Content consumption reward system, and content consumption reward program

Abstract

To make own work more visible to browsers by contributor's actions when the contributor who creates and contributes the work contributes the work to a website for contributions.SOLUTION: A content consumption reward system 1 displays contributors' contributions having large charging amounts at higher positions in a website W to which content is contributed. Browsers viewing the content posted on the website W can transmit their comments to the contributor. When the contributor selects a favorite comment from among the transmitted comments, the content consumption reward system 1 gives a reward to a browser who contributes the comment. Further, the browser can support the favorite contributor by charging.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a content consumption reward system and a content consumption reward program. [Background technology]

[0002] It is common for creators of novels and other content to post their content on Internet platforms and for viewers to freely view that content. For example, as shown in Non-Patent Document 1, an online service is known that allows users to freely post and read novels.

[0003] However, with traditional platforms, once a creator posts content, it is up to the platform's system to decide where to post that content. Even if the creator wants their content to be posted in a location where it is easy to view, the creator has no control over it. Since posts by already well-known contributors are generally posted in easy-to-see locations, lesser known works tend to get buried.

[0004] Another reason why content is not viewed is thought to be that there is no incentive to view content created by less well-known creators.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a content sharing system that allows multiple users to share content by making posted content public on a network, and that includes a content sharing server device having an evaluation reward granting unit that grants rewards to evaluators who perform evaluations.

[0006] However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 does not allow contributors to actively participate in the ranking of posts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6128903 [Non-patent literature]

[0008] [Non-Patent Document 1] Hina Project Co., Ltd., "Let's Become a Novelist", [online], [searched on September 9, 2023], Internet<URL:https: / / syosetu.com / > Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The problem to be solved is the problem that when a contributor (creator) who creates and posts content such as a novel posts his / her work on a posting website, etc., the contributor has no control over the position in which the work is posted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The most important features of the present invention are that the position of a posting on a website is determined according to the amount of a poster's fee, and that the fee charged by the poster is used as a source of funds to pay a reward to a viewer.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and employs, for example, the following means. That is, a poster charge reception unit that receives a poster charge, which is a charge by a poster; a submission acceptance unit that accepts submissions of content from the contributors who are paying a fee; a content publishing unit that publishes the content from the contributor on a content publishing website and allows the content to be shared among users including the contributor and viewers; a posting position determination unit that determines a posting position of the content on the website based on at least the amount of the contributor charge; a reward granting unit that grants a reward to the viewer who viewed the published content; and a remuneration amount determination unit that determines the amount of the remuneration based on at least the amount of the contributor charge; The present invention provides a content consumption reward system comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0012] The content consumption reward system of the present invention determines the ranking of content according to the amount charged by the contributor, thereby increasing exposure to viewers depending on the amount charged. In addition, since rewards are given to readers using the contributor's fees as funds, there is an advantage in that even works by unknown contributors are more likely to be read. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a content consumption reward system 1 (network configuration diagram). [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing a top page screen (ranking screen) of a website W. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a search condition screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a search result screen. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a content display screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a content summary display screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a user page screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 illustrates a point purchase screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 shows an item purchase screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 shows the reward application screen (first half). [Figure 11] FIG. 13 shows the second half of the remuneration application screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a submission acceptance and publication process. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing a reward granting process. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing a reward addition process. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the server 10. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the contributor terminal 20. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted as appropriate. The drawings used below are used to explain the present embodiment, and may differ from the actual device configuration, user interface (UI), database, and the like.

[0015] (Overview of the embodiment) The outline of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram (network diagram) showing an overview of a system (hereinafter referred to as a "content consumption reward system 1") that performs processing according to a content consumption reward program P1 of this embodiment. The server 10 having the content consumption reward program P1 provides an online platform (website W) where contributors can post works (contents) and viewers can view the posts. In this embodiment, a case where the content is a novel will be described as an example.

[0016] The server 10 gives points to the contributor in exchange for the contributor's charge (contributor charge). The contributor uses the points to submit his / her own novel (content) to the website W. The server 10, which also functions as a web server, determines the ranking of novels according to the amount of charge (points) of the contributor, and displays the novels of contributors who have charged a large amount of money at the top of the website W.

[0017] Readers (viewers) who have read a novel posted on website W can send comments to the poster. The poster selects a predetermined number of comments that he or she likes from among the comments. The server 10, which receives the selection, grants a reward (item (fruit)) to the reader who posted the comment. Readers can exchange their rewards for gift certificates and other items.

[0018] Readers can also purchase points by paying a fee (viewer charge). Readers can use the points they purchase to support the authors of their favorite novels. Specifically, when readers use points to support a novel they want to support, that novel is more likely to appear higher in the rankings and the total amount of rewards will increase. In this way, the website W becomes a platform that connects authors (contributors) and readers (viewers). The website W in this embodiment is a novel posting site that rewards readers for reading.

[0019] (Details of the embodiment) The content consumption reward system 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below. The content consumption reward system 1 includes a computer having a content consumption reward program P1. That is, in the content consumption reward system 1, information processing by the content consumption reward program P1 is specifically realized using hardware resources. The following describes the components of the content consumption reward system 1 in order: 1. user interface, 2. program processing, 3. data, and 4. hardware configuration.

[0020] (Definition of terms) Here we define some terms. "Content" refers to creative works, such as literary works, music, images, videos, etc., that are entertainment or educational, and are not advertisements. A "creator" is a person who creates content. A "contributor" is a person who submits content to the content consumption reward system 1. Generally, the contributor and the creator of the content are the same person, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the creator who creates the content may be different from the contributor who posts and manages the content, or multiple people may create the content and one of them may be in charge of posting. A "viewer" is a person who views content posted in the content consumption reward system 1. For example, a reader of a novel, a viewer of music or a video, etc. A person who applies for a reward is included in the viewers. It should be noted that a viewer may also become a contributor of another work, and a contributor may also become a viewer of another work. A "user" is a user of the content consumption reward system 1 and includes a "contributor" and a "viewer." The “administrator” is a person or organization that manages the content consumption reward system 1. "Press" refers to an operation on a button icon, such as clicking with a mouse or tapping on a touch panel.

[0021] In the following description, when "XX processing" is mentioned, it means that the processor of the computer executes processing based on the "XX" program stored in the program storage unit. In this paragraph, the same word will be substituted for "XX". In other words, the "XX" program is a program that causes a computer to function as "XX" means by executing "XX" processing. In this case, the control unit equipped with the processor also functions as the "XX" unit (or "XX" device). In this case, the "XX" part means executing "XX" processing based on the "XX" program.

[0022] For example, the content consumption reward program P1 is a program that causes a computer to function as a content consumption reward means by executing a content consumption reward process. In addition, at this time, the control unit 12 of the computer including the processor 122 functions as a content consumption reward unit 130 (or a content consumption reward device). The content consumption reward unit 130 includes a posting acceptance / publication unit 132, a reward granting unit 134, and a reward adding unit 136, which will be described later.

[0023] In the content consumption reward system 1, each terminal (computer) such as the contributor terminal 20 and the viewer terminal 30 is equipped with a processor, but when simply referring to a processor, it refers to the processor that performs processing based on the content consumption reward program P1, which in this embodiment refers to the processor 122 of the server 10.

[0024] 1. User Interface First, an interface (UI) that the content consumption reward system 1 of this embodiment displays on the contributor terminal 20 and the viewer terminal 30 (hereinafter referred to as "terminals, etc.") will be described with reference to the drawings. The user interface described below is a simplified version of what the processor 122 displays on a browser on a terminal or the like.

[0025] In addition, only icons related to functions necessary for the explanation are displayed, and other well-known icons are omitted. For example, a back button for returning to the previously displayed page is omitted.

[0026] In the following, for simplicity, "processor 122 of server 10 receives a request from a terminal and returns data to be displayed on the browser of the terminal" may be described as "processor 122 displays (causes) it to be displayed on the browser of the terminal" or "processor 122 displays (causes) it to be displayed". Similarly, "the processor 122 of the server 10 causes the data to be stored in the data storage unit 14b of the storage unit 14" may be expressed as "the processor stores (causes) (the data)" or the like.

[0027] In the content consumption reward system 1, the server 10 displays a website W that serves as a platform for contributors to post works and for readers to view the posts. In this case, the server 10 functions as a web server. The website W has general pages that can be viewed without logging in, and user pages that can be viewed by logging in. First, a general page that can be viewed without logging in will be described.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a top page screen (ranking screen) of the website W. As shown in FIG. On the ranking screen, the processor 122 displays the contents (here, novels) from top to bottom in accordance with the amount charged by the contributor or reader (viewer). The ranking algorithm will be described later in detail.

[0029] In the ranking screen of this embodiment, the processor displays a summary display section UI-11 for each subtitle of a novel. The summary display field UI-11 is a link button (the rounded rectangular part in the figure), and when the user presses the link button, the processor 122 displays the content display screen (Figure 5) described below and displays the main text of the novel. In the following screens, the processor 122 also displays the summary display field UI-11, but since the design and function may differ, they are distinguished by subscripts.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, in the summary display field UI-11a, the processor 122 displays the novel's ranking, thumbnail image, subtitle, novel title, author name, genre, remaining time for reward to be generated (shown by a clock mark in the figure), the number of people who have earned the reward (apple mark), the number of comments (speech bubble mark), the amount of content (here, the number of characters in the novel), and a status illustration (an illustration of a tree on the right side of the summary display field UI-11).

[0031] The ranking is the number displayed on the left side of the summary display area UI-11a. The thumbnail image is an image prepared by the poster and uploaded in advance, and in this embodiment, is displayed in a square frame to the right of the ranking.

[0032] The title of a novel is the title of the novel, and the subtitles are the subtitles within the novel (chapter divisions, headings, etc.). For example, if the title of a novel is "I Am a Cat," the subtitles would be "One," "Two," and so on, which are included in the novel. In the summary display field UI-11a of this embodiment, the processor 122 displays the subtitle first (upper side, upper row), and then the novel title (lower side, lower row).

[0033] The genre indicates the genre of the novel (for example, "Romance," "Another World," "SF," etc.). The genre is determined by the submitter.

[0034] The remaining time until the reward is generated (clock mark) indicates the time remaining until the reward is generated. The countdown of the remaining time until the reward is generated starts when the contributor posts, and when the remaining time for the reward is 0, the reward is distributed according to the amount charged for that novel. Details will be described later. Hereinafter, the remaining reward accrual time will also be referred to as the "expiration date."

[0035] The number of people who can receive the reward (the apple mark) indicates the number of people who can receive the reward. The number of comments (speech bubble mark) indicates the number of comments on the content of that subtitle. The number of people who receive rewards and the number of comments can also be an indicator of the popularity of the novel.

[0036] The content volume indicates the volume of the content. In the case where the content is a novel as in this embodiment, the volume indicates the number of characters or the number of pages.

[0037] The status illustration (the tree illustration on the right side of the overview display area UI-11) illustrates the remaining time for reward generation. The processor 122 displays an illustration of a living tree if the above-mentioned remaining reward generation time is not 0, and displays an illustration of a dead tree if the remaining reward generation time becomes 0.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the search condition screen. The user can move to the search condition screen from the top page. On the search condition screen, the processor 122 displays search condition buttons UI-12 (genre selection button UI-12a, tag selection button UI-12b, rating selection button UI-12c) and displays a condition setting screen for searching for novels that the reader wants to read. In FIG. 3, the diagonal lines on the part showing a button icon indicate that the icon is selected (for example, the "Love" button in the genre selection).

[0039] Readers can search using multiple search criteria on the search criteria screen. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a first search criterion may be the genre of a novel, a second search criterion may be a tag added by the poster, and a third search criterion may be a rating (age restriction) added by the poster or administrator.

[0040] In this embodiment, the reader can select the novel genre from "Romance," "Other World," "Science Fiction," "Youth," "Fantasy," "History," "Horror," "Children's Literature," "Comedy," "Educational," "Mystery," or "Essay."

[0041] The reader can also select "All genres." In this case, the reader cannot select any other specific genre. The selection of "all" such as "all genres" is the same as the tag selection below, so we will not explain it here.

[0042] In this embodiment, readers can select the tags "Romance," "Other World," "Science Fiction," "Youth," "Fantasy," "History," "Horror," "Children's Literature," "Comedy," "Educational," "Mystery," or "Essay."

[0043] In this embodiment, the reader can select either "R-15" or "R-18" as the rating.

[0044] After setting the search conditions, the reader presses the "Search with these conditions" button, which causes the processor to search website W (or, more precisely, the database) for novels that meet the search conditions and display them on the search results screen described below.

[0045] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the search result screen. On the search result screen, the processor 122 displays the search results according to the reader's search conditions, that is, the novels that match the search conditions, in a list by subtitle.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, on the search result screen, the processor 122 displays the search conditions (number of search results, selected genre name and tag name) in the search condition display field UI-13, and also displays a list of novels that match the search conditions and their summaries in the summary display field UI-11b.

[0047] The summary display section UI-11b serves as a link button (rounded square in the figure) to the next content display screen. In addition, readers can change the search conditions by pressing the search condition change button UI-14 in the upper right corner of the screen.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a content description display screen. In the content display screen of this embodiment, the processor 122 displays the contents of the novel and readers' comments on the novel.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, on the content details display screen, the processor 122 displays a novel title display section UI-15, a content display section UI-16, a comment input section UI-17, a comment display section UI-18, and a content link button UI-19.

[0050] In the novel title display section UI-15, the processor 122 displays the title of the displayed novel. The novel title display section UI-15 is a link button, and when the user presses this button, the processor 122 displays a content summary display screen, which will be described later.

[0051] In the content display unit UI-16, the processor 122 displays the contents of the novel, which is the content. In other words, the processor 122 displays the text of the text file uploaded by the contributor.

[0052] The comment input field UI-17 is a text box for a viewer to input a comment, etc. The processor 122 acquires the content input in the comment input field UI-17 as comment data. The processor 122 displays the comment input field UI-17 on the content display screen only when the user is logged in. Logging in and the user page will be described later.

[0053] The comment display field UI-18 is a field where the processor 122 displays the comment entered in the comment input field.

[0054] The content link buttons UI-19 are links from the displayed subpage to other subpages, such as the next page or previous page, etc. In this embodiment, the content link buttons UI-19 are displayed on the right and bottom of the content display portion UI-16.

[0055] In the reward giving process described below, the poster selects a comment to give a reward to from the comments displayed in the comment display field UI-18. The screen for the poster to select a comment and grant a reward is omitted, but if a user selects and confirms a comment for the number of people who will receive the reward within the remaining time for reward generation (expiration date), processor 122 will grant a reward (item (fruit)) to the poster of that comment after the expiration date has passed. In this embodiment, it is not possible to give two or more rewards (items (fruits)) to one comment.

[0056] In this embodiment, the novel, which is the content, is displayed in HTML format based on the text data posted by the contributor. That is, in this embodiment, the novel, which is the content, is composed of text data. The text data has a small data volume, so it has the advantage of reducing the communication burden and quickly displaying the content on the viewer's terminal. The short display time allows the viewer to easily enjoy the content.

[0057] Being made up of text data does not necessarily mean being made up of text data only, but may also mean including image data for illustrations and the like in addition to the main text data.

[0058] Furthermore, the manner in which the novel is displayed is not limited to this, and the processor 122 may display an image (such as a pdf image or a jpg image) containing the text.

[0059] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a content summary display screen. In the content summary display screen of this embodiment, the processor 122 displays detailed information and a table of contents of the novel.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, on the content summary display screen of this embodiment, the processor 122 displays a bibliographic information display section UI-20 and a summary display section UI-11c. The summary display section UI-11c serves as a link button (rounded square in the figure) to the content display screen.

[0061] The bibliographic information display unit UI-20 displays the bibliographic information of the selected novel. In this embodiment, the bibliographic information display unit UI-20 displays the title, author, genre, tags, number of followers, and summary of the novel.

[0062] In addition, the processor 122 displays a "Follow this novel" button in the upper right corner of the screen. When the user presses the button, the processor 122 attaches a tag to the displayed novel, and enables the user to read the novel from the following novel list display screen.

[0063] The summary display section UI-11c displays the subtitle, as well as the remaining time for reward generation (clock mark), the number of people who have received the reward (apple mark), the number of comments (speech bubble mark), the amount of content (in this case, the number of characters in the novel), and a status illustration.

[0064] The processor 122 also displays a watering button UI-21 within the overview display field UI-11c. If the reader has an item (water), the reader can press the water button UI-21 to make the tree grow. As the tree grows, the amount of items (fruit) it produces increases. In other words, a tree has an expiration date from when the seed is planted until it withers, and when that expiration date has passed, the tree produces an item (fruit). The amount of item (fruit) produced by the tree changes depending on the amount of item (water) obtained within the expiration date.

[0065] For example, in this embodiment, the expiration date of the tree grown from the gold seed is one week. Only gold water is effective for the tree grown from the gold seed. The amount of items (fruit) generated within the validity period varies depending on the amount of items (seeds) and the amount of items (water) used. If five items (seeds) and one item (water) are used, the number of items (fruit) generated is six. The number of items (fruit) determines the number of readers who can receive rewards.

[0066] In this embodiment, the status illustration is a living tree (see FIG. 6) if the expiration date has not passed, and is an illustration of a dead tree (not shown) if the expiration date has passed.

[0067] In this embodiment, even if the expiration date has passed and an illustration of a dead tree is displayed, if the poster uses an item (seed) for the post, the status illustration will change from a dead tree to a living tree again, and the item (water) will become available. Also, when the expiration date has passed, an item (fruit) will be generated for the novel.

[0068] Next, the user page will be described. For example, contributors who post works and readers who apply for rewards create their own user pages. Users such as contributors and readers log in to their user pages using a predetermined password.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the user page screen. On the user page screen, the processor 122 displays point information owned by the user (contributor or reader) and menu selection buttons UI-22 for each operation. The processor displays the points owned by the user at the top of the screen. In the example of Figure 7, the user owns 20,000 points, of which 10,000 are paid points and 10,000 are free points. Note that the points display is the same in the following screens, so the explanation is omitted.

[0070] In this embodiment, the menu selection buttons UI-22 displayed by the processor 122 are "Edit Profile", "Following Novels", "Manage Items", "Apply for Reward", "Change Password", and "Logout".

[0071] When the user presses the "Edit Profile" button, the processor 122 displays a profile edit screen (not shown) for the user to edit his or her own profile. Similarly, when the user presses the "Following Novels" button, a Following Novels List Display screen is displayed that displays a list of novels the user is following; when the user presses the "Change Password" button, a Password Change Screen for changing the login password is displayed; and when the user presses the "Logout" button, processor 122 displays a Logout screen (all not shown).

[0072] The following describes the item management screen, which is accessed by clicking the "Item Management" button, and the reward application screen, which is accessed by clicking the "Reward Application" button.

[0073] The item management screen further includes three sections: an "item purchase screen," an "owned item display screen," and a "point purchase screen." In this embodiment, when the user presses the "item management" button, an item purchase screen of the icon management screen is displayed (not shown). However, the following description will start with the point purchase screen.

[0074] FIG. 8 shows a point purchase screen among the item management screens. On the item management screen, the "Purchase Items | Owned Items | Purchase Points" section on the top right of the screen is a button containing a link to each page. For example, when the user presses the "Owned Items" button, the page transitions to the Owned Items display screen. In FIG. 8, the currently displayed screen is shown in bold without underlining (the "Purchase Points" section).

[0075] In the point purchase screen shown in FIG. 8, the processor 122 displays the points that the user can purchase and their costs.

[0076] 8, the processor 122 displays a purchase point selection button UI-23 on the point purchase screen. In this example, it is shown that 500 points can be purchased for 500 yen, 2,100 points for 2,000 yen, and 5,500 points for 5,000 yen. The contributor selects the number of points he / she wishes to purchase and presses the purchase points selection button UI-23.

[0077] When the contributor presses the button, the processor 122 displays a confirmation screen and a payment screen (not shown), and the contributor can purchase points according to the displayed contents. The display and processing of the confirmation screen and the payment screen can be performed using a method known in the art for online shops, etc.

[0078] FIG. 9 shows an item purchase screen among the item management screens. On the item purchase screen, the processor 122 displays items that can be purchased by users such as contributors and readers, and the number of points required to purchase the items.

[0079] 9, the processor 122 displays an item selection button UI-24 on the item purchase screen. In this example, it is shown that apple seeds and apple water can be purchased for 100 points, silver seeds and silver water for 1,000 points, and gold seeds and gold water for 5,000 points. The contributor or reader selects the item they wish to purchase and presses the item selection button UI-24. When the contributor or reader presses the button, the processor 122 displays a confirmation screen (not shown), and the contributor can purchase the item according to the displayed contents.

[0080] FIG. 10 shows the reward application screen (first half). On the reward application screen, the processor 122 accepts reward applications from readers, and also displays the history of reward allocation, etc.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 10, the processor 122 displays an owned item (fruit) display field UI-25, a usage quantity selection window UI-26, a total points display field UI-27, and a reward decision button UI-28 on the reward application screen.

[0082] The owned item (fruit) display field UI-25 displays the type and number of items (fruit) owned by the reader. The number of uses selection window UI-26 accepts input of the number of uses of the item (fruit) by the reader. The reader can enter the number directly or increase or decrease the number by using the up and down icons on the right. The total points display field UI-27 displays the number of points that can be claimed for reward. In the example of Fig. 10, one apple, which is worth 80 points each, has been selected, so the total is 80 points. The reward decision button UI-28 accepts input of the type of reward the reader wants to receive. In the example of FIG. 10, points can be exchanged for gift certificates or free points. When the reader presses the reward determination button UI-28, the processor 122 displays a confirmation screen (not shown), and the contributor can receive a reward according to the displayed content.

[0083] When the reader selects the number and type of items to be used and presses the reward determination button UI-28, the processor 122 displays a confirmation screen (not shown). The contributor can obtain the reward by confirming the reward according to the displayed content.

[0084] FIG. 11 shows the second half of the remuneration application screen. As shown in FIG. 11, the processor 122 displays a fruit conversion history display field UI-29 and a fruit acquisition history display field UI-30 on the reward application screen (second half).

[0085] The fruit conversion history display field UI-29 displays the date when the item (fruit) was converted into a reward, the item (fruit) that was converted into, the number of points that changed as a result of the conversion, and the gift code.

[0086] For example, in FIG. 11, for the conversion date of July 2, 2023, the user (viewer) converts 240 of the points he or she owns into free points. In addition, for the conversion date of July 6, 2023, you will receive a gift card in the form of a gift code equivalent to the 2,400 points you hold.

[0087] The fruit acquisition history display field UI-30 displays the date the item (fruit) was acquired (shown as "Harvest Date" in the figure), the type of item (fruit) acquired, the title and subtitle of the novel related to the acquisition of the item (fruit), whether the item (fruit) has been exchanged for points or a gift card, and the point equivalent value of the acquired item (fruit) (shown as "P Value" in the figure).

[0088] For example, in Figure 11, on the harvest day of June 30, 2023, a user (viewer) is selected as the poster for a comment posted on the novel with the subtitle "Episode 1" of the novel title "Novel1," and receives an "apple" from the items (fruits). The point value of the item (fruit) is 80 points.

[0089] With the above configuration, readers (viewers) can search for novels that suit them and enjoy them easily. Also, if they like a novel they have read, they can comment on it or purchase points to support the novel. If a comment is selected by the poster, the reader can receive a reward, allowing for closer communication between readers and the poster (creator). The graphical user interface (GUI) allows readers to read novels without stress.

[0090] 2. Program Processing <Content consumption reward processing> The program processing performed in the content consumption reward system 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0091] In this embodiment, the processor 122 performs content consumption reward processing based on the content consumption reward program P1. The content consumption reward program P1 includes a posting acceptance and publication program P12, a reward granting program P14, a reward addition program P16, and a posting position update program P12a, which are shown below, and the processor 122 executes a posting acceptance and publication process, a reward granting process, a reward addition process, and a posting position update process based on each of these programs. Furthermore, each of these programs P12, P14, P16 and P12a causes the computer to function as a submission receiving and publishing means, a reward giving means, a reward adding means and a posting position updating means by executing the various processes described above.

[0092] In the following, novels are posted on a subtitle-by-subtitle basis, and rewards are determined and awarded on a subtitle-by-subtitle basis. For example, imagine a serial novel being posted one episode at a time. In the following, the seed item, water item, and fruit item will be referred to as item (seed), item (water), and item (fruit), respectively.

[0093] When a user purchases points or items (hereinafter referred to as "points, etc."), or when the processor grants points, etc. to a user, this means that the processor 122 increases the numerical value related to the points, etc. in a database that manages the user's points, etc. (such as the point item database D11 or the transaction history database D12). Similarly, when a user consumes an item, the processor 122 reduces the number of points, etc. in a database that manages the user's points, etc.

[0094] <2-1. Submission acceptance and publication process> The processor 122 performs the submission acceptance and publication process based on the submission acceptance and publication program P12. In the submission acceptance and publication process, the processor 122 accepts a submission of content (a novel in this embodiment) from a submitter and publishes it on the website W.

[0095] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the submission acceptance and publication process. In this embodiment, the processor 122 starts the post acceptance and publication process by accepting a user pressing a payment process button for purchasing points on the point purchase screen.

[0096] When payment of the fee is received from the contributor (step 1), the processor 122 gives points (paid points) to the contributor (step 2). That is, the processor accepts a contributor charge, which is a charge by the contributor (contributor charge acceptance process). In this embodiment, the expiration date of paid points is six months.

[0097] A contributor can purchase an item (seed) by consuming points. That is, the processor 122 subtracts points held by the contributor (step 3) and grants the contributor the item (seed) desired by the contributor (step 4).

[0098] Here, the item used to post content is referred to as a “first item.” In this case, the item (seed) is the first item. That is, the processor 122 grants the first item used to post the content to the contributor based on the contributor's charge (first item granting process).

[0099] A contributor can post a novel by consuming items (seeds). That is, the processor 122 reduces the number of items (seeds) owned by the contributor, and also accepts and stores data related to the novel from the contributor (step 5). In other words, the processor 122 accepts content submissions from contributors who have paid a fee (submission acceptance process). Conversely, users who have not paid, i.e., have not purchased points, cannot post. In other words, in accordance with the present embodiment, the processor 122 accepts a content post from a contributor in exchange for a first item owned by the contributor (one aspect of a post acceptance process).

[0100] In addition, when a contributor consumes an item (seed) to post a novel, the processor 122 causes the timer unit 128 to start a countdown of the remaining time for reward generation. In this embodiment, the remaining time for reward generation varies depending on the type of seed. For example, if a poster uses the item "gold seed" to post, the remaining time for reward generation is one week. (The expiration date for trees that grow from the item "gold seed" is one week.)

[0101] In this embodiment, the minimum number of seeds required to post a novel is 5. However, this minimum number of seeds required can be changed by the administrator.

[0102] The processor 122 determines the posting position on the website W for the novel related to the accepted submission, and publishes it on the website W (step 6). That is, the processor 122 publishes the content from the contributor on a content publishing website, and allows the content to be shared among users including the contributor and viewers (content publishing process).

[0103] At this time, the processor 122 also determines the posting position of the posted novel on the website W according to the number of points related to the item (species) used by the contributor in the posting.

[0104] That is, the processor 122 determines the posting position of the content on the website W based on at least the amount of the contributor charge (posting position determination process).

[0105] This posting position is periodically reviewed. This is because the number of points associated with the content changes due to the use of an item (water) described below. In this embodiment, the posting position based on the points associated with the content is changed every 24 hours. Details will be described later in section (2-4. Posting Position Update Processing).

[0106] Readers can read novels and post comments on the novels on the website W. That is, the processor 122 accepts comments posted by viewers on the contributor's content (step 7: comment posting acceptance process). Please note that only logged-in readers can post comments.

[0107] When a reader posts a comment, the processor 122 notifies the poster of that fact (step 8). The notification is displayed on the poster's user screen (not shown). However, this is not limited to this, and if the poster's email address is registered in advance, the notification may be sent to that email address.

[0108] If the expiry date arrives after the item (seed) has been used and the poster uses the item (seed) again on the novel, the processor 122 executes a similar process from step 5 onwards. For example, in step 6, the processor 122 changes the status illustration from a dead tree to a live tree. However, since the novel has already been published, processing such as republishing the novel is not performed in this embodiment.

[0109] As described above, the post acceptance and publication process of this embodiment includes the poster fee acceptance process, the first item granting process, the post acceptance process, the content publication process, the posting position determination process, and the comment posting acceptance process. That is, the content consumption reward program P1 including the posting receiving and publishing program P12 causes the computer to function as a poster charge receiving means, a first item granting means, a posting receiving means, a content publishing means, a posting position determining means, and a comment posting receiving means. At this time, the control unit 12 equipped with the processor 122 functions as a post reception and publication unit 132 (which executes the post reception and publication process), and the post reception and publication unit 132 includes a poster charge reception unit 132a, a first item assignment unit 132b, a post reception unit 132c, a content publication unit 132d, a publication position determination unit 132e (including a publication position update unit 132f described below), and a comment post reception unit 132g.

[0110] Through the submission acceptance and publication process, only submissions by contributors who have purchased points or otherwise submitted content (novels) are displayed on the website W. This prevents spam-like submissions from being displayed, improving the trustworthiness of contributors and allowing readers to enjoy content such as novels with peace of mind. In addition, by using a system in which points can be used to purchase items (seeds), contributors can have the fun of growing seed items.

[0111] <2-2. Reward Granting Process> The processor 122 performs a reward granting process based on the reward granting program P14. In the reward granting process, the processor 122 grants a reward to a viewer who has viewed the published content. In this embodiment, the reader (viewer) to whom the reward is to be granted is determined by the contributor. Furthermore, the processor 122 determines the amount of the remuneration (remuneration amount) based on at least the amount of the contributor charge (remuneration amount determination process).

[0112] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the reward granting process. In this embodiment, when the remaining reward generation time for a novel (subtitle unit) becomes zero, the processor 122 starts the reward granting process.

[0113] Processor 122 switches the status illustration from the illustration of a live tree to an illustration of a dead tree (step 11).

[0114] In this embodiment, the processor 122 determines the amount of the reward based on the type and number of items (seeds) and items (water) used in the subject novel. Specifically, the points required to purchase the used item (seeds) and the points required to purchase the used item (water) are added together, and 80% of that is the reward amount.

[0115] That is, processor 122 determines the amount of remuneration (to be given to the viewer) based on at least the amount of the contributor charge and the amount of the viewer charge (step 12: one aspect of the remuneration amount determination process).

[0116] For example, suppose a poster uses five "Gold Seeds" (5,000 points each) to post a novel, and three readers use one each of the "Golden Water" (5,000 points each) on the novel (a total of three). In this case, the reward amount will be 32,000 points, which is 80% of 5,000 x 5 + 5,000 x 3 = 40,000 points.

[0117] The processor 122 divides this reward amount equally among the number of reward recipients to determine the reward amount per reader.

[0118] In this embodiment, the number of people who receive rewards is determined by the sum of the items (seeds) and items (water) used for the target novel. In the above example, 5 items (seeds) were used and 3 items (water) were used, so the number of people who received the reward is 8. And since the reward amount is 32,000 points, this will be divided into eight parts, so each person will receive 4,000 points.

[0119] In this embodiment, the processor 122 provides the reward as an item (fruit) that can be exchanged for a gift card or the like.

[0120] In this embodiment, the "gold fruit", "silver fruit" and "apple fruit" are worth 4,000 points, 800 points and 80 points, respectively. This is designed to be 80% of the number of points required to purchase items (seeds) and items (water).

[0121] For example, the number of points required to purchase the item "Gold Seed" or "Golden Water" is 5,000 points, while the number of points obtained from the item "Golden Fruit" is 4,000 points.

[0122] In the above example, the novel in question contains five "Golden Seeds" (5,000 points each) and three "Golden Water" items (5,000 points each), so processor 122 distributes eight "Golden Fruits" (4,000 points each) to the reader as a reward.

[0123] Also, in the above example, if 5 items (seeds) were used and 3 items (water) were used, the number of items (fruit) allocated as rewards would be 8, which is the number of people who will receive rewards.

[0124] Here, the item given as a reward to the viewer (reader) who viewed the content (novel) is called a “second item.” In this case, the second item is an item (fruit). In this embodiment, the processor 122 grants a second item as a reward to the viewer who has viewed the published content and posted a comment (second item granting process). The processor 122 also determines a reward based on the contributor charge and the viewer charge, and distributes a second item.

[0125] Returning to FIG. 13, the poster selects comments for which a reward will be given before a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the remaining reward generation time became 0. The poster also selects the same number of comments as the number of people who will receive the reward. Then, the processor 122 accepts the comment selected by the poster (step 13).

[0126] In this embodiment, if the poster does not select a comment within the period, the processor 122 randomly determines the recipient of the reward. In addition, comments that include negative words are not selected. In other words, the processor 122 excludes comments that include negative words so that they cannot be selected.

[0127] Returning to FIG. 13, in response to the poster's selection of a comment, the processor 122 awards an item (fruit) to the reader who posted the selected comment (step 14).

[0128] In other words, in the second item granting process, processor 122 grants a second item (fruit) to a viewer who posted a comment, at the option of the poster who posted the content, after a certain period of time (remaining reward generation time) has elapsed since processor 122 accepted the poster's post in exchange for the first item. In other words, in this embodiment, viewers can view published content, post comments, and receive rewards if their comments are selected by the poster.

[0129] The reader can use the acquired items (fruit) to claim rewards on the reward claim screen (step 15). When the reward application is accepted, the processor 122 reduces the number of items (fruits) owned by the reader and grants the reward to the reader (step 16). In this embodiment, the reward that the reader receives is a gift card or free points. In this embodiment, a reward claim requires items (fruit) worth 200 points or more.

[0130] If the reader selects free points as the reward, the reader can transfer the free points to the contributor (step 17). By transferring the free points, the contributor can support his / her favorite contributor. In this embodiment, the minimum number of free points that can be transferred is 10, and points can be transferred in increments of 10. In addition, this embodiment is designed so that paid points cannot be transferred.

[0131] As described above, the reward granting process of this embodiment includes the reward amount determination process and the second item granting process. That is, the content consumption reward program P1 including the reward granting program P14 causes the computer to function as reward amount determining means and second item granting means. At this time, the control unit 12 including the processor 122 functions as a reward granting unit 134 (which executes the reward granting process), and the reward granting unit 134 includes a reward amount determination unit 134a and a second item granting unit 134b.

[0132] The reward granting process allows a reader who has viewed content such as a novel to receive a reward, which provides an incentive (motivation) for the reader to view the content. Since viewers will be more proactive in viewing content, contributors will have a higher chance of having their created content seen. In addition, by the processor 122 displaying the amount of reward, etc., using illustrations of fruit, the viewer can enjoy waiting for the reward to be awarded, just like harvesting fruit. In addition, by trading in the system's in-system currency, such as items, rather than directly handling money, it is easier to bond within the community. It is also thought that the psychological barrier of exchanging money can be reduced.

[0133] <2-3. Reward addition process> The processor 122 performs a reward addition process based on the reward addition program P16. In the reward addition process, the processor 122 accepts the consumption of points by the reader and adds a reward for the content (novel) designated by the reader.

[0134] The reward addition process can be considered as a part of the reward granting process, because it is a process that can be executed when a novel is posted by the posting acceptance and publication process, readers view the novel, and the reward granting process can be executed.

[0135] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing the reward addition process. In this embodiment, the processor 122 starts the reward addition process when the user presses the payment process button for purchasing an item (water) on the item purchase screen.

[0136] Readers can purchase items (water) by spending points. That is, the processor 122 subtracts points held by the reader (step 21) and gives the reader an item (water) (step 22). That is, the processor 122 accepts a viewer charge, which is a charge made by a viewer (viewer charge acceptance process).

[0137] Readers can consume items (water) to increase the fruits of the novels they want to support. That is, processor 122 reduces the number of items (water) held by the reader (step 23) and increases the number of items (fruit) in the novel that the reader selects as targets (step 24). In this embodiment, each time an item (water) is consumed for a novel that one wishes to support, the reward (item (fruit)) for that novel increases by one.

[0138] Here, the item used to increase the second item is called the “third item.” In this example, the item (water) is the third item. That is, the processor 122 grants the third item to be used to increase the second item to the viewer based on the viewer charge (third item granting process).

[0139] In the third item granting process, processor 122 accepts a selection of content by a viewer and increases the number of second items linked to the content before a certain period of time (remaining reward generation time) has elapsed since accepting the poster's post in exchange for the first item.

[0140] Returning to FIG. 14, when the item (water) is provided, the processor 122 notifies the contributor of the novel of the provision (step 25).

[0141] As described above, the reward addition process of this embodiment includes a viewer charge acceptance process and a third item granting process. That is, the content consumption reward program P1 including the reward adding program P16 functions as a viewer charge accepting means and a third item providing means. At this time, the control unit 12 including the processor 122 functions as a reward addition unit 136 (which executes a reward addition process). The reward addition unit 136 includes a viewer charge acceptance unit 136a and a third item granting unit 136b.

[0142] The reward addition process allows readers to support their favorite novels. In particular, by simulating the act of watering a tree that the author has planted seeds to grow, readers can enjoy the joy of growing the novel together.

[0143] <2-4. Posting position update process> The processor 122 performs a posting position update process based on the posting position update program P12a. In the posting position update process, the processor 122 updates (determines) the posting position of the content on the website W based on the amount of the contributor charge and the amount of the viewer charge for the content. The posting position update process is one aspect of the posting position determination process described above.

[0144] In this embodiment, the processor 122 tallies up the points earned for each subtitle of all posted novels at a predetermined timing (for example, 5 p.m. every day) and updates the publication position (ranking) of each novel.

[0145] The points earned are the sum of the points earned by the submitter based on the item (seed) used when submitting the target novel, and the points earned by the reader based on the item (water) used in the target novel.

[0146] For example, suppose a poster spends five gold seeds (5,000 points) to post a novel (the part related to the subtitle). Then, suppose one of the readers spends one gold water (5,000 points) on that novel. In this case, the points for this novel (the part relating to the subtitle) are 25,000 points (5,000 points x 5) from the submitter and 5,000 points from the readers, totaling 30,000 points.

[0147] The processor 122 calculates the total points contributed by the contributor and the total points contributed by the readers, and displays the summaries (summary display field UI-XXXA) of the novels (parts related to the subtitles) in order of the highest total points.

[0148] As described above, the publication position determination process of this embodiment includes the publication position update process. That is, the content consumption reward program P1 including the posting position update program P12a causes the computer to function as a posting position update means. At this time, the control unit 12 including the processor 122 functions as a posting position update unit 132f.

[0149] By performing the posting position update process, the processor 122 can appropriately display the ranking when the item (water) is used after posting. Compared to when rankings are determined solely on the amount of items (seeds) used, the processor 122 can display rankings that also take into account the popularity of the submitted novel among readers.

[0150] With the above configuration, the content consumption reward system 1 is interposed between the contributor and the reader (viewer), and the content consumption reward system 1 smoothly processes the publication of posts and the granting of rewards. In other words, the content consumption reward system 1 provides a platform where contributors can have their posts seen by more viewers, and viewers can experience many works while receiving rewards. In particular, since contributors are required to pay a fee when posting, and viewers are required to post comments in order to receive rewards, the content consumption reward system 1 encourages active behavior on both the contributor and viewers' sides. This has the advantage of forming and revitalizing a community of contributors and viewers. This platform is significantly different from traditional platforms in that it provides an opportunity to form such a community, even if the contributor is an unknown creator.

[0151] 3. Data The data handled by the content consumption reward system 1 of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The content consumption reward system 1 of the present embodiment includes a server database D10 in the memory unit 14 (data storage unit 14b) of the server 10. The server database D10 includes a point item database D11, a transaction history database D12, and a posting database D13. Each of these will be explained below.

[0152] [Table 1]

[0153] Table 1 shows an example of data stored in the point item database D11. The point item database D11 is a database that stores data (point data, item data) relating to points and items (points, etc.) owned by users.

[0154] Using the point item database D11, the processor 122 can display the points and the like owned by the user on the user's terminal, and the user can check the points and the like owned by him / her by looking at the display.

[0155] The point item database D11 stores data such as a unique user ID, and the number of points and items owned by the user. As shown in Table 1, the point item database D11 of this embodiment stores the number of paid points (abbreviated as "paid P" in Table 1), the number of unpaid points (unpaid P), and the number of owned points (owned P). Similarly, in this embodiment, the point item database D11 includes quantity data for each of the following items: gold seeds (seed a), silver seeds (seed b), apple seeds (seed c), gold water (water a), silver water (water b), apple water (water c), gold fruit (fruit a), silver fruit (fruit b), and apple fruit (fruit c).

[0156] [Table 2]

[0157] Table 2 shows an example of data stored in the transaction history database D12. The transaction history database D12 is a database that stores the increase and decrease in points and items of users.

[0158] The transaction history database D12 allows users and administrators to track the history of point and item transactions. For example, in this embodiment, the processor 122 uses data from the transaction history database D12 to display a fruit conversion history display field UI-29 and a fruit acquisition history display field UI-30 on the reward application screen.

[0159] As shown in Table 2, the transaction history database D12 of this embodiment includes as data a unique transaction ID, a change date which is the date on which the user acquired / consumed points, etc., a user ID, a point type indicating whether the points are paid points or free points, the number of points increased or decreased, the type and number of items increased or decreased, the amount of gift cards exchanged for fruit, and a gift code for using the gift.

[0160] An example will be described using Table 2. Here, the users in Table 2 are the same user. The user purchases and acquires 20,000 paid points on September 1, 2023. Next, on the following day, September 2nd, the user spends 3,000 points to purchase three silver seeds (seed b), and on September 15th, the user spends 5,000 points to purchase one gold seed (seed a).

[0161] Additionally, the user received 1,000 free points on September 20th. This is due to readers transferring the free points to the user as a contributor.

[0162] On September 25th, the user spent 2,000 points to purchase apple water (water C). In addition, since the user in Table 2 purchased both seeds and water, it can be seen that he / she is both a contributor who purchases seeds and a reader who purchases water.

[0163] The user applied for rewards as a reader and exchanged three silver fruits (fruit B) for a gift card on September 30. Since one silver fruit is worth 800 points, the user exchanged three silver fruits (2,400 points) for a gift card worth 2,400 yen.

[0164] [Table 3]

[0165] Table 3 shows an example of data stored in the post database D13. Post database D13 is a database that stores data relating to a certain content (a novel) on a subtitle basis.

[0166] The processor 122 manages novels by subtitle using the post database D13. For example, points associated with the novel of that subtitle are stored.

[0167] As shown in Table 3, the post database D13 contains as data a unique post ID, the novel title, the subtitle, the type of item (seed) associated with the novel with that subtitle (hereinafter referred to as the "novel unit"), the number of items (seeds) used by the poster to post that novel unit, the number of items (water) used by the reader for that novel unit, poster points (contributor P) acquired by the novel unit through the poster's use of the item (seed), viewer points (viewer P) acquired by the novel unit through the reader's use of the item (water), acquired points (acquired P) which is the sum of the poster points and viewer points, the ranking determined by the acquired points, the time remaining for reward to be generated, the number of people who have earned the reward (number of fruits), the number of comments, the amount of content, and a code related to the status illustration.

[0168] Although omitted in Table 3, the submission database D13 includes the above data as well as the "novel title," "posting date of that novel unit," "last update date of that novel unit," and "URL where that novel unit is posted."

[0169] We will use post ID "100001" in Table 3 as an example. The type of item (seed) used by the poster to post this novel unit is "gold seeds", and the number used is 8. This gives the poster 5,000 x 8 = 40,000 points. In addition, the number of items (water) used by the reader for this post is 2, and the resulting viewer points are 5,000 x 2 = 10,000 points. Therefore, the points earned for this post are 40,000 + 10,000 = 50,000 points. The ranking of your ad is determined by the points you earn.

[0170] The number of people who receive rewards (number of fruits) is 10, calculated by adding the number of items (seeds) used (8) and the number of items (water) used (2).

[0171] The processor 122 reflects the number of reward recipients, the number of fruits, the number of comments, and the amount of content in the summary display field UI-11 described above.

[0172] With the above configuration, the server database D10 stores a large amount of user data, data related to posts, data related to items, etc., so that the processor 122 can perform a screen display that is convenient for the user. For example, the reward application screen (second half) in Figure 11 is one example.

[0173] 4. Hardware Configuration As shown in Fig. 1, the content consumption reward system 1 in this embodiment includes a server 10, a contributor terminal 20, and a viewer terminal 30. These devices are connected to each other via a network N. The network N is, for example, the Internet. The server 10 includes a content consumption reward program P1. In addition, software (application software) for operating the content consumption reward system 1 according to the present embodiment is installed in the server 10, and various processes are executed by the functions of the software. Each piece of hardware will be described below.

[0174] <Server 10> The server 10 is a computer for executing a content consumption reward program P1. Although only one server 10 is shown in FIG. 1, the number is not limited to one, and may be realized by a plurality of servers. For example, the server that processes the payment of fees from contributors and the payment of rewards to viewers (readers) may be separate from the web server that displays the website. From the viewpoint of load balancing and availability, a plurality of servers may be used.

[0175] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the server 10 includes a control unit 12, a storage unit 14, and a communication control unit 16. The control unit 12 also includes a processor 122, a ROM 124, a RAM 126, and a clock unit 128. The basic functions of each will be explained later.

[0176] The processor 122 also functions as a content consumption reward unit 130 (not shown) in the server 10. The content consumption reward unit 130 executes a content consumption reward program P1 to perform content consumption reward processing.

[0177] Furthermore, one program may include another program. For example, in this embodiment, the content consumption reward program P1 includes a posting acceptance and publication program P12, a reward granting program P14, and a reward addition program P16.

[0178] As shown in FIG. 15, the storage unit 14 includes a program storage unit 14a and a data storage unit 14b, and stores programs and data necessary for various processes. For example, the program storage unit 14a stores the content consumption reward program P1 according to this embodiment as well as a control program for controlling devices connected to the server 10, such as a communication control program for controlling the communication control unit 16.

[0179] The communication control unit 16 is a device for communicating between the server 10 and an external terminal, etc. An example of an external terminal is a poster terminal 20, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication control unit 16 connects the server 10 to a network N.

[0180] In addition to the above, the server 10 may also include an input unit (e.g., a keyboard) for inputting commands and data, an output unit (e.g., a voice output device) for outputting information in some form, etc. (not shown). The server 10 may also include devices additionally required for the use of this embodiment, or devices for improving the convenience of the use of this embodiment.

[0181] <Contributor Terminal 20> The contributor terminal 20 is an information processing device that enables the contributor to use the content consumption reward system 1. The contributor uses the contributor terminal 20 to post his / her own work or the like.

[0182] In this embodiment, the contributor terminal 20 is a desktop PC. However, the contributor terminal 20 is not limited to this, and may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet.

[0183] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the poster terminal 20. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, the poster terminal 20 includes a control unit 22, a storage unit 24, a communication control unit 26, and an input / output unit . The control unit 22, like the control unit 12 of the server 10, includes a processor (processor 222), as well as a ROM, a RAM, and a timer. The basic functions of these will be described later. However, descriptions of the functions of each unit that overlap with those already described will be omitted.

[0184] A browser for viewing the website W according to this embodiment is stored (installed) in the program storage unit 24a of the poster terminal 20, and the processor 222 executes various processes in response to various operations on the browser performed by the poster.

[0185] The various processes include output (screen display, audio output) based on information acquired from the server 10, reception of user input, and various communications.

[0186] The communication control unit 26 is a device for communicating between the poster terminal 20 and an external terminal, etc. An external terminal, etc. is, for example, a server 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication control unit 26 connects the poster terminal 20 to a network N.

[0187] <Viewer terminal 30> The viewer terminal 30 is an information processing device for a viewer (reader) to use the content consumption reward system 1. The reader reads the posted novel using the viewer terminal 30. The reader also uses the viewer terminal 30 to apply for a reward, etc.

[0188] In this embodiment, the viewer terminal 30 is a desktop PC of a reader. However, the viewer terminal 30 is not limited to this, and may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet. The visitor terminal 30 has a browser for viewing the website W according to this embodiment stored (installed). The viewer terminal 30 also includes a control unit, a storage unit, a communication control unit, and an input / output unit. The functions of each unit will not be described if they have already been described.

[0189] (Explanation of the basic functions of a computer) The control unit (processor, ROM, RAM, and timer unit), storage unit, communication control unit, input unit, and output unit will be described below. In any of the terminals of this embodiment, the connection form (network topology) between the functional units is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a bus type, a star type, a mesh type, or the like.

[0190] The processor processes information and controls various devices according to programs stored in a ROM, a storage unit, etc. In this embodiment, the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0191] However, the processor is not limited to a CPU. Various processors, such as a CPU, a digital signal unit (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a general purpose computing on GPU (GPGPU), may be used alone or in combination. For example, a processor that integrates a CPU and a GPU is called an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), and such a processor may be used.

[0192] ROM is a read-only memory that pre-stores various programs and data that the processor uses to perform various controls and calculations.

[0193] The RAM is a random access memory used by the processor as a working memory, and various areas can be allocated in the RAM to perform various processes in this embodiment.

[0194] The clock unit performs clock processing related to obtaining time information, etc. If the computer has a communication control unit, time information may be obtained from outside using NTP (Network Time Protocol).

[0195] A memory unit is a device for storing information such as programs and data. A memory unit is also called storage. The memory unit may be built-in or external.

[0196] The storage unit includes a storage medium capable of reading and writing data, and a drive for reading and writing data from and to the storage medium. Examples of storage media include internal and external types, such as HD (hard disk), CD-ROM, and flash memory. Examples of drives include HDDs (hard disk drives) and SSDs (solid state drives).

[0197] The storage unit includes a program storage unit and a data storage unit as functional units. The program storage section stores control programs for controlling various devices, such as a communication control program for controlling communication.

[0198] The communication control unit is a device for performing communication between terminals etc. The communication control unit connects the terminal equipped with the communication control unit to the network N.

[0199] The communication method of the communication control unit is a known method, and a wired method or a wireless method is applied depending on the device. For example, if the terminal is a desktop PC, both wired and wireless communication methods are possible, and if the terminal is a smartphone, a wireless communication method is possible.

[0200] If it is wired, a communication method defined by IEEE802.3 (e.g., bus-type or star-type wired LAN) can be preferably used, but other communication methods such as those defined by IEEE802.5 (e.g., ring-type wired LAN) may also be used.

[0201] If it is wireless, a communication method defined by IEEE802.11 (e.g., Wi-Fi) can be suitably used, but other than that, a communication method defined by IEEE802.15 (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy), etc.), IEEE802.16 (e.g., WiMAX), or optical communication such as infrared communication may also be used.

[0202] The input unit and the output unit are devices that handle input and output to and from the terminal, respectively. The input unit and the output unit may be collectively referred to as an input / output unit. The input unit is a device that accepts input from a user. Examples of such an input unit include a keyboard, a mouse as a pointing device, a track pad, a tablet, and a touch panel.

[0203] When the terminal is a tablet, smartphone, or the like, and the input unit is a touch panel, the input unit is disposed on the surface of a display unit that displays images, such as a touch screen. In this case, the input unit identifies the user's touch position corresponding to various operation icons displayed on the display unit, and accepts input by the user.

[0204] The output unit is, for example, a device for outputting images, sounds, forms, and the like. Examples of the output unit include display devices such as a touch screen or a display (a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display), audio output devices such as a speaker, and form output devices such as a printer.

[0205] With the above configuration, the server 10 provides a platform for contributors and readers in the form of the website W, and also executes various processes related to novel posting management, comment posting management, and point allocation, etc., to support smooth communication between contributors and readers. This allows contributors to post novels using their own devices such as their own personal computers or smartphones, and readers to easily enjoy novels using their own devices such as their own smartphones.

[0206] (Modification) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various modifications to the above-described embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0207] In the search condition screen (FIG. 3) of the embodiment described above, the reader can select tags for the content that overlap with the genre name (such as "romance" or "another world"), but this is not limited to this. For example, the tag options may be related to the image of the novel, such as "bright," "fun," "refreshing," "scary," "tear-jerking," and "moving."

[0208] In addition, the search conditions may be other than the above three (genre, tag, and rating), and there may be two or more types of tags. For example, there may be age-specific tags such as "for teenagers" and "for people in their twenties" as tags other than those mentioned above.

[0209] Furthermore, the search condition screen may be one that allows a search by keyword. For example, a novel title, author name, etc. may be searched by keyword. In this case, the keyword search may be one that allows a partial search in addition to an exact match search. In addition, a search using the search condition screen may be performed by combining keywords and tags. By configuring the search condition screen as described above (search by different types of tags, keyword search, etc.), the convenience for viewers is improved.

[0210] By configuring the search condition screen in this way, there is an advantage that the search convenience for the reader is improved and the reader can more easily find the novel he or she desires.

[0211] In the above-described embodiment, an illustration of a tree and items such as seeds, water, and fruit are used, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the growth of a tree may be replaced by the growth of a living thing, for example, an illustration of a character, such as a real (such as a dog or cat) or imaginary (such as a dragon or monster) creature, may be used instead of an illustration of a tree, and eggs, food, and gifts (from the character) may be used instead of the items of seeds, water, and fruit. Also, instead of the growth of a tree, some inorganic matter or concept may be used to represent, for example, the development of a town. For example, instead of an illustration of a tree, an illustration of a town may be used, and instead of the items of seeds, water, and fruit, an undeveloped town, an investment, and a return may be used. However, it is preferable for the tree to be a fruit-bearing tree, as this gives the image of everyone growing the tree together, it bearing fruit, and everyone sharing multiple fruits.

[0212] In the posting position update process of the above-described embodiment, processor 122 determines the posting order based on the points acquired (the sum of the points corresponding to the item (seed) used by the poster when posting the target novel and the points corresponding to the item (water) used by the reader in the target novel), but the calculation formula is not limited to this. For example, weighting may be given to points contributed by the contributor (points based on the item (seed) used by the contributor when submitting the target story) or points contributed by the reader (points based on the item (water) used by the reader in the target story). As an example, by weighting the points given by readers (e.g., multiplying the points given by readers by 1.2), it is possible to display rankings that better reflect reader popularity.

[0213] In the above-described embodiment, if the poster does not select a comment within the period, the processor 122 randomly determines the recipient of the reward, but this is not limiting. For example, if a poster does not select a comment within a period of time, the oldest comments may be eligible for a reward. Also, appropriate comments may be automatically selected using artificial intelligence.

[0214] In the above-described embodiment, a viewer can view published content, post a comment, and receive a reward if the comment is selected by the poster, but this is not limited to the above. For example, rewards may be provided to some or all viewers who view the content, or to some or all viewers who view the content and post comments. In this case, although the amount of reward per person will be smaller, more viewers will be able to receive rewards, which may lead to a more active community.

[0215] In the above-described embodiment, the reward is an item on the website W that can be exchanged for a gift certificate or the like, but the reward is not limited to this. A gift certificate or the like may be used as a direct reward without using an item. In this case, there is an advantage that the reward is easier to understand. The reward may be various data such as audio, images, and videos, such as image data of an original illustration. It may also be a currency used within the community, or points for rankings. In other words, various rights such as the right to download data or the right to be ranked highly can be rewards.

[0216] In other words, the invention including the present embodiment has the following features. The following corresponds to the claims at the time of filing of the present application. However, due to amendments to the claims after filing, the claims may differ from the description of the claims after the amendments. (1) A first aspect of the present invention includes a contributor charge receiving unit that receives a contributor charge, which is a charge by a contributor; a submission acceptance unit that accepts submissions of content from the contributor who is paying a fee; a content publishing unit that publishes the content from the contributor on a content publishing website and allows the content to be shared among users including the contributor and viewers; a posting position determination unit that determines a posting position of the content on the website based on at least the amount of the contributor charge; a reward granting unit that grants a reward to the viewer who viewed the published content; and a remuneration amount determination unit that determines the amount of the remuneration based on at least the amount of the contributor charge; The present invention provides a content consumption reward system comprising: (2) A second aspect of the present invention further includes a viewer charge receiving unit that receives a viewer charge, which is a charge by a viewer, The present invention provides a content consumption reward system as described in the first invention, characterized in that the reward amount determination unit is a reward amount determination unit that determines the amount of the reward based on at least the amount of the contributor charge and the amount of the viewer charge. In this case, the viewer can increase the amount of reward, and thus support the contributor that the viewer likes, thereby promoting communication between the contributor and the viewer. (3) A third invention provides a content consumption reward system as described in the second invention, characterized in that the placement position determination unit updates the placement position of the content on the website based on the amount of the contributor charge and the amount of the viewer charge. In this case, the amount charged by the viewer is related to the position (ranking) on ​​the website (Website W), so the ranking can reflect the popularity of the viewer. Viewers can earn rewards by viewing not only content that has been charged a large amount by the contributor, but also popular content. (4) A fourth aspect of the present invention further includes a first item providing unit that provides a first item used for posting content to the poster based on the poster charge, The posting reception unit is a posting reception unit that receives a posting of content from a poster in exchange for the first item owned by the poster. A content consumption reward system according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided. In this case, by using a medium called an item, the contributor can enjoy charging and posting. For example, by simulating the action of planting a seed using the first item (item (seed)), the contributor can enjoy the fun of growing the seed, and thus growing the content. (5) A fifth aspect of the present invention further includes a comment posting acceptance unit that accepts comments posted by the viewer on the content of the poster, the reward granting unit is a second item granting unit that grants a second item as a reward to the viewer who has viewed the published content and posted a comment, The fourth invention provides a content consumption reward system, characterized in that the second item granting unit grants a second item to the viewer who posted the comment, at the selection of the poster who posted the content, after a certain period of time has elapsed since accepting the poster's post in exchange for the first item. In this case, the poster can see the comments from the viewers, and so communication between the poster and the viewers can take place. In addition, the viewers will ultimately receive a reward in the form of a second item (item (fruit)), so they can enjoy developing the work together with the poster and other viewers. Another advantage is that the reward is only given after the active action of posting a comment, which leads to closer communication between the poster and the viewers. (6) A sixth aspect of the present invention further includes a third item providing unit that provides the viewer with a third item used to increase the second item based on the viewer charge, The fifth invention provides a content consumption reward system, characterized in that the third item granting unit accepts a selection of content by a viewer and increases the number of the second items linked to the content before a certain period of time has elapsed since accepting the poster's post in exchange for the first item. In this case, viewers can actively participate in developing the work by increasing their rewards, which has the advantage of creating closer communication between the contributor and the viewers. (7) The seventh invention provides a content consumption reward system described in the first or second invention, characterized in that the content is reading material including at least a novel, and the reading material is composed of text data. In this case, the text data has a small data volume, so the communication burden is small, and as a result, there is an advantage that it takes a short time to display on the viewer terminal 20. The short display time has the advantage that it can be enjoyed casually compared to other content such as videos. (8) An eighth aspect of the present invention provides a computer including a contributor charge receiving means for receiving a contributor charge, which is a charge made by a contributor; a first item providing means for providing a first item used for posting content to the contributor based on the contributor's charge; a posting acceptance means for accepting a posting of content from a contributor in exchange for the first item owned by the contributor; a content publishing means for publishing content from the contributor on a content publishing website and allowing the content to be shared among users including the contributor and viewers; a viewer charge receiving means for receiving a viewer charge, which is a charge made by a viewer; a posting position determination means for determining a posting position of the content on the website based on the amount of the contributor charge and the amount of the viewer charge; a comment posting acceptance means for accepting comments posted by the viewer on the content of the poster; a second item providing means for providing a second item as a reward to the viewer who has viewed the published content and posted a comment; a third item granting means for granting to the viewer a third item to be used for increasing the second item based on the viewer charge; and a remuneration amount determination means for determining the amount of the remuneration based on the amount of the contributor charge and the amount of the viewer charge; the second item granting means grants a second item to the viewer who posted the comment at the selection of the contributor who posted the content after a certain period of time has elapsed since the contributor's post was accepted in exchange for the first item; A content consumption reward program is provided, characterized in that the third item granting means accepts a selection of content by a viewer and increases the number of the second items linked to the content before a certain period of time has elapsed since the submission by the contributor was accepted in exchange for the first item. [Industrial Applicability]

[0217] It can be used as a platform for posting and viewing not only novels, but also various educational and entertainment content (text content, audio content, image content, video content, etc.). [Explanation of symbols]

[0218] 1. Content consumption reward system 10 Server 12 Control section 122 processors 124 ROM 126 RAM 128 Timing section 130 Content Consumption Reward Department 132 Submission Reception and Public Section 132a Contributor Billing Department 132b First Item Granting Section 132c Submission Reception 132d Content Publication Section 132e Publication Position Determination Division 132f Posting Position Update Section 132g Comment Posting Reception Department 134 Reward Department 134a Remuneration Determination Division 134b Second item granting section 136 Remuneration Addition Department 136a User Charge Reception Department 136b Third Item Granting Department 14 Storage section 14a Program storage section 14b Data storage section 16 Communication control section 18 Input / output section 20 Poster's terminal 22 Control section 222 processor 24 Memory section 26 Communication control section 28 Input / output section 30 Viewer terminals UI-11 Summary display field UI-12 Search Criteria Button UI-13 Search criteria display field UI-14 Search condition change button UI-15 Novel title display section UI-16 Content display section UI-17 Comment input field UI-18 Comment display field UI-19 Content Link Button UI-20 Bibliographic information display section UI-21 Watering button UI-22 Menu selection button UI-23 Purchase point selection button UI-24 Item selection button UI-25 Owned Item (Fruit) Display Column UI-26 Number of uses selection window UI-27 Total points display field UI-28 Reward decision button UI-29 Fruit conversion history display field UI-30 Fruit acquisition history display area P1 Content Consumption Rewards Program P12 Open Program for Submissions P12a Placement Update Program P14 Reward Program P16 Reward Addition Program D10 Server Database D11 Point Item Database D12 Transaction History Database D13 Posting Database

Claims

1. a contributor charge reception unit that receives a contributor charge, which is a charge made by a contributor; a submission acceptance unit that accepts submissions of content from the contributor who is paying a fee; a content publishing unit that publishes the content from the contributor on a content publishing website and allows the content to be shared among users including the contributor and viewers; a posting position determination unit that determines a posting position of the content on the website based on at least the amount of the contributor charge; a reward granting unit that grants a reward to the viewer who viewed the published content; and a remuneration amount determination unit that determines the amount of the remuneration based on at least the amount of the contributor charge; A content consumption reward system comprising:

2. Further, a viewer charge acceptance unit is provided for accepting a viewer charge, which is a charge by a viewer, The remuneration amount determination unit is a remuneration amount determination unit that determines the amount of the remuneration based on at least the amount of the contributor charge and the amount of the viewer charge. The content consumption reward system of claim 1 .

3. the posting position determination unit updates the posting position of the content on the website based on the amount of the contributor charge and the amount of the viewer charge. The content consumption reward system according to claim 2 .

4. a first item providing unit that provides a first item used for posting content to the contributor based on the contributor charge, The posting reception unit is a posting reception unit that receives a posting of content from a poster in exchange for the first item owned by the poster. The content consumption reward system according to claim 2 .

5. The content management system further includes a comment posting acceptance unit that accepts comments posted by the viewers on the content of the poster, the reward granting unit is a second item granting unit that grants a second item as a reward to the viewer who has viewed the published content and posted a comment, the second item providing unit provides a second item to the viewer who posted the comment at the selection of the contributor who posted the content after a certain period of time has elapsed since the contributor's post was accepted in exchange for the first item, The content consumption reward system according to claim 4.

6. a third item granting unit that grants a third item to be used to increase the second item to the viewer based on the viewer charge, the third item providing unit is configured to, before a certain period of time has elapsed since the posting of the contributor in exchange for the first item has been accepted, accept a selection of content by a viewer and increase the number of the second items associated with the content. The content consumption reward system according to claim 5 .

7. The content is a reading material including at least a novel, and the reading material is composed of text data. The content consumption reward system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. Computer, a contributor charge receiving means for receiving a contributor charge, which is a charge made by a contributor; a first item providing means for providing a first item used for posting content to the contributor based on the contributor's charge; a posting acceptance means for accepting a posting of content from a contributor in exchange for the first item owned by the contributor; a content publishing means for publishing content from the contributor on a content publishing website and allowing the content to be shared among users including the contributor and viewers; a viewer charge receiving means for receiving a viewer charge, which is a charge made by a viewer; a posting position determination means for determining a posting position of the content on the website based on the amount of the contributor charge and the amount of the viewer charge; a comment posting acceptance means for accepting comments posted by the viewer on the content of the poster; a second item providing means for providing a second item as a reward to the viewer who has viewed the published content and posted a comment; a third item granting means for granting to the viewer a third item to be used for increasing the second item based on the viewer charge; and a remuneration amount determination means for determining the amount of the remuneration based on the amount of the contributor charge and the amount of the viewer charge; Functioning as a the second item granting means grants a second item to the viewer who posted the comment at the selection of the contributor who posted the content after a certain period of time has elapsed since the contributor's post was accepted in exchange for the first item; A content consumption reward program characterized in that the third item granting means accepts a selection of content by a viewer and increases the number of the second items linked to the content before a certain period of time has elapsed since the submission by the contributor was accepted in exchange for the first item.

Images