Information processing system, information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a trading card sales system for more fairly performing a lottery to a user.SOLUTION: In the CPU11 of the management server 1, the information management unit 32 manages the actual inventory quantity of the drawing target cards predetermined as trading cards to be drawn, the display control unit 34 displays a user interface for allowing the user to perform a drawing operation for drawing the drawing target cards, and when the drawing operation is performed, the drawing unit 35 performs a drawing based on a winning ratio predetermined for each type of the drawing target cards. At this time, when the stock quantity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the display control unit 34 brings the user interface into a state in which a lottery operation can be performed, and when the stock quantity is less than the predetermined value, the display control unit 34 brings the user interface into a state in which a lottery operation cannot be performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Trading card sales systems that conduct lottery drawing from an assortment of trading cards are known, and related technologies also exist (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-086855 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional trading card sales systems, when a lottery is held for a trading card selected by a user, that trading card may have already been drawn by another user. In such cases, the lottery is held without the user having any chance of obtaining that trading card, so the user cannot enjoy the lottery with peace of mind and ends up suffering a monetary loss. For this reason, there has been a demand for the development of a trading card sales system that allows for fairer lottery selection for users.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a trading card sales system that enables a fairer lottery to be held for users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is to an inventory management means for managing the actual stock quantity of lottery target cards that are predetermined as trading cards that are the subject of the lottery; a display control means for displaying, on a terminal of a user, a user interface for allowing the user to perform a lottery operation for conducting a lottery for the lottery target card; a lottery means for holding the lottery based on a winning rate predetermined for each type of the lottery target card when the lottery operation is performed; and The display control means, when the stock quantity is 1 or more, makes the user interface capable of performing the lottery operation, and when the stock quantity is 0 (zero), makes the user interface unable to perform the lottery operation. It is an information processing system.

[0007] An information processing device, an information processing method, and a program corresponding to the information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention are also provided as an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program corresponding to the information processing system according to one aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a trading card sales system that allows for fairer lottery selection for users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a management server that constitutes the information processing system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a management server. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow of the management server up to the point where a lottery-winning user is provided with a lottery-eligible card. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the management server when a card purchasing service is used after the lottery-winning user is provided with the lottery-eligible card. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a trading card included in an original pack product purchased by a user by using this service. [Figure 8] 8 is a table showing the winning rates or appearance rates set for each type of trading card included in the original pack product of FIG. 7 and for each character printed on the trading card. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of inventory information management. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. <Information Processing System S> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system S according to one embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system S is an information processing system configured to include a management server 1, inventory management terminals 2-1 to 2-p (p is an integer value of 1 or greater), and user terminals 3-1 to 3-r (r is an integer value of 1 or greater), all connected via a network N. The network N is, for example, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), or a virtual private network (VPN). Hereinafter, when there is no need to explain each of the inventory management terminals 2-1 to 2-p individually, they will be collectively referred to as the "inventory management terminal 2." Furthermore, when there is no need to explain each of the user terminals 3-1 to 3-r individually, they will be collectively referred to as the "user terminal 3."

[0011] Information processing system S is a system that enables the provision of a service (hereinafter referred to as "this service") that allows users to purchase desired trading cards online. A "trading card" is a card medium made of paper, resin, metal, etc., on which various types of pictures, photographs, and text, including individually different characters, are printed. Trading cards are sold and distributed by retailers and individuals, and are also collected and exchanged by users.

[0012] By using this service, users can purchase online original packaged products (hereinafter referred to as "original pack products") that are sold by retailers or individuals, each containing one or more trading cards. However, purchasing trading cards using this service is subject to a lottery. In other words, the winning odds are preset for each type of trading card that users can purchase using this service.

[0013] "Winning rate" refers to the probability that a user can purchase a trading card they desire when they perform an operation to hold a lottery for that trading card (hereinafter referred to as a "lottery operation"). For example, suppose the winning rate for a trading card a user desires is set to 1%. In this case, when a user performs a lottery operation, there is a 1% chance that they can purchase that trading card. Hereinafter, trading cards that are the subject of a lottery based on a user's lottery operation will be referred to as "lottery eligible cards."

[0014] A user who wishes to purchase a lottery card operates a user terminal 3 to access a predetermined website (hereinafter referred to as the "lottery site") that makes this service available. On the lottery site, information (e.g., thumbnail images) indicating one or more types of original pack products is displayed in a selectable manner. From the information indicating one or more types of original pack products displayed on the lottery site, the user selects an original pack product that may contain the lottery card they desire, and purchases that original pack product by performing a lottery operation. A lottery is then held for the lottery card that may be included in the purchased original pack product.

[0015] The lottery-eligible cards are held in stock at real-world physical stores that sell physical original pack products, or at warehouses that store multiple trading cards with the assumption that they will be delivered to users who purchase the original pack products. The inventory quantities of lottery-eligible cards held by physical stores, warehouses, etc. are managed in real time. When a user who purchases an original pack product by performing a lottery operation on a lottery site wins a lottery for a lottery-eligible card that may be included in the original pack product, the user is provided with an original pack product consisting of one or more trading cards that include the lottery-eligible card. Specifically, the original pack product is provided to the user from a physical store or warehouse. Note that the method for providing the original pack product to the user is not particularly limited. The original pack product may be delivered to the user's address by mail, courier, etc., or the user may receive the original pack product at a physical store.

[0016] This service includes a service for purchasing lottery-eligible cards (hereinafter referred to as the "card purchase service"). That is, a user who wins a lottery for a lottery-eligible card may be provided with an original pack product that includes the lottery-eligible card, or may use the card purchase service to sell the lottery-eligible card. Note that there are no particular limitations on when a user may use the card purchase service. For example, a user may use the card purchase service when they win a lottery for a lottery-eligible card, or may use the card purchase service after actually receiving the lottery-eligible card.

[0017] In the card buying service, users who sell cards eligible for the lottery may be paid cash as compensation, or may be given a predetermined incentive. The form of the "predetermined incentive" given to users is not particularly limited. For example, it may be points that can be used as a means of payment when using the service.

[0018] [Management Server 1] The management server 1 is an information processing device that serves as a server for managing the entire information processing system S. The management server 1 is capable of executing predetermined application programs that enable the information processing system S to be used. The management server 1 transmits various types of information to the inventory management terminal 2, the user terminal 3, and external devices, and enables various processes to be executed. The management server 1 also acquires various types of information transmitted from the inventory management terminal 2, the user terminal 3, and external devices, and enables various processes to be executed.

[0019] For example, the management server 1 manages information (hereinafter referred to as "card information") about trading cards (including lottery-eligible cards) that can constitute original pack products. The card information includes information that can identify the type of trading card, information indicating whether the card is a lottery-eligible card, the winning rate when the trading card type is a lottery-eligible card, and the appearance rate when the trading card type is not a lottery-eligible card. The appearance rate will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0020] Furthermore, the management server 1 manages the actual stock quantity of the lottery target cards. Specifically, the management server 1 manages the actual stock quantity of the lottery target cards based on information on the stock of the lottery target cards (hereinafter referred to as "stock information") including the actual stock quantity of the lottery target cards transmitted from each of the stock management terminals 2-1 to 2-p.

[0021] The management server 1 also manages information about users who use this service (hereinafter referred to as "user information"). The user information may include, for example, information that can uniquely identify the user, name, delivery address (such as the user's address), the number of points awarded as an incentive, and usage history of this service (such as purchase history of original pack products, lottery result history, etc.).

[0022] The management server 1 also manages the lottery site. The management server 1 displays the web page of the lottery site on the user terminal 3 that has accessed the lottery site. The web page of the lottery site displayed on the user terminal 3 includes a user interface that enables use of this service. The user interface displays information indicating one or more types of original pack products that can be selected. The user interface also displays a predetermined button (hereinafter referred to as the "lottery button") that accepts lottery operations. At this time, the management server 10 displays, on the user interface, a lottery button for original pack products that include lottery-eligible cards with an inventory quantity of one or more.

[0023] When the lottery button displayed on the user interface is pressed, the management server 1 conducts a lottery based on a predetermined winning rate for each lottery target card and displays the lottery results on the user terminal 3. If a user who wins the lottery for a lottery target card receives an original pack product without using the card buying service, the management server 1 deducts the winning quantity from the inventory quantity. In addition, if a user sells the lottery target card using the card buying service, the management server 1 increases the inventory quantity by the number of lottery target cards sold.

[0024] When the actual stock quantity of a certain type of lottery target card becomes 0 (zero), the management server 1 puts the user interface into a state in which lottery operations cannot be performed. Here, "a state in which lottery operations cannot be performed" refers to, for example, the following states. That is, a state in which the lottery button is not displayed, or a state in which the lottery button is displayed but pressing the lottery button does not result in a lottery. When the lottery button is displayed, a message indicating that the stock quantity of the lottery target card is 0 (zero) may be displayed in the user interface.

[0025] As described above, in this embodiment, the condition for displaying the lottery button for an original pack product on the user interface includes a condition that the stock quantity of each of the lottery target cards included in the original pack product is 1 or more. This reduces the risk that when the original pack product is sold, the winning card cannot be shipped to the user because it is out of stock.

[0026] The provider of this service can set the "predetermined value" in the condition that "the stock quantity of all lottery-eligible cards included in the original pack product is equal to or greater than a predetermined value" based on the above-mentioned risks. The "predetermined value" may also be set for each lottery-eligible card. It is preferable that the predetermined value is set to 1 or greater. That is, for example, the service provider can set the "predetermined value" depending on the popularity of the lottery target card. For example, for popular lottery target cards, setting the predetermined value high can reduce the risk. Also, for example, if the lottery target card is included in multiple original pack products, setting the predetermined value high can reduce the risk. Also, for example, if the lottery target card is not difficult to purchase (for example, if many cards are brought to physical stores for purchase), the predetermined value may be set low to reduce the risk.

[0027] Specifically, for example, if a card to be selected for a lottery (e.g., trading card 2005, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 7) is highly popular and is set to be included in five original pack products being sold at the same time, the predetermined value (threshold value) that the card to be selected for a lottery must satisfy can be set to 5. Also, if the card to be selected for a lottery is not difficult to purchase, the threshold value can be set to 4.

[0028] Furthermore, even if the actual inventory quantity of a certain type of lottery target card is 1 or more, the management server 1 may disable lottery operations depending on the winning rate of the lottery target card and the number of users who can perform lottery operations at the same time. Specifically, for example, assume that the winning rate of the lottery target card is 1% and the number of users who can perform lottery operations at the same time is 1,000. In this case, if 1,000 users simultaneously perform lottery operations, theoretically 10 users will win. Therefore, the management server 1 disables lottery operations when the total actual inventory quantity of lottery target cards is 10 or less.

[0029] Furthermore, even if the actual inventory quantity of a certain type of lottery-eligible card is 1 or more, the management server 1 may disable the lottery operation depending on the winning rate of the lottery-eligible card and the inventory management status of the lottery-eligible card. Specifically, for example, suppose the winning rate of the lottery-eligible card is 1%, the inventory quantity of the lottery-eligible card held in stock at the physical store is 10, and the inventory quantity of the lottery-eligible card held in stock at the warehouse is 0 (zero). In this case, if 1,000 users simultaneously perform the lottery operation, not only will 10 users theoretically win, but there is also a possibility that users will visit the physical store and directly purchase the original pack product. Therefore, the management server 1 disables the lottery operation if the actual inventory quantity of the lottery-eligible card is 10 or less and all of them are in stock at the physical store. The configuration and processing of the management server 1 will be described in detail later.

[0030] [Inventory management terminal 2] The inventory management terminal 2 is an information processing device that is installed in a physical store or warehouse that manages lottery-eligible cards as inventory, and is operated by employees working at the physical store or warehouse. The inventory management terminal 2 is composed of a smartphone, tablet terminal, personal computer, etc. The inventory management terminal 2 is capable of executing a predetermined application program that enables use of the information processing system S. The inventory management terminal 2 is capable of performing various processes based on various information transmitted from the management server 1 and the outside, and various information input by employees, etc. The inventory management terminal 2 is also capable of transmitting various information to both the management server 1 and the outside. For example, the inventory management terminal 2 accepts input of inventory information and transmits the input information to the management server 1.

[0031] [User terminal 3] The user terminal 3 is an information processing device operated by a user who uses this service. The user terminal 3 is composed of a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, etc. The user terminal 3 is capable of executing a predetermined application program that enables use of the information processing system S. The user terminal 3 is capable of performing various processes based on various information transmitted from the management server 1 and the outside, and various information input by the user. The user terminal 3 is also capable of transmitting various information to both the management server 1 and the outside.

[0032] For example, the user terminal 3 accesses the lottery site based on the user's operation and displays the lottery site's web page. The lottery site's web page displayed on the user terminal 3 includes a user interface that enables use of this service. The user interface displays information indicating one or more types of OriPa products in a selectable manner. The user interface also displays a lottery button.

[0033] The user terminal 3 accepts the user's lottery operation and transmits the input information to the management server 1. After that, when the management server 1 conducts the lottery, the management server 1 transmits the lottery results, and the user terminal 3 displays the lottery results. At this time, if the user terminal 3 loses the lottery, it displays a message indicating that fact. On the other hand, if the user terminal 3 wins the lottery, it displays a message indicating that fact and also displays a sell request button.

[0034] The above-described processing by each of the management server 1, inventory management terminal 2, and user terminal 3 constituting the information processing system S is merely an example. In other words, it is sufficient for the information processing system S as a whole to have the functions to realize the above-described processing, and some or all of the functions to realize the above-described processing may be shared or cooperated within the information processing system S.

[0035] For example, some or all of the functions of the management server 1 may be functions of another information processing device in the information processing system S. Also, some or all of the functions of another information processing device in the information processing system S may be functions of the management server 1. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the management server 1 may be transferred to another server (not shown). Specifically, for example, among the functions of the management server 1, the function of managing the actual stock quantity of cards eligible for lottery may be transferred to another server (not shown, for example, a card stock management server). This promotes processing of the information processing system S as a whole and also enables processes to complement each other.

[0036] <Hardware configuration> [Hardware configuration of Management Server 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 1 that constitutes the information processing system S of FIG. The management server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a bus 14, an input / output interface 15, an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a memory unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20.

[0037] The CPU 11 executes various processes in accordance with programs recorded in the ROM 12 or programs loaded from the storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. The RAM 13 also stores data and the like required for the CPU 11 to execute various processes. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to this bus 14.

[0038] The input / output interface 15 is connected to an output unit 16, an input unit 17, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 19, and a drive 20. The output unit 16 is composed of a display, a speaker, etc., and outputs various types of information as images, sounds, etc. The input unit 17 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc., and accepts input of various types of information. The storage unit 18 is composed of a hard disk, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various types of data. The communication unit 19 communicates with other devices via the above-mentioned network N, which is composed of the Internet, etc.

[0039] Removable media 21, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, is appropriately attached to the drive 20. Programs read from the removable media 21 by the drive 20 are installed in the storage unit 18 as needed. The removable media 21 can also store various data stored in the storage unit 18 in the same way as the storage unit 18.

[0040] [Hardware configuration of inventory management terminal 2 and user terminal 3] The inventory management terminal 2 and the user terminal 3 have the same hardware configuration as the management server 1 shown in Fig. 2. That is, the inventory management terminal 2 and the user terminal 3 each have a CPU, ROM, RAM, bus, input / output interface, output unit, input unit, memory unit, communication unit, drive, and removable media, which correspond to the CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, bus 14, input / output interface 15, output unit 16, input unit 17, memory unit 18, communication unit 19, drive 20, and removable media 21, respectively, in Fig. 2.

[0041] <Functional configuration of management server 1> FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the management server 1. As shown in FIG. During operation, the CPU 11 of the management server 1 functions as an acquisition unit 31, an information management unit 32 as inventory management means, a site management unit 33, a display control unit 34 as display control means, a lottery unit 35 as lottery means, and a transmission control unit 36. The storage unit 18 of the management server 1 is also provided with various databases. For example, a card DB 41 that stores card information, an inventory DB 42 that stores inventory information, and a user DB 43 that stores user information are provided.

[0042] The acquisition unit 31 acquires various types of information. For example, the acquisition unit 31 acquires inventory information transmitted from the inventory management terminal 2. The acquisition unit 31 also acquires user information transmitted from the user terminal 3.

[0043] The information management unit 32 stores and manages various types of information in the database of the storage unit 18. For example, the information management unit 32 stores and manages card information in a card DB 41. The information management unit 32 also stores and manages inventory information acquired by the acquisition unit 31 in an inventory DB 42. The information management unit 32 also stores and manages user information acquired by the acquisition unit 31 in a user DB 43.

[0044] The site management unit 33 manages the lottery site. The lottery site is composed of one or more web pages. The web page of the lottery site includes a user interface that enables use of this service. The user interface includes information indicating one or more types of OriPa products that are displayed in a selectable manner. The user interface also includes a lottery button that accepts lottery operations. The user interface also includes a sell request button that users who win the lottery press when using the purchase service.

[0045] The display control unit 34 controls the display of various information on the display of the output unit of the user terminal 3. Specifically, the display control unit 34 generates display control information for displaying various information on the display of the output unit of the user terminal 3, and transmits the display control information to the user terminal 3. For example, the display control unit 34 generates display control information for displaying the above-mentioned user interface on a web page of a lottery site accessible by the user terminal 3, and transmits the display control information to the user terminal 3.

[0046] When the lottery unit 35 receives an operation to press a lottery button displayed on the user interface, it conducts a lottery based on a winning rate set in advance for each card to be selected.

[0047] The transmission control unit 36 ​​controls the communication unit 19 to transmit various types of information to the inventory management terminal 2, the user terminal 3, and the outside. For example, the transmission control unit 36 ​​controls the communication unit 19 to transmit various types of display control information generated by the display control unit 34 to the user terminal 3.

[0048] <Processing flow of Management Server 1> FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the management server 1 up to the point where a lottery card is provided to a user who has won the lottery. FIG. 5 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. The management server 1 manages card information of trading cards (including cards eligible for lottery) that can constitute an original pack product (step S1).

[0049] When inventory information is transmitted from the inventory management terminal 2 (YES in step S2), the management server 1 acquires the transmitted inventory information and stores and manages it in a database (inventory DB 42 in FIG. 3) (step S3). On the other hand, when inventory information is not transmitted (NO in step S2), the management server 1 repeats the determination process of step S2.

[0050] When the management server 1 receives user information from the user terminal 3 (YES in step S4), it acquires the received user information and stores and manages it in a database (user DB 43 in FIG. 3) (step S5). On the other hand, when user information has not been received (NO in step S4), the management server 1 repeats the determination process of step S4.

[0051] If the actual stock quantity of the lottery target card is 1 or more (YES in step S6), the management server 1 makes the user interface ready to perform lottery operations (step S7) and proceeds to the determination process of step S9. On the other hand, if the actual stock quantity of the lottery target card is 0 (zero) (NO in step S6), the management server 1 makes the user interface ready to perform lottery operations (step S8).

[0052] When the lottery button included in the user interface is pressed (YES in step S9), the management server 1 conducts a lottery based on the winning rate preset for each card to be selected (step S10) and displays the result of the lottery on the user interface (step S11). On the other hand, when the lottery button is not pressed (NO in step S9), the management server 1 repeats the determination process of step S9.

[0053] If the result of the lottery is a win (YES in step S12), the management server 1 displays a sell request button on the user interface (step S13). On the other hand, if the result of the lottery in step S6 is a loss (NO in step S12), the management server 1 ends the process (END).

[0054] When the sell button displayed on the user terminal 3 is pressed (YES in step S14), the management server 1 does not reduce the stock quantity of the lottery target cards (step S15). This ends the processing of the management server 1 (END). On the other hand, if the sell button is not pressed (NO in step S14), the management server 1 reduces the stock quantity of the lottery target cards by the number of winning cards (step S16). In addition, the actual lottery target cards are provided to users who win the lottery.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow of the management server 1 when the card buying service is used after the lottery-winning user is provided with the lottery-eligible card. When a user who wins the lottery receives an original pack product including the lottery-eligible card and then uses a card purchasing service to sell the lottery-eligible card, the following process is performed by the management server 1.

[0056] That is, when the sell button is pressed (YES in step S21) and the purchase of the lottery target cards is completed (the sale is completed on the user side) (YES in step S22), the management server 1 increases the inventory quantity by the number of lottery target cards purchased (step S23). On the other hand, if the sell button is not pressed (NO in step S21), the management server 1 repeats the judgment process of step S21. Also, if the purchase of the lottery target cards is not completed (NO in step S22), the management server 1 repeats the judgment process of step S22.

[0057] Next, the management server 1 provides a predetermined incentive to the user who sold the lottery target card using the card buying service (step S24), and the processing of the management server 1 is then completed (END).

[0058] <Example> [Examples of OriPa products] FIG. 7 shows a specific example of a trading card included in an original pack product purchased by a user using this service. FIG. 8 is a table showing the winning rates or appearance rates set for each type of trading card included in the original pack product of FIG. 7 and for each character printed on the trading card. 7 shows an original pack product 2000 that a user has purchased by using this service. The original pack product 2000 includes 100 trading cards 2001 to 2100. Of the 100 trading cards 2001 to 2100, five trading cards 2001 to 2005 are lottery eligible cards that can be acquired by winning a lottery.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, five trading cards 2001 to 2005, which are lottery eligible cards, are each set with a winning probability. Specifically, the winning probability of trading card 2001 is 1%, which is extremely low. Therefore, trading card 2001 is extremely rare. As shown in FIG. 7, trading card 2001 has the letters "UR" (Ultra Rare) printed on it, indicating that it is a lottery eligible card of an extremely rare type. Note that there is only one type of character on lottery eligible cards printed with the letters "UR." Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the winning probability of lottery eligible cards printed with the letters "UR" is also 1%.

[0060] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the winning rate for trading cards 2002 to 2005 is 2%, which is low. For this reason, trading cards 2002 to 2005 are highly rare. As shown in FIG. 7, trading cards 2002 to 2005 are each printed with the letters "SSR" (Super Special Rare), indicating that they are lottery eligible cards with high rarity. There are two types of characters on lottery eligible cards printed with the letters "SSR." For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, the winning rate for lottery eligible cards printed with the letters "SSR" is 4%.

[0061] Furthermore, 95 trading cards 2006 to 2100 out of the 100 trading cards 2001 to 2100 are not the trading cards desired by the user and are therefore not lottery eligible cards, but are included in the original pack products based on a preset appearance rate. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, 10 trading cards 2006 to 2015 out of the 95 trading cards 2006 to 2100 each have an appearance rate of 5%, which is relatively low. Therefore, the rarity of trading cards 2006 to 2015 is relatively high. As shown in FIG. 7, trading cards 2006 to 2015 are each printed with the letters "SR" (Super Rare), indicating that they are trading cards with relatively high rarity. Note that there are two types of characters on the lottery eligible cards printed with the letters "SR." Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the appearance rate of trading cards printed with the letters "SR" is 10%.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the appearance rate of 16 trading cards 2016 to 2031 out of the 95 trading cards 2006 to 2100 is 8%, which is relatively high. Therefore, the rarity value of trading cards 2016 to 2031 is relatively low. As shown in FIG. 7, the trading cards 2016 to 2031 are each printed with the letter "R" (Super Rare), indicating that the trading cards are trading cards with relatively low rarity value. Note that there are two types of characters on the lottery-eligible cards printed with the letter "R." Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the appearance rate of trading cards printed with the letter "R" is 16%.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the appearance rate of 69 trading cards 2032 to 2100 out of the 95 trading cards 2006 to 2100 is 23%, which is extremely high. For this reason, the rarity value of trading cards 2032 to 2100 is low. As shown in FIG. 7, the trading cards 2032 to 2100 each have the letter "N" (normal) printed on them, indicating that they are trading cards with low rarity value. There are three types of characters on the lottery-eligible cards printed with the letter "N." For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, the appearance rate of trading cards printed with the letter "N" is 69%.

[0064] [Example of inventory information management] 9A to 9C are diagrams showing specific examples of inventory information management. In FIGS. 9A to 9C, it is assumed that there are no other users performing lottery operations at the same time. Fig. 9(A) shows the stock quantity of lottery target cards before the lottery operation is performed. Fig. 9(B) shows the stock quantity of lottery target cards when the lottery target cards are provided to the user who won the lottery. Fig. 9(C) shows the stock quantity of lottery target cards when the lottery target cards are sold after being provided to the user who won the lottery.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 9(A), the inventory quantity of the lottery target card (trading card 2001) before the lottery operation is performed is "1." Therefore, the management server 1 (see FIG. 1) makes it possible to perform the lottery operation. Then, when a user performs the lottery operation and wins the lottery, the lottery target card (trading card 2001) is provided to the user. As a result, the management server 1 reduces the inventory quantity of the lottery target card (trading card 2001) from "1" to "0" as shown in FIG. 9(B), making it impossible to perform the lottery operation.

[0066] Thereafter, when a user who has been provided with the lottery-eligible card (trading card 2001) uses a purchase service to sell the lottery-eligible card (trading card 2001), the management server 1 increases the inventory quantity of the lottery-eligible card (trading card 2001) from "0" to "1," as shown in Figure 9(C), and makes it possible to perform lottery operations.

[0067] <Advantageous Effects of the Present Embodiment> According to the above-described embodiment, the user will not perform a lottery operation even if there is no possibility of obtaining the lottery target card. As a result, the lottery for the lottery target card can be conducted more fairly, so the user can enjoy the lottery with peace of mind.

[0068] <Other> Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications and improvements within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention are included in the present invention. For example, the specific examples shown in each of Figures 3 to 6 are merely examples for achieving the object of the present invention, and are not particularly limited.

[0069] Furthermore, the above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. In other words, the above-described functional configuration is merely an example and is not particularly limited. In other words, it is sufficient for the information processing system to be provided with a function that can execute the above-described series of processes as a whole, and the type of functional block used to realize this function is not particularly limited to the above-described example.

[0070] The location of the functional blocks is not particularly limited and may be arbitrary. For example, the functional blocks of the management server 1 may be transferred to another device, or the functional blocks of another device may be transferred to a server. Furthermore, one functional block may be configured as a single piece of hardware, a single piece of software, or a combination of both.

[0071] When a series of processes is executed by software, the programs constituting the software are installed onto a computer or the like from a network or a recording medium. The computer may be a computer incorporated into dedicated hardware. The computer may also be a computer capable of executing various functions by installing various programs, such as a server, a general-purpose smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0072] The recording medium containing such a program may be configured as a removable medium (not shown) that is distributed separately from the device main body in order to provide the program to users, etc., or may be configured as a recording medium that is pre-installed in the device main body and provided to users, etc. Since the program can be distributed via a network, the recording medium may be installed in or accessible from a computer that is connected or connectable to the network.

[0073] In this specification, the steps describing the program recorded on the recording medium include not only processes that are performed in chronological order, but also processes that are not necessarily performed in chronological order but are performed in parallel or individually. Also, in this specification, the term "system" means an overall device composed of multiple devices or multiple means, etc.

[0074] In other words, the information processing system to which the present invention is applied can take various forms having the following configurations. (1) That is, the information processing system S to which the present invention is applied has an inventory management means (e.g., the information management unit 32 in FIG. 3) that manages the actual stock quantity of lottery target cards that are predetermined as trading cards that are the subject of a lottery, a display control means (e.g., the display control unit 34 in FIG. 3) that displays, on the user's terminal, a user interface that allows the user to perform a lottery operation to conduct a lottery for the lottery target cards, and a lottery means (e.g., the lottery unit 35 in FIG. 3) that conducts the lottery when the lottery operation is conducted based on a winning rate (e.g., the winning rate of the lottery target cards in FIG. 8) that is predetermined for each type of the lottery target cards (e.g., the type of the lottery target cards in FIG. 8), and the display control means is an information processing system that, when the stock quantity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, makes the lottery operation possible on the user interface, and, when the stock quantity is less than the predetermined value, makes the lottery operation impossible.

[0075] This prevents users from performing lottery operations even when there is no possibility of obtaining the lottery target card. As a result, the lottery for the lottery target card can be conducted more fairly, allowing users to enjoy the lottery with peace of mind. Furthermore, even if there is only one lottery target card in stock, multiple original pack products that may contain the lottery target card can be sold, and once one original pack product is selected as a winner, sales of the other original pack products can be immediately terminated.

[0076] (2) In addition, the display control means can determine whether to make the lottery operation unavailable depending on the winning rate of the card to be selected and the number of users who may perform the lottery operation at the same time. Even if the stock quantity of the lottery target cards is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, there may be a shortage of the lottery target cards depending on the winning rate of the lottery target cards and the number of users who can perform lottery operations at the same time. In response to this, whether or not to make the lottery operation unavailable is determined according to the winning rate of the lottery target cards and the number of users who can perform lottery operations at the same time, thereby preventing a situation in which there is already a shortage of stock when a user performs a lottery operation.

[0077] (3) In addition, the display control means can determine whether to disable the lottery operation depending on the winning rate of the card to be drawn and the inventory management status of the card to be drawn (for example, the inventory status of the physical store and the warehouse). Even if the stock quantity of lottery target cards is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, there may be a shortage of stock depending on the management status of the lottery target cards. In response to this, whether or not to disable lottery operations is determined based on the winning rate of the lottery target cards and the management status of the lottery target cards. This makes it possible to suppress lotteries in accordance with the actual status of inventory management of lottery target cards.

[0078] (4) Furthermore, the display control means can determine whether to disable the lottery operation based on the inventory management status, i.e., the number of lottery cards in stock at the physical store that holds the lottery cards for sale and the number of lottery cards in stock at the warehouse that holds the lottery cards for delivery. This makes it possible to reduce the number of lotteries in line with the actual inventory management practices at physical stores, warehouses, etc. that hold lottery-eligible cards in stock.

[0079] (5) Furthermore, the display control means may further display on the user's terminal, when the user wins the lottery or after receiving the lottery-eligible card, a user interface (e.g., a "Sell" button) that allows the user to choose whether or not to sell the lottery-eligible card. Since users can choose whether to sell the lottery card when they win the lottery or after the lottery card is provided to them, unnecessary depletion of inventory of lottery cards that users do not want can be prevented, and as a result, providers of this service can reduce the costs required for manufacturing and procuring lottery cards.

[0080] (6) In addition, if a user who wins the lottery chooses to sell the lottery card (for example, by pressing a "want to sell" button) before or after receiving the lottery card, the system may further include an incentive granting means for granting the user a predetermined incentive (for example, points that can be used as a means of payment when using this service). Since a predetermined incentive is given to users who sell lottery eligible cards, unnecessary depletion of inventory of lottery eligible cards that users do not want is prevented. As a result, the provider of this service can reduce the costs required for manufacturing and procuring lottery eligible cards. If the incentive given to users is, for example, predetermined points that can be used as a means of payment when using this service, cash payment each time will not be necessary.

[0081] (7) Furthermore, the information processing method to which the present invention is applied can take various forms having the following configurations. In other words, the information processing method to which the present invention is applied includes the steps of managing the actual inventory quantity of lottery-eligible cards that are predetermined as trading cards that are the subject of a lottery, displaying a user interface on the user's terminal that allows the user to perform a lottery operation to conduct a lottery for the lottery-eligible cards, and, when the lottery operation is performed, conducting the lottery based on a winning rate that is predetermined for each type of lottery-eligible card, and is an information processing method in which, if the inventory quantity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the lottery operation can be performed using the user interface, and, if the inventory quantity is less than the predetermined value, the lottery operation cannot be performed.

[0082] (8) Furthermore, the program to which the present invention is applied can take various forms having the following configurations. In other words, the program to which the present invention is applied is a program that causes an information processing system to execute information processing including the steps of managing the actual inventory quantity of lottery-eligible cards that are predetermined as trading cards that are the subject of a lottery, displaying on the user's terminal a user interface that allows the user to perform a lottery operation to conduct a lottery for the lottery-eligible cards, and, when the lottery operation is performed, conducting the lottery based on a predetermined winning rate for each type of lottery-eligible card, if the inventory quantity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, making it possible to perform the lottery operation in the user interface, and if the inventory quantity is less than the predetermined value, making it impossible to perform the lottery operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1: Management server, 2: Inventory management terminal, 3: User terminal, 11: CPU, 16: Output unit, 17: Input unit, 18: Storage unit, 19: Communication unit, 31: Acquisition unit, 32: Information management unit, 33: Site management unit, 34: Display control unit, 35: Lottery unit, 36: Transmission control unit, S: Information processing system, N: Network

Claims

1. an inventory management means for managing the actual stock quantity of lottery target cards that are predetermined as trading cards that are the subject of the lottery; a display control means for displaying, on a terminal of a user, a user interface for allowing the user to perform a lottery operation for conducting a lottery for the lottery target card; a lottery means for holding the lottery based on a winning rate predetermined for each type of the lottery target card when the lottery operation is performed; and the display control means, when the inventory quantity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, makes the user interface capable of performing the lottery operation, and when the inventory quantity is less than the predetermined value, makes the user interface unable to perform the lottery operation; Information processing system.

2. the display control means determines whether to disable the lottery operation depending on the winning rate of the lottery target card and the number of users who may perform the lottery operation at the same time. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

3. the display control means determines whether to disable the lottery operation depending on the winning rate of the lottery target card and the inventory management status of the lottery target card. The information processing system according to claim 1 .

4. the display control means determines whether to disable the lottery operation depending on the inventory management status, that is, the inventory quantity of the lottery target cards in the physical store that holds the lottery target cards for selling the lottery target cards and the inventory quantity of the lottery target cards in the warehouse that holds the lottery target cards for shipping the lottery target cards; The information processing system according to claim 3 .

5. the display control means, when the user wins the lottery or after receiving the lottery target card, further displays, on the terminal of the user, a user interface that allows the user to select whether or not to sell the lottery target card; The information processing system according to claim 1 .

6. The system further comprises an incentive granting means for granting a predetermined incentive to a user who has won the lottery, when the user selects to sell the lottery card before or after receiving the lottery card; The information processing system according to claim 4 .

7. a step of managing the actual inventory quantity of lottery target cards that are predetermined as trading cards that are the subject of the lottery; a step of displaying a user interface on a terminal of the user, the user interface allowing the user to perform a lottery operation to draw a lottery card; When the lottery operation is performed, the lottery is conducted based on a winning rate predetermined for each type of the lottery target card; Including, When the inventory quantity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the user interface is set to a state in which the lottery operation can be performed, and when the inventory quantity is less than the predetermined value, the user interface is set to a state in which the lottery operation cannot be performed. Information processing methods.

8. Information processing systems, a step of managing the actual inventory quantity of lottery target cards that are predetermined as trading cards that are the subject of the lottery; a step of displaying a user interface on a terminal of the user, the user interface allowing the user to perform a lottery operation to draw a lottery card; When the lottery operation is performed, the lottery is conducted based on a winning rate predetermined for each type of the lottery target card; Execute information processing including A program that executes information processing that enables the lottery operation to be performed on the user interface when the inventory quantity is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and disables the lottery operation when the inventory quantity is less than the predetermined value.

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