Privilege providing apparatus, privilege providing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an apparatus, method and program for reducing the burden on a user while diversifying privileges that are available through a subscription contract.SOLUTION: In a service system, a server device 10 includes: a point offering unit which associates predetermined points according to the type of subscription contract with user identification information related to a contract user who agreed to the subscription contract, for each predetermined period related to the subscription contract; a point information storage unit which stores point information indicating the number of points to be associated with the use of a privilege, for each of privileges to be provided; a selection information acquisition unit which acquires selection information associated with the user identification information; and a selection screen output unit which displays privileges to be selected out of the multiple privileges, on a selection screen for generating the selection information. The selection screen output unit varies, based on the predetermined points and the point information, the other privileges on the selection screen in accordance with one or more privileges selected on the selection screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a privilege providing device, a privilege providing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for automating billing at regular intervals for products and the like regularly purchased by customers has been known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, as the privileges available under a regular purchase contract diversify, the load on the user when selecting a privilege (for example, the operation load until a desired available privilege is found) and the accompanying information processing load increase.

[0005] Therefore, in one aspect, an object is to reduce the load on the user and the like while enabling diversification of the privileges available under a regular purchase contract.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] On one side, a point awarding unit that associates a predetermined point corresponding to the type of the regular purchase contract with user identification information related to a contract user who has entered into a regular purchase contract for each predetermined period related to the regular purchase contract; a point number information storage unit that stores, for each of a plurality of available privileges, point number information representing the number of points associated with the use of the privilege; a selection information acquisition unit that acquires selection information, which is selection information associated with the user identification information and represents one or more selected privileges among the plurality of privileges; and a selection screen output unit that displays selectable privileges among the plurality of privileges on a selection screen for generating the selection information, wherein the selection screen output unit changes the remaining selectable privileges among the plurality of privileges on the selection screen according to the privilege selected on the selection screen based on the predetermined point and the point number information in the point number information storage unit. A device is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] On one side, according to the present invention, it is possible to diversify the privileges available through a regular purchase contract and reduce the load on the user, etc.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] (Overview of the Service System) With reference to FIG. 1, the overview of the service system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the service system 1 according to the present embodiment. The service system 1 includes a server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 20. In FIG. 1, for simplicity, three terminal devices 20 are illustrated, but the number of terminal devices 20 may be two or more.

[0011] The server device 10 is an information processing device such as a server managed by a service operator, for example. In the present embodiment, as an example, the server device 10 realizes a so-called service platform and provides various services via the service platform. Specifically, as an example, the server device 10 provides a digital content such as an app portal site (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a "site") and application software (hereinafter, also simply referred to as an "application"), and a social network function (hereinafter, also simply referred to as an "SNS function") to registered users (and guest users as necessary). Hereinafter, registered users (and guest users as necessary) are also simply referred to as "users".

[0012] The number of sites provided by the server device 10 is arbitrary, but in the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed to be one site (hereinafter, also referred to as "Site A"). Note that in a modified example, Site A may include a plurality of sites including related sites.

[0013] The type and number of digital contents provided by the server device 10 are arbitrary. However, in this embodiment, as an example, the digital contents provided by the server device 10 may include one or more game applications (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "game apps"), information-providing applications, e-books, and the like. The game apps and the like may be executable via Site A, or may be executable without going through a predetermined site such as Site A (for example, may be executable offline). That is, various applications as digital contents provided by the server device 10 may be installed in the terminal device 20 and used as so-called native applications. Hereinafter, the game refers to the game related to the game app provided by the server device 10. The information-providing application may be related to an information-providing service of a specific genre (information-providing services related to travel, housing, food, fashion, health, beauty, etc.), a broadcast service by a specific user (for example, Youtube (registered trademark)), and the like. Also, a specific application provided by the server device 10 may be a combination of a plurality of applications (for example, an application having a hierarchical structure).

[0014] The type and number of SNS functions provided by the server device 10 are arbitrary. Here, the functions may be functions such as a diary, a chat, a message board / bulletin board (community), a comment, a messenger, a friend request, and the transmission of an object (the transmission of a gift). The SNS function may be executable via Site A.

[0015] The terminal device 20 is an information processing device used by a user, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet terminal, PC (Personal Computer), or game device. The terminal device 20 is capable of executing various applications according to this embodiment. The various applications may be received by the terminal device 20 from the server device 10 or another predetermined application distribution server via the network 3, or may be pre-stored in a storage device provided in the terminal device 20 or a storage medium such as a memory card readable by the terminal device 20. The server device 10 and the terminal device 20 are communicably connected via the network 3. For example, the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 cooperate to execute various processes related to services.

[0016] Note that the network 3 may include a wireless communication network, the Internet, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a wired network, or any combination thereof.

[0017] (Configuration of the server device) The configuration of the server device 10 will be specifically described. The server device 10 is composed of a server computer. The server device 10 may be realized by a plurality of server computers cooperating with each other.

[0018] The server device 10 includes a server communication unit 11, a server storage unit 12, and a server control unit 13.

[0019] The server communication unit 11 includes an interface for communicating with an external device wirelessly or wiredly and transmitting and receiving information. The server communication unit 11 may include, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication module or a wired LAN communication module. The server communication unit 11 can transmit and receive information to and from the terminal device 20 via the network 3.

[0020] The server storage unit 12 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. For example, the server storage unit 12 may include a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like. The server storage unit 12 stores various information and programs used for processing related to services. At least a part of the information and programs stored in the server storage unit 12 may be shared and synchronized with the terminal device 20.

[0021] The server control unit 13 includes one or more processors. The processors may include a general-purpose processor that realizes a specific function by loading a specific program, and a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The server control unit 13 controls the operation of the entire server device 10. Details of the server control unit 13 will be described later.

[0022] (Configuration of the terminal device) The configuration of the terminal device 20 will be specifically described. As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 20 includes a terminal communication unit 21, a terminal storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, and a terminal control unit 25.

[0023] The terminal communication unit 21 includes an interface for communicating with an external device wirelessly or wiredly and transmitting and receiving information. The terminal communication unit 21 may include, for example, a wireless communication module corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark), a wireless LAN communication module, or a wired LAN communication module. The terminal communication unit 21 can transmit and receive information to and from the server device 10 via the network 3.

[0024] The terminal storage unit 22 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may include a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, or an optical memory, or the like. The terminal storage unit 22 stores various information and programs used for processing related to services received from the server device 10. The information and programs used for processing related to services may be acquired from an external device via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, a game application may be acquired from a predetermined application distribution server.

[0025] The display unit 23 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 can display various screens.

[0026] The input unit 24 includes an input interface including, for example, a touch panel provided integrally with the display unit 23. The input unit 24 can receive user input to the terminal device 20. Further, the input unit 24 may include physical keys or may further include any input interface such as a pointing device such as a mouse.

[0027] The terminal control unit 25 includes one or more processors. The terminal control unit 25 controls the operation of the entire terminal device 20. Hereinafter, examples of the operation of the terminal control unit 25 will be specifically described.

[0028] The terminal control unit 25 transmits and receives information via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, the terminal control unit 25 receives various information and programs used for processing related to the service from at least one of the server device 10 and other external servers. The terminal control unit 25 stores the received information and programs in the terminal storage unit 22.

[0029] The terminal control unit 25 activates Site A and various applications (for example, native applications on the terminal device 20, game applications in Site A, etc.) according to the user's operation. The terminal control unit 25 cooperates with the server device 10 to execute processing related to the service. For example, the terminal control unit 25 causes the display unit 23 to display various screens related to the processing related to the service. On the screen, for example, a GUI (Graphic User Interface) for detecting a user operation may be displayed. The terminal control unit 25 can detect a user operation on the screen via the input unit 24.

[0030] In this embodiment, as an example, there is one or more games that each user can play via Site A. One of the various games is, for example, a game as described below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0031] (Overview of the game application) An overview of an example of the game application according to this embodiment will be described. The game according to this embodiment includes one or more game parts. At least one of the one or more game parts may be executed using a game medium.

[0032] The game medium is electronic data used in the game and includes any medium such as, for example, cards, items, points, in-service currency (or in-game currency), tickets, characters, avatars, parameters, etc. Further, the game medium may be game-related information such as level information, status information, game parameter information (such as physical strength value and attack power), or ability information (skills, abilities, spells, jobs, etc.). Also, the game medium is electronic data that can be acquired, owned, used, managed, exchanged, synthesized, strengthened, sold, discarded, or gifted, etc. by the user within the game, but the usage mode of the game medium is not limited to those explicitly stated in this specification.

[0033] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, "game media owned by a user" refers to game media associated as owned game media with a user ID that can uniquely identify the user. Furthermore, "granting game media to a user" refers to associating the game media with a user ID as owned game media. Furthermore, "discarding game media owned by a user" refers to dissociating the association between a user ID and owned game media. Furthermore, "consuming game media owned by a user" refers to the possibility of causing some effect or influence in the game in response to dissociation of the association between a user ID and owned game media. Furthermore, "selling game media owned by a user" refers to dissociating the association between a user ID and owned game media, and associating other game media (e.g., virtual currency or items, etc.) with the user ID as owned game media. Furthermore, "transferring game media owned by user A to user B" refers to dissociating the association between user A's user ID and owned game media, and associating the game media with user B's user ID as owned game media. Additionally, "creating game content" refers to defining or determining at least a portion of the information relating to the game content.

[0034] The game part is content that can be played by users within the game, including, for example, quests, missions, mini - games, cultivation, enhancement, and synthesis of game media, game media acquisition events, virtual space exploration events, and battle events against opponents (such as other users, enemy characters, and enemy buildings, etc.). One or more predetermined tasks (game tasks) may be set for each game part. For example, when it is determined that a user has successfully achieved one or more game tasks set for the game part played by the user, game media or the like may be given to the user as a reward. The game tasks can adopt any tasks according to the content of the game part, such as a task of winning a battle against an enemy character, a task of reaching a goal point within the virtual space, and a task that the user's character does not enter a predetermined state (such as an immobile state) until a predetermined time has elapsed. Also, achieving a specific task (clear task) among one or more game tasks set for the game part is also referred to as clearing the game part. When a user playing the game part successfully achieves the clear task, it is determined that the game part has been cleared, and the game part may end.

[0035] One or more game parts may include a game part for single play and a game part for multi-play. The game part for single play may include, for example, a game part (e.g., a single-player game part) that is executed based on user operations on one terminal device 20 used by one user. For example, one terminal device 20 alone, or one terminal device 20 and the server device 10 cooperate to execute the game part for single play. On the other hand, the game part for multi-play may include, for example, a game part (e.g., a multi-player game part) that is common to two or more users and is executed based on user operations on two or more terminal devices 20 used by two or more users respectively. The game part common to two or more users may include, for example, a game part in which at least a part of the progress processing of the game part and at least a part of the processing results are commonly applied to the two or more users. For example, two or more terminal devices 20 cooperate, or two or more terminal devices 20 and the server device 10 cooperate to execute the game part for multi-play. One game part may correspond to both single play and multi-play.

[0036] One of the games according to this embodiment includes, as an example, a battle game part having, for example, elements of a horizontally scrolling action game and elements of a battle game in which the user battles against an opponent using a game medium. The user selects one or more game media to be used in the battle game part from among the game media (owned game media) owned by the user. Hereinafter, each game medium used in the battle game part is also referred to as a first game medium. The one or more first game media are also collectively referred to as a deck or a team. The opponent is, for example, an automatically operated game medium such as an NPC (Non-Player Character), but is not limited thereto. For example, the opponent may be a game medium operated by another user. In one battle game part, the number of opponents may be arbitrarily determined.

[0037] The outline of the battle game part according to this embodiment will be outlined with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows an example of a play screen for explaining the outline of the battle game part.

[0038] A user who plays a single-player battle game part using the terminal device 20 operates, for example, a moving object 140 arranged in a virtual space to acquire a predetermined item while avoiding obstacles and the like. The moving object 140 corresponds to a predetermined game medium (second game medium). The second game medium may include, for example, a motorcycle, an automobile, or a person traveling on a road surface 141. In response to the acquisition of the item 142, the game media (first game media A1, B, C, D, E) included in the deck perform a predetermined action (for example, an attack on an opponent). By the action of the first game medium, damage can be inflicted on the opponent (in FIG. 2, an object 144 related to the opponent is displayed). On the other hand, the opponent performs a predetermined action (for example, an attack on the user) at a predetermined time interval, for example. By the action of the opponent, damage can be inflicted on the user (in FIG. 2, an object 143 related to the user is displayed). A predetermined parameter (total HP and HP) that decreases by the amount of damage inflicted is set for each of the user and the opponent. In FIG. 2, the image area 145 is an area that displays the remaining total HP as a gauge, the image area 148 is an area that displays the remaining HP of the opponent as a gauge, and the image area 149 is an area that shows the state of each first game medium included in the deck. When the opponent's parameter decreases to a predetermined value (for example, zero), it is determined that the user has won. On the other hand, when the user's parameter decreases to a predetermined value (for example, zero), it is determined that the user has lost. When it is determined that the user has won or lost, the battle game part may end.

[0039] On the other hand, the multiplayer battle game part is executed in the same manner as the single-player battle game part described above, except that two or more users battle against a common opponent. Specifically, each of the two or more users plays the common battle game part using their own terminal device 20. Each of the two or more users operates the second game medium in the virtual space as described above. A common virtual space may be used for the two or more users, or independent virtual spaces may be used for each user. The first game media included in the decks of each of the two or more users, for example, attack a common opponent. The above-described parameters of the opponent are commonly applied to the two or more users. For example, the parameters of the opponent may be synchronized among the plurality of terminal devices 20 used by the two or more users respectively. When the parameters of the opponent decrease to a predetermined value (for example, zero), it is determined that the two or more users have won. On the other hand, when the parameters of each of the two or more users decrease to a predetermined value (for example, zero), it is determined that the two or more users have lost. When it is determined that the two or more users have won or lost, the battle game part may end.

[0040] Note that the above-described game is merely an example, and this embodiment can be applied not only to general RPGs (Role Playing Games) but also to fishing games, running games, dungeon games, Othello games, fighting games, town-building games, horse racing games, sports games such as baseball games, shooting games, and the like.

[0041] (Regular Purchase Related Function) In this embodiment, the server device 10 further has a function (hereinafter also referred to as the "regular purchase related function") of performing various processes related to a regular purchase contract in order to realize a regular purchase service. The regular purchase service is a service that enables a user who has entered into a regular purchase contract (hereinafter also referred to as a "contract user") to use a privilege selected by the contract user among various privileges that can be provided. Note that hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the privilege refers to a privilege that can be provided in the regular purchase service.

[0042] In the regular purchase service, various benefits that can be provided to the contracting users may be benefits that can be provided without going through Network 3, or instead of or in addition to this, may include benefits that can be provided through Network 3 (for example, benefits that can be provided on a site such as Site A). In this embodiment, as an example, various benefits that can be provided to the contracting users in the regular purchase service include various benefits that can be provided on Site A.

[0043] The benefits that can be provided without going through Network 3 are optional, but for example, may be benefits that can be used when the contracting user uses a specific physical store. In this case, the benefits that can be used when using a specific physical store may be preferential reservations for specific products, discounts for specific products, free or discounted delivery fees for specific products, shortening of delivery time when using the delivery service, free or discounted usage fees when using the parking lot, etc.

[0044] The benefits that can be provided on Site A are determined according to Site A and are optional, but for example, may include benefits related to specific services that can be provided on Site A. The specific services may be SNS functions, billing services, etc. In addition, the specific services may be, for example, services that can purchase coins available on Site A (A coins described later) on a deferred payment basis (hereinafter, also referred to as "deferred payment services"). In this case, the benefits related to receiving a specific service on Site A may be benefits that can use the deferred payment service, or may be benefits that can increase the usage limit in the deferred payment service.

[0045] In addition, the benefits available on Site A may include benefits related to the digital content available on Site A. This type of benefit may be, for example, a benefit that allows priority access to specific digital content available on Site A, a benefit that allows access to (use) the digital content available on Site A at a discounted price, one or more benefits set in specific digital content available on Site A, and so on. One or more benefits set in specific digital content available on Site A may be arbitrary, but for example, when the specific digital content is a game application, it may be a benefit that allows a predetermined lottery (e.g., a specific gacha (registered trademark)) to be drawn, a benefit that allows participation in a specific event, a benefit that relaxes the participation conditions for a specific event, a benefit that allows a specific game medium to be obtained, a benefit that makes it easier to obtain a specific game medium, a benefit that increases the number or value of rewards that can be obtained in a specific event, a benefit that generates an advantageous effect in a specific event, and so on. Also, one or more benefits set in a game application may be benefits that are independent of in-game play, gacha, charging, etc. In this case, for example, one or more benefits set in a game application may be in the form of a login bonus, a daily bonus, or a similar form. A login bonus refers to a reward given when logging in every predetermined period (one day). For example, the login bonus may be to grant a specific game medium that can be used in the game, grant A coins, or the like. A daily bonus is a reward that can be obtained once or a predetermined number of times every day or every predetermined number of days (two days or more). Note that in the case of a daily bonus, unlike a login bonus, the reward is given when the user performs an operation to obtain it arbitrarily, rather than at the time of login. The reward related to the daily bonus may be a specific game medium that can be used in the game, A coins, etc., similar to the case of the login bonus.

[0046] In addition, as other benefits, there may be a reduction in parameters and time required for actions that can be performed within digital content. In this case, when the digital content is a game application, by utilizing such benefits, for example, the cost required to execute a specific quest can be reduced, making the quest easier to execute, or the time required to construct a specific building can be reduced, making the specific building easier to construct, etc., and advantageous effects can be generated. Also, as other benefits, there may be an increase in the types of actions that can be performed within digital content. In this case, when the digital content is a game application, by utilizing such benefits, for example, buildings that cannot normally be constructed can be constructed, or specific stamps can be sent, etc., and advantageous effects can be generated.

[0047] Here, for the purpose of explaining one or more benefits set in a specific digital content, several specific examples of one or more benefits set in a game application have been described. However, the specific digital content may be other than a game application. Also, the digital content in which one or more benefits are set may be a plurality of digital contents available on Site A.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram related to functions related to the regular purchase related functions among various functions realized by the server device 10. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of data in the user information storage unit 30. In FIG. 4 (the same applies to later-described FIG. 5, FIG. 6, etc.), "***" means that some information is stored, and "···" means the repetition of the same information. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of information related to the game. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of point parameters in the point parameter storage unit 31, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of point number information in the point number information storage unit 32, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of selection information in the selection information storage unit 34.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the server device 10 includes a user information storage unit 30, a point parameter storage unit 31, a point number information storage unit 32, a privilege information storage unit 33, a selection information storage unit 34, a billing processing unit 35, a point awarding unit 36, a selection information acquisition unit 37, a determination unit 38, a privilege management unit 40, an information update unit 42, a selection information update unit 44, a notification unit 46, a charging unit 48, a candidate selection unit 52, and a notification unit 54. The point parameter storage unit 31, the point number information storage unit 32, the privilege information storage unit 33, and the selection information storage unit 34 can be realized by, for example, the server storage unit 12 shown in FIG. 1. Also, the billing processing unit 35, the point awarding unit 36, the determination unit 38, the privilege management unit 40, the information update unit 42, the selection information update unit 44, the charging unit 48, and the candidate selection unit 52 can be realized by, for example, the server control unit 13 shown in FIG. 1. Also, the selection information acquisition unit 37, the notification unit 46, and the notification unit 54 can be realized by, for example, the server communication unit 11 and the server control unit 13 shown in FIG. 1.

[0050] Note that the distinction between each functional unit from the billing processing unit 35 to the candidate selection unit 52 is for convenience of explanation, and part or all of the functions of a specific functional unit (functions to be described below) may be realized by another functional unit. The same applies to the user information storage unit 30 to the selection information storage unit 34, and part or all of the functions of a specific storage unit (functions to be described below) may be realized by another storage unit. Also, part of the functions of the server device 10 may be realized by the terminal device 20.

[0051] The user information storage unit 30 stores user information related to users who use Site A. As shown in FIG. 4, the user information includes a user name, a password, a telephone number, owned coins, information related to games, information related to SNS, preference information, etc. in a manner associated with a user ID (an example of user identification information). The user information may include, for example, information initially registered such as a user ID and a user name, as well as information accumulated afterwards such as information related to games.

[0052] The user ID is information that can uniquely identify a user. The user ID may be in the form of a user account. Hereinafter, the user ID is also simply referred to as a user.

[0053] The user name is information indicating the name of the user. Unlike the user ID, the user name does not necessarily need to be able to uniquely identify the user. The user name may be arbitrarily determined and changed according to the user operation on the terminal device 20.

[0054] The password is a password for enabling login to Site A using the user name. Multiple types of passwords may be set according to the application.

[0055] The phone number is, for example, a phone number for Short Message Service (SMS) authentication.

[0056] The coins held represent the number of coins held by the user (the number of currently available coins). Also, in this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that they are coins that can be used on Site A (hereinafter referred to as "Coin A"), and the user can consume the Coin A held to receive the provision of digital content and various considerations in the game. For example, the user can consume the Coin A held to obtain a desired first game medium, obtain a desired item, etc. Also, by consuming the Coin A held, for example, a gacha can be spun. Note that in a modified example, Coin A may be a game medium that can only be used within the game. The initial value of the coins held is, for example, 0. The coins held can be updated by the charging unit 48 as described later.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the information related to the game may include a rank, information related to the owned game media, information related to the used game media, and friend information for each user ID.

[0058] Rank is a parameter indicating the proficiency of a user regarding a game. In the present embodiment, the value of the rank may increase according to the play of the game by the user. The higher the rank, the higher the proficiency of the user regarding the game.

[0059] Information regarding owned game media includes various information specific to the game media (owned game media) owned by the user within the game. When a game media is acquired by the user, the game media is associated with the user as an owned game media. Although details of the information regarding the owned game media are omitted, for each game media ID, it may include a game media name, rarity, level, cost, HP (HitPoint), attack power, recovery power, etc.

[0060] Information regarding used game media is information indicating the game media (first game media) to be used by the user in the battle game part. The first game media is selected from among the owned game media. In the present embodiment, for example, up to five game media selected from among one or more owned game media are each associated with the user as the first game media. Therefore, one game media can be both an owned game media and a first game media at the same time. The first game media may be selected automatically or according to user operation, for example, in a dedicated game part. For example, the dedicated game part may include a game part that performs so-called deck formation or team formation. The up to five first game media indicated in the information regarding the used game media constitute one deck. The information regarding the used game media may include information on a plurality of decks.

[0061] Friend information represents user IDs of users in a friendship relationship in the game. For example, when user A has a friendship relationship with users B and C, the friend information associated with user A includes the user IDs of users B and C. Note that the friendship relationship is realized through a friend application or the like. In this way, friend information includes the user IDs of other users associated unidirectionally or bidirectionally with the user. Note that users in a friendship relationship may be able to communicate, such as sending and receiving messages, for example, during the game. Note that in the information about the user, information indicating the group (such as a guild or a party) to which the user belongs may be included instead of or in addition to the friend information.

[0062] Note that the content of the information about the game is not limited to the above. For example, the information about the user may further include information indicating a predetermined in-game point that the user holds in the game. The in-game point is consumed by the user to play a game part. The consumption amount of the in-game point may vary for each game part. The in-game point may increase, for example, according to the passage of time or according to the use of a predetermined game medium.

[0063] The information about the SNS may include various information related to the SNS function. For example, the information about the SNS may include information about an avatar, friend information, etc. for each user ID. The information about the avatar may include clothing information for changing outfits, etc. The friend information may represent user IDs and group IDs connected through the SNS function. The friend information may be the same as or different from the friend information in the game.

[0064] The preference information includes information representing the user's preferences or information from which the user's preferences can be derived. Information representing the user's preferences may be information indicating what services or benefits within the services the user prefers, what services or benefits the user does not prefer, what services or benefits the user is interested in, what services or benefits the user is not interested in, and the like. The preference information may be generated, for example, based on a simple questionnaire survey at the time of initial registration. Also, information from which the user's preferences can be derived may be the user's log information or the like. In this case, the log information to be accumulated may be all log information that may be related to the user's preferences, or may be specific log information (for example, log information related to operation logs). The log information represents various activities (login, logout, use of digital content, access / use of SNS functions, billing, etc.) on Site A based on each user ID. Also, the log information to be accumulated may include log information related to playing games.

[0065] The point parameter storage unit 31 stores parameter information representing point parameters for each type of regular purchase contract. The type of regular purchase contract may be one type, but in this embodiment, as an example, the types of regular purchase contracts are two types, "Regular Purchase Contract A1" and "Regular Purchase Contract A2" as shown in FIG. 6. The point parameter is a parameter for calculating a predetermined point described later. In FIG. 6, the value of the point parameter related to "Regular Purchase Contract A1" is "5", and the value of the point parameter related to "Regular Purchase Contract A2" is "10".

[0066] Note that in the example shown in FIG. 6, the point parameter storage unit 31 shows the amount (monthly) that the contracting user pays in the regular purchase contract for each type of regular purchase contract.

[0067] The parameter information in the point parameter storage unit 31 is updated accordingly when the type of regular purchase contract changes (for example, when one type is deleted or one new type is added).

[0068] In the point number information storage unit 32, for a plurality of benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service, for each benefit, point number information representing the number of points associated with the use of the benefit is stored. In FIG. 7, as a plurality of benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service, there are "Benefit B1", "Benefit B2", etc., and for each of them, the number of points (the number of points required for the use of the benefit) is defined.

[0069] When the benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service change (for example, when one benefit is deleted or one new benefit is added), the point number information in the point number information storage unit 32 is updated accordingly.

[0070] In this embodiment, the number of a plurality of benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service is significantly larger than the number of types of regular purchase contracts. For example, the number of types of regular purchase contracts may be about 2 to 5, while the number of a plurality of benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service is, for example, 10 or more. Note that the number of a plurality of benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service and the number of types of regular purchase contracts can be appropriately increased or decreased during operation. Also in this case, the relationship that the number of a plurality of benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service is significantly larger than the number of types of regular purchase contracts is maintained.

[0071] In the benefit information storage unit 33, benefit information (not shown) regarding a plurality of benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service is stored. The benefit information may include information representing the content of the benefit. When the benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service change (for example, when one benefit is deleted or one new benefit is added), the benefit information in the benefit information storage unit 33 is updated accordingly.

[0072] In the selection information storage unit 34, selection information for each contract user is stored. The selection information is selection information associated with a user ID, and represents one or more privileges selected by the contract user from among a plurality of privileges that can be provided in the regular purchase service. In the example shown in FIG. 8, three privileges consisting of "Privilege B1", "Privilege C1", and "Privilege D1" are associated with the user ID "U01", and four privileges consisting of "Privilege B2", "Privilege C1", "Privilege D95", and "Privilege E60" are associated with the user ID "U03". In this case, it represents that three privileges consisting of "Privilege B1", "Privilege C1", and "Privilege D1" have been selected by the contract user related to the user ID "U01", and four privileges consisting of "Privilege B2", "Privilege C1", "Privilege D95", and "Privilege E60" have been selected by the contract user related to the user ID "U03".

[0073] The billing processing unit 35 performs various billing processes based on the regular purchase contract. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the billing processing unit 35 performs settlement processing of "500 yen" (for example, automatic debit processing from the registered account) monthly for the contract user who has concluded the "Regular Purchase Contract A1", and performs settlement processing of "1000 yen" monthly for the contract user who has concluded the "Regular Purchase Contract A2". Note that the billing processing unit 35 may notify the corresponding contract user of the content of the settlement processing when the settlement processing is completed. Such notification may be realized via Site A or may be realized by email or the like. Note that the monthly billing amount (the billing amount related to the regular purchase contract) is basically constant, but may be changed as appropriate. For example, the billing processing unit 35 may bill an amount different from the regular monthly billing amount only for a specific period. Also, when a campaign such as free first month or free birthday month is implemented, the billing processing unit 35 may execute billing processing according to the content of the campaign.

[0074] The point awarding unit 36 associates a predetermined point corresponding to the type of the regular purchase contract with the user ID related to the contract user for each predetermined period ΔT1 related to the regular purchase contract. The predetermined period ΔT1 is arbitrary and may vary according to the type of the regular purchase contract. In this embodiment, it is a fixed one month. The predetermined point is determined according to the type of the regular purchase contract. In this embodiment, as an example, the predetermined point is determined based on the point parameter associated with the type of the regular purchase contract. Specifically, the point awarding unit 36 refers to the parameter information in the point parameter storage unit 31 and determines the predetermined point based on the value of the point parameter associated with the type of the regular purchase contract by the contract user. For example, the point awarding unit 36 determines (calculates) the predetermined point pt from the value k1 of the point parameter by the following calculation formula. pt = k1 × 10 In this case, when the point parameter is "5", the predetermined point is "50", and when the point parameter is "10", the predetermined point is "100". Note that in a modified example, the value of the point parameter may be a parameter representing the predetermined point itself. Also, in another modified example, the point parameter may represent the type of the regular purchase contract instead of a parameter such as a numerical value. In any case, the point awarding unit 36 refers to the parameter information in the point parameter storage unit 31 and determines the predetermined point based on the point parameter associated with the type of the regular purchase contract by the contract user.

[0075] Note that the timing of awarding the predetermined points by the point awarding unit 36 is arbitrary and may vary for each contract user or may be constant. For example, it may be the date every other month according to the contract date. In this case, for example, the update timing will be different for each user, such as the 26th or 23rd. However, in this embodiment, as an example, the timing of awarding the predetermined points by the point awarding unit 36 is at the time of contract for a new contract user, and for other contract users, it is uniformly at the beginning of the month (for example, when the settlement process by the billing processing unit 35 is completed). Note that the point awarding unit 36 may automatically associate a predetermined point corresponding to the type of the regular purchase contract with the user ID related to each contract user based on the date and time information when the current time reaches 0:00 at the beginning of the month.

[0076] Note that in this embodiment, the point awarding unit 36 associates a predetermined point corresponding to the type of the regular purchase contract with each regular purchase contract every predetermined period ΔT1, regardless of the selection information related to the contract users in the most recent predetermined period ΔT1. That is, in this embodiment, even if a certain contract user has only selected a privilege with a significantly smaller number of points than the predetermined points in the most recent predetermined period ΔT1, the difference points will not be carried over to the next predetermined period ΔT1. However, in a modification example, such carry-over of points may be realized.

[0077] Also, when a point increment campaign is implemented in which the predetermined point pt to be awarded in a specific month such as the first month or the birthday month is more than usual, the point awarding unit 36 may award the predetermined point pt corresponding to the content of the campaign to each contract user. In this case, each contract user can use the additional privilege as a "trial" only in a specific month, so the convenience is improved. And if the trial result of the additional privilege is good for each contract user, the contract user can also change the selection information for incorporating the additional privilege from the next month. In such a modification example, selection information for a specific month and selection information for a normal month may be set.

[0078] The selection information acquisition unit 37 acquires selection information from each contract user. The selection information is as described above. The selection information acquisition unit 37 stores the acquired selection information in the selection information storage unit 34.

[0079] The determination unit 38 determines, for each contract user, whether the total number of points associated with one or more privileges selected by the contract user has a predetermined relationship with the predetermined points (predetermined points associated with the user ID related to the corresponding contract user) associated by the point awarding unit 36.

[0080] The total number of points associated with one or more privileges selected by the contract user is determined based on the selection information in the selection information storage unit 34 (selection information related to the corresponding contract user) and the point number information in the point number information storage unit 32. That is, for a certain contract user, the "total number of points associated with one or more privileges selected by the certain contract user" is the total number of points associated with the privileges represented by the selection information related to the certain contract user. Hereinafter, such a total number of points is also referred to as the "total points of selected privileges".

[0081] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the selection information related to the user ID "U01" indicates that three benefits, namely "Benefit B1", "Benefit C1", and "Benefit D1", are selected by the contract user related to the user ID "U01". In this case, according to the point number information (see FIG. 7) in the point number information storage unit 32, assuming that the point numbers associated with "Benefit B1", "Benefit C1", and "Benefit D1" are pt1, pt2, and pt3 respectively, the total points of the selected benefits is the sum of the point numbers associated with "Benefit B1", "Benefit C1", and "Benefit D1", which is pt1 + pt2 + pt3. Therefore, in this case, the determination unit 38 determines the relationship between the predetermined points associated with the user ID "U01" and the total points of the selected benefits (= pt1 + pt2 + pt3). Note that in this case, as described above, the predetermined points pt are pt = k1 × 10 based on the value k1 of the point parameter associated with the user ID "U01".

[0082] In this embodiment, as an example, the predetermined relationship is a relationship in which the total points of the selected benefits are less than or equal to the predetermined points. In this case, the determination unit 38 executes a determination process to determine whether the total points of the selected benefits are less than or equal to the predetermined points.

[0083] Here, the selection information indicating that a benefit for which the total points of the selected benefits exceed the predetermined points is selected is referred to as "selection information requiring re-selection", and other selection information (that is, selection information indicating that a benefit for which the total points of the selected benefits do not exceed the predetermined points is selected) is referred to as "selection information not requiring re-selection". Note that in this embodiment, only the selection information not requiring re-selection is stored in the selection information storage unit 34.

[0084] The determination method by the determination unit 38 may vary depending on whether the selection information acquired by the selection information acquisition unit 37 may include selection information that requires re-selection. For example, in the case where the selection information acquired by the selection information acquisition unit 37 may include selection information that requires re-selection, the determination unit 38 may execute a determination process based on the selection information acquired by the selection information acquisition unit 37. On the other hand, in the case where the selection information acquired by the selection information acquisition unit 37 does not include selection information that requires re-selection (for example, in the case where the selection by the contract user is executed on the terminal device 20 so that only the selection information that does not require re-selection is transmitted to the server device 10), the determination unit 38 may make a determination based on whether the selection information acquisition unit 37 has acquired the selection information. In this case, the determination unit 38 may determine that when the selection information acquisition unit 37 has acquired the selection information, the total points of the selection benefits based on the selection information have a predetermined relationship with the predetermined points (that is, it may be determined that the selection information is "selection information that does not require re-selection").

[0085] In addition, in the present embodiment, the notification unit 54 described later performs a notification process of notifying the contract user or the like of the combination of benefits in such a manner that only the selection information that does not require re-selection is acquired. That is, the notification unit 54 described later notifies a single contract user (or non-contract user) of the combinations that can be selected within the range where the total points of the selection benefits do not exceed the predetermined points. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by the user making a selection based on the notification by the notification unit 54, only the selection information that does not require re-selection will be transmitted to the server device 10. That is, the present embodiment is configured such that the selection by the contract user is executed on the terminal device 20 so that only the selection information that does not require re-selection is transmitted to the server device 10.

[0086] When the determination unit 38 determines that, for a certain contract user, the total points of the selected special privileges based on the selection information have a predetermined relationship with the predetermined points, the privilege management unit 40 enables the use of one or more selected privileges by the contract user. That is, it enables the use of one or more selected privileges based on the user identification information. The process of enabling the use of privileges by the privilege management unit 40 may be realized in an appropriate manner according to the attributes of each privilege. For example, when the attribute of the privilege is a privilege available when using a specific physical store, the process of enabling the use of the privilege may be realized by the process of issuing a coupon for enabling the use of the privilege. Note that this type of coupon may be transmitted to the terminal device 20 as an electronic coupon or mailed as a paper coupon. Also, when the attribute of the privilege is a privilege available on Site A, the process of enabling the use of the privilege is the process of making the privilege available on Site A. For example, when the privilege available on Site A is a privilege to participate in a specific event in a game application, the process of enabling the use of the privilege may be a process of transmitting an invitation ticket to the specific event to the terminal device 20 as an electronic ticket, a process of causing a participation button to appear on the home screen of the game application, etc.

[0087] Also, the privilege management unit 40 may appropriately restrict the use of privileges according to the usage status of the privileges. For example, in the case of a privilege that can be used only once a month, when the privilege is used by a certain contract user, the privilege management unit 40 restricts the use of the privilege by the certain contract user in that month.

[0088] The information update unit 42 updates the point number information in the point number information storage unit 32 and the privilege information in the privilege information storage unit 33 in response to changes such as addition and deletion of privileges that can be provided in the regular purchase service. Also, the information update unit 42 updates the parameter information in the point parameter storage unit 31 in response to changes such as addition and deletion of the types of regular purchase contracts.

[0089] The selection information update unit 44 updates the selection information in the selection information storage unit 34 in response to a change instruction of the selection information by the contract user. Note that the contract user can freely change the selection information within a range where the total points of the selected benefits do not exceed a predetermined number of points. That is, the contract user can reselect a desired benefit. However, such a change may be allowed every predetermined period ΔT1. Also, when the selection information acquisition unit 37 acquires the selection information from a new contract user, the selection information update unit 44 updates the selection information in the selection information storage unit 34.

[0090] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, on the premise that the regular purchase contract related to a certain contract user is maintained, the selection information in the selection information storage unit 34 related to the certain contract user is maintained without being changed unless there is a change instruction of the selection information by the certain contract user.

[0091] However, the benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service can be appropriately changed, such as being added or deleted. For example, when one of the benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service ends, but a new equivalent benefit is newly set in place of it, a contract user who has selected the one benefit may feel it troublesome to perform a selection operation to reselect the new equivalent benefit one by one.

[0092] Therefore, the selection information update unit 44 preferably executes an automatic update process of automatically updating the selection information in the selection information storage unit 34 in response to a specific change regarding the benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service when there is a specific change. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the automatic update process. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the selection information in the selection information storage unit 34 after the automatic update process. FIG. 9 shows that, in chronological order, "Benefit B1" (an example of the first benefit) ends (becomes unavailable) at time point t1 (an example of a certain timing) from February to March, and "Benefit B1'" (an example of the second benefit) becomes available from time point t1. Assume that "Benefit B1'" is a benefit related to "Benefit B1". Here, the relationship that benefits are related to each other may include not only a relationship with differences in version or detailed specifications, but also a relationship with the same benefit attributes but significant differences in specifications. For example, when "Benefit B1" is provided only for a certain period and not provided from the next period, "Benefit B1'" may be a benefit that functions as a successor (successor version) of "Benefit B1". In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the selection information update unit 44 realizes the automatic update process by executing a rewrite to change the selection target from "Benefit B1" to "Benefit B1'" for the selection information with "Benefit B1" as the selection target (in FIG. 10, the selection information related to user ID "U01"). Thereby, in response to a specific change in the benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service, the selection information can be automatically updated without requiring a contract user to make complicated input for the change, etc., so that a user-friendly configuration can be realized.

[0093] Note that in FIG. 9, when the selection information update unit 44 executes the automatic update process as described above, from time point t1, one of the benefits that the contract user related to user ID "U01" can use is changed from "Benefit B1" to "Benefit B1'". In response to this, the benefit management unit 40 changes one of the benefits that the contract user related to user ID "U01" can use from "Benefit B1" to "Benefit B1'".

[0094] Note that in the example shown in FIG. 9, time point t1 is not the beginning of the month but in the middle of the month, but it may be regarded as the beginning of the month. In this case, the timing of the change from "Privilege B1" to "Privilege B1'" synchronizes with the start timing of each fixed period ΔT1 of the regular purchase contract. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the timing when "Privilege B1" becomes unavailable and the timing when "Privilege B1'" becomes available are the same time point t1, but these timings may be offset. For example, the timing when "Privilege B1'" becomes available may be before the timing when "Privilege B1" becomes unavailable. In this case, as a transition period, a period during which both "Privilege B1" and "Privilege B1'" can be selectively used will be set. In this way, as long as the timing when "Privilege B1'" becomes available is set in accordance with the timing when "Privilege B1" becomes unavailable, it is not necessarily the same as the timing when "Privilege B1" becomes unavailable.

[0095] Note that such automatic update processing may be determined for each contract user whether it can be executed. For example, it may be confirmed in advance (e.g., at the time of contract, etc.) whether such automatic update processing is desired for the contract user. In this case, the automatic update processing can be realized in a manner corresponding to the intention of each contract user. For contract users who do not desire the automatic update processing, it is advisable to appropriately send (notify) a guidance for them to perform a selection operation to reselect the privilege. Note that this type of notification may be realized in the same manner as the notification by the notification unit 46 described later.

[0096] When the selection information update unit 44 executes the automatic update processing (rewriting of the selection information), the notification unit 46 notifies the information related to the rewriting to the notification destination associated with the user identification information based on the user identification information associated with the selection information for which the automatic update processing has been executed. Note that the notification method is arbitrary, and it may be realized by notification by email, in-app notification, notification by the chat function on Site A, notification by phone, notification by mailing a paper medium, etc. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the notification unit 46 may notify the information related to the rewriting by SMS to the phone number (see FIG. 4), which is an example of the notification destination associated with the user ID "U01".

[0097] The charging unit 48 executes processes related to the charging service. In this embodiment, as an example, A coins are available on Site A. In this case, when the charging unit 48 receives a request from a user for the provision (purchase) of A coins, it provides A coins to the user under predetermined conditions. The user here includes users other than the contract users, and the same applies hereinafter in the description of the charging unit 48. Note that the charging unit 48 may provide A coins to the user on the condition of settlement at that time without relying on post-payment, or may provide A coins to the user by post-payment based on the post-payment service.

[0098] In addition, when the charging unit 48 receives a request from a user for the consumption of A coins, it realizes the consumption of A coins and enables the user to use a predetermined privilege corresponding to the consumption. Therefore, in this embodiment, the user can use a predetermined privilege on Site A by consuming A coins. The predetermined privilege may be a privilege of obtaining a desired first game medium, a privilege of obtaining a desired item, a privilege of being able to spin a desired gacha, etc.

[0099] In this embodiment, the privileges that can be provided in the recurring purchase service preferably include privileges different from the predetermined privileges that can be used by consuming A coins. For example, some of the multiple privileges that can be provided in the recurring purchase service are the same as the predetermined privileges that can be used by consuming A coins, but the others of the multiple privileges that can be provided in the recurring purchase service are different from the predetermined privileges that can be used by consuming A coins. Thereby, for example, by the operator preparing attractive privileges that can be used only when using the recurring purchase service, the use of the recurring purchase service can be effectively promoted. Also, it becomes possible to divide the services between the recurring purchase service and the charging service, and privileges can be designed according to the characteristics of the recurring purchase service. Note that in a modified example, the charging service may be omitted and integrated into the recurring purchase service.

[0100] In addition, even if some of the multiple benefits available in the regular purchase service are the same as the specified benefits that can be obtained by consuming A coins, the regular purchase service may be designed to be more price - advantageous than the charging service. This can effectively promote the use of the regular purchase service. Also, all the specified benefits that can be obtained by consuming A coins may be made available in the regular purchase service. This can make the regular purchase service more advantageous than the charging service and effectively promote the use of the regular purchase service.

[0101] The candidate selection unit 52 selects one or more combination candidates from among the combinations of various benefits available in the regular purchase service, within the range where the total points of the selected benefits do not exceed a predetermined point. That is, the candidate selection unit 52 selects one or more combination candidates having a predetermined relationship with the predetermined point in terms of the total points of the selected benefits.

[0102] In this case, the candidate selection unit 52 may randomly select one or more combination candidates. However, preferably, the candidate selection unit 52 selects one or more recommended combination candidates for each user. Here, the user includes users other than the contract users, and the same applies hereinafter in the description of the candidate selection unit 52 and the candidate selection unit 52.

[0103] For example, the candidate selection unit 52 selects one or more combination candidates that match the user's preferences based on the preference information among the user information in the user information storage unit 30. For example, for a certain user, if it is shown from the preference information related to the user that the user has a high preference for a specific game application, one or more combination candidates may be selected in a manner that includes at least one benefit set in the specific game application.

[0104] Alternatively, the candidate selection unit 52 selects one or more combination candidates that suit the user based on the log information among the user information in the user information storage unit 30.

[0105] For example, regarding a certain user, from the log information related to the user, the progress of the game by the user is derived. According to the progress, when a specific privilege set in the game app is useful, one or more combination candidates may be selected in a manner including at least one of the specific privileges. The progress of the game is, for example, a state or situation of how much of the content in the game has been consumed (completed / cleared). For example, in the case of a game where the stage, level, story, etc. change when a mission or quest is cleared, the progress may be the user's current stage, level, etc. In this case, the specific privilege may be a privilege that can vary according to the stage, level, etc., and is a privilege useful for further progress of the game. Note that the progress of the game is derived directly or indirectly based on the log information, and may be derived from, for example, information related to the game (see FIG. 5), or may be a part of the information related to the game. Note that the information related to the game is generated based on the log information. In this case, based on the user's progress, the operation that the user should perform next or will probably perform can be derived or predicted, and a privilege suitable for the operation can be presented. Note that such prediction of the operation may be realized by using artificial intelligence. For example, it is also possible to input the log information and output (generate) the prediction result of the operation by using artificial intelligence. In the case of artificial intelligence, it can be realized by implementing a convolutional neural network obtained by machine learning. In machine learning, for example, using the performance data related to the log information, the weights, etc. of the convolutional neural network that minimize the error of the prediction result are learned.

[0106] Alternatively, regarding a certain user, the operation tendency of the user is derived from the log information related to the user. If a specific privilege set in the game application is useful according to the operation tendency, one or more combination candidates may be selected in a manner including at least one of the specific privileges. In this case, based on the user's operation information or the like, the operation that the user should perform next or will probably perform can be derived or predicted, and a privilege suitable for the operation can be presented. Similarly, such prediction of operations may be realized by using artificial intelligence. For example, it is also possible to input log information and output (generate) the prediction result of the operation by using artificial intelligence. In the case of artificial intelligence, it can be realized by implementing a convolutional neural network obtained by machine learning. In machine learning, for example, using the performance data related to the log information, the weights of the convolutional neural network are learned so that the error of the prediction result is minimized.

[0107] Note that the method for selecting one or more combination candidates based on the progress status and operation tendency of the game described above is not limited to game applications and can also be applied to other applications.

[0108] Note that the execution timing of the selection process by the candidate selection unit 52 may be a timing corresponding to the notification timing by the notification unit 54 described later. For example, regarding one or more combination candidates related to a certain user, the timing of the selection process by the candidate selection unit 52 may be the time of application for the regular purchase of the user (when the regular purchase contract is concluded), or may be the time of renewal of the regular purchase contract of the user (contract user) (in this embodiment, the beginning of the month as an example).

[0109] Incidentally, as described above, a plurality of benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service can be changed retrospectively. Also, the preferences of the contract user, the progress of the game by the contract user, the operation tendency of the contract user, etc. can also change retrospectively. Therefore, the candidate selection unit 52 preferably selects, at a timing other than the conclusion of the regular purchase contract, regularly or irregularly, based on the user information in the user information storage unit 30, one or more combination candidates that match the preferences of the user, the progress of the game by the user, the operation tendency of the user, etc. In this case, the notification timing by the notification unit 54 described later may be synchronized with the selection timing by the candidate selection unit 52. Thereby, benefits suitable for the user can be presented to the user in response to various retrospective changes.

[0110] Here, when the candidate selection unit 52 executes the selection process based on the user information as described above, the execution conditions of the selection process may be limited to the case where there is a significant change in the user information and / or the case where there is a change in the benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service. For example, the timing of the selection process by the candidate selection unit 52 for one or more combination candidates related to a certain user may be set when the preferences of the user based on the user information of the certain user, the progress of the game by the user, the operation tendency of the user, etc. have changed significantly. Thereby, the frequency of execution of the selection process by the candidate selection unit 52 can be reduced, so that the processing load can be efficiently reduced.

[0111] The notification unit 54 notifies the user of one or more combinations that can be selected within the range where the total points of the selected benefits do not exceed a predetermined point among various combinations of a plurality of benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service. The notification method is arbitrary and may be the same as the notification method by the notification unit 46 described above. Also, the notification timing by the notification unit 54 is arbitrary. For example, it may be at the time of application for regular purchase, at the time of update, or may be synchronized with the selection timing by the candidate selection unit 52 as described above. Also, when guidance information related to the regular purchase service is posted on Site A, a notification may be executed to the user when the user views the guidance information.

[0112] Upon receiving the notification from the notification unit 54, the user selects one desired combination from among the one or more notified combinations, and "selection information that does not require re-selection" will be transmitted to the server device 10.

[0113] In the present embodiment, the notification unit 54 may notify one or more randomly selected combinations (however, combinations whose total points of selection privileges do not exceed a predetermined point), but preferably notifies one or more combination candidates selected by the candidate selection unit 52. Thereby, for each user, it is possible to notify combination candidates that are highly likely to match the user's preferences, the progress of the game by the user, the user's operation tendency, etc., and it becomes easy for the user to select a desired privilege. That is, by presenting based on such notification on the selection screen (see FIGS. 13 and 14A) described later, a user interface (UI) that makes it easy for the user to select a desired privilege can be realized.

[0114] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram related to functions related to the regular purchase related functions among the various functions realized by the terminal device 20. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a method for selecting a plurality of privileges that can be provided in the regular purchase service, and is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of another example of a method for selecting a plurality of privileges that can be provided in the regular purchase service, and is a diagram showing another example of a selection screen. FIGS. 14A and 14B are explanatory diagrams of another example of a method for selecting a plurality of privileges that can be provided in the regular purchase service, and are diagrams showing another example of a selection screen. In the following description related to FIG. 11, the user refers to the user of the terminal device 20.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 11, the terminal device 20 includes a selection screen output unit 210, a selection result generation unit 212, and a selection information transmission unit 214. The selection screen output unit 210 and the selection result generation unit 212 can be realized by, for example, the terminal control unit 25 shown in FIG. 1. Also, the selection information transmission unit 214 can be realized by, for example, the terminal communication unit 21 and the terminal control unit 25 shown in FIG. 1. Note that part or all of the functions of the selection screen output unit 210 and / or the selection result generation unit 212 may be realized by the server device 10.

[0116] The selection screen output unit 210 outputs a selection screen that assists the user in selecting a desired privilege. For example, when the user operates a regular purchase button (or a selection change button for the privilege of regular purchase) (not shown) on the site A on the terminal device 20, the selection screen output unit 210 outputs a selection screen. The selection screen may be arbitrary as long as it enables the selection of any one or more combinations of a plurality of privileges that can be provided in the regular purchase service.

[0117] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the selection screen G1200 includes check boxes B1211, B1212, B1213,... that enable the selection of all of a plurality of privileges that can be provided in the regular purchase service. The check boxes B1211, B1212, B1213,... are arranged in the vicinity of privilege buttons B1201, B1202, B1203,... that represent the corresponding privileges. Note that the privilege buttons B1201, B1202, B1203,... may have the name of the privilege, the number of points required for using the privilege, etc. drawn thereon. The number of points required for using the privilege is consistent with the point number information in the point number information storage unit 32 shown in FIG. 7. The privilege buttons B1201, B1202, B1203,... may be configured to transition to an explanation screen of the privilege when operated. In this case, the explanation screen may have an explanation based on the privilege information in the privilege information storage unit 33 described thereon. In this way, the user can easily select a desired privilege by inputting a check mark in each check box associated with each privilege button corresponding to the desired combination of privileges.

[0118] Note that the selection screen G1200 may be a scrollable screen. Also, when there are a large number of benefits available in the regular purchase service, a plurality of selection screens G1200 may be prepared for each category.

[0119] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the selection screen G1200 includes an image section G1230 representing the currently selected benefit and an image section G1240 displaying the total number of points associated with the use of the currently selected benefit. Further, the selection screen G1200 is provided with a confirmation button B1220. The user can complete the benefit selection operation by operating the confirmation button B1220 after selecting a desired combination of benefits.

[0120] Note that the selection screen output unit 210 may set only the selectable check boxes among the check boxes B1211, B1212, B1213,... to an active state (a state in which a check mark can be inserted) so that the total number of points associated with the use of the currently selected benefit does not exceed a predetermined number of points. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the total number of points associated with the use of the currently selected benefit is "40". At this time, if the predetermined number of points is "50", the selection screen output unit 210 may set only the check boxes related to benefits with an associated number of points of "10" or less to an active state (a state in which a check mark can be inserted). In this case, the selection screen output unit 210 cooperates with the determination unit 38 of the server device 10 to determine whether the total points of the selected benefits are less than or equal to the predetermined number of points.

[0121] In the example shown in FIG. 12, check boxes B1211, B1212, B1213, ··· do not have check marks in the initial state, but may have check marks by default in the check boxes corresponding to the recommended sets as in the example shown in FIG. 13. In this case, for example, by operating a button (not shown) such as "enable the default selection of recommendations", etc., the check boxes corresponding to the recommended sets as in the example shown in FIG. 13 may be configured to have check marks. In these cases, since various recommended privileges can be presented for each user based on the notification by the above-described notification unit 54, a user interface (UI) that facilitates the selection of desired privileges by the user can be realized.

[0122] In the example shown in FIG. 13, the selection screen G1300 is generated in a manner that makes it easier for the user to select one or more combinations notified by the above-described notification unit 54. Specifically, the selection screen G1300 includes check boxes B1311, B1312,... that can select a plurality of recommended sets, and the check boxes B1311, B1312,... are arranged in the vicinity of "recommended set buttons" B1301, B1302,... that represent the corresponding recommended sets. At least one of the plurality of recommended sets corresponds to the benefits of one or more combinations notified by the above-described notification unit 54. In FIG. 13, although there are a plurality of recommended sets, there may be only one. The "recommended set buttons" B1301, B1302,... may have the name, etc. of each of the one or more benefits that make up the recommended set drawn thereon. In addition, the "recommended set buttons" B1301, B1302,... may be configured to transition to the explanation screen of each of the one or more benefits that make up the recommended set when operated. In this way, if there is a recommended set corresponding to the combination of desired benefits, the user can easily select the desired benefits by performing an input of putting a check mark in the check box associated with the recommended set. In this way, since various recommended benefits can be presented for each user based on the notification by the above-described notification unit 54, a user interface (UI) that makes it easy for the user to select the desired benefits can be realized.

[0123] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 13, the selection screen G1300 includes an OK button B1320. After selecting the desired recommended set, the user can complete the benefit selection operation by operating the OK button B1320.

[0124] Note that the selection screen G1300 may be implemented in combination with the selection screen G1200. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the selection screen G1300 includes an OK button B1320. When the user operates the OK button B1320, the selection screen output unit 210 causes a transition from the selection screen G1300 to the selection screen G1200. In this case, the selection screen G1200 may be output with check marks in the check boxes associated with the respective benefits that make up the recommended set checked on the selection screen G1300. In this case, the user can complete the selection operation by operating the confirmation button B1220 after finally checking the content of the image section G1230 and the like on the selection screen G1200 if there are no problems.

[0125] In the examples shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, there are buttons B1411, B1412,... for collectively checking the recommended sets, and it is possible to check the check boxes B1421, B1422, B1423,... corresponding to the respective benefits within the recommended set buttons B1401, B1402,... In this case, after the user selects the button for the desired recommended set from among the buttons B1400, B1401,..., a part of each benefit within the recommended set related to the selected button can be replaced. Specifically, for example, when the user selects the button for the benefit to be replaced from among the buttons B1431, B1432, B1433 representing the benefits within "Recommended Set 1", a transition is made to a benefit selection screen (not shown), and the desired benefit can be selected. In the examples shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, after the user selects the button B1411 corresponding to "Recommended Set 1" shown in FIG. 14A, the user changes from "Benefit B1" to "Benefit B2" within "Recommended Set 1". In this way, a user interface (UI) that enables flexible selection of benefits while saving the user's effort can be realized.

[0126] In the examples shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, buttons B1411, B1412, ··· may, by default, have check marks in the check boxes corresponding to the most recommended recommended sets, although they do not have check marks in the initial state. Also, when any of the buttons B1411, B1412, ··· is selected, the buttons representing the benefits (buttons B1431, B1432, B1433, etc.) within the selected recommended set may be automatically checked.

[0127] The selection result generation unit 212 generates a selection result of benefits selected by the user based on the user's operation input to the selection screen. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the combination of benefits with check marks when the confirmation button B1220 is operated is generated as the selection result.

[0128] The selection information transmission unit 214 transmits selection information including the selection result generated by the selection result generation unit 212 to the server device 10. In this case, the selection information transmission unit 214 may transmit, as a change instruction, selection information in which the user ID of site A is associated with the selection result generated by the selection result generation unit 212 to the server device 10 (selection information acquisition unit 37). In this way, the selection information transmitted from the terminal device 20 is acquired by the selection information acquisition unit 37 of the server device 10 as described above. Note that the selection information generated based on the selection screen G1200 or G1300 shown in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13 becomes the "selection information that does not require re-selection" described above.

[0129] According to the present embodiment described above, in particular, the following excellent effects are achieved.

[0130] First, according to the present embodiment, a predetermined point corresponding to the type of regular purchase contract is given to the contract user every predetermined period ΔT1. Then, the contract user can select and use a desired combination of benefits from among a plurality of benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service within the range where the total points of the selected benefits do not exceed the predetermined points.

[0131] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to diversify the combination of benefits available through the regular purchase contract without excessively diversifying the types of regular purchase contracts. Specifically, in the case of a comparative example where the types of regular purchase contracts are set according to the number of possible combinations of various benefits, the types of regular purchase contracts are excessively diversified, and the processing load related to the regular purchase contract increases. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to diversify the combination of benefits available through the regular purchase contract while setting a smaller number of types of regular purchase contracts without setting the types of regular purchase contracts according to the number of possible combinations of various benefits.

[0132] Further, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the selection information update unit 44 updates the selection information in the selection information storage unit 34 in response to a change instruction of the selection information from the contract user. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the user can subsequently change the selection information without changing the type of regular purchase contract.

[0133] In this way, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to enhance the convenience of the contract user while reducing the processing load related to the regular purchase contract.

[0134] Further, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the selection information update unit 44 executes an automatic update process (rewriting of selection information) in response to a specific change in the benefits available in the regular purchase service. Therefore, even when a specific change occurs in the benefits available in the regular purchase service, the contract user can maintain a state where the user can use equivalent benefits without performing any special procedures. As a result, compared to the case where the server device 10 outputs a notice of change in selection information to the contract user in response to a specific change in the benefits available in the regular purchase service, the processing load on the server device 10 can be efficiently reduced.

[0135] Also, according to the present embodiment, when the selection information update unit 44 executes the automatic update process (rewriting of the selection information), the notification unit 46 notifies the corresponding contract user of the information regarding the rewriting. Thereby, while enhancing the convenience of the contract user, the content of the automatic update process can be appropriately communicated to the contract user. Further, compared to the case of notifying all contract users of a specific change in the benefits available in the periodic purchase service, efficient notification can be realized, and the processing load on the server device 10 can be efficiently reduced. Although it is expected that the number of contract users who do not desire the rewriting of the selection information due to such a change is small, according to the present embodiment, such contract users can receive such a notification and change the selection information, so that the adverse effects caused by the automatic update process (rewriting of the selection information) can also be minimized.

[0136] Also, according to the present embodiment, since the charging unit 48 is provided, the charging service and the periodic purchase service can be made compatible. In this case, by making at least partially different the predetermined benefits available in the charging service and the benefits available in the periodic purchase service, they can be appropriately allocated. Further, in this case, by setting the benefits available in the periodic purchase service to be more advantageous than the predetermined benefits available in the charging service, an effective incentive can be given to users other than the contract users to enter into a periodic purchase contract.

[0137] Also, according to the present embodiment, the notification unit 54 notifies the user of one or more combinations selectable within a range where the total points of the selected benefits do not exceed a predetermined point among various combinations of a plurality of benefits available in the periodic purchase service. Thereby, even when the benefits available in the periodic purchase service are diversified, the selection of benefits by the contract user within a range where the total points of the selected benefits do not exceed a predetermined point becomes easy, and the convenience of the contract user can be enhanced.

[0138] Further, according to the present embodiment, since the candidate selection unit 52 is provided, for each user, various combinations of benefits according to the user's preferences, the progress of the game by the user, the user's operation tendency, etc. can be notified by the notification unit 54. As a result, even when the benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service are diversified, it becomes easy for the contract user to select the desired benefits, and the convenience of the contract user can be improved.

[0139] Next, with reference to FIG. 15 and subsequent figures, various operation examples will be described when a plurality of benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service are set in each of a plurality of digital contents.

[0140] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the premise of one operation example, and is a table diagram showing an example of the relationship between a plurality of digital contents, the benefits set in each digital content, and a server computer that manages each digital content.

[0141] In FIG. 15, the digital content "game app GA" has 51 benefits A0 to A50 set therein and is managed by the server computer SA. Similarly, the digital content "game app GB" has 41 benefits B0 to B40 set therein and is managed by the server computer SA. Similarly, the set of six digital contents "electronic books DD0 to DD5" has six benefits C0 to C5 set therein and is managed by the server computer SC. Similarly hereinafter, one or more benefits may be set in other digital contents. Note that the digital content in which one or more benefits are set may be part or all of various applications provided by the server device 10.

[0142] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of this operation example, and under the premise shown in FIG. 15, it is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the flow of operations until a new user U10 who desires a regular purchase service concludes a regular purchase contract and can use desired privileges. Note that various server computers (management server computer, server computer SC, and server computer SA) shown in FIG. 16 constitute the server device 10 shown in FIG. 1. Note that in FIG. 16 (and the same applies to other flowcharts described below), the processing order of each step may be changed as long as the input-output relationship of each step is not impaired.

[0143] In step S1500, when user U10 concludes a regular purchase contract, the user U10 transmits the type of the regular purchase contract from the terminal device 20 to the management server computer.

[0144] In step S1502, the management server computer associates a predetermined point corresponding to the received type of regular purchase contract with the user ID related to user U10. Note that this processing can be realized by the point granting unit 36 described above.

[0145] In step S1504, the management server computer notifies the terminal device 20 related to user U10 of combinations of privileges that can be used with the associated predetermined points. At this time, the management server computer may include the candidate selection unit 52 and the notification unit 54 described above. In this case, user U10 is notified of a combination selected based on the preference information among the user information related to the user U10.

[0146] In step S1506, user U10 displays on the display unit 23 of the terminal device 20 a notification (combinations of privileges that can be used with predetermined points) from the management server computer. In this case, the terminal device 20 may output a selection screen as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14A.

[0147] In step S1508, user U10 performs a selection operation on terminal device 20 and transmits selection information from terminal device 20 to the management server computer. Here, it is assumed that selection information targeting privilege A0, privilege B0, and privilege C0 is transmitted to the management server computer.

[0148] In step S1509, the management server computer determines whether the total points of the selected privileges are equal to or less than a predetermined number of points based on the received selection information. This process (determination process) can be realized by the determination unit 38 described above. In FIG. 16, when the received selection information corresponds to the combination of privileges notified in step S1504, the management server computer may determine that the total points of the selected privileges are equal to or less than a predetermined number of points. If it is determined that the total points of the selected privileges are not equal to or less than a predetermined number of points, the management server computer may transmit a request to reselect to terminal device 20.

[0149] In step S1510, based on the determination result in step S1509 being affirmative (that is, it is determined that the total points of the selected privileges are equal to or less than a predetermined number of points), the management server computer transmits a privilege release request to the corresponding server computer based on the selection information related to user U10 in the selection information storage unit 34. This process can be realized by the privilege management unit 40 described above. In FIG. 16, based on the selection information targeting privilege A0, privilege B0, and privilege C0, the management server computer transmits a privilege release request to server computer SA that manages privilege A0 and privilege B0, enabling the use of privilege A0 and privilege B0 based on the user ID related to user U10, and transmits a privilege release request to server computer SC that manages privilege C0, enabling the use of privilege C0 based on the user ID related to user U10.

[0150] In step S1512, one or more corresponding server computers release (make available) the corresponding benefits in response to a benefit release request. This process can be realized by the benefit management unit 40 described above. In FIG. 16, server computer SA enables the use of benefits A0 and B0 based on the user ID related to user U10, and server computer SC enables the use of benefit C0 based on the user ID related to user U10.

[0151] In step S1514, user U10 appropriately uses benefits A0, B0, and C0 on terminal device 20.

[0152] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the premise of another operation example, and is a table diagram showing an example of the relationship between one digital content, the benefits set in the one digital content, and the server computer that manages the one digital content. In FIG. 17, different from the premise shown in FIG. 15, the benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service are limited to the benefits related to a specific one digital content.

[0153] FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of another operation example, and is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the operation flow until a new user U10 who desires a regular purchase service concludes a regular purchase contract and can use the desired benefits under the premise shown in FIG. 17. In FIG. 18, for processes that may be substantially the same as those in FIG. 16, the same step numbers may be assigned and the description may be omitted.

[0154] Different from the example shown in FIG. 16, in the example shown in FIG. 18, in step S1508, selection information for selecting benefits A0 and A1 is transmitted to the management server computer. In this case, in step S1510, the management server computer transmits a benefit release request to server computer SA that manages benefits A0 and A1, enabling the use of benefits A0 and A1 based on the user ID related to user U10, based on the selection information for selecting benefits A0 and A1. This process can be realized by the benefit management unit 40 described above.

[0155] In FIGS. 16 and 18, the case where user U10 newly makes a regular purchase contract has been described. However, the same applies to the case of changing the type of regular purchase contract.

[0156] FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the operation flow until user U10 changes the benefits related to the regular purchase contract and can use a new desired benefit under the premise shown in FIG. 15. In FIG. 19, for processes that may be substantially the same as those in FIG. 16, the same step numbers may be assigned and the description may be omitted.

[0157] In step S1800, user U10 wishes to change the selected benefit (benefit related to the regular purchase contract) and sends a benefit inquiry from the terminal device 20 to the management server computer.

[0158] In step S1802, the management server computer selects (derives) a combination of benefits suitable for user U10 based on the user information related to user U10. This process can be realized by the candidate selection unit 52 described above. In this case, in step S1504, the management server computer notifies the terminal device 20 of the combination of benefits selected in step S1802. In a modification, the management server computer may generate a list of benefits based on the benefit information in the benefit information storage unit 33 and notify the terminal device 20 of the generated list of benefits.

[0159] And in this case, when user U10 changes the benefit related to the regular purchase contract, new selection information is sent to the management server computer in step S1508, and the management server computer executes similar processing based on the new selection information.

[0160] Note that FIG. 19 relates to the operation flow under the premise shown in FIG. 15, and the same also applies to the operation flow under the premise shown in FIG. 17.

[0161] FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the flow of operations at the time of update when the user U10 maintains a regular purchase contract for a period exceeding a predetermined period ΔT1 on the premise shown in FIG. 15. In FIG. 20, for processes that may be substantially the same as those in FIG. 16, the same step numbers may be assigned and the description may be omitted.

[0162] In step S2000, the management server computer determines whether the update time related to the user U10 has arrived. In this embodiment, as described above, since the beginning of the month is the update time, the management server computer determines whether it is the beginning of the month. If the update time has arrived, the process proceeds to step S2002.

[0163] In step S2002, the management server computer performs a billing process based on the regular purchase contract related to the user U10. This process can be realized by the billing unit 35 described above.

[0164] In step S2004, the management server computer associates a predetermined point corresponding to the type of the regular purchase contract related to the user U10 (the same as that at the previous update time unless there is a change) with the user ID related to the user U10. This process can be realized by the point awarding unit 36 described above.

[0165] In step S2006, the management server computer transmits a notification indicating that the regular purchase contract will be maintained for a further predetermined period ΔT1 to the terminal device 20 related to the user U10. In this case, the notification may include information representing the currently selected privilege (i.e., selection information).

[0166] In step S2008, the user U10 displays a notification from the management server computer (a notification indicating that the regular purchase contract will be maintained for a further predetermined period ΔT1) on the display unit 23 of the terminal device 20. In this case, the user U10 may change the privilege related to the regular purchase contract as shown in FIG. 19 if necessary.

[0167] In step S2009, the management server computer determines whether or not the total points of the selected benefits are equal to or less than a predetermined number of points based on the selection information related to user U10 in the selection information storage unit 34. This process (determination process) can be realized by the determination unit 38 described above. In FIG. 20, since there is no change in the selection information related to user U10 due to the update, step S2009 may be omitted.

[0168] Although not described in FIG. 20, before the update time related to user U10 arrives (for example, one week before), the management server computer may send a notification indicating that the update time is approaching to the terminal device 20 related to user U10. In this case, user U10 can easily change the benefits related to the regular purchase contract as shown in FIG. 19 according to the current update timing as needed.

[0169] FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the flow of operations when there is a specific change regarding the benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service.

[0170] In step S2100, the management server computer determines whether or not there is a specific change regarding the benefits that can be provided in the regular purchase service. The specific change is as described above. If there is a specific change, the process proceeds to step S2102.

[0171] In step S2102, the management server computer automatically updates the selection information in the selection information storage unit 34 according to the specific change. This process (automatic update process) can be realized by the selection information update unit 44 described above. In FIG. 21, it is assumed that user U10 has selected the benefits related to the specific change. In this case, the selection information related to user U10 in the selection information storage unit 34 will be automatically updated.

[0172] In step S2104, the management server computer transmits a notification indicating that the selection information has been automatically updated to the terminal device 20 related to user U10. In this case, the notification may include information representing the currently selected privilege (the privilege after automatic update), that is, the selection information.

[0173] In step S2106, user U10 displays a notification from the management server computer (a notification indicating that the selection information has been automatically updated) on the display unit 23 of the terminal device 20. In this case, user U10 may, if necessary, change the privilege related to the regular purchase contract as shown in FIG. 19.

[0174] Although not described in FIG. 21, the management server computer, based on the selection information related to user U10 in the selection information storage unit 34 (the selection information after the automatic update process), transmits a privilege release request that enables utilization based on the user ID related to user U10 to the corresponding server computer at an appropriate timing.

[0175] Also, although not described in FIG. 21, the management server computer may, after the automatic update process, determine whether the total points of the selected privilege are less than or equal to a predetermined point based on the selection information related to user U10 in the selection information storage unit 34 (the selection information after the automatic update process). This process (the determination process) can be realized by the above-described determination unit 38. If the number of points corresponding to the privilege before and after the change does not change in the automatic update process, such a determination process may be omitted.

[0176] As described in detail above for each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope described in the claims. Also, it is possible to combine all or a plurality of the constituent elements of the above-described embodiments.

[0177] For example, in the above-described embodiment, at least a part of the screen (such as a game screen or a selection screen as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13) displayed on the terminal device 20 is web-displayed on the terminal device 20 based on data generated by the server device 10, and at least a part of the screen may be native-displayed by a native application installed in the terminal device 20.

[0178] Regarding the above embodiments, the following additional remarks are disclosed.

[0179] [Supplementary Note 1] A point awarding unit that associates a predetermined point corresponding to the type of the regular purchase contract with user identification information related to a contract user who has entered into a regular purchase contract for each predetermined period related to the regular purchase contract; a point number information storage unit that stores, for each of a plurality of available privileges, point number information representing the number of points associated with the use of the privilege; a selection information acquisition unit that acquires selection information that is selection information associated with the user identification information and represents one or more selected privileges among the plurality of privileges; a determination unit that determines whether the total number of points determined by the selection information acquired by the selection information acquisition unit and the point number information in the point number information storage unit, that is, the total number of points associated with the one or more selected privileges, has a predetermined relationship with the predetermined point associated by the point awarding unit; and a privilege management unit that enables the use of the one or more selected privileges, which is a use based on the user identification information, when the determination unit determines that the predetermined relationship is present.

[0180] [Supplementary Note 2] The device according to Supplementary Note 1, further including a point parameter storage unit that stores parameter information representing point parameters for each type of the regular purchase contract, wherein the point awarding unit refers to the parameter information in the point parameter storage unit and determines the predetermined point based on the point parameters associated with the type of the regular purchase contract by the contract user.

[0181] [Appendix 3] The device according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the number of types of the regular purchase contracts is less than the number of the plurality of privileges.

[0182] [Appendix 4] The device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, further including an information update unit that updates the point number information in the point number information storage unit based on a new privilege added as one of the plurality of privileges or a privilege that becomes unavailable among the plurality of privileges.

[0183] [Appendix 5] The plurality of privileges include a first privilege that becomes unavailable from a certain timing and a second privilege that becomes available in accordance with the timing and is related to the first privilege. The device further includes a selection information storage unit that stores the selection information acquired by the selection information acquisition unit, and a selection information update unit that executes a rewrite to change the selection target from the first privilege to the second privilege for the selection information in the selection information storage unit that targets the first privilege. The device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4.

[0184] [Appendix 6] When the selection information update unit executes the rewrite of the selection information, the device according to Appendix 5 further includes a notification unit that notifies the notification destination associated with the user identification information of the information regarding the rewrite based on the user identification information associated with the rewritten selection information.

[0185] [Appendix 7] The device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, further including a charging unit that makes a predetermined privilege available by charging, wherein the plurality of privileges include privileges different from the predetermined privilege.

[0186] [Appendix 8] The device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the total has a relationship of being less than or equal to the predetermined points as the predetermined relationship.

[0187] [Appendix 9] The apparatus according to Appendix 8, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the contract user or non - contract user of one or more combinations among the combinations of the plurality of privileges, which can be selected within a range where the total does not exceed the predetermined points.

[0188] [Appendix 10] A user information storage unit that stores user information regarding one of the contract user and the non - contract user, and a candidate selection unit that selects one or more combination candidates from among the combinations that can be selected within a range where the total does not exceed the predetermined points based on the user information, wherein the notification unit notifies the one user of the combination candidates selected by the candidate selection unit. The apparatus according to Appendix 9.

[0189] [Appendix 11] The user information includes information representing the preference of the one user or information from which the preference can be derived, and the candidate selection unit selects the one or more combination candidates that match the preference of the one user. The apparatus according to Appendix 10.

[0190] [Appendix 12] The user information includes the log information of the one user, and the candidate selection unit predicts or derives an operation that the one user can perform in the future or an operation to be performed next based on the log information of the one user, and selects the one or more combination candidates that match the predicted or derived operation. The apparatus according to Appendix 10.

[0191] [Appendix 13] The plurality of privileges includes at least any one of privileges in a physical store, privileges related to specific services available on a specific site, and privileges related to digital content. The apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 12.

[0192] [Appendix 14] The plurality of privileges includes one or more privileges set within each content of a plurality of digital contents, or a plurality of privileges set within a specific one digital content. The apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 13.

[0193] [Appendix 15] Predetermined points corresponding to the type of the regular purchase contract are associated with the user identification information of the contract user who has entered into the regular purchase contract for each predetermined period related to the regular purchase contract. For each of the plurality of available privileges, point number information representing the number of points associated with the use of the privilege is stored in a point number information storage unit. Selection information associated with the user identification information, which represents one or more selected privileges among the plurality of privileges, is acquired. It is determined whether the total number of points determined by the acquired selection information and the point number information in the point number information storage unit, that is, the total number of points associated with the one or more selected privileges, has a predetermined relationship with the predetermined points. When it is determined that the predetermined relationship exists, a method executed by a computer, including enabling the use of the one or more selected privileges based on the user identification information, is provided.

[0194] [Appendix 16] Predetermined points corresponding to the type of the regular purchase contract are associated with the user identification information of the contract user who has entered into the regular purchase contract for each predetermined period related to the regular purchase contract. For each of the plurality of available privileges, point number information representing the number of points associated with the use of the privilege is stored in a point number information storage unit. Selection information associated with the user identification information, which represents one or more selected privileges among the plurality of privileges, is acquired. It is determined whether the total number of points determined by the acquired selection information and the point number information in the point number information storage unit, that is, the total number of points associated with the one or more selected privileges, has a predetermined relationship with the predetermined points. When it is determined that the predetermined relationship exists, a process of enabling the use of the one or more selected privileges based on the user identification information is executed by a computer. A program for causing the computer to execute the process is provided.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0195] 1 Service system 3 Network 10 Server device 11 Server communication unit 12 Server memory unit 13 Server control unit 20 Terminal device 21 Terminal communication unit 22 Terminal memory unit 23 Display unit 24 Input unit 25 Terminal control unit 30 User information memory unit 31 Point parameter memory unit 32 Point number information memory unit 33 Privilege information memory unit 34 Selection information memory unit 35 Billing processing unit 36 Point awarding unit 37 Selection information acquisition unit 38 Judgment unit 40 Privilege management unit 42 Information update unit 44 Selection information update unit 46 Notification unit 48 Charging unit 52 Candidate selection unit 54 Notification department 210 Selection screen output unit 212 Selection result generation unit 214 Selection information transmission unit

Claims

1. a point allocating unit that associates a predetermined number of points according to a type of subscription contract with user identification information related to a contract user who has made a subscription contract for each predetermined period related to the subscription contract; a point number information storage unit that stores, for each of a plurality of benefits that can be provided, point number information that indicates a number of points associated with the use of the benefit; a selection information acquiring unit that acquires selection information associated with the user identification information, the selection information representing one or more selected benefits from among the plurality of benefits; The device comprises a carry-over unit that carries over the difference in the number of points to the next specified period if the total number of points associated with the use of one or more benefits represented by the selection information during the specified period is less than the specified points.

2. The device according to claim 1 , further comprising a selection information storage unit that stores the selection information acquired by the selection information acquisition unit.

3. The device described in claim 2, further comprising a privilege management unit that enables use of one or more privileges represented by the selection information based on the user identification information, based on the specified points associated by the point allocation unit for each specified period, information regarding the difference in point number, the point number information in the point number information storage unit, and the selection information stored in the selection information storage unit.

4. a determination unit that determines whether or not a total number of points determined by the selection information acquired by the selection information acquisition unit and the point number information in the point number information storage unit, the total number of points being associated with the one or more selected benefits, has a predetermined relationship with the predetermined point, The device according to claim 3 , wherein the privilege management unit enables use of the one or more selected privileges based on the user identification information when the determination unit determines that the predetermined relationship exists.

5. The device according to claim 1 , further comprising a selection screen output unit that displays remaining benefits of the plurality of benefits on a selection screen for generating the selection information.

6. The device described in claim 5, wherein the selection screen output unit calculates a first sum of the number of points associated with the use of one or more of the benefits based on one or more of the benefits currently selected on the selection screen, and determines the selectable benefits depending on the relationship between the first sum and the specified points.

7. a determination unit that determines whether or not a total number of points determined by the selection information acquired by the selection information acquisition unit and the point number information in the point number information storage unit, the total number of points corresponding to the one or more selected benefits, is equal to or less than the predetermined number of points; The device described in claim 6, wherein the selection screen output unit determines the selectable benefits so that a second sum obtained by adding together the first sum and the number of points associated with the use of the selectable benefit is less than or equal to the specified points.

8. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the contracted user or non-contracted user of one or more combinations that can be selected from among the combinations of the multiple benefits, the total number of points being determined by the selection information and the point number information, and wherein the total number of points associated with the selected one or more benefits does not exceed the specified point number.

9. a user information storage unit that stores user information relating to one of the contracted users and the non-contracted users; a candidate selection unit that selects one or more combination candidates from among combinations that can be selected within a range in which the total does not exceed the predetermined points based on the user information, The device according to claim 8 , wherein the notification unit notifies the one user of the combination candidates selected by the candidate selection unit.

10. The user information includes information that represents a preference of the one user or information from which the preference can be derived, The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the candidate selection unit selects the one or more combination candidates that match a preference of the one user.

11. The user information includes log information of the one user, The device according to claim 9 , wherein the candidate selection unit predicts or derives an operation that the one user may perform in the future or an operation that the one user should perform next based on log information of the one user, and selects the one or more combination candidates that match the predicted or derived operation.

12. The device described in claim 1, further comprising an information update unit that updates the point number information in the point number information storage unit based on a new benefit that is added as one of the plurality of benefits, or a benefit among the plurality of benefits that becomes unavailable.

13. The plurality of benefits include a first benefit that becomes unavailable from a certain timing, and a second benefit that becomes available at the same timing and is related to the first benefit, a selection information storage unit that stores the selection information acquired by the selection information acquisition unit; The device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a selection information update unit that performs rewriting of the selection information in the selection information storage unit, the selection information having the first benefit as a selection target, to change the selection target from the first benefit to the second benefit.

14. The device described in claim 13, further comprising a notification unit that, when the selection information update unit rewrites the selection information, notifies a notification destination associated with the user identification information of information related to the rewrite based on the user identification information associated with the selection information on which the rewrite has been performed.

15. A charging unit is further provided for enabling a predetermined benefit to be used by charging a fee, The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of rewards includes a reward different from the predetermined reward.

16. The device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of offers include at least one of offers at a physical store, offers related to a particular service available at a particular site, and offers related to digital content.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of benefits includes one or more benefits set within each of a plurality of digital contents, or a plurality of benefits set within a particular piece of digital content.

18. a point allocating step of associating a predetermined number of points according to the type of subscription contract with user identification information relating to a contract user who has made a subscription contract for each predetermined period related to the subscription contract; a point number information storage step of storing, for each of a plurality of benefits that can be provided, point number information indicating the number of points associated with the use of the benefit; a selection information acquiring step of acquiring selection information associated with the user identification information, the selection information representing one or more selected benefits from among the plurality of benefits; a carry-over step of carrying over the difference in points to a next specified period when the total number of points associated with the use of one or more benefits represented by the selection information during the specified period is less than the specified points; A computer-implemented method comprising:

19. a point allocation process for associating a predetermined number of points according to the type of subscription contract with user identification information related to a contract user who has made a subscription contract for each predetermined period related to the subscription contract; a point number information storage process for storing, for each of a plurality of benefits that can be provided, point number information indicating the number of points associated with the use of the benefit; a selection information acquisition process for acquiring selection information associated with the user identification information, the selection information representing one or more selected benefits from among the plurality of benefits; A program that causes a computer to execute a carry-over process that carries over the difference in points to the next specified period if the total number of points associated with the use of one or more benefits represented by the selection information during the specified period is less than the specified points.

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