JP4492945B2 - Social network service system, server, and social network service providing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a social network service system, a server, and a social network service providing method suitable for a user of a mobile terminal.

  Conventionally, as a service using the Internet, there is a service called a social network service. This service cannot be used by an unspecified number of people like a conventional electronic bulletin board (BBS), but can be used only by those who have been introduced by registered members. When a newly registered user introduces another user, a new registered user is born. As described above, all registered users are associated with at least one registered user as friends, and various personal information and the like of each registered user are stored as attribute information of the user. Therefore, the set of registered users corresponds to a personal network, and the stored information functions as a database.

  In this way, the social network service system forms a community connected by friendships, and usually requires a real name (in some cases a face photo) at the time of user registration. It's hard to do something that slanders or deceives others on the site like an allowed electronic bulletin board, and modest exchanges take place. Each user can increase his / her personal network by mediation by registering his / her personal network.

Patent Document 1 proposes a network information search system in a social network service system. Patent Document 2 discloses an information providing system using a personal network database for determining the reliability related to the seller of an online auction.
JP 2003-141381 A JP 2002-259730 A

  A conventional social network service system mainly assumes a personal computer (PC) as a terminal. In recent years, mobile terminals such as mobile phones have become widespread, and the function of connecting to the Internet has been provided due to their multi-functionality. Under such circumstances, the operation of a social network service system for mobile terminals is also planned.

  However, in a portable terminal, there are restrictions on the display device and input device. For example, since the display screen size of a portable terminal device is limited, a large amount of information cannot be displayed at a time like a PC, and it is possible with limited operation keys such as numeric keys, cursor keys, and soft keys. The operation mode is also limited. Therefore, as a result of examination of the use of the mobile terminal for the social network service system, the user interface similar to the PC, such as a human network search operation and a result display, is difficult to use, or there is a problem in operability even if possible. I understood that. Such a problem becomes more prominent as the number of friends of each user increases.

  In addition, the usage form of the mobile terminal is different from that of the PC, and there is a situation peculiar to the mobile terminal that the available time is likely to be shredded because it can be used at any time, such as on the road or outside.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in such a background, and an object thereof is to provide a social network service system, a server, and a social network service providing method suitable for use in a mobile terminal.

  The social network service system according to the present invention is a social network service system including a plurality of portable terminals and a server connected to the plurality of portable terminals via a communication network. In this system, the server receives registration by a user and constructs a database for managing a set of registered users in which each registered user is associated with at least one other registered user together with attribute information of each user. On the other hand, the mobile terminal issues a search instruction for the database in accordance with an instruction from a searcher who is one of registered users. Furthermore, when the server receives a search instruction from the mobile terminal, the server sequentially presents search conditions using user attributes as choices to allow the searcher to select a desired option, and the registered user as a starting point is registered. A registered user corresponding to the selected option is searched from other registered users related to the user, and a search result including information on the registered user obtained as a result of the search is presented to the searcher.

  The registered user search (human network search) in the present invention is a process of tracing a user related to the registered user from one registered user as a starting point. As a result, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a large number of persons at once as a result of the search. Upon receiving a search instruction from the mobile terminal, a search condition using user attributes as options is sequentially presented to the searcher, thereby providing a user interface suitable for the display device or input device of the mobile terminal.

  More specifically, as the options presented to the searcher at once, a plurality of selection target items divided into two or three are presented to the searcher step by step. Accordingly, the number of options presented at a time can be suppressed to a relatively small number (for example, two or three). The options can be graphically displayed as a two-branch or three-branch road.

  As a result of the search, there is provided means for temporarily storing a registered user selected as a search history, and the server performs a search based on the temporarily stored registered user in response to a user instruction. May be. The mobile terminal is often used on the road or on the road, and even when the search process that has been started is interrupted, the search can be started from there.

  The server may return to the registered user who visited last based on the search history according to the searcher's instruction and continue the search. This eliminates the need to return the search origin to the beginning when it is desired to return to the abandoned option.

  The server may change the order of the options presented sequentially according to the attribute information of the searcher. This increases the probability that the option desired by the searcher will appear earlier.

  The server according to the present invention includes a database that manages a set of registered users in which each registered user is associated with at least one other registered user, together with attribute information of each user, a portable terminal of the registered user via a communication network, When receiving a search instruction from a mobile terminal and a communication means for performing data communication between the mobile terminal, a search condition using a user attribute as an option is sequentially presented to allow a searcher to select a desired option, and an instructed registered user is selected. As a starting point, a registered user corresponding to the selected option is searched from other registered users related to the registered user, and the search result including the registered user information obtained as a result of the search is searched. Search means for presenting to a person.

  A social network service providing method according to the present invention is a social network service providing method for providing a social network service to a plurality of mobile terminal users via a communication network, and a new user according to an introduction of a registered user. A step of registering information in the database, a step of managing a set of registered users in which each registered user is associated with at least one other registered user, together with attribute information of each user, and a search instruction for a personal connection from a portable terminal In response to the search instruction, sequentially presenting search conditions using user attributes as options, allowing the searcher to select a desired option, and starting from a registered user instructed by the searcher, From among the other registered users associated with the registered user, Retrieving the registered user corresponding to the option which is characterized in that the search results including information of search results obtained registered users equipped with, and presenting to the searcher.

  According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the search according to the present invention, a process of tracing a user related to a registered user from a single registered user as a starting point can avoid the occurrence of a large number of corresponding persons as a result of the search. . This is suitable for use with a portable terminal having a limited display screen size.

  If you follow the user in the dark clouds during the search, the probability of reaching the user you are interested in is low, but give the searcher a choice of search conditions, and the searcher will select the choices to meet the desired conditions. You can reach registered users.

  By limiting the number of options presented to the searcher at a relatively small number (for example, two or three) and allowing the user to select one by one, it is possible to meet the restrictions on the display means and input means of the mobile terminal. Search conditions can be presented. The selection of at most three-branch options is suitable for a branch-selection type user interface that goes on the road, and even if the number of selections increases, the operation can be performed with a sense of fun, so that the operation is not troubled.

  Further, by storing the search history data, even if the search process that has been started once is interrupted, the operation of tracing the human network from the interrupted user can be resumed. Therefore, it is useful for searching for a human network by using a small time when going out.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the system of the present embodiment and its components will be described, and then a specific operation example of the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a social network service system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this system, a plurality of mobile terminals 11a and 11b (generally referred to as mobile terminals 11 or simply terminals 11) and a server 30 that provides a social network service for these mobile terminals 11 are used as communication networks 15. Connected to each other. The communication network 15 can include a mobile network and the Internet.

  The server 30 includes a storage unit 20 and incorporates various processing units such as a web data processing unit 31, a human network search unit 33, a user relationship processing unit 34, a user registration unit 35, and a communication unit 37. The storage unit 20 includes various data storage units such as a user data storage unit 21, a user relationship storage unit 23, a web data storage unit 25, and a search history storage unit 27.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the hardware configuration of the terminal 11. The terminal 11 includes an antenna 201, a transmission / reception processing unit 203, a modulation / demodulation processing unit 205, a web data processing unit 207, a D / A converter 209, a speaker 210, an A / D converter 211, and a microphone as elements unique to the mobile phone. 212. The terminal 11 also includes a controller 225 including a CPU, a ROM, and the like that control these elements, a memory 227 that is used as a work area and a temporary storage area for data by the controller 225, a liquid crystal display device that functions as a user interface, and the like. Display unit 220, an operation unit 223 corresponding to various operation keys, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) reception unit 229 as position information detection means. The position information may be detected by a method using the position information of a base station of a mobile phone (including PHS) regardless of GPS. In this case, the position detection itself is performed outside the terminal. However, since the terminal requests the detection and receives the result, it is assumed that the terminal also has a position detection function in this case. Note that the GPS receiving unit 229 is not necessary when an action range described later is not automatically detected.

  FIG. 3 shows an outline of the hardware configuration of the server 30. The CPU 310 controls each part of the server by program control. The CPU 310 also includes a clock unit that performs time management (generation of date information, etc.). The memory 311 stores programs and data executed by the CPU 310. The memory 311 is connected to the CPU 310 via the bus 330. An input device 314 such as a keyboard, a display device 315 such as a CRT and a liquid crystal display, and an external storage device 316 such as a hard disk device are connected to the bus 330 via an interface 313. The external storage device 316 provides storage devices for various data storage units of the server 30. The bus 330 is connected to the communication network 15 via the communication unit 320 (corresponding to the communication unit 37 in FIG. 1). Various processing units 31, 33, 34, and 35 in the server 30 shown in FIG. 1 are realized by program control of the CPU 310. The storage unit 20 in FIG. 1 can be configured by an external storage device 316 and a memory 311.

  FIG. 4 shows the correspondence between a plurality of users A to K registered in this service. In the figure, the link connecting the users means that both users have a “friend” relationship. “Friends” in this specification includes “friends” in the normal sense, but besides that, there is some relationship between the two registered users, and both recognize it. Showing the relationship.

  FIG. 5A schematically shows the configuration of the user database 41 used in the server 30 and stored in the user data storage unit 21 in a table format. The actual data format need not be a table format, and may be any other data format such as a card format. The user database 41 includes, for each registered user, “user ID” that is user identification information unique to each user, “name”, “age”, “nickname” that is the user's real name, and a type of contact information to the user. "E-mail address" which is the e-mail address of the user, "phone number" such as a mobile phone number as a kind of contact information to the user, "address" which is the user's residence (prefecture name here), “Occupation type”, “Gender”, “Birthday” as occupation, “Photograph” as the image data that understands the user's face, “Hobby” (s), “Behavior” as the geographical area where the user mainly acts Register “Range”, etc. Items other than “user ID” and “behavior range” are information input by the user himself at the time of user registration. These items are merely examples, and not all of these items are necessarily required in the present system. Conversely, there may be other items (for example, birthplace). “Photo” is specified by the image data file name. An image data file corresponding to the user database 41 and “photograph” is stored in the user data storage unit 21 of FIG. The “behavior range” can be determined based on the accumulated information obtained by accumulating current location information obtained when using a location search service using GPS or the like. However, the action range may not be automatically detected and may be input by the user.

  The user database 41 shown in FIG. 5 registers personal information of each registered user, and does not define the relationship between registered users. The relationship between registered users is managed by the friend list 42 shown in FIG. The friend list 42 stores “user ID” and “relation” of each friend for each user. The “relationship” is a relationship in which the registrant recognizes the partner, and here, it is divided into “work” and “hobby”. There may be other relationships. In the present embodiment, the relationship (for example, work) in which one of the two friends is viewed from the other (for example, work) and the relationship in which the other is viewed from the other (for example, hobby) are matched.

  FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of search history data 43 stored in the search history storage unit 27 for each searcher user. FIG. 7A shows a history of registered users (user history) traced at the time of the network search. FIG. 7B shows a history of search condition selection results (search condition history) for the registered user currently located. As will be described later, the user search history data is useful when resuming a human network search from the same registered user again after tracing to a certain user and interrupting the human network search. The history of search condition selection results is useful when returning to the condition selection tree described later.

An example of the registration procedure for unregistered users in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
(1) First, the user A who is a registered user makes a provisional application to the server to recommend the input to the social network service with the user B as a friend. This provisional application may be made on a website provided by the server or may be made by e-mail. At the time of this provisional application, the user A presents information for identifying the user, such as the name and mail address of the user B, to the server. In addition, it is preferable that the user A obtains the consent of the user B prior to the provisional application.
(2) In response to this temporary application, the server issues a temporary ID and a temporary password, and notifies the user A together with the URL of the user registration site of the server. This notification can also be made via web or email.
(3) Receiving the notification, the user A transmits a mail as illustrated to the user B. This mail includes a message that user A recommends membership to user B, the URL of the user registration site, a temporary ID, and a temporary password. The server preferably provides user A with such a mail template so that user A does not have to manually enter such mail. In this case, the user A completes the mail only by adding the destination mail address to the template.
(4) User B makes an application by entering necessary information on the Web by accessing the URL site in the received mail. At this time, login is performed using the temporary ID and the temporary password.
(5) The server confirms that the access is from the other party that issued the temporary ID, accepts user B's membership, performs predetermined user registration, and issues a formal user ID and password to user B. Notify that.

FIG. 9 shows another example of the registration procedure for unregistered users. In the case of FIG. 8, in response to the provisional application from the user A, the server notifies the user A of the provisional ID and the like, but in the example of FIG. Specifically, it is as follows.
(1) First, as in the case of FIG. 8, the user A who is a registered user makes a provisional application to the server to recommend the input to the social network service with the user B as a friend.
(2) In response to this temporary application, the server issues a temporary ID and a temporary password, and notifies the user B together with the URL of the user registration site of the server. This notification is made by e-mail as shown. This mail includes a message that informs user B that he / she wants to recommend membership, a URL of the user registration site, a temporary ID, and a temporary password.
(3) User B makes an application by entering necessary information on the web by accessing the URL site in the received mail. At this time, login is performed using the temporary ID and the temporary password.
(4) The server confirms that the access is from the other party that issued the temporary ID, accepts user B's membership, performs predetermined user registration, and issues an official user ID and password to user B Notify that.

  Next, specific operations in the present embodiment will be described with reference to a screen example of a display screen of the mobile terminal.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a menu screen 500 as a TOP screen displayed when using the service of the present embodiment on the mobile terminal. Prior to using this service, the user can access the server 30 and enter the user ID, password, and the like to reach this TOP screen.

  The menu screen 500 includes instruction buttons 501 to 503 related to human network search (human network tracing), instruction buttons 504 and 505 related to Profile (personal information) and photographs, and instruction buttons 506 and 507 related to recommendation data (disclosure information). Yes.

  The instruction button 501 is a button for performing “remaining” a human network search once interrupted. An instruction button 502 is a button for performing a human network search “from the beginning”. It takes time and communication cost to trace from a friend (from the beginning) each time on a portable terminal, and can only be traced to a certain extent within a limited time. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a function is prepared for memorizing the position traced on the network due to personal connections. As shown in the screen 510 of FIG. 11, the instruction button 503 is a “display list” based on a list of text character strings as a selection display format for tracing a human network, or a “road” that graphically displays a road having a branch path. This is a button for setting “display”. A specific example of the selection display format will be described later.

  When an instruction button 504 for setting a profile on the menu screen 500 in FIG. 10 is instructed, a profile setting screen 520 as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. In this example, for inputting personal information of various users such as “name”, “nickname”, “sex”, “age”, “address”, “hobby” as described in FIG. An input form is displayed. Although only one hobby entry field is shown in the figure, there may be a plurality of hobbies. Further, although not shown, an input screen for selecting or inputting a photo file is displayed by an instruction button 505 for photo registration. These Profiles and photos are information necessary for user registration, and are included in the menu screen of FIG. 10 for convenience, but may be included in another screen for user registration.

  When an instruction button 506 for registering recommended data on the menu screen 500 in FIG. 10 is designated, a recommended data registration screen 530 as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. The recommended data is arbitrary information that the user wants to recommend or introduce (for example, recommended products, music, etc.). In the present embodiment, not only text but also images can be posted. The recommendation data can include link information to other websites. On the recommended data registration screen 530, the user inputs “title” and “description” of the recommended data. When it is desired to attach an image as recommendation data, an “image read” button is instructed and a desired image file is selected from an input screen (not shown). When an instruction button 507 for editing recommended data is instructed, it is possible to edit input data such as change or deletion of recommended data.

  When the human network search instruction buttons 501 and 502 on the menu screen 500 in FIG. 10 are instructed, a predetermined human network search process is started with the user given in the server 30 as a starting point. That is, when receiving a search instruction from the mobile terminal, the server sequentially presents a search condition using the specified registered user as a starting point and user attributes of other registered users associated with the registered user as options. The searcher is made to select a desired option, and a registered user corresponding to the selected option is searched. When the number of registered users that match the search condition is less than or equal to the predetermined number, or when the user attribute option reaches the last option, or when the user instructs, the search is performed in FIG. As illustrated in the result screen 540, the mobile terminal display screen information is transmitted to the terminal as a search result including the registered user information obtained as a result of the search. On this screen, there are provided instruction buttons for “display”, “return alone”, “continue”, and “end”. The “display” button is an instruction button for displaying personal information of a user who satisfies the search condition. The “return by one person” button is an instruction button for instructing to return the position of one person from the user who is currently located in the personal network search process with reference to the search history data 43 of the searcher. This can be used to turn back the path once followed. The “Continue” button is an instruction button for continuing the search. The “end” button is an instruction button for instructing the end of the human network search.

  FIG. 14B shows an example of the corresponding person list screen 550 displayed when the “display” button is instructed on the search result screen 540. On this screen, the personal information described above is displayed together with a picture of each person concerned. Portions that are not stored on the screen can be displayed by scrolling or screen switching. In the corresponding person list display screen 550 shown in the figure, a “contact” button, a “recommend” button, a “become a friend” button, a “return” button, and the like are prepared. The viewer can know a certain amount of personal information of the corresponding person from the screen of FIG.

  In view of the display screen size of the mobile terminal, contacts such as e-mail addresses and telephone numbers are displayed on a separate screen when the “contact” button is designated. The contact information may be displayed on the corresponding person list screen 550 as information on the corresponding person. Note that the server may check the relationship between the viewer and the corresponding person and disclose the contact information only to the viewer (user) who is in a direct friend relationship.

  The “recommend” button is an instruction button for displaying recommended data prepared in advance by the corresponding person as a recommended data screen 560 as shown in FIG. From the recommendation data screen 560, it is possible to return to the corresponding person list screen 550 in accordance with a predetermined operation on the operation unit. The “Recommend” button is not displayed for users who do not have recommended data. Instead of providing the “Recommend” button, when a corresponding person is selected on the corresponding person list screen 550, if the corresponding person prepares recommendation data, it may be automatically displayed.

  The “become a friend” button is an instruction button for making a direct friend relationship with a user who is not in a direct friend relationship in the social network service. As described above, a user who has been introduced after receiving an introduction from a registered user may have a substantial “friend” among other registered users. Or you may want to browse personal information and have a direct "friend" relationship. In any case, when the “become a friend” button is instructed, the user relation processing unit 34 of the server, as a friend addition process, for example, by e-mail or the like to the corresponding person and browsing the personal information of the viewer The user is notified that the person wants to become a “friend” relationship, and when the confirmation is obtained, the other party is registered in both friend lists 42.

  The “return” button in FIG. 14B is an instruction button for returning to the screen in FIG.

  Next, a specific network search method and user interface according to the present embodiment will be described. In the personal network search in the present embodiment, when there are a plurality of users who have a direct friend relationship with a registered user, the registered users are screened according to the search condition to narrow down to a predetermined number. The search condition is a user attribute, and is a plurality of attributes among a plurality of attribute types (hobby, work, action range, etc.). In the present embodiment, the number of options to be selected at a time when selecting a condition is limited to a predetermined number (for example, 2 or 3) due to restrictions on display devices and input devices in the portable terminal. In a portable terminal, selection up to three branches can be performed relatively easily.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of a condition selection tree when two branch conditions are selected at a time. By sequentially selecting the two-branch condition from “Start”, even if the number of options is large, the instruction itself can be input with a simple operation. As options for the tree, subordinate concepts (baseball, soccer, skiing, etc.) included therein may be further prepared as branches with respect to the options of the superordinate concept (for example, sports). In this case, during the user registration format, only the subordinate concept may be prepared as an option that the user prepares in a menu such as a pull-down menu at the time of registration, or both the superordinate concept and the subordinate concept are prepared. May be.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of a condition selection tree combining three branches and two branches. Thus, 3 branches and 2 branches may be mixed.

  15 and 16 do not show subsequent options when selecting a job, but when there is an option, for example, condition selection for each of two branches (or three branches) as shown in FIG. 17 can be performed. .

  FIG. 18 shows an example of a condition selection tree in which subsequent choices when “hobby” is selected are divided into three branches.

  As a modification, a plurality of separate trees may be connected in series. For example, in the tree as shown in FIG. 15, after finally reaching an option at the branch end of the tree, the tree may be shifted to another tree (for example, an action range). Such a tree connected in series may be fixedly prepared in advance, or at the end of the first tree, confirm with the user whether or not to proceed to the next tree and proceed to the second tree. Also good.

  FIGS. 19A and 19B respectively show two screen examples of “list display” and “road display” in the case of performing condition selection by two branches as a selection display format when tracing a personal connection.

  FIGS. 20A and 20B respectively show two screen examples of “list display” and “road display” in the case of selecting a condition for each of three branches as a selection display format for tracing a personal connection. If the thickness of the road is changed according to the number of options as shown in the “road display” in this figure (the thicker one is thicker), the user can intuitively recognize the state of the options. it can. Although the case of three branches is shown in the figure, the same applies to the case of two branches.

  In each such branch, each time the user selects a specific option (an option of a level registered in the user database), the human network search unit 33 of the server searches the search condition for the direct friend of the currently registered user. Search by. In the process of selecting options sequentially, when the number of registered users that match the search conditions is less than a predetermined number, when the user attribute option reaches the last option, or when there is a user instruction When this occurs, a search result screen 540 as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7 (b), the history of the selection results of the search conditions that are sequentially displayed is also maintained from the start to the end of at least one human network search. It may be possible to turn back. Thereby, after proceeding to a certain branch in the condition selection tree, it is possible to return to the search condition in the middle and select an option different from the previous one.

  In the above two-branch and three-branch “road display” screen examples, the same road shape is always used. However, as shown in FIGS. You may use the screen from which the aspect of a branch differs. As a result, it is possible to enhance the sense of presence as if following the actual road. Such switching of screens may be associated in advance with correspondence to individual condition screens, or may be switched randomly.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a human network search process executed by the human network search unit 33 of the server 30 in the present embodiment.

  In this embodiment, this processing is activated when the “Continue” or “From the beginning” instruction button 501 or 502 is designated on the menu screen 500 of FIG. First, based on a searcher who is one of registered users, a personality tree is generated that represents a set of registered users connected directly and indirectly from this searcher as friends (S1). This personality tree is sufficient to represent the relationship between registered users as a predetermined data structure, and there is no need to display the format as shown in FIG.

  Next, it is checked whether or not the search is performed from the beginning (S2). This can be determined depending on which one of the “continue” or “from the beginning” instruction buttons 501 or 502 is instructed. In the case of “Continue”, the suspended user (the latest position in the history) is set as a starting point from the saved search history (S3). In the case of “from the beginning”, the searcher itself is the starting point (S4).

  Therefore, the search condition is sequentially presented to the searcher's mobile terminal, and search processing for searching for the next user from the current user in the personal network according to the option selected by the user is executed (S5). A search result display process for transmitting the search result to the portable terminal and displaying it is performed (S6).

  If the searcher pays attention to the specific user obtained as a result of the search and then searches for the next user (S7, Yes), the process returns to step S5 to execute the above search and result presentation processing. When the search process is terminated by the searcher's instruction or the like, the search history is additionally stored in the search history data 43 (S8).

  A specific processing procedure example of the search processing described in step S5 in FIG. 22 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The order in which options are presented in the search pattern as described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16 may be fixed in advance, but may be variable according to the user attribute of the searcher. In other words, when there are many options of the same type (for example, “music”, “movie”, “sports”, “drive”, “outdoor”, etc. in “hobby”), when presenting options in two or three branches, present them at the same time. It is not possible to do so, and it must be presented sequentially. These options may be presented in a fixed order in advance. However, when the searcher's desired option appears at the end of the tree, it takes time to select the option. Therefore, in the flow of FIG. 23, the same type of attribute of the searcher is checked in the user database 41, and the order of presentation by the searcher is changed so as to present the option registered by the searcher first (S <b> 11). Such a process can be realized by a cooperation process between the personal network search unit 33 and the web data processing unit 31. For example, if the hobby registered by the searcher is “drive”, “drive” is presented first in the hobby search pattern. This is because it is generally considered that the searcher is interested in other users who have the same hobbies as his / her hobbies and is likely to select such hobby options. Similarly, if options are grouped in advance (for example, “drive” and “outdoor” are in the same group) and “drive” is presented first, “outdoor” in the same group is set to “drive”. The presentation order may be changed to continue.

  In addition, when a plurality of search patterns are prepared, which search pattern is used can be selected in advance by the user together with the display format. If not selected, default settings are used.

  Therefore, the search condition options are presented according to the search pattern (S12). The presentation of this condition is performed according to a display format (“list display” or “road display”) that is set in advance or selected on the screen 510 in FIG.

  Next, selection by the searcher's key operation or the like for the presented search condition option is accepted (S13). It is checked whether or not search is possible for this option (S14). For example, when the selected option is “other”, it is determined that the search is impossible. If the search is possible, a registered user having an attribute that matches the condition of the selected option is searched (S15).

  As a result of the search, if the number of applicable persons is equal to or less than the predetermined number (S16, Yes), the search process is terminated and the process proceeds to the search result presentation process. If there is a searcher's result display instruction even if the number of persons is not less than the predetermined number (S17, Yes), the process proceeds to a search result presentation process. Even if the number of applicable persons is not less than the predetermined number and there is no searcher's result display instruction, if there is no next option in the selection condition tree (S18, Yes), the process returns to the process of FIG. If there is a next option in the selection condition tree, the process returns to step S12, the next condition option is presented, and the above process is repeated.

  FIG. 24 shows a specific processing procedure example of the search result presentation processing (S6). This processing is executed by the web data processing unit 31 in response to the search result of the personal network search unit 33 of the server 30.

  First, search result presentation screen information as shown in FIG. 14A is transmitted to the searcher's mobile terminal (S21). If there is an instruction of a “display” button from the searcher on this screen (S22, Yes), the process proceeds to step S23. If there is an instruction of a “return alone” button (S31, Yes), the currently focused user is returned by one person (by designating the user selected immediately before) based on the search history, and the search process of FIG. Return to (S32). If there is an instruction of the “Continue” button (S33, Yes), the process returns to the search process and the search process is continued. If there is an instruction of the “Finish” button (S34, Yes), this process is terminated and the process returns to the process of FIG.

  When the “display” button is instructed, a corresponding person list screen 550 (FIG. 14B) is presented (S23). That is, this screen information is transmitted to the searcher's mobile terminal. When a plurality of relevant persons (registered users) are presented as search results, the mobile terminal highlights (highlights, highlights, etc.) a specific user according to the searcher's instruction. When the “Contact” button is instructed on this screen (S24, Yes), the instructed user contact screen is presented (S25). As described above, this display may be performed by confirming the friendship between the person concerned and the searcher. If there is an instruction of the “Recommend” button (S26, Yes), a recommendation data screen 560 (FIG. 14C) prepared in advance for the user is presented (S27). When the “become a friend” button is instructed (S28, Yes), a friend addition process as described above is performed (S29). When the “return” button is instructed (S30, Yes), the process returns to step S21 and the search result is presented again. Otherwise, the process returns to step S24 and waits for the searcher's instruction on the applicable person list screen.

  When the search is resumed after the interruption, if the user has already canceled the registration, the user is returned to the registered user existing in the path up to that point.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but various modifications and changes other than those mentioned above can be made.

  For example, as a method of using recommendation data, if a user who recommends a product etc. clicks on another user like a banner of a web page, some benefit is given to the user who makes the recommendation, It is possible to introduce an affiliate-like business mechanism in which, for example, if a product is purchased from there, further points can be obtained.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the social network service system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the hardware constitutions of a terminal. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the hardware constitutions of the server in the system of FIG. It is a figure which shows the correspondence between the some users AK registered into the social network service in embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed typically the structure of the user database which a server uses in embodiment of this invention in the table format. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the friend list which manages the relationship between registered users in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the search history data memorize | stored for every user of a searcher in a search history memory | storage part. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the registration procedure of the unregistered user in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the other example of the registration procedure of the unregistered user in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the menu screen as a TOP screen displayed when using the service of this Embodiment in a portable terminal. In embodiment of this invention, it is explanatory drawing of the selection display format at the time of following a personal connection with a portable terminal. It is a figure which shows the example of the Profile setting screen in the portable terminal in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the recommendation data registration screen in the portable terminal in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen relevant to the result of the personal network search with the portable terminal in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the condition selection tree in the case of performing condition selection of 2 branches at once in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the condition selection tree in the case of performing condition selection of 3 branches at once in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the selection condition tree of "work" in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the condition selection tree which made the subsequent choice 3 branches at a time when "hobby" is selected in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which respectively shows two screen examples of "list display" and "road display" in the case of performing condition selection for every two branches as a selection display format when tracing a personal connection in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which respectively shows two example screens of "list display" and "road display" in the case of performing condition selection of every 3 branches as a selection display format at the time of following a personal connection in the embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, it is a figure showing an example of a screen in which a mode of branching is different as in an actual road even with the same two branches. It is a flowchart showing the example of a process of the personal network search which the personal network search part of a server performs in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a specific process sequence of the search process demonstrated by step S5 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a specific process sequence of the search result presentation process (S6) in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11, 11a, 11b ... Portable terminal, 15 ... Communication network, 20 ... Memory | storage part, 21 ... User data memory | storage part, 23 ... User relationship memory | storage part, 25 ... Web data memory | storage part, 27 ... Search history memory | storage part, 30 ... Server 31 ... Web data processing unit, 33 ... human network search unit, 34 ... user relationship processing unit, 35 ... user registration unit, 37 ... communication unit, 41 ... user database, 42 ... friend list, 43 ... search history data, 500 ... Menu screen, 501 to 507 ... Instruction button, 510 ... screen, 520 ... Profile setting screen, 530 ... Recommended data registration screen, 540 ... Search result screen, 550 ... Applicable person list screen, 560 ... Recommended data screen

Claims (16)

A social network service system comprising a plurality of portable terminals and a server connected to the plurality of portable terminals via a communication network,
The server
A communication unit that communicates with the plurality of mobile terminals;
A database for managing each set of registered users together with attribute information of each user, associating each registered user with at least one other registered user ,
Upon receiving a registered user search instruction from the mobile terminal , using the database, the registered user specified by the search instruction as a starting point, the user attributes of other registered users related to the registered user A control unit that sequentially presents the search condition with the option as a graphic display information as a bifurcated or three-branched road to the mobile terminal via the communication unit, and allows the searcher to select a desired option;
Using the database in accordance with the search instruction, the registered user corresponding to the selected option is searched from other registered users, and the search result including the registered user information obtained as a result of the search is obtained. A search unit for presenting to the searcher via the communication unit,
The control unit, as the graphic display information, depending on the number of options belonging to the branched road, thicken the road with the larger number,
Each of the plurality of portable terminals is
A communication unit communicating with the server;
In accordance with an instruction of a searcher who is one of registered users, an operation unit for performing a search instruction of the database with an instruction of a search origin and an instruction of the options;
A social network service system comprising: a graphic display information presented from the server; and a display unit for displaying information on a registered user obtained as a result of the search. The control unit of the server checks the user attribute of the searcher in the database, and changes the order in which the options are presented according to the searcher so that the option corresponding to the user attribute of the searcher is presented first. The social network service system according to claim 1. The search unit of the server searches the database based on an instruction of options from the mobile terminal, and when the number of registered users obtained as a result of the search is less than or equal to a predetermined number, the user attribute option is the last The search continues until the option is reached or until the mobile device gives an instruction,
The communication unit of the server, a social network service system according to claim 1, wherein sending the search results including information of search results obtained registered user to the mobile terminal. The server includes means for temporarily storing the selected registered user as a search history as a result of the search,
Search unit of the server, in accordance with an instruction of the user, a social network service system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that to search for registered user said had been temporarily stored as a starting point. 5. The social network service system according to claim 4 , wherein the search unit of the server returns to the registered user who visited immediately based on the search history and continues the search according to an instruction of the searcher. Social network service system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 6, wherein the branch is 2 branched or trifurcated. The database manages the attribute information of each user and the disclosure information registered as information that the user wants to disclose to other users when searching for other users, and the server registers the corresponding users at the time of searching. social network service system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the presenting the disclosure information to the searcher. The server includes means for performing a relationship with a registered user obtained by a search that is not related to the searcher and updating the database in response to a request of the searcher. The social network service system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . A server that is connected to a plurality of mobile terminals via a communication network and provides a social network service,
A communication unit that communicates with the plurality of mobile terminals;
A database for managing each set of registered users together with attribute information of each user , by associating each registered user with at least one other registered user and receiving registration by a user from the communication unit; When receiving a search instruction for a registered user, using the database as a starting point, the user attribute common to the other registered users associated with the registered user is selected as an option. A search unit that sequentially presents the search condition to the mobile terminal via the communication unit as graphic display information as a 2-branch or 3-branch road, and allows the searcher to select a desired option. Accordingly, using the database, the registered user corresponding to the selected option is searched from other registered users. The search results that include information of the registered user obtained as a result of search through the communication unit and a search unit to be presented to the searcher,
The server is characterized in that, as the graphic display information, the road having the larger number is thickened according to the number of options belonging to the branched road. The control unit checks the user attribute of the searcher in the database, and changes the order in which the options are presented according to the searcher so that the option corresponding to the user attribute of the searcher is presented first. The server according to claim 9 . The search unit searches the database based on an option instruction from the mobile terminal, and when the number of registered users obtained as a result of the search is equal to or less than a predetermined number, the user attribute option is the last option. Until you reach or until you receive an instruction from the mobile device,
The server according to claim 9, wherein the communication unit of the server transmits a search result including information on a registered user obtained as a result of the search to the mobile terminal. As a result of the search, there is provided means for temporarily storing the selected registered user as a search history,
The server according to any one of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the search unit performs a search using the registered user stored temporarily as a starting point in accordance with a user instruction. The server according to claim 12 , wherein the search unit returns to the registered user who visited immediately based on the search history and continues the search according to an instruction of the searcher. Server according to any one of claims 9-13, wherein the branch is 2 branched or trifurcated. The database manages the attribute information of each user and the disclosure information registered as information that the user wants to disclose to other users when searching for other users, and the server registers the corresponding users at the time of searching. The server according to any one of claims 9 to 14 , wherein the disclosed information is presented to a searcher. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 , further comprising means for performing a relationship with a registered user obtained by a search not related to the searcher and updating the database in response to a request of the searcher. The server according to any one of 15 to 15 .

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