Systems, server devices, programs, and methods

Abstract

We provide a novel system for displaying advertisements. [Solution] A system comprising a server device and a user terminal capable of communication with the server device, wherein the user terminal comprises a first advertising output means for outputting a first advertisement and a second advertising output means for outputting a second advertisement related to the first advertisement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a server device, a program, and a method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, advertisements are often output on the Internet. For example, in the case of a so-called reward advertisement where a user can obtain a privilege by viewing the advertisement, the user can obtain a privilege such as point awarding by viewing the output advertisement once.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a novel system for outputting an advertisement.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] According to the present invention, the above object is achieved by [1] A system including a server device and a user terminal capable of communicating with the server device, the user terminal including a first advertisement output means for outputting a first advertisement and a second advertisement output means for outputting a second advertisement related to the first advertisement; [2] The system according to [1], further including a privilege granting means for granting a privilege to the user; [3] The system according to [z] or [2], wherein the user terminal includes a privilege receiving input means for receiving a predetermined input for receiving a privilege; [4] The system according to [3], wherein the privilege granting means grants a privilege to the user when the first advertisement and the second advertisement are transmitted to the user terminal and / or output at the user terminal and a predetermined input for receiving a privilege is received by the privilege receiving input means; It should be noted that there seems to be a minor error in the original text where it says "[z]" in item

[35] which is likely a typo and should be "[1]". This has been translated as is for the purpose of following the original text exactly.[5] The system according to [3] or [4] above, comprising a reward receipt input unit display means for displaying a reward receipt input unit for receiving a predetermined input by a reward receipt input means, wherein the reward receipt input unit is displayed together with a second advertisement, and the reward granting means grants a reward to the user when an input is received in the reward receipt input unit; [6] The system described in [5] above, wherein the reward receipt input section is for inputting answers to questions; [7] A system according to any one of [1] to [6], comprising termination request input means for receiving input of a request to terminate the output of a first advertisement, wherein the first advertisement output means continues to output the first advertisement sequentially and continuously until it receives input of a request to terminate the output of the first advertisement; [8] The system according to any one of [1] to [7] above, wherein, in response to the output of a first advertisement by a first advertisement output means and / or the transmission of the first advertisement to a user terminal, a second advertisement output means is enabled to output a second advertisement related to the first advertisement on a screen for receiving a reward; [9] The system according to any of [1] to [8] above, wherein the first advertising output means and / or the second advertising output means causes the first advertisement and / or the second advertisement to be displayed on a user terminal on a part of the window of a running application, or on a part of the home screen displayed on the user terminal;

[10] A server device capable of communicating with a user terminal, comprising: a first advertisement transmission means for transmitting a first advertisement to the user terminal; and a second advertisement transmission means for transmitting a second advertisement related to the first advertisement to the user terminal;

[11] A program that causes a user terminal capable of communicating with a server device to function as a first advertising output means for outputting a first advertisement and a second advertising output means for outputting a second advertisement related to the first advertisement;

[12] A method to be performed in a system comprising a server device and a user terminal capable of communicating with the server device, the method comprising: a first advertisement output step of outputting a first advertisement at the user terminal; and a second advertisement output step of outputting a second advertisement related to the first advertisement at the user terminal; This can be achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0005] According to the present invention, a novel system for outputting advertisements can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the first advertisement output process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of an execution screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart of a second advertising output process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart of a second advertising output process according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of an execution screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart of the advertising output processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of an execution screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The following describes embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments unless it contradicts the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the description of effects is only one aspect of the effects of the embodiments of the present invention and is not limited to those described herein. The order of each process constituting the flowchart described below is not limited to any order insofar as it does not cause contradictions or inconsistencies in the processing content. It is also possible to omit some of the processes constituting the flowchart or to add new processes to each process constituting the flowchart, as long as it does not contradict the spirit of the present invention. In addition, the device that is the main entity that executes each process constituting the flowchart can be changed to another device unless it contradicts the spirit of the present invention. In this case, it is possible to change the processing content so as not to cause contradictions or inconsistencies in the processing content.

[0008] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a user terminal 2 and a server device 3. The user terminal 2 and the server device 3 may be able to communicate with each other via a communication network 4. In system 1, either the user terminal 2 or the server device 3 can function as an information processing device. When either the user terminal 2 or the server device 3 functions as an information processing device, information is sent and received between the user terminal 2 and the server device 3 as needed.

[0009] The number of user terminals 2 provided in System 1 may be two or more. User terminals 2 may be operated by users who view advertisements. User terminals 2 may be stationary or portable and can be carried by users when they are on the move. Examples of user terminals 2 include smartphones, tablet devices, desktop and notebook personal computers, and conventional mobile phones. User terminals 2 are preferably portable devices such as smartphones and tablet devices. System 1 may be used in a smartphone or tablet device that is normally configured to display the window of application 1 in full screen.

[0010] Furthermore, the number of server devices 3 provided by System 1 may be two or more. For example, System 1 may include a system management server for managing System 1 and an advertising delivery server for delivering advertisements. Also, System 1 may include multiple advertising delivery servers. In this case, for example, the system management server may store user information about users, identify the content (type) of advertisements to be delivered, or identify the advertising delivery server to deliver the advertisements. Also, the advertising delivery servers may identify the content (type) of advertisements to be delivered and send advertisements to user terminals. If System 1 includes multiple advertising delivery servers, the advertising delivery server that sends the first advertisement and the advertising delivery server that sends the second advertisement may be different servers. Details of the first advertisement and the second advertisement will be described later.

[0011] Furthermore, server device 3 may function in a distributed manner across multiple computer devices. For example, instead of server device 3, distributed ledger technology such as blockchain may be used.

[0012] Furthermore, advertisements displayed on the user terminal 2 of System 1 may be sent from an advertising distribution server managed by a party other than the administrator of System 1. In this case, the user terminal 2 and the server device 3 may be able to communicate with one or more advertising distribution servers via the communication network 4. If System 1 is able to communicate with multiple advertising distribution servers, the advertising distribution server that sends the first advertisement and the advertising distribution server that sends the second advertisement may be different servers. Details of the first and second advertisements will be described later.

[0013] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The user terminal 2 comprises a control unit 21, RAM 22, storage unit 23, input unit 24, display unit 25, and communication interface 26, all of which are connected by a bus.

[0014] The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU and a ROM. The control unit 21 executes the program stored in the storage unit 23 and controls the user terminal 2. The RAM 22 is a work area for the control unit 21. The storage unit 23 is a storage area for storing programs and data. That is, the storage unit 23 functions as a recording medium that stores programs. The control unit 21 performs arithmetic processing based on the program and data read from the RAM 22, and the data input by the input unit 24.

[0015] The display unit 25 has a display screen. The control unit 21 outputs a video signal for displaying an image on the display screen according to the result of the arithmetic processing. Here, the display screen of the display unit 25 may be a touch panel provided with a touch sensor. In this case, the touch panel functions as the input unit 24.

[0016] The communication interface 26 can be connected to the communication network 4 wirelessly or by wire, and can transmit and receive data to and from other computer devices via the communication network 4. The data received via the communication interface 26 is loaded into the RAM 22, and arithmetic processing is performed by the control unit 21.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The server device 3 includes at least a control unit 31, a RAM 32, a storage unit 33, and a communication interface 34, which are connected by an internal bus respectively.

[0018] The control unit 31 consists of a CPU and ROM, and executes programs stored in the storage unit 33 to control the server device 3. The control unit 31 also has an internal timer for timing. The RAM 32 is the work area of ​​the control unit 31. The storage unit 33 is a memory area for saving programs and data. In other words, the storage unit 33 functions as a recording medium that stores programs. The control unit 31 reads programs and data from the RAM 32 and performs program execution processing based on information received from the user terminal 2, etc.

[0019] Furthermore, the program may be stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. In this case, the program stored on the recording medium may be installed on the user terminal 2 and / or the server device 3 to execute predetermined functions.

[0020] Alternatively, the program may be delivered from a computer device outside the system. In this case, the program delivered from the computer device outside the system may be installed on user terminal 2 and / or server device 3 to perform predetermined functions.

[0021] The following describes an example of how System 1 is used in an application (hereinafter also referred to as a "points app") where users can earn points by watching advertisements. The points app is assumed to be managed by the administrator of System 1.

[0022] It is preferable that the points app is downloaded to the user terminal 2. Furthermore, the user may register when starting to use the points app. During user registration, for example, user information entered on the user terminal 2 may be transmitted to the server device 3, and the user information may be stored in the storage unit 33 of the server device 3. User information may include the user's name, gender, date of birth, address, email address, and areas of interest. System 1 may assign user identification information (hereinafter also referred to as a user ID) to users who have registered. The user ID may be stored in the storage unit 33 of the server device 3 in association with the user information entered on the user terminal 2. Hereinafter, the user ID will also be considered part of the user information. Points held by the user are stored as part of the user information, associated with the user ID.

[0023] Furthermore, users may be able to use the points app without registering. For example, terminal identification information (hereinafter also referred to as terminal ID) that identifies the user terminal 2 on which the points app is downloaded may be transmitted from the user terminal 2 to the server device 3, and the terminal ID may be stored as user information in the storage unit 33 of the server device 3. In this case, one terminal ID may be assigned to one user ID. In other words, the concept of "assigning points to a user" may include "assigning points to a user ID (user account)."

[0024] In a points app, a user can earn points by inputting a request to display an advertisement and having the advertisement displayed on user terminal 2. However, if the advertisement is only displayed once, the content of the advertisement is unlikely to be remembered by the user. On the other hand, in a points app using system 1, after the first advertisement is displayed, it is possible to display a second advertisement related to the first advertisement. Of the two advertisements displayed on user terminal 2, the one displayed earlier in time is called the first advertisement, and the one displayed later is called the second advertisement.

[0025] Advertisements, in general, refer to anything that widely disseminates information about a specific subject. This information may include, for example, the existence, characteristics, or significance of a product, service, or business. Advertisements related to businesses include so-called corporate advertisements. Advertisements may include videos, still images, audio, and text intended for users to view, as well as surveys intended for users to input responses.

[0026] The second advertisement is an advertisement related to the first advertisement. In other words, the second advertisement may be an advertisement for a "product, service, or business" that is related to the "product, service, or business" announced in the first advertisement. "Related" means that the subject of the advertisement may be the same, have the same or similar effects or functions, have the same purpose, be used in conjunction with the first advertisement, or have the same manufacturer, seller, provider, or advertiser. Specifically, for example, if the subject of the first advertisement is a specific product, the second advertisement may be an advertisement for the same product as the product in the first advertisement, a product with the same or similar effects or functions, a product with the same purpose, a product used in conjunction with the first advertisement, or a product with the same manufacturer, seller, provider, or advertiser. Furthermore, for example, if the subject of the first advertisement is a specific product, the second advertisement may be an advertisement for a service that has the same or similar effect as the product in the first advertisement, a service with a common purpose, a service used in conjunction with it, or a service with a common manufacturer, seller, provider, or advertiser. Furthermore, for example, if the subject of the first advertisement is a specific product, the second advertisement may be an advertisement for a business that manufactures the product in the first advertisement, an advertisement for a business that sells the product in the first advertisement, or an advertisement for the advertiser of the first advertisement.

[0027] The manner in which the first and second advertisements are output using System 1, and the manner in which benefits are granted to the user, are not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. Below, two embodiments illustrate examples of how the first and second advertisements are output and benefits are granted to the user. In the first embodiment, the first advertisement is output consecutively first, and then the second advertisement is output on the benefit redemption screen for receiving the benefit, and the benefit is granted to the user according to the user's input. In the second embodiment, the second advertisement is output after the first advertisement is output, and then the benefit is granted to the user according to the user's input.

[0028] (First embodiment) Figure 4 is a flowchart of the first advertisement output process according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, the user terminal 2 receives input of an advertisement output request (hereinafter also referred to as an advertisement output request) (step S101). The user terminal 2 sends the input advertisement output request to the server device 3 (step S102). The server device 3 receives the transmitted advertisement output request (step S103). The server device 3 identifies the advertisement to be sent to the user terminal 2 (step S104). The server device 3 sends the first advertisement to the user terminal 2 (step S105) and stores information indicating that the transmission of the first advertisement has been completed (hereinafter also referred to as transmission completion information) (step S106).

[0029] Furthermore, user terminal 2 receives the first advertisement transmitted in step S105 (step S107). User terminal 2 outputs the received first advertisement (step S108).

[0030] If user terminal 2 does not accept input of a request to terminate the output of advertisements (hereinafter also referred to as an advertisement output termination request) (NO in step S109), server device 3 again performs advertisement identification in step S104, and in step S105, the next first advertisement is sent to user terminal 2.

[0031] On the other hand, if user terminal 2 receives input for an advertisement output termination request (YES in step S109), user terminal 2 sends an advertisement output termination request to server device 3 (step S110). Server device 3 receives the transmitted advertisement output termination request (step S111). Server device 3 controls the system to terminate the transmission of the first advertisement (step S112), and the first advertisement output process ends.

[0032] By adopting the above configuration, the server device 3 can continue to send the first advertisement to the user terminal 2 until it receives a request to stop outputting the advertisement. The user terminal 2 can also continue to output the first advertisement sequentially and continuously until it receives input of a request to stop outputting the advertisement. The first advertisements output sequentially may be advertisements with the same content or advertisements with different content.

[0033] Furthermore, in order for the first advertisement to be continuously displayed on user terminal 2, it may be necessary to accept a predetermined input from the user. For example, the video playback of the first advertisement may be stopped at predetermined intervals, and playback may be resumed when a tap operation is received from the user.

[0034] In step S101, the manner in which the input for the advertisement output request is received is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the input for the advertisement output request may be received when a button for viewing an advertisement displayed on the points app is pressed. In this case, the user may be able to know in advance a part of the content of the advertisement to be output. For example, the top page of the points app may display a part of the content of the viewable advertisement, the points that can be obtained by viewing the advertisement, and a button for viewing the advertisement, and when the user presses the button for viewing the advertisement, the input for the advertisement output request corresponding to the pressed button may be received.

[0035] If an advertisement output request is received in step S101, the transmission of the output request in step S102 may be performed automatically.

[0036] The method for identifying advertisements in step S104 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0037] For example, if in step S101 the user selected an advertisement to view and entered an output request, the advertisement selected by the user may be identified.

[0038] Alternatively, advertisements may be identified based on registered user information. For example, advertisements suitable for a user can be identified based on the user's gender, age, areas of interest, etc.

[0039] Alternatively, for example, in step S102, along with the output request, information about the application running on the user terminal 2 may be transmitted, and based on this information, an advertisement may be identified. Running means being in a running state, including being running in the background of the points app. The application running on the user terminal 2 may be a different application from the points app. The information about the application running may be information that can identify the application running (application name, content, field, etc.), or it may be information about the content displayed in the window of the application running. For example, if a game application is running in addition to the points app, an advertisement related to the game may be identified. Alternatively, for example, if a camera application is running in addition to the points app, an advertisement corresponding to the image captured by the camera may be identified. Specifically, for example, if the camera is capturing a seascape, an advertisement related to the sea (for example, an advertisement for fishing equipment or marine sports) may be identified. Identification of the image content can be performed, for example, using a predictive model trained on machine learning, with the image as input data and the image content as output data. The camera may be one provided by the user terminal 2.

[0040] Alternatively, for example, in step S102, information regarding the home screen of the user terminal 2 may be transmitted along with the output request, and advertisements may be identified based on this information. The information regarding the home screen may be, for example, information regarding icons corresponding to various applications displayed on the home screen (for example, information that can identify the name, content, and field of the application corresponding to the icon), or it may be information regarding the standby image. For example, advertisements related to the same field as the applications displayed on the home screen may be identified, or advertisements related to the content of the standby image may be identified. The above description can be adopted to the extent necessary for identifying the content of the image.

[0041] The advertisement identified in step S104 may be the first advertisement, or it may be both the first and second advertisements. If the second advertisement is associated with the first advertisement, identifying the first advertisement will also identify the second advertisement. If multiple second advertisements are associated with the first advertisement, the first advertisement and the second advertisements can be identified separately. The first and second advertisements may be stored in association with each other in the storage unit 33 of the server device 3.

[0042] If the second advertisement is not identified in step S104, it can be identified at any time before sending the second advertisement. The timing of identifying the second advertisement is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0043] Note that after step S109 is executed, the identification of the advertisement in step S104 may be omitted for the second and subsequent first advertisements. For example, in the first step S104, it is also possible to identify the advertisements to be sent consecutively thereafter.

[0044] The data format of the first advertisement transmitted in step S105 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. The data format of the first advertisement may be video data, audio data, still image data, or text data.

[0045] The transmission completion information in step S106 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. In step S106, the transmission completion information may be stored in the storage unit 33 in association with the user ID and information that can identify the first advertisement whose transmission has been completed (hereinafter referred to as the first advertisement ID).

[0046] In addition, upon completion of the output of the first advertisement in step S108, information indicating the completion of the output of the first advertisement (hereinafter also referred to as output completion information) may be sent from the user terminal 2 to the server device 3. The server device 3 may store the output completion information in the storage unit 33, associating it with the user ID and the first advertisement ID of the first advertisement whose output has been completed. The output completion information will be described later.

[0047] The manner in which the first advertisement is output in step S108 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. If the first advertisement consists of a format that can be recognized when displayed, such as a video, still image, or text, the first advertisement may be displayed on the entire display screen of the user terminal 2 or on only a part of it. In addition, when the video, still image, text, etc. are displayed, sound may also be output.

[0048] The statement that the first advertisement is displayed on a portion of the display screen means that the first advertisement is output to a portion of the window of the running application 1 displayed on user terminal 2, or to a portion of the home screen displayed on user terminal 2. The term "window of the running application 1" includes not only the window displayed on a portion of the display screen, but also the entire display screen when the content corresponding to application 1 is displayed in full screen across the entire display screen. User terminal 2 may continue to accept user input on the running application 1 or the home screen even while the first advertisement is being output. In other words, the first advertisement may be displayed in Picture-in-Picture (PinP) format on a portion of the display screen.

[0049] When the first advertisement is displayed in Picture-in-Picture (PiP) format, the user terminal 2 may display an execution screen 100 as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of an execution screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] In Figure 5, the display screen of user terminal 2 shows the first advertisement 101 and the window 102 of the running application. In Figure 5, the first advertisement 101 is displayed in the upper right corner of the full-screen window 102. Here, the running application is a message sending and receiving application (hereinafter also referred to as a messaging app), and the first advertisement is a video about ice cream. The user can play the video advertisement about ice cream while checking messages via the messaging app.

[0051] The user may switch to another application or close the running application while the first advertisement is being displayed in Picture-in-Picture (PinP) format. The user may also change the first advertisement to full-screen display while it is being displayed in Picture-in-Picture (PinP) format. Furthermore, the user may change the output to Picture-in-Picture (PinP) format while the first advertisement is being displayed in full-screen format.

[0052] In step S109, the manner in which the request to terminate the output of the advertisement is received is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the request to terminate the output of the advertisement may be received when a button for inputting the request to terminate the output of the advertisement (e.g., "End button") displayed on the window for outputting the first advertisement is pressed. Alternatively, the request to terminate the output of the advertisement may be received when an operation to close the window for outputting the first advertisement is input.

[0053] If an input request to terminate the advertisement output is received in step S109, the transmission of the output termination request in step S110 may be automatically executed.

[0054] In step S112, the control unit 31 may control the system to terminate the transmission of the first advertisement.

[0055] After the user views the first advertisement through the first advertisement output process described above, the user accesses a reward redemption screen (hereinafter also referred to as the reward redemption screen) to receive points awarded for viewing the first advertisement. The reward redemption screen may display a second advertisement corresponding to the first advertisement viewed by the user. By displaying the second advertisement on the reward redemption screen, the user sees an advertisement related to the first advertisement again, making the advertisement's content more memorable. In addition, if questions related to the advertisement are displayed along with the second advertisement on the reward redemption screen, the user can receive points or increase the points received by answering the questions.

[0056] Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts of a second advertisement output process according to an embodiment of the present invention. One flowchart of the second advertisement output process is shown separately in Figures 6 and 7. First, the user terminal 2 receives input of a request to output a reward redemption screen (hereinafter also referred to as a reward redemption screen output request) (step S201). The user terminal 2 sends the input reward redemption screen output request to the server device 3 (step S202). The server device 3 receives the transmitted reward redemption screen output request (step S203). The server device 3 sends information for outputting the reward redemption screen (hereinafter also referred to as reward redemption screen information), a second advertisement, and a first question to the user terminal 2 (step S204). The user terminal 2 receives the transmitted reward redemption screen information, second advertisement, and first question (step S205). The user terminal 2 outputs the second advertisement and the first question on the reward redemption screen (step S206).

[0057] User terminal 2 receives input of the answer to the first question (step S207) and transmits the input answer to the first question to server device 3 (step S208). Server device 3 receives the transmitted answer to the first question (step S209) and stores the received answer to the first question in storage unit 33 (step S210).

[0058] Next, the server device 3 sends a second question to the user terminal 2 (step S211). The user terminal 2 receives the second question that was sent (step S212) and outputs the received second question (step S213).

[0059] User terminal 2 receives input of the answer to the second question (step S214) and transmits the input answer to the second question to server device 3 (step S215). Server device 3 receives the transmitted answer to the second question (step S216) and stores the received answer to the second question in storage unit 33 (step S217).

[0060] Next, the server device 3 transmits the reward redemption screen information to the user terminal 2 (step S218). The user terminal 2 receives the transmitted reward redemption screen information (step S219) and displays the reward redemption screen (step S220).

[0061] User terminal 2 accepts a predetermined input for receiving the reward (step S221). User terminal 2 sends a request to grant the reward to the user (hereinafter also referred to as a reward grant request) to server device 3 (step S222). Server device 3 receives the transmitted reward grant request (step S223). Server device 3 grants the reward to the user (step S224), and the second advertising output process ends.

[0062] In step S201, the manner in which the input for the request to output the reward redemption screen is received is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the input for the request to output the reward redemption screen may be received when a button for outputting the reward redemption screen, displayed on the points app, is pressed.

[0063] If the input for the output request for the reward redemption screen is received in step S201, the transmission of the output request in step S202 may be automatically executed.

[0064] The reward redemption screen information in step S204 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. The reward redemption screen information in step S204 may be information that allows the output of the second advertisement and the first question to be sent together on the reward redemption screen.

[0065] Furthermore, in step S204, the server device 3 may transmit a second advertisement corresponding to the first advertisement viewed by the user, and a first question corresponding to the second advertisement, which are to be output on the reward redemption screen. Whether or not the user viewed the first advertisement may be determined by whether or not transmission completion information and / or output completion information are stored in association with the first advertisement ID.

[0066] The server device 3 may, for example, identify a second advertisement corresponding to the first advertisement viewed by the user, based on transmission completion information and / or output completion information stored in association with the user ID corresponding to the user terminal 2 that sent the request to output the reward redemption screen. For example, the server device 3 may transmit a second advertisement corresponding to the first advertisement ID stored in association with the transmission completion information and / or output completion information. In other words, in response to the output of the first advertisement and / or the transmission of the first advertisement to the user terminal 2, it may be possible to output a second advertisement related to the first advertisement on the reward redemption screen.

[0067] Furthermore, there may or may not be an upper limit on the number of second advertisements that can be displayed on the reward redemption screen. Also, there may or may not be an upper limit on the period during which second advertisements can be displayed on the reward redemption screen after the first advertisement has been displayed.

[0068] Furthermore, the first question may be pre-stored in the storage unit 33 in association with the second advertisement. The server device 3 may store one or more questions in association with the first advertisement and / or the second advertisement. The content of the questions may be determined by the system 1 or by the advertiser. If there are multiple questions stored in association with the first advertisement and / or the second advertisement, the multiple questions may be sent to the user terminal 2 in multiple separate transmissions or all at once. In this embodiment, we will take as an example the case in which two questions are sent to the user terminal 2 one at a time. For convenience, the question sent first will be called the first question, and the question sent next will be called the second question.

[0069] In step S206, the user terminal 2 may display an execution screen as shown in Figure 8(A). Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of an execution screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8(A) is the execution screen 200 when the second advertisement and the first question are output on the reward redemption screen, and Figure 8(B) is the execution screen 300 when the second question is output. Figure 8(B) will be described later.

[0070] In Figure 8(A), three second advertisements 201 (201a to 201c) are displayed on the user terminal 2's screen. The three second advertisements 201 (201a to 201c) may be related to the first advertisement that was sent to the user terminal 2 in step S105 of the first advertisement output process and / or output to the user terminal 2 in step S108.

[0071] Furthermore, in Figure 8(A), to the right of the second advertisement 201a displayed at the top, there are two buttons: a response button 202a labeled "Interested" and a response button 202b labeled "Not Interested." Also, to the right of the second advertisement 201b displayed in the middle, there are two buttons: a response button 202c labeled "Interested" and a response button 202d labeled "Not Interested." On the other hand, to the right of the second advertisement 201c displayed at the bottom, there is a reward redemption button 203 labeled "Receive" and an advertisement details button 204 labeled "Details."

[0072] Since the second advertisement 201a and the response buttons 202a and 202b are displayed in the same column on the reward redemption screen, it is possible to determine that response buttons 202a and 202b correspond to the second advertisement 201a. Similarly, it is possible to determine that response buttons 202c and 202d correspond to the second advertisement 201b, and that the reward redemption button 203 and the advertisement details button 204 correspond to the second advertisement 201c.

[0073] The reward redemption button 203 functions as a reward redemption input unit for receiving input to redeem a reward. When the reward redemption button 203 is pressed, a reward grant request may be sent to the server device 3, as in step S222.

[0074] The ad details button 204 is a button for viewing more detailed information about the second ad displayed to the left of the ad details button, or the first ad related to the second ad. When the ad details button 204 is pressed, a request to send detailed information about the ad may be sent to the server device 3.

[0075] If the second advertisement is not associated with a question, the question and answer buttons will not be displayed, and the reward redemption button may be displayed in step S206, i.e., from the beginning, as in the second advertisement 201c.

[0076] The content displayed on the response buttons 202a and 202b shown in Figure 8(A) corresponds to the first question, which asks whether the user is interested in the second advertisement displayed to the left of the response button, or the subject of the first advertisement related to the second advertisement. The response buttons 202a and 202b also function as input fields for entering the answer to the first question. If either response button 202a or 202b is pressed, the input in step S207 may be accepted, and the transmission in step S208 may be automatically executed. Here, we assume that response button 202a is pressed and the answer "Interested" is entered.

[0077] Note that in Figure 8(A), the first question is displayed redundantly in the answer input area, but the first question does not need to be displayed redundantly in the answer input area.

[0078] In step S210, the answer to the first question may be stored in association with the user ID, the first advertisement ID, information that can identify the second advertisement (hereinafter referred to as the second advertisement ID), information that can identify the first question (hereinafter referred to as the first question ID), and so on.

[0079] For the second question sent in step S211, the description in step S204 above may be adopted to the extent necessary.

[0080] In step S213, the user terminal 2 may display an execution screen as shown in Figure 8(B).

[0081] In Figure 8(B), the display screen of user terminal 2 shows a second question 301 that reads, "Please select a reason for your interest." Below the second question 301, three options are displayed: option 302a that reads, "It looks fun"; option 302b that reads, "My friends are playing it"; and option 302c that reads, "I saw it in an advertisement." Below these three options, a confirmation button 303 that reads, "Confirm," is displayed.

[0082] The user can check the content of the second question 301 displayed on the screen and select an answer from the three options 302a to 302c. In other words, option 302 functions as an answer input section. In Figure 8(B), option 302a, which says "Looks fun," is selected. If the OK button 303 is pressed while any option is selected, the input in step S214 may be accepted and the transmission in step S215 may be automatically executed.

[0083] In Figure 8(B), an example is shown where the answer to the second question is entered by selecting one of the options. However, the method for entering the answer to the second question is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the answer to the second question may be accepted by text input from the user.

[0084] In Figure 8(B), the second question is displayed as a separate layer on top of the reward redemption screen. However, the manner in which the second question is displayed is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, it may be displayed on a screen accessed via a different URL (Uniform Resource Locator) than the reward redemption screen, or the second question may be displayed in place of the answer button 202 on the reward redemption screen shown in Figure 8(A).

[0085] In step S217, the answer to the second question may be stored in association with the user ID, the first advertisement ID, the second advertisement ID, the first question ID, and information that can identify the second question (hereinafter referred to as the second question ID).

[0086] The reward redemption screen information in step S218 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. The reward redemption screen information in step S218 may be information that allows the display of a reward redemption input section on the reward redemption screen, which accepts input for receiving a reward for an advertisement for which the questions have been answered. An advertisement for which the questions have been answered may be the first advertisement and / or the second advertisement corresponding to the answers memorized in step S217.

[0087] In the reward redemption screen output in step S220, a reward redemption input section may be displayed to accept input for redeeming the reward for the advertisement for which the questions have been answered. For example, for advertisements for which the questions have been answered, a reward redemption button may be displayed to the right of the second advertisement, as in the second advertisement 201c shown in Figure 8(A) on the reward redemption screen. In other words, for advertisements for which questions have been answered, a reward redemption button may be displayed instead of an answer button.

[0088] If the reward redemption button is pressed, the input in step S221 may be accepted, and the transmission of the reward grant request in step S222 may be automatically executed. At this time, information that allows identification of the advertisement corresponding to the pressed reward redemption button may also be transmitted.

[0089] The method for granting benefits to the user in step S224 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the server device 3 may update the user's points by adding a predetermined number of points to the points the user has stored in association with the user ID.

[0090] Furthermore, the amount of points awarded to users is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the amount of points awarded may vary depending on conditions such as the type of advertisement the user viewed, whether or not the user answered the questions before receiving the points, the number of questions the user answered before receiving the points, and the content of the answers the user provided before receiving the points. Alternatively, the amount of points awarded to users may be the same regardless of the conditions.

[0091] While the above example illustrates a scenario where the reward is points, the types of rewards granted to users are not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, rewards may be items usable within the app, such as tickets or coins (hereinafter also referred to as in-app items), or they may be rights that allow users to view content such as comics or videos (hereinafter also referred to as viewing rights). Rewards that users can possess for a predetermined time, such as in-app items, may be stored as part of the user information, associated with the user ID. Rewards that users cannot possess for a predetermined time, such as viewing rights, do not need to be stored as part of the user information. In this case, a flag may be set that allows access to a URL displaying the content in response to the granting of the reward.

[0092] Alternatively, for example, the benefit may be a right that allows the purchase, discount, or free provision of a specified product or service, or it may be a right that allows the rental of a specified product. The product may be intangible or tangible. If the product is an intangible thing such as digital data, the benefit may be granted by, for example, transmitting product data, information for downloading the product, etc., to the user terminal 2. If the product is a tangible item such as merchandise, the benefit may be granted by, for example, sending the product to the user. In this case, the server device 3 may notify the user terminal 2 that the product is being sent to the user, and may store this information in association with the user ID. In other words, the server device 3 can perform information processing to grant the benefit to the user.

[0093] In the above explanation, the answer input section and the reward redemption input section were referred to by different names. However, since inputting answers to questions can be considered input for receiving rewards, the answer input section is a subordinate concept to the reward redemption input section. In other words, the reward redemption input section may also be for inputting answers to questions.

[0094] The reward redemption input section is preferably displayed together with the second advertisement. "Displayed together" means displayed in a manner that makes it clear that they are related, and this includes, for example, being displayed on the same screen or in close proximity to each other.

[0095] Server device 3 may grant a reward to the user in response to receiving input in the reward receipt input unit.

[0096] (Second embodiment) Figure 9 is a flowchart of the advertising output process according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, the user terminal 2 receives an input request for advertising output (step S301). The user terminal 2 sends the input request for advertising output to the server device 3 (step S302). The server device 3 receives the transmitted request for advertising output (step S303). The server device 3 identifies the advertisement to send to the user terminal 2 (step S304). The server device 3 sends the first advertisement to the user terminal 2 (step S305). The user terminal 2 receives the transmitted first advertisement (step S306). The user terminal 2 outputs the received first advertisement (step S307).

[0097] User terminal 2 sends information that the output of the first advertisement is complete to server device 3 (step S308). Server device 3 receives the transmitted information that the output of the first advertisement is complete (step S309). Server device 3 sends the second advertisement to user terminal 2 (step S310). User terminal 2 receives the transmitted second advertisement (step S311). User terminal 2 outputs the received second advertisement (step S312).

[0098] User terminal 2 accepts a predetermined input for receiving the reward (step S313). User terminal 2 sends a reward grant request to server device 3 (step S314). Server device 3 receives the sent reward grant request (step S315). Server device 3 grants the reward to the user (step S316), and the advertising output process ends.

[0099] In step S301, the manner in which the input for the advertisement output request is received can be adapted to the extent necessary from the description of step S101 of the first embodiment.

[0100] If an advertisement output request is received in step S301, the transmission of the output request in step S302 may be automatically executed.

[0101] Regarding the method for identifying the advertisement in step S304, the description for step S104 of the first embodiment can be adopted to the extent necessary.

[0102] The data format of the first advertisement transmitted in step S305 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. The data format of the first advertisement may be video data, audio data, still image data, or text data.

[0103] Regarding the manner of outputting the first advertisement in step S307, the description for step S108 of the first embodiment can be adopted to the extent necessary.

[0104] The output completion information in step S308 is not limited to any information indicating that the output of the first advertisement has been completed. "The output of the advertisement is complete" may mean that the advertisement data has been output until a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time may be set in advance for each piece of advertisement data. For example, if the advertisement data is video data, the predetermined time may be set to the time required to play the video to the end, or to the time required to play the video up to a predetermined point in the middle.

[0105] In step S308, the output completion information may be automatically sent when user terminal 2 detects that the output of the first advertisement is complete, or it may be sent when user terminal 2 receives input indicating that the output of the advertisement is complete. Input indicating that the output of the advertisement is complete may be received, for example, when the user presses a button that is displayed when the output of the first advertisement is complete.

[0106] In step S310, the second advertisement identified in step S304 may be sent, or the second advertisement identified at a different time than in step S304 may be sent.

[0107] The data format of the second advertisement transmitted in step S310 and the manner of outputting the second advertisement in step S312 can be adapted from the description of the first advertisement to the extent necessary. The second advertisement may be output to a portion of the window of one running application displayed on the user terminal 2, or to a portion of the home screen displayed on the user terminal 2.

[0108] Furthermore, in step S312, reward redemption information may be displayed along with the second advertisement. The reward redemption information is not particularly limited and may be any information indicating how to receive the reward. For example, the reward redemption information may be information indicating the actions the user must take or the conditions they must meet in order to receive the reward. "Actions to take in order to receive the reward" may include, for example, downloading a specific application, applying for a specific service, clicking a specific advertisement, or clicking a specific button. "Conditions to meet in order to receive the reward" may include, for example, reaching a specific level or stage in a specific application. The reward redemption information may be sent to the user terminal 2 in step S310 along with the second advertisement.

[0109] Reward redemption information may be displayed as text, images, or other means. Alternatively, reward redemption information may be displayed as a QR code. In this case, scanning the QR code may allow the user to understand how to redeem the reward through text, images, or other means. The user can then perform predetermined actions or fulfill predetermined conditions to receive the reward according to the reward redemption information.

[0110] Furthermore, in step S312, a reward redemption input section for receiving a reward may be displayed on the user terminal 2 along with the second advertisement. The user may be able to make the necessary inputs to receive the reward by pressing the reward redemption input section. The user terminal 2 may send a reward granting request to the server device 3 in response to receiving the necessary inputs to receive the reward. The reward redemption input section may be displayed as a button to be pressed to receive the reward, or as a selection of answers to a question to be answered in order to receive the reward.

[0111] In step S312, the user terminal 2 may display an execution screen as shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of an execution screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10(A) is an execution screen 400 in which the second advertisement, reward redemption information, and reward redemption input section are displayed together, and Figure 10(B) is an execution screen 500 in which the second advertisement and reward redemption input section are displayed together.

[0112] In Figure 10(A), the display screen of user terminal 2 shows a second advertisement 401, which includes the text "Rich ice cream made with fresh milk" and an image of ice cream. The display screen of user terminal 2 also shows a reward redemption message 402, which includes the text "Click here to redeem points." Below the reward redemption information 402, a reward redemption button 403 containing the text "Receive" is displayed as a reward redemption input section. When the user presses the reward redemption button 403, the predetermined input for receiving the reward in step S313 is accepted, and the reward granting request in step S314 may be sent to server device 3.

[0113] In Figure 10(B), the display screen of user terminal 2 shows the question, "Which ice cream flavor do you prefer?" as the second advertisement 501. The display screen of user terminal 2 also shows the reward redemption input section, which displays answer choices 502 to the question (option 502a, "vanilla," and option 502b, "chocolate"). When the user selects and presses either option 502a or option 502b, the predetermined input for receiving the reward in step S313 is received, and the reward granting request in step S314 may be sent to server device 3.

[0114] Furthermore, the reward redemption information may also serve as advertising. In other words, the reward redemption information may function as advertising. Also, advertising may include reward redemption information.

[0115] Furthermore, the reward redemption input section may be displayed in conjunction with the reward redemption information. For example, a link may be placed in part of the text of the reward redemption information, and that part of the text may function as the reward redemption input section. Also, as described above, the reward redemption input section may function as an answer input section.

[0116] If the reward redemption input section is not displayed and only the reward redemption information is shown, the user may access the URL that displays the reward redemption input section from user terminal 2 after performing the actions required to receive the reward or after fulfilling the conditions required to receive the reward.

[0117] Furthermore, the reward redemption information for receiving the reward, and / or the reward redemption input unit for receiving a predetermined input via the reward redemption input means, may be displayed together with the first advertisement. The reward redemption information and / or the reward redemption input unit may be displayed in at least one of the first advertisement and the second advertisement. The server device 3 may grant the reward to the user after receiving a predetermined input in the reward redemption input unit and after the second advertisement has been output to the user terminal 2.

[0118] Regarding the method of granting benefits to the user in step S316, the description of step S224 in the first embodiment can be adopted to the extent necessary.

[0119] In the first and second embodiments described above, a manner in which a reward is granted to a user in response to the receipt of a reward grant request has been explained. However, the conditions for granting a reward to a user are not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the conditions for granting a reward to a user may be that both the first advertisement and the second advertisement are transmitted to and / or output at the user terminal 2, and that the user terminal 2 accepts a predetermined input for receiving the reward. In this case, the order in which the transmission of the first advertisement to the user terminal 2, the output of the first advertisement at the user terminal 2, the transmission of the second advertisement to the user terminal 2, the output of the second advertisement at the user terminal 2, and the acceptance of a predetermined input for receiving the reward (hereinafter also referred to as the reward receipt input) at the user terminal 2 are not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0120] For example, the first advertisement and the second advertisement may be sent at the same time. In this case, for example, the sequence of events may be: sending of the first and second advertisements, output of the first advertisement, output of the second advertisement, and acceptance of the reward redemption input. The second advertisement may be output automatically after the output of the first advertisement is complete, or in response to receiving user input indicating that the output of the first advertisement is complete.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, the acceptance of reward redemption input may be performed after the output of the first advertisement and before the output of the second advertisement. In this case, for example, the sequence of events may be: sending the first advertisement, outputting the first advertisement, accepting reward redemption input, sending the second advertisement, and outputting the second advertisement. In this case, the reward redemption input section may be displayed on the user terminal 2 together with the first advertisement. Also, the granting of rewards to users may be performed when the server device 3 receives output completion information from the user terminal 2 indicating that the output of the second advertisement has been completed.

[0122] Furthermore, if the output of an advertisement is completed on user terminal 2, user terminal 2 may send output completion information to server device 3. Also, if user terminal 2 receives a reward receipt input, user terminal 2 may send a reward grant request to server device 3. Server device 3 may store the output completion information and / or reward grant request in storage unit 33, associated with the user ID. Server device 3 can determine whether the conditions for granting a reward to the user have been met based on the existence of the advertisement transmission history (transmission completion information), output completion information, and / or reward grant request in storage unit 33. The determination of whether the conditions for granting a reward to the user have been met may be performed by control unit 31.

[0123] Furthermore, while the above explanation of System 1 used advertisements displayed in a points app as an example, the form (type) of advertisements displayed in System 1 is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate. For example, the form (type) of advertisement may be in-stream advertisements displayed before, during, or after content in an application for viewing content such as comics or videos, or it may be out-stream advertisements displayed in advertising slots on websites, etc.

[0124] Furthermore, the definitions of the first and second advertisements are based on the order in which they are displayed on user terminal 2, and there are no limitations on what form (type) of advertisement constitutes the first or second advertisement. Advertisements of the same form (type) and content may be displayed as either the first or second advertisement.

[0125] Furthermore, the URL for outputting the first advertisement and the URL for outputting the second advertisement may be the same or different. For example, the first and second advertisements may be output sequentially on the same URL. In this case, the second advertisement may be output after the first advertisement has been output without any user input, or it may be output in response to user input. Alternatively, for example, after the first advertisement has been output on URL 1, the system may transition to another URL for outputting the second advertisement in response to user input or automatically. Also, the domain of the URL for outputting the first advertisement and the domain of the URL for outputting the second advertisement may be the same or different.

[0126] Furthermore, the URL of the advertisement displaying the reward redemption information and / or the reward redemption input section may be a URL that can be accessed from a different site than the advertisement transmitted by System 1.

[0127] Furthermore, although the above describes a configuration in which the first and second advertisements are displayed within the same app, the app that displays the first advertisement and the app that displays the second advertisement may be the same or different.

[0128] Thus, a system comprising a server device and a user terminal capable of communicating with the server device can be provided with a novel system for outputting advertisements by further comprising a first advertisement output means for outputting a first advertisement at the user terminal and a second advertisement output means for outputting a second advertisement related to the first advertisement at the user terminal.

[0129] Because the ad is not just displayed once, but related ads are displayed again (re-prompted), the ad content is more likely to be remembered by the user.

[0130] Furthermore, by providing a means for granting benefits to users, the system can grant benefits to users in this way.

[0131] Furthermore, by providing the user terminal with a reward redemption input means that accepts predetermined inputs for receiving rewards, it is possible to receive input from the user for receiving rewards.

[0132] Furthermore, in this manner, the reward granting means can grant a reward to a user when the first advertisement and the second advertisement have been transmitted to and / or displayed on the user terminal, and the reward receiving input means has received a predetermined input for receiving the reward, thereby granting a reward to a user who has received and / or viewed both advertisements and made the input to receive the reward.

[0133] Furthermore, the system includes a reward receipt input display means that displays a reward receipt input section for receiving predetermined inputs via a reward receipt input means, the reward receipt input section is displayed together with the second advertisement, and the reward granting means grants a reward to the user when an input is received in the reward receipt input section, thereby granting a reward to the user when an input is received in the reward receipt input section displayed together with the second advertisement.

[0134] Furthermore, since the reward redemption input section is for entering answers to questions, rewards can be granted to users who have entered answers to the questions.

[0135] Furthermore, the system includes termination request input means for receiving input of a request to terminate the output of the first advertisement, and the first advertisement output means continues to output the first advertisement sequentially and continuously until it receives input of a request to terminate the output of the first advertisement, thereby allowing the first advertisement to be output continuously until the user terminates it.

[0136] Furthermore, in this manner, in response to the output of the first advertisement by the first advertisement output means and / or the transmission of the first advertisement to the user terminal, the second advertisement output means is enabled to output a second advertisement related to the first advertisement on the screen for receiving the reward, thereby enabling the output of a second advertisement corresponding to the outputted first advertisement on the reward receiving screen.

[0137] Furthermore, by having the first advertising output means and / or the second advertising output means output the first advertisement and / or the second advertisement on a portion of the window of a running application displayed on the user terminal, or on a portion of the home screen displayed on the user terminal, advertisements can be output in Picture-in-Picture (PiP) format. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0138] 1 System 2 User terminals 3 Server equipment 4. Communication Network 21 Control Unit 22 RAM 23 Storage Section 24 Input section 25 Display section 26 Communication Interfaces 31 Control Unit 32 RAM 33 Storage Section 34 Communication Interfaces 100 Execution screen 101 First advertisement 102 windows 200 Execution screen 201 Second advertisement 202 Answer button 203 Receipt button 204 Ad Details Button 300 Execution screen 301 Second question 302 options 303 Confirm button 400 Execution screen 401 Second advertisement 402 Information 403 Reward button 500 Execution screen 501 Second advertisement 502 options

Claims

1. A system comprising a server device and a user terminal capable of communicating with the server device, A first advertising output means that outputs a first advertisement on the user terminal, A second advertising output means that outputs a second advertisement related to the first advertisement on the user terminal. Equipped with, system.

2. A means of providing benefits to users. Equipped with, The system according to claim 1.

3. A reward receipt input means that accepts predetermined inputs for receiving rewards on the user terminal. Equipped with, The system according to claim 2.

4. The reward granting means grants a reward to a user when the first advertisement and the second advertisement have been transmitted to and / or output on the user terminal, and the reward receiving input means has received a predetermined input for receiving the reward. The system according to claim 3.

5. Reward Receipt Input Unit Display Means for displaying a reward receipt input unit for receiving predetermined inputs via the reward receipt input means. Equipped with, The reward redemption input section is displayed together with the second advertisement. The reward granting mechanism grants the reward to the user when it receives input in the reward receipt input section. The system according to claim 3.

6. The reward redemption input section is for entering answers to questions. The system according to claim 5.

7. Termination request input means for receiving input of a request to terminate the output of the first advertisement. Equipped with, The first advertisement output means continues to output the first advertisement sequentially and continuously until it receives input of a request to terminate the output of the first advertisement. The system according to claim 1.

8. In response to the output of the first advertisement by the first advertisement output means and / or the transmission of the first advertisement to the user terminal, the second advertisement output means is enabled to output a second advertisement related to the first advertisement on the screen for receiving the reward. The system according to claim 1.

9. The first advertising output means and / or the second advertising output means cause the first advertisement and / or the second advertisement to be displayed on a part of the window of a running application displayed on the user terminal, or on a part of the home screen displayed on the user terminal. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A server device capable of communicating with user terminals, A first advertising transmission means that transmits a first advertisement to a user terminal, A second advertisement transmission means that transmits a second advertisement related to the first advertisement to the user terminal. Equipped with, Server device.

11. A user terminal capable of communicating with the server device, A first advertisement output means for outputting a first advertisement, A second advertisement output means that outputs a second advertisement related to the first advertisement, and To make it function as program.

12. A method to be performed in a system comprising a server device and a user terminal capable of communicating with the server device, A first advertisement output step in which a first advertisement is output on the user terminal, A second ad output step in which a second ad related to the first ad is output on the user terminal, Having, method.

Images