Product dispensing device, program, and product dispensing system

Abstract

To improve user convenience. [Solution] This is a product supply device that can communicate with a user terminal. The product supply device includes a receiving means that can accept product orders, a payment means that can settle the accepted products using a first type of payment method or a second type of payment method, a lottery execution means that executes a predetermined lottery on the condition that the product is settled using the first type of payment method or a second type of payment method, and a winning probability control means that controls the probability of winning the predetermined lottery on the condition that the product is settled using the first type of payment method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a product providing apparatus, a program, and a product providing system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a product sales system that deals with stocked products having inventory and reserved products to be sold in the future (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a product sales system, there are various payment methods for settling the price of a product, such as a prepaid card and a credit card. Also, depending on the payment method, benefits for purchasing a product are provided to differentiate it from other payment methods.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a product providing apparatus, a program, and a product providing system that can provide attractive benefits to users.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a product providing apparatus capable of communicating with a user terminal, comprising: a receiving means capable of receiving an order for a product; a payment means capable of settling the received product by a first type of payment method or a second type of payment method; a lottery execution means for executing a predetermined lottery on the condition that the product is settled by the first type of payment method or the second type of payment method; and a winning probability control means for controlling the winning probability of winning a predetermined lottery on the condition that the product is settled by the first type of payment method.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a computer program that can communicate with a user terminal, which causes the computer to function as a receiving means capable of receiving orders for goods, a payment means capable of settling accepted goods using a first type of payment method or a second type of payment method, a lottery execution means that performs a predetermined lottery on the condition that goods are settled using the first type of payment method or the second type of payment method, and a winning probability control means that controls the probability of winning the predetermined lottery on the condition that goods are settled using the first type of payment method.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a product provision system comprising a product provision device and a user terminal, wherein the product provision device comprises a payment screen presentation means for presenting a first type of payment method or a second type of payment method to the user terminal as a payment method for the product to be purchased, a payment means for which the product to be purchased can be paid for using the first type of payment method or the second type of payment method, a lottery execution means for executing a predetermined lottery on the condition that the product is paid for using the first type of payment method or the second type of payment method, and a winning probability control means for controlling the probability of winning the predetermined lottery on the condition that the product is paid for using the first type of payment method, and the terminal comprises a display unit for displaying the payment screen and an application means for applying to the predetermined lottery. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a product provision device, program, and product provision system that offer an attractive payment method for users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the product provision system in this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the device configuration of a tablet computer, which is an example of terminal 2. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the product dispensing device 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the user information database D1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the product information database D2. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an example of a product purchase screen presented to the user's terminal 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an example of an order screen 71 on the product purchase screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an example of a payment screen 73 on the product purchase screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the purchase history information in the user information database D1. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 2. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart of the product providing apparatus 1. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an operation flowchart of the payment process. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the lottery process. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an example of a lottery ticket list screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an example of a lottery ticket screen. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the winning probability control process.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. [[ID=4D]]

[0012] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, first, the products provided by the product providing apparatus of this embodiment and the payment at the time of purchase will be described.

[0013] The product is a product that a seller sells to a user. In the present embodiment, the product is a product provided to the user by the user paying a monetary cost. The product is represented by a character or the like incarnated in a physical product or the like. For example, it is a shaped object such as a figure having the appearance of a certain character, clothing, a plastic model, stationery, an accessory, etc., but is not limited thereto. Also, there are multiple types of products according to the delivery time when they are delivered. For example, for products that are normally sold and are in stock, there are stock sale products for which delivery procedures can be immediately taken, reservation sale products that announce sales and accept reservations, lottery sale products that are sold only to the winners of a lottery, etc.

[0014] There are also various settlement methods for settling the cost of the product. Settlement methods include cash, prepaid settlement, credit settlement, etc. Depending on the type of settlement, there are also settlement methods to which benefits are given. A typical example is point awarding by credit settlement. Such benefits have the advantage of promoting the purchase of products and settlement methods. For users, credit settlement with attractive benefits is an important point for making the user use that credit settlement.

[0015] Therefore, in the present embodiment, an example of giving a benefit at the time of credit settlement of the cost of the product will be described. The benefit given in the credit settlement in the present embodiment is the granting of a lottery right that can be applied to lotteries for prizes, lotteries for the purchase of products (lottery sales), lotteries for the granting of points that can be applied to the cost, etc. Here, the lottery right not only includes the right to simply participate in the lottery, but also includes the right to promote the participated lottery advantageously. For example, it is the right to increase the winning probability in a predetermined lottery.

[0016] Specifically, it is as follows. 1. As the granting of the lottery right, a lottery ticket (lottery coupon) is granted. The content of the lottery is not limited, but for example, it is a lottery for purchasing lottery sale products, a lottery for awarding points that can be used for purchasing products, a lottery for prizes with fixed equivalent prizes, etc. 2. As part of granting the right to participate in the lottery, the recipient will be granted the right to control the system to increase the probability of winning the lottery tickets or lottery-sale items.

[0017] In this embodiment, the above benefits are applied only to payments made using a specific payment method. This specific payment method is a credit card payment operated by a specific company. For example, the above benefits are granted to payments made using Company A's credit card, but not to payments made using credit cards from other companies.

[0018] The following explains the system that makes the above benefits possible.

[0019] [Overall structure] The product provision system in this embodiment will now be described.

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the product delivery system in this embodiment. In Figure 1, 1 is a product delivery device, 2 is a user terminal, 3 is a product, and 4 is a product management warehouse.

[0021] The product dispensing device 1, the user's terminal 2, and the product management warehouse 4 are all connectable to and can communicate with each other via a communication line N. The communication line N refers to a communication path capable of data communication. In other words, the communication line N includes not only dedicated lines (dedicated cables) for direct connection and LANs such as Ethernet (registered trademark), but also communication networks such as telephone networks, cable networks, and the Internet, and the communication method can be wired or wireless.

[0022] Product provisioning device 1 is a server system composed of one or more server devices and storage devices. Product provisioning device 1 performs various services to provide products 3 to users, obtains inventory status of products in the product management warehouse 4, and handles product delivery procedures to users.

[0023] Terminal 2 can be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or a mobile phone. Figure 2 shows an example of the device configuration of a tablet computer, which is an example of terminal 2. As shown in Figure 2, terminal 2 includes a display 21, a touch operation panel 22 integrated with the display 21, and a built-in speaker 23. Terminal 2 is also provided with a control board, a built-in battery, a power button, volume control buttons, etc., which are not shown.

[0024] The control board is equipped with various microprocessors such as CPUs, GPUs, and DSPs, ASICs, various IC memories such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a wireless communication module for wireless communication with the base station. The control board also includes so-called I / F circuits (interface circuits), such as the driver circuit for the touch operation panel 22. Each of these elements mounted on the control board is electrically connected via bus circuits, etc., enabling data reading and writing, and signal transmission and reception.

[0025] Product 3 is a product sold by the seller to the user. In this embodiment, the product is provided to the user upon payment of monetary value or points that can be used to pay that value. The product is represented by a character or the like embodying it in a tangible product or the like. For example, it may be a figure or other sculpture with the appearance of a certain character, or clothing, plastic models, accessories, etc., but is not limited to these. Furthermore, there are multiple types of products depending on the shipping time. For example, there are in-stock products that are normally sold and can be shipped immediately if there is stock available, lottery-sale products that can only be purchased by those who win the lottery, reservation products that are announced for sale and reservations are accepted, and made-to-order products that are produced after an order is received. In addition, the shipping time for reservation products is predetermined.

[0026] Product management warehouse 4 is a warehouse where product 3 is stored and managed. In product management warehouse 4, the inventory status of product 3 is managed, and the inventory status information of product 3 is reported to product supply device 1. In addition, product management warehouse 4 receives shipping instructions from product supply device 1 and carries out the procedure for delivering product 3 to the user's home or other location.

[0027] [Functional Configuration] The configuration of each device will be explained.

[0028] First, let's explain the configuration of the product dispensing device 1. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the product dispensing device 1.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the product dispensing device 1 comprises a processing unit 10, a communication unit 11, and a storage unit 12.

[0030] The processing unit 10 comprehensively controls the operation of the product dispensing device 1 based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 12. The functions of the processing unit 10 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or an IC memory. The main functional units of the processing unit 10 include a user information management unit 111, an inventory status management unit 112, a product purchase screen display control unit 113, a product order management unit 114, a payment processing unit 115, a lottery right granting unit 116, a lottery unit 117, and a shipping management unit 118.

[0031] The User Information Management Unit 111 manages user information using the User Information Database D1. The information managed includes the user's identification information (User ID) and password within the purchase service, personal information such as the user's name, address, and email address, the user's purchase history information for products (products) 3, credit card information, purchase history information, lottery ticket information, winning probability increase ticket information, etc.

[0032] Credit card information refers to the user's credit card information. This includes information such as the credit card company (the company that issues the credit card), the credit card number, the credit card's expiration date, the credit card's credit limit (such as the available credit limit), and usage restrictions. In this embodiment, the payment method described is an example of payment by credit card, but it is not limited to this, and similar payment methods, such as electronic payments using a credit card, may also be used. Credit limit information refers to information about the validity of the user's credit card. Credit limit information is used to determine the validity of the user's credit card. For example, based on information such as the credit card's expiration date, credit limit (the available credit limit), and usage restrictions, a valid flag "1" is recorded if the user's credit card is valid, and a valid flag "0" is recorded if it is invalid.

[0033] Purchase history information includes details about the product (item) 3 purchased by the user, the number of items (item) 3 purchased, the purchase date, and the cumulative amount of money (price) for all products the user has purchased to date.

[0034] The lottery ticket information, as described later, refers to information about lottery tickets awarded through payments made with specific credit cards. Lottery tickets include those for purchasing items sold through a lottery, those for awarding points that can be used to purchase products, and those for prizes with predetermined tiers.

[0035] A ticket that increases your chances of winning a prize is a lottery ticket that increases your chances of winning a particular product or point.

[0036] Figure 4 shows an example of a user information database D1. In the example in Figure 4, user information data D1 is a table that associates the user's user ID, personal information, credit card information, credit information, last credit approval date, purchase history information, lottery ticket information, and winning probability increase ticket information.

[0037] The inventory management unit 112 manages the inventory status of product 3 using the product information database D2.

[0038] Product information database D2 is a database that records information about products to be sold. Figure 5 shows an example of product information database D2. Product information includes product identification information (ID), product name, product information, product image, inventory status, payment method, scheduled shipping time, and delivery method. Product ID is identification information that identifies product 3. Product name is the name of product 3. Product information concerns all information about product 3, and includes information on whether it is an in-stock product (normal sales format), a reserved product (reservation required), or a made-to-order product (produced after ordering), as well as descriptive information about product 3. Product image is image data of product 3. Inventory status is the number (quantity) of product 3 in stock. Payment method is the type of payment method for the product, for example, payment at the time of purchase or payment at the time of shipment. Scheduled shipping time is the time when product 3 can be shipped. The shipping time can be in months, weeks, or days, but in this embodiment, it is in days. The delivery type refers to the delivery method for product 3, and includes standard delivery methods, refrigerated / frozen delivery methods, etc.

[0039] The inventory management unit 112 updates the product information database D2 whenever a new product 3 is added, and whenever the inventory status of product 3 changes.

[0040] The product purchase screen display control unit 113 refers to the product information database D2 and, in cooperation with other units, comprehensively processes the operation of displaying the product purchase screen for product 3 to terminal 2.

[0041] Figure 6 shows an example of a product purchase screen displayed on the user's terminal 2. At the top of the product purchase screen shown in Figure 6, there is a My Page icon 61 that transitions to the My Page where the user's information can be viewed, a Product List icon 62 that transitions to the Product List screen where a list of products currently for sale can be viewed, and a Cart icon 63 that transitions to the Cart screen where the product selected by the user can be viewed. At the bottom, a detailed screen related to the selected icon is displayed. The bottom of the product purchase screen shown in Figure 6 also shows the case where the Product List icon 62 is selected and the Product List screen 64 is displayed. The Product List screen 64 includes product information 65 such as the product image, product name, price, and shipping date, and includes a checkbox 66 for each product 3 that allows the user to select that product 3. The user can select the product 3 by checking the checkbox 66. The user can also add the selected product 3 to the cart by selecting the cart button 67 located below the Product List screen 64.

[0042] The product order management unit 114 retrieves the payment timing for product 3 added to the cart (selected by the user) from the product information database D2, and groups product 3 by payment timing to generate order groups. In this embodiment, the payment timing is either payment at the time of purchase or payment at the time of shipment, so the product order management unit 114 groups products by payment timing and scheduled shipment date to generate order groups.

[0043] For example, in the product purchase screen shown in Figure 6, if a user adds a total of three items to their cart—product name "XXX Zero Fighter," product name "YYY Figure," and product name "ZZZ Figure"—the product order management unit 114 retrieves the payment date and scheduled shipping date for each product 3 from the product information database D2. Here, product name "XXX Zero Fighter" is a pre-order item, its payment date is payment at the time of shipment, and its scheduled shipping date is November 10, 2023. Product names "YYY Figure" and "ZZZ Figure" are in-stock items, their payment type is payment at the time of purchase, and their scheduled shipping date is the purchase date (payment date).

[0044] The Product Order Management Department 114 groups products with the product name "XXX Zero Fighter" for which payment is made at the time of shipment and the scheduled shipping date is November 10, 2023, to generate Order Group 1. It also groups products with the product names "YYY Figure" and "ZZZ Figure" for which payment is made at the time of purchase and the scheduled shipping date is the purchase date (payment date), to generate Order Group 2.

[0045] Furthermore, the product order management department 114 may consider not only the scheduled shipping date but also the delivery type when grouping product 3. For example, even if the scheduled shipping date is the same, if the delivery type is different, they may be placed into different order groups.

[0046] Furthermore, the product order management unit 114 may be configured to stop generating order groups and alert users if the number of units purchased for a single product exceeds a predetermined number. This is effective when the number of units that can be shipped at the same time is exceeded, or to prevent resale of the product.

[0047] The payment processing unit 115 processes payments for each order group grouped by the product order management unit 114. When the cart icon 63 is selected on the product purchase screen of terminal 2, an order screen for each order group is displayed to terminal 2. Figure 7 is an example of an order screen 71 on the product purchase screen. In the example of the order screen 71 in Figure 7, the order procedure for product 3 belonging to order group 1 and the order procedure for product 3 belonging to order group 2 are displayed. Product name "XXX Zero Fighter" belongs to order group 1, and product names "YYY Figure" and "ZZZ Figure" belong to order group 2.

[0048] The payment processing unit 115 processes the order for an order group when the order procedure button for that order group is selected. The order processing settles the total amount of the products belonging to that order group. The payment method is not limited to any type, including prepaid cards, credit cards, and point payments operated by the sales system. Figure 8 is an example of the payment screen 73 on the product purchase screen. In the example of the payment screen 73 in Figure 8, the payment procedure is for product 3 belonging to order group 1, and three payment methods are presented: a prepaid card provided by the operator, point payments that can be used for payment, and credit card payment. Furthermore, for credit card payments, the type of credit card is presented for selection. In this example, the options are credit card A and credit card B. This credit card type information is obtained from the user's registered credit card information in the user information database D1.

[0049] The payment processing unit 115 settles the price of the goods according to the payment timing based on the user's payment selection, and notifies the lottery ticket granting unit 116 of the type of payment method used. The payment processing unit 115 also records the purchase information in the purchase history information of the user information database D1 based on the payment.

[0050] The lottery right granting unit 116 grants lottery rights according to the type of payment method. In this embodiment, the payment method for which lottery rights can be granted is the payment method using credit card A (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "specific credit card"). That is, users who pay with credit card A are granted lottery rights, which are a benefit not available with other payment methods. The types of lottery rights granted include lottery tickets for purchasing lottery-sale items, lottery tickets for points that can be used to purchase products, lottery tickets for prizes with predetermined prizes, and winning probability increase tickets that increase the probability of winning lottery-sale items, etc. The lottery right granting unit 116 has pre-stored the benefits of credit card A and grants lottery rights for those benefits to users who pay with credit card A. The benefits granted may be changed depending on the time of year.

[0051] The lottery right granting unit 116 completes the process of granting lottery rights to a user by writing the lottery right information to the user's purchase history information, lottery ticket information, and winning probability increase ticket information in the user information database D1. Figure 9 shows an example of purchase history information in the user information database D1. In the purchase history information in Figure 9, the order group, payment method, payment information, and granted lottery rights are stored in association. The order group contains the identification information of the order group, the payment method contains the type of payment used (for example, the type of credit card), the payment information contains whether the payment is completed or not, and the granted lottery rights contain the details of the granted lottery rights.

[0052] The payment processing unit 115 shall not allow changes to the payment method once a lottery right has been granted by the lottery right granting unit 116. A change in payment method would be, for example, changing from payment by credit card A to payment by credit card B. If a change in payment method occurs, the payment processing unit 115 shall check the user's purchase history information in the user information database D1 and, if a lottery right has been granted, shall control the system to not allow any further changes to the payment method. It is also possible to set the period during which the payment method can be changed to before the execution of the lottery right. If the payment method is changed, the lottery right granted by that payment method shall be canceled. Furthermore, if the user loses the lottery, it may be permitted to change the payment method of the lottery right used. This is because, in effect, the user has not received any benefit from the lottery ticket in these cases.

[0053] The lottery unit 117 conducts a lottery based on the granted lottery rights. Specifically, if it is a lottery ticket for purchasing a lottery sale item, it selects a predetermined number of winners from the users who applied using the lottery ticket. If it is a lottery ticket for awarding points that can be used to purchase products, it determines the number of points to be awarded based on a predetermined lottery probability. In the case of a lottery ticket for a prize with predetermined tiers, it determines the tiers by lottery.

[0054] If the lottery ticket used is a ticket that increases the probability of winning, it can be used in conjunction with other lottery tickets, or it can be used alone when drawing for lottery-sale items that anyone can participate in. In this case, the lottery unit 117 increases the probability of winning to a predetermined value and conducts the drawing. Alternatively, if the probability of winning ticket has a specified increase rate, the unit increases the probability of winning to that value and conducts the drawing. This control increases the probability of receiving more points or a higher point accrual rate in the case of lottery tickets that award points, and increases the probability of winning the product in the case of lottery-sale items.

[0055] The shipping management department 118 manages the shipment of goods ordered by users. The delivery address is selected from the addresses registered in the user information database D1. The delivery date is the shipping date of the ordering group.

[0056] The communication unit 11 connects to the communication line N to enable communication.

[0057] The storage unit 12 stores the system program and the functional programs. The system program is a program that realizes the basic functions of the product dispensing device 1 as a computer. The functional programs are programs that cause the processing unit 10 to function as the user information management unit 111, inventory status management unit 112, product purchase screen display control unit 113, product order management unit 114, payment processing unit 115, lottery right granting unit 116, lottery unit 117, and shipping management unit 118. The storage unit 12 also stores the user information database D1 and the product information database D2.

[0058] Next, we will describe the configuration of terminal 2. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of terminal 2.

[0059] As shown in Figure 10, terminal 2 comprises an operation input unit 30, a processing unit 31, an image display unit 32, an audio output unit 33, a communication unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

[0060] The operation input unit 30 is for inputting various user operations and outputs an operation input signal to the processing unit 31 according to the operation input. The functions of the operation input unit 30 can be realized not only by elements that the user directly operates with their fingers, such as a touch operation pad, home button, button switch, joystick, and trackball, but also by elements that detect movement and posture, such as an accelerometer, angular velocity sensor, tilt sensor, and geomagnetic sensor. In Figure 2, the touch operation panel 22 is an example of this.

[0061] The processing unit 31 comprehensively controls the operation of the terminal 2 based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 35, operation input signals from the operation input unit 30, etc. The functions of the processing unit 31 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or an IC memory. The processing unit 31 mainly comprises a calculation unit 40, an image generation unit 41, a sound generation unit 42, and a communication control unit 43.

[0062] The calculation unit 40 performs various processes for purchasing product 3 and outputs the results to the image generation unit 41, the sound generation unit 42, and the communication control unit 43. The calculation unit 40 includes a display control unit 50 and an order procedure processing unit 51.

[0063] The display control unit 50 uses information provided by the product supply device 1 and user operation information to display and enhance the product purchase screen for product 3, and to perform the order procedure for product 3.

[0064] The order processing unit 51 performs the order procedure for goods (products) 3. Specifically, it processes the order for goods 3 with the product supply device 1.

[0065] The image generation unit 41 generates one image in one frame time (e.g., 1 / 60th of a second) based on the processing results of the calculation unit 40, and outputs the generated image signal to the image display unit 32. The functions of the image generation unit 41 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC or video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, and an IC memory used for unpacking texture data.

[0066] The sound generation unit 42 generates sound signals such as sound effects and various operation sounds based on the processing results of the calculation unit 40, and outputs them to the sound output unit 33. The functions of the sound generation unit 42 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a speech synthesis IC, or an audio codec capable of playing audio files.

[0067] The communication control unit 43 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the product supply device 1.

[0068] The image display unit 32 displays the screen based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 41. The functions of the image display unit 32 can be realized by display devices such as flat panel displays, cathode ray tubes (CRTs), projectors, and head-mounted displays. In Figure 2, the image display unit 32 corresponds to the display 21.

[0069] The sound output unit 33 is for outputting sound effects and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 42. In Figure 2, the sound output unit 33 corresponds to the speaker 23.

[0070] The communication unit 34 connects to the communication line N to enable communication. The functions of the communication unit 34 can be realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc.

[0071] The memory unit 35 pre-stores programs for operating terminal 2 and realizing various functions of terminal 2, as well as data used during the execution of these programs, or temporarily stores them each time processing is performed. The memory unit 35 can be implemented using, for example, an IC memory such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. Specifically, the memory unit 35 stores a system program and a control program that controls the terminal 2 in the process of purchasing goods (products) 3. The system program is a program that realizes the basic functions of terminal 2 as a computer. The control program is a program that causes the processing unit 31 to function as an arithmetic unit 40.

[0072] [Explanation of operation] The operation of product dispensing device 1 will be explained, focusing on payment processing. Figure 11 is a flowchart of the operation of product dispensing device 1.

[0073] First, the user uses terminal 2 to access product distributing device 1 and requests the product purchase screen.

[0074] Upon receiving a request for the product purchase screen, the product purchase screen display control unit 113 of the product supply device 1 transmits the product purchase screen to terminal 2, causing terminal 2 to display the product purchase screen (Step 100).

[0075] The user selects product 3 from the product purchase screen displayed on terminal 2. To explain in detail using Figure 6, the user selects the product list icon 62 to display a list of available products. The user can select product 3 from the displayed product list by checking the checkbox 66 next to the product they wish to order. Once the user has finished selecting product 3, they select the cart button 67 located at the bottom of the product list screen to add the selected product 3 to their cart.

[0076] The product purchase screen display control unit 113 determines whether product 3, selected by the user, has been added to the cart (Step 101). If the product has been added to the cart (Step 102), the product ID of product 3 is stored (Step 103).

[0077] Next, the system determines whether the user has requested to view the shopping cart (Step 104). If a request to view the shopping cart is received (Step 105), the product order management unit 114 retrieves the payment type and shipping date of product 3 from the product information database D2 based on the product ID of product 3 placed in the cart (Step 106). Then, the product order management unit 114 groups the products 3 by payment type and shipping date to generate order groups (Step 107).

[0078] To explain in more detail, in the product purchase screen shown in Figure 6, if a user adds a total of three items to their cart—product name "XXX Zero Fighter," product name "YYY Figure," and product name "ZZZ Figure"—the product order management unit 114 retrieves the payment date and scheduled shipping date for each of the three items from the product information database D2. Here, product name "XXX Zero Fighter" is a pre-order item, its payment date is payment at the time of shipment, and its scheduled shipping date is November 10, 2023. Product names "YYY Figure" and "ZZZ Figure" are in-stock items, their payment type is payment on the day of purchase, and their scheduled shipping date is the purchase date (payment date). The product order management unit 114 groups product name "XXX Zero Fighter," which has payment at the time of shipment and a scheduled shipping date of November 10, 2023, to generate order group 1, and groups product names "YYY Figure" and "ZZZ Figure," which have immediate payment and a scheduled shipping date of the purchase date (payment date), to generate order group 2.

[0079] The payment processing unit 115 processes the payment for each grouped order (Step 108). Specifically, when the user selects the cart icon 63 on the product purchase screen of terminal 2, the payment processing unit 115 presents an order screen 71 to terminal 2 for processing the payment for each order group. In the example in Figure 7, this is the ordering procedure for product 3 belonging to order group 1 and the ordering procedure for product 3 belonging to order group 2.

[0080] When the user selects the order procedure button 72 for an order group, the settlement processing unit 115 performs the settlement process for that order group. The settlement process settles the total amount of the products belonging to that order group. Details of the settlement process will be described later.

[0081] The shipping management department 118 groups together the products belonging to each order group for which payment has been completed, and then processes the delivery destination and delivery time for the shipping group (Step 109). The above is the overall operation flow of product dispensing device 1.

[0082] <Payment Processing> The settlement processing performed by the settlement processing unit 115 and the lottery ticket granting unit 116 will be explained. Figure 12 is a flowchart of the settlement processing operation.

[0083] The settlement processing unit 115 determines the settlement date for each product included in the order group (Step 200). If the current processing date is the settlement date (Step 201), the settlement processing unit 115 performs the settlement process (Step 202). The settlement process settles the price of the goods according to the respective settlement method. Note that the settlement date differs depending on the type of settlement date for the goods. If the ordered goods are paid for at the time of purchase, the settlement date is the order date, and if the goods are paid for upon shipment, such as reserved goods, the shipment date is the settlement date. If the current processing date is not the settlement date (Step 201), the settlement processing unit 115 performs a provisional settlement process (Step 207). The provisional settlement process is a process such as securing a credit limit. Then, the settlement processing unit 115 notifies the lottery right granting unit 116 of the settlement method used for settlement.

[0084] The lottery ticket granting unit 116 determines whether the payment method is a specific credit card (Step 203). If the payment method is not a specific credit card (Step 204), the payment process is terminated.

[0085] If the payment method is a specific credit card (Step 205), the lottery right granting unit 116 grants the user who used the specific credit card for payment a lottery right, which is a benefit of using the specific credit card for payment (Step 205). The lottery right granting unit 116 then records the details of the granted lottery right in the user's lottery ticket information or winning probability increase ticket information in the user information database D1 (Step 206).

[0086] This concludes the explanation of the payment process.

[0087] <Lottery process> Next, we will explain the lottery process performed by the lottery unit 117. Figure 13 is a flowchart of the lottery process.

[0088] The lottery unit 117 reads the lottery tickets assigned to the user from the user information database D1, including the user's lottery ticket information and winning probability increase ticket information, and displays the lottery ticket screen on the user's terminal 2, My Page 91 (Step 300). Figure 14 is an example of the lottery ticket list screen. The lottery ticket list screen in Figure 14 displays the lottery ticket list 92 of the lottery tickets assigned to the user. For each lottery ticket, the lottery ticket list 92 contains information such as the date the ticket was assigned, the name of the ticket, whether it has been used or not, and the result. The user selects a lottery ticket to use from the unused tickets in the lottery ticket list.

[0089] The lottery unit 117 determines whether a lottery ticket has been selected from the list of lottery tickets (Step 301). If a lottery ticket is selected, the lottery unit 117 displays the lottery ticket screen for the selected ticket (Step 302). Figure 15 is an example of a lottery ticket screen. The lottery ticket screen in Figure 15 is an example of a lottery ticket screen when a ticket that increases the probability of winning for a lottery sale product is selected. The user selects a lottery sale product for which they want to use a ticket that increases the probability of winning.

[0090] The lottery unit 117 determines whether or not it is possible to control the probability of winning (Step 304). If a lottery ticket that requires control of the probability of winning (a ticket that increases the probability of winning) is used, the lottery unit 117 increases the probability of winning to a predetermined value and executes the lottery process (Step 305). If a lottery ticket that does not require control of the probability of winning is used, the lottery unit 117 executes the lottery process without controlling the increase in the probability of winning (Step 305).

[0091] This concludes the explanation of the lottery process.

[0092] This embodiment is configured to grant special benefits for a particular payment method. These benefits include the granting of lottery rights, such as the right to participate in lotteries for prizes, lotteries for purchasing goods, lotteries for the granting of points that can be used towards payment, and the right to increase the probability of winning in a predetermined lottery. By granting such benefits, an attractive payment method can be provided to the user.

[0093] <Modification of the embodiment> In the embodiment described above, the probability of winning was increased by providing lottery tickets. However, instead of providing lottery tickets, the probability of winning a lottery product may be automatically increased by, for example, using a designated credit card for payment when applying for a lottery product.

[0094] Figure 16 is a flowchart of the winning probability control process.

[0095] The lottery unit 117 receives an application from the user for a predetermined lottery sale product (Step 400) and determines the payment method to be used (Step 401). If the payment method is a specific credit card (Step 402), the lottery unit 117 controls the system to increase the probability of winning the lottery sale product (Step 403). Then, the lottery unit 117 processes the user's lottery with the increased probability of winning (Step 404). On the other hand, if the payment method is not a specific credit card (Step 402), the lottery unit 117 does not control the system to increase the probability of winning the lottery sale product and processes the user's lottery (Step 404).

[0096] In this way, it is possible to offer a bonus of increased winning probability for using a specific payment method.

[0097] Furthermore, the benefit of increased winning probability may not be limited to each payment made using a specific payment method, but may also be limited to the number of times the benefit can be used. For example, the increased winning probability may be limited to N times within a predetermined period. Furthermore, the system may be configured to automatically increase the user's chances of winning the lottery based on their past usage history of a specific credit card.

[0098] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept.

[0099] [Note 1] A product delivery device capable of communicating with a user terminal, A means of accepting orders for products, The accepted goods will be paid for using either the first or second payment method, with the payment method being available. A lottery execution means that performs a predetermined lottery on the condition that payment for goods is made using the first type of payment method or the second type of payment method, A winning probability control means that controls the probability of winning the predetermined lottery, conditional on payment of the product using the first type of payment method, A product dispensing device equipped with the following features.

[0100] [Note 2] The winning probability control means controls the probability of winning using the second type of payment method to be higher than the probability of winning using the second type of payment method. Product dispensing device as described in Appendix 1.

[0101] [Note 3] The winning probability control means changes the winning probability for the first type of payment method, but does not change the winning probability for the second type of payment method. Product supply device as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0102] [Note 4] The winning probability control means controls the change in the winning probability during a predetermined period so that it is less than or equal to a predetermined number of times. A product supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 3.

[0103] [Note 5] The aforementioned lottery is at least one of the following: a lottery for a product, and a lottery for the awarding of points that can be used to pay for the product. A product dispensing device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 4.

[0104] [Note 6] The aforementioned goods include a first type of goods and a second type of goods, The winning probability control means controls the probability of winning the second type of product to be increased. A product supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 5.

[0105] [Note 7] The first type of product mentioned above is an in-stock item, The second type of product mentioned above is a product sold by lottery. A product supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 6.

[0106] [Note 8] The aforementioned winning probability control means controls the winning probability only once for the same product. A product supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 7.

[0107] [Note 9] The aforementioned winning probability control means controls, by lottery, at least one of the number of points to be awarded and the rate at which points are awarded. A product supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 8.

[0108] [Note 10] The aforementioned payment method does not allow a change from the first type of payment method to the second type of payment method after the lottery has been conducted. A product supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 9.

[0109] [Note 11] The payment method, subject to the condition of being unsuccessful in the lottery, allows a change from the first type of payment method to the second type of payment method after the lottery has been conducted. A product supply device as described in any of the appendices 1 through 10.

[0110] [Note 12] A computer program capable of communicating with a user terminal, Computers, A means of accepting orders for products, The accepted goods will be paid for using either the first or second payment method, using the available payment methods. A lottery execution means that performs a predetermined lottery on the condition that payment for goods is made using the first type of payment method or the second type of payment method, A winning probability control means that controls the probability of winning the predetermined lottery, conditional on payment of the product using the first type of payment method, A program that makes it function as such.

[0111] [Note 13] It comprises a product dispensing device that provides products, and a user terminal, The aforementioned product dispensing device is A payment screen display means that presents either the first type of payment method or the second type of payment method to the user's terminal as a payment method for the purchased goods, The product to be purchased can be paid for using either the first or second payment method, and the payment method is available. A lottery execution means that performs a predetermined lottery on the condition that payment for goods is made using the first type of payment method or the second type of payment method, A winning probability control means that controls the probability of winning the predetermined lottery, conditional on payment of the product using the first type of payment method, Equipped with, The aforementioned terminal is A display unit that displays the aforementioned payment screen, A means of applying for the aforementioned predetermined lottery, Equipped with, A product delivery system equipped with these features. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1 Product provision equipment 2 terminals 3 products 4 Product management warehouse 10 Processing Unit 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 111 User Information Management Department 112 Inventory Management Department 113 Product Purchase Screen Display Control Unit 114 Product Order Management Department 115 Payment Processing Unit 116. Lottery Ticket Granting Department 117 Lottery Department 118 Shipping Management Department

Claims

1. A product delivery device capable of communicating with a user terminal, A means of accepting orders for products, The accepted goods will be paid for using either the first or second payment method, with the payment method being available. A lottery execution means that performs a predetermined lottery on the condition that payment for goods is made using the first type of payment method or the second type of payment method, A winning probability control means that controls the probability of winning the predetermined lottery, conditional on payment of the product using the first type of payment method, A product dispensing device equipped with the following features.

2. The winning probability control means controls the probability of winning using the first type of payment method to be higher than the probability of winning using the second type of payment method. The product dispensing device according to claim 1.

3. The winning probability control means changes the winning probability for the first type of payment method, but does not change the winning probability for the second type of payment method. The product dispensing device according to claim 2.

4. The winning probability control means controls the change in the winning probability during a predetermined period so that it is less than or equal to a predetermined number of times. A product dispensing device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The aforementioned lottery is at least one of the following: a lottery for a product, and a lottery for the awarding of points that can be used to pay for the product. The product dispensing device according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned goods include a first type of goods and a second type of goods, The winning probability control means controls the probability of winning the second type of product to be increased. The product dispensing device according to claim 5.

7. The first type of product mentioned above is an in-stock item, The second type of product mentioned above is a product sold by lottery. The product dispensing device according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned winning probability control means controls the winning probability only once for the same product. The product dispensing device according to claim 5.

9. The aforementioned winning probability control means controls, by lottery, at least one of the number of points to be awarded and the rate at which points are awarded. The product dispensing device according to claim 5.

10. The payment method does not allow a change from the first type of payment method to the second type of payment method after the lottery has been conducted. The product dispensing device according to claim 2.

11. The payment method, subject to the condition of being unsuccessful in the lottery, allows a change from the first type of payment method to the second type of payment method after the lottery has been conducted. The product dispensing device according to claim 10.

12. A computer program capable of communicating with a user terminal, Computers, A means of accepting orders for products, The accepted goods will be paid for using either the first or second payment method, using the available payment methods. A lottery execution means that performs a predetermined lottery on the condition that payment for goods is made using the first type of payment method or the second type of payment method, A winning probability control means that controls the probability of winning the predetermined lottery, conditional on payment of the product using the first type of payment method, A program that makes it function as such.

13. It comprises a product dispensing device that provides products, and a user terminal, The aforementioned product dispensing device is A payment screen display means that presents either the first type of payment method or the second type of payment method to the user's terminal as a payment method for the purchased goods, The product to be purchased can be paid for using either the first or second payment method, and the payment method is available. A lottery execution means that performs a predetermined lottery on the condition that payment for goods is made using the first type of payment method or the second type of payment method, A winning probability control means that controls the probability of winning the predetermined lottery, conditional on payment of the product using the first type of payment method, Equipped with, The aforementioned terminal is A display unit that displays the aforementioned payment screen, A means of applying for the aforementioned predetermined lottery, Equipped with, A product delivery system equipped with these features.

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