Support system, and information processing apparatus therefor and computer program therefor

Abstract

To provide a support system which can enhance effectiveness of support using contribution of a supporter as original contribution.SOLUTION: At least a part of monetary values invested by a supporter 2 as a unit of support by a user group GU including a plurality of users 3 is used as an original contribution to distribute an exchange value for support activities of the users 3 to the users 3. Meanwhile, in a support system 1 for providing a supporter 2 with privilege relating to return provided by each user 3 as consideration of the contribution, an individual evaluation value obtained by quantizing a value of the return provided by the user 3 is calculated. Based on the individual evaluation value obtained by calculation with respect to the return provided during a predetermined target period, a representative value of the individual evaluation value of the return provided during the target period is calculated as a representative evaluation value. Thus, the calculated representative evaluation value is presented to each user 3 as a reference of the return.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support system and the like for supporting the activities of a user group by utilizing the investment of a supporter.

Background Art

[0002] As a system for setting users such as creators as support targets and supporting the activities of those users, a system has been proposed that intends to assist in activity funds through donation acts such as crowdfunding. For example, for content produced with the participation of multiple creators, a system has been proposed in which the donation money contributed by supporters is distributed according to the distribution ratio designated by the supporters or the creators (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A system has also been proposed in which the creators and the content provided by the creators are evaluated according to a predetermined evaluation criterion, and the sales revenue and donation money of the content are distributed according to the evaluation result (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3). A system has also been proposed that provides users with a service of arranging support foods such as energy drinks and supplements based on the reaction on the network to videos posted by users such as e-sports players (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional systems are premised on collecting funds on a per-creator or per-content basis. For example, in the system of Patent Document 1, donations are distributed among multiple creators, but the unit of donation is ultimately the jointly created content itself. In the system of Patent Document 2 as well, evaluations are made for each creator or for each content, and funds are distributed accordingly. In such systems, for example, there may be a tendency for investment to be concentrated on well-known creators or their content. Therefore, only a limited number of support recipients can enjoy the benefits of using the system, and there is a risk that the effectiveness of the support cannot be sufficiently enhanced. For example, creators who think they cannot expect donations because of low popularity may not show interest in using the system, or creators may stop using the system because they do not receive sufficient support even when they actually use the system.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a support system or the like capable of enhancing the effectiveness of support using the funds contributed by supporters.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The support system according to one aspect of the present invention includes contribution control means for accounting the amount of the monetary value contributed by a supporter as the amount of the monetary value contributed with a user group including a plurality of users as a unit of support, consideration control means for obtaining a return as a consideration for the contribution of the monetary value from each user in the user group, privilege control means for providing each supporter with a privilege regarding the obtained return, and distribution control means for distributing an exchange value for supporting the activities of each user in the user group to the user with at least a part of the amount of the monetary value accounted as a principal. The consideration control means includes individual evaluation means for calculating an individual evaluation value quantifying the value of the return provided by each user, representative evaluation means for calculating, based on the individual evaluation value calculated for the return provided in a predetermined target period, a value representing the individual evaluation value of the return provided in the target period as a representative evaluation value, and guideline presentation means for presenting the calculated representative evaluation value to each user in the user group as a guideline for the return.

[0007] An information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus applied to a support system that distributes an exchange value for supporting the activities of each user in a user group including a plurality of users to the user while using at least a part of the monetary value contributed by a supporter with the user group as a unit of support, and provides each supporter with a privilege regarding a return provided by each user in the user group as a consideration for the contribution of the monetary value. The information processing apparatus includes individual evaluation means for calculating an individual evaluation value quantifying the value of the return provided by each user, representative evaluation means for calculating, based on the individual evaluation value calculated for the return provided in a predetermined target period, a value representing the individual evaluation value of the return provided in the target period as a representative evaluation value, and guideline presentation means for presenting the calculated representative evaluation value to each user in the user group as a guideline for the return.

[0008] A computer program according to an aspect of the present invention is a computer program applied to a support system that distributes an exchange value for supporting the activities of each user in a user group to the user, using at least a part of the monetary value funded by a supporter with the user group including a plurality of users as a funding source, and provides a privilege regarding the return provided from each user in the user group to each supporter as a consideration for the funding of the monetary value. The computer causes a computer included in the support system to function as individual evaluation means for calculating an individual evaluation value obtained by quantifying the value of the return provided by each user, representative evaluation means for calculating, as a representative evaluation value, a value representing the individual evaluation value of the return provided during a predetermined target period based on the individual evaluation value calculated regarding the return provided during the target period, and guideline presentation means for presenting the calculated representative evaluation value to each user in the user group as a guideline for the return.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, a support system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the mechanism of the support system 1 according to this embodiment. The support system 1 includes an EC system 10 and a content management system 20. The EC system 10 is in charge of predetermined processes associated with each of a plurality of supporters 2 and a predetermined process associated with the user 3. The supporter 2 is a person who contributes the capital for support, and the user 3 is a person who is the object of support by the support system 1. The capital contribution is an example of the monetary value that is the source of support. The capital contribution is, for example, contributed by cash currency. In that case, the amount of the capital contribution corresponds to the value amount of the monetary value. However, the monetary value may be contributed via various media having alternative currencies or other various monetary values. The contribution by the supporter 2 is made in units of a user group GU including a plurality of users 3. That is, the contribution is not made for a specific user 3 within the user group GU as the object of support, but for the entire user group GU as the object of support. It is not possible to specify a specific user 3 within the user group GU as the object of support and make a contribution. Specific examples of the supporter 2 and the user 3 will be described later.

[0011] As processing associated with the supporter 2, the EC system 10 is responsible for, for example, a process (A1) of receiving capital contributions from the supporter 2, a process (A2) of settling the contributed funds in cooperation with the settlement system 30, and a process (A3) of providing benefits as consideration for the capital contributions to the supporter 2. The capital contributions by the supporter 2 may be made on the condition that membership registration with the EC system 10 is an essential requirement. In this case, the contributed funds paid by the supporter 2 may be collected, for example, as membership fees. Multiple ranks, classes, etc. with different amounts may be set for the membership fees. As the settlement system 30, an appropriate system such as a system of a financial institution, a system of a credit company, etc. may be used as long as it is possible to settle the contributed funds from the supporter 2.

[0012] As processing associated with the user 3, the EC system 10 is responsible for, for example, a process (B1) of granting points to the user 3, a process (B2) of receiving an order for a product or service (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a product, etc.) from the user 3 in exchange for the consumption of points, a process (B3) of placing an order for the product, etc. ordered by the user 3 with the logistics system 40 and paying the price of the product, etc. The points granted to the user 3 are an example of an exchange value for supporting the activities of the user 3. More specifically, the points are an example of an exchange value having a value that can be exchanged for a product or service contributing to the support of the activities of the user 3. The logistics system 40 may appropriately include systems of manufacturers, service providers, suppliers, vendors, etc. that provide products, etc., and systems of logistics companies responsible for the delivery of products. The product, etc. ordered from the EC system 10 is delivered to the user 3 via the logistics system 40 (B4). Delivery is not limited to the physical delivery of products, but is a concept including, for example, the provision of products as electronic information and the provision of services. The products or services contributing to the support of the activities of the user 3 may be appropriately selected. As an example, products such as foods, beverages, supplements, etc. that support the health of the user 3, the right to use services that enhance or manage the health of the user 3, coupons that enable the use of that type of service, etc. may be provided as products, etc. These products, etc. are products, etc. suitable for supporting the activities of the user 3 from the aspect of maintaining or improving the health condition.

[0013] Content management system 20 executes a process (C1) of requesting the provision of returns to user 3, a process (C2) of receiving the delivery of returns from user 3, and a process (C3) of providing the delivered returns to EC system 10. Also, content management system 20 is in charge of a process (C4) of determining the points to be given to user 3 in cooperation with EC system 10. The return here is an article or information provided by user 3 as consideration for the support by support system 1. The return may include either tangible or intangible items. The benefits provided from EC system 10 to supporter 2 are associated with the returns provided by user 3.

[0014] As part of the process (C1) of requesting the provision of returns, content management system 20 evaluates the value of the returns provided by each user 3, and based on the evaluation results, presents a guideline regarding the value of the returns to be provided to each user 3. Also, the points to be given to each user 3 are determined based on the total value (total amount) of the contributions during a predetermined aggregation period and the actual results of the provision of returns from user 3 during the target period corresponding to the aggregation period. Those processes will be described later.

[0015] User group GU can be set as a set of users 3 having a predetermined commonality. As an example, user 3 can be set as a producer of works such as videos, animations, images, music, articles, etc. that can be distributed as digital content (for example, a person called a creator), and the set of those users 3 can be set as user group GU. In this case, various activities related to the production of the works correspond to an example of the activities of user 3. Also, the digital content produced by user 3 corresponds to an example of a return. Hereinafter, the description will continue assuming that digital content is provided as a return. User 3 may be a natural person or a corporate or other group organization. Regardless of whether it is a natural person or a group organization such as a corporation, one user 3 means one provider of a creative work.

[0016] On one hand, the supporter 2 is a person who supports the activities of user 3 in user group GU by contributing financial value. The supporter 2 may also be a natural person like user 3, or a legal entity or other group organization. Regardless of whether it is a natural person or a group organization such as a legal entity, one supporter 2 means one source of contribution. The benefits provided to the supporter 2 are associated with the returns provided by user 3. When digital content is provided as a return, the benefits to the supporter 2 may be given as rights such as the right to use and view the digital content. Alternatively, physical goods associated with the digital content, special images of characters, etc. may be provided as benefits. The benefits provided to the supporter 2 may be differentiated in association with the contribution amount of the supporter 2. For example, the higher the contribution amount of the supporter 2, the more the period and scope of using the digital content as a return may be expanded so that the benefits are differentiated.

[0017] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, an overview of the process of calculating the guideline for returns presented to user 3 and the number of points given to user 3 will be described. In the support system 1, the value of the return provided by user 3 is quantified as a return weight. The return weight is an example of an individual evaluation value that quantifies the value of the return. In FIG. 2, the return weight is denoted as RW. It may be denoted as RW in the same way in other figures. FIG. 2 shows an example of calculating the guideline return weight and the number of points given on a monthly basis. As the return performance of the previous month, an example is shown where n users provided returns within the previous month, such as user a provided digital contents (abbreviated as contents in each figure) X1, X2, user b provided digital content X3, user c provided digital content X4, and user n provided digital contents Xp, Xq. The magnitude of the return weight of the digital content is illustrated by the length in the left-right direction of each digital content.

[0018] The return weight of each digital content is calculated based on the attributes of the producers involved in the production of the digital content and the production stage of the digital content. As an example, as shown in FIG. 3, an evaluation matrix is set according to the position of the producer and the status of the digital content. The position of the producer is a concept that classifies the producer by the level of their position or title, and corresponds to an example of the attributes of the producer. In the example of FIG. 3, the position of the producer is divided into three levels: P1 to P3. For example, position P1 is a staff member, position P2 is a key staff member, and position P3 is a manager. The position of the producer is divided according to the level of the position or title.

[0019] On the other hand, the status of the digital content is a concept that classifies the digital content according to its production stage. In the example of FIG. 3, the status is divided into three levels: ST1 to ST3. For example, status ST1 is a rough draft, or digital content in a suspended or reserved stage, status ST2 is digital content in the production process, and status ST3 is digital content in the completed stage. The status is divided according to the stage of the digital content until it is completed.

[0020] A basic point of the return weight is assigned to each area on the evaluation matrix. The higher the position or the higher the status, the higher the basic point assigned. In the example of FIG. 3, the smallest basic point "1" is assigned to the digital content with position P1 and status ST1, and the largest basic point "3" is assigned to the digital content with position P3 and status ST3. For other areas, the basic points are assigned between "1.2" and "2.5" so that the higher the position and status, the larger the basic point. Note that each of the position and status does not necessarily have to be divided into three levels. A two-level or four-level or more division may be set.

[0021] When calculating the return weight of digital content, first, the base points of the digital content are determined according to the evaluation matrix in FIG. 3. Further, the return weight of the digital content is determined by correcting the base points using attribute information other than the position and status such as the quantity of the digital content and the resolution of the image. The above calculation method is an example, and the return weight may be calculated by an appropriate method as long as it can quantitatively represent the magnitude of the value of the return. The return weight may be calculated so that the higher the return weight of the digital content is expected to have a higher inducement effect for calling the contribution of the supporter. When calculating the return weight as described above, the value of the digital content can be evaluated dichotomously according to the attributes of the producer and the production stage. Such an evaluation approximates the way of grasping the value of the digital content as seen from a supporter who wishes to view the digital content. Therefore, it is possible to ensure a correlation that the higher the return weight as an individual evaluation value, the higher the value for the supporter, and it is expected to increase the contribution scale through the increase in the return weight.

[0022] Returning to FIG. 2, the explanation will be continued. The return weights calculated for individual digital contents are aggregated over a predetermined target period. As an example, with one month as the target period, the return weights of all digital contents provided within the previous month are aggregated as the total return weight of the previous month. In the example of FIG. 2, if the return weights of digital contents X1, X2... Xq are RW1, RW2... RWq respectively, their sum is aggregated as the total return weight of the previous month. Next, the average return weight of the previous month is calculated by dividing the total return weight of the previous month by the number of users who provided the return. Further, the calculated average return weight is presented to the user as a reference return weight for the current month (that is, the next target period). The presentation of the reference return weight may be performed simultaneously with the return request C1 in FIG. 1, or at other times.

[0023] The above-mentioned average return weight is the average value of the return weight per user who provided returns during the target period, and is an example of a value representing the individual evaluation values of the returns provided during the target period. Instead of the average return weight, various values that can statistically represent the return weight, such as the median value or the mode value of the return weight for the returns provided during the target period, may be obtained as representative evaluation values.

[0024] The total return weight for the previous month is also used in the calculation of the granted points. In the calculation of the granted points, the total amount of the invested funds recorded during a predetermined aggregation period is obtained as the total sales amount. The aggregation period is also set to one month as an example. Also, the aggregation period is associated with the target period for calculating the total return weight. In the example of FIG. 2, the total sales amount for the previous month and the total return weight for the previous month are used in the calculation of the granted points. Therefore, the aggregation period and the target period match. However, it is only necessary that the target period and the aggregation period are set so as to have a corresponding relationship, and it is not always necessary for both periods to be set to the same period. For example, considering the time lag until the return contributes to the increase in the investment amount, a time difference may be generated between the two periods, such as setting the aggregation period of the total sales amount to be somewhat later than the target period for calculating the total return weight and the like.

[0025] In the calculation of the number of granted points, at least a part of the total sales amount for the previous month is used as the support capital, and the return weight rate is calculated by dividing the support capital by the total return weight for the previous month. The support capital may be the same value as the total sales amount for the previous month, or may be the amount obtained by deducting various expenses required for the operation of the support system 1 from the total sales amount, such as the fees for the settlement system 30 and the expenses required for the operation of the EC system 10 and the content management system 20.

[0026] Furthermore, the number of points to be awarded is calculated by multiplying the average return weight for the previous month by the return weight rate. The average return weight is the value obtained by dividing the total return weight by the number of users who provided the return, and the return weight rate is the value obtained by dividing the support capital by the total return weight. Therefore, the points to be awarded are, in short, the same value as the value obtained by dividing the support capital for the previous month by the number of users who provided the return. That is, the points correspond to the amount obtained by dividing the support capital for the previous month by the number of users who provided the return in the previous month. The calculated number of points to be awarded corresponds to an example of a standard distribution amount, which is a standard value of the value amount of the exchange value to be distributed to each user. By distributing the calculated number of points to be awarded only to the users who provided the return in the previous month, the exchange value obtained by converting the support capital, which is at least a part of the investment funds contributed by the supporters in the previous month, into points at a 1:1 ratio can be evenly distributed to the users who provided the return.

[0027] According to the above mechanism, the target supported by the supporter is not an individual user 3 or an individual return, but a user group GU including a plurality of users 3. Therefore, there is no risk of capital investment being biased towards a specific user 3 or their content. On the other hand, the points given to the users 3 are distributed to each user with at least a part of the investment funds invested in the entire user group GU as the original capital. Therefore, if the total sales amount or the support original capital can be increased, each user can obtain more points. In order to increase the total sales amount, etc., it is effective to increase the amount of digital content as a return or to improve the quality of digital content so that the supporter 2 can be motivated to invest. In other words, it is effective to enhance the attractiveness of digital content so as to obtain a larger return weight. As a guideline for promoting the production of such digital content, the average return weight for the previous month is presented to each user as a reference return weight. Therefore, each user can be motivated to provide digital content of higher value as a return with the reference return weight as a guideline. These effects combined can enhance the effectiveness of the support with the investment from the supporter 2 as the original capital. Furthermore, since points are equally given to each user 3, there is no bias in point assignment among the users 3. Therefore, by working to increase the value of the return and the amount of point distribution for each user, a sense of mutual assistance can be generated in the entire user group GU.

[0028] In the above example, the number of granted points calculated as the standard allocation amount was equally distributed to the users who provided a return. However, a predetermined correction may be applied to the standard allocation amount so that the distribution amount of points among the users may be differentiated. For example, the average value of the return weights for each user may be calculated, and differentiation may be applied such that more points are distributed to users with a higher average value than to those with a lower average value. Alternatively, the points may be differentiated according to the number of returns provided for each user. Even when such differentiation is applied, it is possible to encourage the supporters 2 to contribute to the entire user group GU by providing digital content with a relatively high return weight. In addition, it is possible to give the entire user group GU an incentive to increase the value of the return and increase the granted points, thereby generating a sense of mutual assistance. Therefore, compared with the case of soliciting contributions on a per-user or per-content basis, it is possible to support more users 3 and enhance the effectiveness of the support. By appropriately restricting the range of differentiation of the number of points, it is also possible to prevent a significant bias from occurring in the number of granted points according to the provision results of the return.

[0029] In the above example, points, which are an example of an exchange value, were granted to the users, and it was possible for the users to acquire goods or services that contribute to the support of the activity in exchange for the consumption of the points. However, it is not always necessary for the exchange value to be granted to the users as an intangible thing such as points. For example, the goods or services themselves that can be used by the users for the support of the activity may be granted to the users as an exchange value. Even in that case, it is possible to specify the value amount of the exchange value using an index such as the price of the goods or services. Alternatively, the monetary value itself, such as cash currency, may be calculated as the exchange value to be distributed to the users according to the above-described point calculation procedure.

[0030] In the above example, the total return weight for the previous month was used as the metric value indicating the performance of return provision in the previous month. Instead of this, or in addition to this, the total number of returns, etc. may be used as the metric value indicating the performance of return provision. Also, it is not necessarily required that the performance of return provision be uniquely determined for all users or for all users who provided returns. For example, the performance of returns may be evaluated separately for each user, and based on the evaluation results for each user, the number of points given to each user may be calculated independently for each user.

[0031] Furthermore, the exchange of points for goods or services may be realized at an appropriate rate and procedure. The user may register in advance the desired goods or services, and instead of the granting of points, the registered goods or services may be automatically ordered and provided to the user.

[0032] Next, an example of the system configuration for realizing the mechanism of the above-described support system 1 will be described. FIG. 4 shows an example of the overall configuration of the support system 1. As described above, the support system 1 includes the EC system 10 and the content management system 20 as core systems, and is configured to use the payment system 30 and the logistics system 40 as systems for external cooperation. Each of the EC system 10 and the content management system 20 includes servers 11 and 21. Each system 10, 20 may further include a terminal device as a client for the servers 11, 21. Each server 11, 21 may be configured by a single physical server device, or may be configured as a cloud server combining a plurality of computer devices.

[0033] Each of the EC system 10 and the content management system 20 is communicably connected to each other via the network NT. The EC system 10 and the content management system 20 are also connected to the payment system 30 and the logistics system 40 via the network NT. The payment system 30 and the logistics system 40 also include servers 31 and 41, and may further include terminal devices as clients for the servers 31 and 41. Each of the servers 31 and 41 may be configured by a single physical server device, or may be configured as a cloud server combining a plurality of computer devices. Note that the connection between the systems 10 to 40 does not necessarily have to be in a form in which their servers are communicably connected to each other via the network NT. The terminal devices included in the systems 10 to 40 may be connected to the servers of other systems via the network NT.

[0034] The server 11 of the EC system 10 can be connected to the terminal device 50 of the supporter and the terminal device 60 of the user via the network NT. Also, the server 21 of the content management system 20 can be connected to the terminal device 60 of the user via the network NT. Each of the terminal devices 50 and 60 may be, for example, various information communication terminal devices such as PCs (abbreviation for personal computers, the same applies hereinafter) 51 and 61, smartphones 52 and 62, tablet terminals 53 and 63.

[0035] FIG. 5 shows an example of the logical configuration of the servers 11 and 21 of the EC system 10 and the content management system 20, respectively. In the server 11 of the EC system 10, as logical devices realized by the cooperation of computer hardware and a computer program PG1 as software, a sales management unit 12, a supporter management unit 13, a user management unit 14, and an order processing unit 15 are provided. Further, the server 11 can access the sales-related database DB11, the supporter-related database DB12, and the user-related database DB13. Access to each of the databases DB11 to DB13 may be performed via a database server communicably connected to the server 11.

[0036] The sales management department 12 manages the sales in the support system 1 in cooperation with the settlement system 30 by executing processes such as recording the investment funds provided by the supporter as the sales of the support system 1 in the sales-related database DB11. The supporter management department 13 executes various processes necessary for the management of the supporter. For example, the supporter management department 13 manages the supporter by recording, in the supporter-related database DB12, the supporter's membership information, investment history, viewing permissions regarding returns, etc. in association with the supporter's identification information. The user management department 14 executes various processes necessary for the management of the user. For example, the user management department 14 records, in the user-related database DB13, the user's membership information, history of point awarding to the user, number of points held by the user, order history of products, etc. from the user, etc. in association with the user's identification information, adds the user's points according to the awarding of points, or subtracts (consumes) the user's points according to the order of products, etc., and manages the user by executing such processes. The order processing department 15 executes various processes necessary for arranging products, such as placing an order for products with the logistics system 40 and payment, as order processing in response to an order for products, etc. from the user.

[0037] On the server 21 of the content management system 20, a return weight management department 22 and a content management department 23 are provided as logical devices realized by the cooperation of computer hardware and a computer program PG2 as software. Further, the server 21 can access the return weight-related database DB21 and the content database DB22. Access to each of the databases DB21 and DB22 may be performed via a database server communicably connected to the server 21.

[0038] The return weight management unit 22 is responsible for calculating various values related to the return weight shown in FIG. 2, namely, the return weight for each return, the total return weight, the average return weight, the return weight rate, and the number of points to be given to the user, and recording the calculation results in the return weight-related database DB21. Further, the return weight management unit 22 is also responsible for presenting the standard return weight to the user. The content management unit 23 requests the provision of a return to the user, records the provided return in the content database DB22, and is responsible for reading and providing digital content as a return from the content database DB22 in response to a request from the EC system 10.

[0039] Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 12, an example of various processing procedures executed by the support system 1 to realize user support will be described. FIG. 6 shows an example of the procedure of sales recording processing executed by the server 11 of the EC system 10 to record the contribution from the supporter as the sales of the support system 1. When the supporter pays the contribution amount through the settlement system 30, the payment is notified from the settlement system 30 to the EC system 10, and the server 11 executes the processing of FIG. 6 using the notification as a trigger. When the sales recording processing is started, first, the sales management unit 12 of the server 11 acquires contribution information describing the contribution details of the supporter from the settlement system 30 (step S101), and records the contribution amount corresponding to the obtained contribution information as the sales amount of the support system 1 in the sales-related database DB11 (step S102). In this case, information such as the date and time of payment may be recorded in the sales-related database DB11 as information necessary for determining the total sales amount. When the sales are recorded, the processing is taken over by the supporter management unit 13. The supporter management unit 13 appropriately updates the information of the supporter recorded in the supporter-related database DB12 according to the current contribution details (step S103). For example, the supporter management unit 13 updates the contribution history of the supporter recorded in the supporter-related database DB12, or updates the authority regarding the use of digital content as a return according to the current payment, thereby updating the supporter information corresponding to the contribution information. When the processing of step S103 is completed, the processing of FIG. 6 ends.

[0040] FIG. 7 shows an example of the procedure of privilege processing executed by the server 11 of the EC system 10 in order to provide a privilege such as viewing of a return provided by a user to a supporter. When the supporter requests viewing of digital content via the supporter terminal device 50, the server 11 executes the processing of FIG. 7 using the request as a trigger. When the privilege processing is started, first, the supporter management unit 13 of the server 11 determines the content of the request from the supporter (step S111), and confirms from the information in the supporter-related database DB12 that the supporter has the privilege corresponding to the request (step S112). If the supporter does not have the privilege, the request from the supporter may be canceled. If the supporter has the privilege, the supporter management unit 13 acquires the digital content requested by the supporter from the content management system 20 and provides it as digital content for viewing by the supporter, thereby providing a privilege to the supporter (step S113). The provision may be in a so-called streaming method or a download method. When the processing of step S113 is completed, the processing of FIG. 7 ends.

[0041] FIG. 8 shows an example of the procedure of return weight calculation processing executed by the server 21 of the content management system 20 in order to calculate the return weight of digital content provided by a user. When digital content is provided as a return from the user, the server 21 starts the processing of FIG. 8 in response to the provision. Note that the provision of digital content may be provided online, for example, by accessing the server 21 from the user terminal device 60, or may be provided offline by storing it in a storage medium. When the digital content is provided online, the processing of FIG. 8 may be started using the transmission of the digital content from the user terminal device 60 as a trigger. On the other hand, when the digital content is provided offline, the processing of FIG. 8 may be started using the operator of the terminal device of the content management system 20 transmitting the digital content to the server 21 via the terminal device as a trigger. Note that the processing of FIG. 8 is performed for each individual content.

[0042] When the return weight calculation process of FIG. 8 is started, first, the content management unit 23 of the server 21 acquires the provided digital content and stores it in the content database DB22 (step S121). In this case, content identification information for identifying the digital content, identification information of the user who provided the digital content, the producer of the digital content, the production date and time, the provided date and time, the genre, the outline, and other incidental information may be recorded in the content database DB22 in association with the digital content. When the digital content as a return is acquired, the process is taken over by the return weight management unit 22. The return weight management unit 22 sequentially determines the position and status of the producer of the provided digital content (steps S122, S123), and determines the return weight based on the determination result (step S124). The determination of the return weight is performed by a procedure of determining a base point according to an evaluation matrix and correcting the obtained base point based on correction information such as quantity, as described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. When the return weight is determined, the return weight management unit 22 stores the processing result of step S124 in the return weight related database DB21 (step S125). In this case, the content identification information and the return weight may be recorded in association with each other so that it can be determined which digital content the calculated return weight is for. When the processing of step S125 is completed, the processing of FIG. 8 ends. In addition, in the processing of steps S122 to S124, the instruction of the operator of the terminal device of the content management system 20 may be referred to as appropriate. For example, at least a part of the information necessary for determining the position and status may be provided from the operator to the server 21.

[0043] FIG. 9 shows an example of the procedure of the reference return weight setting process executed by the server 21 of the content management system 20 to present the reference return weight to the user. The process of FIG. 9 is executed at an appropriate timing after the lapse of the target period for calculating the average return weight and the like. If the target period is set to one month, the process of FIG. 9 is executed periodically as a monthly process at the timing after the lapse of the target period. When the reference return weight setting process of FIG. 9 is started, first, the return weight management unit 22 of the server 21 acquires from the return weight related database DB21 the return weights calculated for all the digital contents provided within the previous target period, that is, the target period immediately before the execution of the process of FIG. 9, and calculates the total return weight obtained by summing up those return weights (step S131). Next, the return weight management unit 22 calculates the average return weight by dividing the total return weight calculated in step S131 by the number of users who received returns within the target period (step S132). The number of users may be specified by discriminating the digital contents provided within the target period and the users as their providers from the incidental information of the digital contents recorded in the content database DB22.

[0044] Next, the return weight management unit 22 stores the calculation results of steps S131 and S132 in the return weight related database DB21 (step S123). In this case, the calculation results are stored in association with information identifying the target period so that it is possible to identify which target period the calculation results are for. Subsequently, the return weight management unit 22 presents the average return weight calculated in step S132 to the user as the target return weight for the next target period (step S134). The presentation may be realized by a so-called push-type information transmission means using an e-mail or the like. Alternatively, it may be realized by a so-called pull-type information transmission means by disclosing the target return weight on a web page or the like accessible from the user terminal device 60. In addition to the presentation in step S134, a request for providing a return (C1 in FIG. 1) may be made to each user. However, it is not always necessary that the request for providing a return and the presentation of the target return weight be executed simultaneously. While the presentation of the target return weight is periodically executed for each target period, the request for providing a return does not need to be made for each target period and may be made at an appropriate timing. When the process of step S134 is completed, the process of FIG. 9 ends.

[0045] FIG. 10 shows an example of each procedure of the return weight setting process executed by the server 21 of the content management system 20 and the sales aggregation process and the point awarding process executed by the server 11 of the EC system 10 in order to award points to the user based on the total sales amount and the return provision record. Each process in FIG. 10 is executed at an appropriate timing after the target period in FIG. 9 has elapsed and the aggregation period of the total sales amount corresponding to the target period has elapsed. If the target period and the aggregation period are set to one month, the process in FIG. 10 is executed periodically as a monthly process at the timing after the target period and the corresponding aggregation period have elapsed.

[0046] First, when the aggregation period elapses, the sales management section 12 of the server 11 of the EC system 10 acquires the sales records recorded during the aggregation period from the sales-related database DB11, aggregates those sales, and calculates the total sales amount for the aggregation period (step S141). Next, the sales management section 12 calculates the support capital from the calculated total sales amount (step S142). The total sales amount may be calculated as the support capital as it is, or the amount obtained by deducting various expenses from the total sales amount may be calculated as the support capital. When the processing of step S142 is completed, the sales aggregation process in FIG. 10 ends. The calculated amount of support capital is provided to the server 21 of the content management system 20 by a predetermined method. The amount of support capital may be transmitted online from the server 11 to the server 21, or the amount of support capital may be transmitted from the terminal device of the EC system 10 to the server 21. Alternatively, the amount of support capital may be provided to the content management system 20 offline, and the amount of support capital may be transmitted from the terminal device of the content management system 20 to the server 21.

[0047] When the amount of support funds is provided, the server 21 of the content management system 20 starts the return weight rate setting process of FIG. 10. In this process, first, the return weight management unit 22 acquires the amount of support funds (step S151). Next, the return weight management unit 22 divides the amount of support funds acquired in step S151 by the total return weight calculated in step S131 of FIG. 9 to calculate the return weight rate in the previous target period (step S152). Then, the return weight management unit 22 multiplies the average return weight calculated in step S132 of FIG. 9 by the return weight rate calculated in step S152 of FIG. 10 to calculate the number of points given per user as the standard allocation amount (step S153). Next, the return weight management unit 22 stores the calculation results of steps S152 and S153 this time in the return weight related database DB21 (step S154). Further, the return weight management unit 22 generates point giving information so as to include the number of points given calculated in step S153 and the identification information of the user who is the target of giving for providing digital content in the current target period, and outputs this to a predetermined output destination (step S155). When the process of step S155 is completed, the return weight management unit 22 ends the current return weight rate calculation process.

[0048] The output destination of the number of points to be awarded can be set as appropriate as long as it can provide the point awarding information to the server 11 of the EC system 10. For example, when the servers 11 and 21 are connected, the server 11 can be set as the output destination. When the servers 11 and 21 are not connected, for example, the terminal device of the content management system 20 may be set as the output destination. In that case, the terminal device of the content management system 20 may access the server 11 to provide the point awarding information to the EC system 10. Alternatively, the point awarding information may be sent by e-mail from the terminal device of the content management system 20 to the terminal device of the EC system 10. The terminal device of the content management system 20 may output the point awarding information to a recording medium, provide the recording medium to the operator of the EC system 10, and the point awarding information may be sent from the terminal device of the EC system 10 to the server 11.

[0049] When the server 11 of the EC system 10 acquires the point awarding information, it starts the point awarding process in FIG. 10, and updates the point number for each user in the user-related database DB13 so that the point number of the user specified as the awarding target in the acquired point awarding information increases by the point number specified in the point awarding information (step S161). Thereby, points corresponding to the sales results in the previous aggregation period and the provision results of returns in the previous target period are awarded to the user to whom the award is targeted.

[0050] FIG. 11 shows an example of the procedure of an order processing executed by the server 11 of the EC system 10 in order to provide a user with goods or the like in exchange for the consumption of points. When the user requests the server 11 to provide goods or the like using the terminal device 50, the order processing unit 15 of the server 11 starts the order processing shown in FIG. 11. In this process, the order processing unit 15 first receives an order from the user and discriminates its content (step S171). In this process, for example, the type, quantity, etc. of goods or the like requested by the user are discriminated, and further, the number of points to be consumed in exchange for the goods or the like is also discriminated. The number of points to be consumed may be the same as the price required when purchasing goods or the like, or may be a value obtained by multiplying a certain exchange ratio by the price of the goods or the like.

[0051] Next, the order processing unit 15 accesses the user-related database DB13 and consumes points by reducing the number of points of the user who requested goods or the like by the number of points discriminated in step S171 (step S172). If the points are insufficient, the type, quantity, etc. of goods or the like may be requested from the user, or the process may be terminated once as an error. After the consumption of points, the order processing unit 15 arranges goods or the like for the logistics system 40 according to the order content from the user (step S173). In addition, a settlement process for paying the price of goods or the like to the logistics system 40 may be executed. When the arrangement in step S163 is completed, the order processing unit 15 ends the order processing shown in FIG. 11.

[0052] In the above-described form, the sales management unit 12 of the server 11 in the EC system 10 functions as an example of the capital contribution control means by executing the process of step S102 in FIG. 6. The return weight management unit 22 and the content management unit 23 of the server 21 in the content management system 20 function as an example of the consideration control means by executing the processes of steps S121 to S125 in FIG. 8 and the processes of steps S131 to S134 in FIG. 9. The supporter management unit 13 of the server 11 functions as an example of the privilege control means by executing the processes of steps S111 to S113 in FIG. 7. The user management unit 14 of the server 11 and the return weight management unit 22 of the server 21 function as an example of the distribution control means by executing the processes of steps S141, S142, S151 to S155, and S161 in FIG. 10 in cooperation. Further, the return weight management unit 22 of the server 21 functions as an example of the individual evaluation means by executing the processes of steps S122 to S125 in FIG. 8, functions as an example of the representative evaluation means by executing the processes of steps S131 to S133 in FIG. 9, and functions as an example of the standard presentation means by executing the process of step S134 in FIG. 9. Furthermore, the return weight management unit 22 of the server 21 functions as an example of the standard distribution amount calculation means by executing the processes of steps S151 to S153 in FIG. 10, and the supporter management unit 13 of the server 11 functions as an example of the distribution execution means by executing the process of step S161 in FIG. 10. Also, the server 21 in the content management system 20 functions as an example of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention by executing the processes of steps S121 to S125 in FIG. 8 and the processes of steps S131 to S134 in FIG. 9, and the computer program PG2 installed on the server 21 corresponds to an example of the computer program according to the present invention.

[0053] The present invention is not limited to the above-described forms and may be implemented in appropriately modified or changed forms. For example, in the above form, in step S132 of FIG. 9, the average return weight is calculated, and in step S152 of FIG. 10, the return weight rate is calculated in order to calculate the number of points to be given, and the average return weight and the return weight rate are multiplied in step S153 of the same figure. However, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the number of points to be given is the same value as the value obtained by dividing the support funds by the number of users who provided a return. Therefore, instead of the processes of steps S152 and S153 in FIG. 10, the support funds obtained in step S151 may be divided by the number of users determined in the process of step S132 in FIG. 9 to calculate the number of points to be given. Alternatively, the average return weight calculated in step S132 of FIG. 9 and the return weight rate calculated in step S152 may be provided as point-giving information to the server 11 of the EC system 10, and the server 11 may calculate the number of points to be given, for example, by the supporter management unit 13. Alternatively, the number of users who provided a return may be provided as point-giving information from the content management system 20 to the server 11 of the EC system 10, and the server 11 may calculate the number of points to be given by dividing the support funds by the number of users, for example, by the supporter management unit 13. In that case, the content management system 20 does not need to know the amount of the support funds, and step S151 in FIG. 10 may be omitted.

[0054] In the above form, points, which are an example of exchange value, were given to users who provided a return during the target period. However, points or other exchange values may also be given to users who did not provide a return during the target period. For example, a certain basic amount may be given to each user regardless of whether a return is provided, and the amount obtained by subtracting the value amount of the monetary value required for the distribution of the basic amount from the total sales amount may be used as the support funds, and the points calculated by the above procedure may be added to the users who provided a return.

[0055] In the above-described form, the monetary value contributed by the supporter was treated as the monetary value contributed with the entire user group as the unit of support. However, separately from such contribution, it is also possible to accept a contribution that designates a specific user among a part of the user group as the target of additional support. In that case, the contribution control means, separately from the monetary value contributed with the user group as the unit of support, counts the value amount of the additional monetary value contributed by the supporter for the specific user as the value amount of additional support, and the distribution control means may further distribute the exchange value of additional support such as points to the specific user based on the value amount of additional support corresponding to the specific user. An example of the process when adding such an additional support function is shown in FIG. 12.

[0056] In the example of FIG. 12, the sales management unit 12 of the server 11 of the EC system 10 executes an additional support accounting process in response to a request for additional support designating a user from the supporter, and discriminates the user designated by the supporter as the target user (step S201). The target user corresponds to the specific user who is the target of additional support. Subsequently, the sales management unit 12 records the amount of contribution for additional support contributed by the supporter as the amount of contribution for additional support for the target user discriminated in step S201, in association with the identification information of the user, in the sales management database DB11 (step S202). Next, the user management unit 14 of the server 11 totals the amount of contribution for additional support during a predetermined aggregation period (step S203), and calculates the number of additional points to be granted as additional support to the target user based on the totaled contribution amount (step S204). In this case, the entire contribution amount may be used as the source for additional support, or the amount obtained by deducting certain expenses etc. may be used as the source for additional support. The aggregation period may coincide with or be different from the aggregation period applied to the process of FIG. 10. When the number of additional points is calculated, the user management unit 14 adds the number of points calculated in step S204 to the number of points recorded in the user management database DB13 in association with the target user discriminated in step S201 (step S205). When the addition of the number of points is completed, the server 11 ends the additional support process of FIG. 12.

[0057] In the additional support process of FIG. 12, the return performance during the processing period of the target user may be considered in the calculation of the additional points. For example, the return performance may be evaluated, and the additional points may be calculated such that the higher the evaluation, the greater the number of additional points. In that case, the return performance of the target user may be evaluated based on the total value during the processing period of the individual return weight calculated by the return weight management unit 22 of the server 21 for the target user, a representative value such as an average value representing the individual return weight, the number of returns provided by the target user during the processing period, and the like. In addition, when additional support is provided, further benefits corresponding to the amount of contribution of the additional support may be given to the supporter. For example, additional benefits such as adding the browsing period for the returns provided by the specific user targeted for additional support or the returns provided by all users, and providing special items may be given to the supporter.

[0058] When additional support is enabled as described above, in order to call for additional support, it is possible to motivate each user to provide a more valuable return. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the support function targeting the entire user group, it is possible to further improve the value of the return and enhance the effectiveness of the support based on the contribution from the supporter.

[0059] In the above form, the server 21 of the content management system 20 is made to function as an example of the consideration control means of the support system according to the present invention and the information processing apparatus. However, the computer functioning as those means and apparatus does not necessarily have to be a server. It is also possible to realize the consideration control means and the information processing apparatus by combining a single PC or a plurality of PCs.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, the support system is configured to set the goods or services exchangeable with points to those related to health support and support the user's activities from the perspective of health. However, the support system according to the present invention is not limited to the example for the purpose of health support. The support system of the present invention may be applied when supporting the activities of user groups from various viewpoints. The user groups are not limited to one, and a plurality of user groups may be set. In that case, the supporter may be able to select the user groups to be supported. The content of the exchange value may be differentiated among the user groups.

[0061] The following describes various aspects of the present invention derived from each of the above-described embodiments and modified examples. In the following description, corresponding components illustrated in the accompanying drawings are appended in parentheses in order to facilitate the understanding of each aspect of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated forms by this.

[0062] The support system (1) according to one aspect of the present invention includes contribution control means (12, S102) for accounting the value amount of the monetary value contributed by the supporter (2) as the value amount of the monetary value contributed with a user group (GU) including a plurality of users (3) as a unit of support, consideration control means (12, 13, S121 to 125, S131 to S134) for obtaining a return as consideration for the contribution of the monetary value from each user of the user group, privilege control means (13, S111 to S113) for providing each supporter with a privilege regarding the obtained return, and distribution control means (14, 22, S141, S142, S151 to S156, S161) for distributing an exchange value for supporting the activities of each user of the user group to the user with at least a part of the value amount of the accounted monetary value as a principal. The consideration control means includes individual evaluation means (22, S122 to S125) for calculating an individual evaluation value obtained by quantifying the value of the return provided by each user, representative evaluation means (22, S131 to S133) for calculating, based on the individual evaluation value calculated regarding the return provided in a predetermined target period, a value representing the individual evaluation value of the return provided in the target period as a representative evaluation value, and standard presentation means (22, S134) for presenting the calculated representative evaluation value to each user of the user group as a standard for the return.

[0063] According to the above aspect, since the target supported by the supporter is set to a group of users including a plurality of users rather than individual users or individual returns, there is no risk of bias in investment in a specific user or their content. On the other hand, the exchange value given to the user is distributed to each user with at least a part of the monetary value invested for the whole group of users as the original capital. Therefore, if the value amount of the invested monetary value can be increased, each user can obtain more exchange value. To increase the value amount, it is effective to increase the value of the return and enhance the attractiveness of the benefits given to the supporter in association with the return so that the supporter can be motivated to invest. In other words, it is effective to enhance the attractiveness of the return so that a larger individual evaluation value can be obtained. As a guideline for promoting the provision of such a return, a representative evaluation value representing the individual evaluation value of the return provided during the target period is presented to each user as a reference. Therefore, it is possible to give each user the motivation to provide a return with higher value using the representative evaluation value as a guideline. By the synergistic effect of these actions, it is possible to enhance the effectiveness of the support with the investment from the supporter as the original capital.

[0064] An information processing apparatus (21) according to an aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus applied to a support system (1) that distributes an exchange value for supporting the activities of each user in a user group (GU) including a plurality of users (3) to the users, using at least a part of the monetary value invested by a supporter with the user group as a support unit, and provides a privilege regarding a return provided by each user in the user group to each supporter as a consideration for the investment of the monetary value. The information processing apparatus includes: an individual evaluation unit (22, S122 to S125) that calculates an individual evaluation value obtained by quantifying the value of the return provided by each user; a representative evaluation unit (22, S131 to S133) that calculates, based on the individual evaluation values calculated for the return provided during a predetermined target period, a value representing the individual evaluation values of the return provided during the target period as a representative evaluation value; and a standard presentation unit (22, S134) that presents the calculated representative evaluation value to each user in the user group as a standard for the return.

[0065] A computer program (PG2) according to an aspect of the present invention is a computer program applied to a support system (1) that distributes an exchange value for supporting the activities of each user in a user group (GU) including a plurality of users (3) to the users, using at least a part of the monetary value invested by a supporter with the user group as a support unit, and provides a privilege regarding a return provided by each user in the user group to each supporter as a consideration for the investment of the monetary value. The computer program is configured to cause a computer (21) included in the support system to function as an individual evaluation unit (22, S122 to S125) that calculates an individual evaluation value obtained by quantifying the value of the return provided by each user, a representative evaluation unit (22, S131 to S133) that calculates, based on the individual evaluation values calculated for the return provided during a predetermined target period, a value representing the individual evaluation values of the return provided during the target period as a representative evaluation value, and a standard presentation unit (22, S134) that presents the calculated representative evaluation value to each user in the user group as a standard for the return.

[0066] According to the information processing apparatus and computer program according to the above aspect, the consideration control means of the support system according to the above aspect can be realized.

[0067] Note that the computer program according to an aspect of the present invention may be provided in a state stored in a storage medium. By using this storage medium, for example, by installing and executing the computer program according to the present invention on a computer, the system of the present invention can be realized using the computer. The storage medium storing the computer program may be a non-transitory storage medium such as a CDROM.

[0068] In the above aspect, the following matters can be further added. Note that the following various matters may be appropriately combined and applied as long as there is no contradiction among them.

[0069] The distribution control means may include: standard distribution amount calculation means (22, S151 to S154) that calculates, as a standard distribution amount, a standard value of the value amount of the exchange value to be distributed to each user based on the value amount of the monetary value that serves as the source of the support among the value amounts of the monetary value accounted for in the aggregation period corresponding to the target period and the actual results of providing the return in the target period; and distribution execution means (13, S161) that distributes the exchange value to the user based on the calculated standard distribution amount. According to this, by calculating the standard distribution amount as the standard value of the value amount of the exchange value to be distributed to each user and distributing the exchange value based on it, it is possible to work on each user so as to increase the value of the return and increase the standard distribution amount, and generate a sense of mutual assistance among the entire user group GU.

[0070] The standard distribution amount calculation means may calculate the standard distribution amount by dividing the value of the monetary value that serves as the source of the support by the number of users who provided the returns during the target period. This allows the standard distribution amount to be increased or decreased depending on the value of the monetary value that serves as the source of the support and the number of users who provided returns. A relationship is created in which the standard distribution amount increases as the source of funds increases, thereby motivating each user to increase the value of the returns and attract more investment.

[0071] The distribution execution means may distribute the standard distribution amount to users who provided the return during the target period. In this way, by providing a return, users can obtain exchange value of an amount of value based on the standard distribution amount, thereby reliably providing motivation to provide returns.

[0072] The return may include a product that can be distributed as digital content, and the benefit may be set in association with the use of the return. In this way, the activities of users who create digital content can be supported using investments from supporters as a source of funds.

[0073] The individual evaluation means may calculate the individual evaluation value based on the attributes of the creator involved in the production of the return and the production stage of the return. This allows the value of the return to be evaluated in a dual manner according to the attributes of the creator and the production stage, making it possible to bring the evaluation of the individual evaluation value closer to how the supporter perceives the value of the return and further improve the effectiveness of the support.

[0074] The representative evaluation means may calculate the representative evaluation value as an average value of the individual evaluation values of the returns provided during the target period. This makes it possible to appropriately represent the individual evaluation values of the returns during a predetermined period by the representative evaluation value.

[0075] The allocation control means may allocate the exchange value so as to be equal among the users who provided the return during the target period. According to this, it is possible to more surely generate a sense of mutual assistance among the entire user group.

[0076] The investment control means designates a part of the specific users in the user group as the target of additional support, and counts the value amount of the additional monetary value invested by the supporter separately from the monetary value invested with the user group as the unit of support, and sets the value amount of the additional monetary value as the value amount of the additional support. The allocation control means may allocate the exchange value as the additional support to the specific user based on the value amount of the additional support corresponding to the specific user. According to this, it is possible to give each user an incentive to provide a higher-value return in order to call for additional support.

[0077] The exchange value distributed to the user may be exchangeable for goods or services that contribute to the support of the user's health. According to this, the support system can be made to function so as to support the user's activities from the aspect of their health.

[0078] From the above-described embodiments and modifications, it is also possible to derive an aspect of the invention that supports users' activities from the perspective of health by utilizing the contributions of supporters. A support system according to one aspect thereof includes contribution control means for accounting the amount of the monetary value contributed by a supporter as the amount of the monetary value contributed with a group of users including a plurality of users as a unit of support, countervalue control means for acquiring, from each user in the group of users, a return as a countervalue for the contribution of the monetary value, privilege control means for providing each supporter with a privilege regarding the acquired return, and distribution control means for distributing, to each user, a product or service that contributes to the support of health in the user as a support value using at least a part of the amount of the monetary value accounted for as a source fund. The distribution control means controls the amount of the support value to be distributed to each user based on the amount of the monetary value that becomes the source fund for the support among the amounts of the monetary values accounted for during a predetermined aggregation period and the performance of the provision of the return during a target period corresponding to the aggregation period. In this case, the distribution control means may further include standard distribution amount calculation means for calculating a standard value of the amount of the support value to be distributed to each user as a standard distribution amount, and distribution execution means for distributing the support value to the user based on the calculated standard distribution amount. The standard distribution amount may be set to be equal among the users who provided the return.

Explanation of Signs

[0079] 1 Support system 2 Supporter 3 User 10 EC system 11 Server 12 Sales management department 13 Supporter management department 14 User management department 15 Order processing department 20 Content management system 21 Server 22 Return weight management department 23 Content management department 30 Settlement system 40 Logistics system Terminal device of the 50 supporter Terminal device of the 60 user

Claims

1. Contribution control means for accounting the value amount of the monetary value contributed by the supporter as the value amount of the monetary value contributed with a user group including a plurality of users as a unit of support; Consideration control means for obtaining, from each user in the user group, a return as consideration for the contribution of the monetary value; Privilege control means for providing each supporter with a privilege related to the obtained return; Distribution control means for distributing, to the user, an exchange value for supporting the activities of each user in the user group, with at least a part of the value amount of the monetary value accounted for as the original capital; comprising: The consideration control means: Individual evaluation means for calculating an individual evaluation value obtained by quantifying the value of the return provided by each user; Representative evaluation means for calculating, based on the individual evaluation value calculated for the return provided during a predetermined target period, a value representing the individual evaluation value of the return provided during the target period as a representative evaluation value; Guide presentation means for presenting the calculated representative evaluation value to each user in the user group as a guide for the return; A support system including the above.

2. The distribution control means: Standard distribution amount calculation means for calculating, based on the value amount of the monetary value that serves as the original capital for the support among the value amounts of the monetary value accounted for during an aggregation period corresponding to the target period and the actual results of the provision of the return during the target period, a standard value of the value amount of the exchange value to be distributed to each user as a standard distribution amount; Distribution execution means for distributing the exchange value to the user based on the calculated standard distribution amount; The support system according to Claim 1, including the above.

3. The support system according to Claim 2, wherein the standard distribution amount calculation means calculates, as the standard distribution amount, a value obtained by dividing the value amount of the monetary value that serves as the original capital for the support by the number of users who provided the return during the target period.

4. The support system according to Claim 2, wherein the distribution execution means distributes the standard distribution amount to the users who provided the return during the target period.

5. The support system according to Claim 1, wherein the return includes a product that can be circulated as digital content, and the privilege is set in association with the use of the return.

6. The support system according to Claim 5, wherein the individual evaluation means calculates the individual evaluation value based on the attributes of the producer involved in the production of the return and the production stage of the return.

7. The support system according to claim 1, wherein the representative evaluation means calculates an average value of the individual evaluation values of the returns provided during the target period as the representative evaluation value.

8. The support system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution control means distributes the exchange value so as to be equal among the users who provided the returns during the target period.

9. The contribution control means, distinct from the monetary value contributed with the user group as a unit of support, designates a part of the specific users in the user group as the target of additional support, and counts the amount of the additional monetary value contributed by the supporter as the amount of the additional support value, The support system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution control means distributes the exchange value as the additional support to the specific user based on the amount of the additional support value corresponding to the specific user.

10. The support system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the exchange value distributed to the user is exchangeable for goods or services that contribute to the support of the user's health.

11. An information processing apparatus applied to a support system that distributes, as an exchange value for supporting the activities of each user in a user group including a plurality of users, at least a part of the monetary value contributed by supporters with the user group as a unit of support, while providing each supporter with a privilege regarding the return provided by each user in the user group as a consideration for the contribution of the monetary value, Individual evaluation means for calculating an individual evaluation value obtained by quantifying the value of the return provided by each user; Representative evaluation means for calculating, based on the individual evaluation values calculated for the returns provided during a predetermined target period, a value representing the individual evaluation values of the returns provided during the target period as a representative evaluation value; Guide presentation means for presenting the calculated representative evaluation value to each user in the user group as a guide for the return; An information processing apparatus comprising the above.

12. A computer program applied to a support system that distributes, as an exchange value for supporting the activities of each user in a user group including a plurality of users, at least a part of the monetary value contributed by supporters with the user group as a unit of support, while providing each supporter with a privilege regarding the return provided by each user in the user group as a consideration for the contribution of the monetary value, Configure the computer included in the support system to function as individual evaluation means for calculating an individual evaluation value obtained by quantifying the value of the return provided by each user, representative evaluation means for calculating, as a representative evaluation value, a value representing the individual evaluation value of the return provided during the target period based on the individual evaluation value calculated for the return provided during a predetermined target period, and reference value presentation means for presenting the calculated representative evaluation value to each user in the user group as a reference for the return, and a computer program configured to function as such.

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