _T1 , and determines whether or not a user U who is interested in information of target _T1 has an interest in distribution information D. Model _M2 is a model corresponding to target _T2 , and determines whether or not a user U who is interested in information of target _T2 has an interest in distribution information D.

Moreover, model _M3 is a model corresponding to target _T3 , and determines whether or not a user U who has an interest in the information of target _T3 has an interest in the distribution information D. Model _M4 is a model corresponding to target _T4 , and determines whether or not a user U who has an interest in the information of target _T4 has an interest in the distribution information D. Model _Mn is a model corresponding to target _Tn , and determines whether or not a user U who has an interest in the information of target _Tn has an interest in the distribution information D.

In the following, when referring to each of the objects _T1 , _T2 , _T3 , _T4 , ..., _Tn without distinguishing them individually, they may be referred to as object T, and when referring to each of the models _M1 , _M2 , _M3 , _M4 , ..., _Mn without distinguishing them individually, they may be referred to as model M.

When the information provided by the information providing device 1 is news content, the target T is, for example, politics, economics, international affairs, business, entertainment, sports, hobbies, or society. The target T may also be a subdivision of these, for example, a subdivision of hobbies such as cars, bicycles, motorbikes, movies, music, camping, or travel. The information provided by the information providing device 1 may also be advertising content instead of or in addition to news content, or may be content other than news content and advertising content.

Model M is a learning model that receives delivery information D as input and outputs a score indicating the degree to which user U is interested in delivery information D. For example, when information on target _T1 is input to model _M1 , the score output from model _M1 is higher than when information on target _T2 is input to model _M1 . Also, when information on target _T2 is input to _{model M2 ,} the score output from model _M2 is higher than when information on target _T1 is input to model M2.

The model M is generated for each target T by machine learning using a dataset including, for example, information to be distributed and information indicating whether a user U who has an interest in the target T has an interest in the information to be distributed. For example, the model _M1 is generated by machine learning using a dataset including information to be distributed and information indicating whether a user U who has an interest in the target _T1 has an interest in the information to be distributed.

The model M is generated by machine learning using a neural network such as a convolutional neural network or a recurrent neural network, but is not limited to such examples. For example, instead of a neural network, the model M may be generated using machine learning using a learning algorithm such as linear regression or logistic regression.

When distributing distribution information D, the information providing device 1 inputs the distribution information D to each of _the models _M1 , _M2 , _M3 , _M4 , ..., _Mn , and distributes the distribution information D to a user U associated with a model whose output score among _the models M1, M2, _M3 , _M4 , ..., _Mn satisfies a preset distribution condition. The preset distribution condition is, for example, a model whose output score is the highest among the models _M1 , _M2 , _M3 , _M4 , ..., _Mn , or a model whose output score is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value.

Here, assume that models _M1 , _M2 , _M3 , _M4 , and _Mn are associated with user _U1 , distribution information _D1 is information on target _T1 , distribution information _D2 is information on target _T2 , distribution information _D3 is information on target _T3 , distribution information _D4 is information on target _T4 , and distribution information _D5 is information on target _Tn .

In this case, the information providing device 1 uses the models _M1 , _M2 , _M3 , _M4 , and _Mn to determine the user _U1 as one of the destinations of the distribution information _D1 , _D2 , _D3 , _D4 , and _D5, and distributes the distribution information _D1 , _D2 , _D3 , _D4 , and _D5 to the user _U1 (step S1). In the example shown in Figure 1, the distribution of the distribution information _D1 , _D2 , _D3 , _D4 , and _D5 to the user _U1 is performed by distributing the distribution information _D1 , _D2 , _D3 , _D4 , and _D5 to the terminal device _2-1 .

When user _U1 , to whom distribution information _D1 , _D2 , _D3 , _D4 , and _D5 has been distributed, judges that distribution of distribution information _D1 is not desirable among the distribution information _D1 , _D2 , _D3 , _D4 , and _D5 , user U1 selects opt-out for model _M1 (step S2). Opting out of model _M1 by user _U1 indicates user U's intention to refuse notification of information (distribution information D1 in the example shown in FIG. ₁ ) distributed using model _M1 , and is performed, for example, by user _U1 operating an operation unit provided on terminal device ₂₁ .

When the user _U1 selects opt-out for the model _M1 , opt-out information indicating that the user U1 has selected opt-out for the model _M1 is transmitted from the terminal device ₂₁ to the information providing device 1 (step S3).

When the information providing device 1 receives the opt-out information from the terminal device _2.1 , the information providing device ₁ excludes the user _U.1 from the model M.1 (step S4). For example, the information providing device 1 excludes the user _U.1 from the model _M.1 by canceling the association of the model _M.1 with the user _U.1 .

Next, the information providing device 1 sets the model _M1 for which the user _U1 selected opt-out as the selected model, and identifies the model M related to the selected model as the related model (step S5). In the example shown in Fig. 1, the information providing device 1 identifies the model _M2 as the related model of the model _M1 . The related model is, for example, a model M in which a list of a plurality of associated users U is similar to a list of a plurality of users U associated with the selected model, and, for example, a model M in which the proportion of users U who are also associated with the selected model among all associated users U is equal to or greater than a preset proportion.

The information providing device 1 then restricts distribution to the user _U1 using the model _M2 , which is a related model (step S6). The restriction of distribution to the user _U1 using the related model is performed, for example, by reducing the frequency of distribution to the user _U1 using the related model, or by setting a period during which the user _U1 does not use the related model.

In this way, when the association of model _M1 with user _U1 is released and distribution to user _U1 using model _M2 is restricted, distribution of distribution information _D1 to user _U1 is stopped and distribution of distribution information _D2 to user _U1 is restricted. Therefore, the information providing device 1 distributes distribution information _D3 , _D4 , and _D5 out of distribution information _D1 , _D2 , _D3 , _D4 , and _D5 to the terminal device 2 (step S7).

The related model is a model related to the selection model. For example, if an associated user U is similar to the selection model, distribution information D that outputs a high score in the selection model may also output a high score in the related model. Therefore, even if the association of the selection model is dissolved, distribution information D similar to that when the selection model is used may be distributed to the user U. For example, if the selection model is a model that determines whether or not a user U who likes a particular type of movie has an interest, distribution information D related to a particular type of movie or a target T similar to a particular type of movie may be distributed to the user U by using a model M related to the selection model.

Therefore, as described above, the information providing device 1 is adapted to restrict distribution using a related model, which is a model M related to the selected model. This allows the information providing device 1 to restrict distribution to the user U of the same or similar distribution information D as when the selected model is used, and allows appropriate information to be provided to the user U. The configuration and operation of the information providing device 1 will be described in further detail below.

2. Information Providing System 100
Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an information providing system 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the information providing system 100 according to an embodiment includes an information providing device 1 and terminal devices ₂₁ , ₂₂ , ..., _2m . The terminal devices ₂₁ , ₂₂ , ..., _2m are, for example, smartphones, tablet PCs (Personal Computers), notebook PCs, or the like.

The information providing device 1 can transmit and receive information to and from the terminal devices 2 ₁ , 2 ₂ , ..., 2 _m via a communication network 3. The communication network 3 is, for example, a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Note that the communication network 3 includes, for example, a mobile communication system such as 4G (4th Generation) or 5G (5th Generation), but is not limited to such examples.

[3. Terminal device 2]
3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 2 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 2 according to the embodiment includes a communication unit 10, a display unit 11, an operation unit 12, a sensor group 13, a storage unit 14, and a processing unit 15.

3.1. Communication unit 10
The communication unit 10 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC), etc. The communication unit 10 is connected to the communication network 3 by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the information providing device 1 via the communication network 3.

[3.2. Display section 11]
The display unit 11 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[3.3. Operation unit 12]
The operation unit 12 includes, for example, a keyboard including keys for inputting letters, numbers, and spaces, an enter key, arrow keys, etc., a mouse, a power button, etc. When the display unit 11 is a display device that is a touch panel display, the operation unit 12 may be a touch panel.

3.4. Sensor Group 13
The sensor group 13 includes, for example, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an illuminance sensor, and an image sensor. The acceleration sensor is a sensor that detects the acceleration of the terminal device 2. The gyro sensor is a sensor that detects the attitude of the terminal device 2, such as the tilt and rotation. The geomagnetic sensor is a sensor that detects geomagnetism. The illuminance sensor is a sensor that detects illuminance indicating the brightness or darkness of the surroundings of the terminal device 2, and the image sensor is a sensor that captures an image of the surroundings of the terminal device 2.

[3.5. Storage unit 14]
The storage unit 14 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

The memory unit 14 stores, for example, information transmitted from the information providing device 1 and acquired by the processing unit 15 via the communication network 3 and the communication unit 10, and detection information, which is information detected by the sensor group 13.

3.6. Processing Unit 15
The processing unit 15 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the terminal device 2 using the RAM as a working area.

The processing unit 15 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The processing unit 15 includes an information acquisition unit 16, a display processing unit 17, and an output unit 18.

[3.6.1. Information acquisition unit 16]
The information acquisition unit 16 acquires information transmitted from the information providing device 1 and received by the communication unit 10 via the communication network 3. The information transmitted from the information providing device 1 is, for example, distribution information D or opt-out selection information.

[3.6.2. Display Processing Unit 17]
The display processing unit 17 causes the display unit 11 to display the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 16. For example, the display processing unit 17 causes the display unit 11 to display a screen including the distribution information D acquired by the information acquisition unit 16.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of distribution information displayed on the display unit 11 of the terminal device 2 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the display processing unit 17 displays distribution information _D1 , _D2 , _D3 , and _D4 in a timeline on the display unit 11 of the terminal device 2.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, distribution information _D1 is entertainment news information, distribution information _D2 is business news information, distribution information _D3 is weather forecast news information, and distribution information _D4 is society news information.

Each piece of delivery information _D1 , _D2 , _D3 , and _D4 is information including images and characters, and when selected by a tap operation, a click operation, or the like, more detailed information is delivered from the information providing device 1, and such detailed information is displayed on the display unit 11 by the display processing unit 17. Such detailed information is, for example, information on a landing page.

In addition, each piece of distribution information _D1 , _D2 , _D3 , and _D4 includes a mark 50 for selecting opt-out, and when the user U selects the mark 50 by operating the operation unit 12, opt-out selection information for selecting opt-out is displayed on the display unit 11.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of opt-out selection information displayed on the display unit 11 of the terminal device 2 according to the embodiment. The opt-out selection information 60 shown in FIG. 5 includes a delivery information area 61, an inquiry information area 62, a Yes button 63, and a No button 64.

5, the distribution information area 61 displays distribution information _D1 , and the inquiry information area 62 displays the words "Opt out (stop distribution)?". When the user U operates the operation unit 12 to select the Yes button 63, the output unit 18 transmits opt-out information to the information providing device 1, as described below.

When the user U selects the No button 64 by operating the operation unit 12, the display processing unit 17 returns the information to be displayed on the display unit 11 from the opt-out selection information 60 shown in FIG. 5 to the delivery information D shown in FIG. 4. When the user U selects the Yes button 63 by operating the operation unit 12, the display processing unit 17 also returns the information to be displayed on the display unit 11 from the opt-out selection information 60 shown in FIG. 5 to the delivery information D shown in FIG. 4.

The opt-out method is not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, when the mark 50 shown in FIG. 4 is tapped or right-clicked, a character string such as "Do you want to opt out (stop delivery)?" may be displayed selectably on the delivery information D corresponding to the mark 50, and when the character string is selected, opt-out information may be transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the information providing device 1.

In the examples shown in Figures 4 and 5, the distribution information D and the opt-out selection information 60 are web content, but the content acquired and displayed on the terminal device 2 may be e-mail content instead of or in addition to the web content.

3.6.3. Output Unit 18
The output unit 18 transmits, for example, operation information corresponding to an operation performed by the user U on the operation unit 12 to the information providing device 1 via the communication unit 10 .

For example, when the user U operates the operation unit 12 to select the Yes button 63, the output unit 18 transmits opt-out information to the information providing device 1 via the communication unit 10. The opt-out information includes identification information unique to the model M or distribution information D for which opt-out has been selected.

In addition, the output unit 18 transmits the detection information, which is the information detected by the sensor group 13, to the information providing device 1 via the communication unit 10.

[4. Information provision device 1]
6 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment includes a communication unit 20, a storage unit 21, and a processing unit 22.

4.1. Communication unit 20
The communication unit 20 is realized by, for example, a NIC etc. The communication unit 20 is connected to the communication network 3 by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information to and from the terminal device 2 via the communication network 3.

[4.2. Storage unit 21]
The storage unit 21 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. The storage unit 21 includes a user information storage unit 30, a model information storage unit 31, a distribution restriction information storage unit 32, a store information storage unit 33, and a distribution information storage unit 34.

[4.2.1. User information storage unit 30]
The user information storage unit 30 stores user information including information on users U ₁ , U ₂ , ..., U _m . Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of user information stored in the user information storage unit 30 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the user information stored in the user information storage unit 30 includes information such as a "user ID (identifier)" and "attributes" for each user U. The "user ID" is identification information unique to each user U.

"Attributes" is information indicating the attributes of user U. Examples of the attributes of user U include demographic attributes and psychographic attributes. Demographic attributes are demographic attributes of user U, such as gender, age, address, occupation, or annual income. Psychographic attributes are attributes that indicate user U's values, lifestyle, personality, preferences, etc.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, user U with user ID "UA1" is "male", age "30s", and has interests in "clothes", etc. User U with user ID "UA2" is "female", age "20s", and has interests in "clothes", etc. User U with user ID "UA3" is "male", age "40s", and has interests in "cars", etc.

[4.2.2. Model information storage unit 31]
The model information storage unit 31 shown in Fig. 6 stores model information including information on models _M1 , _M2 , _M3 , _M4 , ..., _Mn . Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of model information stored in the model information storage unit 31 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the user information stored in the model information storage unit 31 includes information such as "model ID," "model," and "user list" for each model M. "Model ID" is identification information unique to each model M. "Model" is information about the model M that determines the distribution destination of the information to be distributed.

Each of the multiple models M is, for example, a model that determines whether or not the user U has an interest in the distribution information D. The multiple models M are, for example, models that correspond to different targets T. Hereinafter, a model that determines whether or not the user U has an interest in the distribution information D may be referred to as an interest model.

For example, when the information provided by the information providing device 1 is web content information, the target T indicates the type of web content. When the information provided by the information providing device 1 is news web content, the type of web content is, for example, politics, economics, international affairs, business, entertainment, sports, hobbies, or society. The target T may also be, for example, a subdivision of these, such as cars, bicycles, motorbikes, movies, music, camping, or travel, as a subdivision of hobbies.

In addition, when the information provided by the information providing device 1 is video content, the type of web content may be, for example, domestic movies, domestic dramas, domestic animation, foreign movies, foreign dramas, foreign animation, variety shows, documentaries, sports, or news.

Furthermore, for example, when the information provided by the information providing device 1 is information in the form of an e-mail, the target T indicates the type of information indicated by the e-mail. When the information provided by the information providing device 1 is information related to hobbies, the information indicated by the e-mail may be, for example, cars, bicycles, motorbikes, movies, music, camping, or travel.

The multiple models M may also include, for example, a model for each user context. In this case, the model M is, for example, a model that determines whether the context of the user U is a context defined by the model, and, for example, inputs detection information transmitted from the terminal device 2 and determines whether the context of the user U is a context defined by the model. For example, the model M is a model that estimates various user contexts such as "bought a PC (Personal Computer)," "went to store A," or "cooking food." Hereinafter, a model for each user context may be referred to as a user context model.

The "user list" is a list of users U associated with the model M, and the user IDs of each user U associated with the model M. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the model with model ID "MA1" is "model _M1 ", and is associated with user IDs such as "UA1", "UA2", and "UA3". The model with model ID "MA2" is "model _M2 ", and is associated with user IDs such as "UA2", "UA4", and "UA5".

Furthermore, the model with model ID "MA3" is "model _M3 ", and is associated with user IDs such as "UA1", "UA3", and "UA6". The model with model ID "MA4" is "model _M4 ", and is associated with user IDs such as "UA3", "UA4", and "UA5".

[4.2.3. Distribution restriction information storage unit 32]
The distribution restriction information storage unit 32 shown in Fig. 6 stores restriction information including the user ID of a user U for whom a distribution restriction or opt-out is set for each model M. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of distribution information stored in the distribution restriction information storage unit 32 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the distribution information D stored in the distribution restriction information storage unit 32 includes information such as a "model ID," an "opt-out user list," and a "distribution restriction user list" for each model M. The "model ID" is identification information unique to each model M, and is the same as the model ID shown in FIG. 8.

The "opt-out user list" is a list of opt-out users, that is, users U who have selected to opt-out of model M, and includes the user IDs of each user U who has selected to opt-out of model M. The "distribution restriction user list" is a list of users U whose distribution is restricted for model M, and includes the user IDs of each user U whose distribution is restricted for model M.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, in the model with model ID "MA1", user ID "UA4" is set as an opt-out user, and the user ID of user U is not set in the distribution restriction user list. In addition, in the model with model ID "MA2", user ID of user U is not set as an opt-out user, and user ID "UA3" is set in the distribution restriction user list.

[4.2.4. Store information storage unit 33]
The store information storage unit 33 shown in Fig. 6 stores store information, which is information for each store (not shown). The store information for each store is information about the corresponding store, and includes, for example, information about events, information about sale items, information about new products, information about new services, etc. The store information is, for example, information provided to the user U by email, but may also be information provided to the user U as web content.

The store information storage unit 33 also stores a list of users excluded from distribution for each store. The list of users excluded from distribution includes the user IDs of users U to whom store information is not to be distributed from the information providing device 1.

[4.2.5. Distribution information storage unit 34]
6 stores distribution information D, which is information distributed to the user U. The distribution information D stored in the distribution information storage unit 34 is web content such as news or information provided to the user U by e-mail, and may include advertising content. When the distribution information D is web content such as news, the distribution information D is displayed on a timeline on the terminal device 2, but the distribution information D is not limited to information displayed on a timeline on the terminal device 2.

4.3. Processing section 22
6 is a controller, and is realized by, for example, a CPU or an MPU executing various programs (corresponding to an example of an information provision program) stored in a storage device inside the information provision device 1 using a RAM as a work area. The processing unit 22 may also be realized by, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

The processing unit 22 transmits and receives information to and from the terminal devices 2 ₁ , 2 ₂ , ..., 2 _m based on the information acquired by the communication unit 20 and the information stored in the storage unit 21. The processing unit 22 includes an acquisition unit 40, a distribution unit 41, a reception unit 42, a specification unit 43, an inquiry unit 44, a determination unit 45, and a restriction unit 46.

[4.3.1. Acquisition unit 40]
The acquisition unit 40 acquires information transmitted from the terminal device 2 via the communication network 3. The information transmitted from the terminal device 2 is, for example, operation information corresponding to an operation performed by the user U on the operation unit 12, detection information corresponding to information detected by the sensor group 13, or opt-out information.

[4.3.2. Distribution unit 41]
The distribution unit 41 distributes the distribution information D to the user U by transmitting the distribution information D to the terminal device 2 via the communication unit 20 and the communication network 3 using multiple models M that determine the distribution destination of the information to be distributed.

When the model M is an interest model, the distribution unit 41 inputs the distribution information D to the multiple models M, determines a user U associated with a model M that satisfies a preset distribution condition among the multiple models M as a distribution destination of the distribution information D, and distributes the distribution information D to the determined distribution destination user U. The preset distribution condition is, for example, a model M that outputs a score that is equal to or greater than a preset threshold and that outputs the highest score among the multiple models M, but is not limited to such an example.

For example, when distribution information _D1 is input to models _M1 , _M2 , _M3 , _M4 , ..., _Mn , the highest score among the scores output from models _M1 , _M2 , _M3 , _M4 , ..., _Mn is equal to or higher than a preset threshold and is the score output from model _M1 . Also, assume that the model information stored in the model information storage unit 31 is in the state shown in Fig. 8. In this case, the distribution unit 41 determines users U with user IDs such as "UA1", "UA2", and "UA3" as users U to whom distribution information _D1 will be distributed.

Also, when distribution information _D2 is input to models _M1 , _M2 , _M3 , _M4 , ..., _Mn , the highest score among the scores output from models _M1 , _M2 , _M3 , _M4 , ..., _Mn is equal to or higher than a preset threshold and is the score output from model _M2 . Also, assume that the model information stored in the model information storage unit 31 is in the state shown in Fig. 8. In this case, the distribution unit 41 determines users U with user IDs such as "UA2", "UA4", and "UA5" as users U to be distribution destinations.

When model M is a user context model, the distribution unit 41 inputs the detection information transmitted from the terminal device 2 and acquired by the acquisition unit 40 to each user context model, and determines a user context model that satisfies a preset distribution condition among the scores output by each user context model. The preset distribution condition is, for example, that the output score is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, but is not limited to such an example.

Each user context model is associated with distribution information D, and the distribution unit 41 distributes the distribution information D associated with a user context model that outputs a score equal to or greater than a preset threshold to a user U corresponding to the detection information.

For example, assume that model _M1 is a user context model and distribution information _D1 is associated with model _M1 . Also assume that when detection information from terminal device ₂₁ of user _U1 is input to model _M1 , the score output from model _M1 is equal to or greater than a preset threshold. In this case, the distribution unit 41 distributes distribution information _D1 to user _U1 .

In addition to or in addition to the detection information, the distribution unit 41 can also determine the user U to whom the model is to be distributed by using, as input information to the model M, the operation history of the terminal device 2 by the user U, the location information of the terminal device 2, or schedule information of the user U.

In addition, when the distributed information D is selected by the user U, the distribution unit 41 transmits detailed information of the distribution information D selected by the user U to the terminal device 2 via the communication unit 20 and the communication network 3, thereby distributing the detailed information of the distribution information D selected by the user U to the user U.

For example, when multiple pieces of distribution information D are input to multiple models M, the distribution unit 41 can distribute the multiple pieces of distribution information D such that the distribution information D with a higher score output from the model M is preferentially displayed at the top.

For example, assume that the scores output from the model M are highest for the distribution information _D3 , followed by the distribution information _D2 , the distribution information _D1 , the distribution information _D5 , and the distribution information _D4 . In this case, the distribution unit ₄₁ distributes the distribution information D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 so that the distribution information _D3 is displayed at the top, _the distribution information _D2 is displayed at the second top, the distribution information _D1 is displayed at the _third top, the distribution information _D5 is displayed at the _fourth top, and _the distribution information D4 is displayed at the _fifth top.

It is also assumed that the multiple pieces of distribution information D are news content, and that the multiple pieces of distribution information D are displayed on a timeline on the terminal device 2. In this case, the distribution unit 41 distributes the multiple pieces of distribution information D so that, if the news is from the same period, the higher the score output from the model M, the higher the information is displayed, and, if the news is from a different period, the closer the news is to the present time, the higher the information is displayed. Each model M can be weighted, and by increasing the weight, the score output from the model M can be increased, and by decreasing the weight, the score output from the model M can be decreased.

In addition, in the model information storage unit 31, the user ID of the user U who has selected opt-out is excluded from the association with the model M for which opt-out has been selected. Therefore, information to be distributed that corresponds to the model M for which the user U has selected opt-out is not distributed to the user U who has selected opt-out.

The distribution unit 41 may not associate the user U with the model M in advance. In this case, the distribution unit 41 can estimate the interests of the user U based on an estimation model that estimates the interests of the user U. Such an estimation model is a model that uses user information as input and determines whether the user U has an interest in the target T, and is provided for each target T. The distribution unit 41 can then associate the user U with the model M by identifying the model M that corresponds to the target T that matches or is similar to the estimated interests of the user U.

The distribution unit 41 can distribute store information to the user U by transmitting the store information stored in the store information storage unit 33 to the terminal device 2 via the communication unit 20 and the communication network 3. The distribution unit 41 inputs attribute information of each user U into an estimation model that estimates for each store whether the user U is interested in the store, thereby inferring which users U are interested in the store, and performs a process of distributing store information to the estimated users U for each store.

When a distribution excluded user list is stored in the store information storage unit 33, the distribution unit 41 distributes the store information to users U who are estimated to be interested in the store, other than users U whose user IDs are included in the distribution excluded user list.

4.3.3. Reception unit 42
The reception unit 42 receives opt-out information received by the communication unit 20 via the communication network 3. Based on the received opt-out information, the reception unit 42 updates the model information stored in the model information storage unit 31 or the distribution restriction information stored in the distribution restriction information storage unit 32. The opt-out information is opt-out information for the model M or opt-out information for the store.

For example, when the reception unit 42 receives opt-out information for the model _M1 from the user _U1 , the reception unit 42 changes the state in which the user ID of the user _U1 is associated with the model _M1 in the model information in the model information storage unit 31 to a state in which the user ID is not associated with the model M1. In addition, when the reception unit 42 receives opt-out information for the model _M1 from the user _U1 , the reception unit 42 associates the user ID of the user _U1 with the model _M1 as a selected model in the opt-out user list in the distribution restriction information in the distribution restriction information storage unit 32.

In addition, when the reception unit 42 receives opt-out information for a store, it adds the user ID of the user U who added the opt-out to the distribution excluded user list of the store where the opt-out was selected from the distribution excluded user list stored in the store information storage unit 33.

[4.3.4. Specification part 43]
The identification unit 43 identifies, from among the multiple models M, models related to the selected model, which is the model from which the user U has selected to opt out, as related models.

For example, the identification unit 43 identifies a model M whose list of associated users U is similar to the list of users U associated with the selected model as an associated model. An associated model is, for example, a model in which the proportion of users U who are also associated with the selected model among all associated users is equal to or greater than a preset proportion. In addition, an associated model may be a model in which the distance between the associated user list and the user list associated with the selected model is within a preset distance.

The related model may also be a model whose corresponding distribution target information is similar to that of the selected model. For example, the similar models are set in advance in the identification unit 43, and the identification unit 43 identifies other models included in the model group including the selected model as related models.

The identification unit 43 can also identify excluded models or excluded candidate models based on the distribution excluded user list stored in the store information storage unit 33. For example, the identification unit 43 compares the distribution excluded user list, which is a list of users U who are excluded from distribution of store information of stores from which the users U have opted out, with the user list associated with each model M.

Then, the identification unit 43 can identify a model M associated with a user list similar to the distribution excluded user list as an excluded model or an excluded candidate model. For example, the identification unit 43 can identify a model M associated with a user list whose distance from the distribution excluded user list is within a preset distance as an excluded model or an excluded candidate model.

The identification unit 43 can also identify, as excluded stores or candidate stores for exclusion, stores corresponding to a delivery excluded user list similar to the list of a user U who has selected to opt out of the selected model from among the delivery excluded user lists of each store. For example, the identification unit 43 identifies, as excluded stores or candidate stores for exclusion, stores in a delivery excluded user list whose distance from the list of a user U who has selected to opt out of the selected model is within a preset distance.

The distance between the above-mentioned user lists may be, for example, Euclidean distance, Manhattan distance, Chebyshev distance, or Mahalanobis distance, and is calculated based on, for example, the distribution state of each attribute of the multiple users U included in the user list.

4.3.5. Inquiry Unit 44
The inquiring unit 44 inquires of an inquiry destination user, who is a user U associated with the related model identified by the identifying unit 43 from among the multiple users U, about an opinion on the information to be distributed that corresponds to the related model.

8, and the related model identified by the identification unit 43 is model _M2 . In this case, the inquiry unit 44 determines that the inquiry destination user is a user U with user IDs "UA2", "UA4", and "UA5".

Then, the inquiry unit 44 inquires of the inquired user about an opinion on the information to be distributed corresponding to model _M2 . For example, the inquiry unit 44 transmits inquiry information including the information to be distributed corresponding to model _M2 to the terminal device 2 of the inquired user via the communication unit 20 and the communication network 3, thereby inquiring of the inquired user about an opinion on the information to be distributed corresponding to the related model.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of inquiry information displayed on the display unit 11 of the terminal device 2 according to the embodiment. The inquiry information 70 shown in Fig. 10 includes a delivery information area 71, an inquiry information area 72, a Yes button 73, and a No button 74. The inquiry information 70 shown in Fig. 10 is displayed on the display unit 11 of the terminal device 2 when, for example, the Yes button 63 shown in Fig. 5 is selected.

10, the distribution information area 71 displays distribution information _D2 . The inquiry information area 72 displays the text "May we continue to distribute news related to cars?", indicating that the target T of the related model is "cars." When the user U operates the operation unit 12 to select the Yes button 73, the output unit 18 of the terminal device 2 transmits opinion information to the information providing device 1.

When the user U selects the No button 74 by operating the operation unit 12, the display processing unit 17 of the terminal device 2 returns the information to be displayed on the display unit 11 of the terminal device 2 from the inquiry information shown in FIG. 10 to the delivery information shown in FIG. 4. When the user U selects the Yes button 73 by operating the operation unit 12, the display processing unit 17 of the terminal device 2 also returns the information to be displayed on the display unit 11 of the terminal device 2 from the inquiry information shown in FIG. 10 to the delivery information shown in FIG. 4.

The inquiry unit 44 can also insert the inquiry information between multiple pieces of delivery information D displayed on a timeline. In this case, the inquiry unit 44 can deliver the inquiry information preferentially so that the inquiry information is displayed at the top.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing another example of inquiry information displayed on the display unit 11 of the terminal device 2 according to the embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the inquiry information is inserted between a plurality of pieces of delivery information _D1 and _D3 displayed on a timeline. Since the inquiry information 70 is displayed at the top as shown in Fig. 11, it is possible to increase the probability of collecting opinions in response to the inquiry made to the user U.

In addition, in the inquiry information, the distribution information area 71 may include multiple different pieces of distribution information D corresponding to related models. Also, the inquiry information may be e-mail content instead of web content.

The inquiry unit 44 can also inquire about opinions on the information of the distribution target corresponding to the excluded candidate model, by designating the user U associated with the excluded candidate model identified by the identification unit 43 as the inquiry destination user. The method of inquiring about opinions on the information of the distribution target corresponding to the excluded candidate model is the same as the method of inquiring about opinions on the information of the distribution target corresponding to the related model.

The inquiry unit 44 can also inquire of a user U who is not included in the distribution excluded user list of the excluded candidate store identified by the identification unit 43 as the inquiry destination user for opinions on the information of the distribution target corresponding to the excluded candidate store. The method of inquiring about opinions on the information of the distribution target corresponding to the excluded candidate store is, for example, an inquiry by email, but may be the same as the method of inquiring about opinions on the information of the distribution target corresponding to the related model.

4.3.6. Determination unit 45
The decision unit 45 decides, based on a result of the inquiry by the inquiry unit 44, whether or not to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to the user U associated with the related model.

For example, when a preset percentage or more of the users U to whom the inquiry information was delivered have negative opinions, the decision unit 45 determines to restrict delivery from the delivery unit 41 using the related model to the users U associated with the related model. Negative opinions are expressed, for example, by operating the No button 74 shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 11.

For example, let the users to be inquired of be users _UA1 , _UA2 , ..., _UAp , and the scores of the opinions of users _UA1 , _UA2 , ..., _UAp be represented by scores _x1 , _x2 , ..., _xp . p is, for example, an integer equal to or greater than 3. In this case, when the total score SC = ( _x1 + _x2 + ... + _xp )/p is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, the determination unit 45 determines to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to user U associated with the related model. For example, 0 is assigned to each score _x1 , _x2 , ..., _xp in the case of a positive opinion, and 1 is assigned in the case of a negative opinion.

Furthermore, the determination unit 45 can determine whether or not to restrict delivery by weighting the opinions of users U whose attributes are more similar to those of the user U who selected opt-out. For example, assume that the users to be inquired are users _UA1 , _UA2 , ..., _UAp , the scores of the opinions of users _UA1 , _UA2 , ..., _UAp are represented by scores _x1 , _x2 , ..., _xp , and the weights are represented by weights _a1 , _a2 , ..., _ap . In this case, the determination unit 45 calculates the total score SC = ( _{a1 x1} + _{a2 x2} + _... + ap _xp )/p.

The weights _a1 , _a2 , ..., _ap are values ranging from 0 to 1, and are set to larger values as the opinion of user U has higher similarity in attributes to user U who selected opt-out. Then, when the total score SC is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, the decision unit 45 determines to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to user U associated with the related model.

The decision unit 45 also decides whether or not to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the excluded candidate model to users U associated with the excluded candidate model based on the result of the inquiry by the inquiry unit 44. When a preset ratio or more of users U to whom the inquiry information was delivered have negative opinions, the decision unit 45 determines to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the excluded candidate model to users U associated with the excluded candidate model.

The decision unit 45 also decides whether or not to restrict the distribution of store information of the excluded store to users U who are not included in the distribution excluded user list of the excluded store, based on the result of the inquiry by the inquiry unit 44. When a preset percentage or more of the users U to whom the inquiry information was delivered have negative opinions, the decision unit 45 determines to restrict the distribution of store information of the excluded store to users U who are not included in the distribution excluded user list of the excluded store.

[4.3.7. Restriction unit 46]
The restriction unit 46 executes a distribution restriction that restricts distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to the user U who has selected opt-out. This allows the restriction unit 46 to restrict distribution of information that corresponds to the model from which the user U has selected opt-out and information that is highly related to the information.

For example, the restriction unit 46 performs the above-mentioned distribution restriction by reducing the frequency of distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to the user U who has selected opt-out. Reducing the frequency of distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model can reduce the proportion of the related model used by the distribution unit 41, for example, by reducing the weight of the related model for the user U who has selected opt-out during a predetermined period.

In addition, the frequency of distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model can also be reduced by, for example, stopping the distribution of information that corresponds to the related model to a user U who has selected opt-out during a predetermined period of time.

The restriction unit 46 can also reduce the frequency of distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to the user U who has selected opt-out, the higher the similarity between the selected model and the related model. This allows the restriction unit 46 to restrict distribution using the related model, the higher the similarity of the related model to the selected model from which the user U has opted out. Therefore, the restriction unit 46 can restrict the distribution of information to be distributed that corresponds to the model M from which the user U has selected opt-out, and information to be distributed that is highly related.

The restriction unit 46 can also restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to a user U associated with the related model based on the result of the determination by the determination unit 45. The method of restricting distribution is the same as the method of restricting distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to a user U who has selected opt-out.

The restriction unit 46 can restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to only some of the users U associated with the related model.

For example, the restriction unit 46 can restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to users U associated with the related model, but only to users U associated with the related model who are not associated with the selected model.

The restriction unit 46 can also execute a distribution restriction that restricts distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the excluded model to a user U who has selected opt-out, by processing similar to that in the case of the related model. The restriction unit 46 can also execute a distribution restriction that restricts distribution of store information of excluded stores to a user U who has selected opt-out, by processing similar to that in the case of the related model.

The restriction unit 46 can also restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to users U associated with the related model, but only to users U associated with the related model whose similarity to users U who have selected opt-out for the selected model is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value.

In addition, the restriction unit 46 can restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the excluded candidate model to a user U associated with the excluded candidate model, in a manner similar to that for a user U associated with a related model, based on the determination result by the determination unit 45.

In addition, based on the determination result by the determination unit 45, the restriction unit 46 can restrict the distribution of store information of the excluded store to users U who are not included in the distribution excluded user list of the excluded store in a manner similar to that for users U associated with the related model.

5. Processing Procedure
Next, a procedure of information processing by the processing unit 22 of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of information processing by the processing unit 22 of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, the processing unit 22 of the information providing device 1 distributes distribution information D to the user U (step S10). Next, the processing unit 22 performs a first distribution restriction process (step S11). The first distribution restriction process shown in step S11 is the process of steps S20 to S27 shown in FIG. 13, and will be described in detail later.

Next, the processing unit 22 performs a second distribution restriction process (step S12). The second distribution restriction process shown in step S12 is the process of steps S50 to S55 shown in FIG. 16, and will be described in detail later.

When the processing of step S12 ends, the processing unit 22 determines whether or not the operation end timing has arrived (step S13). For example, the processing unit 22 determines that the operation end timing has arrived when the power supply of the information providing device 1 has been turned off or when it has been determined that an end operation has been performed by operating the operation unit 12.

If the processing unit 22 determines that the operation end time has not yet arrived (step S13: No), it transitions to step S10, and if it determines that the operation end time has arrived (step S13: Yes), it terminates the processing shown in FIG. 12.

Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the first distribution restriction process by the processing unit 22 of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 13, the processing unit 22 determines whether or not there is an opt-out selection for the model (step S20).

When the processing unit 22 determines that an opt-out selection has been made for the model M (step S20: Yes), it performs an opt-out process for the model M (step S21). The opt-out process is performed by disassociating the opt-out user, who is the user U who selected opt-out, from the model M for which opt-out has been selected in the model information stored in the storage unit 21.

Next, the processing unit 22 identifies related models that are models related to the selected model (step S22). Then, the processing unit 22 starts restricting the distribution of the related models to the opt-out user (step S23).

Next, the processing unit 22 determines whether the first additional distribution restriction mode is set (step S24). If the processing unit 22 determines that the first additional distribution restriction mode is set (step S24: Yes), the processing unit 22 executes a first additional distribution restriction process (step S25). The first additional distribution restriction process in step S25 is the process of steps S30 to S33 shown in FIG. 14, and will be described in detail later.

When the processing of step S25 is completed, or when it is determined that the first additional restriction mode is not set (step S24: No), the processing unit 22 determines whether or not the second additional restriction mode is set (step S26). When it is determined that the second additional restriction mode is set (step S26: Yes), the processing unit 22 executes a second additional distribution restriction process (step S27). The second additional distribution restriction process in step S27 is the process of steps S40 and S41 shown in FIG. 15, and will be described in detail later.

When the processing of step S27 is completed, when it is determined that the second additional restriction mode is not set (step S26: No), or when it is determined that there is no opt-out selection for model M (step S20: No), the processing unit 22 ends the processing shown in FIG. 13.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the first additional distribution restriction process by the processing unit 22 of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, the processing unit 22 distributes the inquiry information to the user U associated with the related model by transmitting the inquiry information to the terminal device 2 of the user U via the communication unit 20 and the communication network 3 (step S30). Such inquiry information is information inquiring about opinions regarding the information to be distributed that corresponds to the related model.

Next, the processing unit 22 determines whether or not to restrict distribution to the user U associated with the related model using the related model based on the opinion information returned from the user U in response to the inquiry information (step S31). The processing unit 22 determines whether or not it has been decided in step S31 to restrict distribution to the user U associated with the related model using the related model (step S32).

If the processing unit 22 decides in step S31 to restrict distribution to a user U associated with the related model using the related model (step S32: Yes), it starts restricting distribution to a user U associated with the related model using the related model (step S33).

When the processing of step S33 is completed, or when the processing unit 22 determines in step S31 not to restrict distribution using the related model to the user U associated with the related model (step S32: No), the processing unit 22 terminates the processing shown in FIG. 14.

Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the second additional distribution restriction process by the processing unit 22 of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 15, the processing unit 22 determines, as excluded stores, stores in a user list similar to the user list associated with the selected model (step S40).

Then, the processing unit 22 starts restricting the distribution of store information of excluded stores to the opt-out user (step S41), and ends the processing shown in FIG. 15.

Figure 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the second distribution restriction process by the processing unit 22 of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 16, the processing unit 22 determines whether or not there is an opt-out selection for the store (step S50).

When the processing unit 22 determines that there is an opt-out selection for the store (step S50: Yes), it performs opt-out processing for the store (step S51). The opt-out processing for the store is performed by adding the user ID of the opt-out user, who is the user U who selected opt-out, to the distribution excluded user list stored in the storage unit 21.

Next, the processing unit 22 identifies an excluded model, which is a model related to the store where opt-out was selected (step S52). In step S52, the processing unit 22 identifies, for example, model M associated with a user list similar to the delivery excluded user list of the store where the user U opted out, as the excluded model. Then, the processing unit 22 starts restricting delivery of the excluded model to the opt-out user (step S53).

Next, the processing unit 22 determines whether or not the third additional distribution restriction mode is set (step S54). If the processing unit 22 determines that the third additional distribution restriction mode is set (step S54: Yes), the processing unit 22 executes a third additional distribution restriction process (step S55). The third additional distribution restriction process in step S55 is the process of steps S60 to S64 shown in FIG. 17, and will be described in detail later.

When the processing of step S55 is completed, when it is determined that the third additional restriction mode is not set (step S54: No), or when it is determined that there is no opt-out selection for the store (step S50: No), the processing unit 22 ends the processing shown in FIG. 16.

Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the third additional distribution restriction process by the processing unit 22 of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 17, the processing unit 22 identifies an exclusion candidate model (step S60). For example, the processing unit 22 identifies, as an exclusion candidate model, model M associated with a user list similar to the distribution excluded user list of the store from which user U has opted out.

Next, the processing unit 22 distributes the inquiry information to the user U by transmitting the inquiry information to the terminal device 2 of the user U associated with the excluded candidate model via the communication unit 20 and the communication network 3 (step S61). Such inquiry information is information inquiring about an opinion regarding the information to be distributed that corresponds to the excluded candidate model.

Next, the processing unit 22 determines whether or not to restrict distribution to the user U associated with the excluded candidate model using the excluded candidate model based on the opinion information returned from the user U in response to the inquiry information (step S62). The processing unit 22 determines whether or not it has been decided in step S62 to restrict distribution to the user U associated with the excluded candidate model using the excluded candidate model (step S63).

If the processing unit 22 decides in step S62 to restrict distribution to the user U associated with the excluded candidate model using the excluded candidate model (step S63: Yes), it starts restricting distribution to the user U associated with the excluded candidate model using the excluded candidate model (step S64).

When the processing of step S64 is completed, or when it is determined in step S62 not to restrict distribution using the excluded candidate model to user U associated with the excluded candidate model (step S63: No), the processing unit 22 terminates the processing shown in FIG. 17.

6. Modifications
The distribution unit 41 of the processing unit 22 can also distribute information indicating that the opt-out user has selected opt-out to a similar user who is a user U similar to the opt-out user who has selected opt-out.

In addition, when the decision unit 45 determines not to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to a user U associated with the related model, the restriction unit 46 of the processing unit 22 can also not restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to an opt-out user.

In addition, the inquiry unit 44 can increase the frequency of delivery of the inquiry information the higher the similarity of the related model to the selected model, and can lengthen the delivery period of the inquiry information the higher the similarity of the related model to the selected model.

The decision unit 45 can also decide not to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to opt-out users, based on an opinion from a contact user who is a user U associated with the related model. For example, when the total score SC is less than a preset threshold, the decision unit 45 can decide not to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to opt-out users.

The decision unit 45 can also decide not to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the exclusion model to opt-out users, based on an opinion from a contact user who is a user U associated with the exclusion candidate model. For example, when the total score SC is less than a preset threshold, the decision unit 45 can decide not to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the exclusion model to opt-out users.

The decision unit 45 can also decide not to restrict the delivery of store information of excluded stores to opt-out users based on an opinion from a contact user who is a user U who is not included in the delivery exclusion user list of the candidate store for exclusion. For example, when the total score SC is less than a preset threshold, the decision unit 45 can decide not to restrict the delivery of store information of excluded stores to opt-out users.

7. Hardware Configuration
The information providing device 1 or the terminal device 2 according to the above-described embodiment is realized by a computer 80 having a configuration as shown in Fig. 18, for example. The information providing device 1 will be described below as an example. Fig. 18 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 80 that realizes the functions of the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment. The computer 80 has a CPU 81, a RAM 82, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 83, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 84, a communication interface (I/F) 85, an input/output interface (I/F) 86, and a media interface (I/F) 87.

The CPU 81 operates based on the programs stored in the ROM 83 or the HDD 84, and controls each part. The ROM 83 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 81 when the computer 80 starts up, and programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 80.

The HDD 84 stores programs executed by the CPU 81 and data used by such programs. The communication interface 85 receives data from other devices via the communication network 3 (see FIG. 2) and sends the data to the CPU 81, and transmits data generated by the CPU 81 to other devices via the communication network 3.

The CPU 81 controls output devices such as a display and a printer, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, via the input/output interface 86. The CPU 81 acquires data from the input devices via the input/output interface 86. The CPU 81 also outputs data generated via the input/output interface 86 to the output devices.

The media interface 87 reads a program or data stored in the recording medium 88 and provides it to the CPU 81 via the RAM 82. The CPU 81 loads the program from the recording medium 88 onto the RAM 82 via the media interface 87 and executes the loaded program. The recording medium 88 is, for example, an optical recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a PD (Phase change rewritable Disc), a magneto-optical recording medium such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a tape medium, a magnetic recording medium, or a semiconductor memory.

For example, when the computer 80 functions as the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment, the CPU 81 of the computer 80 executes a program loaded onto the RAM 82 to realize the functions of the processing unit 22. In addition, the data in the storage unit 21 is stored in the HDD 84. The CPU 81 of the computer 80 reads and executes these programs from the recording medium 88, but as another example, these programs may be obtained from another device via the communication network 3.

[8. Other]
In addition, 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 a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed arbitrarily unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the illustrated information.

In addition, each component of each device shown in the figure is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads and usage conditions. For example, two or more of the acquisition unit 40, distribution unit 41, reception unit 42, identification unit 43, inquiry unit 44, determination unit 45, and restriction unit 46 shown in FIG. 6 may be integrated. Also, for example, the information stored in the storage unit 21 may be stored in a predetermined storage device provided externally via the communication network 3.

The information providing device 1 may also be configured with two or more server devices. In this case, the information providing device 1 has a configuration including, for example, a processing server and a storage server. The above-described embodiments and variations can be appropriately combined as long as they do not cause any contradiction in the processing contents.

9. Effects
As described above, the information providing device 1 according to the embodiment includes the delivery unit 41, the identification unit 43, and the restriction unit 46. The delivery unit 41 delivers information to be delivered using a plurality of models M that determine the delivery destination of the information to be delivered. The identification unit 43 identifies, as a related model, a model M related to a selected model that is a model M to which the user U has selected opt-out among the plurality of models M. The restriction unit 46 executes a delivery restriction that restricts delivery from the delivery unit 41 using the related model to the user U to which the opt-out has been selected. Therefore, the information providing device 1 restricts delivery using a model M related to the model M to which the user U has selected opt-out. As a result, the information providing device 1 can restrict delivery information D related to delivery information D delivered using the model M to which the user U has selected opt-out from being delivered to the user U to which the opt-out has been selected, and can provide appropriate information to the user U.

The restriction unit 46 also restricts distribution by reducing the frequency of distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to the user U who has selected opt-out. This allows the information providing device 1 to restrict distribution information D related to distribution information D distributed using the model M for which the user U has selected opt-out from being distributed to the user U who has selected opt-out, and allows appropriate information to be provided to the user U.

The restriction unit 46 also reduces the frequency of distribution the higher the similarity between the model M for which the user U has selected opt-out and the related model. This allows the information providing device 1 to restrict the distribution of information to models that are more related to the model M for which the user U has selected opt-out, and to provide appropriate information to the user U.

The information providing device 1 also includes an inquiry unit 44 and a decision unit 45. The inquiry unit 44 inquires of users U associated with the related model, among the multiple users U, about their opinions on information to be distributed that corresponds to the related model. The decision unit 45 decides whether or not to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to users U associated with the related model, based on the result of the inquiry by the inquiry unit 44. The restriction unit 46 restricts distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model to users U associated with the related model, based on the result of the decision by the decision unit 45. This allows the information providing device 1 to restrict distribution to users U other than opt-out users, and provide appropriate information to users U.

The restriction unit 46 also determines whether to restrict distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the related model by increasing the weight of the opinions of users U whose attributes are more similar to those of users U who have selected opt-out. This allows the information providing device 1 to more appropriately restrict distribution to users U other than opt-out users.

The inquiry unit 44 also inquires about opinions by transmitting information to be distributed that corresponds to the related model. This allows the information providing device 1 to appropriately inquire about opinions regarding the information to be distributed that corresponds to the related model.

The inquiry unit 44 also preferentially distributes inquiry information, which is information inquiring about opinions on the information to be distributed that corresponds to the related model, so that the inquiry information is displayed at the top. This allows the information providing device 1 to appropriately inquire about opinions on the information to be distributed that corresponds to the related model.

The identification unit 43 also identifies, as a related model, a model whose list of the associated user U is similar to the selected model. This allows the information providing device 1 to accurately identify related models.

The identification unit 43 also identifies, as a related model, a model corresponding to a distribution target that has similar information about the distribution target corresponding to the selected model. This allows the information providing device 1 to accurately identify related models.

The distribution unit 41 also distributes store information, which is information for each store. The identification unit 43 identifies, as an excluded model, a model M associated with a list of users U similar to a distribution excluded user list, which is a list of users U from whom distribution of store information about stores that the user U has selected to opt out of is excluded. The restriction unit 46 executes a distribution restriction that restricts distribution from the distribution unit 41 using the excluded model to users U who have selected to opt out of a store. Therefore, the information providing device 1 restricts distribution using the model M related to the store that the user U has selected to opt out of. This allows the information providing device 1 to restrict distribution information D related to store information about a store that the user U has selected to opt out of from being distributed to the user U who has selected to opt out, and to provide appropriate information to the user U.

The distribution unit 41 also distributes store information, which is information for each store. The identification unit 43 identifies, as excluded stores, stores corresponding to a distribution excluded user list similar to a list of users U who have selected to opt out of the selected model, from a distribution excluded user list, which is a list of users U who are excluded from distribution of store information for each store. The restriction unit 46 restricts distribution of store information of excluded stores to users U who have selected to opt out. Therefore, the information providing device 1 restricts distribution of store information related to the model M for which the user U has selected to opt out. In this way, the information providing device 1 can restrict distribution of store information related to distribution information D distributed using the model M for which the user U has selected to opt out, from being distributed to users U who have selected to opt out, and can provide appropriate information to the users U.

The above describes the embodiments of the present application in detail with reference to the drawings, but this is merely an example, and the present invention can be implemented in other forms with various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the aspects described in the disclosure section of the invention.

The above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit." For example, an acquisition unit can be read as an acquisition means or an acquisition circuit.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Information providing device 2, ₂₁ , ₂₂ , ..., _2m terminal device 3 Communication network 10, 20 Communication unit 11 Display unit 12 Operation unit 13 Sensor group 14, 21 Storage unit 15, 22 Processing unit 16 Information acquisition unit 17 Display processing unit 18 Output unit 30 User information storage unit 31 Model information storage unit 32 Distribution restriction information storage unit 33 Shop information storage unit 34 Distribution information storage unit 40 Acquisition unit 41 Distribution unit 42 Reception unit 43 Identification unit 44 Inquiry unit 45 Determination unit 46 Restriction unit 100 Information providing system

Claims (13)

An identification unit that identifies, as a related model, a model related to a selected model, which is a model from which a user has selected opt-out, from among a plurality of models that determine a delivery destination of information to be delivered;
a restriction unit that executes a distribution restriction that restricts distribution of the information using the associated model to the user who has selected the opt-out. The limiting portion is
The information providing device according to claim 1 , wherein the distribution restriction is performed by reducing a frequency of distribution of the information using the relevance model to the user who has selected the opt-out. The limiting portion is
The information providing device according to claim 2 , wherein the frequency is reduced as the degree of similarity between the model for which the user has selected opt-out and the related model increases. an inquiry unit that inquires of a user associated with the related model about an opinion on information to be distributed that corresponds to the related model;
a decision unit that decides whether to restrict distribution of the information to a user associated with the association model using the association model based on a result of the inquiry by the inquiry unit;
The limiting portion is
4. The information providing device according to claim 1, further comprising: restricting distribution of the information using the related model to a user associated with the related model based on a result of the determination by the determination unit. The limiting portion is
The information providing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the opinions of users having attributes that are more similar to those of the user who selected the opt-out are weighted more heavily in determining whether or not to restrict the distribution of the information using the relevance model. The inquiry unit,
6. The information providing device according to claim 4, wherein the inquiry for the opinion is made by transmitting information to be distributed that corresponds to the related model. The inquiry unit,
The information providing device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that inquiry information which is information inquiring about opinions regarding the information to be distributed corresponding to the related model is preferentially distributed so as to be displayed at the top. The identification unit is
8. The information providing device according to claim 1, further comprising: identifying a model having a list of associated users similar to the selected model as the related model. The identification unit is
8. The information providing device according to claim 1, further comprising: identifying a model corresponding to a distribution target having information of the distribution target corresponding to the selected model similar to the related model. The information to be distributed includes:
It includes store information, which is information for each store.
The identification unit is
Identifying a model associated with a list of users similar to a delivery exclusion user list, which is a list of users who are excluded from delivery of store information of a store from which the user has selected opt-out, as an exclusion model;
The limiting portion is
10. The information providing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a distribution restriction that restricts distribution of the information using the exclusion model to a user who has selected opt-out of the store. The information to be distributed includes:
It includes store information, which is information for each store.
The identification unit is
Identifying, as an excluded store, a store corresponding to a delivery excluded user list similar to a list of users who have selected opt-out of the selection model, among a delivery excluded user list which is a list of users who are excluded from delivery of store information of each of the stores;
The limiting portion is
10. The information providing device according to claim 1, further comprising: restricting distribution of store information of the excluded stores to the users who have selected the opt-out. 1. A computer-implemented information providing method, comprising:
A step of identifying, as a related model, a model related to a selected model, which is a model from which a user has selected opt-out, from among a plurality of models that determine a delivery destination of information to be delivered;
and a restriction step of executing a distribution restriction for restricting distribution of the information using the relevance model to the user who has selected the opt-out. A step of identifying a model related to a selected model, which is a model from which a user has selected opt-out, as a related model from among a plurality of models that determine a delivery destination of information to be delivered;
and a restriction step of restricting distribution of the information using the associated model to the user who has selected the opt-out.

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