Processing device, processing program, and processing method

Abstract

A processing device, a processing program, and a processing method capable of executing more diverse lottery events are provided. [Solution] A first virtual medium is granted to the user according to an amount of legal tender determined based on operational input received from the user, a lottery event is held to draw one or more contents by consuming at least one of the first virtual medium and a second virtual medium different from the first virtual medium granted due to the user's behavior, and a process is executed to select at least one of the following based on the operational input received from the user: obtaining one or more gifts corresponding to the one or more contents won in the lottery event by consuming the first virtual medium, and converting the one or more contents won in the lottery event into the second virtual medium.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing device, a processing program, and a processing method configured to execute processing related to a lottery event. [Background technology]

[0002] A system has been proposed in the past that uses "a game program to cause an information processing device to function as an acceptance determination processing unit that determines whether or not a request to execute a content lottery has been accepted, a quantity determination processing unit that, when the request for execution has been accepted, determines whether or not the remaining quantity obtained by subtracting the required quantity necessary to execute the content lottery from the amount of virtual currency owned by the player is less than the required quantity, a first selection request processing unit that, when it is determined that the remaining quantity is less than the required quantity, requests the player to choose whether or not to consume the remaining quantity, a lottery condition change processing unit that, when consuming the remaining quantity is selected, consumes all or a fraction of the remaining quantity to change the lottery conditions of the content lottery, and a content lottery execution processing unit that consumes the required amount of the virtual currency and executes the content lottery with the changed lottery conditions." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-049420 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Therefore, in consideration of the above-mentioned technology, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a processing device, a processing program, and a processing method that are capable of executing a wider variety of lottery events through various embodiments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a processing device having at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute a process for selecting, based on an operational input received from a user, at least one of: granting a first virtual medium to the user according to an amount of legal tender determined based on an operational input received from the user; holding a lottery event to draw one or more contents by consuming at least one of the first virtual medium and a second virtual medium different from the first virtual medium granted due to the user's behavior; obtaining one or more gifts corresponding to the one or more contents won in the lottery event by consuming the first virtual medium for the user; and converting the one or more contents won in the lottery event into the second virtual medium.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a processing program that, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to function to select, based on an operational input received from the user, at least one of: granting a first virtual medium to the user according to an amount of legal tender determined based on an operational input received from the user; holding a lottery event to draw one or more contents by consuming at least one of the first virtual medium and a second virtual medium different from the first virtual medium granted due to the user's behavior; obtaining one or more gifts for the user corresponding to the one or more contents won in the lottery event by consuming the first virtual medium; and converting the one or more contents won in the lottery event into the second virtual medium.''

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a "processing method executed by at least one processor, the processing method including: a step of granting a first virtual medium to a user according to an amount of legal tender determined based on an operation input received from the user; a step of holding a lottery event to draw one or more contents by consuming at least one of the first virtual medium and a second virtual medium different from the first virtual medium granted due to the user's behavior; and a step of selecting at least one of consuming the first virtual medium to obtain for the user one or more gifts corresponding to the one or more contents won in the lottery event, and converting the one or more contents won in the lottery event into the second virtual medium, based on the operation input received from the user." Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a processing device, a processing program, and a processing method that are capable of executing a wider variety of lottery events.

[0009] It should be noted that the above effects are merely illustrative for the convenience of explanation and are not limiting. In addition to or in place of the above effects, any effect described in this disclosure or any effect obvious to a person skilled in the art may be achieved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing a configuration of a terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram conceptually illustrating an event management table stored in the server device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B]FIG. 3B is a diagram conceptually illustrating a content management table stored in the server device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a diagram conceptually illustrating a user management table stored in the server device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing sequence executed by the processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a process flow executed in the server device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a process flow executed in the server device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a diagram showing a process flow executed in the server device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a diagram showing a process flow executed in the server device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of a screen output on the terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an example of a screen output on the terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a diagram showing an example of a screen output on the terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D is a diagram showing an example of a screen output on the terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a screen output on the terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of a screen output on the terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] 1. Overview of Processing System 1 As an example, the processing system 1 according to the present disclosure implements a lottery event in a game played using a communication network or in a game played in a virtual space. Then, based on an operation input received from a user, the processing system 1 selects at least one of consuming a virtual medium to obtain a gift corresponding to one or more contents won in the lottery event (e.g., sending a gift) and converting one or more contents won in the lottery event into a virtual medium, based on the operation input received from the user. At this time, the type of virtual medium to be consumed and the type of virtual medium to be converted are predetermined, and the processing system 1 performs processing according to the predetermined type of virtual medium.

[0012] Here, as an example, there are two types of virtual media: a first virtual medium (e.g., paid coins) that is given to a user according to the amount of legal tender, and a second virtual medium (e.g., bonus coins that are given regardless of the amount of legal tender) that is given due to the user's actions in the game. When the user desires to send a gift corresponding to one or more contents that the user has won, the processing system 1 allows the sending of the gift by using the first virtual medium that is a paid coin, rather than the second virtual medium that is a free coin. On the other hand, when the user desires to return the one or more contents that the user has won to the virtual medium, rather than sending the corresponding gift, the processing system 1 gives the second virtual medium that is a bonus coin, rather than the first virtual medium that is a paid coin, to the user.

[0013] In this way, the processing system 1 does not simply consume or grant virtual media, but classifies the types of virtual media and uses them according to the situation in which the virtual media is involved and the type of virtual media. Therefore, the user can consume the second virtual medium, which is a bonus coin, to participate in a new lottery event, and can enjoy games and lottery events more easily. In addition, the service provider of the game can more reliably collect the expenses required for sending gifts corresponding to the content that has been won.

[0014] In the present disclosure, a "game" is implemented by being installed and executed as a game application on a terminal device, for example. Such a game is composed of one or more unit games. A unit game simply means a group of games to be executed, such as an event, a quest, a scenario, a chapter, a dungeon, a mission, a battle, a match, a battle, a stage, etc. Therefore, the game may be a lottery game, a match game, a sports game, a racing game, a puzzle game, a battle game, a role-playing game, etc., and any of these games may be suitably applied. In addition, various applications such as a news application, a coupon application, a transportation application, a map application, a message application, or an SNS application are installed on the terminal device. Even if the main purpose is not to execute a game, if at least one of the unit games exemplified above is executed at least once, it may be considered as a game in the present disclosure.

[0015] In addition, in the present disclosure, a "lottery event" is, as an example, an in-game event held as one of the unit games, in which one or more pieces of content that are won by lottery can be awarded to the user. However, although various examples of unit games other than events, such as quests and scenarios, can be given above as examples of unit games other than events, any unit game other than an event can also be considered a lottery event as long as it involves a lottery for one or more pieces of content.

[0016] In addition, in the present disclosure, a "virtual medium" is a virtual currency that can be used in a game, and can be consumed to purchase items in the game, participate in lottery events, etc. Examples of such virtual medium include virtual coins, virtual medals, virtual gems, virtual diamonds, virtual currency, virtual paper money, in-game coins, and in-game currency. In addition, the virtual medium is not limited to being obtained or usable only in the game, and may be obtained or usable through other services, other applications, etc.

[0017] In the present disclosure, the virtual medium includes at least two types of virtual medium, a first virtual medium and a second virtual medium. The "first virtual medium" is the virtual medium given to the user according to the amount of legal tender (legal tender includes crypto assets, electronic money, service points, and other items having value equivalent to legal tender). Specifically, the first virtual medium is given to the user in an amount corresponding to the amount of legal tender selected by the user. Examples of such a first virtual medium include paid coins or paid medals. Also, the "second virtual medium" is given due to the user's actions. Specifically, the second virtual medium is given in response to the user's actions such as logging in, exchanging content, playing a unit game, or satisfying conditions specified in the game. Examples of such a second virtual medium include free coins, free medals, bonus coins, or bonus medals. It is preferable that the second virtual medium is unnecessary and does not require a large burden on the user compared to the first virtual medium, and does not necessarily have to be free of charge.

[0018] In this disclosure, "content" refers to information or data that is available to a user at least within a game. Thus, content may include various formats, such as images, text, or audio used within a game.

[0019] In addition, in the present disclosure, a "gift" is something that a user can acquire in response to content, and includes not only virtual information or data, but also physical media that can be circulated in the real world. Examples of such gifts include the content itself, crypto assets or tokens circulated on a blockchain, legal tender such as coins or paper money, trading cards, prizes, stuffed toys, or other items, or combinations of these. As described above, gifts are acquired by users, but they may be acquired via a communication network or by circulating in the real world.

[0020] 2. Configuration of Processing System 1 Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to Fig. 1, the processing system 1 includes at least a server device 100 and a terminal device 200, and each device is communicatively connected via a wired or wireless network. The server device 100 mainly performs processing related to the execution of a game, such as the implementation of a lottery event, and the terminal device 200 is a device that can be used by a user, and mainly receives user operation inputs and displays various information received from the server device 100.

[0021] In this disclosure, the processing device means the server device 100, the terminal device 200, or a combination thereof. In other words, the following describes a case where the server device 100 functions as a processing device, but the terminal device 200 can also function as a processing device. In addition, in this disclosure, the storage and processing performed by the processing device may be distributed to other terminal devices, other server devices, etc. In other words, the processing device is not limited to only those configured from a single housing, but includes the server device 100, the terminal device 200, other server devices, other terminal devices, or a combination thereof.

[0022] 1, only one terminal device 200 is illustrated. However, multiple users may use their own terminal devices, and the processing system 1 may include multiple terminal devices. That is, the number of terminal devices 200 is not necessarily limited to one, and the processing system 1 may include multiple terminal devices 200 according to the number of users.

[0023] 3. Configuration of the Server Device 100 FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 2A, the server device 100 includes a processor 111, a memory 112, and a communication interface 113. These components are electrically connected to each other via a control line and a data line. The server device 100 does not need to include all of the components shown in FIG. 2A, and can be configured by omitting some of them, or can add other components. For example, it is possible to use an external memory, a database device, a server device, etc., which are communicably connected as a memory. It is also possible to distribute some of the processing to processing devices including other server devices and execute them. That is, the server device 100 is not limited to only a single device, but also includes a case where it is distributed to multiple devices depending on the handling of the information and the processing load.

[0024] The processor 111 functions as a control unit that controls other components of the processing system 1 based on a processing program stored in the memory 112. The processor 111 executes a lottery event and a process for a content that has been won based on the processing program stored in the memory 112. Specifically, the processor 111 executes the following processes based on the processing program stored in the memory 112: "a process of granting a first virtual medium to a user according to an amount of legal tender determined based on an operation input received from the user," "a process of executing a lottery event for drawing one or more contents by consuming at least one of the first virtual medium and a second virtual medium different from the first virtual medium granted due to the user's behavior," and "a process of selecting at least one of the following processes based on an operation input received from the user: obtaining one or more gifts corresponding to one or more contents won in the lottery event by consuming the first virtual medium, and converting one or more contents won in the lottery event into the second virtual medium." The processor 111 is mainly composed of one or more CPUs, but may be appropriately combined with a GPU, an FPGA, or the like.

[0025] The memory 112 is composed of a RAM, a ROM, a non-volatile memory, a HDD, an SSD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. The memory 112 stores instructions and commands for various controls of the processing system 1 according to this embodiment as processing programs. Specifically, the memory 112 stores programs for the processor 111 to execute, such as "a process of granting a first virtual medium to the user according to an amount of legal tender determined based on an operation input received from the user," "a process of holding a lottery event for drawing one or more contents by consuming at least one of the first virtual medium and a second virtual medium different from the first virtual medium granted due to the user's behavior," and "a process of selecting, based on an operation input received from the user, at least one of consuming the first virtual medium to obtain one or more gifts corresponding to one or more contents won in the lottery event, and converting one or more contents won in the lottery event into the second virtual medium." In addition to the programs, the memory 112 also stores various information stored in an event management table, a content management table, a user management table, etc. It should be noted that this information does not need to be stored in the memory 112 in the server device 100 at all times, and may be stored in a database device installed remotely. In that case, the database device is also included in the memory 112.

[0026] The communication interface 113 functions as a communication unit for transmitting and receiving various information to and from the terminal device 200 connected via a wired or wireless network. Examples of the communication interface 113 include connectors for wired communication such as USB and SCSI, wireless communication transmitting and receiving devices for broadband wireless communication such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and LTE, infrared, and various connection terminals for printed circuit boards and flexible circuit boards.

[0027] 4. Configuration of Terminal Device 200 FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing a configuration of a terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 2B, the terminal device 200 includes a processor 211, a memory 212, an input interface 213, an output interface 214, and a communication interface 215. These components are electrically connected to each other via a control line and a data line. The terminal device 200 does not need to include all of the components shown in FIG. 2B, and it is possible to configure the terminal device 200 by omitting some of the components, or by adding other components. The terminal device 200 may be any device that can communicate with the server device 100 via a wired or wireless network, and a smartphone device, a tablet device, a laptop PC device, a desktop PC device, or the like is used as the terminal device 200. In addition, when there are multiple users as described above, multiple terminal devices 200 are used for each user, but each terminal device 200 may be a terminal device of a different form. Furthermore, it is not always necessary for one user to have one terminal device 200; multiple users may use one terminal device 200, or one user may use multiple terminal devices 200.

[0028] The processor 211 functions as a control unit that controls other components of the processing system 1 based on a processing program stored in the memory 212. Based on the processing program stored in the memory 212, the processor 211 transmits selection result information regarding the delivery or conversion of the selected content to the server device 100, and outputs notification information including the result of the processing from the server device 100. Specifically, the processor 211 executes the following processes based on the processing programs stored in the memory 212: "accepting a user's operation input via the input interface 213 and selecting a lottery event desired by the user from one or more lottery events", "transmitting selection information including information indicating the selected lottery event to the server device 100 via the communication interface 215", "receiving content information including information indicating one or more contents won by lottery from the server device 100 via the communication interface 215", "accepting a user's operation input via the input interface 213 and selecting at least one of consuming a first virtual medium to obtain a corresponding gift and converting the first virtual medium to a second virtual medium for at least one of the one or more contents won", and "transmitting selection result information indicating the selection result to the server device 100 via the communication interface 215". The processor 111 is mainly composed of one or more CPUs, but may be appropriately combined with a GPU, an FPGA, or the like.

[0029] The memory 212 is composed of a RAM, a ROM, a non-volatile memory, a HDD, an SSD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. The memory 212 stores instructions and commands for various controls of the processing system 1 according to this embodiment as a program. Specifically, the memory 212 stores processing programs for the processor 211 to execute, such as "a process of accepting a user's operation input via the input interface 213 and selecting a lottery event desired by the user from one or more lottery events", "a process of transmitting selection information including information indicating the selected lottery event to the server device 100 via the communication interface 215", "a process of receiving content information including information indicating one or more contents won by lottery from the server device 100 via the communication interface 215", "a process of accepting a user's operation input via the input interface 213 and selecting at least one of consuming a first virtual medium to obtain a corresponding gift and converting the first virtual medium to a second virtual medium for at least one of the one or more contents won", and "a process of transmitting selection result information indicating the selection result to the server device 100 via the communication interface 215".

[0030] The input interface 213 functions as an input unit that accepts user operation inputs to the terminal device 200. Examples of the input interface 213 include physical key buttons and a touch panel having an input coordinate system corresponding to the display coordinate system of the display. In the case of a touch panel, icons are displayed on the display, and the operator inputs instructions via the touch panel to select each icon. The detection method of the target person's instruction input by the touch panel may be any method, such as a capacitive type or a resistive film type. The input interface 213 does not always need to be physically provided in the terminal device 200, and may be connected as necessary via a wired or wireless network. Therefore, in addition to the above, a mouse, a keyboard, etc. can also be used as the input interface 213.

[0031] The output interface 214 functions as an output unit for outputting information such as content information received from the server device 100. An example of the output interface 214 is a display configured with a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL display, a plasma display, or the like. However, the terminal device 200 itself does not necessarily need to be equipped with a display. For example, an interface for connecting to a display or the like connectable to the terminal device 200 via a wired or wireless network can also function as the output interface 214 for outputting display data to the display or the like.

[0032] The communication interface 215 functions as a communication unit for transmitting and receiving various information to and from the server device 100 connected via a wired or wireless network. Examples of the communication interface 215 include connectors for wired communication such as USB and SCSI, wireless communication transmitting and receiving devices for broadband wireless communication such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and LTE, infrared, and various connection terminals for printed circuit boards and flexible circuit boards.

[0033] 5. Various information used in processing in the processing system 1 (1) Event management table 3A is a diagram conceptually illustrating an event management table stored in the server device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 3A, the event management table stores winning content information, winning upper limit information, winning number information, virtual medium information, attribute information, and the like in association with event ID information. "Event ID information" is information unique to each lottery event and is used to identify each lottery event. The event ID information is information newly generated by the server device 100 when, for example, an administrator providing a service related to the processing system 1 registers a new event in the processing system 1.

[0034] "Winning content information" is information for identifying one or more pieces of content that will be won by lottery in each lottery event. The winning content is not limited to one type in each lottery event, and multiple types of content may be won. A lottery probability may be set for each winning content. A winning rank such as "loser," "third prize," "second prize," and "first prize" may be set for each winning content, for example, depending on the rarity of the content. In other words, the winning content information may include, for example, content ID information of the winning content, a winning rank such as first prize, second prize, or third prize, and a winning probability.

[0035] The "maximum number of wins information" is information indicating the maximum number of wins that can be made for each of one or more pieces of content that can be won by lottery in each lottery event. The maximum number may be set for each piece of content that can be won. The maximum number can also be set to one or more arbitrary numbers, or, for example, in the case of losing content, it is also possible to set no maximum. In other words, the maximum number of wins information can include, as an example, information on one or more arbitrary numbers or no maximum number associated with each piece of content that can be won.

[0036] The "number of winning entries information" is information indicating the number of winning entries that have actually been won at the present time for one or more pieces of content that are to be won by lottery in each lottery event. In other words, when the upper limit number indicated in the upper limit number of winning entries information becomes the same as the number of winning entries information, it is determined that the upper limit has been reached, and the content associated with the number of winning entries information will no longer be able to win entries from the next time onwards. Note that the number of winning entries information may be any information that indicates whether or not there are remaining pieces of content that can be won, and may not directly indicate the number of winning entries, but may be the remaining number of content that can be won, etc.

[0037] "Consumed medium information" is information indicating the type and amount of media consumed when implementing each lottery event. That is, a user can implement a lottery event by consuming at least one of the media, such as the first virtual medium or the second virtual medium. However, not all lottery events require the consumption of media, and some lottery events can be implemented free of charge. In addition, in a game, there are various media, such as virtual media, such as the first virtual medium and the second virtual medium, and points that can be acquired in the game. Therefore, it is possible to set the type of medium to be consumed according to each lottery event. That is, the consumed medium information may include the type of medium to be consumed and the consumption amount (however, including no consumption) for each lottery event.

[0038] "Attribute information" is information indicating the attributes of each lottery event. Examples of such attributes include the attributes of the user who is the target of the lottery event, the timing of the lottery event (whether the lottery is held at login or not, such as a foreign currency), the time when the lottery event is held, the name of the lottery event, or a combination of these.

[0039] Although not specifically shown in Figure 3A, various information such as a probability table and a lottery method for one or more contents stored in the winning content information required for each lottery event may be stored in correspondence with each event ID information.

[0040] (2) Content Management Table 3B is a diagram conceptually illustrating a content management table stored in the server device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 3B, the content management table stores conversion information, gift information, content information, and the like in association with content ID information. The "content ID information" is information for identifying each piece of content that is unique to the content that is won in each lottery event. The content ID information is information that is newly generated by the server device 100 when, for example, an administrator providing a service related to the processing system 1 registers new content in the processing system 1.

[0041] The "conversion information" is information indicating the type and amount of media that can be obtained by converting each content into a medium. That is, the user can convert the content into at least one medium, such as a second virtual medium or points, and the conversion information may include the type and amount of media that the user will obtain by this conversion.

[0042] "Gift information" is information indicating an offering that is actually provided to a user when the user selects to acquire each content. Examples of gifts include the content itself, legal currency such as coins or bills, items such as trading cards, prizes, stuffed toys, or combinations of these, and more preferably items such as trading cards, prizes, stuffed toys, etc. In the following, a case where a trading card is acquired as a gift will be described, but other offerings may also be possible. In addition, it is not necessary to have one gift for one content, and multiple gifts may be acquired from one content, or one gift may be acquired from multiple contents. Therefore, the gift information may include information indicating the type and amount of gifts that the user can acquire corresponding to each content.

[0043] "Content information" is information indicating the content to be won in a lottery event. Content is information or data that can be used by the user at least within the game, and examples include images, text, or audio used within the game. Specifically, if a trading card is provided as a gift, the content may be a photo of the trading card, an image indicating the type of trading card, or text of the trading card's name.

[0044] (3) User management table 3C is a diagram conceptually illustrating a user management table stored in the server device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to FIG. 3C, the user management table stores attribute information, first virtual medium information, second virtual medium information, point information, acquired content information, status information, and the like in association with user ID information. The "user ID information" is information for identifying each user by information unique to each user. The user ID information is information newly generated by the server device 100, for example, when the server device receives a registration request indicating a new registration as a user of a service related to the processing system 1.

[0045] "Attribute information" is information that indicates the attributes of a user. Examples of such attribute information include the address to which the gift is to be shipped, the user's experience level or proficiency level, the user's rank determined based on the number of games or lottery events played, the user's contact information, account name, email address, user name, authentication information, or a combination of these. In particular, the attribute information is used to refer to the shipping address when the user selects to acquire a gift corresponding to the content that he or she has won.

[0046] The "first virtual medium information" is information indicating the amount of the first virtual medium owned by the user. The first virtual medium is granted according to the amount of legal tender, for example. Thus, the first virtual medium is granted to the user according to the amount by inputting an operation input for instructing the purchase of the first virtual medium by consuming a desired amount of legal tender. This increases the amount of the first virtual medium indicated by the first virtual medium information. Also, the first virtual medium is consumed in an arbitrary amount according to the user's actions in the game, such as obtaining a gift or selecting a lottery event, for example. This decreases the amount of the first virtual medium indicated by the first virtual medium information.

[0047] The "second virtual medium information" is information indicating the amount of the second virtual medium owned by the user. The second virtual medium is, for example, granted due to the user's actions in the game. Examples of such user actions include user actions other than the consumption of the same amount of legal tender as the purchase of the first virtual medium, such as logging in, exchanging content, playing a unit game, satisfying conditions specified in the game, or a combination of these. Therefore, the second virtual medium is granted to the user, for example, due to the user's actions that are the subject of the grant of the second virtual medium, in an amount predetermined for each action or an amount determined by lottery or the like, regardless of the user's rank. As a result, the amount of the second virtual medium indicated by the second virtual medium information increases. Also, as an example, the second virtual medium is consumed in an arbitrary amount depending on the user's actions in the game, such as selecting a lottery event. As a result, the amount of the second virtual medium indicated by the second virtual medium information decreases.

[0048] "Point information" is information indicating the amount of points owned by a user. Points are one of the virtual media different from the first virtual medium and the second virtual medium. Such points are given due to user actions that do not involve the consumption of legal tender, such as, for example, logging in, exchanging content, playing a unit game, satisfying conditions specified in the game, or a combination of these. The amount of points given may vary depending on the rank of the user. This increases the amount of points indicated by the point information. Also, as an example, points are consumed in an arbitrary amount depending on the user's actions in the game, such as selecting a lottery event. This decreases the amount of the second virtual medium indicated by the second virtual medium information. In this embodiment, the second virtual medium and points, as well as the second virtual medium information and point information are used to distinguish between them, but there is no need to particularly distinguish between them. That is, points and point information may be included as examples of the second virtual medium and the second virtual medium information, respectively.

[0049] The "acquired content information" is information indicating one or more pieces of content that the user has acquired thus far through winning a lottery event, etc. As an example of such acquired content information, the content ID information shown in FIG. 3B is stored in correspondence with one or more pieces of acquired content. Note that the content may be acquired not only through a lottery event, but also through consumption of legal tender, a first virtual medium, a second virtual medium, or points, a reward in a unit game, etc.

[0050] "Status information" is information indicating the current status of one or more pieces of content that the user has acquired. Examples of such status information include a state in which the user currently owns the content, a state in which the user has selected to acquire a gift corresponding to the content and is waiting to be shipped, and information in which the gift corresponding to the content has already been shipped to the user, and these pieces of information are stored in association with each piece of content ID information. Note that the status information is not limited to the above three, and more or less status information may be stored.

[0051] The information stored in each table of FIGS. 3A to 3C is merely an example, and it is not necessary to store all of this information, and other information may also be stored.

[0052] 6. Processing sequence performed by processing system 1 Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a processing sequence executed in the processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 4 shows a processing sequence executed between the server device 100 and the terminal device 200. Among these, S11 to S15 indicate a login process performed when a user logs in to a service provided via the processing system 1, S21 to S26 indicate a lottery event process performed when a user executes a lottery event, and S31 to S35 indicate a content selection process performed when a user selects content processing.

[0053] (1) Login process First, the login process will be described. According to FIG. 4, the processor 211 of the terminal device 200 accepts an operation input from the user via the input interface 213 and starts an application program for using a service provided via the processing system 1. Then, the processor 211 accepts an operation input from the user via the input interface 213 and inputs user ID information registered in advance as a user who can use the service and authentication information for authenticating the user (S11). When the user ID information and authentication information are input, the processor 211 transmits the user ID information and authentication information (T11) to the server device 100 via the communication interface 215. That is, this series of user operation inputs related to logging in to the service corresponds to an example of the user's behavior. Note that input of the user ID information and authentication information is an example of an operation input performed by the user at the time of logging in, and an operation input for simply starting an application program may also correspond to an example of the user's behavior.

[0054] When the processor 111 of the server device 100 receives the user ID information and authentication information from the terminal device 200 via the communication interface 113, it refers to the user ID information and attribute information in the user management table to authenticate whether or not the user is a legitimate user of the service (S12). If the processor 111 authenticates that the user is a legitimate user, it reads the user's rank from the attribute information of the user. The processor 111 refers to the attribute information in the event management table to read event ID information of a lottery event set as a lottery to be held at login. The processor 111 executes a lottery for one or more contents stored as winning content information associated with the read event ID information (S13).

[0055] When the processor 111 of the server device 100 determines that one or more contents have been won by the lottery (however, naturally, there is a case where none of the contents have been won), the processor 111 updates the user management table and the content management table based on the content ID information of the content that has been won (S14). The processor 111 generates content information indicating that the user has acquired the one or more contents that have been won, and transmits the content information (T12) to the terminal device 200 of the logged-in user via the communication interface 113.

[0056] Here, Fig. 5A is a diagram showing a process flow executed in the server device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, the process flow is shown to be executed by the processor 111 of the server device 100 in S13 and S14 in Fig. 4. The process flow is mainly performed by the processor 111 of the server device 100 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 112.

[0057] 5A, when processor 111 receives user ID information and the like from terminal device 200 via communication interface 113 and finishes authentication, processor 111 refers to the user management table based on the user ID information. Then, processor 111 reads rank information indicating the rank of the user from the attribute information associated with the user ID information (S111). Processor 111 refers to the attribute information in the event management table to identify a lottery event set as a lottery to be held at login, and selects event ID information of a lottery event associated with the rank of the user from among the lottery events (S112). In other words, the lottery events to be held at login are limited to selectable lottery events according to the rank of the user.

[0058] When the event ID information of the lottery event is selected, processor 111 executes a lottery for one or more winning contents specified from the winning content information associated with the selected event ID information (S113). Specifically, processor 111 executes the lottery by using a probability table and random numbers that determine the winning probability of one or more contents stored as the winning content information, for example. However, such a lottery process is merely an example, and naturally other lottery methods can also be suitably executed.

[0059] When the processor 111 determines that one or more contents have been won by the lottery processing of S113, the processor 111 stores the content ID information of the content that has been won in the acquired content information of the user management table, and updates the status information associated with the content to "possessed" indicating that the content is currently owned by the user (S114). The processor 111 also updates the number of wins information associated with the event ID information of the held lottery event in the event management table (S115). The processor 111 generates content information indicating that the user has acquired the one or more contents that have been won, and transmits the content information to the terminal device 200 of the logged-in user via the communication interface 113 (S116). This ends the processing flow.

[0060] 4 again, when the processor 211 of the terminal device 200 receives the content information via the communication interface 215, it stores the received content information in the memory 212 and displays the content information via the output interface 214 (S15). This completes the processing sequence related to the login process.

[0061] In this way, when logging in, a lottery is held for one or more contents as a so-called login bonus, and if the user wins, one of the one or more contents is given to the user. Therefore, the user can obtain the contents free of charge, which makes it possible to increase the user's interest.

[0062] In executing the above processing sequence, in addition to the transmission and reception of information shown in FIG. 4, transmission and reception of information required as needed in the course of each process may be performed between the server device 100 and the terminal device 200.

[0063] (2) Lottery event processing Next, the lottery event processing will be described. As shown in Fig. 4, the processor 211 of the terminal device 200 accepts a user's operation input via the input interface 213, and selects the implementation of a lottery event from various menus included in the game. When the selection is made, the processor 111 displays a lottery event selection screen via the output interface 214 (S21).

[0064] Although not shown, the processor 111 of the server device 100 reads out attribute information of currently selectable lottery events displayed on the lottery event selection screen by referring to attribute information in the event management table. The processor 111 also falsifies the user management table based on the user ID information of the logged-in user, and reads out first virtual medium information, second virtual medium information, and point information indicating the amount of each virtual medium owned. The processor 111 then transmits the read attribute information of the lottery event, the first virtual medium information, and the like to the terminal device 200 via the communication interface 113. This allows the information to be displayed on the lottery event selection screen to be acquired.

[0065] Here, FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of a screen output in the terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, it is a diagram showing an example of a lottery event selection screen 10 displayed in S22 of FIG. 4. According to FIG. 6A, the lottery event selection screen 10 includes a virtual medium display area 11 and lottery event display areas 12a to 12d. The virtual medium display area 11 shows the amount of the first virtual medium indicated by the first virtual medium information associated with the user ID information, the amount of the second virtual medium indicated by the second virtual medium information, and the amount of points indicated by the point information. That is, each piece of information shown in the virtual medium display area 11 shows the amount of the first virtual medium, the amount of the second virtual medium, and the amount of points currently owned by the user, respectively. In the example of FIG. 6A, it is shown that the user owns 3,000 as the first virtual medium, 750 as the second virtual medium, and 5,800 as points.

[0066] Furthermore, the lottery event display areas 12a to 12d include information on each lottery event currently being held. For example, the lottery event display area 12a includes attribute information (the name of the lottery event) called "A1 gacha", winning content information called "winning content: B1", number of winnings information and upper limit number of winnings information called "remaining: 35 / 100", and consumption medium information called "virtual medium: 3,000". That is, by referring to the lottery event display area 12a, it can be understood that the content B1 will be won by the A1 gacha, that the upper limit number of winnings for the content B1 is 100 and 35 have been won at the present time, and that 3,000 virtual media will be consumed to execute the A1 gacha. All of this information is received from the server device 100.

[0067] Similarly to the lottery event display area 12a, the lottery event display areas 12b to 12d also include attribute information, winning content information, winning number information, winning upper limit number information, and consumption medium information. Here, referring to the lottery event display areas 12a to 12d, the type of virtual medium consumed is shown (the lottery event display area 12a is "virtual medium", the lottery event display area 12b is "second virtual medium", the lottery event display area 12c is "points", and the lottery event display area 12d is "virtual medium"). This shows the type of medium consumed in each lottery content, which is specified by the consumption medium information. That is, the lottery event displayed as "virtual medium" can use both the first virtual medium and the second virtual medium, the lottery event displayed as "second virtual medium" is limited to the use of the second virtual medium, and the lottery event displayed as "points" is limited to the use of points. In this way, by setting various methods of using media for various lottery events, it is possible to increase the rarity of the lottery event and the user's taste for the lottery event.

[0068] 6A shows only the lottery event display areas 12a to 12d, a smaller or larger number of lottery event display areas may be included. Also, the lottery events displayed may be filtered based on various factors such as the type and amount of media used, limited events, etc.

[0069] Returning to FIG. 4 again, processor 211 accepts a user's operation input made on lottery event selection screen 10 via input interface 213, and selects one lottery event desired by the user (S22). Specifically, processor 211 accepts a user's operation input (e.g., a tap operation) for a lottery event desired by the user from among lottery event display areas 12a to 12d shown in FIG. 6A via input interface 213. As a result, processor 211 determines that the lottery event for which the operation input has been made has been selected, and reads out event ID information of the lottery event. Then, processor 111 transmits a lottery request (T21) including the event ID information associated with the selected lottery event and a request for a lottery for the lottery event, together with user ID information, to server device 100 via communication interface 215.

[0070] Note that the operation input related to the selection of the lottery event in S22 may be configured to include various additional operation inputs, such as a confirmation operation for confirming the execution of the lottery event after the operation input is accepted.

[0071] When the processor 111 of the server device 100 receives a lottery request or the like via the communication interface 113, the processor 111 executes a consumption process of a medium corresponding to the selected lottery event (S23). Then, the processor 111 executes a lottery for one or more contents for the selected lottery event (S24).

[0072] When the processor 111 of the server device 100 determines that one or more contents have been won by the lottery (however, naturally, there is a case where none of the contents have been won), the processor 111 updates the user management table and the content management table based on the content ID information of the content that has been won (S25). The processor 111 generates content information indicating that the user has acquired the one or more contents that have been won, and transmits the content information (T22) to the terminal device 200 of the logged-in user via the communication interface 113.

[0073] Here, Fig. 5B is a diagram showing a process flow executed in the server device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 5B shows a process flow executed by the processor 111 of the server device 100 in S23 to S25 of Fig. 4. The process flow is mainly performed by the processor 111 of the server device 100 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 112.

[0074] According to Fig. 5B, when the processor 111 receives a lottery request from the terminal device 200 via the communication interface 113, the processor 111 refers to the event management table based on the event ID information specified by the lottery request, and reads out the consumable medium information associated with the event ID information (S211). The processor 111 also refers to the user management table based on the user ID information received together with the lottery request, and reads out the first virtual medium information and the second virtual medium information associated with the user ID information. For ease of explanation, a case will be described here where the A1 gacha (event ID information is "A1") in the lottery event display area 12a in Fig. 6A is selected.

[0075] Next, processor 111 determines whether the lottery event is limited to consumption of the second virtual medium from the read consumable medium information (S212). If the lottery event is limited to consumption of the second virtual medium, processor 111 determines whether the amount of the second virtual medium specified by the read second virtual medium information is greater than the amount of the medium to be consumed specified by the consumable medium information. If the amount of the second virtual medium is greater, processor 111 subtracts the amount of the medium to be consumed from the amount of the second virtual object, and stores the subtracted value as second virtual medium information (S214).

[0076] On the other hand, in the case of a lottery event that is not limited to consumption of the second virtual medium (A1 gacha corresponds to an unlimited lottery event), the processor 111 judges whether the sum of the amount of the first virtual medium specified by the read first virtual medium information and the amount of the second virtual medium specified by the second virtual medium information is greater than the amount of the medium to be consumed specified by the consumption medium information. If the sum is greater, the processor 111 subtracts the amount of the medium to be consumed preferentially from the amount of the second virtual medium, and stores the subtracted amount as the second virtual medium information (S213). At this time, if the amount of the second virtual medium is insufficient, the processor 111 subtracts the amount of the first virtual medium by the amount of the shortage, and stores the subtracted amount as the first virtual medium information. In this way, by preferentially consuming the second virtual medium that is available free of charge, it is possible to further improve the convenience of the user.

[0077] In addition, the liquidity of the paid virtual medium may be increased by consuming the first virtual medium first. In addition, if the amount of medium consumed in S213 and S214 is greater than the first virtual medium, a notification that the lottery event cannot be executed may be sent to the user's terminal device 200, although this is not shown in the figure. In addition, in the case of executing a lottery event limited to the use of points, for example, although not shown in FIG. 5B, it is possible to perform the same processing by reading out point information from the user management table.

[0078] Next, processor 111 executes a lottery for one or more winning contents specified from the winning content information associated with the event ID information included in the lottery request (S215). Specifically, processor 111 executes the lottery by using a probability table that determines the winning probability of one or more contents stored as the winning content information and random numbers, for example. However, this lottery processing is merely an example, and naturally other lottery methods can also be suitably executed.

[0079] When the lottery process of S113 determines that one or more contents have been won, processor 111 stores the content ID information of the content that has been won in the acquired content information of the user management table, and updates the status information associated with the content to "possessed" indicating that the content is currently owned by the user (S216). Processor 111 also updates the number of wins information associated with the event ID information of the lottery event held in the event management table (S217). Processor 111 generates content information indicating that the user has acquired the one or more contents that have been won, and transmits the content information to terminal device 200 of the logged-in user via communication interface 113 (S116). This ends the processing flow.

[0080] 4 again, when the processor 211 of the terminal device 200 receives the content information via the communication interface 215, it stores the received content information in the memory 212 and displays the content information via the output interface 214 (S26). This completes the processing sequence related to the lottery event processing.

[0081] In this way, the user can participate in a desired lottery event by consuming any one of the first virtual medium, the second virtual medium, and the points, thereby obtaining the winning content. Therefore, it is possible to further enhance the user's taste.

[0082] In executing the above processing sequence, in addition to the transmission and reception of information shown in FIG. 4, transmission and reception of information required as needed in the course of each process may be performed between the server device 100 and the terminal device 200.

[0083] (3) Content selection process Next, a content selection process will be described. This process, for example, relates to a process for selecting the disposition of one or more pieces of content acquired by the user in a lottery event selected as a login bonus or a lottery event.

[0084] According to Fig. 4, the processor 211 of the terminal device 200 accepts an operational input from the user via the input interface 213 and displays a list screen of owned contents (S31). Note that, although not shown, the information displayed on this list screen is acquired by accepting an operational input from the user to a "My Page" icon displayed on the lottery event selection screen 10 shown in Fig. 6A as an example. Specifically, when an operational input is made to the "My Page" icon, the processor 111 of the server device 100 reads out acquired content information and status information associated with the user ID information from the user management table, and transmits this information to the terminal device 200 via the communication interface 113. As a result, the information displayed on the list screen is acquired.

[0085] Here, Fig. 6B is a diagram showing an example of a screen output on the terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, it is a diagram showing an example of a list screen 20 displayed in S31 of Fig. 4. According to Fig. 6B, the list screen 20 includes selection tabs 21a to 21c, content display areas 22a to 22d, a conversion icon 23, and an acquisition icon 24.

[0086] Among the selection tabs 21a to 21c, the selection tab 21a is for displaying a list of contents currently owned by the user, the selection tab 21b is for displaying a list of contents for which the user has selected to acquire the corresponding gift, and the selection tab 21c is for displaying a list of contents for which the corresponding gift has already been shipped to the user. That is, when the selection tab 21a is selected, only the contents identified by the acquired content information and having status information of "owned" are filtered and displayed in a list. When the selection tab 21b is selected, only the contents identified by the acquired content information and having status information of "waiting for shipment" are filtered and displayed in a list. When the selection tab 21c is selected, only the contents identified by the acquired content information and having status information of "shipped" are filtered and displayed in a list.

[0087] In FIG. 6B, when the selection tab 21a is selected, the content display areas 22a to 22b display the content whose status information is "shipped". For example, the content display area 22a includes the content ID information specified by the acquired content information "content B5" and the type and amount of media that can be acquired by converting the content specified by the conversion information associated with the content ID information in the content management table. That is, by referring to the content display area 22a, it can be understood that the content B5 is currently in possession, and that 300 virtual media can be acquired by converting the content B5. Similarly to the content display area 22a, the content display areas 22b to 22d also include the content ID information and conversion information, respectively.

[0088] Although only content display areas 22a to 22d are shown in Fig. 6B, a smaller or larger number of content display areas may be included. Also, although not specifically shown in Fig. 6B, when selection tab 21b or selection tab 21c is selected, one or more content display areas are displayed similarly to content display areas 22a to 22d, and content corresponding to each status is displayed so as to be viewable in each content display area.

[0089] The conversion icon 23 and the acquisition icon 24 are used to select whether to convert the selected content among the contents displayed in the content display areas 22a to 22d into a medium such as a second virtual medium or points, or to acquire a corresponding gift. That is, when the user inputs an operation to the conversion icon 23, the selected content can be converted into a medium such as a second virtual medium or points. When the user inputs an operation to the acquisition icon 24, the user can acquire a gift corresponding to the selected content.

[0090] Returning to FIG. 4 again, the processor 211 accepts the user's operation input made on the list screen 20 via the input interface 213, and selects the content the user wishes to dispose of (S32). Specifically, the processor 211 accepts the user's operation input (e.g., tap operation) for the content the user wishes to dispose of from among the content display areas 22a to 22d shown in FIG. 6B via the input interface 213. As a result, the processor 211 determines that the content for which the operation input has been made has been selected, and reads out the content ID information of the content. Note that, with reference to FIG. 6B, the content display areas 22b and 22d are displayed with a thick frame and a display color so as to be distinguishable from the other content display areas. This indicates that the user's operation input has been made and the content has been selected as the content the user wishes to dispose of in S32 of FIG. 4.

[0091] Next, the processor 211 accepts the user's operation input on the list screen 20 via the input interface 213, and selects whether to convert the selected content into a second virtual medium or a medium such as points, or to obtain a corresponding gift (S33).

[0092] 6B, it is shown that the content having content ID information B6 (content display area 22b) and the content having content ID information B8 (content display area 22d) are selected as the content that the user wishes to dispose of on the list screen 20. The processor 211 accepts a user's operation input to either the conversion icon 23 or the acquisition icon 24 shown in FIG. 6B via the input interface 213. Then, the processor 211 accepts a user's operation input to either the conversion icon 23 or the acquisition icon 24.

[0093] When an operation input to the acquisition icon 24 is accepted, the processor 211 outputs a selection confirmation screen via the output interface 214. FIG. 6C is a diagram showing an example of a screen output in the terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6C is a diagram showing an example of a selection confirmation screen 30 displayed when an operation input to the acquisition icon 24 is made in S33 of FIG. 4. According to FIG. 6C, the selection confirmation screen 30 is displayed superimposed on at least a part of the list screen 20. The selection confirmation screen 30 includes a notification area 31, a confirmation icon 32, and a back icon 33.

[0094] Notification area 31 includes the content to be notified when acquisition is selected for the content selected in S32. Specifically, notification area 31 includes the content selected in S32 and the disposition selected by the user for the content. In the example of Fig. 6C, notification area 31 displays "Do you want to ship content B6 and content B8?" as the selected content and the disposition selected by the user for the content.

[0095] The notification area 31 also includes the amount of the first virtual medium consumed by the disposal selected in S33. Here, the user can obtain the content acquired through the lottery event or the like by receiving a corresponding gift, but this delivery requires a certain delivery fee or the like. In this embodiment, the service provider must pay the actual cost of the delivery fee or the like, and the cost is consumed from the first virtual medium provided to the user as the payment in legal currency, such as paid coins. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 6C, the notification area 31 displays "150 of the first virtual medium will be consumed as the delivery fee" as the amount of the first virtual medium to be consumed.

[0096] The notification area 31 also includes an address designated as a shipping destination of the gift corresponding to the content selected in S32, depending on the disposal selected in S33. Specifically, the information of the shipping destination address of the gift is read from the attribute information stored in the user management table of the user, and the information is displayed in the notification area 31. In the example of FIG. 6C, "Shipping destination: M1" is displayed as the shipping destination address in the notification area 31.

[0097] The confirmation icon 32 and the back icon 33 are icons for selecting whether to confirm whether to proceed with the disposal of the content displayed in the notification area 31 or to return to the list screen 20 without confirming. In other words, when the user inputs an operation to the confirmation icon 32, the user confirms that the gift corresponding to the selected content will be acquired by the user by consuming 150 of the first virtual medium and sending the gift to the delivery destination M1. Also, when the user inputs an operation to the back icon 33, the user returns to the list screen 20 without confirming the acquisition of the gift corresponding to the selected content.

[0098] Returning to Fig. 4 again, when an operation input to the conversion icon 23 is accepted in S33, the processor 211 outputs a selection confirmation screen via the output interface 214. Fig. 6D is a diagram showing an example of a screen output in the terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6D is a diagram showing an example of a selection confirmation screen 40 displayed when an operation input to the conversion icon 23 is made in S33 of Fig. 4. According to Fig. 6D, the selection confirmation screen 40 is displayed superimposed on at least a part of the list screen 20. The selection confirmation screen 40 includes a notification area 41, a confirmation icon 42, and a back icon 43.

[0099] Notification area 41 includes the content to be notified when conversion is selected for the content selected in S32. Specifically, notification area 41 includes the content selected in S32 and the disposition selected by the user for the content. In the example of Fig. 6D, notification area 31 displays "Do you want to convert content B6 and content B8 to virtual media, etc." as the selected content and the disposition selected by the user for the content.

[0100] The notification area 41 also includes the amount of the second virtual medium, etc., specified by the conversion information associated with each content. Specifically, the notification area 41 displays "Virtual medium: 100" as the type and amount of the medium converted from the conversion information associated with the content ID information "B6", and displays "Points: 100" as the type and amount of the medium converted from the conversion information associated with the content ID information "B8".

[0101] The confirmation icon 42 and the back icon 43 are icons for selecting whether to confirm whether or not to proceed with the disposal of the content displayed in the notification area 41, or to return to the list screen 20 without confirming. That is, when the user inputs an operation to the confirmation icon 42, the selected content is converted and a medium such as a second virtual medium or points is confirmed to be obtained. Also, when the user inputs an operation to the back icon 43, the conversion of the selected content into a medium is not confirmed and the screen returns to the list screen 20.

[0102] 4, in S32 and S33, the processor 211 of the terminal device 200 generates selection result information indicating the content ID information of the selected content and the disposition selected for each content (whether conversion to a second virtual medium or acquisition of a corresponding gift) based on the contents selected on the list screen 20, the selection confirmation screen 30, and the selection confirmation screen 40 shown in Figures 6B to 6D. Then, the processor 211 transmits the generated selection result information (S34) together with the user ID information to the server device 100 via the communication interface 215.

[0103] When the processor 111 of the server device 100 receives the selection result information and the like via the communication interface 113, the processor 111 executes content acquisition or conversion processing in accordance with the information (S34). Here, FIG. 5C is a diagram showing a processing flow executed in the server device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 5C shows a processing flow executed by the processor 111 of the server device 100 in S34 of FIG. 4. The processing flow is mainly performed by the processor 111 of the server device 100 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 112.

[0104] 5C, the processor 111 starts the processing flow by receiving selection result information from the terminal device 200 via the communication interface 113 (S311). Based on the received selection result information, the processor 111 determines whether or not "Acquire" has been selected for each selected content (S312).

[0105] When it is determined that "acquisition" is selected, the processor 111 refers to the user management table based on the user ID information received together with the content, and reads out information on the address specified as the shipping destination of the gift corresponding to each content from the user's attribute information (S313). The processor 111 also refers to the content management table based on the content ID information of the content included in the selection result information, and reads out gift information associated with the content. The processor 111 then outputs to the service provider a gift shipping instruction including an instruction to ship the gift specified by the read gift information to the address read out in S313 (S314). Although the method of outputting the shipping instruction is not particularly illustrated, it is performed, for example, by sending the instruction to a terminal device that the service provider can use and displaying it on a display via an output interface of the terminal device. The service provider who refers to the shipping instruction collects the specified gift from a warehouse or the like, repacks it in an arbitrary box, and then performs a procedure to send it to the shipping address specified by the shipping instruction by an arbitrary shipping method such as home delivery or mail. This allows the user to actually acquire the gift.

[0106] When a shipping instruction is output, processor 111 updates the status information associated with the user ID information, that is, the status information associated with the content ID information of the content for which the shipping instruction has been issued, from "possessed" to "waiting for shipping." When the content is actually shipped, the status information is further updated to "shipped."

[0107] Next, the processor 111 refers to the user management table based on the user ID information and reads out the first virtual medium information associated with the user ID information. Then, the processor 111 consumes a predetermined arbitrary amount as the amount of the first virtual medium as a payment for sending the gift in S314 (S315). Specifically, the processor 111 subtracts the predetermined arbitrary amount as the amount of the first virtual medium from the amount of the first virtual medium specified by the read out first virtual medium information, and stores the subtracted value in the user management table as the first virtual medium information.

[0108] Here, conversion information is stored in each content in association with content ID information. Each content can be converted into each medium such as a second virtual medium or points based on the type and amount of virtual medium specified in advance by the conversion information, and when the type and amount of the virtual medium satisfy a predetermined condition (for example, a condition that the second virtual medium is converted into an amount exceeding a specific amount), the processor 111 can output a gift delivery instruction without consuming the first virtual medium. That is, when the above condition is satisfied, the processor 111 skips S315 and executes each process such as S318 and S319. In other words, when acquiring content that does not satisfy the condition (for example, content that has a small amount of the second virtual medium obtained when converted, that is, content that has a low rarity and is often won), the user needs to take the trouble to consume the first virtual medium. Therefore, it is possible to suppress frequent acquisition instructions for content that does not satisfy the condition. Here, it has been described that a gift can be acquired without consuming the first virtual medium, but it is also possible to reduce or increase the amount of the first virtual medium consumed when the condition is satisfied, for example.

[0109] On the other hand, if it is determined in S312 that acquisition is not selected, the processor 111 refers to the content management table based on the content ID information of the content included in the selection result information, and reads out the conversion information (S316). Then, the processor 111 refers to the user management table based on the user ID information received together with the selection result information, and reads out the second virtual medium information and the point information. The processor 111 converts the content specified by the conversion information into each medium such as the second virtual medium and points based on the type and amount of the virtual medium to which the content is converted. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 6D, the processor 111 specifies, based on the conversion information, that the content with content ID information B6 is to be converted into the second virtual medium of 100, and that the content with content ID information B8 is to be converted into 100 points. Then, processor 1111 adds the amount of second virtual medium specified by the conversion information to the amount of second virtual medium specified by the second virtual medium information read from the user management table, and adds the amount of points specified by the conversion information to the amount of points specified by the point information read from the user management table, and stores each added value in the user management table as second virtual medium information and point information, respectively (S317).

[0110] Next, when the content is converted into each medium, processor 111 erases the content ID information of the converted content from the acquired content information associated with the user ID information. This prevents the same content from being used for further conversion or gift acquisition. Instead of erasing the content, it is also possible to store information such as "converted" in association with the status information.

[0111] Next, processor 111 generates notification information based on the processes performed in S313 to S315 and the processes performed in S316 to S317 (S318). Specifically, when the processes of S313 to S315 are performed, processor 111 generates notification information including information that a gift corresponding to the selected content has been sent to a pre-designated delivery destination, that a predetermined amount of the first virtual medium has been consumed as payment for the gift, and the amount of the first virtual medium currently owned. When the processes of S316 to S317 are performed, processor 111 generates notification information including information about the amount of the selected content converted into the second virtual medium and points, and the amount of the second virtual medium and points currently owned as a result of the conversion.

[0112] Then, the processor 111 transmits the generated notification information to the terminal device 200 that transmitted the selection results information via the communication interface 113 (S319). This ends the processing flow.

[0113] Although not specifically shown in Figure 5C, when it is determined that acquisition has been selected in S312, for example, the first virtual medium information corresponding to the user ID information may be read out, and if the amount of the first virtual medium identified by the first virtual medium information is less than the amount of the first virtual medium previously set as payment for shipping, a notification may be output to the user indicating that the gift corresponding to the content cannot be acquired or a notification encouraging the user to purchase additional first virtual medium.

[0114] 4 again, the processor 111 of the server device 100 outputs the notification information (T32) generated in S34 to the terminal device 200 via the communication interface 113. When the terminal device 200 receives the notification information from the server device 100 via the communication interface 215, it outputs the received notification information to a display or the like via the output interface 214 (S35).

[0115] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing examples of screens output on the terminal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 7A shows an example of the lottery event selection screen 10 displayed after the notification information of S35 is received, i.e., after the gift acquisition process corresponding to the content is performed, and Fig. 7B shows an example of the lottery event selection screen 10 displayed after the notification information of S35 is received, i.e., after the content conversion process is performed.

[0116] According to FIG. 7A, the lottery event selection screen 10 includes a virtual medium display area 11, similar to FIG. 6A, and the virtual medium display area 11 displays the amount of the first virtual medium indicated by the first virtual medium information associated with the user ID information, the amount of the second virtual medium indicated by the second virtual medium information, and the amount of points indicated by the point information. Here, in the virtual medium display area 11 of FIG. 7A, the amount of the first virtual medium indicated by the first virtual medium information is displayed as "2,850". On the other hand, referring to the amount of the first virtual medium indicated by the first virtual medium information of FIG. 6A, it is displayed as "2,900". This indicates that 150 of the first virtual medium was consumed as a payment for shipping the gift corresponding to the content, as a result of the selection of the gift.

[0117] On the other hand, according to FIG. 7B, the lottery event selection screen 10 includes a virtual medium display area 11, similar to FIG. 6A, and the virtual medium display area 11 displays the amount of the first virtual medium indicated by the first virtual medium information associated with the user ID information, the amount of the second virtual medium indicated by the second virtual medium information, and the amount of points indicated by the point information. Here, in the virtual medium display area 11 of FIG. 7B, the amount of the second virtual medium indicated by the second virtual medium information is displayed as "850", and the amount of points indicated by the point information is displayed as "5,900". Referring to the amount of the second virtual medium indicated by the second virtual medium information of FIG. 6A, it is "750", and referring to the amount of points indicated by the point information, it is "5,800", which indicates that 100 second virtual media and 100 points have been granted to the user due to the selection of content conversion.

[0118] 4 again, the processor 211 of the terminal device 200 outputs the notification information received as described above via the output interface 214. This ends the processing sequence related to the content selection processing.

[0119] In this way, the user can obtain the second virtual medium by selecting the conversion of the content as the user's action. In addition, for example, the content provided as a login bonus or a winning entry in a lottery event due to the user's action of logging in as shown in FIG. 5A or the user's action of selecting a lottery event as shown in FIG. 5B can also be obtained as the second virtual medium by selecting the conversion. Specifically, the user can select whether to obtain the content acquired through a lottery event or the like as a gift such as a corresponding item, or to convert the content into a second virtual medium such as free coins or points, thereby providing a more diverse user experience. In addition, by restricting the use of the first virtual medium such as so-called paid coins and the second virtual medium and points (for example, by preparing a lottery event exclusively for points or a lottery event exclusively for virtual media (preferential consumption from the second virtual medium)), it is possible to diversify the way in which each medium owned is used. In addition, when the user selects to obtain a gift, the first virtual medium is consumed, thereby making it possible to reliably recover the expenses required by the service provider.

[0120] In executing the above processing sequence, in addition to the transmission and reception of information shown in FIG. 4, transmission and reception of information required as needed in the course of each process may be performed between the server device 100 and the terminal device 200.

[0121] As described above, in the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a processing device, a processing program, and a processing method that are capable of executing a wider variety of lottery events.

[0122] 7. Variations (1) Disposal of Content In FIG. 4, a case has been described in which the user selects the content disposition content through the content selection process. However, instead of or in addition to this, it is also possible to automatically determine the content disposition content according to time. FIG. 5D is a diagram showing a process flow executed in the server device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 5D is a diagram showing a process flow relating to the determination of the content disposition content performed at predetermined time intervals by the processor 111 of the server device 100. This process flow is mainly performed by the processor 111 of the server device 100 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 112.

[0123] Here, the acquisition of the content is performed in the same manner as, for example, S113 in FIG. 5A or S215 in FIG. 5B, but at this time, a lottery is held for the content that is selected, and time information related to the time when the content is selected is stored in the acquired content information in association with each content ID information. According to FIG. 5D, processor 111 refers to the user management table and reads out the acquired content information of each user (S411). Then, processor 111 calculates the time that has elapsed from the time specified by the time information stored as the acquired content information to the present time for each content ID information stored in the acquired content information. Processor 111 determines whether there is any content for which the calculated time exceeds a predetermined time (for example, 24 hours) (S412). That is, processor 111 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the acquisition of the content.

[0124] If there is content that has exceeded the predetermined time, processor 111 refers to the content management table based on the content ID information of the content, and reads out conversion information (S413). Processor 111 refers to the user management table based on the user ID information of the user whose content ID information is stored as acquired content information, and reads out second virtual medium information and point information. Processor 111 converts the content specified by the conversion information into each medium such as the second virtual medium and points based on the type and amount of the virtual medium to be converted. The process related to the conversion is performed in the same manner as S414 in Fig. 6C, and the added amount of each medium is stored in the user management table as second virtual medium information and point information.

[0125] Next, processor 111 generates notification information based on the processes performed in S411 to S414 (S415). Specifically, processor 111 generates notification information including information that a predetermined time has passed since the content was acquired, the amount of the second virtual medium and points converted by the content, and the amount of the second virtual medium and points currently owned as a result of the conversion.

[0126] Then, the processor 111 transmits the generated notification information to the terminal device 200 that transmitted the selection results information via the communication interface 113 (S416). This ends the processing flow.

[0127] In this way, when a predetermined time (e.g., 24 hours) has passed since the content was acquired, the content is automatically converted into a medium corresponding to the content, thereby making it possible to increase the circulation of the content and to prevent users from putting off the decision to dispose of the content.

[0128] In Fig. 5D, when a predetermined time has elapsed, the content is converted to a second virtual medium, but a gift corresponding to the content may be acquired. In Fig. 5D, the predetermined time is set to, for example, 24 hours, but it is also possible to set any other time, such as 12 hours or one week.

[0129] Also, the time for automatic conversion or gift acquisition may be arbitrarily set according to the rarity of the acquired content. For example, processor 111 can set the time used for determination in the process related to S412 in Fig. 5D to a longer time for content with high rarity, and set the same time to a shorter time for content with low rarity. In this way, the user can have more time to consider disposing of content with high rarity.

[0130] In addition, although the predetermined time is determined using a time set in advance by the service provider, the time may be determined using a time arbitrarily selected by the user. For example, the processor 111 sets an arbitrary time selected in advance by accepting an operational input from the user as the time to be used for the determination in S412 of Fig. 5D, and determines whether or not to automatically process using the time. In this manner, flexible processing can be performed for each user.

[0131] (2) Receiving gifts 4 and 6C, a case has been described in which a user acquires a gift by sending it via any delivery method such as home delivery or mailing, etc. However, instead of or in addition to this, various methods can be used, such as sending a gift such as an article through an EC site, sending the gift as digital data, providing a token issued on a blockchain corresponding to the gift, etc.

[0132] The embodiment and each modification of the present disclosure are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiment and each modification can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. The embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0133] The processes and procedures described in this disclosure can be realized not only by those explicitly described in the embodiments, but also by software, hardware, or a combination of these. Specifically, the processes and procedures described in this disclosure can be realized by implementing logic corresponding to the processes in a medium such as an integrated circuit, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical storage. In addition, the processes and procedures described in this disclosure can be implemented as computer programs and executed by various computers including a processing device and a server device.

[0134] Even if the processes and procedures described in this disclosure are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, multiple software, multiple components, and / or multiple modules. In addition, even if the various information described in this disclosure is described as being stored in a single memory or storage unit, such information may be stored in multiple memories provided in a single device or multiple memories distributed and arranged in multiple devices. Furthermore, the software and hardware elements described in this disclosure may be realized by integrating them into fewer components or breaking them down into more components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1 Processing System 100 Server device 200 Terminal Equipment

Claims

1. A processing device comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor: granting a first virtual medium to the user according to an amount of legal tender determined based on an operation input received from the user; holding a lottery event for drawing one or more pieces of content by consuming at least one of the first virtual medium and a second virtual medium different from the first virtual medium that is provided due to the user's behavior; selecting at least one of consuming the first virtual medium to obtain one or more gifts corresponding to the one or more contents won in the lottery event for the user and converting the one or more contents won in the lottery event into the second virtual medium based on an operation input received from the user; configured to perform a process for the action includes logging into a game in which the lottery event is to be held; Even if the conversion is not selected, the one or more contents are converted into the second virtual medium according to the time that has elapsed since the one or more contents were selected. Processing unit.

2. A processing device having at least one processor, the at least one processor: granting a first virtual medium to the user according to an amount of legal tender determined based on an operation input received from the user; holding a lottery event for drawing one or more pieces of content by consuming at least one of the first virtual medium and a second virtual medium different from the first virtual medium that is provided due to the user's behavior; selecting at least one of consuming the first virtual medium to obtain one or more gifts corresponding to the one or more contents won in the lottery event for the user and converting the one or more contents won in the lottery event into the second virtual medium based on an operation input received from the user; configured to perform a process for The first virtual medium and the second virtual medium are consumed with priority from the second virtual medium; Even if the conversion is not selected, the one or more contents are converted into the second virtual medium according to the time that has elapsed since the one or more contents were selected. Processing unit.

3. The processing device of claim 1 or 2, wherein when the acquisition is selected, a process is executed to ship the one or more gifts to the user.

4. The processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the conversion is selected, an amount of the second virtual medium corresponding to the one or more contents is given to the user.

5. The processing device according to claim 4 , wherein an amount of the second virtual medium given to the user is preset to a different amount for each of the one or more pieces of content.

6. The processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the action includes logging in to a game in which the lottery event is held.

7. The processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second virtual medium is granted as a result of logging in to a game in which the lottery event is executed, or as a result of winning one or more pieces of content in a lottery event held by the login.

8. The processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the second virtual medium is acquired in an amount that differs depending on a rank associated with the user.

9. The processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the first virtual medium and the second virtual medium are consumed with priority given to the second virtual medium.

10. The processing device according to claim 5 , wherein when a preset amount of the second virtual medium satisfies a predetermined condition, the gift can be acquired without consuming the first virtual medium.

11. When executed by at least one processor, granting a first virtual medium to the user according to an amount of legal tender determined based on an operation input received from the user; holding a lottery event for drawing one or more pieces of content by consuming at least one of the first virtual medium and a second virtual medium different from the first virtual medium that is provided due to the user's behavior; selecting at least one of consuming the first virtual medium to obtain one or more gifts corresponding to the one or more contents won in the lottery event for the user and converting the one or more contents won in the lottery event into the second virtual medium based on an operation input received from the user; and causing the at least one processor to function so as to the action includes logging into a game in which the lottery event is to be held; Even if the conversion is not selected, the one or more contents are converted into the second virtual medium according to the time that has elapsed since the one or more contents were selected. Processing program.

12. When executed by at least one processor, granting a first virtual medium to the user according to an amount of legal tender determined based on an operation input received from the user; holding a lottery event for drawing one or more pieces of content by consuming at least one of the first virtual medium and a second virtual medium different from the first virtual medium that is provided due to the user's behavior; selecting at least one of consuming the first virtual medium to obtain one or more gifts corresponding to the one or more contents won in the lottery event for the user and converting the one or more contents won in the lottery event into the second virtual medium based on an operation input received from the user; and causing the at least one processor to function so as to The first virtual medium and the second virtual medium are consumed with priority from the second virtual medium; Even if the conversion is not selected, the one or more contents are converted into the second virtual medium according to the time that has elapsed since the one or more contents were selected. Processing program.

13. A method of processing executed by at least one processor, comprising: providing a first virtual medium to the user in accordance with an amount of legal tender determined based on an operation input received from the user; Implementing a lottery event to select one or more contents by consuming at least one of the first virtual medium and a second virtual medium different from the first virtual medium that is provided due to the user's behavior; selecting at least one of consuming the first virtual medium to obtain one or more gifts corresponding to the one or more contents won in the lottery event and converting the one or more contents won in the lottery event into the second virtual medium based on an operation input received from the user; Including, the action includes logging into a game in which the lottery event is to be held; Even if the conversion is not selected, the one or more contents are converted into the second virtual medium according to the time that has elapsed since the one or more contents were selected. Processing methods.

14. A method of processing executed by at least one processor, comprising: providing a first virtual medium to the user in accordance with an amount of legal tender determined based on an operation input received from the user; Implementing a lottery event to select one or more contents by consuming at least one of the first virtual medium and a second virtual medium different from the first virtual medium that is provided due to the user's behavior; selecting at least one of consuming the first virtual medium to obtain one or more gifts corresponding to the one or more contents won in the lottery event and converting the one or more contents won in the lottery event into the second virtual medium based on an operation input received from the user; Including, The first virtual medium and the second virtual medium are consumed with priority from the second virtual medium; Even if the conversion is not selected, the one or more contents are converted into the second virtual medium according to the time that has elapsed since the one or more contents were selected. Processing methods.

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