Program and information processing device

Abstract

To provide a program for preventing one user from informing another user of the content of an electronic book that the other user has not viewed yet.SOLUTION: A program enables a plurality of serialized electronic books to be viewed under one user's account and another user's account. The program causes a computer to function as setting means 22 that when a paid-version book and a free-version book are viewed under the account of each user, updates browsing information representing a viewing status of the paid-version book and the free-version book for each user account, and output means 25 that outputs the browsing information such that the viewing status of the other user's account included in the browsing information can be checked under the one user's account.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a technology has been recognized that allows users to read a series of e-books from the first episode to a predetermined number of episodes (e.g., episode 5) for free. Note that, hereinafter, e-books that users can read for free will be referred to as "free books," and e-books that can be read by purchasing them will be referred to as "paid books." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-105297 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional technology described above, a user cannot confirm whether another user has viewed only the free version of a book or the paid version of a book. Therefore, for example, a user who has viewed the paid version of a book may inform another user who has viewed only the free version of the book about the contents of the paid version of the book, and thus a user may inform another user of the contents of an e-book that the other user has not viewed.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a program and an information processing device that prevent one user from disclosing to another user the contents of an e-book that the other user has not viewed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a program according to a first aspect of the present invention is a program that allows a series of multiple e-books to be viewed in one user's account and in another user's account, and causes a computer to function as: a setting means that, when a paid version book that can be viewed by purchasing one of the multiple e-books and a free version book that can be viewed without purchasing one of the multiple e-books are viewed in each user's account, updates viewing information indicating the viewing status of the paid version book and the free version book for each user's account; and an output means that outputs the viewing information so that the viewing status of the other user's account included in the viewing information can be confirmed in the one user's account.

[0007] In addition, in a second aspect of the present invention, the computer further functions as a linking means for linking the account of the one user with the account of the other user so that text information and / or audio information can be sent and received between the account of the one user and the account of the other user.

[0008] In a third aspect of the present invention, the other user is a friend user registered by an operation of the one user.

[0009] In addition, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, if the viewing status of the account of the one user included in the viewing information indicates that the paid version of the book has been viewed or is currently being viewed, and the viewing status of the account of the other user included in the viewing information indicates that the paid version of the book has not been viewed, the output means outputs a warning so that it can be confirmed in the account of the one user.

[0010] In addition, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, when the viewing status of the account of the one user included in the viewing information indicates that there is a viewing history of the paid version of the book, and the viewing status of the account of the other user included in the viewing information indicates that there is no viewing history of the paid version of the book, when the account of the other user receives the text information and / or the audio information from the account of the one user, the output means outputs a warning so that the warning can be confirmed in the account of the other user before the text information or the audio information.

[0011] In addition, in a sixth aspect of the present invention, the setting means links one or more words related to the content of each paid version of a book and sets them, and when the word is included in the text information and / or the audio information received by the other user's account, the output means outputs a strong warning in a manner different from the warning so that the warning can be confirmed in the other user's account before the text information or the audio information.

[0012] An information processing device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that allows a plurality of e-books in a series to be viewed in one user's account and in another user's account, and is equipped with a setting means that, when a paid version book among the plurality of e-books that can be viewed by purchasing it and a free version book among the plurality of e-books that can be viewed without purchasing it are viewed in each user's account, updates viewing information indicating the viewing status of the paid version book and the free version book for each user's account, and an output means that outputs the viewing information so that the viewing status of the other user's account included in the viewing information can be confirmed in the one user's account. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent one user from informing another user of the contents of an electronic book that the other user has not viewed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an electronic book system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a smartphone as the communication terminal device illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functional means of the server device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of functional means of the communication terminal device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when updating the viewing status of an electronic book in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen displayed on the communication terminal device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen displayed on the communication terminal device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is an example of a table (viewing information) showing the viewing status of each user. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by a first communication terminal device when displaying a friend user list screen of one user in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a friend user list screen (including a warning) displayed on the first communication terminal device shown in FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when issuing a warning to one user in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a paid edition book displayed on the first communication terminal device shown in FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when calling attention to other users in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15]1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a chat room selection screen displayed on the first communication terminal device shown in FIG. [Figure 16] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a chat room screen displayed on the second communication terminal device shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps in each drawing will be designated by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0016] ===First Embodiment=== First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0017] <Overall structure> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an electronic book system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] 1, the electronic book system 1 includes a server device 2, a first communication terminal device 3, and a second communication terminal device 4. For convenience, the following description will be given assuming that there are two communication terminal devices, the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4, but there may be any number of communication terminal devices as long as there is more than one.

[0019] The server device 2, first communication terminal device 3, and second communication terminal device 4 in FIG. 1 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network NT such as an intranet, the Internet, or a telephone line.

[0020] The server device 2 is an information processing device that provides the results obtained by executing the e-book program 2A or a part of the e-book program 2A to the users of the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 via the communication network NT.

[0021] The first communication terminal device 3 is an information processing device owned by one user (operated under one user account), and the second communication terminal device 4 is an information processing device owned by another user (operated under another user account). Furthermore, the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 are information processing devices that provide one user or another user with an e-book and related information by installing and then executing a part of the e-book program 2A received from the server device 2. Examples of the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 include various devices such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, and a personal computer.

[0022] The e-book program 2A allows multiple e-books in a series to be viewed under one user's account and under the accounts of other users. "Seriesed" means that each e-book has the same series information. Hereinafter, a user's account will also be referred to simply as a "user account."

[0023] <Hardware configuration> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server device 2. As shown in FIG.

[0024] 2, the server device 2 includes a control device 5, a communication device 6, and a storage device 7. The control device 5 mainly includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 5A and a memory 5B.

[0025] In the control device 5, the CPU 5A executes predetermined programs stored in the memory 5B or the storage device 7, etc., thereby functioning as various functional means. Details of these functional means will be described later.

[0026] The communication device 6 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with an external device, etc. The communication device 6 transmits and receives various information between the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4, for example.

[0027] The storage device 7 is configured with a hard disk, etc. The storage device 7 stores various programs and information necessary for executing processes in the control device 5, including the electronic book program 2A, and information on the results of the processes.

[0028] The server device 2 can be realized using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. The server device 2 may be configured with a single information processing device or may be configured with multiple information processing devices distributed over a communication network NT. Fig. 2 shows only a portion of the main hardware configuration of the server device 2, and the server device 2 may also have other configurations that are generally included in server devices.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a smartphone as the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 shown in FIG.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 each include a main control unit 8, a touch panel (touch screen) 9, a camera 10A, a microphone 10B, a mobile communication unit 11, a wireless LAN communication unit 12, a memory unit 13, and a speaker 14.

[0031] The main control unit 8 is configured to include a CPU and a memory (both not shown), etc. The main control unit 8 is connected to a touch panel 9 as a display input device, a camera 10A, a microphone 10B, a mobile communication unit 11, a wireless LAN communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a speaker 14. The main control unit 8 has a function to control these connection destinations.

[0032] The touch panel 9 has both a display function and an input function, and is composed of a display 9A that performs the display function and a touch sensor 9B that performs the input function. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the display 9A can display various images. The touch sensor 9B can detect the user's input position on the various images.

[0033] The camera 10A has a function of taking still images and / or moving images and storing them in the storage unit 13. The microphone 10B has a function of inputting audio and storing it in the storage unit 13.

[0034] The mobile communication unit 11 has a function of connecting to a mobile communication network via an antenna 11A and communicating with other communication terminal devices connected to the mobile communication network.

[0035] The wireless LAN communication unit 12 has a function of connecting to a communication network NT via an antenna 12A and communicating with other devices such as the server device 2 connected to the communication network NT.

[0036] The storage unit 13 stores various programs including a part of the electronic book program 2A, various data, and the like.

[0037] The speaker 14 has a function of outputting various sounds.

[0038] Furthermore, Figure 3 only shows some of the main hardware configurations that the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 have, and the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 may have other configurations that are generally included in communication terminal devices such as smartphones.

[0039] For convenience, it is assumed below that one user operates the first communication terminal device 3 using one user account (by logging in), and another user operates the second communication terminal device 4 using another user account (by logging in). There may be multiple other users and user accounts, and there may be multiple second communication terminal devices 4 owned by each user and user account, and one second communication terminal device 4 may be lent and borrowed for use by multiple other users and user accounts.

[0040] <System Overview> The electronic book system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a system that provides electronic books to users in response to execution requests (instructions) from the users. The electronic books include books and magazines that are stored as electronic data and displayed on the displays 9A of the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4.

[0041] The electronic book system 1 may also be executed based on the user's consumption of money or in-app currency, which is currency that can be used within application software (hereinafter simply referred to as "app"). This in-app currency includes, for example, paid currency and free currency.

[0042] Paid currency (also called paid coins) is a charge added to a user account based on payments such as money, prepaid cards, credit cards, electronic money, crypto assets, etc.

[0043] On the other hand, free currency (also called free coins) is free currency that is granted to a user account by, for example, executing an application of the electronic book system 1. Examples of the execution of the application include a user logging in. Free currency may be consumed without distinction from paid currency, or free currency may be used separately from paid currency. Furthermore, a process may be provided that allows only paid currency to be used.

[0044] <Functional means of server device> FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of functional means of the server device 2. As shown in FIG.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the server device 2 has, as its functional configuration, a storage means 20, a control means 21, a setting means 22, a receiving means 23, an extraction means 24, an output means 25, a linking means 26, and a determination means 27.

[0046] The storage means 20 is realized by one or more storage devices 7. Functional means other than the storage means 20 are realized by the control device 5 executing the electronic book program 2A stored in the storage device 7 or the like. Note that all or part of these functional configurations may be provided in the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4.

[0047] The storage means 20 has a function of storing book information 20A, user account information 20B, and the like.

[0048] Book information 20A is information on a plurality of electronic books. The plurality of electronic books includes books with entertainment content and / or books with content in which the visual information when viewed by a user is primarily images and / or pictures. Specifically, these include manga, magazines, and books related to hobbies (games, music, etc.). The plurality of electronic books may also include books with other content.

[0049] Furthermore, the book information 20A includes one or more groups of multiple serialized electronic books.

[0050] The user account information 20B is information associated with each user account of each user, and includes, for example, the user name, age, user book information, owned currency information, friend information, and the like.

[0051] The user book information is information on electronic books that are linked to each user account and can be viewed in each user account. This includes, for example, paid books that can be viewed in each user account by purchasing them from the book information 20A with money or in-app currency, and free books that can be viewed in each user account for free without purchasing them.

[0052] The "viewable" state may refer to a state in which the electronic book included in the book information 20A is available for viewing by each user, for example, by downloading the electronic book to the first communication terminal device 3 or the second communication terminal device 4. This may also be a rental format in which the viewing period is set.

[0053] Furthermore, the electronic book included in the book information 20A may be viewable without downloading. This may be, for example, online viewing through communication between the server device 2 and the first communication terminal device 3 or the second communication terminal device 4. Alternatively, the electronic book included in the book information 20A may be stored in a cloud (not shown), and online viewing may be performed through communication between the cloud and the first communication terminal device 3 or the second communication terminal device 4.

[0054] The owned currency information includes information about in-app currencies owned by one user or other users in each user account, that is, information about paid currencies and free currencies.

[0055] The friend information includes the user account of a user who has established a friend relationship with a user or another user (hereinafter referred to as a "friend user"), and the upper limit number. This upper limit number refers to the upper limit of the number of friend users that can be set per user. In the following, a user and another user are considered to be friend users.

[0056] The user account information 20B also includes viewing information. The viewing information is information that includes, for all user accounts, the viewing status of paid books and free books included in the user book information for each user account. Note that "viewing" may be synonymous with "displaying" each page of an electronic book by the first display means 31 or the second display means 41, which will be described later. Specific examples of "viewing status" will be described later.

[0057] The control means 21 is a functional means for controlling the entire system. For example, the control means 21 generates data for various screens such as a screen displaying a list of book information 20A, accepts operations by users to purchase electronic books, manages each piece of information included in each piece of user account information 20B, and performs other controls.

[0058] Furthermore, management of each piece of information included in each piece of user account information 20B described above includes, for example, linking electronic book information to each user account, and changing and managing information related to friend users.

[0059] The setting means 22 sets a plurality of serialized electronic books as paid books and free books, distinguishing between them. Preferably, the setting means 22 sets the first to a predetermined number of chapters as free books, and sets the chapters after the predetermined number as paid books.

[0060] Furthermore, the setting means 22 sets the viewing information indicating the viewing status of each user account with respect to paid books and free books for all user accounts.

[0061] Furthermore, when a paid book and a free book are viewed under each user's account, the setting unit 22 updates the viewing information as needed. The viewing information may be, for example, in the form of a table.

[0062] Here, the "viewing status" may include, for example, "viewing history exists (completed)," "viewing history exists (in progress)," "currently being viewed," "no viewing history," etc. Note that "viewing history exists (completed)" refers to a state in which the user has viewed up to the final page, and "viewing history exists (in progress)" refers to a state in which the user has viewed up to any page before the final page.

[0063] Furthermore, the setting means 22 sets friend users based on the operations of each user on the communication terminal device. For example, based on the setting of one user, other users are registered as friend users. This setting and registration of friend users will be described in detail later. However, the one user and other users do not necessarily have to be in a friend user relationship.

[0064] The accepting unit 23 accepts the viewing status of paid books and free books. For example, each time a paid book or a free book is displayed or the display ends on the first display unit 31 or the second display unit 41, which will be described later, the accepting unit 23 accepts (receives) a signal indicating this from the first communication terminal device 3 or the second communication terminal device 4.

[0065] The extraction means 24 extracts the browsing status of each user account from the browsing information (table) generated by the setting means 22.

[0066] The determination means 27 determines the browsing status of each user account extracted by the extraction means 24.

[0067] The output means 25 outputs the viewing information so that the viewing status of other user accounts included in the viewing information can be confirmed by one user account. Note that the output here refers to, for example, transmitting the viewing status to the first communication terminal device 3, and the transmitted viewing status may be displayed and / or output as audio on the first communication terminal device 3 so that the one user can confirm it.

[0068] Furthermore, when the determination result of the determination means 27 is that the browsing status of one user account included in the browsing information is "there is a browsing history of a paid book" and the browsing status of another user account included in the browsing information is "there is no browsing history of a paid book," the output means 25 may output a warning so that the warning can be confirmed in the one user account. The warning is displayed as a pop-up or a specific mark, or output as a sound, on the first communication terminal device 3.

[0069] The linking means 26 links one user account with another user account so that text information and / or audio information can be transmitted and received between the one user account and the other user account. When the one user account is linked with the other user account, the linked user account is included in friend information in the user account information stored in the storage means 20. In other words, the linked user is registered as a friend user. The other user may be registered as a friend user by an operation of the first operating means 32 by the one user and control of the control means 21 based on the operation.

[0070] The above operation and control may be carried out, for example, by the server device 2 receiving an operation on the first operating means 32 of one user, by transmitting a signal to the second communication terminal device 4 through the control of the control means 21 and the output of the output means 25, and based on the signal, displaying a predetermined screen on the second display means 41. This predetermined screen may be a screen provided with an area for displaying content in which one user is soliciting friend users.

[0071] <Functional means of communication terminal device> FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of functional means of a first communication terminal device 3 operated under one user account and a second communication terminal device 4 operated under another user account.

[0072] 5, the first communication terminal device 3 includes, as its functional configuration, a first storage means 30, a first display means 31, a first operation means 32, a first communication means 33, and a first control means 34. The second communication terminal device 4 includes, as its functional configuration, a second storage means 40, a second display means 41, a second operation means 42, a second communication means 43, and a second control means 44.

[0073] In the following, we will explain the functional configuration of the first communication terminal device 3, namely, the first storage means 30, the first display means 31, the first operation means 32, the first communication means 33, and the first control means 34. The second storage means 40, the second display means 41, the second operation means 42, the second communication means 43, and the second control means 44 will be explained by replacing "one user" with "other users" and "other users" with "one user" in the explanation of the functional configuration of the first communication terminal device 3 (however, in the following, "first user account information 30A" will be replaced with "second user account information 30B").

[0074] The first storage means 30 is realized by the storage unit 13. Functional means other than the first storage means 30 are realized by the main control unit 8 executing a part of the e-book program 2A stored in the storage unit 13 or the like. This part of the e-book program 2A is downloaded and installed from the server device 2.

[0075] The first storage means 30 has a function of storing first user account information 30A, etc. The first user account information 30A is information associated with one user account, including, for example, the user's username, age, user book information, owned currency information, browsing status, friend information, etc.

[0076] The user book information is user book information of one user account, that is, information on each electronic book that can be viewed in one user account (linked to one user account).

[0077] The owned currency information is information about the in-app currency owned by one user account.

[0078] The viewing status is the viewing status of paid books and free books included in the user book information. As already explained, the viewing status may include "viewing history exists (completed)," "viewing history exists (in progress)," "currently being viewed," "no viewing history," etc.

[0079] The friend information includes user accounts of friend users of a user. Preferably, friend users include other users.

[0080] The first control means 34 is a functional means for performing various controls including the generation of data for various screens displayed by the first display means 31 .

[0081] The first display means 31 is a functional means for displaying various screens.

[0082] The first operating means 32 is a functional means for performing various operations on each screen displayed on the first display means 31.

[0083] For example, when the first display means 31 is displaying an electronic book, the first operating means 32 enables operations such as page forwarding (advancing to the next page (image)) of the electronic book, page rewinding (returning to the previous page (image)), zooming in on the page (image) being displayed, and ending the display of the electronic book.

[0084] In addition, the first operating means 32 enables an operation to purchase a paid version of a book and add it to the user book information so that it can be displayed by the first display means 31, and an operation to add a free version of a book to the user book information without purchasing it so that it can be displayed by the first display means 31. Furthermore, the first operating means 32 allows various other operations.

[0085] The first communication means 33 is a functional means for performing various communications with the server device 2 and the second communication terminal device 4. The first communication means 33 is also a functional means for enabling communications between the server device 2 and the second communication terminal device 4 for sending and receiving text information.

[0086] Furthermore, the first communication means 33 can, for example, download electronic books from the book information 20A of the server device 2, or communicate with the server device 2 or the cloud to view electronic books online without downloading.

[0087] Furthermore, when the electronic book is displayed or the display is ended on the first display means 31, the first communication means 33 transmits a message to that effect to the server device 2. Furthermore, when a user performs a page forwarding operation and moves to a new page, the first communication means 33 may transmit a message to that effect to the server device 2.

[0088] <<Processing flow for updating the e-book viewing status>> An example of the process for updating the viewing status of an electronic book will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 6. Note that Fig. 6 shows communication between the server device 2 and the first communication terminal device 3, or between the server device 2 and the second communication terminal device 4, but for the sake of simplicity, the following description will focus on communication between the server device 2 and the first communication terminal device 3. The order and content of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0089] (Step SP2) A user logs in with a user account using the first operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3. This login may be performed from a dedicated app or a browser. After step SP2 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP4.

[0090] (Step SP4) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays the menu screen and the selection screen.

[0091] Here, Fig. 7 is an example of the menu screen 51. As shown in Fig. 7, the menu screen 51 is provided with, for example, a category selection area 52, a series list area 53, an icon area 54, and the like.

[0092] The category selection area 52 is, for example, a strip-shaped area located at the top of the menu screen 51, and is an area where a plurality of category selection buttons 52A are provided. In Fig. 7, examples of the category selection buttons 52A displayed are "Original," "All," "Action," "Sports," "Romance," and "Other World." However, this category selection area 52 may be, for example, horizontally scrollable, and further different category selection buttons 52A may be displayed.

[0093] The series list area 53 is an area that is located, for example, below the category selection area 52 and in the center of the menu screen 51, and is an area where series display buttons 53A that display information about series by category are arranged.

[0094] Furthermore, pressing the category selection button 52A changes the category of the series display buttons 53A arranged in the series list area 53. For example, pressing the "action" category selection button 52A changes the category of the series display buttons 53A arranged in the series list area 53 to action-related ones.

[0095] Furthermore, the series list area 53 may be configured to be vertically scrollable, for example, so that different series display buttons 53A are displayed in the same category.

[0096] Furthermore, the series display button 53A is a button on which information about the series is written, such as a thumbnail image showing an overview of the series, the title of the series, a synopsis, the number of e-books included in the series, the number of free books included in the series, the number of "likes" (number of accounts), the number of bookmarks (number of people), etc.

[0097] The series title is, for example, the "XXXXXX" or "△△△△△△" part in Figure 7, the synopsis is the "......" part in Figure 7, the number of "likes" is the number next to the good mark in Figure 7, and the number of bookmarks in Figure 7 is the number next to the ☆ mark.

[0098] Furthermore, when the series display button 53A is pressed, the selection screen of FIG. 8 is displayed.

[0099] The icon area 54 has icons arranged therein, and various operations can be performed by pressing these icons. For example, pressing the friend user icon 54A moves to a friend user list screen. Pressing the chat button 54B also moves to a chat room selection screen. These processes will be described later or in other embodiments.

[0100] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the selection screen 61. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, a selection screen 61 displays an overview area 62, a list area 63, and an icon area 54. The summary area 62 is located, for example, at the top of the selection screen 61, and is an area where thumbnail images and titles are provided. Although not shown, the summary area 62 may also be provided with a synopsis (summary).

[0101] The list area 63 is, for example, located below the overview area 62 and in the center of the selection screen 61, and is an area in which a plurality of book information areas 63A are arranged. These plurality of book information areas 63A respectively correspond to electronic books included in the same series. However, the list area 63 may be vertically scrollable so that book information areas (not shown) corresponding to different electronic books in the same series are displayed.

[0102] The book information area 63A is provided with, for example, a thumbnail image showing an outline of the electronic book, the number of stories (volumes) of the electronic book, subtitles, the number of comments, and a selection button 63B.

[0103] The number of episodes in an e-book is, for example, the "Episode 1" or "Episode 2" part in Figure 8, the subtitle is the "○○○○" part in Figure 7, and the number of "likes" is the number next to the speech bubble mark in Figure 8.

[0104] Furthermore, if the electronic book is a paid book, the selection button 63B may indicate "paid," and if it is a free book, the selection button 63B may indicate "free."

[0105] Returning to FIG. 6, after step SP4 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP6.

[0106] (Step SP6) A user presses the selection button 63B using the first operation means 32. Information on the pressed selection button 63B is transmitted to the server device 2. After step SP6 is completed, the process proceeds to steps SP8 and SP10.

[0107] (Step SP8) The process branches depending on whether the selection button 63B pressed by a user is a selection button for a paid book. If it is a paid book, the process proceeds to step SP16, and if it is a free book, the process proceeds to step SP28.

[0108] (Step SP10) The process branches depending on whether the selection button 63B pressed by a user is a selection button for a paid book. If it is a paid book, the process proceeds to step SP12, and if it is a free book, the process proceeds to step SP30.

[0109] (Step SP12) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays a purchase screen (not shown). This purchase screen is a screen for carrying out the purchase procedure for the paid edition of the book selected by the selection button 63B pressed by a user. A purchase button (not shown) is provided on this screen. After step SP12 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP14.

[0110] (Step SP14) When a user presses the purchase button using the first operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3, the information is transmitted to the server device 2, and a procedure for purchasing the paid edition of the book is carried out. After step SP14 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP16.

[0111] (Step SP16) The server device 2 transmits data of the paid edition of the book to the first communication terminal device 3. After step SP16 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP18.

[0112] (Step SP18) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays the paid book received in step SP16 under one user account, and one user views it. Information that the paid book display has started, information about page forwarding, and other information related to the display of the paid book are transmitted to the server device 2. After step SP18 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP20.

[0113] (Step SP20) The setting means 22 of the server device 2 updates the viewing status included in the viewing information stored in the storage means 20 based on each piece of information relating to the display of the pay edition book accepted (received) by the accepting means 23.

[0114] 9 is a table showing an example of a table (viewing information) showing the viewing status of each electronic book for each user account. Note that in the table of FIG. 9, "user account" is simply referred to as "user." User A, user B, user C, user D, etc. in the table of Figure 9 include one user account and other user accounts (for example, user A may be considered one user account and the other users may be considered other user accounts. Alternatively, user A and user B may each be one user account, and user C, user D, etc. may each be other user accounts. Or other combinations may be used). Note that the table of Figure 9 does not limit the number of user accounts.

[0115] In addition, free version Book A, free version Book B, paid version Book A, paid version Book B, paid version Book C, etc. in the table of Figure 9 are included in multiple e-books in the same series, and the chapter numbers may be numbered in order as Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, etc. Note that the table of Figure 9 does not limit the number of paid versions or free versions.

[0116] W in FIG. 9 indicates that the browsing status is one with a browsing history (completed). This may also refer to a state in which the first display means 31 (the same applies to the second display means 41; the same applies below) displays up to the final page, and the first display means 31 ends the display by operating the first operating means 32 (the same applies to the second operating means 42; the same applies below).

[0117] X in FIG. 9 indicates that the browsing status has a browsing history (in progress). This may refer to a state in which the first display means 31 has displayed up to the last page and then terminated the display by operation of the first operation means 32. In addition to the information that a browsing history exists (in progress), the accepting means 23 may also accept information on the page number of the last page displayed by the first display means 31 and include it in the browsing status.

[0118] Y in FIG. 9 indicates that the viewing status is currently being viewed. This may refer to a state in which the first display means 31 displays an electronic book and no operation to end the display has been performed thereafter. In addition to the page currently being viewed, the receiving means 23 may also receive the number of pages currently being viewed (displayed) and include this in the viewing status.

[0119] Z in FIG. 9 indicates that the browsing information has no browsing history. This may refer to a state in which there is no history of the first display means 31 displaying an electronic book.

[0120] Note that the update of the viewing status in step SP20 refers to updating the target paid edition book of the target user in the table of FIG. 9 from a status other than Y to Y (currently being viewed). After step SP20 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP22.

[0121] (Step SP22) One user presses the end button using the first operating means 32. The end button may be provided in a part of the screen on which the paid version book is displayed by the first display means 31. Also, the end button may be always provided regardless of the page currently being viewed (displayed). After step SP22 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP24.

[0122] (Step SP24) The setting means 22 of the server device 2 updates the viewing status included in the viewing information stored in the storage means 20 based on the information on pressing the end button received by the receiving means 23. Note that this update refers to updating the target paid book of the target user in the table of Fig. 9 from status Y (currently being viewed) to status X or W (viewing history exists). After step SP24 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP26.

[0123] (Step SP26) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 ends the display of the pay edition book. The display of the paid version of the book may be ended by a procedure other than pressing the end button described in step SP22. Procedures other than pressing the end button include, for example, shutting down the app or closing the browser. However, the order of steps SP24 and SP26 may be reversed, or they may be performed at the same timing. After steps SP24 and SP26 are completed, the process ends.

[0124] (Step SP28) The server device 2 transmits data of the free edition book to the first communication terminal device 3 . After step SP28 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP30.

[0125] (Step SP30) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays the free book received in step SP28 under one user account, and one user views it. Information that the free book display has started and information related to the display of the free book, such as page forwarding, is transmitted to the server device 2. After step SP30 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP32.

[0126] (Step SP32) The setting means 22 of the server device 2 updates the viewing status included in the viewing information stored in the storage means 20 based on each piece of information relating to the display of the free edition book accepted (received) by the accepting means 23.

[0127] Note that the update of the viewing status in step SP32 refers to updating the target free edition book of the target user in the table of FIG. 9 from a status other than Y to Y. After step SP32 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP34.

[0128] (Step SP34) One user presses the end button using the first operating means 32. The end button may be provided in a part of the screen on which the free edition book is displayed by the first display means 31. The end button may also be provided at all times regardless of the page currently being viewed (displayed). After step SP34 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP36.

[0129] (Step SP36) The setting means 22 of the server device 2 updates the viewing status included in the viewing information stored in the storage means 20 based on the information on pressing the end button received by the receiving means 23. Note that this update refers to updating the target free edition book of the target user in the table of Fig. 9 from status Y to status X or W. After step SP36 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP38.

[0130] (Step SP38) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 ends the display of the free edition book. The display of the free book may be ended by a procedure other than pressing the end button described in step SP22. Examples of procedures other than pressing the end button include shutting down the app, closing the browser, etc. However, the order of steps SP36 and SP38 may be reversed, or they may be performed at the same timing. After steps SP36 and SP38 are completed, the process ends.

[0131] <<About the friend user list display>> The following describes the processing performed by the first communication terminal device 3 when it displays the friend user list screen, using the flowchart in Fig. 10. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the friend user list screen is a screen that shows the browsing status of each friend user. The order and content of the following steps can be changed as appropriate. The following processing can also be performed in the second communication terminal device 4 in the same way.

[0132] (Step SP42) A user logs in with a user account using the first operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3. This login may be performed from a dedicated app or a browser. After step SP42 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP44.

[0133] (Step SP44) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays a menu screen 51, an example of which is shown in FIG. After step SP44 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP46.

[0134] (Step SP46) A user requests the display of a friend user list screen by, for example, pressing the friend user icon 54A on the menu screen 51 using the first operation means 32. The request for display is transmitted to the server device 2. After step SP46 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP48.

[0135] (Step SP48) The setting means 22 of the server device 2 acquires, from the user account information 20B stored in the storage means 20, the user accounts of the friend users associated with one user. After step SP48 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP50.

[0136] (Step SP50) The setting means 22 of the server device 2 acquires various information about each friend user in step SP48. The various information includes, for example, the friend user's username, icon, and whether or not they are logged in. Furthermore, the extraction means 24 of the server device 2 extracts the browsing status of each friend user. Furthermore, the determination means 27 determines the browsing status of the user account of each extracted friend user. After step SP50 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP52.

[0137] (Step SP52) The output means 25 of the server device 2 transmits to the first communication terminal device 3 the various information of each friend user acquired by the setting means 22, the browsing status obtained by the extraction means 24, and the determination result obtained by the determination means 27. After step SP52 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP54.

[0138] (Step SP54) The first control means 34 of the first communication terminal device 3 generates data for a friend user list screen based on the various information and browsing status of friend users received from the server device 2. After step SP54 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP56.

[0139] (Step SP56) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays a friend user list screen. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the friend user list screen 71. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the friend user list screen 71 is provided with, for example, a friend user information area 72 corresponding to each friend user, an icon area 54, and the like.

[0140] The friend user information area 72 includes the friend user's username, the friend user's icon, a round mark placed in the corner of the icon that changes color depending on whether the friend user is logged in or logged out, and information indicating the viewing status of the friend user's user account.

[0141] In particular, the description indicating the viewing status of a friend user may be, for example, if a friend user is logged out, the description may include the title of the e-book, the number of chapters (volumes), whether there is a viewing history (completed), or whether there is a viewing history (in progress) for the e-book last viewed by that user.

[0142] Furthermore, when the determination result of the determination means 27 is that for a series in which paid books have been viewed up to the paid books (there is a viewing history of paid books) with one user account, the friend user account, i.e., another user account, has only viewed free books (there is no viewing history of paid books), a warning mark 72A is further provided in the friend user information area 72. The warning mark 72A is a mark that calls the attention of one user. However, it is sufficient that one user account can at least grasp the browsing status of other user accounts, and the attention mark 72A may be omitted. After step SP56 is completed, the process ends.

[0143] Effect The program according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a program that allows a plurality of serialized e-books to be viewed in one user's account and in the accounts of other users, and causes a computer to function as: setting means 22 that updates viewing information indicating the viewing status of paid books and free books for each user's account when paid books that can be viewed by purchasing one of the plurality of e-books and free books that can be viewed without purchasing one of the plurality of e-books are viewed in each user's account; and output means 25 that outputs the viewing information so that the viewing status of other users' accounts included in the viewing information can be confirmed in the one user's account.

[0144] According to this configuration, one user can check whether other users have viewed only the free editions of a plurality of e-books in a series or whether they have also viewed the paid editions, thereby preventing one user from informing other users that the other users have not viewed the paid editions of the books.

[0145] In addition, the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention further causes the computer to function as linking means 26 for linking a user's account with another user's account so that text information and / or audio information can be sent and received between the user's account and the other user's account.

[0146] This configuration allows one user and another user to exchange information about e-books by sending and receiving text information (so-called chat) or audio information (so-called voice chat), thereby improving convenience and preventing one user from informing other users of the contents of a paid book that the other users have not viewed, allowing each user to exchange information without worry.

[0147] In the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the other users may be friend users registered by a user, users who participate in a specific bulletin board, or users who are included in a user list in a temporary group, such as those who temporarily participate in a chat room.

[0148] According to this configuration, when one user and another user are in a friend relationship, the one user and the other user can exchange information, thereby encouraging each user to register friend users.

[0149] In addition, in the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the browsing status of a user's account included in the browsing information indicates that there is a browsing history of a paid version of a book, and the browsing status of another user's account included in the browsing information indicates that there is no browsing history of a paid version of a book, the output means 25 outputs a warning so that it can be confirmed in the user's account.

[0150] According to this configuration, by outputting a warning when a user views a paid version of a book, it is possible to prevent the user from conveying the contents of the paid version of the book to other users who have not viewed the book.

[0151] === Second Embodiment === Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0152] The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that a user is alerted "while browsing a paid book." In the following description, points that overlap with the configuration and functions of the electronic book system 1 according to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0153] <Functional configuration of server device> In the second embodiment of the present invention, the output means 25 outputs a warning so that it can be confirmed in the account of a user when the judgment result of the judgment means 27 is that the browsing status of the account of a user included in the browsing information is "currently browsing a paid version of a book" and the browsing status of the account of another user included in the browsing information is "no browsing history of a paid version of a book."

[0154] <<Processing flow when issuing a warning>> The following describes the flow of processing when issuing a warning to one user, with reference to FIG. Furthermore, the order and content of the following steps can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, in the following steps, the login and the display of the menu screen 51 and the selection screen 61 are omitted, and the explanation starts from the state where the selection screen 61 is displayed. Furthermore, the following step SP62 corresponds to step SP6 in FIG. 6, step SP64 corresponds to step SP18 in FIG. 6, steps SP66 and SP68 may be performed in parallel with step SP20 in FIG. 6, and steps SP70 and SP72 are performed between steps SP18 and SP22 in FIG. 6.

[0155] (Step SP62) A user presses the selection button 63B (a button indicating "paid") for the paid version of the book on the selection screen 61 using the first operation means 32. Information on the pressed selection button 63B is transmitted to the server device 2. After step SP62 is completed, the process proceeds to step P64.

[0156] (Step SP64) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays the pay edition book corresponding to the selection button pressed in step SP62 under the one user account, and the one user views it. After step SP64 is completed, the process proceeds to step P66.

[0157] (Step SP66) The extraction means 24 of the server device 2 extracts the browsing status of each friend user associated with one user. Furthermore, the determination means 27 determines the browsing status (in the same series as the paid book browsed by the one user) of the user account of each extracted friend user. Furthermore, the setting means 22 of the server device 2 acquires various information of the user account whose extracted browsing history is "no browsing history of paid books" (or browsing of only free books). The various information includes at least the username of the friend user (and may also include the icon and login status of the user account).

[0158] The result of the determination made by the determination means 27 in step SP66 for one user account is "currently being viewed." The result of the determination for the other user account is "no history of viewing paid books." After step SP66 is completed, the process proceeds to step P68.

[0159] (Step SP68) The output means 25 of the server device 2 transmits various information of each friend user account acquired by the setting means 22 as a warning to the first communication terminal device 3. Note that the "warning" includes the meaning of informing the user of the existence of a user who has not viewed a paid book in a series in which a paid book is being viewed by a certain user. After step SP68 is completed, the process proceeds to step P70.

[0160] (Step SP70) The first control means 34 of the first communication terminal device 3 generates data for the attention area based on various information of the friend user account (who has not viewed the paid book) received from the server device 2. After step SP70 is completed, the process proceeds to step P72.

[0161] (Step SP72) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays the attention area while displaying the pay edition book.

[0162] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 81 of a paid edition book. As shown in FIG. 13, the display screen 81 is provided with, for example, a page display area 82, a warning area 83, and an icon area 54.

[0163] A page of a paid book is displayed in the page display area 82, an example of which is shown in Fig. 13. In the page display area 82, it is possible to move forward or backward through pages by clicking or swiping with the first operating means 32, for example.

[0164] The attention area 83 is an area that displays the user names of user accounts (e.g., other user accounts) that have not viewed the paid version of the book. Alternatively, although not shown, the attention area 83 may display the icon and login status of the user account together with the user name. After step SP72 is completed, the process ends.

[0165] That is, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the attention is drawn by displaying the attention drawing mark 72A, whereas in the second embodiment of the present invention, the attention is drawn by providing an attention drawing area 83 on the display screen 81 of the paid version of the book, which displays information about other users who are not viewing the paid version of the book, while one user is viewing the paid version of the book.

[0166] Effect In the program according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the viewing status of a user's account included in the viewing information indicates that a paid version of a book is being viewed and the viewing status of another user's account included in the viewing information indicates that there is no viewing history of a paid version of a book, the output means 25 outputs a warning so that the warning can be confirmed in the user's account.

[0167] According to this configuration, by outputting a warning when a user views a paid version of a book, it is possible to prevent the user from conveying the contents of the paid version of the book to other users who have not viewed the book.

[0168] ===Third Embodiment=== Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0169] The third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first and second embodiments in that, when text information is sent from one user account to another user account that is a friend user, a warning is issued to the other user. Note that, in the following description, points that overlap with the configuration and functions of the electronic book system 1 according to the first or second embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0170] <Functional configuration of server device> In addition to the functions described in the first or second embodiment, the setting means 22 links each paid book with one or more words (hereinafter also referred to as "specific words") related to its content. In addition to the functions described in the first or second embodiment, the determination means 27 determines whether or not specific words are included in text information (hereinafter also referred to as "message") received by other user accounts.

[0171] In addition to the functions described in the first or second embodiment, the output means 25 outputs the first warning so that when the judgment result regarding the browsing status of each user by the judgment means 27 is that the browsing status of one user account included in the browsing information has a browsing history of a paid version of a book, and the browsing status of another user account included in the browsing information has no browsing history of a paid version of a book, when the other user account receives text information from the one user's account, the first warning can be confirmed in the other user account before the text information.

[0172] Furthermore, when the judgment result regarding a specific word by the judgment means 27 is a positive judgment, it is preferable that the output means 25 outputs a strong second warning in a manner different from the first warning so that it can be confirmed in other user accounts.

[0173] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 are described as being capable of communicating with each other, but in the third embodiment of the present invention, the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 are described as being capable of communicating with each other via the server device 2.

[0174] <<Processing flow when issuing a warning>> The process for issuing a warning will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. The order and content of the following steps can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, in the following, the processing for logging in and displaying the menu screen 51 will be omitted, and the explanation will start from the state where the menu screen 51 shown in FIG. 7 is already displayed.

[0175] (Step SP82) One user presses the chat button 54B in the icon area 54 at the bottom of the menu screen 51 using the first operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3. After step SP82 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP84.

[0176] (Step SP84) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays a chat room selection screen. FIG. 15 is an example of a chat room selection screen 91. As shown in FIG. 15, the selection screen 91 is provided with a chat room information area 92, a room creation button 93, and an icon area 54.

[0177] There are one or more chat room information areas 92. When there are a certain number or more, it may be possible to view hidden chat room information areas 92 by, for example, vertical scrolling. The chat room information area 92 is provided with a chat room name, chat room information, and a confirm button 92A. The chat room name is the "XXX room," "YY room," or "XXX group" portion in FIG. 15.

[0178] The chat room information is the "..." part in Figure 15, and may include, for example, an indication of the e-book that will be the topic of the chat (e.g., the series title or number of chapters (volumes)) or the number of participants in each chat room.

[0179] The enter button 92A is a button that displays "JOIN" as an example in Figure 15. By pressing the enter button 92A, it is possible to move to a chat room screen.

[0180] Additionally, the create room button 93 is a button located below the chat room information area 92, and pressing this button generates a screen for creating a new chat room (not shown). When creating a chat room, the chat room name and the above-mentioned chat room information are entered. Returning to FIG. 14, after step SP84 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP86.

[0181] (Step SP86) A user presses the enter button 92A provided in the chat room information area 92 of the chat room that the user wants to enter. After step SP86 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP88.

[0182] (Step SP88) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays a chat room screen. On the chat room screen, text information (so-called chat) exchanged between one user account (first communication terminal device 3) and another user account (second communication terminal device 4) is displayed so as to be added sequentially in real time. However, the number of user accounts exchanging text information on the chat room screen may be three or more. After step SP88 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP90.

[0183] (Step SP90) A user inputs a message using the first operating means 32 , and the message is transmitted to the second communication terminal device 4 via the server device 2 . After step SP90 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP92.

[0184] (Step SP92) When the server device 2 receives a message from the first communication terminal device 3, the extraction means 24 of the server device 2 extracts the browsing status of one user account from the browsing information in the storage means 20. After step SP92 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP94.

[0185] (Step SP94) The determining means 27 of the server device 2 determines the browsing status of the one user account extracted in step SP92. After step SP94 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP96.

[0186] (Step SP96) Subsequent processing branches depending on the determination result of the determination means 27 in step SP94. That is, if the determination means 27 determines (positive determination) that a user account has viewed a paid book (completed or partially read), the processing proceeds to step SP98, and if it determines (negative determination) that a paid book has not been viewed, the processing proceeds to step SP116. However, although there are often multiple paid books in the same series, a positive determination is made if even one paid book has been viewed.

[0187] (Step SP98) The extraction means 24 of the server device 2 extracts the browsing status of the accounts of other users. Note that the other users are users to whom messages of one user are sent. After step SP98 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP100.

[0188] (Step SP100) The determining means 27 of the server device 2 determines the browsing status of the other user accounts extracted in step SP98. After step SP100 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP102.

[0189] (Step SP102) Subsequent processing branches depending on the determination result of the determination means 27 in step SP94. That is, if the setting means 22 determines that another user account has viewed the paid version of the book (completed or partway through), processing proceeds to step SP98, and if it determines that the paid version of the book has not been viewed, processing proceeds to step SP116. However, as explained in step SP96, if there are multiple paid versions of books in the same series, the determination is affirmative if at least one of them has been viewed.

[0190] (Step SP104) The determination means 27 of the server device 2 determines the chat content received from the first communication terminal device 3 in step SP90, that is, the message sent by one user. After step SP104 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP106.

[0191] (Step SP106) Subsequent processing branches depending on the determination result of the determination means 27 in step SP104. That is, if the setting means 22 determines that the message sent by a user contains a specific word (positive determination), the processing proceeds to step SP112, and if it determines that the message does not contain the specific word (negative determination), the processing proceeds to step SP108.

[0192] (Step SP108) The setting means 22 of the server device 2 generates a first warning. This first warning is a message or the like indicating that the message received from the first communication terminal device 3 may contain the content of a paid book that has not been viewed by other users. After step SP108 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP110.

[0193] (Step SP110) The output means 25 of the server device 2 transmits the message received from the first communication terminal device 3 and the first alert generated by the setting means 22 to the second communication terminal device 4. After step SP110 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP112.

[0194] (Step SP112) The setting means 22 of the server device 2 generates a second warning. This second warning is made up of characters or the like indicating that the message received from the first communication terminal device 3 is likely to contain the content of a paid book that has not been viewed by other users. The second warning is made in a different manner from the first warning and has stronger content. After step SP112 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP114.

[0195] (Step SP114) The output means 25 of the server device 2 transmits the message received from the first communication terminal device 3 and the second alert generated by the setting means 22 to the second communication terminal device 4. After step SP114 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP116.

[0196] (Step SP116) The output means 25 of the server device 2 transmits the message received from the first communication terminal device 3 to the second communication terminal device 4. After step SP116 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP118.

[0197] (Step SP118) In this step, it is assumed that the user has already logged in with another user account, and the second display means 41 is displaying the menu screen 51 shown in FIG. Another user presses the chat button 54B in the icon area 54 at the bottom of the menu screen 51 using the second operating means 42. After step SP118 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP120.

[0198] (Step SP120) The second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 displays a chat room selection screen 91 shown in FIG. After step SP120 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP122.

[0199] (Step SP122) Another user presses the enter button 92A provided in the chat room information area 92 of the chat room he or she wants to enter (here, it is assumed that this is the chat room described in steps SP84 to SP88). After step SP122 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP124.

[0200] (Step SP124) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays the chat room screen. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a chat room screen 101 displayed on the second communication terminal device 4. Note that FIG. 16 shows an example in which a “message and first warning” is received from the server device 2.

[0201] As shown in FIG. 16, chat room screen 101 displays a history of messages exchanged between a plurality of friend users.

[0202] More specifically, the other user's own icon 102 is displayed in the upper left, and next to it, in a balloon area 103, messages sent by the other user in the chat room are displayed. Also, the other user's friend user's icon 104 is displayed on the right, and next to it, in a balloon area 105, messages sent by the friend user in the chat room are displayed.

[0203] When the "message and first warning" is received from the server device 2, a warning area 106 is placed next to the icon 104A of the user so as to cover the balloon area in which the message from the user is written, thereby making the message invisible.

[0204] The warning area 106 displays a first warning. This may be, for example, a sentence such as "Caution! Possible spoilers." The warning area 106 also has a permission button 106A labeled "OK." When the permission button 106A is pressed, the warning area 106 disappears, and a message from the first user becomes visible.

[0205] In addition, if a second warning is received (if the judgment means 27 makes a negative judgment in step SP106), the second warning (for example, the words ``! Caution! High possibility of spoilers'') will be displayed in the warning area 106. After step SP124 is completed, the process ends.

[0206] Although the third embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to a chat room, a bulletin board may be used instead.

[0207] Effect In the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, when the browsing status of a user's account included in the browsing information indicates that there is a browsing history of a paid version of a book, and the browsing status of another user's account included in the browsing information indicates that there is no browsing history of a paid version of a book, when the other user's account receives text information from the one user's account, the output means 25 outputs a warning (first warning or second warning) so that the warning can be confirmed in the other user's account before the text information.

[0208] According to this configuration, when other users who are not viewing the paid version of the book receive text information from one user who is viewing the paid version of the book, the other users are warned, thereby more reliably preventing one user from telling other users the contents of the paid version of the book.

[0209] Furthermore, in the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the setting means 22 associates one or more words related to the content of each paid book with the book, and the output means 25 outputs a strong warning in a manner different from the warning so that the strong warning can be confirmed before the text information is received by the other user's account when the word is included in the text information received by the other user's account.

[0210] According to this configuration, if another user who is not viewing the paid version of the book receives text information from a user who is viewing the paid version of the book and the text information contains words (specific words) related to the contents of the paid version of the book, the other user is strongly warned, thereby more reliably preventing one user from telling other users about the contents of the paid version of the book.

[0211] === Variations === The present invention is not limited to the above-described specific examples. In other words, designs that are appropriately modified by a person skilled in the art from the above-described specific examples are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention. Furthermore, the elements of the above-described embodiments and the modifications described below can be combined to the extent technically possible, and such combinations are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

[0212] For example, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the transmission of text information has been described. However, the first communication means 33 and the second communication means 43 may be configured to transmit and receive voice information inputted into the respective microphones 10B (so-called voice chat) in addition to text information. In this case, the voice information transmitted and received between them is outputted by the speaker 14. The first communication means 33 and the second communication means 43 may be capable of transmitting and receiving (so-called video chat) video information and audio information inputted by the respective cameras 10A and microphones 10B. In this case, the video information and audio information transmitted and received between them are outputted on the display 9A and the speaker 14. Furthermore, the first communication means 33 and the second communication means 43 may be configured to be able to transmit and receive still image information input by each camera 10A. In this case, the still image information transmitted and received between them is output in real time on the display 9A.

[0213] In addition, in the third embodiment of the present invention, when another user's account receives text information from one user's account, the output means 25 outputs a warning (first warning or second warning) so that the warning can be confirmed in the other user's account before the text information. However, the alert may be output in the same manner when audio information is received, not limited to text information.

[0214] In the third embodiment of the present invention, in steps SP96 and SP102, the judgment means 27 judges whether one user account or another user account has viewed a paid book, and if there are multiple paid books in the same series, it makes a positive judgment if at least one of them has been viewed. However, instead of such processing, it may be possible to determine whether other users have viewed a paid version of a book with the same or newer chapter number as the paid version of the book viewed by the first user, and if the determination is positive, proceed to step SP116, and if the determination is negative, proceed to SP104.

[0215] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the determination means 27 determines whether or not a specific word is included in a message. Alternatively, an AI (artificial intelligence) may be used to determine whether or not the message contains information that may be a spoiler of a paid book (whether or not the contents of the paid book are included). Furthermore, a generation AI may be used to generate various types of warnings.

[0216] Furthermore, in each embodiment of the present invention, the process of issuing a warning has been described. However, as a variation thereof, the warning may be issued by displaying the browsing status of other users participating in the chat room or bulletin board on the chat room screen 101 (see FIG. 16) or the bulletin board screen (not shown), for example.

[0217] Furthermore, in each embodiment of the present invention, a process is performed in which a user is alerted based on the browsing status of a user and the browsing status of other users by distinguishing between free and paid versions of multiple e-books included in the same series. However, instead of this, a warning may be issued when the latest chapter (latest volume) viewed by a user is newer than the latest chapter viewed by other users for multiple e-books included in the same series. The method of issuing a warning is as described in each embodiment. Furthermore, it is sufficient to be able to grasp the browsing status of other users without issuing a warning. For example, in FIG. 11, the warning mark 72A may not be displayed. Furthermore, when determining whether a book has been viewed, a book may be considered to have been viewed if there is a browsing history (completed reading).

[0218] In addition, the paid version of the book in each embodiment may be changed to an original work, and the free version of the book may be changed to a derivative work of the original work. Alternatively, the paid version of the book may be changed to a derivative work, and the free version of the book may be changed to the original work.

[0219] In addition, in each embodiment, a distinction is made between free books and paid books for each story (volume), but instead, within a single story, a distinction may be made between free pages that can be viewed without purchasing and paid pages that can be viewed by purchasing. For example, the first few pages may be free pages, and subsequent pages may be paid pages.

[0220] In addition, in each embodiment, for convenience, a plurality of user accounts are distinguished as one user account and another user account, and a plurality of communication terminal devices are distinguished as a first communication terminal device 3 and a second communication terminal device 4. However, these do not distinguish between specific user accounts or specific communication terminal devices. Therefore, a user account described as another user account can become the one user account, and a communication terminal device described as the second communication terminal device 4 can become the one communication terminal device 3. Furthermore, the relationship between the one user account and the other user account may be reversed for each electronic book, and the relationship between the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 may be reversed.

[0221] Furthermore, in the present invention, in addition to the configurations described in each embodiment, the server device 2 and / or the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 may be provided with a control means for generating a screen on which one or more questions regarding the display of an electronic book (for example, an electronic book included in the book information 20A) are provided. Furthermore, the screen may be displayed on the display means 31 and 41, respectively, at the time of each user's first access (first login using each user account). In this case, each user can answer the question using the operation means 32, 42. The question data may be stored in the storage means 20 and / or the storage means 30. The server device 2 and / or the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 may be provided with a setting means for setting each configuration of the screen to be displayed by the display means 31 and 41, respectively, depending on the answer to the question by each user. The various configurations of the screen include, for example, the direction of scrolling (vertical scrolling, horizontal scrolling), and the genre and direction of the recommended e-books (prioritizing those that can be viewed without consuming paid currency, prioritizing specific works), etc. Furthermore, each user may be able to skip the above questions using the operation means 32, 42, and furthermore, each configuration of the screen that each user set at the time of first access may be able to be reset from the next access onwards. The above-described configuration allows a screen that matches the user's preferences to be displayed, improving convenience and thereby increasing the continuation rate of the service.

[0222] Furthermore, in the present invention, in addition to the configurations described in the respective embodiments, the server device 2 and / or the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 may be provided with a control means for generating a screen of game elements such as a quiz and / or a vote regarding the content of the electronic book. Furthermore, the screen may be displayed on the display means 31 and 41, respectively. The quiz and / or vote may be, for example, "Which manga is popular because the main character does XX?" or "What did the main character say to the enemy after fighting XX?" In this case, each user may answer the quiz and / or the vote using the operation means 32, 42. The quiz and / or vote data may be stored in the storage means 20 and / or the storage means 30. Furthermore, in this case, a reward may be given to the user account of the user who answered the quiz and the vote. The reward may also be free currency, artwork related to the e-book, a badge, or a virtual trading card. The above-described configuration allows the user to deepen their understanding of the content of the electronic book and to become interested in the content.

[0223] In addition, points or title levels may be set that change each time a user purchases an electronic book, or points or title levels may be set that change each time a user presses the "Like" button in response to a comment or the like made by another user. Furthermore, a badge may be awarded each time a user answers or correctly answers a particular quiz.

[0224] In addition, in the present invention, the server device 2 and / or the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 may be provided with a control means for setting various achievements. Furthermore, the control means may generate a screen that displays each achievement and whether or not the achievement has been achieved. Furthermore, the screen may be displayed on the display means 31 and 41, respectively. Also, various types of achievements may be provided, and each time a user achieves an achievement, a different reward may be given. It is preferable that the types of achievements be related to each user's behavior toward e-books, such as the number of correct answers or accuracy rate in quizzes, the number of comments posted about e-books, the amount of support given to the author of the e-book, and the length of subscription period for a particular e-book.

[0225] In addition, in the present invention, the control means may generate a screen on which friend users can "like" an e-book and on which comments from friend users (comments entered by operating the operating means 42) are displayed in real time. Then, the screens may be displayed on the display means 31 and 41, respectively. Furthermore, the control means may provide an information column on the above-mentioned screen for each e-book indicating the popularity of the e-book, such as "Popular work" or "Number of views exceeds XX", based on the viewing status (display status) of each e-book. It should be noted that "based on the viewing status (display status)" may mean, for example, when the cumulative number of views (number of times displayed) reaches a predetermined number, when the cumulative number reaches a predetermined number over a certain period of time, or when the cumulative number reaches a predetermined number among the target user's friend users. The control means may also enable each user to recommend a specific electronic book to friend users. Furthermore, if a friend user who has received an electronic book recommendation from a user purchases the electronic book, the user who made the recommendation may be able to receive a reward. The above-described configuration can increase the interest of users when viewing electronic books together with friend users.

[0226] In addition, in the present invention, when each user is viewing an electronic book, i.e., when each display means 31, 41 is displaying an electronic book, the user may be able to move icons on the screen or mark on the screen by operating the operating means 32, 42.

[0227] Furthermore, the present invention may also include a control means for extracting the most popular page (image) for each electronic book based on the browsing status, chat, voice chat, etc. history of each user, and setting a screen for displaying a digest of this for each electronic book. Then, the screen may be displayed on the display means 31, 41, respectively.

[0228] Furthermore, in addition to the configurations described in the respective embodiments, the present invention may be configured such that, while each user is viewing an electronic book, i.e., while each display means 31, 41 is displaying the electronic book, each user can enlarge a specified portion (i.e., a part of the screen of the electronic book) using the operation means 32, 42 (by tapping, etc.) (provided that this is while the user is operating the operation means 32, 42). Furthermore, in this case, the screen being displayed may be displayed in a position that does not overlap with the user's hand or finger operating the operation means 32, 42. Furthermore, the screen may be configured to return to its original state when the user stops operating the operation means 32, 42 (when the user removes the hand or finger). Furthermore, the enlargement ratio may be set by the user. Furthermore, metadata such as frame arrangement and dialogue position for each page of an electronic book may be stored in storage means 20 and / or storage means 30, dynamically analyzed by the control means, and the control means may adjust the area to be enlarged depending on the metadata and the user's tap position. The above-described configuration allows easy switching between viewing the entire image and viewing the details, providing a comfortable viewing experience.

[0229] Furthermore, in the present invention, the text of the outline (plot) of the series may be dynamically generated in accordance with the user's reading progress or viewing situation (display situation). The text may be stored in the storage means 20 and / or the storage means 30, or the storage means 20 and / or the storage means 30 may store original sentences of the text (for example, sentences linked to each episode), and the control means may combine these in accordance with the reading progress or viewing situation (display situation) to dynamically generate text. For example, if the target user has never viewed a certain e-book, the text may provide an overview of the entire work, and if the user has already viewed up to episode 10, the text may provide a synopsis of episodes 1 to 10 and an introduction to episodes 11 and beyond. By configuring as described above, it is possible to provide users with text that is appropriate for their level of understanding of e-books, rather than a uniform text, and to encourage them to view and purchase e-books. Furthermore, even if a long time has passed since the user last viewed the book, the user can read a synopsis of the content up to the point where they last viewed it, which motivates them to resume viewing, and an increase in the return rate can be expected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0230] 22: Setting means, 25: Output means, 26: Linking means

Claims

1. A program that allows multiple serialized e-books to be viewed under one user's account and another user's account, Computer, a setting means for updating viewing information indicating the viewing status of paid books and free books for each user's account when paid books that can be viewed by purchasing them among the plurality of electronic books and free books that can be viewed without purchasing them among the plurality of electronic books are viewed, respectively; an output means for outputting the browsing information so that the browsing status of the account of the other user included in the browsing information can be confirmed in the account of the one user; A program that functions as a

2. The computer and further functioning as a linking means for linking the account of the one user with the account of the other user so that text information and / or audio information can be transmitted and received between the account of the one user and the account of the other user. The program according to claim 1.

3. the other user is a friend user registered by an operation of the one user; The program according to claim 2.

4. When the browsing status of the account of the one user included in the browsing information indicates that the paid book has been browsed or is currently being browsed, and the browsing status of the account of the other user included in the browsing information indicates that the paid book has not been browsed, the output means outputs a warning so that the warning can be confirmed in the account of the one user. The program according to claim 1.

5. When the browsing status of the account of the one user included in the browsing information indicates that there is a browsing history of the paid version of the book, and the browsing status of the account of the other user included in the browsing information indicates that there is no browsing history of the paid version of the book, when the account of the other user receives the text information and / or the audio information from the account of the one user, the output means outputs a warning so that the warning can be confirmed in the account of the other user before the text information or the audio information. The program according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The setting means sets each paid book by linking it with one or more words related to its content; When the word is included in the character information and / or the audio information received by the account of the other user, the output means outputs a strong warning in a manner different from the warning so that the warning can be confirmed before the character information or the audio information in the account of the other user. The program according to claim 5.

7. An information processing device that allows a plurality of serialized electronic books to be viewed under one user's account and another user's account, a setting means for updating viewing information indicating the viewing status of paid books and free books for each user's account when paid books that can be viewed by purchasing them among the plurality of electronic books and free books that can be viewed without purchasing them among the plurality of electronic books are viewed, respectively; an output means for outputting the browsing information so that the browsing status of the account of the other user included in the browsing information can be confirmed in the account of the one user; An information processing device comprising:

Images