JP5107383B2 - Information providing apparatus, information providing method, and information providing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field of an information providing apparatus, an information providing method, and an information providing program for transmitting a Web page to a terminal device via a network.

  Conventionally, Web pages existing on a network are linked with each other by hyperlinks (hereinafter referred to as “links”), and the terminal device accesses content such as linked Web pages by referring to the links embedded in the Web pages. The WWW (World Wide Web) that makes this possible is known. In the WWW, a user selects a link from a Web page on which the link is displayed, whereby the terminal device accesses desired content.

  At this time, if the user's desired content is content that has been accessed in the past, and if the user remembers to some extent a web page for reaching the content, the user can quickly access the desired content. it can. However, when a plurality of links are displayed in the Web page, it may take time for the user to search for a link for accessing desired content. This is because the design of the Web page is not always designed to allow easy access to desired content. Therefore, it may take time to access the desired content.

  As a technique related to this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying a designated Web page and a Web page linked from the Web page. Specifically, the technology described in Patent Literature 1 receives a URL from a user, acquires a Web page with the received URL, and a Web page linked to a link included in the Web page, Web pages are sequentially switched and displayed. Further, the technique described in Patent Document 1 preferentially selects frequently accessed web pages as display targets when the time required to display a plurality of web pages is longer than the target time. select.

JP 2006-260541 A

  However, with the technique described in Patent Document 1, the Web page desired by the user is not always included in the displayed plurality of Web pages. Even if the web page desired by the user is included in the displayed plurality of web pages, the web page not desired by the user is also displayed. In addition, depending on the display order of the Web pages, a considerable amount of time may be required until a desired Web page is displayed. Thus, the method of omitting the selection of the link by the user is not always convenient for the user.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and from contents that have been accessed in the past as a result of the user selecting a link from a Web page, to contents that have a high probability of being desired by the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information providing apparatus, an information providing method, and an information providing program for causing a terminal device to display a Web page on which a user can easily select a link necessary for access to the user.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 is an information providing apparatus to which a terminal device can be connected via a network, and a Web page on which a plurality of links are displayed is displayed from the terminal device. The link of the link selected by the user from among the plurality of links displayed by the terminal device from the transmission means for transmitting to the terminal device in response to the access request and the access from the terminal device to the Web page An acquisition unit that acquires a time interval until the start of access from the terminal device to the destination, and a time interval that satisfies a predetermined condition is acquired by the acquisition unit when a user requests access to the Web page In the case where the time interval satisfying the predetermined condition is displayed, it is expressed in the relative relationship between the link to the link destination from which the time interval obtained is acquired and the other link. Changing the mode, characterized in that it comprises a generating means for generating the Web pages in which the plurality of links are displayed.

  As the desired content is clear to the user, the time required for the user to select a link necessary for accessing the desired content from a plurality of links on the Web page displayed on the screen tends to be shortened. is there. And when accessing the content accessed in this way after that, a user has high possibility of accessing a content with a terminal device by the same method as the past. In other words, if the same Web page as when accessing the desired content in the past is displayed on the screen, the user is likely to select the link selected in the past this time. According to the present invention, if the time interval when the terminal device displays a Web page and the user selects the link and accesses the linked content satisfies a predetermined condition, the same Web page is then displayed. When the terminal device displays, a link satisfying the condition changes a display mode in a relative relationship with other links, and a plurality of links are displayed. Therefore, since the display mode of a link having a high probability of being desired can be changed in a relative relationship with other links, content of a content that has been accessed in the past by the user selecting a link from a Web page. From among them, the user can easily select a link necessary for access to the content desired by the user.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information providing apparatus according to the first aspect, the generation unit includes a link having the shortest time interval acquired by the acquisition unit among the plurality of links. The Web page on which the plurality of links are displayed is generated by changing the display mode in the relative relationship.

  According to the present invention, as a predetermined condition, the link having the shortest time interval when selected is displayed in a relative relationship with other links, and a plurality of links are displayed. The user can easily select a link necessary for accessing the content having the highest probability of being desired.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information providing apparatus according to the second aspect, the generating unit calculates an average value of the time intervals acquired by the acquiring unit for each link, and the link having the minimum average value The display mode is changed in a relative relationship with other links to generate the Web page on which the plurality of links are displayed.

  According to the present invention, since the link having the smallest average value of the time interval changes the display mode in the relative relationship with other links, a plurality of links are displayed, so that the content having the highest probability desired by the user is displayed. The user can easily select a more appropriate link as a link necessary for access to.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information providing apparatus according to the first aspect, the generation unit is configured such that a link whose time interval acquired by the acquisition unit is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold time is relative to another link. The Web page on which the plurality of links are displayed is generated by changing a display mode in a general relationship.

  According to the present invention, as a predetermined condition, a link whose time interval is equal to or less than the threshold time is displayed in a relative relationship with other links, and a plurality of links are displayed. The user can easily select a link necessary for accessing the content having a high probability.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information providing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the generation means includes a number of times that a time interval obtained by the obtaining means is equal to or less than the threshold time among the plurality of links. The Web page on which the plurality of links are displayed is generated by changing the display mode of the most links in a relative relationship with other links.

  According to the present invention, since the link having the largest number of times whose time interval is equal to or less than the threshold time is displayed with the display mode changed in a relative relationship with other links, the content having the highest probability desired by the user is displayed. The user can easily select a link necessary for access to.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information providing apparatus according to the fourth or fifth aspect, the determining unit that determines the threshold time based on the statistics of the time interval acquired by the acquiring unit is further provided. It is characterized by providing.

  According to the present invention, since the threshold time in accordance with the reality can be determined, it is possible for the user to easily select a more appropriate link as the link necessary for accessing the content that is most likely to be desired by the user. it can.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the information providing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the generation unit is a time interval that satisfies the predetermined condition in the acquisition unit among the plurality of links. The link obtained is displayed larger than the default display size of the link, or a link other than the link whose time interval satisfying the predetermined condition is obtained by the obtaining unit is the default of the other link. The Web page displayed smaller than the display size is generated.

  According to the present invention, since a link necessary for accessing content having a high probability that the user desires is displayed relatively large, the user can easily select the link.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the generation unit satisfies the predetermined condition in the acquisition unit among the plurality of links. The Web page is generated by displaying the link obtained by changing the display position in a relative relationship with other links.

  According to the present invention, since the link required for accessing the content having a high probability of being desired by the user is displayed with the display position changed in relation to other links, the user can easily select the link. Can do.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the information providing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the generation unit includes a link from which the time interval satisfying the predetermined condition is acquired by the acquisition unit. The Web page is generated in which at least one of a display color, a display format, and a content type displayed as a link differs from another link.

  According to the present invention, at least one of the display color, display format, or link of a link necessary for access to the content having a high probability of being desired by the user is different from that of the other links, so that the user can easily select. be able to.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the information providing device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the acquisition unit sets a timing at which the terminal device displays the web page to the web page. The time interval when the access timing is assumed is acquired.

  According to this invention, since the time interval from when the user first viewed the Web page can be acquired, the time required for the user to select a link can be determined more accurately.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the information providing device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the acquisition unit is a timing at which a user selects a link from the Web page displayed by the terminal device. Is acquired at the timing of starting the access to the link destination.

  According to the present invention, since the time interval until the user selects the link is acquired, the time required for the user to select the link can be determined more accurately.

  The invention according to claim 12 is the information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising first receiving means for receiving a request for access to the web page from the terminal device. The acquisition means acquires the time interval when the timing of receiving the access request or the timing of transmitting the Web page is the timing of access to the Web page. .

  According to the present invention, since the time interval from when the information providing device receives the access request is acquired, the information providing device can easily acquire the time interval.

  A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the information providing apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth and twelfth aspects, wherein the information is transmitted from the terminal device when a user selects a link from the plurality of links. A second receiving means for receiving a notification of access to the link destination, wherein the acquisition means is the time interval when the timing at which the notification of access is received is a timing for starting access to the link destination. It is characterized by acquiring.

  According to the present invention, since the time interval until the information providing apparatus receives the access notification is acquired, the information providing apparatus can easily acquire the time interval.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information providing apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the generating unit acquires the Web page transmitted by the transmitting unit by the acquiring unit. Further, the time interval is generated based on the time interval acquired when a link is selected by a user who uses the terminal device as a transmission destination.

  According to this invention, since the web page transmitted to the user's terminal device is generated based on the result of selecting the link by the user himself / herself, the display mode of the plurality of links is a web page suitable for each user. Can be displayed.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information providing device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, at least one link destination of the plurality of links is generated by the generating unit and is transmitted by the transmitting unit. It is a Web page to be transmitted.

  According to the present invention, when it is necessary to sequentially follow a plurality of Web pages via a link in order to access content that is highly likely to be desired by a user, the content is accessed on each Web page. Therefore, the user can easily select the necessary link.

  The invention according to claim 16 is an information providing method by an information providing apparatus to which a terminal device can be connected via a network, wherein a Web page displaying a plurality of links is used as an access request from the terminal device. In response, the transmission step to be transmitted to the terminal device, the access from the terminal device to the Web page, and the link destination of the link selected by the user among the plurality of links displayed by the terminal device An acquisition step of acquiring a time interval between the start of access from the terminal device and a time interval satisfying a predetermined condition was acquired in the acquisition means when a user requested access to the Web page. In this case, the relative relationship between the link to the link destination from which the time interval satisfying the predetermined condition is acquired and other links is expressed. Changing the manner and having a generation step of generating the Web page that the plurality of links are displayed.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a computer included in an information providing apparatus to which a terminal device can be connected via a network, a Web page on which a plurality of links are displayed, in response to an access request from the terminal device Transmission means for transmitting to the terminal device, access from the terminal device to the Web page, and from the terminal device to a link destination of a link selected by the user among the plurality of links displayed by the terminal device Acquisition means for acquiring a time interval between the start of access and a time interval that satisfies a predetermined condition in the acquisition means when a user requests access to the Web page. Indicates the display mode in the relative relationship between the link to the link destination for which the time interval satisfying the predetermined condition is acquired and the other link. It said plurality of links is equal to or to function as a generator, for generating the Web page displayed by reduction.

  According to the present invention, if the time interval when the terminal device displays a Web page and the user selects a link and accesses the linked content satisfies a predetermined condition, the same Web page is then displayed. When the terminal device displays, a link satisfying the condition changes a display mode in a relative relationship with other links, and a plurality of links are displayed. Therefore, since a link having a high probability of being desired can be displayed with a display mode changed in a relative relationship with other links, it has been accessed in the past by a user selecting a link from a Web page. A Web page that allows the user to easily select a link necessary for accessing content that has a high probability of being desired by the user can be displayed on the terminal device.

It is a figure which shows an example of schematic structure of the information provision system S which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen display of a web page. (A) thru | or (c) is a figure which shows the example of a display of the some link contained in the genre selection area | region 100. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the web server 1 which concerns on one Embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the content registered into user DB12a, (b) is a figure which shows an example of the content registered into page link definition DB12b, (c) is access history DB12c. It is a figure which shows an example of the content registered into. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the process at the time of the request reception in the system control part 14 of the Web server 1 which concerns on one Embodiment. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the number of times an access interval time is equal to or less than a threshold and a priority, and a display example of a plurality of links included in a genre selection area 100. FIG. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the content registered into threshold value DB12d, (b) is a figure which shows an example of the content registered into priority DB12e. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the threshold value update process in the system control part 14 of the Web server 1 which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the process at the time of the request reception in the system control part 14 of the Web server 1 which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process example of the process at the time of the request reception in the system control part 14 of the Web server 1 which concerns on one Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is an embodiment when the present invention is applied to an information providing system.

[1. First Embodiment]
[1-1. Overview of information provision system and functions]
First, the configuration and outline function of the information providing system S according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an information providing system S according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information providing system S includes a Web server 1 as an example of an information providing device and a plurality of user terminals 2 as an example of a terminal device. The Web server 1 and each user terminal 2 can transmit and receive data to and from each other using, for example, TCP / IP as a communication protocol via the network NW. The network NW is constructed by, for example, the Internet, a dedicated communication line (for example, a CATV (Community Antenna Television) line), a mobile communication network (including a base station), a gateway, and the like.

  In the information providing system S having such a configuration, the Web server 1 is a server device that transmits a Web page constituting a predetermined information providing site as a Web site to the user terminal 2 in response to a request from the user terminal 2. .

  The user terminal 2 is a terminal device in which a browser program for a user to browse a Web page is incorporated. As the user terminal 2, for example, a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a mobile phone, or the like is used.

  Each Web page constituting the information providing site in the information providing system S usually includes a plurality of links (hyperlinks) to other Web pages in the information providing site. In the information providing system S, after a predetermined web page is accessed by the user terminal 2, the user terminal 2 starts to access another web page by selecting a link in the web page. Time is measured. This time is referred to as “access interval time”. Then, the average value of the access interval time is calculated for each link. Thereafter, when the same predetermined web page is displayed by the user terminal 2, the link having the smallest average access interval time among the plurality of links in the web page is relative to other links. The display mode is changed in FIG. 5, and more specifically, a plurality of links are displayed on the Web page in such a manner that they are visually more conspicuous than other links. The calculation of the average value of the access interval times and the display of a plurality of links based on the access interval times are performed individually for each user. Here, a Web page in which the display mode of a plurality of links can change according to the access interval time is referred to as a “link emphasis corresponding page”. All of the Web pages constituting the information providing site may be pages that support link emphasis, or some Web pages may be pages that support link emphasis. In addition, each link of a plurality of links whose display mode changes according to the access interval time is referred to as an “emphasis correspondence link”. All the links included in the link emphasis correspondence page may be emphasis correspondence links, or some links may be emphasis correspondence links.

  It is assumed that a Web page to be browsed is determined to some extent in the user's head in advance, and a Web page that includes a link for reaching the Web page is determined to some extent. Then, when the Web page that the user has registered is registered in the bookmark or can be easily found by the search engine, the user accesses the user terminal 2 to display the registered Web page on the screen. Then, the user selects a link for arriving at a Web page to be browsed. This selection is repeated until the Web page that the user wants to browse is displayed on the screen. At this time, when the Web page to be browsed is determined to some extent, the user searches for a link to a desired Web page that is conceived or a link to a Web page that includes a link to reach the desired Web page. Since the selection is made, the time required to select the link tends to be shorter than when the Web page to be browsed is not decided at all. This tendency is considered to increase as the Web page to be browsed is clear in the user's head in advance. When a user wants to browse a web page that has been browsed following such a process, it is natural that the user tries to browse in the same manner as in the past. In other words, the shorter the time from when a web page is displayed until a link is selected, the stronger the tendency described above, and the higher the probability that the selected link will be selected by the user thereafter. It can be said.

  In the information providing system S, the access interval time corresponds to the time from when the web page is displayed until any link is selected. Then, the link having the minimum access interval time is displayed on the Web page in a manner that stands out from the other links. A link that stands out on a web page is easy to distinguish from other links, so if the conspicuous link is a link to a web page that the user wants to browse, the user is lost to select that link. Less. Therefore, the user can easily select the link having the highest probability of being selected by the user.

  Hereinafter, an example in which an auction site is applied as a predetermined information providing site will be described. In this auction site, each item for sale is classified into genres. Genres for classifying products are defined hierarchically. For example, if all genres are included in the first genre, genres such as “fashion”, “home appliance / interior”, and “hobby / sport” are defined as genres in the second layer. Yes. Further, genres such as “ladies”, “mens”, “bags / accessories / brand miscellaneous goods” and the like are defined as genres in the third hierarchy with “fashion” as a higher genre.

  In this auction site, Web pages correspond to each genre. This web page is called a genre auction page. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a screen display example of a Web page. The web page shown in FIG. 2 is the top page of the auction site. This top page is also a genre auction page corresponding to all genres among a plurality of genre auction pages. The genre auction page displays information related to the genre such as a list of auctions belonging to the genre selected by the user. In addition, the genre auction page displays a genre selection area 100 for selecting a genre that belongs to one genre lower than the genre selected by the user.

  In the genre selection area 100, for example, links 100a to 100i are displayed as a plurality of links. When the user selects any link from the genre selection area 100, a genre auction page corresponding to the selected link is displayed on the screen. For example, when the link 100a displaying “fashion” is selected, a genre auction page displaying information related to fashion is displayed. The user can display the genre auction page corresponding to the genre desired by the user by successively selecting the links in the genre selection area 100 in this way.

  In this auction site, each genre auction page is a link emphasis corresponding page. In addition, each link in the genre selection area 100 of the genre auction page is a highlight-corresponding link.

  FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C are diagrams each showing a display example of a plurality of links included in the genre selection area 100. FIGS. 3A to 3C are examples in which the average value of the access interval time corresponding to the link 100c is the minimum. The genre selection area 100 in FIG. 2 is set as a default display mode. 3A, the font size of the character of the link 100c is made larger than the default font size shown in FIG. 2, and the font size of the characters of the links 100a, 100b, 100d to 100i is the same as the default font size. This is an example of the case. As a result, the link 100c is highlighted. Further, for example, the font size of the character of the link 100c may be the same as the default font size, and the font size of the characters of the links 100a, 100b, and 100d to 100i may be smaller than the default font size. Thereby, the link 100c is relatively emphasized. That is, the link 100c is displayed in a relatively emphasized manner by changing the display mode in the relative relationship between the link 100c and the other links 100a, 100b, 100d to 100i.

  FIG. 3B shows an example in which the display position of the link 100c is moved and the link 100c is displayed at a position above the links 100a, 100b, and 100d to 100i. Web pages are generally designed to be viewed from above. Therefore, even when the user looks at the genre selection area 100, it is considered that the user tends to see from the top. Then, among the plurality of links, the first displayed to the user's eyes is the link displayed at the top. That is, the link 100c is displayed with the display position changed in a relative relationship with the other links 100a, 100b, and 100d to 100i, and is displayed at the most prominent position.

  FIG. 3C shows an example in which the character color and background color of the link 100c are different from the character color and background color of the links 100a, 100b, and 100d to 100i. This is also an example in which the link 100c is highlighted by displaying the link 100c while changing the display mode in the relative relationship with the other links 100a, 100b, and 100d to 100i. Only one of the character color or background color of the conspicuous link may be made different from the other links. Alternatively, only the links that make it stand out may be displayed blinking. Further, the display format of the conspicuous link may be different from the display format of other links. For example, the font type may be changed or displayed in italic or bold. The type of content displayed as a conspicuous link may be different from other links. For example, a conspicuous link is displayed as an image, and other links are displayed as characters.

  Instead of highlighting only the emphasis correspondence link having the smallest average value of the access interval time, it may be made conspicuous in order of increasing average value of the access interval time. The display mode in this case will be described in the second embodiment.

  In addition, instead of determining the highlight correspondence link to be conspicuous based on the average value of the access interval time, for example, the latest access interval time of each highlight correspondence link included in the link enhancement correspondence page is compared to determine the latest access. You may make it make the emphasis corresponding link with the shortest interval time conspicuous.

[1-2. Web server configuration]
Next, the configuration of the Web server 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the Web server 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of contents registered in the user DB 12a. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of contents registered in the page link definition DB 12b. FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating an example of contents registered in the access history DB 12c.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the Web server 1 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input / output interface 13, and a system control unit 14. The system control unit 14 and the input / output interface 13 are connected via a system bus 15.

  The communication unit 11 is connected to the network NW and controls the communication state with the user terminal 2 and the like. The storage unit 12 is configured by, for example, a hard disk drive or the like, and stores various programs and data. The input / output interface 13 performs interface processing between the communication unit 11 and the storage unit 12 and the system control unit 14. The system control unit 14 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 14b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 14c, and the like.

  In the storage unit 12, a user DB (database) 12a, a page link definition DB 12b, and an access history DB 12c are constructed. In the user DB 12a, information related to users registered as users in the information providing system S is registered. Specifically, in the user DB 12a, as shown in FIG. 5A, the user ID, password, name, address, telephone number, mail address, etc. given to the user as identification information correspond to each user. It is registered with it.

  In the page link definition DB 12b, information related to the link emphasis corresponding page is registered. Specifically, in the page link definition DB 12b, as shown in FIG. 5B, the page ID of the link emphasis corresponding page and the link destination page ID of the emphasis corresponding link are associated with each page of the link emphasis corresponding page. Registered as link definition information. The page ID is identification information given to the web page. Further, the link destination page ID is the same as the page ID of the link destination Web page of the highlighting link. The link destination page IDs are registered as many as the number of emphasized links included in the link emphasized corresponding page. For example, referring to the example of FIG. 2, the page ID is the page ID of the top page. The link destination page ID1 is the page ID of a genre auction page on which information about fashion is displayed. The link destination page ID2 is a page ID of a genre auction page on which information related to home appliances and interiors is displayed. The page ID constitutes a part of the URL indicating the location of the Web page.

  In the access history DB 12c, the access interval time is registered as a history. Specifically, in the access history DB 12c, as shown in FIG. 5C, the user ID of the user who performed the highlight corresponding link selection operation, and the link source page ID as the page ID of the link highlight link corresponding page. The link destination page ID as the page ID of the Web page that is the link destination of the selected highlight correspondence link and the access interval time are registered as access history information in association with each time the access interval time is measured.

  Further, the storage unit 12 stores an HTML document that defines the display content and mode of the Web page in association with the page ID. As for the link emphasis correspondence page, the HTML document is described so that a plurality of emphasis correspondence links are displayed in the default display mode. In addition, when the Web page includes information that is changed as needed over time (for example, information about news, auctions, etc.), the HTML document of the Web page is updated as needed. In addition, the storage unit 12 stores various data constituting the web page.

  Further, the storage unit 12 stores a predetermined operating system. The storage unit 12 stores a WWW (World Wide Web) server program for transmitting and receiving data to and from the user terminal 2 and the like using the HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) protocol. Note that the various programs may be acquired from, for example, another server device or the like via the network NW, or may be recorded on a recording medium and read via the drive device.

  The system control unit 14 controls each unit of the Web server 1 by the CPU 14 a reading and executing various programs stored in the ROM 14 b and the storage unit 12. The system control unit 14 functions as a transmission unit, an acquisition unit, a generation unit, a first reception unit, and a second reception unit in the present invention.

  More specifically, the system control unit 14 measures the access interval time. Specifically, the system control unit 14 uses the timing of transmitting the link emphasis corresponding page to the user terminal 2 as the start timing of the access interval time measurement (hereinafter referred to as “link source access date”). ) To get. Then, the system control unit 14 stores the user ID of the user of the user terminal 2, the page ID of the emphasized corresponding page to be transmitted, and the acquired link source access date / time in association with each other in the RAM 14 c as access page information. Thereafter, the timing at which the request transmitted from the user terminal 2 is received by the user selecting the highlighted link from the link highlighted page displayed by the user terminal 2 is the end timing of the measurement of the access interval time. Time (hereinafter referred to as “link destination access start date”). Then, the system control unit 14 measures the access interval time based on the link destination access start date and time and the link source access date and time in the access page information corresponding to the user ID of the user who transmitted the request. Note that the link source access date and time may be acquired at the timing when the request for the link emphasis corresponding page transmitted from the user terminal 2 is received.

  When measuring the access interval time, the system control unit 14 registers access history information including the access interval time in the access history DB 12c. The system control unit 14 generates the requested link emphasis corresponding page based on the access history information when transmitting the link emphasis corresponding page to the user terminal 2. Specifically, the system control unit 14 acquires the page link definition information of the requested link enhancement corresponding page. Next, the system control unit 14 acquires access history information for each link destination page ID set in the page link definition information, and calculates an average value of access interval times. The system control unit 14 then requests the HTML document of the requested link emphasis corresponding page so that the emphasis corresponding link corresponding to the link destination page ID having the minimum access interval time is more conspicuous than the other emphasis corresponding links. Is generated. Actually, since the original HTML document is stored in the storage unit 12, the system control unit 14 acquires the HTML document from the storage unit 12 and rewrites the content of the HTML document. Then, the system control unit 14 transmits the generated HTML document to the user terminal 2.

  The system control unit 14 deletes the access page information stored at the time of transmitting the link emphasis corresponding page when a certain time (for example, 10 minutes) elapses from the storage. By doing so, the system control unit 14 does not calculate the access interval time when a request for a Web page is received from the user terminal 2 after a certain time has elapsed since the transmission of the link enhancement corresponding page. Become. If the access interval time is too long, for example, the user may have stopped browsing the Web page once. Such a case can be prevented from being reflected in the display mode of the highlight correspondence link.

  By the way, the user can register the URL of the Web page of the information providing site in the browser installed in the user terminal 2. Further, there are cases where a link to a Web page of the information providing site is included in a Web page of a Web site other than the information providing site. In such a case, the Web server 1 may receive a request for the Web page that is the link destination of the highlighting link from the user terminal 2 even if the user does not select the highlighting link in the link highlighting page. In such a case, it is preferable not to reflect as much as possible in the display mode of the highlight correspondence link.

  As one of coping methods, the Web page accessed last time is a link emphasis corresponding page, and the Web page accessed this time is the link destination Web page of the emphasis corresponding link included in the previously accessed link emphasis corresponding page. By determining whether or not there is, it is possible to determine to some extent whether or not the highlighted link in the link highlighted page has been selected. Specifically, the system control unit 14 acquires the page ID of the link enhancement corresponding page as the link source page ID from the access page information corresponding to the user ID of the user of the user terminal 2 that has transmitted the request for the Web page. Then, the page link definition information of the link enhancement corresponding page is acquired from the page link definition DB 12b. Further, the system control unit 14 acquires the page ID of the requested Web page as the link destination page ID. Then, the system control unit 14 determines whether or not the acquired link destination page ID matches any link destination page ID in the page link definition information.

[1-3. Operation of information provision system]
Next, the operation of the information providing system S will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of a request reception process in the system control unit 14 of the Web server 1 according to the present embodiment. Note that the processing described below is a processing example when FIG. 3A is adopted as an aspect in which a link having the smallest average value of access interval time is conspicuous.

  The request reception process is executed each time the Web server 1 receives a Web page request from the user terminal 2. First, the system control unit 14 extracts the page ID of the requested web page as the request page ID from the URLs of the requests received as the first receiving unit and the second receiving unit (step S1). Next, the system control unit 14 determines whether or not the user of the user terminal 2 that has transmitted the request is currently logged in (step S2). For example, the user accesses the Web server 1 by operating the user terminal 2 in advance, and logs in to the information providing site by inputting his / her user ID and password. Thereby, the Web server 1 issues a session ID to the user terminal 2 and manages the user ID and the session ID in association with each other as session information. Further, the Web server 1 transmits the session ID to the user terminal 2 as a cookie, for example. Since the session ID is added to the subsequent request from the user terminal 2 to the Web server 1, the system control unit 14 determines whether the user is logged in and from which session the request is from the session information. Can be identified.

  When the user is not logged in (step S2: YES), the system control unit 14 acquires an HTML document corresponding to the request page ID from the storage unit 12, and acquires it in the user terminal 2 that has transmitted the request. The HTML document thus transmitted is transmitted (step S11). When completing the process of step S11, the system control unit 14 ends the request reception process.

  On the other hand, when the user is logged in (step S2: YES), the system control unit 14 determines whether or not the access page information corresponding to the identified user ID is stored in the RAM 14c (step S3). ). At this time, if the corresponding access page information is not stored (step S3: NO), the system control unit 14 proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, when the corresponding access page information is stored (step S3: YES), the system control unit 14 acquires page link definition information corresponding to the page ID set in the corresponding access page information. (Step S4).

  Next, the system control unit 14 determines whether or not the request page ID matches any link destination page ID in the acquired page link definition information (step S5). At this time, if the request page ID does not match any link destination page ID in the acquired page link definition information (step S5: NO), the system control unit 14 proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if the request page ID matches any link destination page ID in the acquired page link definition information (step S5: YES), the system control unit 14 sets the current date and time to the link destination access start date and time. (Step S6). Next, the system control unit 14 calculates an access interval time by calculating a difference between the link destination access start date and time and the link source access date and time in the corresponding access page information as an acquisition unit (step S7). Next, the system control unit 14 associates the identified user ID, the link source page ID acquired from the access page information, the request page ID, and the access interval time, and registers them in the access history DB 12c as access history information (step S8). ). Next, the system control unit 14 deletes the corresponding access page information from the RAM 14c (step S9).

  Next, the system control unit 14 determines whether or not page link definition information corresponding to the request page ID is registered in the page link definition DB 12b (step S10). At this time, if the page link definition information corresponding to the request page ID is not registered (step S10: NO), the system control unit 14 transmits an HTML document corresponding to the request page ID to the user terminal 2. (Step S11), the request reception process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the page link definition information corresponding to the request page ID is registered (step S10: YES), the system control unit 14 acquires the page link definition information and HTML corresponding to the request page ID. A document is acquired from the storage unit 12 (step S12). Next, the system control unit 14 acquires the first link destination page ID from the acquired page link definition information (step S13). Next, the system control unit 14 determines that the user ID, the link source page ID, and the link destination page ID among the access history information registered in the access history DB 12c are the specified user ID, the requested page ID, and the acquired link destination page. All access history information that matches is acquired (step S14). Next, the system control unit 14 calculates an average value of access interval times set in the acquired access history information (step S15). If no access history information satisfying the condition is registered, the average value of the access interval time is not calculated. Next, the system control unit 14 determines whether all link destination page IDs have been acquired from the acquired page link definition information (step S16). At this time, if there is a link destination page ID that has not been acquired from the acquired page link definition information (step S16: NO), the system control unit 14 determines the next link destination page ID from the acquired page link definition information. Is acquired (step S17), and the process proceeds to step S14.

  On the other hand, when all the linked page IDs are acquired from the acquired page link definition information (step S16: YES), the system control unit 14 can calculate the average value by repeating the processes of steps S14 to S17. It is determined whether one or more linked page IDs exist (step S18). At this time, if there is no link destination page ID for which the average value can be calculated (step S18: NO), the system control unit 14 sends the acquired HTML to the user terminal 2 that has transmitted the request. The document is transmitted as it is (step S20).

  On the other hand, when there is a link destination page ID for which the average value can be calculated (step S18: YES), the system control unit 14 corresponds to the link destination page ID having the minimum average value as a generation unit. The font size of the link character is changed to a value larger than the default font size (step S19). For example, it is assumed that the font size of characters displayed as a link is described for each emphasis corresponding link in the style sheet portion of the HTML document. In this case, the system control unit 14 rewrites the font size value of the link character corresponding to the link destination page ID having the smallest average value. Then, the system control unit 14 transmits the HTML document thus changed to the user terminal 2 that has transmitted the request (step S20).

  Next, the system control unit 14 acquires the current date and time as the link source access date and time (step S21). Next, the system control unit 14 associates the identified user ID, request page ID, and link source access date with each other, and stores them in the RAM 14c as access page information (step S22). When completing the process of step S22, the system control unit 14 ends the request reception process.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the system control unit 14 of the Web server 1 transmits a Web page on which a plurality of links are displayed to the user terminal 2 in response to a request from the user terminal 2. The access interval time from the access from the user terminal 2 to the Web page to the start of access from the user terminal 2 to the link destination of the link selected by the user among the plurality of links displayed by the user terminal 2 When the acquired access interval time satisfies a predetermined condition, a Web page on which a plurality of links are displayed in a manner in which the link selected by the user is conspicuous is generated, and the generated Web page is Transmit to terminal 2.

  Therefore, since a link with a high probability of being desired is conspicuous, it is necessary for accessing a web page with a high probability of being desired by the user from web pages that have been accessed in the past by the user selecting a link from the web page. The user can easily select a simple link.

  Generally, in the WWW, a user can register a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of content in a bookmark by a browser for browsing a Web page. This makes it possible to quickly access the content. On the other hand, there are cases where the user does not want to register the bookmark. In addition, there are Web pages that cannot be registered in bookmarks depending on how to describe HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) documents. Even if the terminal device accesses content that does not have a URL registered in the bookmark or content that cannot be registered in the bookmark, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to access a Web page that is highly likely to be desired by the user. The user can easily select a link necessary for the operation.

  In addition, since the system control unit 14 generates a Web page in which a plurality of links are displayed in such a manner that the link having the shortest access interval time when selected among the plurality of links is more prominent than the other links. The user can easily select a link necessary for accessing the Web page that has the highest probability of being desired.

  Further, the system control unit 14 calculates an average value of the access interval time for each link, and generates a Web page on which a plurality of links are displayed in such a manner that the link having the smallest average value is more conspicuous than other links. A more appropriate link can be made conspicuous as a link necessary for accessing the Web page having the highest probability desired by the user.

  Further, since the system control unit 14 generates a Web page in which a conspicuous link among a plurality of links is displayed larger than the default display size of the link, the user can easily select the link. In addition, the system control unit 14 generates a Web page in which links other than the links that are conspicuous are displayed smaller than the default display size of the other links, and the links that are conspicuous are displayed in positions that are conspicuous than other links. A Web page that generates a Web page that is different or at least one of a display color, a display format, or a type of Web page displayed as a link between a link that makes it stand out and another link The same effect can be produced.

  The link destination transmitted from the user terminal 2 when the user selects a link from the plurality of links included in the transmitted Web page from the timing when the system control unit 14 transmits the Web page to the user terminal 2. Since the time until the reception timing of the web page request is acquired as the access interval time, the access interval time can be measured on the Web server 1 side.

  In addition, a link is selected by the user of the user terminal 2 among the access history information registered in the access history DB 12c for the Web page that the system control unit 14 transmits to the user terminal 2 that has transmitted the request for the Web page. Therefore, the web page personalized based on the result of selecting the link by the user himself / herself can be displayed on the user terminal 2.

  Moreover, since the link destination of each of the plurality of highlight correspondence links included in the link enhancement correspondence page is a different link enhancement correspondence page, a plurality of links are provided via the link for access to the content having a high probability of being desired by the user. When it is necessary to sequentially follow Web pages, the user can easily select a link necessary for accessing the content in each Web page.

[2. Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of points similar to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

  In the first embodiment, among the plurality of links included in the Web page, the link having the smallest access interval time is displayed prominently. In the second embodiment described below, among the plurality of links included in the Web page, the link with the largest number of times that the access interval time is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold is displayed so as to be most conspicuous. In the second embodiment, the links are displayed prominently in descending order of the number of times that the access interval time is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

  Specifically, a priority is set for each emphasis corresponding link of the link emphasis corresponding page. The initial value of the priority is the same for all emphasis correspondence links. When the system control unit 14 of the Web server 1 receives the request transmitted from the user terminal 2 and measures the access interval time, the system control unit 14 determines whether the access interval time is equal to or less than the average value. When the access interval time is equal to or less than the average value, the system control unit 14 increases the priority of the highlight corresponding link selected by the user among the highlight corresponding links included in the link highlight corresponding page. Decrease the priority of the highlighted link. On the other hand, when the access interval time is larger than the average value, the priority is not changed.

  Then, when the system controller 14 transmits the emphasis correspondence link to the user terminal 2, the system control unit 14 makes each emphasis correspondence link included in the emphasis correspondence link conspicuous in accordance with the priority.

  Hereinafter, as in the first embodiment, an example in which an auction site is applied as an information providing site will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the number of times and the priority at which the access interval time is equal to or less than the threshold, and a display example of a plurality of links included in the genre selection area 100. Nine links are displayed in the genre selection area 100 shown in FIG. Therefore, for example, 8 is added to the priority of the link whose access interval time is equal to or less than the threshold, and 1 is subtracted from the priority of the other links. That is, the difference between the total values before and after the priority change is ± 0. Also, the initial priority value is set to 0.

  It is assumed that the number of times that the access interval time is less than or equal to the threshold from the links 100a to 100i is 3, 0, 9, 4, 3, 1, 0, 7, and 0. In this case, the priorities from the links 100a to 100i are 0, −27, 54, 9, 0, −18, −27, 36, and −27. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the font size of the link character having the priority 0 is displayed to be the same as the default font size. Further, the font size of the link character having a priority higher than 0 is displayed larger than the default font size. The higher the priority, the larger the font size. Further, the font size of the link character having a priority lower than 0 is displayed smaller than the default font size. The lower the priority, the smaller and larger the font size.

  The display mode of the highlight correspondence link is not limited to changing the display size. For example, the links may be displayed side by side in order from the highest priority. Further, for example, the difference between the hue or luminance of the link color and the hue or luminance of the background color in the genre selection area 100 may be increased in descending order of priority. That is, as the priority is higher, the link may be displayed in a color farther from the background color, that is, a color that stands out from the background.

  It is not always necessary to adopt the concept of priority. What is necessary is just to determine the display mode of a some link based on the frequency | count that the access interval time became below the threshold value about each link. Further, as in the case of the first embodiment, a plurality of links may be displayed in such a manner that only the link having the largest number of times that the access interval time is equal to or less than the threshold is conspicuous. Further, it is not necessary to count the number of times that the access interval time is equal to or less than the threshold. For example, among the emphasis-corresponding links included in the link emphasis-corresponding page, the emphasis-corresponding link that is closest to the present time when the access interval time is equal to or less than the threshold may be conspicuous.

  The threshold used in the present embodiment is set for each emphasis correspondence link. Specifically, the system control unit 14 of the Web server 1 takes statistics of access interval times for all users for each emphasis corresponding link. And the system control part 14 determines a threshold value based on the tendency of the access interval time which statistics show. For example, an average value of access interval times of all users may be used as a threshold value, or a value obtained by multiplying this average value by a predetermined coefficient may be used as a threshold value. Further, for example, the access interval time in which the percentile rank when the rank is counted from the smallest access interval time for all users may be set as a threshold value.

  Instead of setting a threshold value for each highlighted link, one threshold value may be set for each link highlighted page, or one threshold value may be set for the entire information providing site. Further, instead of changing the threshold based on the statistics of the access interval time, the threshold may be a fixed value.

  In the second embodiment, the time elapsed from when the link emphasis corresponding page is displayed until the user selects the emphasis corresponding link is defined as the access interval time. Specifically, for example, a program for measuring the access interval time is embedded in the HTML document of the link enhancement corresponding page. By this program, the user terminal 2 acquires the date and time when the display of the link emphasis corresponding page is started as the link source access date and time. Thereafter, the user terminal 2 obtains the date and time when the highlight correspondence link is selected as the link destination access start date and time. Then, the user terminal 2 calculates the access interval time based on the link source access date and time and the link destination access start date and time, and transmits the request for the link destination Web page of the selected highlighted correspondence link. Add time as a parameter to the request. By doing so, the Web server 1 can acquire the access interval time from the user terminal 2. Note that the timing for acquiring the link source access date / time may be the timing at which the drawing process for the link enhancement compatible page starts or the timing at which the drawing process for the link enhancement compatible page is completed (all browsers included in the Web page). At the time when the content of the content has been read).

  In the storage unit 12 of the Web server 1, in addition to the user DB 12a, the page link definition DB 12b, and the access history DB 12c, a threshold DB 12d and a priority DB 12e are constructed. FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of content registered in the threshold DB 12d. FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of contents registered in the priority DB 12e.

  A threshold value is registered in the threshold value DB 12d. Specifically, in the threshold DB 12d, the page ID of the link emphasis corresponding page, the page ID of the link destination of the emphasis corresponding link, and the threshold are registered in association with each emphasis corresponding link.

  In the priority DB 12e, the priority of each emphasis link is registered. Specifically, in the priority DB 12e, the user ID, the page ID of the link enhancement correspondence page, and the priority of the enhancement correspondence link are registered as a priority table in association with each user and each link enhancement correspondence page. . The priorities are registered for the number of emphasized corresponding links included in the link emphasized corresponding page. For example, when the user registration for the information providing system is performed, the priority table is registered in advance for the registered users.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example of threshold update processing in the system control unit 14 of the Web server 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The threshold update process is executed periodically (for example, every hour, every day, etc.). First, the system control unit 14 acquires one page ID of the link enhancement corresponding page as a link source page ID (step S31). Next, the system control unit 14 acquires page link definition information corresponding to the acquired page ID from the page link definition information DB 12b (step S32). Next, the system control unit 14 acquires the first link destination page ID from the acquired page link definition information (step S33). Next, the system control unit 14 sets the link source page ID and the link destination page ID that are set in the access history information registered in the access history DB 12c as the acquired link source page ID and the acquired link destination page. All matching access history information is acquired (step S34).

  Next, the system control unit 14 calculates a threshold value as a determination unit based on the statistics of the access interval time set in the acquired access history information (step S35). For example, the system control unit 14 calculates an average value of access interval times respectively set in the acquired access history information, and uses this average value as a threshold value. Next, the system control unit 14 associates the acquired link source page ID, the acquired link destination page, and the calculated threshold value, and updates and registers the threshold value DB 12d (step S36). When no access history information satisfying the condition is registered, a predetermined initial value is registered as a threshold value.

  Next, the system control unit 14 determines whether all link destination page IDs have been acquired from the acquired page link definition information (step S37). At this time, if there is a link destination page ID that has not been acquired from the acquired page link definition information (step S37: NO), the system control unit 14 determines the next link destination page ID from the acquired page link definition information. Is acquired (step S38), and the process proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, when all the link destination page IDs are acquired from the acquired page link definition information (step S37: YES), the system control unit 14 determines whether all the page IDs of the link enhancement corresponding pages have been acquired. (Step S39). At this time, if there is a page ID of the link enhancement corresponding page that has not been acquired (step S39: NO), the system control unit 14 acquires the page ID of the next link enhancement corresponding page as the link source page ID. (Step S40), the process proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, when all the page IDs of the link emphasis corresponding pages are acquired (step S39: YES), the system control unit 14 ends the threshold update process.

  Note that the system control unit 14 may update the threshold value in real time instead of periodically updating the threshold value. For example, when the system control unit 14 receives a request for a Web page from the user terminal 2 and calculates the access interval time, the system control unit 14 updates the corresponding threshold value.

  10 and 11 are flowcharts showing a processing example of a request reception process in the system control unit 14 of the Web server 1 according to the present embodiment. 10 and 11, the same step numbers are assigned to the processes similar to those in FIG.

  First, similarly to the case of the first embodiment, the system control unit 14 executes the processes of steps S1 to S5, and the request page ID does not match any link destination page ID in the acquired page link definition information. In the case (step S5: NO), the process proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, if the request page ID matches any link destination page ID in the acquired page link definition information (step S5: YES), the system control unit 14 sets the access interval time in the received request. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S51). At this time, if the access interval time is not set in the request (step S51: NO), the system control unit 14 proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, when the access interval time is set in the request (step S51: YES), the system control unit 14 acquires the access interval time from the request (step S52) as the acquisition unit, and stores the access history information. Register (step S8).

  Next, the system control unit 14 acquires a priority table corresponding to the identified user ID and the link source page ID acquired from the access page information from the priority DB 12e (step S53). Next, the system control unit 14 acquires the threshold value corresponding to the link source page ID and the request page ID from the threshold value DB 12d (step S54). Next, the system control unit 14 determines whether or not the access interval time is equal to or less than the acquired threshold value (step S55). At this time, if the access interval time is larger than the threshold (step S55: NO), the system control unit 14 proceeds to step S9.

  On the other hand, when the access interval time is equal to or less than the threshold (step S55: YES), the system control unit 14 changes the priority in the acquired priority table (step S56). Specifically, the system control unit 14 increases the priority by adding a predetermined value to the priority corresponding to the request page ID, and lowers the priority by subtracting the predetermined value from other priorities. Next, the system control unit 14 updates and registers the priority table whose priority has been changed in the priority DB 12e (step S57).

  Next, the system control unit 14 executes the processes of steps S9 to S11 as in the case of the first embodiment. Here, when the page link definition information corresponding to the request page ID is registered (step S10: YES), the system control unit 14 generates an HTML document to be transmitted to the user terminal 2 as a generation unit. First, as shown in FIG. 11, the system control unit 14 acquires a priority table corresponding to the request page ID from the page link definition DB 12b, and acquires an HTML document corresponding to the request page ID from the storage unit 12 ( Step S58).

  Next, the system control unit 14 acquires the top priority from the acquired priority table (step S59). Next, the system control unit 14 sets the font size corresponding to the acquired priority as the font size of the corresponding link character (step S60). For example, the system control unit 14 sets a font corresponding to the priority as the font size of characters displayed as a link in the style sheet portion of the acquired HTML document. Next, the system control unit 14 determines whether or not all priorities have been acquired from the acquired priority table (step S61). At this time, when there is a priority not acquired from the acquired priority table (step S61: NO), the system control unit 14 acquires the next priority from the acquired priority table (step S61). S62), the process proceeds to step S60.

  On the other hand, when all the priorities are acquired from the acquired priority table (step S61: YES), the system control unit 14 transmits an HTML document in which the font size of the link character is changed to the user terminal 2 ( Step S20). Next, the system control unit 14 stores the identified user ID and request page ID in association with each other as access page information in the RAM 14c as a transmission unit (step S63). When completing the process of step S63, the system control unit 14 ends the request reception process.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the system page 14 of the web server 1 displays a plurality of links in a manner in which the links whose access interval time is not more than the threshold when selected are conspicuous. Therefore, the user can easily select a link necessary for accessing a Web page that has a high probability of being desired by the user.

  In addition, since the system control unit 14 generates a Web page in which a plurality of links are displayed in a manner in which the link having the largest number of times the access interval time is equal to or less than the threshold among the plurality of links is more prominent than the other links. The user can easily select a link necessary for accessing the Web page that has the highest probability that the user desires.

  Further, since the system control unit 14 determines the threshold value based on the statistics of the access interval time of all users, the system control unit 14 is necessary for accessing a Web page that has a high probability of being desired by the user based on the realistic threshold value. A more appropriate link can be made conspicuous as a link.

  Further, the time from when the user terminal 2 displays the Web page to the timing when the user selects a link from among a plurality of links included in the Web page is defined as the access interval time. Therefore, the time required for the user to select a link can be determined more accurately.

  In each of the above embodiments, the display mode of the plurality of highlight-corresponding links on the link highlight-corresponding page is different for each user. In this case, it is not necessary to associate the access history information with the user ID. The priority table of each link emphasis page is shared by all users. In this case, the user does not need to log in to the information providing system and does not need to register as a user in the information providing system.

  Further, when the user is logged in to the information providing system, the display mode of the plurality of highlighted links on the link emphasis supporting page is different for each user, and when the user is not logged in to the information providing system The display mode of the plurality of highlighted links on the link highlighted page may be shared by users who are not logged in.

  Further, the system control unit 14 uses only access history information registered within the past predetermined period (for example, within the past one month from the present time) from the current time out of the access history information registered in the access history DB 12c. May be. For example, in the first embodiment, the system control unit 14 calculates an average value of access interval times using only access history information registered within a predetermined period in the past from the present time. In the second embodiment, the system control unit 14 determines the threshold value using only the access history information registered within a predetermined period in the past from the present time. In the second embodiment, the system control unit 14 determines the number of times that the access interval time has become a predetermined value or less based on the access history information registered within the past predetermined period from the present time without using the priority. calculate.

  Further, the access history information and the priority table may be stored in each user terminal 2 as a cookie instead of being registered in the database of the Web server 1. Thereby, when the web server 1 receives a request from the user terminal 2, the Web server 1 can acquire access history information and a priority table regarding the user of the user terminal 2.

  Further, the link destination of the highlighting link may not be a Web page in the information providing site. In this case, the Web server 1 only needs to be able to recognize that the highlighted link has been selected from the link highlighted page displayed by the user terminal 2. For example, the program may be embedded in the HTML document of the link emphasis corresponding page so that an asynchronous notification message is transmitted to the Web server 1 when the emphasis corresponding link is selected by the user.

  Further, the link destination of the highlighting link may not be a Web page. For example, the link destination of the highlighting link may be content such as image data, audio data, electronic document, text data, and the like.

  In addition, the present invention can be applied to any website as long as at least one web page including a plurality of links exists.

1 Web server 2 User terminal 11 Communication unit 12 Storage unit 12a User DB
12b Page link definition DB
12c Access history DB
12d threshold DB
12e Priority DB
13 Input / output interface 14 System controller 14a CPU
14b ROM
14c RAM
15 System bus NW Network S Information provision system

Claims (17)

A terminal device is an information providing device connectable via a network,
Transmitting means for transmitting a Web page on which a plurality of links are displayed to the terminal device in response to an access request from the terminal device;
The time interval from the access from the terminal device to the Web page to the start of access from the terminal device to the link destination of the link selected by the user among the plurality of links displayed by the terminal device is acquired. Acquisition means to
If a time interval that satisfies a predetermined condition is acquired by the acquisition unit when a user requests access to the Web page, the link destination from which the time interval that satisfies the predetermined condition is acquired Generating means for generating the Web page on which the plurality of links are displayed by changing a display mode in a relative relationship between the link to and another link;
An information providing apparatus comprising: The information providing apparatus according to claim 1,
The generating unit displays the plurality of links by changing the display mode of the link having the shortest time interval acquired by the acquiring unit among the plurality of links in relation to other links. An information providing apparatus for generating the Web page. In the information provision apparatus of Claim 2,
The generation unit calculates an average value of the time intervals acquired by the acquisition unit for each link, and the display mode is changed in a relative relationship between the link having the minimum average value and other links, and An information providing apparatus for generating the Web page on which a link is displayed. The information providing apparatus according to claim 1,
The generating unit is configured to display the plurality of links by changing a display mode of a link whose time interval acquired by the acquiring unit is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold time in relation to other links. An information providing apparatus for generating a page. The information providing apparatus according to claim 4,
The generation unit has a display mode that is changed in a relative relationship with the other links of the plurality of links, the number of times that the time interval acquired by the acquisition unit is equal to or less than the threshold time. An information providing apparatus that generates the Web page on which the plurality of links are displayed. In the information provision apparatus of Claim 4 or Claim 5,
The information providing apparatus further comprising a determining unit that determines the threshold time based on the statistics of the time interval acquired by the acquiring unit. The information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The generation unit displays a link in which the time interval satisfying the predetermined condition is acquired by the acquisition unit among the plurality of links larger than a default display size of the link, or satisfies the predetermined condition The information providing apparatus, wherein the Web page is generated in which a link other than the link acquired by the acquisition unit at a time interval is displayed smaller than a default display size of the other link. The information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The generating unit is configured to display the Web whose display position is changed in a relative relationship with another link in which the time interval satisfying the predetermined condition is acquired by the acquiring unit among the plurality of links. An information providing apparatus for generating a page. The information providing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The generation unit includes at least one of a display color, a display format, and a type of content displayed as a link between a link for which a time interval satisfying the predetermined condition is acquired by the acquisition unit and another link. An information providing apparatus for generating the Web pages that are different from each other. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The information providing apparatus is characterized in that the acquisition unit acquires the time interval when the terminal device displays the Web page as the access timing to the Web page. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The acquisition unit acquires the time interval when a timing at which a user selects a link from the Web page displayed by the terminal device is a timing to start access to a link destination. Information providing device. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A first receiving means for receiving a request for access to the Web page from the terminal device;
The acquisition means acquires the time interval when the timing of receiving the access request or the timing of transmitting the Web page is the timing of access to the Web page. Information providing device. In the information provision apparatus of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9 and 12,
A second receiving means for receiving a notification of access to the link destination transmitted from the terminal device when a user selects a link from the plurality of links;
The information providing apparatus is characterized in that the acquisition means acquires the time interval when the timing at which the notification of access is received is a timing at which access to a link destination is started. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The generation unit acquires the Web page transmitted by the transmission unit when a link is selected by a user who uses the terminal device as a transmission destination in the time interval acquired by the acquisition unit. Further, the information providing device is generated based on the time interval. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
At least one link destination among the plurality of links is a Web page generated by the generation unit and transmitted by the transmission unit. An information providing method by an information providing apparatus that can be connected to a terminal device via a network,
A transmission step of transmitting a Web page on which a plurality of links are displayed to the terminal device in response to an access request from the terminal device;
A time interval between the access to the Web page from the terminal device and the start of access from the terminal device to the link destination of the link selected by the user among the plurality of links displayed by the terminal device. An acquisition step to acquire;
If a time interval that satisfies a predetermined condition is acquired by the acquisition unit when a user requests access to the Web page, the link destination from which the time interval that satisfies the predetermined condition is acquired A generation step of generating the web page on which the plurality of links are displayed by changing a display mode in a relative relationship between the link to and another link;
An information providing method characterized by comprising: A computer included in an information providing device to which a terminal device can be connected via a network,
Transmitting means for transmitting a Web page on which a plurality of links are displayed to the terminal device in response to an access request from the terminal device;
A time interval between the access to the Web page from the terminal device and the start of access from the terminal device to the link destination of the link selected by the user among the plurality of links displayed by the terminal device. Acquisition means for acquiring, and
If a time interval that satisfies a predetermined condition is acquired by the acquisition unit when a user requests access to the Web page, the link destination from which the time interval that satisfies the predetermined condition is acquired Generating means for generating the web page on which the plurality of links are displayed by changing a display mode in a relative relationship between the link to and other links;
An information providing program characterized by functioning as

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