Product provision device, storage medium storing program, and product provision system

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of making it possible to efficiently provide a product. The invention relates to a product providing device, a storage medium storing a program, and a product providing system. The present invention is a product provision device capable of communicating with a terminal of a user, the product provision device being provided with: an inventory management means for managing the product inventory status of a product group including a plurality of types of products; the option display mechanism is used for displaying a plurality of options associated with the commodity group on the terminal in a mode capable of being selected by a user; and a product providing mechanism for providing products from the product groups associated with the options through selection. The option display mechanism uses the commodity inventory condition to retrieve the options consistent with the retrieval conditions and displays the consistent options.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the past, there was a commodity providing system in the form of an online lottery (e.g., Patent Document 1). In the case of this online lottery, unlike options such as tangible lottery boxes or lottery tickets, users cannot occupy options, and the system side must ensure that the user's lottery box or lottery ticket options cannot be selected by other users.

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[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, since there are many users participating in the online situation, it is important to be able to select options efficiently.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention provides a commodity providing device capable of efficiently providing commodities, a storage medium storing a program, and a commodity providing system.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] One form of the present invention is a product providing device that can communicate with a user's terminal, and the product providing device comprises: an inventory management mechanism that manages the product inventory status of a product group including multiple types of products; an option display mechanism that displays multiple options associated with the product group on the terminal in a manner that the user can select; and a product providing mechanism that provides products by drawing from the product group associated with the options; the option display mechanism uses the product inventory status to retrieve options that are consistent with the search conditions and displays the consistent options.

[0011] One form of the present invention is a storage medium storing a program, wherein the program enables a computer to function as the following mechanisms, namely: an inventory management mechanism that manages the inventory status of a product group containing multiple categories of products; an option display mechanism that displays multiple options associated with the product group on a terminal in a manner that can be selected by a user; and a product providing mechanism that provides products by drawing from the product group associated with the options; the option display mechanism uses the product inventory status to retrieve options that match the search conditions and displays the matching options.

[0012] One form of the present invention is a product providing system, comprising a user terminal and a product providing device, the product providing system having: an inventory management mechanism, which manages the product inventory status of a product group comprising multiple types of products; an option display mechanism, which displays multiple options associated with the product group on the terminal in a manner that the user can select; and a product providing mechanism, which provides products by drawing from the product group associated with the options; the option display mechanism uses the product inventory status to retrieve options that are consistent with the search conditions, and displays the consistent options.

[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 the method of providing a commodity applied to the present embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the commodity providing system according to the present embodiment.

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

[0018] Figure 4 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the commodity providing device 1.

[0019] Figure 5 2 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery box database D1.

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

[0021] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box list screen displayed by the first-category option display unit 112 .

[0022] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box list screen displayed by the first-category option display unit 112.

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

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

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

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

[0027] Fig.13 : is a figure which shows an example of the lottery ticket database D2.

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

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

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

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

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

[0033] Fig.19 This is an example of a lottery ticket winning screen displayed on the terminal 2.

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

[0035] <Implementation Methods of the Invention>

[0036] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0037] First, in order to facilitate understanding of the configuration of the present embodiment, a method of providing a product applied to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 1 It is a diagram for explaining the method of providing a commodity applied to the present embodiment.

[0038] The method for providing merchandise applied to the present embodiment provides merchandise by lottery from a plurality of merchandise types belonging to a title selected by a user. The title is the name of a certain person or event, etc.

[0039] One title is associated with multiple first-category options, and each of the multiple first-category options is associated with multiple second-category options. Each of the first-category options is associated with a product group including N P-category products associated with the title. Furthermore, each of the multiple second-category options associated with each first-category option is associated with any product in the product group associated with the first-category option.

[0040] use Figure 1To be specific, 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 of "XXX Series", and the multiple lottery boxes l~M associated with the title "XXX Series" are each 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-type 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 by the prize set for each commodity type. In other words, the higher the prize ranking of the commodity, the fewer the number of commodities, and the lower the prize ranking of the commodity, the more the number of commodities. For example, in the case where "Commodity X-1" of the commodity group of "XXX Series" is set as the first prize, "Commodity X-2" is set as the second prize, ..., and "Commodity XP" is set as the P prize, the probability of winning increases according to the ranking of "Commodity X-1", "Commodity X-2", ..., and "Commodity XP". In other words, the probability of winning "Commodity X-1" is the lowest and its number is the least. "Product XP" has the highest probability of winning and the largest number of items.

[0041] Here, yes Figure 1 In the description, it is assumed that M=10, N=100, and P=5.

[0042] The title "XXX Series" is associated with 10 lottery boxes 1 to 10, and lottery boxes 1 to 10 are associated with 100 lottery tickets 1 to 100 respectively. The commodity types of a commodity group associated with each lottery box 1 to 10 are five types, "Commodity X1" to "Commodity X-5", the first prize is "Commodity X1", 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". The details of the number are "Commodity X1" 2, "Commodity X-2" 8, "Commodity X-3" 20, "Commodity X-4" 30, and "Commodity X-5" 40, and the total number is 100. That is, the commodity group of 100 commodities of 4 types is associated with each of the lottery boxes 1 to 10.

[0043] Furthermore, 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 that has been associated with the lottery box. The association of lottery tickets 1 to 100 with commodities is established one by one in a non-repetitive manner. At this time, the association of lottery tickets 1 to 100 with commodities in each lottery box 1 to 10 is preferably different, and is different for each lottery box. This is to prevent the user from judging the correspondence between the lottery ticket and the commodity when the user repeatedly selects the lottery ticket.

[0044] Next, the provision of goods to users is explained.

[0045] The user selects a title to be purchased and selects a lottery box from a plurality of lottery boxes 1 to 10 associated with the title. Here, if the user decides to select 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 commodity associated with the lottery ticket selected by the user is provided. As a result, the commodity associated with the lottery ticket selected by the user is sold out. In addition, the lottery ticket selected by the user and provided with the commodity cannot be selected by other users.

[0046] In this way, products associated with the title are provided through a lottery method selected by the user.

[0047] [Overall composition]

[0048] The merchandise providing device system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 communication path that can perform data communication. That is, the communication line N includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection or a LAN based on Ethernet (registered trademark) or the like, as well as a telephone communication network, a cable network, or a communication network such as the Internet, and the communication method may be wired or wireless.

[0051] 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, and executes procedures for providing commodities to users.

[0052] The terminal 2 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or a mobile phone. 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 also includes a control substrate (not shown), a built-in battery, a power button, a volume adjustment button, and the like.

[0053] The control substrate is equipped with various microprocessors such as CPU, GPU, DSP, ASIC, VRAM, RAM, ROM, and various IC memories, a wireless communication module for wireless communication with a base station, etc. In addition, the control substrate is equipped with a so-called I / F circuit (interface circuit) such as a drive circuit of the touch operation panel 22. Each element mounted on these control substrates is electrically connected via a bus circuit, etc., and is connected in a manner that can read and write data or send and receive signals.

[0054] In this embodiment, the commodity is provided to the user by the user paying money. The commodity is represented by a physical commodity, etc. The commodity is, for example, a figurine such as a character model having the appearance of a certain character, or clothing, a plastic model, an accessory, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0055] [Functional composition]

[0056] The configuration of each device will be described.

[0057] First, the configuration of the commodity providing device 1 will be described. Figure 4 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the commodity providing device 1.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the commodity providing device 1 includes a processing unit 10, a communication unit 11 and a storage unit 12.

[0059] The processing unit 10 controls the operation of the commodity providing device 1 in general 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 type of option display unit 112, a queue management unit 113, a second type of option display unit 114, a settlement processing unit 115, a commodity inventory management unit 116, and a commodity providing unit 117 as main functional units.

[0060] The user information management unit 111 manages user information using a user information database, such as identification information (user ID) and password in the user's purchase service, personal information such as the user's name and address, and the user's commodity purchase history information.

[0061] The first category option display unit 112 controls the display of a plurality of first category options on the terminal 2 by referring to the lottery box database D1.

[0062] Figure 5: It is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box database D1. The lottery box database D1 includes a lottery box ID (identification information) field, a prize (commodity) inventory field contained in the lottery box, a total inventory field of the lottery box, and a waiting state field for each lottery box. The lottery box ID (identification information) field is a field that records the identification information for identifying the lottery box. The field of the inventory number of the prize (commodity) is a field that records the current inventory number and the initial inventory number. For example, it is recorded in the form of (current inventory number) / (initial inventory number). The total inventory field of the lottery box is a field that records the total inventory number of the current commodity. 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 inventory number. The waiting state field is a field that records the number of users waiting in order to draw the lottery box. When there is no waiting number, record 0, and when someone is waiting, record their number. In addition, when all the commodities in the lottery box are sold out and the total inventory becomes 0, it is recorded as unavailable.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first type of option is a lottery box. The first type of option displays the lottery box with a stock level corresponding to the stock number of products 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 a stock level. Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 1 , each stock level is: the stock number of 70 to 100 is set to stock level 1, the stock number of 30 to 69 is set to stock level 2, the stock number of 1 to 29 is set to stock level 3, and the stock number of 0 (sold out) is set to stock level 4. In addition, the stock levels 1 to 3 are represented by a lottery box image corresponding to the remaining number of lottery tickets of the three levels. The stock level 4 is displayed on the lottery box as sold out.

[0064] The first option display unit 112 obtains the inventory number of each lottery box from the lottery box database D1, and displays a lottery box list screen including a plurality of lottery box images with inventory levels corresponding to the inventory number. Furthermore, the first option display unit 112 also displays the inventory number and the number of people waiting for each lottery box from the lottery box database D1 on the lottery box screen.

[0065] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box list screen displayed by the first category option display unit 112. Figure 7In the lottery box list screen, 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 are displayed. In addition, the number of people waiting to draw the lottery box and the number of remaining lottery tickets (product inventory) are displayed below each lottery box image. Furthermore, a product inventory detailed information button 35 for confirming detailed information on the specific product inventory of the lottery box is also displayed.

[0066] The first type option display unit 112 also has the function of re-ordering and searching the lottery boxes. Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box list screen displayed by the first type option display unit 112. Figure 8 The lottery box list screen displays a reorder button 36 and a narrowing button 37. When the user selects the reorder button 36, the first option display unit 112 displays the type of reordering. For example, when "many lottery tickets remaining" is selected, the first option display unit 112 refers to the inventory of the lottery box database D1, and rearranges and displays the lottery box images in the order of the lottery boxes with the largest inventory number to the smallest inventory number. In addition, when "few people waiting" is selected, the first option display unit 112 refers to the waiting status of the lottery box database D1, and rearranges and displays the lottery box images in the order of the lottery boxes with the smallest number of people waiting to the largest number.

[0067] In addition, the first category option display unit 112 is not limited to the above content, and can be used for reordering and searching as long as the conditions can be searched using the information in the lottery box database D1. For example, the user can also specify a prize as a search condition, search for lottery boxes with inventory of the prize, and display the lottery boxes in the order of inventory from most to least or from least to most.

[0068] In addition, the first category option display unit 112 may display only the lottery boxes that match the search conditions.

[0069] In addition, when the user selects the product stock detailed information button 35, the first category option display 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 of product inventory is the detailed information of product inventory when the detailed information button 35 of the product inventory of the lottery box image 33 in the lottery box screen is selected. The detailed information of product inventory is displayed by the first option display unit 112 reading the inventory quantity of each prize of the lottery box from the lottery box database D1. In addition, when the user selects the waiting queue button 40, the first option display unit 112 notifies the waiting queue management unit 113.

[0070] When receiving a notification from the first category option display unit 112, the queue management unit 113 will refer to the waiting state of the lottery box database D1 to obtain the number of people waiting, and then associate the number of people waiting with the user identification information, and add 1 (1 person) to the number of people waiting. In addition, for the queue waiting described later, the user identification information is associated with the ranking and updated so as to understand the ranking position.

[0071] Furthermore, 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 dialogue between the user's terminal 2 and the commodity providing device 1. In addition, the queue management unit 113 displays a queue screen. The queue screen is to display the queue information before the lottery to the users who are waiting in line for the lottery. Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of a waiting queue screen. Fig.10 The current number of people waiting is displayed on the waiting line screen. In addition, a progress bar showing the time until the lottery is executed is displayed.

[0072] 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 prescribed order. When the waiting order of the user identification information becomes the prescribed order, the queue management unit 113 notifies the user's contact information that the waiting order has become the prescribed order. The user's contact information is the user's phone number, email address, SNS account (user identification information), etc. These contact information can be pre-stored as user information, or can be input from the queue screen. Fig.10 In the example of the queue waiting screen of , there is an input field 45 for inputting the user's phone number, and the user inputs the user's phone number in 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 queue waiting management unit 113 sends a short message to the phone number to notify the content.

[0073] In addition, the user can also cancel the waiting queue for the lottery. The waiting queue can be canceled by selecting the button 90 for exiting the waiting queue in the waiting queue screen. When the button 90 for exiting the waiting queue is selected, the waiting queue management unit 113 deletes the user identification information of the user who has executed the cancellation from the waiting state of the lottery box database D1, and subtracts 1 (1 person) from the number of waiting people. Then, the order of the users ranked after the cancelled user is moved up, and the lottery box database D1 is updated.

[0074] Furthermore, the queue management unit 113 refers to the waiting status in the lottery box database D1, and when it is the user's turn, a lottery ticket purchase decision screen is displayed. Fig.111 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery ticket purchase decision screen. When the lottery ticket purchase decision button 47 is selected in the lottery ticket purchase decision screen, the queue management unit 113 displays a lottery ticket number decision screen. Fig.12 4 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery ticket number determination screen. When the lottery ticket selection button 48 is selected, the queue management unit 113 notifies the second type option display unit 114. In addition, when the number of people waiting is 0, the queue management unit 113 directly changes to the lottery ticket purchase determination screen.

[0075] In addition, if the user is allowed to select the lottery box for a long time, other users will not be able to select the lottery box. Therefore, the queuing management unit 113 measures the time T1 from the user selecting the lottery box to the decision to buy the lottery ticket of the lottery box. When the time T1 exceeds the preset TX, the lottery box is forcibly cancelled and turned into a selectable state, and the user identification information of the waiting state in the lottery box database D1 is deleted, and the number of people waiting in the queue is reduced by one.

[0076] The second type option display unit 114 refers to the lottery ticket database D2, and displays a lottery ticket list screen including a plurality of second type options on the terminal 2. In the present embodiment, the second type option is a lottery ticket. Fig.13 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery ticket database D2. Fig.13 As shown, the lottery ticket database D2 is associated with a lottery box, including the lottery ticket ID (identification information), the prize and product ID (identification information) associated with the lottery ticket ID, and the selection status information of the lottery ticket. The prize and product ID are 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 by the user (a prize has been drawn) and the lottery ticket has been provided with the associated commodity; and the unselected state in which the lottery ticket has not been provided with the associated commodity. In the case of the selected state, "1" is marked, and in the case of the unselected state, "0" is marked.

[0077] Fig.14 This is an example of a lottery ticket list screen of the selected lottery box displayed on the terminal 2. Fig.14 In the lottery ticket list screen, the image of the lottery ticket of the selected lottery ticket ID is displayed in dotted lines, and the selectable lottery tickets are displayed in solid lines. The user can select the lottery ticket corresponding to the number of sheets to be purchased from the selectable lottery tickets.

[0078] For the lottery ticket selected by the user from the lottery ticket list screen, the second option display 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 after the settlement processing unit 115 settles the account. In addition, the user can select the lottery ticket corresponding to the number of tickets to be purchased.

[0079] In addition, if the user is allowed to select the lottery ticket for a long time, other users will not be able to select the lottery box. Therefore, the second option display unit 114 measures the time T2 from the display of the lottery ticket purchase screen to the completion of the purchase settlement of the lottery ticket. When the time T2 exceeds the preset TY, the lottery ticket selection is forcibly cancelled, and the lottery box selection is also cancelled. Then, the second option display unit 114 deletes the user identification information of the waiting state in the lottery box database D1, and reduces the number of people waiting in line by one.

[0080] In addition, in the present embodiment, the raffle ticket (second category option) is selected 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 category option display unit 114 can automatically select a raffle ticket (second category option) in a selectable state through drawing.

[0081] The settlement processing unit 115 performs settlement processing for the lottery ticket to be purchased. The settlement processing is performed after the lottery ticket is selected and confirmed by the second type option display unit 114. In addition, when the settlement processing performed by the settlement processing unit 115 is completed, the second type option display unit 114 deletes the user identification information of the completed settlement from the user identification information of the lottery box database D1 of the lottery box for which the settlement has been completed, thereby reducing the number of people waiting in line by one.

[0082] The commodity inventory management unit 116 receives the settlement completion from the settlement processing unit 115, and refers to the lottery ticket database D2, reduces the inventory of commodities corresponding to the lottery tickets that cannot be selected in the lottery box database D1, and updates the lottery box database D1. Thus, the lottery box database D1 will reflect the latest inventory status.

[0083] By performing settlement after determining the type of product to be associated with the selected raffle ticket and the type of product to be provided to the user, the raffle box can be changed from a selected state to a selectable state without having to wait for the time required to provide the product, such as the subsequent raffle drawing performance.

[0084] The product providing unit 117 displays a lottery ticket drawing screen. When the user selects the lottery ticket to be drawn, the product information of the product associated with the drawn lottery ticket is displayed. In addition, the product providing unit 117 executes the delivery procedure of the product provided to the user. The delivery address is selected from the address registered in the user information database.

[0085] The communication unit 11 is connected to the communication line N to achieve communication.

[0086] The storage unit 12 stores system programs and functional programs. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of the commodity providing device 1 as a computer. The functional program is a program for making the processing unit 10 function as the main functional units, namely, the user information management unit 111, the first type of option display unit 112, the queue management unit 113, the second type of option display 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.

[0087] Next, the configuration of the terminal 2 will be described. FIG15 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 2.

[0088] 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 .

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] The display control unit 71 uses the information provided from the commodity providing device 1 and the user's operation information to display and perform a commodity purchase screen for the commodity 3.

[0092] The commodity purchase processing unit 72 executes the commodity purchase procedure. Specifically, it performs the purchase process of the commodity 3 with the commodity providing device 1.

[0093] The operation input unit 61 is used to input various operations of the user, and outputs operation input signals corresponding to the operation inputs to the processing unit 60. The functions of the operation input unit 61 can be realized by elements such as a touch operation pad, a main button, a button switch, or a joystick, a trackball, etc. that are directly operated by the user with their fingers, or by elements such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a tilt sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, etc. that detect movement or posture. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the touch operation panel 22 corresponds to the above-mentioned element.

[0094] The image generation unit 73 generates one image within 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, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a video codec, and other programs, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, and an IC memory for loading texture data.

[0095] The sound generating unit 74 generates sound signals such as effect sounds and various operation sounds based on the processing results of the computing unit 70, and outputs them to the sound output unit 63. The function of the sound generating unit 74 can be realized by a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or an audio synthesis IC, an audio codec capable of playing audio files, etc.

[0096] The communication control unit 75 performs communication connection for data communication with the commodity providing device 1 and data processing.

[0097] 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 2 In FIG. 6 , the image display unit 62 corresponds to the display 21 .

[0098] The sound output unit 63 is used to output sounds such as effect sounds based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 74. Figure 2 In FIG. 2 , the sound output unit 63 corresponds to the speaker 23 .

[0099] 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 communicator, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack of a wired communication cable, or a control circuit.

[0100] The storage unit 65 stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing a program for operating the terminal 2 to realize various functions of the terminal 2, or data used when executing the program. The storage unit 65 can be realized by, for example, a RAM or ROM, an IC memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or a DVD, etc. Specifically, the storage unit 65 stores a system program and a control program for controlling the terminal 2 to perform the purchase process of the article (commodity) 3. 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 causing the processing unit 60 to function as the computing unit 70.

[0101] [Description of the action]

[0102] 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 action flow chart of the first type of option display processing of the commodity providing device 1.

[0103] First, the user uses the terminal 2 to access the commodity providing device 1 and requests a commodity purchase screen.

[0104] The first category option display unit 112 of the commodity providing device 1, which has received the request for the commodity purchase screen, displays a purchasable title list screen on the terminal 2 (Step 100). Fig.17 This is an example of a screen showing a list of titles available for purchase displayed on terminal 2. In the screen showing a list of titles available for purchase, for each title available for purchase, a description of the type of merchandise belonging to the merchandise group associated with the title is also displayed. The user selects the title he wants to purchase. In this example, it is assumed that the user selects the title "XXX Series".

[0105] When a title is selected (steps 101 and 102), the first category option display unit 112 obtains the inventory number and the number of waiting people of each lottery box from the lottery box database D1 of the selected title (step 103). Then, the first category option display unit 112 determines the inventory level of each lottery box according to the inventory number of each lottery box (step 104). Figure 7 As shown, a lottery box list screen including a plurality of lottery box images corresponding to the stock level is displayed (step 105).

[0106] When the user selects the commodity inventory detailed information button 35 (step 106), the first category option display unit 112 obtains the inventory information (inventory quantity of each prize) of the selected lottery box from the lottery box database D1 (step 107), and displays the inventory information as follows: Fig. 9 As shown, detailed information on the merchandise inventory of the lottery box is displayed (step 108).

[0107] When the user selects the queue waiting button 40 (steps 109 and 110), the queue waiting management unit 113 refers to the waiting status of the lottery box database D1, obtains the number of people waiting, and then adds 1 (1 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 The queue waiting screen is displayed as shown (step 112).

[0108] When the waiting order of the user identification information becomes the prescribed order (step 113), the queue waiting management unit 113 refers to the waiting state of the lottery box database D1, such as Fig.11The lottery ticket purchase decision screen is displayed as shown (step 115). On the other hand, when the queue is released, the waiting state of the lottery box database D1 is updated (step 121), and step 103 is entered.

[0109] When the lottery ticket purchase decision button 47 in the lottery ticket purchase decision screen is selected (step 116), the queue management unit 113 Fig.12 The lottery ticket number determination screen is displayed as shown (step 117).

[0110] When the number of lottery tickets is determined on the lottery ticket number determination screen (step 118), the second type option display process is performed (step 119).

[0111] The queue management unit 113 starts measuring the time T1 from the time when the lottery ticket purchase decision screen is displayed. When the time T1 until the number of lottery tickets to be purchased is determined exceeds the preset TX (step 120), the lottery box is forcibly deselected and changed to a selectable state, the user identification information of the waiting state in the lottery box database D1 is deleted, the number of people waiting in line is reduced by one, and the lottery box database D1 is updated (step 121).

[0112] Next, the second type of option display processing will be described. FIG18 is an operation flow chart of the second type of option display processing of the commodity providing device 1.

[0113] First, the second option display 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 is the lottery ticket ID and the selection information. Fig.14 As shown, the lottery ticket list screen is displayed on the terminal 2 (step 201).

[0114] When the second type option display unit 114 displays the lottery ticket list screen on the terminal 2, the time T2 is measured (step 202). Here, the time T2 is the time from the lottery ticket list screen to the completion of the purchase settlement of the lottery ticket. The user can select lottery tickets corresponding to the number of lottery tickets to be purchased from the selectable lottery tickets.

[0115] Next, the second option display unit 114 determines whether the lottery ticket selection is completed in the lottery ticket list screen (step 203). When the lottery ticket selection is not completed (step 207), the second option display unit 114 determines whether the time T2 exceeds the preset time TY (step 211). When the time T2 exceeds the time TY, the second option display unit 114 releases the occupied state of the selected lottery box and updates the waiting state of the lottery box database D1 (step 209).

[0116] On the other hand, when the user completes the selection of the lottery ticket (step 204), the settlement processing unit 115 performs the purchase settlement processing of the lottery ticket (step 205). After completing the settlement processing, the second type option display unit 114 records the mark "1" in the selection information of the lottery ticket ID for the lottery ticket that has completed the selection, and updates the lottery ticket database D2 (step 207). Furthermore, the second type option display 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).

[0117] Thus, the lottery box in the state of being selected by the user becomes a selectable state that can also be selected by other users, so that other users can select the lottery box. In addition, at the time of settlement, the selected lottery ticket is determined, 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 user who selected the lottery box, and the selected lottery ticket will not be selected by other users.

[0118] On the other hand, when the settlement processing of the settlement processing unit 115 is not completed (step 209), the second category option display unit 114 determines whether the time T2 exceeds the preset time TY (step 211). When the time T2 exceeds the time TY, the second category option display unit 114 deletes the user ID of the selected lottery box from the lottery box database D1 and updates the lottery box database D1 (step 208).

[0119] When the settlement processing of the settlement processing unit 115 is completed (step 206 ), the product providing unit 117 displays a lottery ticket drawing screen (step 209 ), and displays product information of products associated with the drawn lottery ticket (step 210 ). Fig.19 This is an example of a lottery ticket drawing screen displayed on the terminal 2. The user can browse product information of products associated with the lottery ticket by selecting the lottery ticket to be drawn.

[0120] The method for providing goods applied to this embodiment provides goods in the form of a lottery box, so the user wants to know how many lottery tickets (goods) are left in the lottery box. This embodiment is configured to display the inventory level of the product group corresponding to the lottery box in the form of a lottery box image, so that the user can easily understand which lottery box has how many goods in stock.

[0121] In addition, since the detailed stock information of the products in the lottery box can also be checked, it is possible to provide information that helps the user select a lottery box.

[0122] In addition, the present embodiment is configured to be able to rearrange the order of the displayed lottery boxes based on inventory information of the lottery boxes or the number of people waiting, so that the user can easily browse the lottery boxes.

[0123] In addition, the method of providing goods applied to this embodiment is to provide goods in the form of a lottery box. Therefore, the lottery box must be selected by only one user. On the other hand, it is not preferred for one user to monopolize the selection of the lottery box. This embodiment is configured so that the lottery box can only be selected by one user, and is configured so that after the user completes the selection of the lottery ticket, the purchase settlement of the lottery ticket is performed, 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.

[0124] 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 duplicate provision of products can be prevented.

[0125] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example of using a plurality of first-category options (lottery boxes) is described, but it is not necessary to set a plurality of first-category options (lottery boxes). Even if the first-category option (lottery box) is single, the first-category option (lottery box) can only be selected by one user, as in the present embodiment, if a plurality of second-category options (lottery tickets) are associated with the first-category option (lottery box), and further, the second-category options (lottery tickets) are associated with the commodities of the commodity group of the first-category option (lottery box) one by one, the same effect can be obtained. In other words, the time required for maintaining the selection of the lotteries box for one user can be shortened, and repeated provision of commodities can be prevented.

[0126] Furthermore, the lottery box image corresponding to the stock level does not necessarily have to be an image of the remaining number of lottery tickets, and may be another representation method such as a progress bar as long as the stock level can be identified.

[0127] <Variation 1 of the embodiment of the present invention>

[0128] Modifications of the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0129] In the embodiment, it is possible to check which prize (commodity) is left in each raffle box by browsing the inventory details of each raffle box. However, when displaying the title screen, it is convenient for the user to know which prize is left in the entire title.

[0130] Therefore, when displaying the title screen, the first type of option display unit 112 displays a list of prizes, and displays the prizes that are sold out (out of stock) in a form that can be distinguished from other prizes. When displaying the title, the first type of option display unit 112 refers to the lottery box database D1 and searches for prizes that are out of stock in all lottery boxes. For example, with respect to the lottery box database D1, if the inventory of the third prize in all lottery boxes is 0, the third prize is sold out (out of stock) in the title.

[0131] The first type option display unit 112 uses the acquired inventory information to display a list of awards when displaying the title. Fig. 20 This is an example of a list of awards displayed in the title display. Fig. 20 It is shown that the third prize is sold out (out of stock). In addition, the inventory number of each prize can also be specifically displayed.

[0132] By configuring in this way, the user can know which prizes are left when the title screen is displayed, and it is also more convenient to select the lottery box of the title.

[0133] As mentioned above, although the present invention has been described by giving examples of preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the technical concept.

[0134] In addition, part or all of the above-described embodiments are also described as the following supplementary notes, but are not limited to the following contents.

[0135] [Note 1]

[0136] A commodity providing device capable of communicating with a user's terminal,

[0137] The commodity providing device comprises:

[0138] An inventory management organization manages the inventory status of a product group containing multiple categories of products;

[0139] An option display mechanism displays a plurality of options associated with the commodity group on the terminal in a manner that a user can select; and

[0140] A commodity providing mechanism that provides commodities by lottery from the commodity group associated with the option;

[0141] The option display mechanism uses the commodity inventory status to retrieve options that match the search conditions and displays the matching options.

[0142] [Note 2]

[0143] The commodity providing device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein

[0144] The option display mechanism reorders the options that match the search conditions and displays them in order.

[0145] [Note 3]

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

[0147] The search condition is at least one of the total stock quantity of the product group associated with the option and the stock quantity of each product in the product group associated with the option.

[0148] [Note 4]

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

[0150] The products in the product group are awarded according to the type of product.

[0151] The search condition is the inventory quantity of each award.

[0152] [Note 5]

[0153] The commodity providing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein

[0154] The option display mechanism allows the option to be occupied by only one user from the time when the product of the product group associated with the option is drawn to the time when the product is determined, and during the occupied period, other users are allowed to wait to select the occupied option.

[0155] [Note 6]

[0156] The commodity providing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein

[0157] The search condition is at least one of the number of users waiting to select the option.

[0158] [Note 7]

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

[0160] The option display unit displays the preset search conditions in a selectable manner.

[0161] [Note 8]

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

[0163] The option display unit only displays the options that are consistent with the search conditions.

[0164] [Note 9]

[0165] The commodity providing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, wherein

[0166] The option display unit displays the option including a stock status image of a stock level of a total stock quantity of the commodity group associated with the option.

[0167] [Note 10]

[0168] The commodity providing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, wherein

[0169] The option is an image that mimics a raffle box.

[0170] [Note 11]

[0171] A program that causes a computer to function as:

[0172] An inventory management organization manages the inventory status of a product group containing multiple categories of products;

[0173] An option display mechanism displays a plurality of options associated with the commodity group on a terminal in a manner that a user can select; and

[0174] A commodity providing mechanism that provides commodities by lottery from the commodity group associated with the option;

[0175] The option display mechanism uses the commodity inventory status to retrieve options that match the search conditions and displays the matching options.

[0176] [Note 12]

[0177] A commodity providing system includes a user terminal and a commodity providing device.

[0178] The commodity providing system comprises:

[0179] An inventory management organization manages the inventory status of a product group containing multiple categories of products;

[0180] An option display mechanism displays a plurality of options associated with the commodity group on the terminal in a manner that a user can select; and

[0181] A commodity providing mechanism that provides commodities by lottery from the commodity group associated with the option;

[0182] The option display mechanism uses the commodity inventory status to retrieve options that match the search conditions and displays the matching options.

[0183] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0184] 1: Product provision device

[0185] 2: Terminal

[0186] 10: Processing Department

[0187] 11: Ministry of Communications

[0188] 12: Storage

[0189] 111: User Information Management Department

[0190] 112: Category 1 Option Display

[0191] 113: Waiting in line for the management department

[0192] 114: Category 2 Option Display

[0193] 115: Settlement Processing Department

[0194] 116: Commodity Inventory Management Department

[0195] 117: Product supply department.

Claims

1. A commodity providing device capable of communicating with a user's terminal, The commodity providing device comprises: An inventory management organization manages the inventory status of a product group containing multiple categories of products; An option display mechanism displays a plurality of options associated with the commodity group on the terminal in a manner that a user can select; as well as A commodity providing mechanism that provides commodities by lottery from the commodity group associated with the option; The option display mechanism uses the commodity inventory status to retrieve options that match the search conditions and displays the matching options.

2. The commodity providing device according to claim 1, wherein The option display mechanism reorders the options that match the search conditions and displays them in order.

3. The commodity providing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The search condition is at least one of the total stock quantity of the product group associated with the option and the stock quantity of each product in the product group associated with the option.

4. The commodity providing device according to claim 3, wherein The products in the product group are awarded according to the type of product. The search condition is the inventory quantity of each award.

5. The commodity providing device according to claim 3, wherein The option display mechanism allows the option to be occupied by only one user from the time when the product of the product group associated with the option is drawn to the time when the product is determined, and during the occupied period, other users are allowed to wait to select the occupied option.

6. The commodity providing device according to claim 5, wherein The search condition is at least one of the number of users waiting to select the option.

7. The commodity providing device according to claim 3, wherein The option display unit displays the preset search conditions in a selectable manner.

8. The commodity providing device according to claim 3, wherein The option display unit only displays the options that are consistent with the search conditions.

9. The commodity providing device according to claim 1, wherein The option display unit displays the option including a stock status image of a stock level of a total stock quantity of the commodity group associated with the option.

10. The commodity providing device according to claim 1, wherein The option is an image that mimics a raffle box.

11. A storage medium storing a program, wherein the program causes a computer to function as the following mechanism: An inventory management organization manages the inventory status of a product group containing multiple categories of products; An option display mechanism displays multiple options associated with the product group on the terminal in a manner that the user can select; as well as A commodity providing mechanism that provides commodities by lottery from the commodity group associated with the option; The option display mechanism uses the commodity inventory status to retrieve options that match the search conditions and displays the matching options.

12. A commodity providing system, comprising a user terminal and a commodity providing device, The commodity providing system comprises: An inventory management organization manages the inventory status of a product group containing multiple categories of products; An option display mechanism displays a plurality of options associated with the commodity group on the terminal in a manner that a user can select; as well as A commodity providing mechanism that provides commodities by lottery from the commodity group associated with the option; The option display mechanism uses the commodity inventory status to retrieve options that match the search conditions and displays the matching options.

Images