Program and Information Processing Apparatus

Abstract

Prevent one user from disclosing the content of an e-book that another user has not viewed to the other user. 【Solution means】A program that enables a series of multiple e-books to be viewed in one user's account and another user's account, which causes a computer to update viewing information indicating the viewing status of paid e-books and free e-books for each user's account when the paid e-books and free e-books are viewed in each user's account, respectively, and output means 25 that outputs so that the viewing status of the other user's account included in the viewing information can be confirmed in one user's account, and function as such.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, conventionally, for a plurality of serialized e-books, a technique has been known that allows free viewing of e-books from the first episode up to a predetermined number of episodes (for example, the fifth episode, etc.). Hereinafter, an e-book that can be freely viewed by a user is referred to as a "free version book", and an e-book that can be viewed by purchasing is referred to as a "paid version book".

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described conventional technology, from the perspective of one user, it is impossible to confirm whether another user has only viewed the free version book or has viewed the paid version book. Therefore, for example, there is a possibility that one user who has viewed the paid version book may convey the content of the paid version book to another user who has only viewed the free version book, that is, one user may convey the content of an e-book that the other user has not viewed to the other user.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a program and an information processing apparatus that prevent one user from conveying the content of an e-book that another user has not viewed to the other user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a program according to a first aspect of the present invention is a program that enables a plurality of serialized e-books to be browsable in the account of one user and the accounts of other users, and causes a computer to, in each user's account, when a paid version book that can be browsed by being purchased among the plurality of e-books and a free version book that can be browsed without being purchased among the plurality of e-books are each browsed, update browsing information indicating the browsing status of the paid version book and the free version book for each user's account; and output means for outputting so that the browsing status of the accounts of other users included in the browsing information can be confirmed in the account of the one user.

[0007] Further, in a second aspect of the present invention, the computer is further caused to function as association means for associating the account of the one user and the accounts of other users so that transmission and reception of character information or / and voice information are possible between the account of the one user and the accounts of other users.

[0008] Further, in a third aspect of the present invention, the other users are friend users registered by the operation of the one user.

[0009] Further, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the browsing status of the account of the one user included in the browsing information has a browsing history of the paid version book or is being browsed, and the browsing status of the accounts of other users included in the browsing information has no browsing history of the paid version book, the output means outputs so that a warning can be confirmed in the account of the one user.

[0010] Also, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the browsing status of the account of the one user included in the browsing information has a browsing history of the paid e-book, and the browsing status of the account of the other user included in the browsing information has no browsing history of the paid e-book, when the account of the other user receives the character information and / or the voice information from the account of the one user, the output means outputs so that a warning can be confirmed in the account of the other user prior to the character information or the voice information.

[0011] Also, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the setting means associates and sets one or more words related to the content with each paid e-book, and when the word is included in the character information and / or the voice information received by the account of the other user, the output means outputs so that a strong warning can be confirmed in the account of the other user prior to the character information or the voice information in a manner different from the warning.

[0012] An information processing apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that enables a plurality of serialized e-books to be browsed in an account of one user and an account of another user, and in each user's account, when a paid e-book that can be browsed by being purchased among the plurality of e-books and a free e-book that can be browsed without being purchased among the plurality of e-books are each browsed, setting means for updating browsing information indicating the browsing status of the paid e-books and the free e-books for each user's account, and output means for outputting so that the browsing status of the account of the other user included in the browsing information can be confirmed in the account of the one user.

Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent one user from conveying the content of an e-book that another user has not browsed to the other user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding of the description, the same reference numerals are given to the same components and steps in each drawing as much as possible, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0016] ===First Embodiment=== First, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0017] ≪Overall Configuration≫ FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an e - book system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the e - book system 1 includes a server device 2, a first communication terminal device 3, and a second communication terminal device 4. For convenience, hereinafter, it will be described assuming that there are two communication terminal devices, the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4, but the number of communication terminal devices may be any number as long as there are a plurality of them.

[0019] The server device 2, the first communication terminal device 3, and the second communication terminal device 4 in FIG. 1 are connected to be communicable with each other via a communication network NT such as an intranet, the Internet, or a telephone line.

[0020] The server device 2 is an information processing device that provides the results obtained by executing the e - book program 2A or a part of the e - book program 2A to the users of the respective communication terminal devices 3 and 4 via the communication network NT.

[0021] The first communication terminal device 3 is an information processing device owned by one user (operated in one user account), and the second communication terminal device 4 is an information processing device owned by another user (operated in another user account). Also, after a part of the e-book program 2A received from the server device 2 is installed in the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 respectively, by executing this, they are information processing devices that provide e-books and their related information to one user or another user. Examples of the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 include various devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, and personal computers.

[0022] The e-book program 2A enables a plurality of serialized e-books to be viewable in one user's account and another user's account. Note that "serialized" means that each e-book has the same series information as each other. Also, hereinafter, the user's account is also simply referred to as the "user account".

[0023] ≪Hardware Configuration≫ FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 2.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the server device 2 includes a control device 5, a communication device 6, and a storage device 7. The control device 5 is mainly configured to include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 5A and a memory 5B.

[0025] In the control device 5, the CPU 5A functions as various functional means by executing a predetermined program stored in the memory 5B or the storage device 7 or the like. Details of this functional means will be described later.

[0026] The communication device 6 is composed of a communication interface or the like for communicating with an external device. The communication device 6 transmits and receives various information to and from, for example, the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4.

[0027] The storage device 7 is composed of a hard disk or the like. This storage device 7 stores various programs, various information, and information on processing results necessary for the execution of processing in the control device 5, including the e-book program 2A.

[0028] Note that the server device 2 can be realized by using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. Also, the server device 2 may be composed of a single information processing device or may be composed of a plurality of information processing devices distributed on the communication network NT. Further, FIG. 2 only shows a part of the main hardware configuration of the server device 2, and the server device 2 can include other configurations generally provided in a server device.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a smartphone as the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 shown in FIG. 1.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 each include a main control unit 8, a touch panel (touch screen) 9, a camera 10A, a microphone 10B, a mobile communication unit 11, a wireless LAN communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a speaker 14.

[0031] The main control unit 8 is configured to include a CPU and a memory (both not shown) and the like. The main control unit 8 is connected to the touch panel 9 as a display input device, the camera 10A, the microphone 10B, the mobile communication unit 11, the wireless LAN communication unit 12, the storage unit 13, and the speaker 14. And the main control unit 8 has a function of controlling these connection destinations.

[0032] The touch panel 9 has both a display function and an input function, and is composed of a display 9A responsible for the display function and a touch sensor 9B responsible for the input function. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the display 9A can display various images. The touch sensor 9B can detect the input position of the user with respect to the various images.

[0033] The camera 10A has a function of shooting still images and / or moving images and storing them in the storage unit 13. The microphone 10B has a function of inputting voices and storing them in the storage unit 13.

[0034] The mobile communication unit 11 is connected to the mobile communication network via the antenna 11A and has a function of communicating with other communication terminal devices connected to the mobile communication network.

[0035] The wireless LAN communication unit 12 is connected to the communication network NT via the antenna 12A and has a function of communicating with other devices such as the server device 2 connected to the communication network NT.

[0036] The storage unit 13 stores various programs including a part of the e-book program 2A, various data, and the like.

[0037] The speaker 14 has a function of outputting various sounds.

[0038] Further, FIG. 3 only shows a part of the main hardware configurations of the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4, and the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 can be provided with other configurations generally provided in communication terminal devices such as smartphones.

[0039] Hereinafter, for convenience, it is assumed that one user operates the first communication terminal device 3 in one user account (logged in), and another user operates the second communication terminal device 4 in another user account (logged in). Also, there may be a plurality of other users and other user accounts, and further, the second communication terminal device 4 may be plural, each held by other users and other user accounts, or one second communication terminal device 4 may be lent and used by a plurality of other users and other user accounts.

[0040] ≪System Overview≫ The e - book system 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention is a system that provides e - books to a user upon an execution request (instruction) by the user. This e - book is stored as electronic data and includes books and magazines displayed on the displays 9A of the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4.

[0041] Also, this e - book system 1 may be executed based on the consumption of money by the user or the consumption of in - app currency, which is a currency that can be used within application software (hereinafter simply referred to as "app"). This in - app currency includes, for example, paid currency and free currency.

[0042] Paid currency (also called paid coins) is a charged currency that is granted to a user account based on payments such as money, prepaid cards, credit cards, electronic money, and cryptocurrency.

[0043] On the other hand, free currency (also called free coins) is a non - charged currency that is granted to a user account, for example, by executing the app of the e - book system 1. Examples of the execution of the app include the user's login. Also, free currency may be consumable without distinction from paid currency, or free currency may be used separately from paid currency. Furthermore, a process that allows only paid currency to be used may be provided.

[0044] ≪Functional means of the server device≫ FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional means of the server device 2.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, the server device 2 includes, as a functional configuration, a storage means 20, a control means 21, a setting means 22, a reception means 23, an extraction means 24, an output means 25, an association means 26, and a determination means 27.

[0046] The storage means 20 is realized by one or a plurality of storage devices 7. The functional means other than the storage means 20 is realized by the control device 5 executing an e-book program 2A stored in the storage device 7 or the like. Note that all or part of these functional configurations may be provided in the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4.

[0047] The storage means 20 has a function of storing book information 20A, user account information 20B, and the like.

[0048] The book information 20A is information on a plurality of e-books. The plurality of e-books shall include books with entertainment-related content, or / and books in which the main subject of visual information when the user views them is an image or / and a picture. Specifically, it includes comics, magazines, hobbies (games, music, etc.) and the like. The plurality of e-books may also include books with other content.

[0049] Furthermore, it is assumed that one or more groups of a plurality of serialized e-books are included in the book information 20A.

[0050] The user account information 20B is information associated with each user account for each user. This includes, for example, a user name, age, user book information, owned currency information, friend information, and the like.

[0051] The user book information is information on e-books that are linked to each user account and can be viewed in each user account. This is, for example, paid version books that each user can purchase with money or in-app currency from among the book information 20A and can be viewed in each user account, and free version books that each user can view for free in each user account without purchasing.

[0052] Note that the "viewable" state may, for example, refer to a state where the e-books included in the book information 20A are downloaded to the first communication terminal device 3 or the second communication terminal device 4 so that each user can view them. Also, this may be in a rental format with a determined viewable deadline.

[0053] Furthermore, it may be possible to view the e-books included in the book information 20A without downloading them. This may be, for example, online viewing through communication between the server device 2 and the first communication terminal device 3 or the second communication terminal device 4. Alternatively, the e-books included in the book information 20A may be stored in the cloud (not shown), and online viewing may be performed through communication between the cloud and the first communication terminal device 3 or the second communication terminal device 4.

[0054] The owned currency information includes information on in-app currency, that is, paid currency and free currency, owned by one user or other users in each user account.

[0055] The friend information includes the user accounts of users who have established a friend relationship with one user or other users (hereinafter referred to as "friend users"), and the upper limit number. This upper limit number refers to the upper limit of the number of friend users that can be set for each user. Hereinafter, it is assumed that one user and other users are friend users.

[0056] In addition, the user account information 20B further includes viewing information. The viewing information is information including the viewing status of paid and free e-books included in the user book information for each user account for all user accounts. Note that "viewing" may be synonymous with "display" of each page of the e-books by the first display means 31 or the second display means 41 described later. Specific examples of the "viewing status" will be described later.

[0057] The control means 21 is a functional means for controlling the entire system. For example, the control means 21 generates data for various screens such as a screen for displaying a list of book information 20A, accepts an operation for a user to purchase an e-book, manages each piece of information included in each user account information 20B, and performs other various controls.

[0058] Also, regarding the management of each piece of information included in each of the above-mentioned user account information 20B, for example, it includes associating e-book information with each user account, and changing and managing information regarding friend users.

[0059] The setting means 22 sets a plurality of serialized e-books by distinguishing them into paid e-books and free e-books. Preferably, the setting means 22 sets the e-books as free e-books from the first episode to a predetermined number of episodes, and sets them as paid e-books from the next episode after the predetermined number of episodes.

[0060] Also, the setting means 22 sets browsing information indicating the browsing status of paid e-books and free e-books for each user account for all user accounts.

[0061] Furthermore, when a paid e-book and a free e-book are respectively browsed in each user's account, the setting means 22 updates the browsing information at any time. Note that the browsing information may be, for example, in the form of a table.

[0062] Here, the "browsing status" may include, for example, "with browsing history (read)", "with browsing history (in progress)", "currently browsing", "without browsing history", etc. Note that "with browsing history (read)" refers to the state of having browsed to the last page, and "with browsing history (in progress)" refers to the state of having browsed to any page before the last page.

[0063] Furthermore, the setting means 22 performs friend user settings based on operations on the communication terminal devices of each user. For example, based on the settings of one user, other users are registered as friend users. Details of this friend user setting and registration will be described later. However, one user and another user do not necessarily have to be in a friend user relationship.

[0064] The reception means 23 receives the viewing status of paid books and free books. For example, in the first display means 31 or the second display means 41 described later, each time a paid book or a free book is displayed, or each time the display ends, a signal to that effect is received (received) from the first communication terminal device 3 or the second communication terminal device 4.

[0065] The extraction means 24 extracts the viewing status of each user account from the viewing information (table) generated by the setting means 22.

[0066] The determination means 27 determines the viewing status of each user account extracted by the extraction means 24.

[0067] The output means 25 outputs so that the viewing status of other user accounts included in the viewing information can be confirmed in one user account. Here, the output is, for example, transmitted to the first communication terminal device 3, and the transmitted viewing status may be displayed or / and output as sound at the first communication terminal device 3 so that one user can confirm it.

[0068] Also, when the determination result in the determination means 27 is that the viewing status of one user account included in the viewing information is "there is a viewing history of paid books" and the viewing status of other user accounts included in the viewing information is "there is no viewing history of paid books", the output means 25 may output so that a reminder can be confirmed in one user account. The reminder is displayed as a pop-up or a specific mark or output as sound at the first communication terminal device 3.

[0069] The linking means 26 links one user account with another user account so that transmission and reception of character information and / or voice information are possible between the one user account and the other user account. When one user account is linked with another user account, it is included in the friend information among the user account information in the storage means 20. That is, it is registered as a friend user. Note that another user may be registered as a friend user by an operation on the first operation means 32 of one user and control by the control means 21 based on the operation, etc.

[0070] The above operation and the above control, etc. may be such that, for example, in the server device 2 that has received an operation on the first operation means 32 of one user, a signal is transmitted to the second communication terminal device 4 by the control of the control means 21 and the output of the output means 25, and a predetermined screen is displayed on the second display means 41 based on the signal. This predetermined screen may be a screen provided with an area where the content of one user recruiting friend users is displayed.

[0071] ≪Functional means of the communication terminal device≫ FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional means of the first communication terminal device 3 operated in one user account and the second communication terminal device 4 operated in another user account.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 5, the first communication terminal device 3 includes, as a functional configuration, a first storage means 30, a first display means 31, a first operation means 32, a first communication means 33, and a first control means 34. Further, the second communication terminal device 4 includes, as a functional configuration, a second storage means 40, a second display means 41, a second operation means 42, a second communication means 43, and a second control means 44.

[0073] Hereinafter, the first storage means 30, the first display means 31, the first operation means 32, the first communication means 33, and the first control means 34, which are the functional configurations of the first communication terminal device 3, will be described. The second storage means 40, the second display means 41, the second operation means 42, the second communication means 43, and the second control means 44 will be described by respectively replacing "one user" with "another user" and "another user" with "one user" in the description of the functional configuration of the first communication terminal device 3 (however, the following "first user account information 30A" is replaced with "second user account information 30B").

[0074] The first storage means 30 is realized by the storage unit 13. The functional means other than the first storage means 30 are realized by the main control unit 8 executing a part of the e-book program 2A stored in the storage unit 13 or the like. A part of this e-book program 2A is downloaded and installed from the server device 2.

[0075] The first storage means 30 has a function of storing the first user account information 30A and the like. The first user account information 30A is each information associated with one user account. This includes, for example, the username, age, user book information, owned currency information, browsing status, friend information, etc. of one user.

[0076] The user book information is the user book information of one user account, that is, the information of each e-book that can be browsed (associated with one user account) in one user account.

[0077] The owned currency information is the information of the in-app currency owned by one user account.

[0078] The browsing status is the browsing status of the paid version books and free version books included in the user book information. As already described, the browsing status may include "browsing history available (read)", "browsing history available (in progress)", "currently browsing", "no browsing history", etc.

[0079] The friend information includes the user accounts of the friend users of a user. Preferably, the friend users further include other users.

[0080] The first control means 34 is a functional means for performing various controls including the generation of data for various screens displayed by the first display means 31.

[0081] The first display means 31 is a functional means for displaying various screens.

[0082] The first operation means 32 is a functional means for performing various operations on each screen displayed on the first display means 31.

[0083] For example, when the first display means 31 is displaying an e-book, the first operation means 32 enables operations such as turning the page of the e-book (advancing to the next page (image)), returning to the previous page (image), zooming in on the currently displayed page (image), and ending the display of the e-book.

[0084] In addition, the first operation means 32 enables operations such as purchasing a paid version book and adding it to the user book information to enable display by the first display means 31, and adding a free version book to the user book information without purchasing it to enable display by the first display means 31. Furthermore, the first operation means 32 enables various other operations.

[0085] The first communication means 33 is a functional means for performing various communications with the server device 2 and the second communication terminal device 4. Also, the first communication means 33 is a functional means for enabling communication for sending and receiving character information with the second communication terminal device 4.

[0086] Furthermore, the first communication means 33 can, for example, download an e-book from the book information 20A of the server device 2 or communicate with the server device 2 or the cloud to view the e-book online without downloading.

[0087] In addition, when the first communication means 33 displays or finishes displaying an e-book on the first display means 31, it transmits that fact to the server device 2. Further, it may be configured such that when a user performs a page-turning operation and moves to a new page, that fact is transmitted to the server device 2.

[0088] ≪Processing flow regarding update of e-book viewing status≫ An example of the processing when updating the e-book viewing status will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, it is assumed that communication is performed between the server device 2 and the first communication terminal device 3, or between the server device 2 and the second communication terminal device 4. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the case where communication is performed between the server device 2 and the first communication terminal device 3 will be described. Note that the order and content of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0089] (Step SP2) A user logs in with a user account using the first operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3. This login may be performed from a dedicated application or from a browser. After the end of step SP2, the processing proceeds to step SP4.

[0090] (Step SP4) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays a menu screen and a selection screen.

[0091] Here, FIG. 7 is an example of the menu screen 51. As shown in FIG. 7, the menu screen 51 is provided with, as an example, a category selection area 52, a series list area 53, an icon area 54, and the like.

[0092] The category selection area 52 is, for example, a strip-shaped area arranged at the upper part of the menu screen 51, and is an area where a plurality of category selection buttons 52A are provided. In FIG. 7, as an example of the category selection buttons 52A, "Original", "All", "Action", "Sports", "Romance", and "Another World" are displayed. However, this category selection area 52 may be, for example, horizontally scrollable, and further different category selection buttons 52A may be displayed.

[0093] The series list area 53 is, for example, an area arranged at the lower part of the category selection area 52 and in the center of the menu screen 51, and is an area where series display buttons 53A for displaying information about series by category are arranged.

[0094] Also, by pressing the category selection button 52A, the category of the series display buttons 53A arranged in the series list area 53 is changed. For example, when the category selection button 52A of "Action" is pressed, the category of the series display buttons 53A arranged in the series list area 53 becomes those of the action type.

[0095] Also, the series list area 53 may be, for example, vertically scrollable, and further different series display buttons 53A may be displayed within the same category.

[0096] Furthermore, the series display button 53A is a button on which information about the series is described. The said information includes a thumbnail image representing the outline of the series, the title of the series, the synopsis, the number of e-books included in the series, the number of free edition books included in the series, the number of "likes" (number of accounts), the number of bookmarks (number of people), etc.

[0097] The title of the series is, for example, the part such as "〇〇〇〇〇〇" or "△△△△△△" in FIG. 7, the synopsis is the part "………………" in FIG. 7, the number of "likes" is the number beside the good mark in FIG. 7, and the number of bookmarks in FIG. 7 is the number beside the ☆ mark.

[0098] Also, when the series display button 53A is pressed, the selection screen of FIG. 8 is displayed.

[0099] In the icon area 54, icons are arranged, and various operations can be performed by pressing these icons. For example, when the friend user icon 54A is pressed, the friend user list screen is moved to. Also, when the chat button 54B is pressed, the selection screen of the chat room is moved to. These processes will be described later or in other embodiments.

[0100] Also, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the selection screen 61. As shown in FIG. 8, in the selection screen 61, a summary area 62, a list area 63, and an icon area 54 are displayed. The summary area 62 is arranged, for example, at the upper part of the selection screen 61, and is an area provided with a thumbnail image and a title. Also, although not shown, a synopsis (summary explanation) may be provided in the summary area 62.

[0101] In the list area 63, for example, it is arranged below the summary area 62 and at the center of the selection screen 61, and is an area where a plurality of book information areas 63A are arranged. These plurality of book information areas 63A shall respectively correspond to the e-books included in the same series. However, the list area 63 may be vertically scrollable, and a book information area (not shown) corresponding to a further different e-book in the same series may be displayed.

[0102] In the book information area 63A, for example, a thumbnail image representing the summary of the e-book, the number of episodes (volumes) of the e-book, a subtitle, the number of comments, and a selection button 63B are provided.

[0103] The number of episodes of the e-book is, for example, parts such as "Episode 1" and "Episode 2" in FIG. 8, the subtitle is the part of "○○○○" in FIG. 7, and the number of "likes" is the number beside the speech bubble mark in FIG. 8.

[0104] Also, when the e - book is a paid version book, the selection button 63B may be labeled "Paid", and when it is a free version book, the selection button 63B may be labeled "Free".

[0105] Returning to FIG. 6, after the end of step SP4, the process proceeds to step SP6.

[0106] (Step SP6) A user presses the selection button 63B using the first operation means 32. The information of the pressed selection button 63B is transmitted to the server device 2. After the end of step SP6, the process proceeds to steps SP8 and SP10.

[0107] (Step SP8) The process branches depending on whether the selection button 63B pressed by a user is a selection button for a paid version book. If it is a paid version book, the process proceeds to step SP16, and if it is a free version book, the process proceeds to step SP28.

[0108] (Step SP10) The process branches depending on whether the selection button 63B pressed by a user is a selection button for a paid version book. If it is a paid version book, the process proceeds to step SP12, and if it is a free version book, the process proceeds to step SP30.

[0109] (Step SP12) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays a purchase screen (not shown). This purchase screen is a screen for performing the purchase procedure of the paid version book of the selection button 63B pressed by a user. A purchase button (not shown) is provided on the screen. After the end of step SP12, the process proceeds to step SP14.

[0110] (Step SP14) When a user presses the purchase button with the first operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3, the information is transmitted to the server device 2, and the purchase procedure for the paid version book is carried out. After the end of step SP14, the process proceeds to step SP16.

[0111] (Step SP16) The server device 2 transmits the data of the paid version book to the first communication terminal device 3. After the end of step SP16, the process proceeds to step SP18.

[0112] (Step SP18) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays the paid version book received in step SP16 in one user account, and one user views it. Information indicating the start of the display of the paid version book and each information regarding the display of the paid version book such as page turning are transmitted to the server device 2. After the end of step SP18, the process proceeds to step SP20.

[0113] (Step SP20) The setting means 22 of the server device 2 updates the browsing status included in the browsing information stored in the storage means 20 based on each information regarding the display of the paid version book received (received) by the reception means 23.

[0114] FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of a table (browsing information) indicating the browsing status of each e-book for each user account. However, in the table of FIG. 9, "user account" is simply described as "user". In the table of FIG. 9, User A, User B, User C, User D, … shall include one user account and other user accounts (for example, User A may be considered as one user account, and the other users may be considered as other user accounts respectively. Alternatively, User A and User B may be considered as one user account each, and User C, User D, … may be considered as other user accounts respectively. Alternatively, other combinations may also be possible). Note that the table of FIG. 9 does not limit the number of user accounts.

[0115] Also, Free Edition Book A, Free Edition Book B, Paid Edition Book A, Paid Edition Book B, Paid Edition Book C, … in the table of FIG. 9 are included in a plurality of serialized e-books of the same series, and the episode numbers may be the first episode, the second episode, the third episode, the fourth episode, the fifth episode, … in order. Note that the table of FIG. 9 does not limit the number of paid edition books and the number of free edition books.

[0116] W in FIG. 9 indicates that the viewing status is with viewing history (read). This may refer to a state where the first display means 31 (the same applies to the second display means 41. The same applies hereinafter) displays up to the final page, and the first display means 31 ends the display by the operation of the first operation means 32 (the same applies to the second operation means 42. The same applies hereinafter).

[0117] X in FIG. 9 indicates that the viewing status is with viewing history (in progress). This may refer to a state where the first display means 31 displays up to a page before the final page, and the first display means 31 ends the display by the operation of the first operation means 32. Note that in the reception means 23, in addition to the information of having a viewing history (in progress), the information of the page number of the last page displayed by the first display means 31 may also be received and included in the viewing status.

[0118] Y in FIG. 9 indicates that the viewing status is currently being viewed. This may indicate a state where the first display means 31 is displaying an e-book and no end operation has been performed yet. In addition, in the reception means 23, in addition to the currently being viewed, the page number of the page currently being viewed (displayed) may be received and included in the viewing status.

[0119] Z in FIG. 9 indicates that there is no viewing history for the viewing information. This may also indicate a state where there is no history of displaying the e-book by the first display means 31.

[0120] In addition, the update of the viewing status in step SP20 refers to updating from a state other than Y to Y (currently being viewed) for the target paid e-book of the target user in the table of FIG. 9. After the end of step SP20, the process proceeds to step SP22.

[0121] (Step SP22) A user presses the end button by the first operation means 32. In addition, the end button may be provided as a part of the screen on which the paid e-book is displayed by the first display means 31. Also, the end button may always be provided regardless of the page number of the page currently being viewed (displayed). After the end of step SP22, the process proceeds to step SP24.

[0122] (Step SP24) The setting means 22 of the server device 2 updates the viewing status included in the viewing information stored in the storage means 20 based on the information on the pressing of the end button received by the reception means 23. In addition, this update refers to updating from the state of Y (currently being viewed) to the state of X or W (having a viewing history) for the target paid e-book of the target user in the table of FIG. 9. After the end of step SP24, the process proceeds to step SP26.

[0123] (Step SP26) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 ends the display of the paid version book. Note that the end of the display of the paid version book may be ended by a procedure other than pressing the end button described in step SP22. Procedures other than pressing the end button include, for example, shutting down the application, closing the browser, etc. However, step SP24 and step SP26 may be in reverse order, or may be at the same timing. After the end of step SP24 and step SP26, the process ends.

[0124] (Step SP28) The server device 2 transmits the data of the free version book to the first communication terminal device 3. After the end of step SP28, the process proceeds to step SP30.

[0125] (Step SP30) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays the free version book received in step SP28 in one user account, and one user views it. Information regarding the start of the display of the free version book and various information regarding the display of the free version book such as page turning are transmitted to the server device 2. After the end of step SP30, the process proceeds to step SP32.

[0126] (Step SP32) The setting means 22 of the server device 2 updates the viewing status included in the viewing information stored in the storage means 20 based on each information regarding the display of the free version book received (received) by the reception means 23.

[0127] Note that the update of the viewing status in step SP32 refers to updating from a state other than Y to Y for the target free version book of the target user in the table of FIG. 9. After the end of step SP32, the process proceeds to step SP34.

[0128] (Step SP34) A user presses the end button by means of the first operation means 32. Note that the end button may be provided as part of the screen on which the free version book is displayed by the first display means 31. Also, the end button may always be provided regardless of what page the currently viewed (displayed) page is. After the end of step SP34, the process proceeds to step SP36.

[0129] (Step SP36) The setting means 22 of the server device 2 updates the viewing status included in the viewing information stored in the storage means 20 based on the information on the pressing of the end button received by the reception means 23. Note that this update refers to updating the status of the target free version book of the target user in the table of FIG. 9 from the Y state to the X or W state. After the end of step SP36, the process proceeds to step SP38.

[0130] (Step SP38) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 ends the display of the free version book. Note that the end of the display of the free version book may be ended by procedures other than the pressing of the end button described in step SP22. Procedures other than the pressing of the end button include, for example, shutting down the application, closing the browser, etc. However, step SP36 and step SP38 may be interchanged in order, or may be at the same timing. After the end of step SP36 and step SP38, the process ends.

[0131] ≪Processing related to the display of the friend user list≫ Hereinafter, the processing when the first communication terminal device 3 displays the friend user list screen will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the friend user list screen is a screen showing the viewing status of each friend user. Note that the order and content of the following steps can be changed as appropriate. Also, the following processing can be similarly performed in the second communication terminal device 4.

[0132] (Step SP42) A user logs in with a user account using the first operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3. This login may be performed from a dedicated application or from a browser. After the end of step SP42, the process proceeds to step SP44.

[0133] (Step SP44) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays a menu screen 51 shown as an example in FIG. 7. After the end of step SP44, the process proceeds to step SP46.

[0134] (Step SP46) A user requests the display of a friend user list screen. This is performed, for example, by pressing the friend user icon 54A on the menu screen 51 using the first operation means 32. The display request is sent to the server device 2. After the end of step SP46, the process proceeds to step SP48.

[0135] (Step SP48) The setting means 22 of the server device 2 acquires the user accounts of each friend user associated with a user from the user account information 20B stored in the storage means 20. After the end of step SP48, the process proceeds to step SP50.

[0136] (Step SP50) The setting means 22 of the server device 2 acquires various information of each friend user in step SP48. The various information includes, for example, the user name, icon, and whether the friend user is logged in or not of the friend user. Further, the extraction means 24 of the server device 2 extracts the browsing status of each friend user. Further, the determination means 27 determines the browsing status of the user account of each extracted friend user. After the end of step SP50, the process proceeds to step SP52.

[0137] (Step SP52) The output means 25 of the server device 2 transmits to the first communication terminal device 3 the various information of each friend user acquired by the setting means 22, the browsing status by the extraction means 24, and the determination result by the determination means 27. After the end of step SP52, the process proceeds to step SP54.

[0138] (Step SP54) The first control means 34 of the first communication terminal device 3 generates data of the friend user list screen based on the various information and browsing status of the friend user received from the server device 2. After the end of step SP54, the process proceeds to step SP56.

[0139] (Step SP56) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays the friend user list screen. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the friend user list screen 71. As shown in FIG. 11, the friend user list screen 71 is provided with, for example, a friend user information area 72 corresponding to each friend user, an icon area 54, and the like.

[0140] In the friend user information area 72, there are provided the user name of the friend user, the icon of the friend user, a round mark whose color changes depending on whether the friend user is logged in or logged out and is placed at the corner of the icon, and a description indicating the browsing status of the user account of the friend user.

[0141] In particular, regarding the description indicating the browsing status of friend users, for example, when a certain friend user is logged out, for the e-book that the user last browsed, it may be expressed as words indicating the title of the e-book, the number of episodes (volumes), having a browsing history (finished reading), having a browsing history (in the middle), etc.

[0142] Also, in the friend user information area 72, when the determination result in the determination means 27 is that for a series in which a paid version book has been browsed (there is a browsing history of the paid version book) in one user account, while the friend user account, that is, another user account, has only browsed free version books (there is no browsing history of the paid version book), a caution mark 72A is further provided in the friend user information area 72. The caution mark 72A is a mark that calls attention to one user. However, in one user account, it is only necessary to be able to grasp the browsing status of at least other user accounts, and the caution mark 72A may be omitted. After the end of step SP56, the process ends.

[0143] ≪Effect≫ The program according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a program that enables a plurality of serialized e-books to be browsed in one user's account and other users' accounts, and causes a computer to function as setting means 22 for updating browsing information indicating the browsing status of paid version books and free version books for each user account when the paid version books that can be browsed by purchasing among the plurality of e-books and the free version books that can be browsed without purchasing among the plurality of e-books are respectively browsed in each user's account, and output means 25 for outputting so that the browsing status of other user accounts included in the browsing information can be confirmed in one user's account.

[0144] According to this configuration, for a plurality of serialized e-books, one user can check whether other users are only viewing free e-books or also viewing paid e-books. By doing so, it is possible to prevent one user from disclosing the content of paid e-books to other users when the other users are not viewing them.

[0145] Also, in the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the computer is further caused to function as linking means 26 for linking the account of one user and the account of the other user so that transmission and reception of character information or / and voice information are possible between the account of one user and the account of the other user.

[0146] According to this configuration, by enabling information exchange regarding e-books through transmission and reception of character information (so-called chat) or transmission and reception of voice information (so-called voice chat) between one user and another user, convenience is improved, and it is possible to prevent one user from disclosing the content of paid e-books that the other user has not viewed to the other user. Therefore, each user can exchange information without anxiety.

[0147] Also, in the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the other user may be a friend user registered by the operation of one user. Alternatively, the other user may be a user participating in a specific bulletin board. Alternatively, the other user may be a user included in the user list even in a temporary group, such as a user who has temporarily participated in a certain chat room.

[0148] According to this configuration, when one user and another user are in a friend relationship, information exchange between one user and the other user becomes possible, so each user can be encouraged to register friend users.

[0149] Also, in the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the browsing status of one user's account included in the browsing information has a browsing history of a paid book and the browsing status of other users' accounts included in the browsing information has no browsing history of a paid book, the output means 25 outputs so that a warning can be confirmed in the account of the one user.

[0150] According to this configuration, by outputting a warning when one user views a paid book, it is possible to prevent the content from being conveyed to other users who have not viewed the paid book.

[0151] ===Second Embodiment=== Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0152] In the second embodiment of the present invention, it is different from the first embodiment in that a warning is given when one user is "viewing a paid book". In the following description, points overlapping with the configuration and functions of the e-book system 1 according to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0153] ≪Functional Configuration of Server Device≫ The output means 25 in the second embodiment of the present invention outputs so that a warning can be confirmed in the account of one user when the determination result of the determination means 27 is that the browsing status of one user's account included in the browsing information is "viewing a paid book" and the browsing status of other users' accounts included in the browsing information is "no browsing history of a paid book".

[0154] ≪Flow of Processing When Giving a Warning≫ Hereinafter, the flow of processing when giving a warning to one user will be described with reference to FIG. 12. Also, the order and content of the following steps can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, in the following steps, the description starts from the state where the selection screen 61 is displayed, omitting the login and the display of the menu screen 51 and the selection screen 61. Also, the following step SP62 corresponds to step SP6 in FIG. 6, step SP64 corresponds to step SP18 in FIG. 6, steps SP66 and SP68 may be performed in parallel with step SP20 in FIG. 6, and steps SP70 and SP72 are to be performed between step SP18 and step SP22 in FIG. 6.

[0155] (Step SP62) A user presses a selection button 63B (a button marked as "paid") for a paid version book on the selection screen 61 using the first operation means 32. Information on the pressed selection button 63B is transmitted to the server device 2. After the end of step SP62, the process proceeds to step P64.

[0156] (Step SP64) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays the paid version book corresponding to the selection button pressed in step SP62 in one user account, and one user views it. After the end of step SP64, the process proceeds to step P66.

[0157] (Step SP66) The extraction means 24 of the server device 2 extracts the viewing status of each friend user associated with one user. Also, the determination means 27 determines the viewing status of the user accounts of the extracted friend users (in the same series as the paid version book viewed by one user). Furthermore, the setting means 22 of the server device 2 acquires various information of the user accounts whose extracted viewing status is "no viewing history of paid version books" (or only viewing free version books). The various information includes at least the user names of the friend users (and may include the icons and login status of the user accounts).

[0158] Note that the determination result of one user account by the determination means 27 in step SP66 is "currently browsing". Also, assume that the determination results of other user accounts are "no browsing history of paid books". After the end of step SP66, the process proceeds to step P68.

[0159] (Step SP68) The output means 25 of the server device 2 transmits various information of each friend user account acquired by the setting means 22 to the first communication terminal device 3 as a reminder. Note that "reminder" means to inform the existence of a user who has not viewed a paid book in a series of paid books being viewed by one user. After the end of step SP68, the process proceeds to step P70.

[0160] (Step SP70) The first control means 34 of the first communication terminal device 3 generates data for the reminder area based on various information of the (non-viewed paid book) friend user account received from the server device 2. After the end of step SP70, the process proceeds to step P72.

[0161] (Step SP72) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays the reminder area while displaying the paid book.

[0162] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen 81 of a paid book. As shown in FIG. 13, the display screen 81 is provided with, for example, a page display area 82, a reminder area 83, and an icon area 54.

[0163] In the page display area 82 shown as an example in FIG. 13, pages of a paid book are displayed. The page display area 82 can be scrolled forward or backward by, for example, clicking or swiping with the first operation means 32.

[0164] The attention - calling area 83 is an area that displays the user names of user accounts (for example, other user accounts) that have not viewed the paid - edition books. Alternatively, although not shown in the figure, the attention - calling area 83 may display the icon of the user account and the login status together with the user name. After the end of step SP72, the process ends.

[0165] That is, in the first embodiment of the present invention, attention - calling is performed by displaying the attention - calling mark 72A. On the other hand, in the second embodiment of the present invention, when a user is viewing a paid - edition book, an attention - calling area 83 for displaying information of other users who have not viewed the paid - edition book is provided on the display screen 81 of the paid - edition book to perform attention - calling.

[0166] ≪Effect≫ In the program according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the viewing status of the account of one user included in the viewing information is viewing a paid - edition book and the viewing status of the accounts of other users included in the viewing information is no viewing history of the paid - edition book, the output means 25 outputs so that attention - calling can be confirmed in the account of the one user.

[0167] According to this configuration, by outputting attention - calling when a user views a paid - edition book, it is possible to prevent the content from being conveyed to other users who have not viewed the paid - edition book.

[0168] ===Third Embodiment=== Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0169] In the third embodiment of the present invention, when transmitting character information from one user account to another user account that is a friend user, it is different from the first and second embodiments in terms of performing attention - calling to other users. In the following description, points overlapping with the configuration and functions of the electronic book system 1 according to the first or second embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0170] <<Functional Configuration of Server Device>> In addition to the functions described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the setting means 22 associates and sets one or more words related to the content (hereinafter also referred to as "specific words") with each paid book. Further, in addition to the functions described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the determination means 27 determines whether or not a specific word is included in character information (hereinafter also referred to as a "message") received by another user account.

[0171] In addition to the functions described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the output means 25 outputs such that when the determination result regarding the browsing status of each user by the determination means 27 indicates that the browsing status of one user account included in the browsing information has a browsing history of a paid book and the browsing status of another user account included in the browsing information has no browsing history of a paid book, when the other user account receives character information from the account of the one user, a first alert can be confirmed by the other user account prior to the character information.

[0172] Furthermore, when the determination result regarding the specific word by the determination means 27 is an affirmative determination, it is preferable that the output means 25 outputs such that a strong second alert different from the first alert can be confirmed by another user account.

[0173] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 have been described as being able to communicate with each other. However, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 are assumed to be able to communicate via the server device 2.

[0174] <<Flow of Processing When Issuing an Alert>> The processing when issuing an alert will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 14. Note that the order and content of the following steps can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, in the following, the processing for displaying the login and menu screen 51 will be omitted, and the explanation will start from the state where the menu screen 51 shown in FIG. 7 is already displayed.

[0175] (Step SP82) A user presses the chat button 54B in the icon area 54 below the menu screen 51 using the first operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3. After the end of step SP82, the process proceeds to step SP84.

[0176] (Step SP84) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays a chat room selection screen. FIG. 15 is an example of a chat room selection screen 91. As shown in FIG. 15, the selection screen 91 is provided with a chat room information area 92, a room creation button 93, and an icon area 54.

[0177] One or more are arranged in the chat room information area 92. When a certain number or more are present, for example, the chat room information area 92 hidden by vertical scrolling may be scrolled through. In addition, the chat room information area 92 is provided with a chat room name, chat room information, and a decision button 92A. Note that the chat room name is the part of "○○○○ Room", "△△ Room", "××× Group" in FIG. 15.

[0178] The chat room information is the part of "…………………" in FIG. 15, and for example, it may be the presentation of e-books to be the topic of the chat {such as the title of the series and the number of episodes (volumes)}, the number of participants for each chat room, etc.

[0179] The decision button 92A is a button displayed as "JOIN" as an example in FIG. 15. By pressing the decision button 92A, it is possible to move to the chat room screen.

[0180] Also, the room creation button 93 is a button arranged below the chat room information area 92. When this button is pressed, a screen for creating a new chat room can be generated (not shown in the figure). When creating a chat room, the chat room name and the information of the chat room described above are input. Returning to FIG. 14, after the end of step SP84, the process proceeds to step SP86.

[0181] (Step SP86) A user presses the decision button 92A provided in the chat room information area 92 of the chat room they want to enter. After the end of step SP86, the process proceeds to step SP88.

[0182] (Step SP88) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays a chat room screen. On the chat room screen, character information (so-called chat) transmitted and received between one user account (the first communication terminal device 3) and other user accounts (the second communication terminal device 4) is displayed so as to be sequentially added in real time. However, the number of user accounts that transmit and receive character information on the chat room screen may be three or more. After the end of step SP88, the process proceeds to step SP90.

[0183] (Step SP90) A user inputs a message using the first operation means 32, and this is transmitted to the second communication terminal device 4 via the server device 2. After the end of step SP90, the process proceeds to step SP92.

[0184] (Step SP92) When the server device 2 receives a message from the first communication terminal device 3, the extraction means 24 of the server device 2 extracts the browsing status of one user account from the browsing information in the storage means 20. After the end of step SP92, the process proceeds to step SP94.

[0185] (Step SP94) The determination means 27 of the server device 2 determines the browsing status of one user account extracted in step SP92. After the end of step SP94, the process proceeds to step SP96.

[0186] (Step SP96) The subsequent process branches according to the determination result of the determination means 27 in step SP94. That is, when the determination means 27 determines (positive determination) that one user account has viewed a paid version book (finished reading or partway through), the process proceeds to step SP98, and when it determines (negative determination) that the user has not viewed a paid version book, the process proceeds to step SP116. However, for this paid version book, there are often multiple in the same series, but if any one of them has been viewed, it is a positive determination.

[0187] (Step SP98) The extraction means 24 of the server device 2 extracts the browsing status of other user accounts. Here, other users are the users who are the recipients of the messages of one user. After the end of step SP98, the process proceeds to step SP100.

[0188] (Step SP100) The determination means 27 of the server device 2 determines the browsing status of other user accounts extracted in step SP98. After the end of step SP100, the process proceeds to step SP102.

[0189] (Step SP102) The subsequent processing branches according to the determination result of the determination means 27 in step SP94. That is, when the setting means 22 determines that another user account has viewed a paid book (finished reading or partway through), the processing proceeds to step SP98. When it is determined that no paid book has been viewed, the processing proceeds to step SP116. However, as explained in step SP96, if there are multiple paid books in the same series, a positive determination is made if any one of them has been viewed.

[0190] (Step SP104) The determination means 27 of the server device 2 determines the chat content received from the first communication terminal device 3 in step SP90, that is, the message sent by one user. After the end of step SP104, the processing proceeds to step SP106.

[0191] (Step SP106) The subsequent processing branches according to the determination result of the determination means 27 in step SP104. That is, when the setting means 22 determines (positive determination) that a specific word is included in the message sent by one user, the processing proceeds to step SP112. When it is determined (negative determination) that the specific word is not included, the processing proceeds to step SP108.

[0192] (Step SP108) The setting means 22 of the server device 2 generates a first warning. This first warning is, for example, characters indicating that the content of a paid book that has not been viewed by other users may be included in the message received from the first communication terminal device 3. After the end of step SP108, the processing proceeds to step SP110.

[0193] (Step SP110) The output means 25 of the server device 2 transmits the message received from the first communication terminal device 3 and the first warning generated by the setting means 22 to the second communication terminal device 4. After the end of step SP110, the process proceeds to step SP112.

[0194] (Step SP112) The setting means 22 of the server device 2 generates a second alert. This second alert is, for example, characters indicating that the content of a paid book that has not been viewed by other users is likely to be included in the message received from the first communication terminal device 3. The second alert is in a different form from the first alert and has stronger content. After the end of step SP112, the process proceeds to step SP114.

[0195] (Step SP114) The output means 25 of the server device 2 transmits the message received from the first communication terminal device 3 and the second alert generated by the setting means 22 to the second communication terminal device 4. After the end of step SP114, the process proceeds to step SP116.

[0196] (Step SP116) The output means 25 of the server device 2 transmits the message received from the first communication terminal device 3 to the second communication terminal device 4. After the end of step SP116, the process proceeds to step SP118.

[0197] (Step SP118) In this step, it is assumed that another user account has already logged in and the second display means 41 is displaying the menu screen 51 shown in FIG. 7. Another user presses the chat button 54B in the icon area 54 at the bottom of the menu screen 51 using the second operation means 42. After the end of step SP118, the process proceeds to step SP120.

[0198] (Step SP120) The second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 displays the chat room selection screen 91 shown in FIG. 15. After the end of step SP120, the process proceeds to step SP122.

[0199] (Step SP122) Press the decision button 92A provided in the chat room information area 92 of the chat room (here, assume it is the chat room described from step SP84 to step SP88) that another user wants to enter. After the end of step SP122, the process proceeds to step SP124.

[0200] (Step SP124) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays a chat room screen. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a chat room screen 101 displayed on the second communication terminal device 4. However, FIG. 16 takes the case of receiving "Message and First Alert" from the server device 2 as an example.

[0201] As shown in FIG. 16, the chat room screen 101 displays the history of message transmission and reception between a plurality of friend users.

[0202] Specifically, the icon 102 of the other user himself / herself is displayed in the upper left, and in the speech bubble area 103 next to it, the message sent by the other user himself / herself in the chat room is described. Also, the icons 104 of the friend users of the other user are displayed on the right side, and in the speech bubble area 105 next to it, the messages sent by the friend users in the chat room are described.

[0203] When receiving "Message and First Alert" from the server device 2, an alert area 106 is arranged so as to cover the speech bubble area in which the message from one user is described, next to the icon 104A of one user. As a result, the message cannot be seen.

[0204] In the attention - arousal area 106, a first attention - arousal is displayed. This may be, for example, text such as "! Attention! There is a possibility of spoiler". Further, in the attention - arousal area 106, a permission button 106A marked with "OK" is provided. When the permission button 106A is pressed, the attention - arousal area 106 disappears, and a message from one user becomes visible.

[0205] In addition, when a second attention - arousal is received (when the determination means 27 makes a negative determination in step SP106), a second attention - arousal (for example, text such as "! Caution! High possibility of spoiler") is displayed in the attention - arousal area 106. After the end of step SP124, the process ends.

[0206] In addition, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the chat room has been described, but instead, it may be a bulletin board.

[0207] ≪Effect≫ In the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, when the viewing status of the account of one user included in the viewing information is that there is a viewing history of a paid - version book, and the viewing status of the accounts of other users included in the viewing information is that there is no viewing history of a paid - version book, when the account of another user receives character information from the account of one user, the output means 25 outputs so that an attention - arousal (first attention - arousal or second attention - arousal) can be confirmed in the account of another user prior to the character information.

[0208] According to this configuration, when another user who has not viewed a paid - version book receives character information from one user who has viewed a paid - version book, an attention - arousal is given to the other user, so that it is possible to more reliably prevent one user from conveying the content of the paid - version book to another user.

[0209] Further, in the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the setting means 22 associates and sets one or more words related to the content to each paid edition book, and the output means 25 outputs, when the character information received by the account of another user contains a word, in a manner different from the attention call, so that a strong attention call can be confirmed prior to the character information in the account of the other user.

[0210] According to this configuration, when another user who has not viewed the paid edition book receives character information from one user who is viewing the paid edition book and the character information contains a word (specific word) related to the content of the paid edition book, a strong attention call is made to the other user, so that it is possible to more reliably prevent one user from conveying the content of the paid edition book to the other user.

[0211] ===Modification Example=== Note that the present invention is not limited to the above specific examples. That is, those obtained by appropriately making design changes to the above specific examples by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. In addition, each element included in the above-described embodiments and the modification examples described later can be combined as long as it is technically possible, and those obtained by combining these are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

[0212] For example, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the transmission of character information has been described. However, the first communication means 33 and the second communication means 43 may be configured to transmit and receive voice information (so-called voice chat) input by their respective microphones 10B in addition to character information. In this case, the voice information transmitted and received between each other is output by the speaker 14. Note that the first communication means 33 and the second communication means 43 may be configured to transmit and receive video information and voice information (so-called video chat) input by their respective cameras 10A and microphones 10B. In this case, the video information and voice information transmitted and received between each other are output by the display 9A and the speaker 14. Furthermore, the first communication means 33 and the second communication means 43 may be configured to be able to transmit and receive still image information input by each camera 10A. In this case, the still image information transmitted and received between them is output on the display 9A in real time.

[0213] Also, in the third embodiment of the present invention, when the output means 25 receives character information from one user account to another user account, the output means 25 outputs so that a warning (first warning or second warning) can be confirmed in the other user account prior to the character information. However, not limited to character information, a warning may be output in the same manner when voice information is received.

[0214] In the third embodiment of the present invention, for steps SP96 and SP102, the determination means 27 makes each determination as to whether one user account or another user account has viewed a paid version book. When there are multiple paid version books within the same series, if any one of them has been viewed, it is a positive determination. However, instead of such processing, it may be determined whether another user has viewed a paid version book with the same or a newer episode number as the paid version book viewed by one user. In the case of a positive determination, the process proceeds to step SP116, and in the case of a negative determination, the process proceeds to SP104.

[0215] In the third embodiment of the present invention, it has been described that the determination means 27 determines whether a specific word is included in the message. Instead of this, using AI (artificial intelligence), it may be determined whether the message is information similar to a spoiler of a paid version book as context (whether the content of the paid version book is included). Furthermore, various forms of warnings may be generated using generative AI.

[0216] Also, in each embodiment of the present invention, the process of giving a warning has been described. As a modification example, for example, in the chat room screen 101 (see FIG. 16) or a bulletin board screen (not shown), by displaying the browsing status of other users participating in the chat room or bulletin board respectively, a warning may be given.

[0217] Also, in each embodiment of the present invention, among a plurality of e-books included in the same series, processing such as giving a warning according to the browsing status of one user and the browsing status of other users has been performed by distinguishing between free e-books and paid e-books. However, instead, in a plurality of e-books included in the same series, when the latest episode (latest volume) viewed by one user is a newer episode number than the latest episode viewed by other users, a warning may be given. The method of giving a warning is as described in each embodiment. Also, it is only necessary to be able to grasp the browsing status of other users without giving a warning. For example, in FIG. 11, the warning mark 72A may not be displayed. Further, when determining whether or not it has been viewed, it may be regarded as having been viewed in the case of having a browsing history (read).

[0218] Also, the paid e-books in each embodiment may be changed to original works, and the free e-books may be changed to derivative works of the original works. Alternatively, the paid e-books may be changed to derivative works, and the free e-books may be changed to original works.

[0219] Also, in each embodiment, a distinction has been made between free e-books and paid e-books for each episode number (volume number). Instead, within one episode number, it may be distinguished into free pages that can be viewed without purchase and paid pages that can be viewed by purchasing. For example, the first few pages may be free pages, and the subsequent pages may be paid pages.

[0220] In each embodiment, for convenience, a plurality of user accounts are distinguished into one user account and other user accounts, and a plurality of communication terminal devices are distinguished into a first communication terminal device 3 and a second communication terminal device 4 for explanation. However, these do not distinguish specific user accounts or specific communication terminal devices. Therefore, the user account described as another user account can be one user account, and the communication terminal device described as the second communication terminal device 4 can be one communication terminal device 3. Furthermore, for each e-book, the relationship between one user account and other user accounts may be reversed, and the relationship between the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 may also be reversed.

[0221] In the present invention, in addition to the configurations described in each embodiment, control means for generating a screen provided with one or more questions regarding the display of an e-book (for example, the e-book included in the book information 20A) may be provided in the server device 2 or / and the communication terminal devices 3 and 4. Further, at the time of the first access of each user (the first login by each user account), the screen may be displayed on the display means 31 and 41, respectively. In this case, each user can answer the question using the operation means 32 and 42, respectively. Also, the data of the question may be provided in the storage means 20 or / and the storage means 30. And, according to the answer results of each user to the question, setting means for setting each configuration of the screen respectively displayed by the display means 31 and 41 may be provided in the server device 2 or / and the communication terminal devices 3 and 4. Note that each configuration of the screen is, for example, the direction of scrolling (vertical scrolling, horizontal scrolling), and the genre or direction of the e-books to be recommended (prioritizing those that can be viewed without consuming paid currency, prioritizing specific works), etc. Also, the above question may be such that each user can skip it using the operation means 32 and 42, respectively. Furthermore, each configuration of the screen set by each user at the time of the first access may be re-set after the next access. With the above configuration, a screen that matches the user's preferences can be displayed, improving convenience, and thus the service continuation rate can be increased.

[0222] In addition, in the present invention, in addition to the configurations described in each embodiment, the server device 2 or / and the communication terminal devices 3, 4 may be provided with control means for generating a screen of game elements such as quizzes or / and polls regarding the content of the electronic book. Further, the screens may be respectively displayed on the display means 31, 41. The quiz or / and poll may be, for example, "What is the popular manga work in which the protagonist does 〇〇?" or "What was the line the protagonist said to the enemy after fighting 〇〇?" etc. In this case, each user may answer the quiz or / and the poll using the operation means 32, 42. Also, the data of the quiz and / or the poll may be provided in the storage means 20 or / and the storage means 30. Furthermore, in this case, a reward may be given to the user account of the user who answered the quiz and the poll. The reward may be free currency, artwork related to the electronic book, a badge, or a virtual trading card, etc. With the above configuration, it is possible to deepen the user's understanding of the content of the electronic book or to arouse the user's interest in the content.

[0223] Also, points or title levels that change each time a single user purchases an electronic book may be provided. Furthermore, points or title levels that change each time a single user presses the "like" button for comments of other users, etc. may be provided. Furthermore, a badge may be given each time a single user answers or gets a correct answer to a specific quiz.

[0224] In the present invention, the server device 2 and / or the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 may be provided with a control means for setting various achievements. Furthermore, the control means may generate a screen for displaying each achievement and whether or not the achievement has been achieved. Furthermore, the screen may be displayed on the display means 31 and 41, respectively. Also, various types of achievements may be provided, and each time a user achieves an achievement, a different reward may be given. In addition, the types of achievements are preferably those related to each user's behavior with respect to e-books, such as the number of correct answers or accuracy rate of a quiz, the number of comments posted about e-books, the amount of support given to the author of the e-book, and the length of time for which a user has subscribed to a particular e-book.

[0225] In addition, in the present invention, the control means may generate a screen on which friend users can "like" an e-book and on which comments from friend users (comments entered by operating the operating means 42) are displayed in real time. Then, the screen may be displayed on the display means 31 and 41, respectively. Furthermore, the control means may provide an information column indicating the popularity of an electronic book, such as "Popular work" or "Number of views exceeds XXX" for each electronic book, on the above-mentioned screen based on the viewing status (display status) of each electronic book. In addition, "based on the viewing status (display status)" may mean, for example, when the cumulative number of views (number of displays) reaches a predetermined number, when the cumulative number reaches a predetermined number within a certain period of time, or when the cumulative number reaches a predetermined number among the target user's friend users. The control means may also enable each user to recommend a particular electronic book to friend users. Furthermore, when a friend user who has received an e-book recommendation from a user purchases the e-book, the user who made the recommendation may be able to receive a reward. With the above configuration, it is possible to improve the interest when the user participates with a friend user and views an e-book.

[0226] Also, in the present invention, in a state where each user is viewing an e-book, that is, in a state where each display means 31, 41 is displaying an e-book, by operating the operation means 32, 42, it may be possible to move an icon on the screen or make a marking on the screen.

[0227] Further, in the present invention, based on the browsing status, chat, voice chat, etc. history of each user, for each e-book, the most exciting page (image) is extracted, and control means for setting a screen for digest display of each e-book may be provided. Then, the screen may be displayed on the display means 31, 41, respectively.

[0228] Also, in the present invention, in addition to the configuration described in each embodiment, in a state where each user is viewing an e-book, that is, in a state where each display means 31, 41 is displaying the e-book, each user can expand a portion (that is, a part of the screen of the e-book) designated by the operation means 32, 42 (by tapping or the like) (however, while the user is operating the operation means 32, 42). Further, in that case, the displayed screen may be displayed at a position that does not cover the hand or finger of the user operating the operation means 32, 42. Further, when the operation of the operation means 32, 42 is stopped (when the hand or finger is released), it may return to the original state. Further, the magnification ratio may be set by the user. Furthermore, for each page of the e-book, metadata such as frame arrangement and the position of the dialogue may be stored in the storage means 20 or / and the storage means 30, dynamically analyzed by the control means, and in the control means, the location to be expanded may be adjusted according to the metadata and the tap position of the user. With the above configuration, it is possible to easily switch between viewing the whole and the details, and provide a comfortable viewing experience.

[0229] In addition, in the present invention, the text of the series summary may be dynamically generated according to the user's reading progress or browsing status (display status). Further, the text may be stored in the storage means 20 or / and the storage means 30. Alternatively, the storage means 20 or / and the storage means 30 may store the sentences (for example, the sentences associated with each episode) that are the source of the text, and the control means may dynamically generate the text by combining them according to the reading progress or browsing status (display status). For example, for a certain e-book, if the target user has never browsed it, the above text may describe the overall summary of the work. If the user has finished browsing up to the 10th episode, the above text may be the summary up to the 10th episode and the content introducing the 11th episode and subsequent episodes. With the above-described configuration, it is possible to provide the user with text according to the degree of understanding of the e-book rather than uniform text, which can promote the browsing and purchase of e-books. Further, even if the period since the user's previous browsing has become long, the user can read the summary up to the previous browsing point, which serves as a motivation to resume browsing, and thus an improvement in the return rate can be expected.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0230] 22: Setting means, 25: Output means, 26: Association means

Claims

1. A program that allows a plurality of serialized e-books to be viewed under one user's account and another user's account, Computer, a setting means for updating viewing information indicating viewing status of paid books and free books for each user's account when paid books that can be viewed by purchasing and free books that can be viewed without purchasing are viewed, respectively, among the plurality of electronic books; an output means for outputting the browsing information included in the browsing status of the account of the one user so that the browsing status of the account of the other user can be confirmed in the account of the one user; A program that functions as a

2. The computer, and further functioning as a linking means for linking the account of the one user with the account of the other user so as to enable transmission and reception of text information and / or audio information between the account of the one user and the account of the other user. The program according to claim 1.

3. the other user is a friend user registered by an operation of the one user; The program according to claim 2.

4. When the browsing status of the account of the one user included in the browsing information indicates that the paid-version book has been browsed or is currently being browsed, and the browsing status of the account of the other user included in the browsing information indicates that the paid-version book has not been browsed, the output means outputs a warning so that the warning can be confirmed in the account of the one user. The program according to claim 1.

5. When the browsing status of the account of the one user included in the browsing information indicates that there is a browsing history of the paid version book, and the browsing status of the account of the other user included in the browsing information indicates that there is no browsing history of the paid version book, when the account of the other user receives the text information and / or the audio information from the account of the one user, the output means outputs a warning so that the warning can be confirmed in the account of the other user before the text information or the audio information. The program according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The setting means sets each paid book by linking it with one or more words related to the contents of the paid book; When the word is included in the character information and / or the audio information received by the account of the other user, the output means outputs a strong warning in a manner different from the warning so that the strong warning can be confirmed before the character information or the audio information in the account of the other user. The program according to claim 5.

7. An information processing device that allows a plurality of serialized electronic books to be viewed under a user's account and under another user's account, a setting means for updating viewing information indicating viewing status of the paid version books and the free version books for each user's account when a paid version book that can be viewed by purchasing one of the plurality of electronic books and a free version book that can be viewed without purchasing one of the plurality of electronic books are viewed in each user's account; an output means for outputting the browsing information so that the browsing status of the account of the other user included in the browsing information can be confirmed in the account of the one user; An information processing device comprising:

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