Product provision device, computer program product, product provision system, and computer-readable recording medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a commodity providing apparatus, a computer program product, a commodity providing system, and a computer readable recording medium. The commodity providing device can communicate with a terminal of a user. A product provision device is provided with: an inventory management means for managing the inventory status of products in a product group including a plurality of types of products; and a first-type option presentation unit that presents a first-type option associated with the commodity group and including an inventory status image of the commodity group to the terminal in a manner selectable by the user, and that presents the first-type option on the condition that the presented first-type option is selected. And prompting the inventory condition information of each commodity of the commodity group associated with the first type of option selected by the user to the terminal. According to the invention, commodities can be provided efficiently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a commodity providing device, a program and a commodity providing system. Background Art

[0002] In the past, there was a commodity providing system in the form of online lottery (e.g., Patent Document 1). In the case of such an online lottery, unlike the options such as lottery boxes or lottery tickets which are tangible objects, users cannot occupy the options, and on the system side, it is necessary to prevent other users from selecting the options such as lottery boxes or lottery tickets selected by the user.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-070937 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] On the other hand, in an online situation, since many users participate, it is important to be able to select options efficiently.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a commodity providing device, a program, and a commodity providing system capable of efficiently providing commodities.

[0009] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention is a product providing device that is capable of communicating with a user's terminal, wherein the device comprises: an inventory management unit that manages the inventory status of products in a product group that includes multiple products; and a first category option prompting unit that prompts the terminal with a first category option that is associated with the product group and includes an inventory status image of the inventory status of the product group in a manner that can be selected by the user, and, on the condition that the prompted first category option is selected, prompts the terminal with inventory status information for each product in the product group associated with the first category option selected by the user.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention is a program, wherein a computer is caused to function as: an inventory management unit that manages the inventory status of commodities in a commodity group including a plurality of commodities; and a first category option prompting unit that prompts a terminal with a first category option that is associated with the commodity group and includes an inventory status image of the inventory status of the commodity group in a manner that can be selected by a user, and, on the condition that the prompted first category option is selected, prompts the terminal with inventory status information for each commodity in the commodity group associated with the first category option selected by the user.

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention is a product providing system, which includes a terminal and a product providing device, wherein the system comprises: an inventory management unit, which manages the inventory status of products in a product group including multiple products; and a first category option prompting unit, which prompts the terminal with a first category option that is associated with the product group and includes an inventory status image of the inventory status of the product group in a manner that can be selected by the user, and prompts the terminal with inventory status information of each product in the product group associated with the first category option selected by the user, conditional on the selection of the prompted first category option.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, products can be provided efficiently. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining a method for providing a commodity to which the present embodiment is applied;

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the commodity providing system of the present embodiment;

[0017] Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a device configuration of a tablet computer as an example of the terminal 2;

[0018] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional structure of the merchandise providing device 1;

[0019] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box database D1;

[0020] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box image corresponding to a stock level;

[0021] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box list screen presented by the first category option presenting unit 112;

[0022] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box list screen presented by the first category option presenting unit 112;

[0023] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of detailed information on product inventory;

[0024] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of a waiting screen;

[0025] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of a lottery ticket purchase confirmation screen;

[0026] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing an example of a lottery ticket number confirmation screen;

[0027] Fig.13 2 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery ticket database D2;

[0028] Fig.14 This is an example of a lottery ticket list screen displayed on the terminal 2 for the selected lottery box;

[0029] Fig.15 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of terminal 2;

[0030] Fig.16 This is an action flow chart of the first type of option prompt processing of the commodity providing device 1;

[0031] Fig.17 This is an example of a screen showing a list of purchasable titles presented to the terminal 2;

[0032] Fig.18 This is an action flow chart of the second type of option prompt processing of the commodity providing device 1;

[0033] Fig.19 is an example of a lottery ticket opening screen displayed on the terminal 2; and

[0034] Fig. 20 This is an example of a list of awards displayed in the title prompt.

[0035] Explanation of symbols

[0036] 1: Commodity providing device; 2: Terminal; 10: Processing unit; 11: Communication unit; 12: Storage unit; 111: User information management unit; 112: First category option prompting unit; 113: Queuing management unit; 114: Second category option prompting unit; 115: Settlement processing unit; 116: Commodity inventory management unit; 117: Commodity providing unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] <Embodiments of the present invention>

[0038] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0039] First, in order to facilitate understanding of the configuration of the present embodiment, a method of providing a product to which the present embodiment is applied will be described. Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining a method of providing a commodity to which the present embodiment is applied.

[0040] The method of providing merchandise used in this embodiment provides merchandise from a plurality of merchandise belonging to a title selected by a user by lottery. The title is a title of a certain character, event, or the like.

[0041] A title is associated with a plurality of first category options, and each of the plurality of first category options is associated with a plurality of second category options. Each of the first category options is associated with a commodity group including N commodities of P categories associated with the title. Furthermore, each of the plurality of second category options associated with each first category option is associated with any commodity in the commodity group associated with the first category option.

[0042] use Figure 1 Specifically, the first type of option is a lottery box, and the second type of option is a lottery ticket stored in the lottery box. In addition, there is a title "XXX Series", and each of the multiple lottery boxes 1 to M associated with the title "XXX Series" is associated with a commodity group. There are P types of commodities belonging to each commodity group, and each commodity group is composed of a total of N P types of commodities, and the types and numbers of commodities in each commodity group are the same. The ratio of the number of commodities belonging to a commodity group is determined according to the prizes set for each type of commodity. That is, the higher the rank of the prize, the fewer the number of commodities, and the lower the rank of the prize, the more the number of commodities. For example, in the case where "Commodity X-1" of the commodity group set as "XXX Series" is the first prize, "Commodity X-2" is the second prize, ..., and "Commodity XP" is the P prize, the probability of being selected becomes higher in the order of "Commodity X-1", "Commodity X-2", ..., and "Commodity XP". That is, "Product X-1" has the lowest probability of being selected and the least number of items. "Product XP" has the highest probability of being selected and the most number of items.

[0043] Here, in Figure 1 In the description, a case where M=10, N=100, and P=5 is described.

[0044] The title "XXX series" is associated with 10 lottery boxes 1 to 10, and each of the lottery boxes 1 to 10 is associated with 100 lottery tickets 1 to 100. The types of commodities in one commodity group associated with each lottery box 1 to 10 are five types, "commodity X-1" to "commodity X-5", the first prize is "commodity X-1", the second prize is "commodity X-2", the third prize is "commodity X-3", the fourth prize is "commodity X-4", and the fifth prize is "commodity X-5", and the details of the number are: "commodity X-1" is 2, "commodity X-2" is 8, "commodity X-3" is 20, "commodity X-4" is 30, and "commodity X-5" is 40, and the total number is 100. That is, each of the commodity groups of 5 types and 100 commodities is associated with each of the lottery boxes 1 to 10.

[0045] In addition, each lottery ticket 1 to 100 of each lottery box 1 to 10 is associated with any one of the 100 commodities in the commodity group associated with the lottery box. The association between the lottery tickets 1 to 100 and the commodity is associated one-to-one in a non-repeating manner. At this time, it is preferred that the association between the lottery tickets 1 to 100 and the commodity in each lottery box 1 to 10 is not the same but different for each lottery box. The purpose is to prevent the user from noticing the correspondence between the lottery ticket and the commodity in the process of repeatedly selecting the lottery ticket.

[0046] Next, provision of merchandise to users will be described.

[0047] The user selects a title that he wants to purchase, and selects a lottery box from a plurality of lottery boxes 1 to 10 associated with the title. Here, when the user selects lottery box 5, the user further selects a desired number of lottery tickets from lottery tickets 5-1 to 5-100 associated with lottery box 5. Then, the product associated with the lottery ticket selected by the user is provided. As a result, the product associated with the lottery ticket selected by the user is sold out. In addition, the lottery ticket selected by the user and provided with a product cannot be selected by other users.

[0048] In this way, the provision of commodities associated with the title is achieved through a lottery method selected by the user himself.

[0049] [Overall structure]

[0050] The merchandise providing device system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the commodity providing system according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 In the figure, 1 is a commodity providing device, and 2 is a user's terminal.

[0052] The commodity providing device 1 and the user's terminal 2 can be connected to a communication line N and can communicate with each other. The communication line N refers to a channel that can perform data communication. That is, the communication line N includes a telephone communication network, a cable network, the Internet, and other communication networks in addition to a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection and a LAN based on Ethernet (registered trademark) and the like, and the communication method may be either wired or wireless.

[0053] The commodity providing device 1 is a server system including a single or multiple server devices, storage devices, etc. The commodity providing device 1 implements various services for providing commodities to users, obtains the inventory status of commodities, etc., and performs procedures for providing commodities to users.

[0054] The terminal 2 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or the like. Figure 3 2 is a diagram showing an example of a device configuration of a tablet computer as an example of the terminal 2. Figure 3 As shown, the terminal 2 includes a display 21, a touch operation panel 22 integrally formed with the display 21, and a built-in speaker 23. The terminal 2 is also provided with a control substrate (not shown), a built-in storage battery, a power button, a volume adjustment button, and the like.

[0055] The control substrate is equipped with various microprocessors such as CPU, GPU, DSP, ASIC, VRAM or RAM, ROM and other IC memories, wireless communication modules for wireless communication with base stations, etc. In addition, the control substrate is equipped with so-called I / F circuits (interface circuits) such as a drive circuit of the touch operation panel 22. These elements mounted on the control substrate are electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit, etc., and are connected in a manner that enables data reading and writing or signal transmission and reception.

[0056] In this embodiment, the commodity is provided to the user by the user paying a monetary price. The commodity is specifically manifested as a physical commodity, etc. For example, it is a doll with the appearance of a certain character, clothing, plastic models, accessories, etc., but it is not limited to this.

[0057] [Functional structure]

[0058] The structure of each device is described.

[0059] First, the structure of the commodity providing device 1 will be described. Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the commodity providing device 1 .

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, the commodity providing device 1 includes a processing unit 10 , a communication unit 11 , and a storage unit 12 .

[0061] The processing unit 10 controls the operation of the commodity providing device 1 based on the program or data stored in the storage unit 12. The functions of the processing unit 10 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or a GPU, an ASIC, and an IC memory. The processing unit 10 includes a user information management unit 111, a first category option presentation unit 112, a queue management unit 113, a second category option presentation unit 114, a settlement processing unit 115, a commodity inventory management unit 116, and a commodity providing unit 117 as main functional units.

[0062] The user information management unit 111 manages user information using a user information database. The user information includes user identification information (user ID) and password in the purchase service, personal information such as user name and address, and user product purchase history information.

[0063] The first-category option presentation unit 112 refers to the lottery box database D1 and controls presentation of a plurality of first-category options to the terminal 2 .

[0064] Figure 5 : It is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box database D1. The lottery box database D1 includes a field of lottery box ID (identification information), a field of the number of stocks of the prizes (commodities) included in the lottery box, a field of the total number of stocks of the lottery box, and a field of standby state for each lottery box. The field of lottery box ID (identification information) is a field that records the identification information of the lottery box. The field of the number of stocks of the prizes (commodities) is a field that records the current number of stocks and the initial number of stocks. For example, it is recorded in the form of (current number of stocks) / (initial number of stocks). The field of the total number of stocks of the lottery box is a field that records the total number of stocks of the current commodities. In addition, the last prize is a commodity provided to the user who purchased the last commodity, so it is not included in the total number of stocks. The field of standby state is a field that records the number of users who stand by in order to draw the lottery box. In the case of no one on standby, record 0, and in the case of someone on standby, record the number of people. In addition, when all the commodities in the lottery box are sold out and the total number of stocks becomes 0, it is recorded as unselectable.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first type of option is a lottery box. The first type of option prompts the lottery box with a stock level corresponding to the stock number of the goods in each lottery box. In this embodiment, the stock level has four levels. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box image corresponding to the inventory level. Figure 6 In the example of , each stock level is set as follows: the stock number of 70 to 100 of the product is set as stock level 1, the stock number of 30 to 69 of the product is set as stock level 2, the stock number of 1 to 29 of the product is set as stock level 3, and the stock number of 0 (sold out) of the product is set as stock level 4. In addition, stock levels 1 to 3 are represented by lottery box images of the remaining number of lottery tickets corresponding to the three levels. Stock level 4 indicates that it is sold out on the lottery box.

[0066] The first type option prompting unit 112 obtains the inventory number of each lottery box from the lottery box database D1, and prompts a lottery box overview screen including a plurality of lottery box images with inventory levels corresponding to the inventory number. In addition, the first type option prompting unit 112 also prompts the inventory number and the number of waiting people of each lottery box obtained from the lottery box database D1 on the lottery box overview screen.

[0067] Figure 7 2 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box list screen presented by the first category option presentation unit 112. Figure 7In the lottery box list screen, there are displayed lottery box images 30 of inventory level 1, lottery box images 31 of inventory level 4, lottery box images 32 of inventory level 3, and lottery box images 33 of inventory level 2. In addition, the number of people waiting to draw the lottery box and the number of remaining lottery tickets (number of commodity stocks) are displayed below each lottery box image. In addition, a commodity stock detailed information button 35 for confirming the specific commodity stock detailed information of the lottery box is also displayed.

[0068] The first category option presenting unit 112 also has a function of re-arranging and searching the lottery boxes. Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box list screen presented by the first category option presentation unit 112. Figure 8 The lottery box list screen displays a sort button 36 and a filter button 37. When the user selects the sort button 36, the first category option prompt unit 112 displays the sort type. For example, when "many remaining lottery tickets" is selected, the first category option prompt unit 112 refers to the inventory number of the lottery box database D1, arranges the lottery boxes in order from the lottery boxes with a large inventory number, and prompts the lottery box image. In addition, when "few people on standby" is selected, the first category option prompt unit 112 refers to the standby state of the lottery box database D1, arranges the lottery boxes in order of the lottery boxes with a small number of people on standby, and prompts the lottery box image.

[0069] In addition, the first category option prompting unit 112 is not limited to the above, and can also be used for sorting and searching as long as it is a condition that can be searched using the information in the lottery box database D1. For example, when the user specifies a prize as a search condition, the first category option prompting unit 112 searches for lottery boxes with the product of the prize as inventory, and prompts the lottery boxes in the order of the largest or smallest inventory.

[0070] Alternatively, the first category option presenting unit 112 may present only lottery boxes that match the search condition.

[0071] Furthermore, when the user selects the product stock detailed information button 35 , the first category option presentation unit 112 displays the product stock detailed information of the lottery box. Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of detailed product inventory information. Fig. 9 The detailed information on the product inventory is the detailed information on the product inventory when the detailed information button 35 of the lottery box image 33 of the lottery box list screen is selected. The detailed information on the product inventory is displayed by the first category option prompting unit 112 reading the inventory quantity of each prize of the lottery box in the lottery box database D1. In addition, when the waiting button 40 is selected by the user, the first category option prompting unit 112 notifies the waiting management unit 113 of the fact.

[0072] When the waiting management unit 113 receives the notification from the first type option prompting unit 112, it refers to the standby state of the lottery box database D1, obtains the number of people waiting, and associates the number of people waiting with the user identification information and adds 1 (1 person). In addition, for the waiting described later, the user identification information is associated with the rank and updated so that the rank of the sequence is known.

[0073] In addition, the queue management unit 113 uses the IP address or MAC address of the user's terminal 2, the user's identification information (user ID), etc. to maintain the session between the user's terminal 2 and the commodity providing device 1. In addition, the queue management unit 113 presents a queue screen. The queue screen is a screen that presents the queue information until the user who is waiting for the lottery draws his turn. Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of a waiting screen. Fig.10 The waiting screen shows the current number of people waiting. In addition, a meter showing the time until the lottery is executed is also displayed.

[0074] In addition, the queue management unit 113 has a function of notifying the user when the waiting order of the user identification information becomes the specified order. When the waiting order of the user identification information becomes the specified order, the queue management unit 113 notifies the user's contact information of the fact that the waiting order becomes the specified order. The user's contact information is the user's phone number, email address, SNS account (user identification information), etc. These contact information can also be pre-stored as user information, or can be set to be input on the queue screen. Fig.10 In the example of the queuing screen of , an input field 45 for inputting the user's phone number is provided, and the user inputs the user's phone number into the input field 45. Then, the approval button 46 is selected. When the waiting order of the user identification information becomes the prescribed order, the queuing management unit 113 notifies the purpose in a text message of the phone number.

[0075] In addition, the user can also cancel the waiting list for the lottery. The waiting list can be canceled by selecting the button 90 for exiting the waiting list on the waiting list screen. When the button 90 for exiting the waiting list is selected, the waiting list management unit 113 deletes the user identification information of the user who canceled the lottery from the standby state of the lottery box database D1, and subtracts 1 (1 person) from the number of people on standby. Then, the order of the user behind the user who canceled the lottery is advanced, and the lottery box database D1 is updated.

[0076] Furthermore, the queue management unit 113 refers to the standby state of the lottery box database D1, and displays a lottery ticket purchase confirmation screen when it is the user's turn. Fig.11 1 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery ticket purchase confirmation screen. When the lottery ticket purchase confirmation button 47 of the lottery ticket purchase confirmation screen is selected, the queue management unit 113 displays a lottery ticket number confirmation screen. Fig.121 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery ticket number confirmation screen. When the lottery ticket selection button 48 is selected, the queue management unit 113 notifies the second type option presentation unit 114 of the fact. In addition, when the number of people waiting is 0, the queue management unit 113 directly transitions to the lottery ticket purchase confirmation screen.

[0077] In addition, if the user is allowed to select the lottery box for a long time, other users cannot select the lottery box. Therefore, the waiting management unit 113 measures the time T1 from the user selecting the lottery box to the lottery ticket for the lottery box being purchased. When the time T1 exceeds the preset TX, the lottery box is forcibly cancelled, the lottery box is transferred to the selectable state, the user identification information in the standby state in the lottery box database D1 is deleted, and the number of people in the waiting list is reduced by one.

[0078] The second type option presenting unit 114 refers to the lottery ticket database D2 and presents a lottery ticket list screen including a plurality of second type options to the terminal 2. In the present embodiment, the second type option is a lottery ticket. Fig.13 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery ticket database D2. Fig.13 As shown, the lottery ticket database D2 is associated with a lottery box, including a lottery ticket ID (identification information), a prize / product ID (identification information) associated with the lottery ticket ID, and the selection status information of the lottery ticket. The prize / product ID is information for identifying the prize and the product of the prize. Fig.13 In the example, "X-1" indicates the first prize of the X series, "X-2" indicates the second prize of the X series, "X-3" indicates the third prize of the X series, and "X-4" indicates the fourth prize of the X series. The selection state information of the lottery ticket includes the selection state in which the lottery ticket has been selected (opened) by the user and the commodity associated with the lottery ticket is provided, and the unselected state in which the commodity associated with the lottery ticket is not provided. The selected state is marked with "1", and the unselected state is marked with "0".

[0079] Fig.14 This is an example of a lottery ticket list screen displayed on the terminal 2 for the selected lottery box. Fig.14 In the lottery ticket list screen of , the image of the lottery ticket of the selected lottery ticket ID is displayed by a dotted line, and the selectable lottery tickets are displayed by a solid line. The user can select the number of lottery tickets for which the purchase reservation has been made from the selectable lottery tickets.

[0080] For the lottery ticket selected by the user on the lottery ticket list screen, after the settlement by the settlement processing unit 115, the second type option presenting unit 114 updates the selection state information corresponding to the lottery ticket ID of the lottery ticket in the lottery ticket database D2 to selected. In addition, the user can select the number of lottery tickets for which purchase reservation has been made.

[0081] In addition, if the user is allowed to select the lottery ticket for a long time, other users cannot select the lottery box. Therefore, the second type option prompting unit 114 measures the time T2 from the prompt of the lottery ticket purchase screen to the completion of the settlement of the purchase of the lottery ticket. When the time T2 exceeds the preset TY, the lottery ticket selection is forcibly cancelled, and the lottery box is also cancelled. Then, the second type option prompting unit 114 deletes the user identification information in the standby state in the lottery box database D1, and reduces the number of people in the queue by one.

[0082] In addition, in the present embodiment, the selection of the lottery ticket (second type of option) is made by the user, but it may also be configured so that the user can choose between manual selection and automatic selection. When automatic selection is selected, the second type of option prompting unit 114 can automatically select a lottery ticket (second type of option) in a selectable state through drawing.

[0083] The settlement processing unit 115 performs settlement processing on the lottery ticket for which the purchase reservation has been made. The settlement processing is performed after the selection of the lottery ticket is determined by the second type option prompting unit 114. In addition, when the settlement processing performed by the settlement processing unit 115 is completed, the second type option prompting unit 114 deletes the user identification information of the settled user from the user identification information in the standby state of the lottery box database D1 of the lottery box for which the settlement has been completed, and reduces the number of people in the queue by one.

[0084] The commodity inventory management unit 116 receives the settlement completion from the settlement processing unit 115, refers to the lottery ticket database D2, subtracts the inventory of commodities corresponding to the unselectable lottery tickets in the lottery box database D1, and updates the lottery box database D1. Thus, the lottery box database D1 reflects the latest inventory status.

[0085] In this way, by performing settlement after the types of goods associated with the selected lottery ticket are determined and the types of goods to be provided to the user are determined, the lottery box can be moved from the selected state to the selectable state without having to wait for the time taken to provide goods such as the subsequent opening performance of the lottery ticket.

[0086] The product providing unit 117 presents a lottery ticket opening screen. According to the selection of the lottery ticket to be opened by the user, product information of the product associated with the lottery ticket to be opened is presented. In addition, the product providing unit 117 performs a delivery procedure for the product to be provided to the user. The address of the delivery destination is selected from the address registered in the user information database.

[0087] The communication unit 11 is connected to the communication line N to implement communication.

[0088] The storage unit 12 stores system programs and functional programs. The system programs are programs for realizing the basic functions of the commodity providing device 1 as a computer. The functional programs are programs for causing the processing unit 10 to function as main functional units, namely, the user information management unit 111, the first category option prompting unit 112, the queue management unit 113, the second category option prompting unit 114, the settlement processing unit 115, the commodity inventory management unit 116, and the commodity providing unit 117. In addition, the storage unit 12 also stores a lottery box database D1 and a lottery ticket database D2.

[0089] Next, the configuration of the terminal 2 will be described. Fig.15 It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 2.

[0090] like Fig.15 As shown, the terminal 2 includes a processing unit 60 , an operation input unit 61 , an image display unit 62 , a sound output unit 63 , a communication unit 64 , and a storage unit 65 .

[0091] The processing unit 60 controls the operation of the terminal 2 based on the program or data stored in the storage unit 65, the operation input signal from the operation input unit 61, etc. The functions of the processing unit 31 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or a GPU, an ASIC, and an IC memory. The processing unit 60 includes a calculation unit 70, an image generation unit 73, a sound generation unit 74, and a communication control unit 75 as main functional units.

[0092] The calculation unit 70 executes various processes for purchasing the product 3 and outputs the results to the image generation unit 73, the sound generation unit 74, and the communication control unit 75. The calculation unit 70 includes a display control unit 71 and a product purchase processing unit 72.

[0093] The display control unit 71 performs display and performance of a product purchase screen for the product 3 using information provided from the product providing apparatus 1 and user operation information.

[0094] The commodity purchase processing unit 72 performs a commodity purchase procedure. Specifically, it performs a commodity purchase process with the commodity providing device 1 .

[0095] The operation input unit 61 is used to input various operations of the user, and outputs operation input signals corresponding to the operation input to the processing unit 60. The function of the operation input unit 61 can be realized by elements such as a touch operation panel, a main button, a button switch, a joystick, and a trackball that the user directly operates with his fingers, or by elements such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a tilt sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor that detect motion or posture. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the touch operation panel 22 corresponds to this.

[0096] The image generation unit 73 generates one image in one frame time (e.g., 1 / 60 second) based on the processing result of the operation unit 70, and outputs the generated image signal to the image display unit 62. The function of the image generation unit 73 can be realized by a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a video codec, etc., an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, an IC memory for expanding texture data, etc.

[0097] The sound generation unit 74 generates sound signals such as effect sounds and various operation sounds based on the processing results of the operation unit 70, and outputs them to the sound output unit 63. The function of the sound generation unit 74 can be realized by a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a speech synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of playing a voice file, etc.

[0098] The communication control unit 75 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the commodity providing device 1 .

[0099] The image display unit 62 displays a screen based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 73. The function of the image display unit 62 can be realized by a display device such as a flat-panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. Figure 3 In FIG. 6 , the image display unit 62 corresponds to the display 21 .

[0100] The sound output unit 63 is used to output sound effects and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 74. Figure 3 In FIG. 2 , the sound output unit 63 corresponds to the speaker 23 .

[0101] The communication unit 64 is connected to the communication line N to realize communication. The function of the communication unit 64 can be realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, a control circuit, and the like.

[0102] In the storage unit 65, programs for operating the terminal 2 and realizing various functions of the terminal 2, data used in the execution of the programs, etc. are stored in advance or temporarily stored each time processing is performed. The storage unit 65 can be implemented by, for example, RAM or ROM, IC memory such as flash memory, magnetic disk such as hard disk, optical disk such as CD-ROM or DVD, etc. Specifically, the storage unit 65 stores a system program and a control program for controlling the purchase process of the article (commodity) 3 of the terminal 2. The system program is a program for realizing the basic function of the terminal 2 as a computer. The control program is a program for making the processing unit 60 function as the operation unit 70.

[0103] [Description of the action]

[0104] The operation of the commodity providing system according to the present embodiment will be described with a focus on the operation of the commodity providing device 1 . Fig.16 This is an operation flow chart of the first category option presentation process of the commodity providing device 1 .

[0105] First, the user accesses the commodity providing apparatus 1 using the terminal 2 and makes a request for a commodity purchasing screen.

[0106] The first category option presenting unit 112 of the merchandise providing device 1 which has received the request for the merchandise purchase screen presents the terminal 2 with a purchasable title list screen (step 100 ). Fig.17 This is an example of a screen showing a list of titles available for purchase that is presented to the terminal 2. In the screen showing a list of titles available for purchase, descriptions of the types of merchandise belonging to the merchandise group associated with the title are also displayed for each title. The user selects the title he wants to purchase. In this example, it is assumed that the user has selected the title "XXX Series".

[0107] When a title is selected (steps 101 and 102), the first category option prompting unit 112 obtains the inventory number and the number of people waiting for each lottery box from the lottery box database D1 of the selected title (step 103). Then, the first category option prompting unit 112 determines the inventory level of each lottery box according to the inventory number of each lottery box (step 104). Figure 7 The display shows a lottery box list screen including a plurality of lottery box images corresponding to the inventory levels (step 105 ).

[0108] When the user selects the commodity inventory detailed information button 35 (step 106), the first category option prompting unit 112 obtains the inventory information (inventory quantity of each prize) of the selected lottery box from the lottery box database D1 (step 107). Fig. 9 As shown, detailed information on the commodity inventory of the lottery box is displayed (step 108).

[0109] When the user selects the waiting button 40 (steps 109 and 110), the waiting management unit 113 obtains the number of people waiting by referring to the waiting state of the lottery box database D1, and adds 1 (one person) to the number of people waiting in association with the user identification information, and updates the lottery box database D1 (step 111). Fig.10 As shown, a waiting screen is displayed (step 112).

[0110] When the waiting order of the user identification information becomes the prescribed order (step 114), the waiting management unit 113 refers to the waiting state of the lottery box database D1, such as Fig.11As shown, the lottery ticket purchase confirmation screen is presented (step 115). On the other hand, when the queue is released (step 113), the standby state of the lottery box database D1 is updated (step 121), and the process proceeds to step 103.

[0111] When the lottery ticket purchase confirmation button 47 on the lottery ticket purchase confirmation screen is selected (step 116), the queue management unit 113 Fig.12 The lottery ticket number confirmation screen is shown (step 117).

[0112] When the number of lottery tickets is determined on the lottery ticket number determination screen (step 118 ), the second type option presentation process is performed (step 119 ).

[0113] The waiting management unit 113 measures the time T1 from the prompt on the lottery ticket purchase confirmation screen. When the time T1 until the number of lottery tickets purchased is confirmed exceeds the preset TX (step 120), the lottery box is forcibly deselected and moved to a selectable state, the user identification information in the standby state in the lottery box database D1 is deleted, the number of people in the waiting list is reduced by one, and the lottery box database D1 is updated (step 121).

[0114] Next, the second type of option presentation processing will be described. Fig.18 This is an operation flow chart of the second type of option presentation processing of the commodity providing device 1 .

[0115] First, the second type option prompting unit 114 reads the lottery ticket information of the selected lottery box from the lottery ticket database D2 (step 200). The lottery ticket information read out is the lottery ticket ID and the selection state information. Then, the second type option prompting unit 114 Fig.14 As shown, a lottery ticket list screen is presented to the terminal 2 (step 201).

[0116] When the lottery ticket list screen is displayed on the terminal 2, the second type option display unit 114 starts measuring the time T2 (step 202). Here, the time T2 is the time from the display of the lottery ticket list screen to the completion of the purchase and settlement of the lottery ticket. The user can select the number of lottery tickets for which the purchase reservation has been made from the selectable lottery tickets.

[0117] Next, the second type option prompting unit 114 determines whether the lottery ticket selection is completed in the lottery ticket list screen (step 203). If the lottery ticket selection is not completed (step 204), the second type option prompting unit 114 determines whether the time T2 exceeds the preset time TY (step 211). If the time T2 exceeds the time TY, the second type option prompting unit 114 releases the occupation state of the selected lottery box and updates the standby state of the lottery box database D1 (step 208).

[0118] On the other hand, when the user completes the selection of the lottery ticket (step 204), the settlement processing unit 115 performs the settlement processing of the purchased lottery ticket (step 205). According to the completion of the settlement processing, the second type option prompting unit 114 records the flag "1" in the selection state information of the lottery ticket ID for the lottery ticket that has completed the selection, and updates the lottery ticket database D2 (step 207). In addition, the second type option prompting unit 114 deletes the user ID of the lottery box database D1 of the selected lottery box, and updates the lottery box database D1 (step 208).

[0119] Thus, the lottery box selected by the user becomes selectable by other users, and other users can select the lottery box. In addition, the selected lottery ticket is determined at the time of settlement, and the product associated with the lottery ticket is also determined, so that the information about the remaining lottery tickets and products can be accurately conveyed to the next user who selects the lottery box, and the lottery ticket that has been selected will not be selected by other users.

[0120] On the other hand, when the settlement processing of the settlement processing unit 115 is not completed (step 206), the second type option prompting unit 114 determines whether the time T2 exceeds the preset time TY (step 211). When the time T2 exceeds the time TY, the second type option prompting unit 114 deletes the user ID of the lottery box database D1 of the selected lottery box and updates the lottery box database D1 (step 208).

[0121] When the settlement processing of the settlement processing unit 115 is completed (step 206 ), the commodity providing unit 117 presents a lottery ticket opening screen (step 209 ), and presents commodity information of commodities associated with the opened lottery ticket (step 210 ). Fig.19 This is an example of a lottery ticket opening screen displayed on the terminal 2. The user can browse commodity information of commodities associated with the lottery ticket by selecting the opened lottery ticket.

[0122] The method for providing goods used in this embodiment is based on providing goods in the form of lottery boxes, so the user wants to know how many lottery tickets (goods) are left in the lottery box. This embodiment is configured to prompt the inventory level of the commodity group corresponding to the lottery box as a lottery box image, so the user can easily know which lottery box has how many goods in stock.

[0123] In addition, since the detailed stock information of the products in the lottery box can also be checked, it is possible to provide information useful for the user to select the lottery box.

[0124] In addition, from the viewpoint of the inventory information of the lottery boxes, the number of people waiting, etc., the present embodiment is configured to be able to sort the order of the lottery boxes presented, so that it is easy for the user to browse the lottery boxes.

[0125] In addition, the method of providing goods used in this embodiment is based on the provision of goods in the form of a lottery box. Therefore, it is necessary to enable only one user to select the lottery box. On the other hand, it is not appropriate for one user to monopolize the selection of the lottery box. This embodiment is configured so that only one user can select the lottery box, and is configured so that the purchase of the lottery ticket is settled after the user completes the selection of the lottery ticket, and then the lottery ticket is opened, so that the time required to maintain the selection of the lottery box for one user can be shortened.

[0126] In addition, since the selected lottery ticket is associated with one product, information about the remaining lottery tickets and products can be accurately conveyed to the next user who selects the lottery box, and provision of duplicate products can be prevented.

[0127] In addition, in the present embodiment, the example of using multiple first-category options (lottery boxes) is described, but multiple first-category options (lottery boxes) are not necessarily provided. Even if the first-category option (lottery box) is single, as long as only one user can select the first-category option (lottery box) in the same manner as in the present embodiment, the first-category option (lottery box) is associated with multiple second-category options (lottery tickets), and the second-category option (lottery ticket) is associated one-to-one with the commodity of the commodity group of the first-category option (lottery box), then the same effect can be obtained. That is, the time for maintaining the selection of the lottery box for one user can be shortened, and the provision of duplicate commodities can be prevented.

[0128] Furthermore, the lottery box image corresponding to the stock level does not necessarily need to be an image of the remaining amount of lottery tickets, and may be another representation method such as a meter as long as the stock level can be identified.

[0129] <Modification 1 of the embodiment of the present invention>

[0130] Modifications of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0131] In the above-mentioned embodiment, which prize (commodity) is left in each lottery box can be confirmed by browsing the stock detailed information of each lottery box. However, it is convenient for the user to know which prize is left in the entire title when the title screen is presented.

[0132] Therefore, when presenting the title screen, the first category option prompting unit 112 displays a list of prizes, and displays the prizes that are sold out (out of stock) in a manner that can be distinguished from other prizes. When presenting the title, the first category option prompting unit 112 refers to the lottery box database D1 and searches for prizes that are out of stock in all lottery boxes. For example, if the lottery box database D1 shows that the stock of the third prize is 0 in all lottery boxes, then the third prize is sold out (out of stock) in the title.

[0133] The first category option presenting unit 112 uses the acquired inventory information to present a list of awards when presenting a title. Fig. 20 This is an example of a list of awards displayed in the title prompt. Fig. 20 In the middle, it means that the third prize is sold out (out of stock). In addition, the stock quantity of each prize can also be specifically prompted.

[0134] With this configuration, when the title screen is presented, the user can know which prize is remaining, which is convenient from the perspective of selecting a lottery box for the title.

[0135] As mentioned above, although the present invention has been described by taking the preferred embodiment as an example, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the technical idea.

[0136] In addition, a part or all of the above-mentioned embodiments may be described as the following supplementary notes, but the present invention is not limited to the following description.

[0137] [Note 1]

[0138] A commodity providing device, which can communicate with a user's terminal, comprises:

[0139] an inventory management unit that manages the inventory status of commodities of a commodity group including a plurality of commodities; and

[0140] A first category option prompting unit is configured to prompt the terminal, in a manner selectable by the user, a first category option that is associated with the commodity group and includes an inventory status image of the inventory status of the commodity group, and, on the condition that the prompted first category option is selected, prompt the terminal with inventory status information of each commodity in the commodity group associated with the first category option selected by the user.

[0141] [Note 2]

[0142] The commodity providing device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein:

[0143] The stock status image is an image showing a stock level corresponding to the stock quantity of all commodities included in the commodity group.

[0144] The inventory status information is information including commodity identification information and inventory quantity of each commodity in the commodity group.

[0145] [Note 3]

[0146] The commodity providing device according to Supplement 1 or Supplement 2, wherein:

[0147] The first category option prompting unit changes the inventory status image and prompts the first category option according to the change of the inventory level.

[0148] [Note 4]

[0149] The commodity providing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein:

[0150] The first category option presenting unit acquires a plurality of stock levels corresponding to the stock quantities of the second category options associated with each first category option at predetermined intervals or in response to each operation of the user, and presents the first category option using the stock status image corresponding to each acquired stock level.

[0151] [Note 5]

[0152] The commodity providing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein:

[0153] The first category option presenting unit presents first category options for which the commodity in the commodity group is out of stock in a manner that the user cannot select them.

[0154] [Note 6]

[0155] The commodity providing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein:

[0156] A second category option presenting unit is provided for presenting, to the terminal, second category options corresponding one-to-one to commodities of a commodity group associated with a first category option selected by a user in a manner selectable by a user,

[0157] The stock status image is a remaining quantity image of the second category option corresponding to the stock quantity of all commodities included in the commodity group.

[0158] [Note 7]

[0159] The commodity providing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, wherein:

[0160] The first category option presenting unit allows only one user to purchase products of the product group associated with the first category option within a predetermined time.

[0161] [Note 8]

[0162] The commodity providing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, wherein:

[0163] The first category option presentation unit presents the stock status information including purchase options for purchasing the commodity in the commodity group.

[0164] The start of the specified time is the selection of the purchase option.

[0165] [Note 9]

[0166] The commodity providing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, wherein:

[0167] The first type of option is an image simulating a lottery box.

[0168] [Note 10]

[0169] The commodity providing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, wherein:

[0170] The second category of options is an image simulating a lottery ticket.

[0171] [Note 11]

[0172] A procedure in which

[0173] Make the computer function as the following unit:

[0174] an inventory management unit that manages the inventory status of commodities of a commodity group including a plurality of commodities; and

[0175] A first category option prompting unit is configured to prompt a terminal, in a manner selectable by a user, a first category option that is associated with the commodity group and includes an inventory status image of the inventory status of the commodity group, and, on the condition that the prompted first category option is selected, prompt the terminal with inventory status information of each commodity in the commodity group associated with the first category option selected by the user.

[0176] [Note 12]

[0177] A commodity providing system, comprising a terminal and a commodity providing device, wherein:

[0178] an inventory management unit that manages the inventory status of commodities of a commodity group including a plurality of commodities; and

[0179] A first category option prompting unit is configured to prompt the terminal, in a manner selectable by the user, a first category option that is associated with the commodity group and includes an inventory status image of the inventory status of the commodity group, and, on the condition that the prompted first category option is selected, prompt the terminal with inventory status information of each commodity in the commodity group associated with the first category option selected by the user.

Claims

1. A commodity providing device capable of communicating with a user's terminal, characterized in that: have: an inventory management unit that manages inventory status of commodities of a commodity group including a plurality of commodities; as well as A first category option prompting unit is configured to prompt the terminal, in a manner selectable by the user, a first category option that is associated with the commodity group and includes an inventory status image of the inventory status of the commodity group, and, on the condition that the prompted first category option is selected, prompt the terminal with inventory status information of each commodity in the commodity group associated with the first category option selected by the user.

2. The commodity providing device according to claim 1, wherein: The stock status image is an image showing a stock level corresponding to the stock quantity of all commodities included in the commodity group. The inventory status information is information including commodity identification information and inventory quantity of each commodity in the commodity group.

3. The commodity providing device according to claim 2, wherein: The first category option prompting unit changes the inventory status image and prompts the first category option according to the change of the inventory level.

4. The commodity providing device according to claim 3, wherein: The first category option presenting unit acquires a plurality of stock levels corresponding to the stock quantities of the second category options associated with each first category option at predetermined intervals or in response to each operation of the user, and presents the first category option using the stock status image corresponding to each acquired stock level.

5. The commodity providing device according to claim 4, wherein: The first category option presenting unit presents first category options for which the commodity in the commodity group is out of stock in a manner that the user cannot select them.

6. The commodity providing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A second category option presenting unit is provided for presenting, to the terminal, second category options corresponding one-to-one to commodities of a commodity group associated with a first category option selected by a user in a manner selectable by a user, The stock status image is a remaining quantity image of the second category option corresponding to the stock quantity of all commodities included in the commodity group.

7. The commodity providing device according to claim 6, wherein: The first category option presenting unit allows only one user to purchase products of the product group associated with the first category option within a predetermined time.

8. The commodity providing device according to claim 7, wherein: The first category option presentation unit presents the stock status information including purchase options for purchasing the commodity in the commodity group. The start of the specified time is the selection of the purchase option.

9. The commodity providing device according to claim 6, wherein: The first type of option is an image simulating a lottery box.

10. The commodity providing device according to claim 6, wherein: The second category of options is an image simulating a lottery ticket.

11. A computer program product comprising a computer program, characterized in that The computer program causes the computer to function as the following unit: an inventory management unit that manages inventory status of commodities of a commodity group including a plurality of commodities; as well as A first category option prompting unit is configured to prompt a terminal, in a manner selectable by a user, a first category option that is associated with the commodity group and includes an inventory status image of the inventory status of the commodity group, and, on the condition that the prompted first category option is selected, prompt the terminal with inventory status information of each commodity in the commodity group associated with the first category option selected by the user.

12. A commodity providing system, comprising a terminal and a commodity providing device, characterized in that: have: an inventory management unit that manages inventory status of commodities of a commodity group including a plurality of commodities; as well as A first category option prompting unit is configured to prompt the terminal, in a manner selectable by the user, a first category option that is associated with the commodity group and includes an inventory status image of the inventory status of the commodity group, and, on the condition that the prompted first category option is selected, prompt the terminal with inventory status information of each commodity in the commodity group associated with the first category option selected by the user.

13. A computer-readable recording medium having a computer program recorded thereon, characterized in that: The computer program causes the computer to function as the following unit: an inventory management unit that manages inventory status of commodities of a commodity group including a plurality of commodities; as well as A first category option prompting unit is configured to prompt a terminal, in a manner selectable by a user, a first category option that is associated with the commodity group and includes an inventory status image of the inventory status of the commodity group, and, on the condition that the prompted first category option is selected, prompt the terminal with inventory status information of each commodity in the commodity group associated with the first category option selected by the user.

Images