Product providing device, program, and product providing system

Abstract

To efficiently provide a commodity.SOLUTION: A product provision device includes title presentation means for presenting a title screen including a title and stock status information of a plurality of product groups including a plurality of types of products associated with the title, stock management means for managing stock statuses of products of the plurality of product groups, and option presentation means for presenting a plurality of options uniquely associated with each of the plurality of product groups to a terminal so as to be selectable by a user on condition that the title screen is selected. For the commodities of the commodity group, an equal prize is allocated for each kind of commodity. The stock status information is the presence or absence of stock of products for each prize of all the product groups associated with the title.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product provision device, a program, and a product provision system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been online lottery-style product provision systems (for example, Patent Document 1). In such online lottery systems, unlike options such as a tangible lottery box or lottery tickets, users cannot monopolize options, and the system must prevent users from selecting options such as a lottery box or lottery tickets from other users. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-070937 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, in the case of online events, many users participate, so it is important to be able to select options efficiently.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a product provision device, a program, and a product provision system that can provide products efficiently. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a product provision device capable of communicating with a user's terminal, comprising: a title presentation means for presenting a title screen including a title and explanatory information for a product group including multiple types of products associated with the title; an inventory management means for managing the inventory status of the products in the product group; and an option presentation means for presenting multiple options associated with the product group on the terminal so that the user can select from them, provided that the title is selected; and the title presentation means presents simple information about the product inventory status on the title screen.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a title presentation means that presents a title screen including a title and explanatory information for a product group including multiple types of products associated with the title, an inventory management means that manages the inventory status of the products in the product group, and an option presentation means that, upon selection of a title, presents multiple options associated with the product group on a terminal so that the user can select from them, and the title presentation means presents simple information about the product inventory status on the title screen.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a product provision system including a user terminal and a product provision device, and is equipped with a title presentation means for presenting a title screen including a title and explanatory information for a product group including multiple types of products associated with the title, an inventory management means for managing the inventory status of the products in the product group, and an option presentation means for presenting multiple options associated with the product group on the terminal so that the user can select from them, provided that the title is selected, and the title presentation means presents simple information about the product inventory status on the title screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide products efficiently. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a method for providing products that is applied to this embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a product provision system according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a tablet computer, which is an example of the terminal 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the product providing device 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery box database D1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box image corresponding to an inventory level. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box list screen presented by the first type option presentation unit 112. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box list screen presented by the first type option presentation unit 112. As shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of detailed product inventory information. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the waiting screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery ticket purchase decision screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery ticket number determination screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery ticket database D2. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an example of a screen displaying a list of lottery tickets for a selected lottery box, which is displayed on the terminal 2. In FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 2. As shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first type option presentation process of the product provision device 1. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows an example of a screen showing a list of titles available for purchase displayed on terminal 2. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an operational flowchart of the second type option presentation process of the product provision device 1. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an example of a lottery ticket opening screen displayed on terminal 2. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an example of a list of prizes displayed in the title presentation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] <Embodiments of the present invention> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] First, to facilitate understanding of the configuration of this embodiment, a product provision method applied to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining the product provision method applied to this embodiment.

[0013] The method of providing merchandise applied in this embodiment provides merchandise by lottery from among a plurality of types of merchandise belonging to a title selected by the user. The title is the title of a certain character or event, for example.

[0014] A title is associated with a plurality of first-type options, and each of the plurality of first-type options is associated with a plurality of second-type options. Each of the first-type options is associated with a product group including N products of P types associated with the title. Each of the plurality of second-type options associated with each first-type option is associated with one of the products in the product group associated with the first-type option.

[0015] To explain this in more detail using Figure 1, the first type of options are lottery boxes, and the second type of options are lottery tickets contained in the lottery boxes. There is one title, the "XXX Series," and each of the multiple lottery boxes 1 through M associated with this title, the "XXX Series," is associated with one product group. Each product group contains P types of products, and each product group is composed of a total of N products of P types, with the types and numbers of products being the same for each product group. The proportion of products in a product group is determined by the prize awarded for each product type. That is, the higher the prize ranking, the fewer the number of products, and the lower the prize ranking, the more the number of products. For example, if "Product X-1" in the "XXX Series" product group is awarded first prize, "Product X-2" is awarded second prize, ..., and "Product XP" is awarded third prize, the probability of winning increases in the order of "Product X-1," "Product X-2," ..., and "Product XP." In other words, "Product X-1" has the lowest probability of winning and the smallest number of items. "Product XP" has the highest probability of winning and the largest number of items.

[0016] Here, a case where M=10, N=100, and P=5 in FIG. 1 will be described.

[0017] The title "XXX Series" is associated with 10 lottery boxes 1 to 10, and each of lottery boxes 1 to 10 is associated with 100 lottery tickets 1 to 100. There are five types of products in one product group associated with each of lottery boxes 1 to 10: "Product X-1" to "Product X-5." The first prize is "Product X-1," the second prize is "Product X-2," the third prize is "Product X-3," the fourth prize is "Product X-4," and the fifth prize is "Product X-5." The breakdown of the numbers is 2 "Product X-1," 8 "Product X-2," 20 "Product X-3," 30 "Product X-4," and 40 "Product X-5," for a total of 100 products. In other words, each of the four types of 100 product groups is associated with lottery boxes 1 to 10.

[0018] Furthermore, each of the lottery tickets 1 to 100 in each of the lottery boxes 1 to 10 is associated with one of the 100 products in the product group associated with the lottery box. The lottery tickets 1 to 100 are associated one-to-one with the products to prevent overlapping. At this time, it is preferable that the association between the lottery tickets 1 to 100 and the products in each of the lottery boxes 1 to 10 is not the same, but is different for each lottery box. This is to prevent the user from discovering the correspondence between the lottery tickets and the products as they repeatedly select lottery tickets.

[0019] Next, the provision of products to users will be described.

[0020] The user selects the title they wish to purchase, and then selects one lottery box from the multiple lottery boxes 1 to 10 associated with that title. Here, if the user selects lottery box 5, the user then selects the desired number of lottery tickets from lottery tickets 5-1 to 5-100 associated with lottery box 5. Then, the product associated with the lottery ticket selected by the user is provided. As a result, the product associated with the lottery ticket selected by the user is sold out. Note that the lottery ticket selected by the user and provided with the product cannot be selected by other users.

[0021] In this way, the provision of products associated with the title is realized by a lottery system in which the user can select the product himself.

[0022] [Overall configuration] The product providing device system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0023] 2 is a schematic diagram of a product provision system according to this embodiment, in which 1 is a product provision device and 2 is a user terminal.

[0024] The product providing device 1 and the user terminal 2 can be connected to a communication line N and can communicate with each other. The communication line N means a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the communication line N includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a telephone communication network, a cable network, the Internet, and other communication networks, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0025] The product providing device 1 is a server system configured to include one or more server devices, storage devices, etc. The product providing device 1 performs various services for providing products to users, obtains product inventory status, and performs procedures for providing products to users.

[0026] The terminal 2 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, etc. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a tablet computer, which is an example of the terminal 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the terminal 2 includes a display 21, a touch operation panel 22 configured integrally with the display 21, and a built-in speaker 23. The terminal 2 also includes a control board, a built-in battery, a power button, a volume adjustment button, etc., which are not shown.

[0027] The control board is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU, GPU, and DSP, various IC memories such as an ASIC, VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a wireless communication module for wireless communication with a base station. The control board also is equipped with a so-called I / F circuit (interface circuit), such as a driver circuit for the touch operation panel 22. These elements equipped on the control board are electrically connected to each other via a bus circuit or the like, and are connected to enable reading and writing of data and sending and receiving of signals.

[0028] In this embodiment, a product is a product that is provided to a user in exchange for a monetary payment. The product is expressed as a tangible product or the like. For example, the product may be a sculpted object such as a figurine having the appearance of a certain character, clothing, a plastic model, an accessory, or the like, but is not limited to these.

[0029] [Function Configuration] The configuration of each device will be explained.

[0030] First, we will explain the configuration of the product provision device 1. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the product provision device 1.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the product providing device 1 includes a processing unit 10, a communication unit 11, and a storage unit 12.

[0032] The processing unit 10 comprehensively controls the operation of the product provision device 1 based on the programs and data stored in the memory unit 12. The functions of the processing unit 10 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or an IC memory. The processing unit 10 includes, as main functional units, a user information management unit 111, a first type of option presentation unit 112, a queue management unit 113, a second type of option presentation unit 114, a payment processing unit 115, a product inventory management unit 116, and a product provision unit 117.

[0033] The user information management unit 111 uses a user information database to manage user information, such as the user's identification information (user ID) and password for the purchasing service, personal information such as the user's name and address, and product purchase history information for the user.

[0034] The first type option presentation unit 112 refers to the lottery box database D1 and controls the presentation of a plurality of first type options to the terminal 2.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery box database D1. For each lottery box, the lottery box database D1 includes a field for a lottery box ID (identification information), a field for the number of prizes (products) in stock included in the lottery box, a field for the total number of prizes in stock in the lottery box, and a field for a standby status. The lottery box ID (identification information) field is a field in which identification information for identifying the lottery box is entered. The field for the number of prizes (products) in stock is a field in which the current number of prizes in stock and the initial number of prizes in stock are entered. For example, this is entered in the format (current number of prizes in stock) / (initial number of prizes in stock). The field for the total number of prizes in stock is a field in which the total number of prizes in stock is entered. Note that the last prize is a product offered to the user who purchased the last product, and therefore is not included in the total number of prizes in stock. The standby status field is a field in which the number of users waiting to draw that lottery box is entered. If there are no users waiting, 0 is entered, and if there are users waiting, the number of users waiting is entered. Furthermore, if all items in the lottery box are sold out and the total stock is 0, it will be marked as unavailable for selection.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first type of option is a lottery box. The first type of option presents lottery boxes with stock levels corresponding to the number of products in stock in each lottery box. In this embodiment, there are four stock levels. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box image corresponding to the stock level. In the example of Fig. 6, the stock levels are as follows: stock level 1 is when the number of products in stock is 70 to 100, stock level 2 is when the number of products in stock is 30 to 69, stock level 3 is when the number of products in stock is 1 to 29, and stock level 4 is when the number of products in stock is 0 (sold out). Stock levels 1 to 3 are represented by lottery box images showing the remaining number of lottery tickets corresponding to the three levels. At stock level 4, the lottery box displays a message indicating that the product is sold out.

[0037] The first-type option presentation unit 112 obtains the stock quantity of each lottery box from the lottery box database D1 and presents a lottery box list screen including a plurality of lottery box images with stock levels corresponding to the stock quantities. Furthermore, the first-type option presentation unit 112 also presents the stock quantity and the number of people waiting for each lottery box from the lottery box database D1 on the lottery box screen.

[0038] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box list screen presented by the first-type option presentation unit 112. The lottery box list screen in Fig. 7 displays a lottery box image 30 for stock level 1, a lottery box image 31 for stock level 4, a lottery box image 32 for stock level 3, and a lottery box image 33 for stock level 2. In addition, below each lottery box image, the number of people waiting to draw that lottery box and the number of remaining lottery tickets (product inventory number) are displayed. Furthermore, a product inventory information button 35 is also displayed for checking detailed product inventory information specific to the lottery box.

[0039] The first-type option presentation unit 112 also has the functions of sorting and searching lottery boxes. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box list screen presented by the first-type option presentation unit 112. For example, a sort button 36 and a narrow down button 37 are displayed on the lottery box list screen in FIG. 8. When the sort button 36 is selected by the user, the first-type option presentation unit 112 displays the type of sorting. For example, when "Many remaining tickets" is selected, the first-type option presentation unit 112 refers to the number of tickets in stock in the lottery box database D1, and presents lottery box images sorted in descending order of the number of tickets in stock. Furthermore, when "Few people waiting" is selected, the first-type option presentation unit 112 refers to the waiting status in the lottery box database D1, and presents lottery box images sorted in descending order of the number of people waiting.

[0040] Furthermore, the first type option presentation unit 112 may be used for sorting and searching as long as the search conditions are such that they can be searched using the information in the lottery box database D1. For example, the user may specify a grand prize as a search condition, search for lottery boxes that have the product for that grand prize in stock, and present the lottery boxes in order of most or least in stock.

[0041] Furthermore, the first type option presentation unit 112 may present only lottery boxes that match the search conditions.

[0042] Furthermore, when the product stock detail information button 35 is selected by the user, the first-type option presentation unit 112 displays the product stock detail information for that lottery box. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the product stock detail information. The product stock detail information in FIG. 9 is the product stock detail information when the product stock detail information button 35 on the lottery box image 33 on the lottery box screen is selected. The first-type option presentation unit 112 reads out and displays the stock quantity of each prize for that lottery box from the lottery box database D1. Furthermore, when the user selects the wait for turn button 40, the first-type option presentation unit 112 notifies the wait for turn management unit 113.

[0043] When the queue management unit 113 receives a notification from the first type option presentation unit 112, it references the waiting status in the lottery box database D1 to obtain the number of people waiting, and further links it to the user identification information and adds 1 (one person) to the number of people waiting. Note that for the queue described below, the user identification information and the ranking are linked and updated so that the order in the queue can be known.

[0044] Furthermore, the waiting-line management unit 113 maintains a session between the user's terminal 2 and the product provision device 1 using the IP address or MAC address of the user's terminal 2, the user's identification information (user ID), etc. Then, the waiting-line management unit 113 presents a waiting-line screen. The waiting-line screen is a screen that presents waiting-line information until the lottery to users who are waiting in line for the lottery. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the waiting-line screen. The waiting-line screen in Fig. 10 displays the current number of people waiting. It also displays a gauge that indicates the elapsed time until the lottery is held.

[0045] Furthermore, the queue management unit 113 has a function of notifying the user when the waiting order for the user identification information reaches a predetermined order. When the waiting order for the user identification information reaches a predetermined order, the queue management unit 113 notifies the user's contact information that the waiting order has reached the predetermined order. The user's contact information includes the user's phone number, email address, SNS account (user identification information), etc. These contact information may be stored in advance as user information, or may be made available for input from the queue screen. In the example of the queue screen in FIG. 10, there is an input field 45 for inputting the user's phone number, and the user inputs the user's phone number in the input field 45. Then, the user selects the approve button 46. When the waiting order for the user identification information reaches a predetermined order, the queue management unit 113 notifies the user of this by sending a short message to the phone number.

[0046] The user can also cancel their lottery queue. Cancellation of the queue can be performed by selecting the "Exit Queue" button 90 on the queue screen. When the "Exit Queue" button 90 is selected, the queue management unit 113 deletes the user identification information of the user who executed the cancellation from the queue status in the lottery box database D1 and reduces the number of people waiting by 1 (one person). Then, the lottery box database D1 is updated by moving up the queue of the user who canceled.

[0047] Furthermore, the queue management unit 113 refers to the waiting status in the lottery box database D1, and when it is the user's turn, a lottery ticket purchase decision screen is displayed. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery ticket purchase decision screen. When the lottery ticket purchase decision button 47 on the lottery ticket purchase decision screen is selected, the queue management unit 113 displays a lottery ticket number decision screen. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery ticket number decision screen. When the lottery ticket selection button 48 is selected, the queue management unit 113 notifies the second type option presentation unit 114. Note that if the number of people waiting is zero, the queue management unit 113 directly transitions to the lottery ticket purchase decision screen.

[0048] If a user is allowed to select a lottery box for a long time, other users will not be able to select that lottery box. Therefore, the queue management unit 113 measures the time T1 from when the user selects a lottery box to when they decide to purchase a lottery ticket for that lottery box, and if the time T1 exceeds a predetermined TX, it forcibly cancels the selection of the lottery box, transitions it to a selectable state, deletes the user identification information in the waiting state in the lottery box database D1, and reduces the number of people waiting by one.

[0049] The second-type option presentation unit 114 refers to the lottery ticket database D2 and presents a lottery ticket list screen including a plurality of second-type options to the terminal 2. In this embodiment, the second-type options are lottery tickets. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery ticket database D2. As shown in FIG. 13, the lottery ticket database D2 is associated with one lottery box and includes a lottery ticket ID (identification information), a prize / product ID (identification information) associated with the lottery ticket ID, and selection status information for the lottery ticket. The prize / product ID is information that identifies the prize and the prize. In the example of FIG. 13, "X-1" indicates the first prize product of the X series, "X-2" indicates the second prize product of the X series, "X-3" indicates the third prize product of the X series, and "X-4" indicates the fourth prize product of the X series. The selection status information of the lottery ticket includes a selected status in which the ticket has already been selected (opened) by the user and the product associated with the ticket has been provided, and an unselected status in which the product associated with the ticket has not yet been provided. In the selected status, "1" is assigned, and in the unselected status, "0" is assigned.

[0050] Fig. 14 is an example of a lottery ticket list screen for a selected lottery box that is displayed on terminal 2. On the lottery ticket list screen in Fig. 14, images of lottery tickets with lottery ticket IDs that have already been selected are displayed with dotted lines, and selectable lottery tickets are displayed with solid lines. The user can select the number of lottery tickets that they have reserved for purchase from the selectable lottery tickets.

[0051] For a lottery ticket selected by the user from the lottery ticket list screen, the second type option presentation unit 114 updates the selection status information corresponding to the lottery ticket ID of the lottery ticket in the lottery ticket database D2 to "selected" after payment is made by the payment processing unit 115. The user can select as many lottery tickets as he or she has reserved for purchase.

[0052] Furthermore, if a user is allowed to select a lottery ticket for a long time, other users will not be able to select that lottery box. Therefore, the second-type option presentation unit 114 measures the time T2 from the presentation of the lottery ticket purchase screen to the completion of payment for the purchase of that lottery ticket, and when the time T2 exceeds a predetermined TY, it forcibly cancels the selection of the lottery ticket and the selection of that lottery box. Then, the second-type option presentation unit 114 deletes the user identification information in a standby state from the lottery box database D1, reducing the number of people waiting in line by one.

[0053] In this embodiment, the lottery ticket (second type of option) is selected by the user, but the system may be configured so that the user can choose between manual selection and automatic selection, and if automatic selection is selected, the second type of option presentation unit 114 may automatically select a selectable lottery ticket (second type of option) by lottery.

[0054] The payment processing unit 115 performs payment processing for the lottery ticket that has been reserved for purchase. The payment processing is performed after the selection of the lottery ticket is confirmed by the second type option presentation unit 114. When the payment processing by the payment processing unit 115 is completed, the second type option presentation unit 114 deletes the user identification information for which payment has been completed from the waiting user identification information in the lottery box database D1 for the lottery box for which payment has been completed, and reduces the number of people waiting in line by one.

[0055] Upon receiving the payment completion from the payment processing unit 115, the product inventory management unit 116 refers to the lottery ticket database D2, reduces the number of products in stock associated with the unselectable lottery tickets in the lottery box database D1, and updates the lottery box database D1, thereby reflecting the latest inventory status in the lottery box database D1.

[0056] In this way, by determining the type of product associated with the selected lottery ticket and making payment after determining the type of product to be provided to the user, the lottery box can be transitioned from a selected state to a selectable state without waiting for the time it takes to provide the product, such as the subsequent performance of opening the lottery ticket.

[0057] The product provision unit 117 presents a lottery ticket opening screen. When the user selects a lottery ticket to open, product information for the product associated with the opened lottery ticket is presented. The product provision unit 117 also performs shipping procedures for the product provided to the user. The delivery address is selected from addresses registered in the user information database.

[0058] The communication unit 11 connects to a communication line N to realize communication.

[0059] The memory unit 12 stores a system program and a function program. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of the product provision device 1 as a computer. The function program is a program for causing the processing unit 10 to function as main functional units, including a user information management unit 111, a first type of option presentation unit 112, a queue management unit 113, a second type of option presentation unit 114, a payment processing unit 115, a product inventory management unit 116, and a product provision unit 117. The memory unit 12 also stores a lottery box database D1 and a lottery ticket database D2.

[0060] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the terminal 2. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 2.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 15, the terminal 2 includes a processing unit 60, an operation input unit 61, an image display unit 62, a sound output unit 63, a communication unit 64, and a storage unit 65.

[0062] The processing unit 60 comprehensively controls the operation of the terminal 2 based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 65, operation input signals from the operation input unit 61, etc. The functions of the processing unit 60 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, and an IC memory. The processing unit 60 includes, as its main functional units, a calculation unit 70, an image generation unit 73, a sound generation unit 74, and a communication control unit 75.

[0063] The calculation unit 70 executes various processes for purchasing the product 3 and outputs the results to the image generation unit 73, the sound generation unit 74, and the communication control unit 75. The calculation unit 70 includes a display control unit 71 and a product purchase processing unit 72.

[0064] The display control unit 71 uses information provided by the product provision device 1 and user operation information to display and present a product purchase screen for the product 3.

[0065] The product purchase processing unit 72 performs a product purchase procedure. Specifically, the product purchase processing unit 72 performs a purchase process for the product 3 with the product providing device 1.

[0066] The operation input unit 61 is used to input various operations by the user and outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the operation input to the processing unit 60. The function of the operation input unit 61 can be realized by, for example, elements that are directly operated by the user's fingers, such as a touch operation pad, a home button, a button switch, a joystick, or a trackball, as well as elements that detect movement or posture, such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a tilt sensor, or a geomagnetic sensor. In FIG. 2, this corresponds to the touch operation panel 22.

[0067] The image generation unit 73 generates one image per frame time (for example, 1 / 60 seconds) based on the processing results of the calculation unit 70, and outputs the generated image signal to the image display unit 62. The functions of the image generation unit 73 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a program such as a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, an IC memory used for expanding texture data, etc.

[0068] The sound generation unit 74 generates sound signals such as sound effects and various operation sounds based on the processing results of the calculation unit 70, and outputs them to the sound output unit 63. The function of the sound generation unit 74 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a voice synthesis IC, or an audio codec capable of playing back audio files.

[0069] The communication control unit 75 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the product provision device 1.

[0070] Image display unit 62 displays a screen based on the image signal input from image generation unit 73. The function of image display unit 62 can be realized by a display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 2, image display unit 62 corresponds to display 21.

[0071] The sound output unit 63 outputs sound effects and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 74. In FIG.

[0072] The communication unit 64 realizes communication by connecting to the communication line N. The function of the communication unit 64 can be realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, or the like.

[0073] The storage unit 65 stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the terminal 2 and realizing various functions of the terminal 2, as well as data used during execution of these programs. The storage unit 65 can be realized by, for example, RAM, ROM, IC memory such as flash memory, magnetic disks such as hard disks, or optical disks such as CD-ROMs and DVDs. Specifically, the storage unit 65 stores a system program and a control program for controlling the terminal 2 to process the purchase of an item (product) 3. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of the terminal 2 as a computer. The control program is a program for causing the processing unit 60 to function as the calculation unit 70.

[0074] [Explanation of operation] The operation of the product provision system in this embodiment will be described, focusing on the operation of the product provision device 1. Fig. 16 is an operational flowchart of the first type option presentation process of the product provision device 1.

[0075] First, the user uses the terminal 2 to access the product providing device 1 and make a request for a product purchase screen.

[0076] Upon receiving the request for a product purchase screen, the first type option presentation unit 112 of the product providing device 1 presents a purchasable title list screen to the terminal 2 (Step 100). FIG. 17 is an example of the purchasable title list screen presented to the terminal 2. For each title, the purchasable title list screen also displays a description of the type of product belonging to the product group associated with that title. The user selects the title they wish to purchase. In this example, it is assumed that the user has selected the title "XXX Series."

[0077] When a title is selected (Steps 101 and 102), the first-type option presentation unit 112 acquires the number of tickets in stock and the number of people waiting for each lottery box from the lottery box database D1 for the selected title (Step 103).Then, the first-type option presentation unit 112 determines the stock level of each lottery box from the number of tickets in stock in each lottery box (Step 104), and presents a lottery box list screen including multiple lottery box images corresponding to the stock level, as shown in FIG.

[0078] When the user selects the product inventory details button 35 (Step 106), the first type option presentation unit 112 obtains the inventory information (stock quantity of each prize) of the selected lottery box from the lottery box database D1 (Step 107), and displays the product inventory details of that lottery box as shown in Figure 9 (Step 108).

[0079] When the user selects the wait button 40 (Steps 109, 110), the wait management unit 113 references the waiting status in the lottery box database D1 to obtain the number of people waiting, and then links it with the user identification information, adds 1 (one person) to the number of people waiting, and updates the lottery box database D1 (Step 111).Then, the wait management unit 113 presents a wait screen as shown in Figure 10 (Step 112).

[0080] When the waiting order of the user identification information reaches a predetermined order (Step 113), the waiting management unit 113 refers to the waiting status in the lottery box database D1 and presents a lottery ticket purchase decision screen as shown in Fig. 11 (Step 115). On the other hand, if the waiting order is released, the waiting status in the lottery box database D1 is updated (Step 121) and the process proceeds to Step 103.

[0081] When the lottery ticket purchase decision button 47 on the lottery ticket purchase decision screen is selected (Step 116), the queue management unit 113 presents a lottery ticket number decision screen as shown in FIG. 12 (Step 117).

[0082] When the number of lottery tickets is determined on the lottery ticket number determination screen (Step 118), a second type of option presentation process is performed (Step 119).

[0083] The queue management unit 113 measures the time T1 from the presentation of the lottery ticket purchase decision screen, and when the time T1 until the number of lottery tickets to be purchased is decided exceeds a predetermined TX (Step 120), it forcibly deselects the lottery box, transitions it to a selectable state, deletes the user identification information in the waiting state in the lottery box database D1, reduces the number of people waiting by one, and updates the lottery box database D1 (Step 121).

[0084] Next, the second type of option presentation process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0085] First, the second-type option presentation unit 114 reads out the lottery ticket information of the selected lottery box from the lottery ticket database D2 (Step 200). The read lottery ticket information includes the lottery ticket ID and selection information. Then, the second-type option presentation unit 114 presents a lottery ticket list screen on the terminal 2, as shown in FIG. 14 (Step 201).

[0086] When the second type option presentation unit 114 presents the lottery ticket list screen to the terminal 2, it starts measuring time T2 (Step 202). Here, time T2 is the time from the presentation of the lottery ticket list screen to the completion of payment for the purchase of the lottery ticket. The user can select the number of lottery tickets he or she has reserved for purchase from the available lottery tickets.

[0087] Next, the second type option presentation unit 114 determines whether the selection of lottery tickets is complete on the lottery ticket list screen (Step 203). If the selection of lottery tickets is not complete (Step 207), the second type option presentation unit 114 determines whether time T2 exceeds a predetermined time TY (Step 211). If time T2 exceeds time TY, the second type option presentation unit 114 releases the occupancy state of the selected lottery box and updates the standby state of the lottery box database D1 (Step 209).

[0088] On the other hand, when the user has completed the selection of a lottery ticket (Step 204), the payment processing unit 115 performs payment processing for the purchase of the lottery ticket (Step 205). Upon completion of the payment processing, the second-type option presentation unit 114 sets a flag of "1" in the selection information of the lottery ticket ID for the lottery ticket for which selection has been completed, and updates the lottery ticket database D2 (Step 207). Furthermore, the second-type option presentation unit 114 deletes the user ID of the selected lottery box from the lottery box database D1, and updates the lottery box database D1 (Step 208).

[0089] As a result, the lottery box that has been selected by the user becomes selectable by other users, and other users can select that lottery box. Also, at the time of payment, the selected lottery ticket is confirmed, and the product associated with that lottery ticket is also confirmed, so that the next user who selects that lottery box can be accurately informed of information about the remaining lottery tickets and products, and lottery tickets that have already been selected will not be selected by other users.

[0090] On the other hand, if the payment processing unit 115 does not complete the payment processing (Step 209), the second type option presentation unit 114 determines whether the time T2 exceeds a predetermined time TY (Step 211). If the time T2 exceeds the time TY, the second type option presentation unit 114 deletes the user ID of the selected lottery box from the lottery box database D1 and updates the lottery box database D1 (Step 208).

[0091] When the payment processing unit 115 completes the payment processing (Step 206), the product provider 117 displays a lottery ticket opening screen (Step 209) and displays product information for the product associated with the opened lottery ticket (Step 210). Figure 19 shows an example of the lottery ticket opening screen displayed on terminal 2. By selecting the lottery ticket to open, the user can view product information for the product associated with that lottery ticket.

[0092] The method of providing products applied in this embodiment is to provide products in the form of a lottery box, so users want to know how many lottery tickets (products) are left in the lottery box. This embodiment is configured to present the inventory level of the product group associated with the lottery box as an image of the lottery box, so users can easily know how much product is in stock in each lottery box.

[0093] In addition, since the system is configured to allow the user to check detailed inventory information for the products in the lottery box, it is possible to provide useful information for the user to select a lottery box.

[0094] In addition, this embodiment is configured so that the order in which the lottery boxes are presented can be rearranged based on lottery box inventory information, the number of people waiting, etc., making it easy for users to view the lottery boxes.

[0095] Furthermore, the method of providing products applied in this embodiment is to provide products in the form of a lottery box. Therefore, the lottery box must be selectable by only one user. On the other hand, it is not desirable for one user to monopolize the selection of the lottery box. In this embodiment, the lottery box is configured so that only one user can select a lottery ticket, and after the user has completed selecting a lottery ticket, payment for the purchase of the lottery ticket is made and then the lottery ticket is opened, thereby shortening the time required to maintain the selection of the lottery box for one user.

[0096] Furthermore, since one product is associated with the selected lottery ticket, the next user to select the lottery box can be accurately informed of information about the remaining lottery tickets and products, and duplicate products can be prevented from being provided.

[0097] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which a plurality of first-type group options (lottery boxes) are used, but it is not necessary to provide a plurality of first-type group options (lottery boxes). Even if there is a single first-type option (lottery box), similar to this embodiment, a similar effect can be obtained as long as the first-type option (lottery box) can be selected by only one user, multiple second-type options (lottery tickets) are associated with the first-type option (lottery box), and the second-type options (lottery tickets) are associated one-to-one with products in the product group of the first-type option (lottery box). In other words, the time required to maintain the lottery box selection for one user can be shortened, and the provision of duplicate products can be prevented.

[0098] Furthermore, the lottery box image corresponding to the stock level does not necessarily have to be an image of the remaining number of lottery tickets, and other representation methods such as a cage may be used as long as the stock level can be recognized.

[0099] <First Modification of the Embodiment of the Present Invention> A modified example of the embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, the remaining prizes (products) in each lottery box can be confirmed by viewing the detailed inventory information for each lottery box. However, it would be more convenient for the user if the remaining prizes for the entire title could be seen when the title screen is displayed.

[0101] Therefore, when presenting the title screen, the first type option presentation unit 112 displays a list of first prizes, and displays sold-out (out of stock) first prizes in a form that makes them distinguishable from other first prizes. When presenting titles, the first type option presentation unit 112 refers to the lottery box database D1 and searches for first prizes that are out of stock in all lottery boxes. For example, if the stock of the third prize in all lottery boxes is 0 in the lottery box database D1, this means that the third prize for that title is sold out (out of stock).

[0102] The first type option presentation unit 112 uses the acquired stock information to present a list of prizes when presenting titles. FIG. 20 is an example of a list of prizes displayed when presenting titles. FIG. 20 shows that the third prize is sold out (out of stock). Note that the specific number of prizes in stock may also be presented.

[0103] By configuring in this way, the user can know which prizes are remaining when the title screen is displayed, which is convenient for selecting a lottery box for that title.

[0104] Although the present invention has been described above by way of preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept.

[0105] Furthermore, some or all of the above-described embodiments may also be described as in the following supplementary notes, but are not limited to the following.

[0106] [Appendix 1] A product providing device capable of communicating with a user terminal, a title display means for displaying a title screen including a title and explanatory information of a product group including a plurality of types of products associated with the title; an inventory management means for managing the inventory status of the products in the product group; an option presentation means for presenting a plurality of options associated with the product group on the terminal so that the user can select one of the options, on the condition that the title has been selected; Equipped with the title presentation means presents simplified information about the inventory status of the product on the title screen; Product provision equipment.

[0107] [Appendix 2] a product providing means for providing a product to the user by lottery from the group of products associated with the option selected by the user; 2. The product providing device of claim 1.

[0108] [Appendix 3] The simplified information on the stock status indicates whether or not each product in all product groups associated with the plurality of options is in stock. 10. The product providing device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0109] [Appendix 4] The simplified information on stock status is the total stock quantity of each product in all product groups associated with the plurality of options. 4. The product providing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3.

[0110] [Appendix 5] The products in the product group are assigned prizes for each type of product, The simplified information on stock status is the presence or absence of stock of products for each prize of all product groups associated with the plurality of options. 5. A product providing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4.

[0111] [Appendix 6] the option presentation means allows one user to occupy the option from the lottery drawing of a product in a product group associated with the option until the product is determined, and during the occupancy, allows other users to wait for selection of the occupied option; 6. A product providing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5.

[0112] [Appendix 7] the option presentation means presents options including an inventory status image of the inventory level of the total inventory of the product group associated with the option; 7. A product providing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 6.

[0113] [Appendix 8] The options are images resembling lottery boxes. 8. A product providing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 7.

[0114] [Appendix 9] Computer, a title display means for displaying a title screen including a title and explanatory information of a product group including a plurality of types of products associated with the title; inventory management means for managing the inventory status of the products in the product group; an option presentation means for presenting a plurality of options associated with the product group on the terminal so that the user can select one of the options, on the condition that the title has been selected; It functions as the title presentation means presents simplified information about the inventory status of the product on the title screen; program.

[0115] [Appendix 10] A product provision system including a user terminal and a product provision device, a title display means for displaying a title screen including a title and explanatory information of a product group including a plurality of types of products associated with the title; an inventory management means for managing the inventory status of the products in the product group; an option presentation means for presenting a plurality of options associated with the product group on the terminal so that the user can select one of the options, on the condition that the title has been selected; Equipped with the title presentation means presents simplified information about the inventory status of the product on the title screen; Product provision system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1 Product provision equipment 2. Terminal 10 Processing section 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 111 User Information Management Department 112 First type option presentation section 113 Queue Management Department 114 Second type option presentation section 115 Payment processing unit 116 Product Inventory Management Department 117 Product Provision Department

Claims

1. A product providing device capable of communicating with a user terminal, a title display means for displaying a title screen including a title and inventory status information of a plurality of product groups including a plurality of types of products associated with the title; an inventory management means for managing the inventory status of the products in the plurality of product groups; an option presenting means for presenting, on the terminal, a plurality of options uniquely associated with each of the plurality of product groups so that the user can select from the plurality of options, on the condition that the title screen is selected; Equipped with The products in the product group are assigned prizes for each type of product, The inventory status information indicates whether or not there is inventory of each prize item in the product group associated with the title. Product provision equipment.

2. a product providing means for providing a product to the user by lottery from the group of products associated with the option selected by the user; The product providing device according to claim 1 .

3. the product providing means allows only one user to occupy the lottery, and during the occupancy, allows other users to wait to select the option that is occupied, executes a lottery for a product of the product group associated with the option, and, on the condition that the lottery is completed, releases the occupancy of the option and allows the next waiting user to occupy the lottery for that option; The product providing device according to claim 2 .

4. the option presentation means presents options including an inventory status image of the inventory level of the total inventory quantity of the product group associated with the option; The product providing device according to claim 1 .

5. The options are images resembling lottery boxes. The product providing device according to claim 1 .

6. A computer that can communicate with the user's terminal, a title display means for displaying a title screen including a title and inventory status information of a plurality of product groups including a plurality of types of products associated with the title; inventory management means for managing the inventory status of the products in the plurality of product groups; an option presenting means for presenting, on the terminal, a plurality of options uniquely associated with each of the plurality of product groups so as to be selectable by the user, on the condition that the title screen is selected; It functions as The products in the product group are assigned prizes for each type of product, The inventory status information indicates whether or not there is inventory of each prize item in the product group associated with the title. program.

7. A product provision system including a user terminal and a product provision device, a title display means for displaying a title screen including a title and inventory status information of a plurality of product groups including a plurality of types of products associated with the title; an inventory management means for managing the inventory status of the products in the plurality of product groups; an option presenting means for presenting, on the terminal, a plurality of options uniquely associated with each of the plurality of product groups so that the user can select from the plurality of options, on the condition that the title screen is selected; Equipped with The products in the product group are assigned prizes for each type of product, The inventory status information indicates whether or not there is inventory of each prize item in the product group associated with the title. Product provision system.

Images