SNS management device, SNS management method, and computer program

Abstract

An SNS management device, method, and program are provided that allow SNS users to easily conduct commercial transactions on the SNS. [Solution] The SNS management device 1 comprises a first display control unit 11 that displays a business contract reception area for receiving business contracts to be performed by the first user on the first user's unique screen, a second display control unit 11 that displays a product sales area for the first user to sell products on the first user's unique screen, a reception unit 12 that receives from the first user a selection of a charging mode for fees for product sales and business contracts, and a fee management unit 15 that determines the fee to be charged according to the selected charging mode, the charging modes including at least a flat-rate charging mode in which a fixed amount of fee is charged over a specified period, and a pay-per-use charging mode in which a fee is charged for each transaction in product sales or business contracts, and when the flat-rate charging mode is selected as the charging mode, the fee management unit sets the fee for each transaction in product sales or business contracts differently from that in the pay-per-use charging mode.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology that enables users of a social networking service (SNS) to easily conduct commercial transactions on the SNS. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, many users have joined SNS, and various information is being transmitted within SNS. On the other hand, many individual users are selling products and contracting out services on the Internet.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a game system in which a player of a game has another player pay for playing the game. Patent Document 2 discloses a billing system in which the total amount of usage fees for users is calculated and charged to a predetermined administrator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-008813 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151786

[0005] All of the above-mentioned patent documents are systems in which specific users pay fees, and do not support commercial transactions on SNS. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an SNS management device that enables SNS users to easily conduct commercial transactions on the SNS. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, an SNS management device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a first display control unit that, in response to a command from a first user, displays on the first user's unique screen a business contract reception area that accepts business contracts to be performed by the first user; a second display control unit that, in response to a command from the first user, displays on the first user's unique screen a product sales area that sells products by the first user; a reception unit that receives from the first user a selection of a charging mode for fees for the product sales and the business contract; and a fee management unit that determines the fee to be charged in accordance with the selected charging mode, wherein the charging modes include at least a flat-rate charging mode in which a fixed amount of fee is charged for a predetermined period of time, and a pay-per-use charging mode in which the fee is charged for each transaction in the product sale or the business contract, and when the flat-rate charging mode is selected as the charging mode, the fee management unit sets the fee for each transaction in the product sale or the business contract differently from that in the pay-per-use charging mode.

[0008] The system may further include a third display control unit that, when the flat-rate billing method is selected as the billing mode for the first user, causes an operator for accepting billing for the first user to be displayed on at least a terminal of a second user different from the first user, and when the fee management unit accepts the billing from the second user, reduces the fee to be charged to the first user in accordance with the accepted billing.

[0009] When the fee management unit accepts the charges from multiple second users, it may determine the fee to be charged to the first user as the fixed amount in the flat-rate charging method minus the total amount of the charges accepted from the multiple second users.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, an SNS management method according to another aspect of the present invention is an SNS management method for managing an SNS, which includes a first display control process for displaying, on a specific screen of a first user in response to a command from the first user, a business contract reception area for accepting business contracts to be performed by the first user; a second display control process for displaying, on the specific screen of the first user in response to a command from the first user, a product sales area for selling products by the first user; a selection reception process for receiving from the first user a selection of a charging mode for fees for the product sales and the business contract; and a fee management process for determining the fee to be charged in response to the selected charging mode, wherein the charging modes include at least a flat-rate charging mode in which a fixed amount of fee is charged for a predetermined period of time, and a pay-per-use charging mode in which the fee is charged for each transaction in the product sale or the business contract, and when the flat-rate charging mode is selected as the charging mode, the fee management process sets the fee for each transaction in the product sale or the business contract different from that in the pay-per-use charging mode.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, a computer program according to yet another aspect of the present invention is a computer program for managing an SNS, which causes a computer to execute a first display control process for displaying, in response to a command from a first user, a business contract reception area for accepting business contracts to be performed by the first user on the first user's unique screen; a second display control process for displaying, in response to a command from the first user, a product sales area for the first user to sell products on the first user's unique screen; a selection reception process for receiving from the first user a selection of a charging mode for fees for the product sales and the business contract; and a fee management process for determining the fee to be charged in response to the selected charging mode, wherein the charging modes include at least a flat-rate charging mode in which a fixed amount of fee is charged for a predetermined period of time, and a per-use charging mode in which the fee is charged for each transaction in the product sale or the business contract, and when the flat-rate charging mode is selected as the charging mode, the fee management process sets the fee for each transaction in the product sale or the business contract different from that in the per-use charging mode.

[0012] The computer program can be provided by downloading it via a network such as the Internet, or by recording it on various computer-readable recording media. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, users of an SNS can easily conduct commercial transactions on the SNS. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an SNS management device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing a first example of a processing flow of the SNS management device. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of the processing flow of the SNS management device. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing a first example and a second example of a screen displayed on a creator terminal by the SNS management device. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a third example and a fourth example of a screen displayed on the creator terminal by the SNS management device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth example of a screen displayed on the creator terminal by the SNS management device. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a sixth example and a seventh example of a screen displayed on the creator terminal by the SNS management device. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a first example and a second example of a screen displayed on a fan terminal by the SNS management device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The SNS management device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that manages an SNS (hereinafter, an SNS managed by the SNS management device 1 will also be referred to as a "managed SNS"). In this SNS, multiple users register accounts on the SNS and log in to their accounts to view and post content via their respective devices. Individual users participating in the managed SNS can post content within the managed SNS, and other users participating in the managed SNS can view this content.

[0016] Users who have roles such as creators, buyers, business orderers, or fans hold accounts and participate in this managed SNS. Creators sell products and undertake business within the managed SNS. Buyers purchase products sold by creators. Business orderers are in a position to order business from creators and may be, for example, a company representative. Fans are in a position to support creators and make payments to creators separately from commercial transactions. Note that the roles of users of a managed SNS may change depending on the situation; for example, a creator may be a buyer who purchases products from another creator, or a fan of another creator. A creator may also be a business orderer who orders business from another creator.

[0017] The SNS management device 1 is connected to a plurality of user terminals 100 via a network NW, for example. The user terminals 100 are also referred to as creator terminals 20, purchaser terminals 30, business orderer terminals 40, and fan terminals 50, depending on their roles. For ease of explanation, a terminal that accepts operations as a creator will be referred to as the creator terminal 20, a terminal that accepts operations as a purchaser as the purchaser terminal 30, a terminal that accepts operations as a business orderer as the business orderer terminal 40, and a terminal that accepts operations as a fan as the fan terminal 50, but the terminals 20, 30, 40, and 50 may have equivalent hardware configurations.

[0018] Although the figure shows only one creator terminal 20, one purchaser terminal 30, one business orderer terminal 40, and one fan terminal 50, multiple creator terminals 20, multiple purchaser terminals 30, multiple business orderer terminals 40, and multiple fan terminals 50 can be connected and participate in the SNS.

[0019] The creator terminal 20, purchaser terminal 30, business orderer terminal 40, and fan terminal 50 each include a display unit 21, 31, 41, or 51 that displays information received from the SNS management device 1, and an input unit 22, 32, 42, or 52 that accepts input from the creator, company representative, purchaser, or fan, respectively. The display units 21, 31, 41, and 51 are each configured, for example, by a display, and the input units 22, 32, 42, and 52 are each configured, for example, by a touch panel or keyboard. The user terminal may be a personal computer or a mobile terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone.

[0020] In this embodiment, it is assumed that there may be a plurality of client terminals equipped with the SNS management device 1. Also, there may be a plurality of user terminals equipped with the SNS management device 1. Furthermore, there may be a plurality of servers equipped with the SNS management device 1. Also, the functions of the SNS management device 1 may be realized as a system by a plurality of configurations connected via a network. Some or all of the functions of the SNS management device 1 may be realized by cloud computing.

[0021] ●Function configuration The SNS management device 1 is composed of a storage medium such as a memory, a processor, a communication module, an input / output interface, etc., and the processor executes a computer program recorded on the storage medium to realize the functional blocks shown in Fig. 1. The storage medium is a computer-readable recording medium and may include storage devices such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), a disk drive, a solid state drive (SSD), and flash memory. Here, non-transitory storage devices such as ROM, disk drives, SSDs, and flash memory may be included in the SNS management device 1 as storage devices separate from the memory.

[0022] The SNS management device 1, with the above-described hardware configuration, mainly comprises a display control unit 11, a reception unit 12, an EC management unit 13, a business contract management unit 14, a fee management unit 15, a payment processing unit 16, a memory unit 18, and a communication processing unit 19.

[0023] The display control unit 11 is a functional unit that displays content transmitted from a user via the user terminal 100 on the user terminal 100 of a viewer belonging to the SNS. The display control unit 11 also displays on the user terminal 100 a unique screen, a so-called profile screen, that is linked to the user's account and displays information unique to the user. Furthermore, the display control unit 11 displays on the user terminal 100, on the profile screen, a business contract reception area that accepts business contracts for work performed by the user, and a product sales area that sells the user's products. Furthermore, on the user terminal 100 of a fan (an example of a "second user") who is different from the creator (an example of a "first user") linked to the unique screen, an operator that accepts payment for the creator is displayed. The display control unit 11 is an example of a first display control unit, a second display control unit, and a third display control unit in the claims. Details of each display will be described later.

[0024] The reception unit 12 is a functional unit that receives commands from users via the user terminal 100. The reception unit 12 receives, via the creator terminal 20, a selection as to whether or not the creator will sell products. When a creator sells products on the managed SNS, the creator inputs, for example, a command to display a product sales area on a settings screen. The reception unit 12 receives information on the products and prices that the creator will sell.

[0025] The reception unit 12 also receives, via the creator terminal 20, a selection of whether or not the creator will undertake the work. When the creator accepts work on the management SNS, the creator inputs, for example, a command to display a work contract area on a settings screen. The reception unit 12 receives input of information on the work content and costs that the creator will accept.

[0026] Furthermore, the accepting unit 12 accepts, from the creator via the creator terminal 20, a selection of a charging method for fees for product sales and business contracts. Fees are costs incurred by the administrator of the SNS management device 1 for commercial transactions within the managed SNS. Charging methods include at least a flat-rate charging method in which a fixed fee is charged for a predetermined period of time, and a pay-per-use method in which a fee is charged for each transaction in business contracts or product sales. The flat-rate charging method may be selectable from multiple charging methods, and there may be multiple charging methods in which the flat-rate fee and available functions differ. For example, by paying a relatively large flat-rate fee, the fee for each transaction may be reduced or even free, or appropriate functions such as a file sharing function may become available.

[0027] The EC management unit 13 is a functional unit that manages information about products sold by creators on the managed SNS. The EC management unit 13 also stores product identification information, product name, price, description, image, appropriate URL, etc. in association with each creator in the storage unit 18.

[0028] The business contract management unit 14 is a functional unit that manages information related to business contracted by creators from business orderers on the management SNS. The business contract management unit 14 stores, for each creator, business identification information, business name, price, description, images, appropriate files, the period required to carry out the business, and the like, in association with each other in the storage unit 18.

[0029] As mentioned above, since both product sales and business contracting can be carried out within the managed SNS, management can be centralized, which is convenient. Also, by allowing the option to pay fees via a flat-rate fee system, creators can conveniently manage the fees for commercial transactions of product sales and business contracting by paying a flat fee.

[0030] The fee management unit 15 is a functional unit that determines the fee to be incurred depending on the selected billing mode. When a flat-rate billing mode is selected as the billing mode, the fee management unit 15 sets a different fee for each transaction in product sales or business contracting than in the case of a pay-per-use billing mode. More specifically, for example, in the case of a flat-rate billing mode, the fee for each transaction in product sales or business contracting may be free. Furthermore, in the case of a flat-rate billing mode, the fee for each transaction may be set lower than in the case of a pay-per-use billing mode. With this configuration, users can select a desired billing mode depending on their usage style of the SNS and use the SNS. In other words, users who relatively frequently conduct transactions in product sales or business contracting can keep the fees to a constant level by selecting the flat-rate billing mode. Furthermore, users who conduct a relatively small number of transactions can keep the fees to a relatively low level by selecting the pay-per-use billing mode.

[0031] When the fee management unit 15 accepts a charge from the fan terminal 50, it reduces the fee charged to the creator in accordance with the accepted charge from the fan. With this configuration, creators can easily receive support from fans in the form of a charge via the SNS management device 1 and use it as part of their activity funds. Furthermore, fans can easily support creators in addition to purchasing products or outsourcing work, which can also help fans make their presence known to creators. With a configuration that allows such support to be provided via the SNS management device 1, there is no need for excessive exchange of personal information between creators, and active interaction through mutual support is possible while protecting privacy.

[0032] When the fee management unit 15 receives charges from multiple fans for a creator, it determines the fee to be charged to the creator for a predetermined period by subtracting the total amount of charges received from the multiple fans from the flat-rate fee in the flat-rate charging system. This configuration allows creators to receive support from multiple fans. Fans can also charge the creators they want to support, regardless of the support status of other fans.

[0033] The payment processing unit 16 is a functional unit that manages user payment processing via the user terminal 100. The payment processing unit 16 accepts payment processing from purchasers who have purchased products and payment processing from business orderers who have outsourced work. The payment processing unit 16 also accepts payment of fees from creators. Furthermore, the payment processing unit 16 transmits the sales proceeds of the business contract or product sales to the creator. In this case, if the billing method is a pay-per-transaction method, the amount remaining after deducting the fees incurred for each transaction from the sales proceeds is transmitted to the creator terminal 20 as the sales proceeds. This configuration reduces the number of times payments are sent and received. The processing by the payment processing unit 16 may involve not only electronically transmitting money but also transferring appropriate monetary value such as virtual currency or so-called points.

[0034] Furthermore, when the billing method is a flat-rate billing system and payment of a creator's fee has been accepted from the fan terminal 50, the payment processing unit 16 bills the creator the amount obtained by deducting the amount paid by the fan from the flat-rate fee as the fee for a predetermined period. Furthermore, when the payment processing unit 16 accepts payments from multiple fans for one creator, it bills the creator the amount obtained by subtracting the total amount of payments accepted from the multiple fans from the flat-rate fee under the flat-rate billing system as the fee for the predetermined period. Furthermore, if the amount paid by the fan is equal to or greater than the flat-rate fee, the creator is not billed for the fee for the predetermined period. If the amount paid by the fan exceeds the flat-rate fee, the excess amount may be deducted from the fee for the next period.

[0035] The storage unit 18 is a database that stores information related to the management of SNS. For example, the storage unit 18 stores information related to product sales or business contracts received from creators, in association with each creator.

[0036] The communication processing unit 19 is a functional unit that transmits and receives information to and from the user terminal 100 via the network NW, and for example, accepts input of login information and content from the user terminal 100. The communication processing unit 19 also transmits pages within the SNS and content sent by users to the user terminal 100. The communication processing unit 19 also accepts product purchase requests from the purchaser terminal 30 and business orders from the business orderer terminal 40. The communication processing unit 19 transmits information about the purchased products or business that has been accepted to the creator terminal 20. The communication processing unit 19 also accepts charges to the creator from the fan terminal 50. The communication processing unit 19 transmits sales information to the creator terminal 20.

[0037] ●Processing flow Using FIG. 2, a series of processing steps in which a creator sells a product via the creator terminal 20 in the SNS management device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Before starting this process, the SNS management device 1 registers the user's SNS information. More specifically, the SNS management device 1 prompts the user to enter a user ID and password on an appropriate user registration page of the managed SNS, and then registers an SNS account linked to the user ID and password. In the process of Figure 2, at least the creator and the purchaser have registered their SNS accounts.

[0038] First, the creator terminal 20 receives a command to sell a product on the managed SNS (step S11). The creator terminal 20 also receives settings such as the type and price of the product to be sold. If the creator has selected a pay-per-use system (N in step S12), the process proceeds to step S13, where the creator terminal 20 displays the fee incurred for each product sales transaction (step S13). This fee is, for example, the price of the product sold multiplied by a predetermined percentage. Along with the display of the fee, the creator terminal 20 may also display a message guiding the user to switch to a flat-rate billing system. The screen may also receive an instruction to switch the fee billing mode. If the creator has selected a flat-rate billing system (Y in step S12), the process proceeds to step S14, where a product sales screen is set up and made available for display on the purchaser terminal 30 (step S14).

[0039] When the product set by the creator terminal 20 is purchased at the purchaser terminal 30 (Y in step S15), payment information is transmitted from the purchaser terminal 30 to the SNS management device 1 (step S16). The payment information includes, for example, product identification information, the price of the product, and information on the purchaser's payment method.

[0040] Next, the SNS management device 1 processes the purchase money using escrow. More specifically, for example, the SNS management device 1 first receives the purchase money from the purchaser terminal 30 (step S17). Next, the SNS management device 1 determines the creator's billing mode (step S18), and if a flat-rate billing method is selected (Y in step S18), proceeds to step S20, where the purchase money received from the purchaser is sent to the creator terminal 20 as sales proceeds (step S20). If the creator has selected a pay-per-transaction method (N in step S18), the amount obtained by deducting a commission incurred for each transaction from the purchase money is calculated as sales proceeds (step S19), and the sales proceeds are sent to the creator terminal 20 (step S20).

[0041] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a series of processing steps in which a creator contracts a business via the creator terminal 20 in the SNS management device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Before starting this process, the SNS management device 1 registers the user's SNS information. More specifically, the SNS management device 1 prompts the user to enter a user ID and password on an appropriate user registration page of the SNS, and then registers an SNS account linked to the user ID and password. In the process of Fig. 3, at least the creator and the business orderer have registered their SNS accounts.

[0042] First, the creator terminal 20 receives a command to perform a business contract on the management SNS (step S31). The creator terminal 20 also receives settings such as the content and price of the business that can be contracted from the creator terminal 20. If the creator selects the pay-per-use method (N in step S32), the process proceeds to step S33, where the fee incurred for each business contract transaction is displayed on the creator terminal 20 (step S33). This fee is, for example, the business cost multiplied by a predetermined percentage. Along with the display of the fee, the creator terminal 20 may also display a message guiding the user to switch the fee billing method to a flat-rate billing method. The screen may also receive an instruction to switch the fee billing method. If the creator selects the flat-rate billing method (Y in step S32), the process proceeds to step S34, where a business contract acceptance screen is set up and made displayable on the business orderer terminal 40 (step S34).

[0043] When the work set by the creator terminal 20 is requested at the work orderer terminal 40 (Y in step S35), the creator terminal 20 receives this request, and the creator carries out the requested work. The creator terminal 20 delivers the completed work results to the work orderer terminal 40 (step S36). The work orderer inspects the results and transmits payment information to the SNS management device 1 via the work orderer terminal 40 (step S37).

[0044] Next, the SNS management device 1 processes the request fee using escrow. More specifically, for example, the SNS management device 1 first receives the request fee from the business orderer terminal 40 (step S38). Next, the SNS management device 1 determines the creator's billing mode (step S39), and if a flat-rate billing method is selected (Y in step S39), the process proceeds to step S40, where the purchase fee received from the purchaser is sent to the creator terminal 20 as sales proceeds (step S40). If the creator has selected a pay-per-transaction method (N in step S39), the amount obtained by deducting a commission incurred for each transaction from the purchase fee is calculated as sales proceeds (step S40), and the sales proceeds are sent to the creator terminal 20 (step S41).

[0045] ●Screen example Here, examples of screen transitions in the creator terminal 20 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In the description, operations for selecting buttons or icons on the screen indicate various user operations, such as tapping or clicking, that are adopted depending on the functions of the terminal.

[0046] 4(a) shows a setting screen G10 for setting a creator's profile screen, which is displayed on the creator terminal 20. The setting screen G10 displays the creator's URL, name, description, etc. that are set on the screen. The setting screen G10 also displays an add link button G11 that sets a screen that can be transitioned to from the profile screen on the purchaser terminal 30 or the business orderer terminal 40. When the link addition button G11 is selected, the screen transitions to a selection screen G20 shown in FIG. 4(b).

[0047] 4(b) is an example of a selection screen G20 that accepts the selection of a link to be added to the profile screen. The selection screen G20 may be displayed partially overlapping the setting screen G10. The selection screen G20 displays a sales button G21 that accepts a command to display a product sales area. When the sales button G21 is selected, the screen transitions to the product sales setting screen G30 shown in FIG. 5(a).

[0048] FIG. 5(a) is an example of a product sales setting screen G30. On the product sales setting screen G30, it is possible to set product information for each product, such as the product name, price, description, image, and product file. The product sales setting screen G30 also displays the sales commission that will be incurred when the product is sold. FIG. 5(a) is an example when a pay-per-use method is selected, and an amount other than 0 yen is displayed as the sales commission, along with a button G31 that reads "Set commission to 0 yen." By selecting this button G31, the charging method can be switched to a flat-rate charging method. When the confirm button G32 on the product sales setting screen G30 is selected, the product sales setting is completed.

[0049] FIG. 5(b) is an example of a creator's profile screen G40 displayed on the purchaser terminal 30. The profile screen G40 displays the creator's URL, name, description, etc., along with a product sales area G41. The product in this figure is an "investment lecture video set," which, when purchased, allows a video lecture on investment to be played on the purchaser terminal 30, etc. In addition, a purchase button G42 is displayed in the product sales area G41, and the purchaser can proceed with purchasing the product by selecting the purchase button G42 via the purchaser terminal 30.

[0050] Fig. 6 is another example of a selection screen G20 that is displayed when the Add Link button G11 is selected on the setting screen G10 (see Fig. 4(a)). The selection screen G50 shown in Fig. 6 displays a Work Contract button G51 that accepts a command to display a work contract reception area. When the work contract button G51 is selected, the screen transitions to a work contract setting screen G60 shown in FIG. 7(a).

[0051] FIG. 7(a) is an example of a business contract setting screen G60. The business contract setting screen G60 allows the user to set business contract information for each contract job, such as the job type, price range, description, images, and data files related to the contract job. The business contract setting screen G60 also displays the estimated sales commission that will be incurred if the job is completed. FIG. 7(a) shows an example in which a pay-per-use method has been selected, displaying a sales commission amount other than 0 yen and a button G61 that reads "Set commission to 0 yen." By selecting this button G61, the billing method can be switched to a flat-rate billing method. When the decision button G62 on the work contract setting screen G60 is selected, the work contract setting is completed.

[0052] FIG. 7(b) is an example of a creator's profile screen G70 displayed on the business orderer terminal 40. The profile screen G70 displays the creator's URL, name, description, etc., along with a business contract reception area G71. The product in this figure is "Website design production." The business contract reception area G71 also displays a "Request a job" button G72, and by selecting the button G72 via the business orderer terminal 40, it is possible to request a job.

[0053] 8(a) is an example of a profile screen G80 of a creator that is displayed on the fan terminal 50 when a flat-rate billing method is selected as the billing method for the creator. This profile screen G80 displays an operator that accepts billing payments from fans to the creator via the fan terminal 50, specifically, a proxy billing button G81. When the proxy charging button G81 is selected, the screen transitions to a confirmation screen G90 shown in FIG. 8(b).

[0054] The confirmation screen G90 shown in FIG. 8(b) displays an explanatory statement that, thanks to proxy charging from the fan, the creator will be exempt from fees related to commercial transactions involving product sales and business contracting, along with an execute button G91 for executing the charging. By selecting the execute button G91, payment of the creator's fixed fee linked to the profile screen G80 from which the confirmation screen G90 was transitioned is executed from the fan's account linked to the fan terminal 50 that accepted the selection of the execute button G91. This configuration allows fans to easily support a creator through proxy charging from the creator's profile screen G80 on the SNS. The confirmation screen G90 is optional, and payment may be made in response to selection of the proxy billing button G81. Also, the profile screen G80 or the confirmation screen G90 may be configured to accept selection or input of the amount to be charged, allowing the fan to set the amount to be charged.

[0055] Effects of this embodiment According to this embodiment, SNS users can easily conduct commercial transactions on the SNS. In particular, since both product sales and business contracting can be carried out within a single managed SNS, management can be centralized, which is convenient. Furthermore, by configuring proxy billing to be accepted from fan terminals 50, creators can easily obtain funds for their activities. Furthermore, fans can easily support creators. Ultimately, proxy billing can stimulate communication and commercial transactions within the SNS. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1 SNS management device 11 Display control unit 12 Reception 13 EC Management Department 14 Contract Management Department 15. Fee Management Department 16 Payment Processing Unit 18 Memory section 19 Communication processing unit 100 user terminals 20 Creator Terminals 30 Business orderer terminal 40 Buyer terminal 50 Fan Terminals

Claims

1. a first display control unit that displays, in response to an instruction from a first user, a business contract reception area that receives a business contract to be performed by the first user on the specific screen of the first user; a second display control unit that displays, in response to a command from the first user, a product sales area in which the first user sells products on the unique screen of the first user; a reception unit that receives from the first user a selection of a charging mode for the fee for the product sale and the business contract; a fee management unit that determines the fee to be charged according to the selected billing mode; Equipped with The charging method includes at least a flat-rate charging method in which a fixed amount of the fee is charged for a predetermined period of time, and a per-transaction charging method in which the fee is charged for each transaction in the product sale or the business contract, When the flat-rate charging method is selected as the charging method, the fee management unit differentiates the fee for each transaction in the product sale or the business contract from that in the case of the per-transaction charging method. SNS management device.

2. a third display control unit that, when the flat-rate billing method is selected as the billing mode for the first user, causes an operator for accepting billing for the first user to be displayed on at least a terminal of a second user different from the first user; the fee management unit, upon receiving the charge from the second user, reduces the fee to be charged to the first user in accordance with the received charge; The SNS management device according to claim 1 .

3. When the fee management unit has accepted the charges from the plurality of second users, the fee management unit determines the amount obtained by subtracting the total amount of the charges accepted from the plurality of second users from the fixed amount in the flat-rate charging method as the fee to be charged to the first user. The SNS management device according to claim 2.

4. An SNS management method for managing an SNS, comprising: a first display control process for displaying a business contract reception area for receiving a business contract to be performed by a first user on a unique screen of the first user in response to an instruction from the first user; a second display control process for displaying a product sales area in which the first user sells products on the unique screen of the first user in response to a command from the first user; a selection receiving process for receiving, from the first user, a selection of a charging mode for the fee for the product sale and the business contract; a fee management process for determining the fee to be charged according to the selected billing mode; is executed by a computer, The charging method includes at least a flat-rate charging method in which a fixed amount of the fee is charged for a predetermined period of time, and a per-transaction charging method in which the fee is charged for each transaction in the product sale or the business contract, In the fee management process, when the flat-rate charging method is selected as the charging mode, the fee for each transaction in the product sale or the business contract is set differently from that in the case of the per-transaction charging method. How to manage SNS.

5. A computer program for managing an SNS, On the computer, a first display control process for displaying a business contract reception area for receiving a business contract to be performed by a first user on a unique screen of the first user in response to an instruction from the first user; a second display control process for displaying a product sales area in which the first user sells products on the unique screen of the first user in response to a command from the first user; a selection receiving process for receiving, from the first user, a selection of a charging mode for the fee for the product sale and the business contract; a fee management process for determining the fee to be charged according to the selected billing mode; Execute The charging method includes at least a flat-rate charging method in which a fixed amount of the fee is charged for a predetermined period of time, and a per-transaction charging method in which the fee is charged for each transaction in the product sale or the business contract, In the fee management process, when the flat-rate charging method is selected as the charging mode, the fee for each transaction in the product sale or the business contract is set differently from that in the case of the per-transaction charging method. Computer program.

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