Information management device, information management system, information management method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information management device, an information management system, an information management method, and a program that can provide a highly convenient mission to a user.SOLUTION: An information management device includes: a mission provision unit that provides a user with a successive mission including a first mission and a continuing mission; a reward granting control unit that causes, when the first mission is accomplished, the reward granting unit to grant a reward to the user; and a registration unit that, when the first mission is accomplished, registers a fact that a reward is granted as a result of the accomplishment of the first mission in association with the user. The mission provision unit provides, as a result of providing the user with the first mission, the user with the continuing mission on a condition that time that elapses since the reward granting unit grants the user the reward for accomplishing the first mission is within a prescribed period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information management device, an information management system, an information management method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, an information management system has been disclosed that provides a user with a series of missions including multiple missions for a predetermined validity period, as shown in, for example, Patent Document 1. In such an information management system, a reward is given to the user based on the achievement status of the provided series of missions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7162643 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in such information management systems, the validity period for which consecutive missions are provided is predetermined. Therefore, if the completion of the first mission of the consecutive missions is delayed, the validity period for which consecutive missions are provided becomes shorter. In this way, once the validity period expires, subsequent consecutive missions after the first mission of the consecutive missions may not be provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An information management device that solves the above problem includes a mission providing unit that provides a user with consecutive missions including an initial mission and a continuing mission, a reward granting control unit that causes a reward granting unit to grant a reward to the user when the initial mission is accomplished, and a registration unit that, when the initial mission is accomplished, registers the fact that a reward has been granted as a result of the accomplishment of the initial mission in association with the user, and the mission providing unit provides the user with the continuing mission as a result of providing the initial mission to the user, on the condition that the period that has elapsed since the reward granting unit granted the user a reward for the accomplishment of the initial mission is within a specified period.

[0006] An information management system that solves the above problem includes a mission providing unit that provides a user with consecutive missions including an initial mission and a continuing mission, a reward granting control unit that causes a reward granting unit to grant a reward to the user when the initial mission is accomplished, and a registration unit that, when the initial mission is accomplished, registers, in association with the user, that a reward has been granted as a result of the accomplishment of the initial mission, and the mission providing unit provides the user with the continuing mission as a result of providing the initial mission to the user, on the condition that the period that has elapsed since the reward granting unit granted the user a reward for the accomplishment of the initial mission is within a specified period.

[0007] An information management method that solves the above problem involves one or more computers providing a user with an initial mission included in a consecutive mission, causing a reward granting unit to grant a reward to the user when the initial mission is accomplished, registering, when the initial mission is accomplished, that a reward has been granted as a result of the accomplishment of the initial mission in association with the user, and, as a result of providing the user with the initial mission, providing the user with a continuing mission included in the consecutive mission, on the condition that the period that has elapsed since the reward granting unit granted a reward to the user as a result of the accomplishment of the initial mission is within a specified period.

[0008] A program for solving the above problem causes one or more computers to perform the following operations: provide a user with an initial mission included in a consecutive mission; when the initial mission is accomplished, have a reward granting unit grant a reward to the user; when the initial mission is accomplished, register the fact that a reward has been granted as a result of the accomplishment of the initial mission in association with the user; and, as a result of providing the user with the initial mission, provide the user with a continuing mission included in the consecutive mission, on the condition that the period that has elapsed since the reward granting unit granted the user a reward for the accomplishment of the initial mission is within a specified period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, highly convenient missions can be provided to users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the terminal device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of the mission management server of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the mission management database of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the initial mission control process of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the continuation mission control process of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display mode of the terminal display unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display mode of the terminal display unit in the first and second embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the validity period of consecutive missions in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the return mission control process of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] [First embodiment] An embodiment of an information management device, an information management system, an information management method, and a program will be described.

[0012] <Configuration of Information Management System 10> 1, the information management system 10 is a system that provides a mission to a user. In particular, the information management system 10 may be a system that can provide a reward to a user based on the completion of the mission.

[0013] The information management system 10 includes a mission management server 11. The mission management server 11 is a server that manages information related to missions. In particular, the mission management server 11 is a server that manages information related to consecutive missions. The mission management server 11 corresponds to an example of an information management device.

[0014] A consecutive mission includes multiple missions. A consecutive mission is a mission in which multiple missions are provided in chronological order. A consecutive mission includes an initial mission and a subsequent mission that is provided after the initial mission. In other words, a consecutive mission includes an initial mission and a subsequent mission. A consecutive mission may include an initial mission and one or more subsequent missions.

[0015] The information management system 10 may include a web server 12. The web server 12 is a server that provides information to users. In particular, the web server 12 is a server that manages a site related to continuous missions.

[0016] The information management system 10 may include a user management server 13. The user management server 13 is a server that manages information about users. In particular, the user management server 13 is a server that grants rewards to users. The user management server 13 corresponds to an example of a reward granting unit.

[0017] The information management system 10 may include one or more terminal devices 18. As a specific example, the information management system 10 may include multiple user terminal devices 18A, 18B. The user terminal devices 18A, 18B are terminal devices used by users. The user terminal devices 18A, 18B may be portable terminal devices that can be carried by users.

[0018] The mission management server 11, web server 12, user management server 13, and one or more terminal devices 18 are communicably connected via a network 19. At least any combination of the mission management server 11, web server 12, user management server 13, and one or more terminal devices 18 may be communicably connected directly without going through the network 19. Hereinafter, a description of communication between each device via the network 19 will be omitted.

[0019] <Configuration of terminal device 18> 2, the terminal device 18 is composed of one or more computers. The terminal device 18 includes a terminal control unit 20, a terminal storage unit 21, a terminal communication unit 22, a terminal input unit 23, and a terminal display unit 24.

[0020] The terminal control unit 20 is configured to control the terminal device 18. The terminal control unit 20 includes an arithmetic unit and a main storage medium. The arithmetic unit loads an OS (Operating System) and a program from the terminal storage unit 21 to the main storage medium and executes instructions retrieved from the main storage medium. The arithmetic unit is one or more circuits. The circuit may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural network Processing Unit). The terminal storage unit 21 may be a secondary storage medium and may store a program. The program may be a dedicated application for using the information management system 10.

[0021] The terminal communication unit 22 is implemented as hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The terminal communication unit 22 transmits and receives data to and from the mission management server 11. The terminal input unit 23 is configured to input information in response to a user operation. The terminal input unit 23 may be a touch panel integrated with the terminal display unit 24. The terminal input unit 23 may be a pointing device with operation buttons. The terminal display unit 24 displays information in response to an output instruction from the terminal control unit 20.

[0022] <Configuration of Mission Control Server 11> As shown in Fig. 3, the mission management server 11 is composed of one or more computers. The mission management server 11 provides missions to users. In particular, the mission management server 11 provides consecutive missions to users. The mission management server 11 controls the granting of rewards to users based on the completion of missions.

[0023] The mission management server 11 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, and a communication unit 32. The control unit 30 is configured to control the mission management server 11. The control unit 30 includes a calculation device and a main storage medium. The control unit 30 has a similar configuration to the terminal control unit 20, and therefore a description of the calculation device and the main storage medium will be omitted. The storage unit 31 is a secondary storage medium and stores information for managing the mission management server 11.

[0024] The communication unit 32 is implemented as hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The communication unit 32 transmits and receives data to and from the terminal device 18. The mission management server 11 may include an operation unit that allows an information provider to perform input operations, and may also include a display unit that displays information.

[0025] In the mission management server 11, the control unit 30 configures a processing circuit by executing a program. The control unit 30 includes, as its processing circuit, a user information acquisition unit 30A, a mission provision unit 30B, a mission determination unit 30C, a registration unit 30D, a reward granting control unit 30E, a specified period determination unit 30F, a first-time participation determination unit 30G, and a return determination unit 30H.

[0026] The user information acquisition unit 30A acquires user information. The user information acquisition unit 30A may acquire the user information by communicating with the user management server 13. The user information acquisition unit 30A may acquire the user information by communicating with the terminal device 18. The user information acquisition unit 30A may acquire the user information by reading the user information from the storage unit 31.

[0027] The user information may include user segment information. That is, the user information may include user attribute information. The user attribute information may include the user's age, gender, and address. The user information may include the user's behavior history. The user's behavior history may include the browsing content that the user viewed on a site related to the continuous mission.

[0028] The user's behavior history may include browsing history and usage history on various servers. The various servers may include an e-commerce server that performs e-commerce transactions. The various servers may include a travel provider server that offers travel. The various servers may include a service provider server that provides services.

[0029] To give a specific example, the user's behavior history may include the content viewed by the user on the e-commerce server. The user's behavior history may include products purchased by the user on the e-commerce server. The user's behavior history may include itineraries used by the user on the travel provider server. The user's behavior history may be a combination of usage histories for multiple types of services corresponding to various servers. In particular, the user's behavior history may be a combination of usage history of the e-commerce server for a predetermined period and usage history of the travel provider server for a predetermined period.

[0030] The user attribute information may include information based on the user's behavioral history. Specifically, the user attribute information may include information corresponding to a service that the user is using among multiple types of services. As a specific example, the user attribute information may include a usage history of an e-commerce server for a predetermined period of time and a usage history of a travel provider server for a predetermined period of time.

[0031] The mission providing unit 30B provides missions to the user. In particular, the mission providing unit 30B provides consecutive missions to the user. That is, the mission providing unit 30B provides the user with an initial mission and a continuation mission included in the consecutive mission. The mission providing unit 30B provides the user with missions by communicating with the terminal device 18.

[0032] The mission determination unit 30C determines whether or not the mission provided to the user has been accomplished. The mission determination unit 30C determines, through communication with the terminal device 18, whether or not the mission has been accomplished.

[0033] The registration unit 30D registers information related to the continuous mission. Specifically, the registration unit 30D registers the validity period of the continuous mission. The registration unit 30D registers date and time information when each of the multiple missions among the continuous missions was completed. The registration unit 30D registers that a reward was granted based on the completion of each of the multiple missions among the continuous missions.

[0034] The reward granting control unit 30E controls the granting of rewards to users. The reward granting control unit 30E controls the user management server 13 to grant rewards to users through communication with the user management server 13. The reward granting control unit 30E may determine conditions for granting rewards to users based on user information.

[0035] The reward may be points that can be used in various servers. The reward value may be the number of points. The reward may be usable in a system other than the information management system 10. The reward may be usable between multiple systems with the same administrator, or between multiple systems with different administrators. The reward may be a benefit for the user.

[0036] The specified period determination unit 30F determines the specified period. The specified period is a period that serves as a reference for the validity period of consecutive missions. In particular, the specified period determination unit 30F may determine the specified period based on user information.

[0037] The first-time participation determination unit 30G determines whether the first-time participation condition is met. The first-time participation condition is met when the user participates in the continuous mission for the first time. In particular, the first-time participation condition may be met when the user accesses a site related to the continuous mission for the first time. The first-time participation condition may also be met after an application for accessing a site related to the continuous mission is installed in the terminal device 18.

[0038] The return determination unit 30H determines whether a return condition is met. The return condition is met when the user returns to a site related to the continuous mission. In particular, when the user logs in to the site related to the continuous mission, the return determination unit 30H determines that the return condition is met when it determines that the period of time that has elapsed since the last login to the site related to the continuous mission is equal to or longer than a predetermined period of time.

[0039] <Mission Management Database 31A> Here, the mission management database 31A will be described with reference to FIG. 4, the mission management database 31A is information stored in the storage unit 31. In the mission management database 31A, a content ID, a user ID, a first date and time, and a validity period correspond to each other.

[0040] The content ID is information that can identify the content provided to the user. The content includes a continuous mission. In other words, the content ID is information that can identify the continuous mission. The user ID is information that can identify the user. The initial date and time is information that indicates the date and time of the first participation in the continuous mission. The initial date and time may also be information that indicates the date and time of the first mission of the continuous mission. The validity period is the period from the first day, with the initial date and time being the first day, until the specified period has elapsed. The specified period may be, for example, five days, but is not limited to this. As a specific example, if the specified period is five days and the first day is July 1st, the validity period will be from July 1st to July 5th.

[0041] In the mission management database 31A, one or more mission IDs correspond to a content ID and a user ID. The mission ID is information that can identify each of the multiple missions included in the continuous mission.

[0042] In particular, the mission ID may be information that can identify whether the mission is an initial mission, a first continuous mission, or a second continuous mission. Continuous missions include a first continuous mission and a second continuous mission. In this way, the initial mission is the first mission of a continuous mission. The first continuous mission is the second mission included in the continuous mission. The second continuous mission is the third mission included in the continuous mission. Multiple missions can be completed on each day included in the validity period.

[0043] In the mission management database 31A, a mission ID corresponds to a reward content, a completion date and time, and a mission result. The reward content indicates the reward awarded when a mission is completed. The reward content is information indicating the reward type, for example, points or discount coupons. The reward content may also be information indicating the reward value, for example, 1 point or 3 points. The completion date and time is information indicating the date and time when the mission was completed. The mission result may include whether the mission was completed. The mission result may also include whether a reward was awarded based on the completion of the mission.

[0044] When a user participates in a consecutive mission for the first time and is granted a reward based on the completion of the first mission, the content ID, user ID, first date and time, and validity period are registered in the mission management database 31 A. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether a user is participating in a consecutive mission based on whether the content ID and user ID are registered in the mission management database 31 A.

[0045] Furthermore, when a player first participates in a consecutive mission and is awarded a reward based on the completion of the first mission, multiple mission IDs and reward details are registered in the mission management database 31A. When each of the multiple missions included in the consecutive mission is completed, the completion date and time and mission result corresponding to the completed mission are registered in the mission management database 31A. If each of the multiple missions included in the consecutive mission is not completed, information indicating invalidity is stored for the completion date and time and mission result corresponding to the uncompleted mission. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not a mission corresponding to a mission ID has been completed based on the completion date and mission result.

[0046] In this embodiment, the web server 12 may include a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, and a communication unit 32, just like the mission management server 11. Hereinafter, the control contents of the web server 12 are executed by the control unit 30 in the web server 12, but for convenience, the description will be made mainly about the web server 12. In this embodiment, the user management server 13 may include a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, and a communication unit 32, just like the mission management server 11. Hereinafter, the control contents of the user management server 13 are executed by the control unit 30 in the user management server 13, but for convenience, the description will be made mainly about the user management server 13.

[0047] <Initial mission control process> Next, the initial mission control process will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The initial mission control process is a process executed by the control unit 30 at predetermined intervals.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, in the mission management server 11, in step S10, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the initial participation condition is met. The initial participation condition is met when the user participates in the consecutive mission for the first time. The initial participation condition may be met in response to input from the user via the web server 12. If the control unit 30 determines that the initial participation condition is not met, it ends the initial mission control process. If the control unit 30 determines that the initial participation condition is met, it proceeds to step S11.

[0049] In step S11, the control unit 30 executes a login information acquisition process. In the login information acquisition process, the control unit 30 transmits a request for login information to the terminal device 18. In the terminal device 18, the terminal control unit 20 transmits the login information to the mission management server 11 in response to input via the terminal input unit 23. The control unit 30 acquires the login information by receiving the login information transmitted from the terminal device 18. The control unit 30 may receive the login information transmitted from the terminal device 18 via the web server 12.

[0050] In step S12, the control unit 30 executes a user authentication instruction process. In the user authentication instruction process, the control unit 30 transmits login information to the user management server 13. The user management server 13 performs user authentication based on the received login information. The user management server 13 transmits to the mission management server 11 whether or not the user authentication has been successfully performed.

[0051] In step S13, the control unit 30 determines whether the user authentication is successful. In particular, the control unit 30 determines whether the user authentication is successful based on communication with the user management server 13. If the control unit 30 determines that the user authentication is not successful, the control unit 30 shifts the process to step S11 again. As a result, the control unit 30 executes steps S11 to S13 until it determines that the user authentication is successful. If the control unit 30 does not determine that the user authentication is successful until a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 30 may end the initial mission control process. If the control unit 30 determines that the user authentication is successful, the control unit 30 shifts the process to step S14.

[0052] In step S14, the control unit 30 executes an initial mission transmission process. In the initial mission transmission process, the control unit 30 transmits an initial mission to the terminal device 18. As a result, the control unit 30 provides the initial mission to the user on the condition that this is the first time the user participates in the consecutive missions. The control unit 30 may transmit the initial mission to the terminal device 18 via the web server 12.

[0053] In step S15, the control unit 30 determines whether the initial mission has been accomplished based on communication with the terminal device 18. The initial mission may be accomplished in response to input from the terminal input unit 23 after being provided to the terminal device 18. The initial mission may be accomplished when the user taps a predetermined image on a site related to consecutive missions. If the control unit 30 determines that the initial mission has not been accomplished, it transitions the process to step S15 again. As a result, the control unit 30 executes step S15 until the initial mission is accomplished. If the control unit 30 determines that the initial mission has not been accomplished before a predetermined time has elapsed, it may terminate the initial mission control process. If the control unit 30 determines that the initial mission has been accomplished, it transitions the process to step S16. If the control unit 30 determines that the initial mission has been accomplished, it may notify the terminal device 18 that the initial mission has been accomplished.

[0054] In step S16, the control unit 30 executes an initial reward grant instruction process. In the initial reward grant instruction process, the control unit 30 sends an instruction to the user management server 13 to grant the user a reward based on the completion of the initial mission. The instruction to grant the user a reward includes a user ID and reward details. The reward details based on the completion of the initial mission may be determined in advance. Upon receiving the instruction from the mission management server 11, the user management server 13 grants a reward corresponding to the reward details to the user corresponding to the user ID. In this way, the control unit 30 causes the user management server 13 to grant a reward to the user when the initial mission is completed.

[0055] In step S17, the control unit 30 executes a user information acquisition process. In the user information acquisition process, the control unit 30 transmits a request for user information corresponding to the user ID to the user management server 13. Upon receiving the request for user information from the mission management server 11, the user management server 13 transmits the user information corresponding to the user ID to the mission management server 11. The control unit 30 receives the user information corresponding to the user ID from the user management server 13, thereby acquiring the user information corresponding to the user ID.

[0056] In step S18, the control unit 30 executes a mission condition determination process. In the mission condition determination process, the control unit 30 determines mission conditions to be included in the continuous mission to be provided to the user based on the user information. In particular, the control unit 30 determines mission conditions corresponding to the continuous mission based on the user information. The mission conditions may include reward content. The mission conditions may include a specified period. The mission conditions may include a validity period based on the initial date and time and the specified period.

[0057] As a specific example, the control unit 30 acquires user information indicating the services used by the user. If the user uses many services, the control unit 30 may determine a reward content with a higher reward value than if the user uses few services. If the user uses many services, the control unit 30 may determine the reward value as 3 points, and if the user uses few services, the control unit 30 may determine the reward value as 1 point.

[0058] The control unit 30 may set a longer specified period when the user uses many services than when the user uses few services. The control unit 30 may determine the specified period as six days when the user uses many services, and may determine the specified period as five days when the user uses few services. In this way, the control unit 30 determines the conditions for granting a reward to the user. The control unit 30 determines the specified period based on user information. The control unit 30 acquires the initial date and time when the reward corresponding to the initial mission was granted. The control unit 30 determines the validity period based on the acquired initial date and time and the determined specified period.

[0059] In step S19, the control unit 30 executes a mission registration process. In the mission registration process, the control unit 30 registers the initial date and time and the validity period in the mission management database 31A so as to correspond to the content ID and the user ID. The control unit 30 registers multiple mission IDs in the mission management database 31A so as to correspond to the content ID and the user ID. The control unit 30 registers reward details in the mission management database 31A so as to correspond to each of the multiple mission IDs. The control unit 30 registers the completion date and time and the mission result in the mission management database 31A so as to correspond to the mission ID indicating the initial mission.

[0060] In this way, when the first mission is accomplished, the control unit 30 registers, in association with the user, that a reward has been granted for completing the first mission. The control unit 30 also registers, in association with the user, information that can identify the first date and time when the reward was granted for completing the first mission and the date and time when the validity period ends. The first date and time corresponds to an example of first date and time information. The date and time when the validity period has elapsed from the first day including the first date and time corresponds to an example of second date and time information. When the mission registration process has ended, the control unit 30 ends the first mission control process.

[0061] <Continued mission control processing> Next, the continuing mission control process will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The continuing mission control process is a process executed by the control unit 30 at predetermined intervals.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, in the mission management server 11, in step S20, the control unit 30 determines whether the continuation mission condition is met. The continuation mission condition is met when user authentication has been performed normally and the validity period of the continuous mission in which the user has already participated is still in effect. The continuation mission condition may also be met when a site related to the continuous mission is accessed. The control unit 30 determines that the continuation mission condition is met when the validity period corresponding to the user ID for which user authentication has been performed normally is still in effect and an uncompleted continuous mission is included in the mission management database 31A. If the control unit 30 determines that the continuation mission condition is not met, it terminates the continuation mission control process. If the control unit 30 determines that the continuation mission condition is met, it proceeds to step S21.

[0063] In step S21, the control unit 30 executes a continuation mission transmission process. In the continuation mission transmission process, the control unit 30 transmits, from among the uncompleted continuation missions, a continuation mission that corresponds to the order in which it is to be provided to the terminal device 18. The control unit 30 may transmit the continuation mission to the terminal device 18 via the web server 12.

[0064] In this way, the control unit 30 provides the user with a continuous mission. In particular, the control unit 30 provides the user with a continuous mission on the condition that the time elapsed since the user was granted a reward for completing the initial mission as a result of providing the user with an initial mission is within a specified period. Furthermore, the control unit 30 can provide the user with a continuous mission multiple times on the condition that the time elapsed since the user was granted a reward for completing the initial mission is within a specified period. On the other hand, the control unit 30 does not provide the user with a continuous mission if the time elapsed since the user was granted a reward for completing the initial mission exceeds the specified period.

[0065] In step S22, the control unit 30 determines whether the continuation mission has been completed based on communication with the terminal device 18. The continuation mission may be completed in response to input from the terminal input unit 23 after being provided to the terminal device 18. The continuation mission may be completed when the user taps a predetermined image on a site related to the continuation mission. If the control unit 30 determines that the continuation mission has not been completed, it transitions the process to step S22 again. As a result, the control unit 30 executes step S22 until the continuation mission is completed. If the control unit 30 determines that the continuation mission has not been completed until a predetermined time has elapsed, it may terminate the continuation mission control process. If the control unit 30 determines that the continuation mission has been completed, it transitions the process to step S23. If the control unit 30 determines that the continuation mission has been completed, it may notify the terminal device 18 that the continuation mission has been completed.

[0066] In step S23, the control unit 30 determines whether or not the reward granting condition is met. The reward granting condition is met when valid information is set as the reward content corresponding to the completed continuous mission. In this embodiment, valid information is set as the reward content corresponding to the continuous mission. If the control unit 30 determines that the reward granting condition is not met, the control unit 30 proceeds to step S25. If the control unit 30 determines that the reward granting condition is met, the control unit 30 proceeds to step S24.

[0067] In step S24, the control unit 30 executes a continuous reward granting instruction process. In the continuous reward granting instruction process, the control unit 30 sends an instruction to the user management server 13 to grant a reward to the user based on the completion of the continuous mission. The instruction to grant a reward to the user includes a user ID and reward content. When the user management server 13 receives the instruction from the mission management server 11, a reward corresponding to the reward content is granted to the user corresponding to the user ID. In this way, the control unit 30 causes the user management server 13 to grant a reward to the user when the continuous mission is completed. In particular, when the continuous mission is completed, the control unit 30 causes the user management server 13 to grant a reward to the user based on the number of times the continuous mission is completed.

[0068] In step S25, the control unit 30 executes a mission registration process. In the mission registration process, the control unit 30 registers the completion date and time and the mission result in the mission management database 31A so as to correspond to the mission ID indicating the completed continuation mission.

[0069] In this way, when a continuous mission is completed, the control unit 30 registers whether or not a reward was granted for completing the continuous mission, in association with the user. The control unit 30 also registers information on the date and time when the reward was granted for completing the continuous mission, in association with the user. When the mission registration process is completed, the control unit 30 ends the continuous mission control process.

[0070] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The operation of the first embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 7, a first screen 24A may be displayed on the terminal display unit 24 of the terminal device 18. The first screen 24A is a screen that is displayed on the terminal display unit 24 when the initial participation conditions are met. The first screen 24A displays an image indicating that three missions are available as consecutive missions, and that this is an opportunity to earn rewards. The first screen 24A displays an image indicating that logging in will allow participation in the consecutive missions.

[0071] When the user logs in by inputting information, the second screen 24B may be displayed on the terminal display unit 24 of the terminal device 18. The second screen 24B is a screen that displays an image corresponding to the first mission, an image corresponding to the first continuous mission, and an image corresponding to the second continuous mission. An image that prompts the user to tap the image corresponding to the first mission is displayed on the second screen 24B. An image indicating the validity period of the continuous mission is displayed on the second screen 24B.

[0072] When the image corresponding to the first mission is tapped, a third screen 24C may be displayed on the terminal display unit 24 of the terminal device 18. An image indicating that a reward has been awarded to the user is displayed on the third screen 24C. This notifies the user that a reward has been awarded based on the completion of the first mission.

[0073] Next, a fourth screen 24D may be displayed on the terminal display unit 24 of the terminal device 18. The fourth screen 24D is a screen that is displayed on the terminal display unit 24 when the continuous mission conditions are met. The fourth screen 24D is a screen that is displayed on the terminal display unit 24 two days after the first day on which the initial mission is accomplished. The fourth screen 24D displays an image corresponding to the initial mission, indicating that a reward has been awarded. The fourth screen 24D displays an image that prompts the user to tap on an image corresponding to the first continuous mission. The fourth screen 24D displays an image indicating the validity period of the continuous mission.

[0074] 8, when the image corresponding to the first continuous mission is tapped, a fifth screen 24E may be displayed on the terminal display unit 24 of the terminal device 18. An image indicating that a reward has been awarded to the user is displayed on the fifth screen 24E. This notifies the user that a reward has been awarded based on the achievement of the first continuous mission.

[0075] Next, a sixth screen 24F may be displayed on the terminal display unit 24 of the terminal device 18. The sixth screen 24F is a screen that is displayed on the terminal display unit 24 when the continuous mission conditions are met. The sixth screen 24F is a screen that is displayed on the terminal display unit 24 after four days have passed since the first day the initial mission was accomplished. The sixth screen 24F displays an image corresponding to the first continuous mission, indicating that a reward has been granted. The sixth screen 24F displays an image that prompts the user to tap on an image corresponding to the second continuous mission. The sixth screen 24F displays an image indicating the validity period of the continuous mission.

[0076] When the image corresponding to the second continuous mission is tapped, a seventh screen 24G may be displayed on the terminal display unit 24 of the terminal device 18. An image indicating that a reward has been granted to the user is displayed on the seventh screen 24G. This notifies the user that a reward has been granted based on the achievement of the second continuous mission.

[0077] As shown in Figure 9, the validity period of the consecutive missions varies depending on the date and time when the reward is granted to the user based on the completion of the initial mission. To give a specific example, if a reward is granted to a first user based on the completion of the initial mission on July 1, the validity period of the consecutive missions will be from July 1 to July 5, which is five days from July 1. In this case, even if the consecutive missions are not completed on July 2 and July 4, the multiple missions included in the consecutive missions can be completed by completing the consecutive missions on July 3 and July 5.

[0078] On the other hand, if a reward is granted to the second user based on the completion of the first mission on July 4, the validity period of the consecutive missions will be until July 8, which is five days from July 4. In this case, even if the consecutive missions are not completed on July 5 and July 6, the multiple missions included in the consecutive missions can be completed as long as the consecutive missions are completed on July 7 and July 8.

[0079] For the first user, the validity period of the consecutive missions is from July 1 to July 5, while for the second user, the validity period of the consecutive missions is from July 4 to July 8. Therefore, the validity period of the consecutive missions can be changed depending on the timing of the granting of the reward to the user based on the completion of the first mission.

[0080] <Effects of the first embodiment> The effects of the first embodiment will be described. (1-1) When an initial mission is completed, the control unit 30 registers the fact that a reward has been granted for the completion of the initial mission in association with the user. As a result of providing the initial mission to the user, the control unit 30 provides the user with a continuous mission, provided that the period that has elapsed since the reward was granted to the user for the completion of the initial mission is within a specified period. Therefore, when a reward is granted to a user based on the completion of an initial mission included in a continuous mission, the specified period can be managed for each user based on the granting of the reward based on the completion of the initial mission. Then, the continuous mission can be provided if it is within the specified period based on the granting of the reward based on the completion of the initial mission. This prevents the valid period for providing the continuous mission from becoming shorter when the completion of the first mission of the continuous mission is delayed. Therefore, it is possible to provide highly convenient missions to the user.

[0081] (1-2) The control unit 30 provides the first mission to the user on the condition that the user is participating in the consecutive mission for the first time. This increases the value of participating in the consecutive mission for the first time. This makes it possible to provide the user with a highly convenient mission.

[0082] (1-3) The control unit 30 registers, in association with the user, information that can identify the initial date and time when a reward is granted for completing the initial mission and the date and time when a specified period has passed since the first day, including the initial date and time. This allows the control unit 30 to identify the initial date and time and the date and time when a specified period has passed since the first day, including the initial date and time. This improves the reliability of managing the validity period for providing continuous missions for each user. Therefore, it is possible to provide users with highly convenient missions.

[0083] (1-4) The control unit 30 can provide the user with a continuous mission multiple times, provided that the time that has elapsed since the reward was given to the user for completing the initial mission is within a specified period. When the continuous mission is completed, the control unit 30 grants a reward to the user based on the number of times the continuous mission has been completed. This makes it possible to make the user aware of the number of times the continuous mission has been completed. This can increase the user's motivation to complete the continuous mission. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with a highly convenient mission.

[0084] (1-5) If the time that has passed since the reward was given to the user for completing the initial mission exceeds a specified period, the control unit 30 will not provide the user with a continuous mission. This makes it possible to make the user aware of the validity period for providing the continuous mission. This can increase the user's motivation to complete the continuous mission. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with a highly convenient mission.

[0085] (1-6) The control unit 30 determines the specified period based on the user information. Therefore, it is possible to provide a continuous mission for a specified period that takes the user into consideration. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly convenient mission for the user.

[0086] (1-7) The control unit 30 determines the conditions for granting a reward to the user based on the user information. Therefore, it is possible to grant a reward to the user under conditions that take the user into consideration. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with a highly convenient mission.

[0087] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the already described embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted or simplified.

[0088] <Return mission control process> As shown in FIG. 10, in the second embodiment, the control unit 30 executes a return mission control process at predetermined intervals. In step S26, the control unit 30 determines whether a return condition is met. The return condition is met when, when user authentication is performed normally, the period of time that has elapsed since the last login to the site related to the consecutive mission is equal to or greater than a predetermined period of time. If the control unit 30 determines that the return condition is not met, it terminates the return mission control process. If the control unit 30 determines that the return condition is met, it proceeds to step S14.

[0089] In this way, the control unit 30 provides the first mission to the user on the condition that the period of time that has passed since the last login to the site related to the consecutive missions is equal to or longer than a predetermined period of time.

[0090] <Effects of the second embodiment> The effects of the second embodiment will be described. (2-1) The control unit 30 provides the user with the initial mission on the condition that the time period since the last login to the site related to the continuous mission is equal to or longer than a predetermined period. This makes it possible to provide the continuous mission to a user who does not frequently log in to the site related to the continuous mission. This increases the value of logging in to the site related to the continuous mission. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with a highly convenient mission.

[0091] [Example of change] This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0092] The consecutive mission may include a mission that is accomplished after an image is displayed on the terminal display unit 24 in response to an input from the terminal input unit 23. The consecutive mission may include a mission that is accomplished when an advertising moving image is displayed for a predetermined time on the terminal display unit 24 in response to an input from the terminal input unit 23. In this case, the control unit 30 may send an instruction to the advertising server to provide advertising information to the user, and the advertising server may provide the advertising information to the terminal device 18.

[0093] Consecutive missions may be provided for a continuous period of time. For example, if the validity period is five days, starting from July 1st, the missions included in the consecutive missions may be provided every five days from July 1st to July 5th.

[0094] The continuous mission may include three or more subsequent missions in addition to the initial mission. The continuous mission may be provided on multiple days. As a specific example, the continuous mission may be provided every week. The continuous mission may be provided every month. The continuous mission may be provided at predetermined time intervals. As a specific example, the continuous mission may be provided every 12 hours.

[0095] The first-time participation condition may be met when the user participates in the consecutive mission for the first time, but does not complete the initial mission and is not granted a reward based on the completion of the initial mission, and then the user participates in the consecutive mission again.

[0096] Whether or not the reward granting condition is met may differ depending on the number of continuation missions completed. For example, a reward may not be granted based on the completion of a first continuation mission, but may be granted based on the completion of a second continuation mission. A reward may be granted based on the completion of a first continuation mission, but not based on the completion of a second continuation mission. In other words, the control unit 30 may not cause the user management server 13 to grant a reward to the user when either the first continuation mission or the second continuation mission is completed. The control unit 30 may cause the user management server 13 to grant a reward to the user when either the first continuation mission or the second continuation mission is completed. Based on the number of continuation missions completed, the control unit 30 may either not cause the user management server 13 to grant a reward to the user, or may cause the user management server 13 to grant a reward to the user.

[0097] Whether or not the reward condition is met may vary based on the results of a lottery that has a predetermined probability of winning. The reward condition may be met with different probabilities based on user information. For example, if a user uses many services, the reward condition may be met with a higher probability than if the user uses few services.

[0098] The control unit 30 may determine the mission conditions for the initial mission based on user information, similar to the mission conditions for the continued mission. In other words, the reward content based on the completion of the initial mission does not need to be predetermined. In this case, when the control unit 30 determines that the initial mission has been completed, it determines the mission conditions for the initial mission based on user information. The control unit 30 registers the mission conditions for the initial mission in the mission management database 31A.

[0099] The control unit 30 may, for example, grant a discount coupon as a reward to the user. The discount coupon may be, for example, a discount on at least one of the purchase of a product, a travel offer, or a service offer, or may be a coupon that can be used at an affiliated store. The control unit 30 may also, for example, grant the product itself, the travel offer itself, or the service offer itself as a reward to the user. The control unit 30 may grant the user a type of reward based on the user's behavioral history.

[0100] The mission control server 11, the web server 12, and the user control server 13 may be managed by different or the same administrator. As a specific example, the mission control server 11 may be managed by a first administrator, the web server 12 may be managed by a second administrator, and the user control server 13 may be managed by a third administrator.

[0101] The functions of one of the mission management server 11 and the web server 12 may be implemented as functions of the other server. The functions of one of the mission management server 11 and the user management server 13 may be implemented as functions of the other server. The functions of one of the mission management server 11 and the various servers may be implemented as functions of the other server. As a specific example, the mission management server 11 may be equipped with a function to manage a site related to consecutive missions. The web server 12 may be equipped with a function to determine whether an initial participation condition is met. The web server 12 may be equipped with a function to determine whether a continuation mission condition is met. The web server 12 may be equipped with a function to determine whether a return condition is met. The web server 12 may be equipped with a function to determine whether a mission has been accomplished. The mission management server 11 may be equipped with a function to perform user authentication. The mission management server 11 may be equipped with a function to award rewards to users. The mission management server 11 may be equipped with a function to conduct e-commerce.

[0102] The phrase "at least any" used herein means one or more of the desired options. As an example, when the number of options is two, the phrase "at least any" used herein means only one option or both options. As another example, when the number of options is three or more, the phrase "at least any" used herein means only one option or any combination of two or more options.

[0103] [Note] The technical concepts grasped from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below. (A) The information management device includes a mission providing unit that provides a user with consecutive missions including an initial mission and a continuing mission; a reward granting control unit that causes a reward granting unit to grant a reward to the user when the initial mission is accomplished; and a registration unit that, when the initial mission is accomplished, registers, in association with the user, that a reward has been granted as a result of the accomplishment of the initial mission. As a result of providing the initial mission to the user, the mission providing unit provides the user with the continuing mission on the condition that the period that has elapsed since the reward granting unit granted the user a reward for the accomplishment of the initial mission is within a specified period.

[0104] (B) In the information management device described in (A), the mission providing unit provides the first mission to the user on the condition that the user participates in the consecutive missions for the first time. (C) In the information management device described in (A) or (B), the mission providing unit provides the initial mission to the user on the condition that the period of time that has elapsed since the last login to the site related to the consecutive mission is equal to or longer than a predetermined period of time.

[0105] (D) In ​​the information management device described in any one of (A) to (C), the registration unit registers information that can identify first date and time information when a reward is granted upon completion of the initial mission and second date and time information when the specified period has passed since the first date and time information, in association with the user.

[0106] (E) In the information management device described in any one of (A) to (D), the mission providing unit can provide the continuous mission to the user multiple times, on the condition that the period that has elapsed since the reward granting unit granted the user a reward upon completion of the initial mission is within a specified period, and when the continuous mission is completed, the reward granting control unit causes the reward granting unit to grant a reward to the user based on the number of times the continuous mission is completed.

[0107] (F) In the information management device described in any one of (A) to (E), the mission providing unit does not provide the continuing mission to the user if the period that has elapsed since the reward granting unit granted the user a reward for completing the initial mission exceeds the specified period.

[0108] (G) The information management device described in any one of (A) to (F) includes a specified period determination unit that determines the specified period based on user information. (H) In the information management device described in any one of (A) to (G), the reward granting control unit determines a condition for granting a reward to a user based on user information.

[0109] (I) The information management system includes a mission providing unit that provides a user with consecutive missions including an initial mission and a continuing mission; a reward granting control unit that causes a reward granting unit to grant a reward to the user when the initial mission is accomplished; and a registration unit that, when the initial mission is accomplished, registers the fact that a reward has been granted as a result of the accomplishment of the initial mission in association with the user, and the mission providing unit provides the user with the continuing mission as a result of providing the initial mission to the user, on the condition that the period that has elapsed since the reward granting unit granted the user a reward for the accomplishment of the initial mission is within a specified period.

[0110] (J) An information management method includes one or more computers providing a user with an initial mission included in a consecutive mission; causing a reward granting unit to grant a reward to the user when the initial mission is accomplished; registering, when the initial mission is accomplished, that a reward has been granted as a result of the accomplishment of the initial mission in association with the user; and providing, as a result of providing the user with the initial mission, a continuing mission included in the consecutive mission, on the condition that the period that has elapsed since the reward granting unit granted a reward to the user as a result of the accomplishment of the initial mission is within a specified period.

[0111] (K) The program causes one or more computers to provide a user with an initial mission included in a consecutive mission; when the initial mission is accomplished, cause a reward granting unit to grant a reward to the user; when the initial mission is accomplished, register the fact that a reward has been granted as a result of the accomplishment of the initial mission in association with the user; and, as a result of providing the user with the initial mission, provide the user with a continuing mission included in the consecutive mission, on the condition that the period that has elapsed since the reward granting unit granted the user a reward as a result of the accomplishment of the initial mission is within a specified period. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10...information management system, 11...mission management server, 12...web server, 13...user management server, 18...terminal device, 20...terminal control unit, 30...control unit, 30B...mission providing unit, 30D...registration unit, 30E...reward granting control unit, 30F...specified period determination unit, 31...memory unit, 31A...mission management database.

Claims

1. a mission providing unit that provides a user with successive missions including an initial mission and a continuing mission; a reward granting control unit that causes a reward granting unit to grant a reward to the user when the first mission is accomplished; a registration unit that, when the first mission is accomplished, registers, in association with a user, that a reward has been granted as a result of the accomplishment of the first mission; Equipped with the mission providing unit provides the user with the continuation mission on the condition that, as a result of providing the initial mission to the user, a period that has elapsed since the reward granting unit granted a reward to the user upon accomplishment of the initial mission is within a specified period; Information management device.

2. 2. The information management device according to claim 1, The mission providing unit provides the first mission to the user on the condition that the user participates in the consecutive mission for the first time. Information management device.

3. 2. The information management device according to claim 1, the mission providing unit provides the first mission to the user on condition that a period of time that has elapsed since the last login to a site related to the consecutive mission is equal to or longer than a predetermined period of time; Information management device.

4. In the information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The registration unit registers, in association with a user, information that can identify first date and time information at which a reward was granted as a result of the achievement of the initial mission and second date and time information at the time when the specified period has elapsed since the first date and time information. Information management device.

5. In the information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the mission providing unit is capable of providing the continuous mission to the user a plurality of times on the condition that a period of time that has elapsed since the reward granting unit granted the reward to the user upon completion of the initial mission is within a specified period of time; When the continuous mission is accomplished, the reward granting control unit causes the reward granting unit to grant a reward to the user based on the number of times the continuous mission is accomplished. Information management device.

6. In the information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the mission providing unit does not provide the continued mission to the user when a period of time that has elapsed since the reward granting unit granted the reward to the user upon achievement of the initial mission exceeds the specified period of time; Information management device.

7. In the information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A specified period determination unit that determines the specified period based on user information. Information management device.

8. In the information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The reward granting control unit determines conditions for granting a reward to a user based on user information. Information management device.

9. a mission providing unit that provides a user with successive missions including an initial mission and a continuing mission; a reward granting control unit that causes a reward granting unit to grant a reward to the user when the first mission is accomplished; a registration unit that, when the first mission is accomplished, registers, in association with a user, that a reward has been granted as a result of the accomplishment of the first mission; Equipped with the mission providing unit provides the user with the continuation mission on the condition that, as a result of providing the initial mission to the user, a period that has elapsed since the reward granting unit granted a reward to the user upon accomplishment of the initial mission is within a specified period; Information management system.

10. One or more computers Providing a first mission included in the successive missions to a user; when the first mission is accomplished, causing a reward granting unit to grant a reward to the user; When the first mission is accomplished, registering that a reward has been granted as a result of the accomplishment of the first mission in association with the user; providing the user with a continuous mission included in the continuous mission on the condition that, as a result of providing the first mission to the user, a period of time that has elapsed since the reward granting unit granted a reward to the user as a result of accomplishment of the first mission is within a prescribed period of time; An information management method that:

11. On one or more computers, Providing a first mission included in the successive missions to a user; when the first mission is accomplished, causing a reward granting unit to grant a reward to the user; When the first mission is accomplished, registering that a reward has been granted as a result of the accomplishment of the first mission in association with the user; providing the user with a continuous mission included in the continuous mission on the condition that, as a result of providing the first mission to the user, a period of time that has elapsed since the reward granting unit granted a reward to the user as a result of accomplishment of the first mission is within a prescribed period of time; A program that executes the following.

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