Program and information processing apparatus

Abstract

By suppressing the illegal uploading of e-books, the dignity of the author is protected while ensuring the author's interests. 【Solution means】 A program that makes a selected e-book among one or more e-books stored in the server device 2 viewable in the account of one user, causing a computer to display the e-book in a first display means 31 that enables it to be viewable in the account of one user, a permission means 22 that permits viewing of the e-book in the accounts of one or more other users while the first display means 31 is displaying the e-book, a second display means 41 that enables the e-book to be displayed viewably in the accounts of other users when permitted by the permission means 22, and a restriction means 23 that sets a predetermined restriction when the permission means 22 permits, and functions as such.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a function of browsing and purchasing e-books using a communication terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet has been known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a user views an e-book, there is a desire to suppress the purchase cost. However, the conventional technology as disclosed in Patent Document 1 above cannot meet such a desire. As a result, illegal uploading of e-books has become rampant on the Internet, and problems have arisen in that the dignity and interests of the author are damaged.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a program and an information processing apparatus that protect the dignity of the author while suppressing illegal uploading of e-books and ensuring the interests of the author.

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 makes a single e-book selected in a single user's account viewable in the single user's account from among one or more e-books stored in a server device, and causes a computer to function as: first display means capable of displaying the single e-book so as to be viewable in the single user's account; permission means for permitting viewing of the single e-book in the accounts of one or more other users while the first display means is displaying the single e-book; second display means capable of displaying the single e-book so as to be viewable in the accounts of the other users when permitted by the permission means; and restriction means for providing a predetermined restriction when the permission means permits.

[0007] Further, in a second aspect of the present invention, the e-book includes entertainment content.

[0008] Further, in a third aspect of the present invention, the computer is further caused to function as recruitment means for recruiting the accounts of the other users who are permitted by the permission means to view the single e-book while the first display means is displaying the single e-book.

[0009] Further, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, the computer is further caused to function as communication means capable of performing communication for transmitting and receiving character information and / or voice information between a first communication terminal device on which the single e-book is displayed by the first display means and a second communication terminal device on which the single e-book is displayed by the second display means in a state where the first display means and the second display means are displaying the single e-book.

[0010] Further, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, the permission means permits viewing of the single e-book for a plurality of the accounts of the other users while the first display means is displaying the single e-book.

[0011] Further, in the sixth aspect of the present invention, the computer is further caused to function as a first operation means that enables a page turning operation and a page turning back operation of the one e - book only in the account of the one user in a state where the first display means and the second display means are displaying the one e - book.

[0012] Further, in the seventh aspect of the present invention, the computer, in a state where the first display means and the second display means are displaying the one e - book, has a storage means for storing a browsing status, a determination means for determining whether or not the one e - book has been browsed up to the last page based on the browsing status stored in the storage means, and when the determination means makes an affirmative determination, a second operation means that enables a page turning operation and a page turning back operation of the one e - book in the account of the other user.

[0013] An information processing apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that enables a one e - book selected in the account of a one user to be browsed in the account of the one user from one or more e - books stored in a server apparatus, and has a first display means capable of displaying the one e - book on a first communication terminal device so as to be browsable in the account of the one user, a permission means for permitting the one e - book to be browsed in the accounts of one or more other users while the first display means is displaying the one e - book, a second display means capable of displaying the one e - book so as to be browsable in the accounts of the other users when permitted by the permission means, and a restriction means for providing a predetermined restriction when the permission means permits.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, by suppressing illegal uploads of e - books, it is possible to protect the dignity of the author while ensuring the author's interests.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding 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.

[0017] ===First Embodiment=== First, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0018] ≪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.

[0019] 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. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the communication terminal devices are described as two, namely 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 each communication terminal device 3, 4 via the communication network NT.

[0022] Each communication terminal device 3, 4 is an information processing device owned by each user. After a part of the electronic book program 2A received from the server device 2 is installed and executed, it is an information processing device that provides each user with an electronic book and its related information. Examples of these communication terminal devices 3, 4 include various devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, and personal computers.

[0023] The electronic book program 2A enables the user to view the electronic book selected by the user from among one or more electronic books stored in the server device 2 in the user's account (hereinafter referred to as the "user account").

[0024] <<Hardware Configuration>> Figure 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 2.

[0025] As shown in Figure 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 composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 5A and a memory 5B.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 communication terminal devices 3, 4.

[0028] 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 electronic book program 2A.

[0029] Note that the server device 2 can be implemented using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. Further, 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. Also, 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 that servers generally have.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a smartphone as the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 shown in FIG. 1.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The camera 10A has a function of taking a still image or / and a moving image and storing it in the storage unit 13. The microphone 10B has a function of inputting sound and storing it in the storage unit 13.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The storage unit 13 stores various programs including a part of the e-book program 2A, and various data and the like.

[0038] The speaker 14 has a function of outputting various sounds.

[0039] Also, FIG. 3 only shows a part of the main hardware configuration of the communication terminal devices 3 and 4, and the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 can be provided with other configurations generally provided in communication terminal devices such as smartphones.

[0040] In the following, for convenience, it is assumed that one user operates the first communication terminal device 3 in one user account, and another user operates the second communication terminal device 4 in another user account.

[0041] ≪System Overview≫ The e-book system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a system that provides an e-book to a user in response to an execution request (instruction) by the user. This e-book includes books and magazines stored as electronic data and displayed on the displays 9A of the communication terminal devices 3 and 4.

[0042] Also, this e-book system 1 may be executed based on the consumption of in-app currency that can be used within application software (hereinafter simply referred to as "app") by the user. This in-app currency includes, for example, paid currency and free currency.

[0043] A paid currency (also referred to as a paid coin) 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.

[0044] On the other hand, a free currency (also referred to as a free coin) is a non-charged currency that is granted to a user account, for example, by executing application software (hereinafter referred to as an "app") of the e-book system 1. Examples of executing the app include a user logging in. Also, the free currency can be consumed without distinction from the paid currency. Alternatively, the free currency may be used separately from the paid currency. Furthermore, a process that allows only the paid currency to be used may be provided.

[0045] ≪Functional Means of Server Device≫ FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional means of the server device 2.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the server device 2 includes, as a functional configuration, a server storage means 20, a control means 21, a permission means 22, a restriction means 23, a determination means 24, a recruitment means 25, and a server communication means 26.

[0047] The server storage means 20 is realized by one or more storage devices 7. The functional means other than the server storage means 20 are realized by the control device 5 executing the 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 communication terminal devices 3 and 4.

[0048] The server storage means 20 has a function of storing book information 20A, user account information 20B, and the like.

[0049] The book information 20A is information on one or more e-books. The one or more e-books shall include books with entertainment content, or / and books where the main 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. Also, the one or more e-books may include books with other content.

[0050] The user account information 20B is the information associated with each user account ID of each user. This includes, for example, the user's name, age, user book information, owned currency information, viewing information, friend information, etc.

[0051] The user book information is the information on the e-books that can be viewed in each user account. This is, for example, the books owned in the user account by the user purchasing from the book information 20A with in-app currency. Furthermore, for example, under certain conditions, it may be something owned in the user account without the user purchasing it. Note that the "viewable" state refers to the state where the information of the e-book is associated with the user account ID.

[0052] Also, regarding the above "ownership", for example, it may refer to the state where each user can view by downloading the e-books included in the book information 20A to the communication terminal devices 3, 4. Also, regarding the above "ownership", it may be in a rental format with a determined ownership period.

[0053] Furthermore, the e-books included in the book information 20A may be viewable without being owned in the user account. This may be, for example, online viewing by communicating with the server device 2, or online viewing by storing the e-books included in the book information 20A in the cloud (not shown) and communicating with the cloud.

[0054] The owned currency information includes the in-app currency that the user owns in the user account, that is, the information on paid currency and free currency.

[0055] The browsing information includes, for each e-book included in the user's book information for each user account, the browsing status, that is, information such as whether there is a browsing history, the progress of browsing, whether browsing has ended, or whether the user is currently browsing. Note that this browsing status may be the display status of the display means 31 and 41 described later.

[0056] The friend information includes the user accounts of users who have established a friendship relationship with the user (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.

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

[0058] Regarding the management of each piece of information included in each of the above-mentioned user account information 20B, for example, it manages e-books that permit browsing by each user, and changes and manages information regarding friend users.

[0059] The permission means 22 is a functional means for permitting one or more (for example, a plurality of) other user accounts to browse the one e-book while the first display means 31 described later is displaying the one e-book. Note that "permitting browsing" refers to processing such as associating the information of the e-book with the user account ID.

[0060] In addition, information indicating that the first display means 31 is displaying one e-book is received by the server communication means 26 described later from the first communication terminal device 3. Furthermore, in other user accounts permitted by the permission means 22, the one e-book can be browsed together with the one user account.

[0061] Note that the above "one e-book" shall be included in the user books that can be viewed by one user account. Further, examples of the above "other user accounts" include, for example, the friend users of one user, etc.

[0062] Furthermore, regarding the above "permission", it is preferable that, among a plurality of pages or images included in one e-book, the same page or image as the page or image currently displayed by the first display means 31 is permitted to be viewed by other user accounts.

[0063] The restriction means 23 is a functional means for providing a first predetermined restriction when the permission means 22 permits as described above.

[0064] Regarding this first predetermined restriction, the number of times of permission or the time of permission for other user accounts may be restricted per first predetermined time interval (for example, "up to five times a day", "up to two hours a day", etc.). Alternatively, the permission means 22 may restrict the number of other user accounts permitted per first predetermined time interval or per one e-book (for example, "up to ten people a day", "up to five people per one e-book", etc.).

[0065] The determination means 24 is a functional means for determining, based on the viewing status stored in the server storage means 20, whether or not one user has viewed up to the last page of one e-book (whether or not the first display means 31 described later has displayed up to the last page of one e-book).

[0066] The recruitment means 25 is a functional means for recruiting other user accounts that are permitted by the permission means 22 to view one e-book while the first display means 31 described later is displaying one e-book. Regarding this recruitment, for example, it may be made known to all the friend users of one user that one user is viewing one e-book, that is, in a state where one e-book can be viewed together with one user.

[0067] The server communication means 26 is a functional means for transmitting and receiving each information with each communication terminal device 3, 4.

[0068] <<Functional means of communication terminal device>> FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional means of the communication terminal devices 3, 4. As already described, it is assumed that one user operates the first communication terminal device 3 in one user account, and another user operates the second communication terminal device 4 in another user account.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 5, the first communication terminal device 3 functionally includes a first terminal storage means 30, a first display means 31, a first operation means 32, and a first terminal communication means 33. Further, the second communication terminal device 4 functionally includes a second terminal storage means 40, a second display means 41, a second operation means 42, and a second terminal communication means 43.

[0070] The terminal storage means 30, 40 is realized by the storage unit 13. The functional means other than the terminal storage means 30, 40 is realized by the main control unit 8 executing a part of the electronic book program 2A stored in the storage unit 13 or the like. A part of this electronic book program 2A is downloaded and installed from the server device 2.

[0071] The first terminal storage means 30 has a function of storing first user account information 30A and the like. The first user account information 30A is each information associated with one user account ID. This includes, for example, the name, age, user book information, owned currency information, browsing information, friend information, etc. of one user.

[0072] The user book information is the user book information of one user account, that is, the information of the electronic books that can be browsed in one user account.

[0073] The owned currency information is the information of the in-app currency owned by one user account.

[0074] The browsing information includes information on the browsing status of a single user for each e-book included in the user's book information of a single user account.

[0075] The friend information includes the user accounts of the friend users of a single user. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the friend users are assumed to include other users.

[0076] The point information includes points associated with a single user account. The title level information includes the title level associated with a single user account.

[0077] The first display means 31 is a functional means for displaying various screens. For example, it can display a single e-book included in the user's book information so that it can be browsed in a single user account, display a screen for listing the book information 20A (i.e., a screen related to the purchase of e-books), display a screen for listing the user's book information of a single user account, and display each screen on which various information included in the other user account information 30A is described.

[0078] The first operation means 32 is a functional means for performing various operations on each screen displayed by the first display means 31.

[0079] The first operation means 32 enables, for example, a page forward (advance to the next image) operation, a page back (return to the previous image) operation, a zoom operation on the currently displayed image (page), etc. of the single e-book when the first display means 31 is displaying the single e-book. Also, the first operation means 32 enables a page forward operation, a page back operation, a zoom operation, etc. of the single e-book even when the first display means 31 and the second display means 41 are displaying the single e-book together.

[0080] In addition, the first operation means 32 enables an operation of purchasing one e-book in a screen that lists the book information 20A displayed on the first display means 31 and adding it to the user book information, and an operation of adding it to the user book information without purchasing one e-book under certain conditions. Further, the first operation means 32 enables an operation of selecting one e-book to be viewed by one user from among the screens that list the user book information displayed on the first display means 31.

[0081] The first terminal communication means 33 (communication means) is a functional means for performing various communications with the server device 2 and the second communication terminal device 4.

[0082] The first terminal communication means 33 can, for example, download one e-book from the book information 20A of the server device 2, or communicate with the server device 2 or the cloud to view one e-book online without downloading it. Further, when the first terminal communication means 33 displays one e-book on the first display means 31, it transmits that fact to the server device 2.

[0083] Furthermore, the first terminal communication means 33 enables communication for transmitting and receiving character information or / and voice information between the second communication terminal device 4 on which one e-book is displayed by the second display means 41 and the first display means 31 and the second display means 41 while one e-book is being displayed.

[0084] In addition, the second terminal storage means 40, the second display means 41, the second operation means 42, and the second terminal communication means 43 are partially different from the first terminal storage means 30, the first display means 31, the first operation means 32, and the first terminal communication means 33 due to different user accounts. Hereinafter, the different parts will be mainly described.

[0085] The second terminal storage means 40 has a function of storing second user account information 40A and the like. The second user account information 40A is each information associated with another user account ID. This includes, for example, the name, age, user book information, owned currency information, browsing information, friend information, etc. of another user.

[0086] The second display means 41 can display a screen for notifying the recruitment by the recruitment means 25 by the operation of the second operation means 42. This screen will be described later. Also, when the permission means 22 permits another user account to view an e-book together with one user account, the second display means 41 is a functional means that can display the e-book so that it can be viewed in the other user account.

[0087] The second operation means 42 is a functional means for performing various operations on each screen displayed on the second display means 41. For example, when the screen for notifying the above-mentioned recruitment is displayed on the second display means 41, the second operation means 42 can apply to view an e-book together with one user account.

[0088] However, when the above application is permitted by the permission means 22 and the first display means 31 and the second display means 41 are displaying an e-book, the page turning operation and page back operation of the e-book shall be disabled (however, a zoom operation may be enabled).

[0089] The second terminal communication means 43 (communication means) is a functional means that enables communication for transmitting and receiving character information or / and voice information between the first communication terminal device 3 on which the first display means 31 displays an e-book and the second display means 41 in a state where the first display means 31 and the second display means 41 are displaying an e-book.

[0090] ≪Flow of processing≫ FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when one user and another user view an e-book together in the e-book system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, it is assumed that there is one second communication terminal device 4, but there may be a plurality of second communication terminal devices 4. Also, the order and content of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0091] (Step SP1) One user purchases one e-book from the book information 20A stored in the server storage means 20 by the first operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3. After the end of step SP1, the process proceeds to step SP2.

[0092] (Step SP2) The display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays one e-book, and one user views it. This viewing status is transmitted from the first terminal communication means 33 to the server communication means 26 of the server device 2. Also, it is assumed that this viewing status is maintained until the process of step SP9 described later is performed. After the end of step SP2, the process proceeds to step SP3.

[0093] (Step SP3) The recruitment means 25 of the server device 2 recruits other user accounts to view together with one user account for one e-book. This recruitment is implemented, for example, by displaying a list screen as shown in FIG. 7 on the second display means 41 of a plurality of second communication terminal devices 4, or by pop-up notification.

[0094] Here, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen 51 of one e-book for recruiting friend users to view together with one user. The list screen 51 may be displayed on the second display means 41 when another user operates it using the second operation means 42 of the second communication terminal device 4, for example.

[0095] In the list screen 51, there are a first area 52 where thumbnail images of e-books for recruiting friend users to view together with one user are displayed, a second area 53 where simple information (title and volume number) of the e-books is displayed, a third area 54 indicating the number of people currently viewing, and a button (button labeled "Join") 55 for applying for friend users, which are provided respectively for each e-book.

[0096] In addition, in the third area 54, the upper limit number of friend users who can view together with the host one user is also displayed. For example, when it is displayed as "3 / 5 people" as shown in FIG. 7, "3" indicates the number of friend users currently viewing together with the one user, and "5" indicates the upper limit number of friend users who can view together with the one user. Note that these numbers may include the host one user. After the end of step SP3, the process proceeds to step SP4.

[0097] (Step SP4) Another user clicks the button 55 on the list screen 51 shown in FIG. 7 by the second operation means 42 of the second communication terminal device 4 to apply for viewing an e-book. However, if the number of friend users currently viewing with the one user has already reached the upper limit, the application shall not be possible. After the end of step SP4, the process proceeds to step SP5.

[0098] (Step SP5) The server communication means 26 of the server device 2 notifies the first communication terminal device 3 of a part (such as name) of the information of the other user account applied for in step SP5. After the end of step SP5, the process proceeds to step SP6.

[0099] (Step SP6) One user decides to view an e-book together with the other user account that has applied by the operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3. Also, information about the decision is transmitted to the server device 2. After the end of step SP6, the process proceeds to step SP7.

[0100] (Step SP7) The permission means 22 of the server device 2 permits another user account to view an electronic book together with one user. However, this permission is only valid while the first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 is displaying the electronic book. After the end of step SP7, the process proceeds to step SP8.

[0101] (Step SP8) Another user views an electronic book together with one user. That is, while the first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 is displaying an electronic book so that one user account can view it, the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 displays the same electronic book so that another user account can view it.

[0102] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 display an electronic book together (at the same timing).

[0103] As shown in FIG. 8, the first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 and the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 are displaying the same image (page) 61 of the same electronic book. This electronic book is the one for which the button 55 was clicked on the list screen 51 of FIG. 6.

[0104] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 and the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 display a chat bar 62 below the image 61.

[0105] The chat column 62 displays character information (so-called chat) transmitted and received between the first terminal communication means 33 of the first communication terminal device 3 and the second terminal communication means 43 of the second communication terminal device 4. Note that the chat transmitted and received between them shall be displayed in the chat column 62 in real time.

[0106] In addition to character information, the first terminal communication means 33 and the second terminal communication means 43 can transmit and receive voice information input by their respective microphones 10B (so-called voice chat). The voice information transmitted and received between them is output by the speaker 14 in real time. Note that the first terminal communication means 33 and the second terminal communication means 43 may be able to transmit and receive video information and voice information input by their respective cameras 10A and microphones 10B (so-called video chat). The video information and voice information transmitted and received between them are output by the display 9A and the speaker 14 in real time. Furthermore, the first terminal communication means 33 and the second terminal communication means 43 may be able to transmit and receive still image information input by their respective cameras 10A. The still image information transmitted and received between them is output by the display 9A in real time. After the end of step SP8, the process proceeds to step SP9.

[0107] (Step SP9) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 finishes displaying one e-book, and one user finishes browsing the one e-book. After the end of step SP9, the process proceeds to step SP10.

[0108] (Step SP10) When one user who is the host user finishes browsing, the permission means 22 of the server device 2 prohibits the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 from displaying one e-book. After the end of step SP10, the process proceeds to step SP11.

[0109] (Step SP11) The second communication terminal device 4 prohibits viewing by the second user of a single e - book. Specifically, the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 stops displaying the e - book, and other users end their viewing. After the end of step SP11, the process ends.

[0110] <<Effect>> As described above, the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a program that makes a single e - book selected in the account of a single user viewable in the account of the single user from among one or more e - books stored in the server device 2, and causes a computer to function as: a first display means 31 capable of displaying a single e - book viewably in the account of a single user; a permission means 22 that permits viewing of the single e - book in the accounts of one or more other users while the first display means 31 is displaying the single e - book; a second display means 41 capable of displaying the single e - book viewably in the accounts of other users when permitted by the permission means 22; and a restriction means 23 that provides a predetermined restriction (a first predetermined restriction) when the permission means 22 permits.

[0111] According to this configuration, since other users can view together a single e - book purchased by a single user, the demand for illegal uploading can be suppressed. Thereby, the dignity of the author of the e - book can be protected. Also, by providing a predetermined restriction for viewing together, the interests of the author can be ensured.

[0112] Also, in the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the e - book includes entertainment - related content.

[0113] According to this configuration, it becomes easier to liven up when viewed by a plurality of users.

[0114] Also, the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention further functions to cause a computer to serve as a recruitment means 25 for recruiting accounts of other users who are permitted by the permission means 22 to view a single e-book while the first display means 31 is displaying the single e-book.

[0115] According to this configuration, the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be widely spread.

[0116] Also, the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention further functions to cause a computer to serve as a communication means (terminal communication means 33, 34) that enables communication for transmitting and receiving character information and / or voice information between a first communication terminal device 3 on which a single e-book is displayed by the first display means 31 and a second communication terminal device 4 on which the single e-book is displayed by the second display means 41 in a state where the first display means 31 and the second display means 41 are displaying the single e-book.

[0117] According to this configuration, since users can talk about their feelings and thoughts about the e-book being viewed between one user and other users, it can become more lively.

[0118] Also, in the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the permission means 22 permits a plurality of other users to view a single e-book while the first display means 31 is displaying the single e-book.

[0119] According to this configuration, since there are multiple other users viewing the e-book together with one user, it can become more lively.

[0120] Also, the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention further functions to cause a computer to serve as a first operation means 32 that enables page turning operations and page back operations of a single e-book only in the account of one user in a state where the first display means 31 and the second display means 41 are displaying the single e-book.

[0121] According to this configuration, by enabling only one user to perform page forward and page back operations, the convenience for one user is improved, and the motivation for one user to purchase e-books can be enhanced.

[0122] Also, the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to function as a storage means (server storage means 20) for storing browsing status, a determination means 24 for determining whether or not the final page of one e-book has been browsed based on the browsing status stored in the storage means, and when the determination means 24 makes an affirmative determination, a second operation means 42 for enabling page forward and page back operations of one e-book in the account of another user, in a state where the first display means 31 and the second display means 41 are displaying one e-book.

[0123] According to this configuration, for an e-book that has been browsed to the end, other users can also perform page forward and page back operations, so the convenience for other users is improved.

[0124] The information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that makes one e-book selected in the account of one user viewable in the account of one user from one or more e-books stored in the server apparatus 2, and includes a first display means 31 capable of displaying one e-book on the first communication terminal device 3 so as to be viewable in the account of one user, a permission means 22 for permitting one e-book to be browsed in the accounts of one or more other users while the first display means 31 is displaying one e-book, a second display means 41 capable of displaying one e-book so as to be viewable in the accounts of other users when permitted by the permission means 22, and a restriction means 23 for providing a predetermined restriction when the permission means 22 permits.

[0125] According to this configuration, since other users can view the e-books purchased by one user together, the demand for illegal uploading can be suppressed. Thereby, the dignity of the e-book author can be protected. Also, by setting a predetermined limit for viewing together, the author's interests can be guaranteed.

[0126] ===Second Embodiment=== Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0127] In the second embodiment of the present invention, it is different from the first embodiment in that one user does not view e-books with other users together, but one user lends e-books to other users. 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.

[0128] In the second embodiment of the present invention, one e-book that has become viewable in one user account by purchasing it from one or more e-books stored in the server device 72 is referred to as a "purchased e-book".

[0129] ≪Functional Means of Server Device≫ FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional means of the server device 72.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 9, the server device 72 includes, as a functional configuration, a server storage means 20, a control means 21, a permission means 82, a restriction means 83, a recruitment means 85, and a server communication means 26. Among these, the control means 21 and the server communication means 26 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0131] The permission means 82 is a functional means that permits viewing of the purchased books in another user account (from a single user account) and makes it impossible to view the purchased books in a single user account during the permitted period. That is, the permission means 82 performs a process of lending the purchased books from a single user account to another user account. Note that this period is hereinafter referred to as the "lending period."

[0132] Also, the above "lending" may refer to, for example, a process of releasing the association of the information of the purchased books from a single user account ID and associating the information of the purchased books with another user account ID. Alternatively, without releasing the association of the information of the purchased books from a single user account ID, it may be to prohibit the display process of the purchased books by the first display means 31 (output the prohibiting signal from the server device 72 to the first communication terminal device 3), or other processes may be used.

[0133] Furthermore, after the end of the lending period of the purchased books, the permission means 82 makes it impossible to continuously view the purchased books in another user account and enables viewing of the purchased books in a single user's account.

[0134] Furthermore, when there are a plurality of purchased books in a single user account, during the lending period in which the permission means 82 permits viewing of one of the purchased books in another user account, it is possible to permit viewing of the other purchased books in a user account other than the other user account.

[0135] The restriction means 83 provides a second predetermined restriction regarding the permission by the permission means 82 to permit viewing of the other purchased books in a user account other than the other user account during a second predetermined period in which the permission means 82 permits viewing of one of the purchased books in another user's account.

[0136] Regarding the second predetermined restriction, it may be to limit the number of times of lending out purchased books to other user accounts or the number of user accounts that can lend out books per second predetermined time interval (for example, "up to 15 times per month", "up to 10 people per month", etc.).

[0137] Also, the restricting means 83 changes the second predetermined restriction according to the release time of the purchased book. For example, a purchased book that has just been released (i.e., a new release) may have a heavier second predetermined restriction than other purchased books (for example, up to 5 people within one month from the release).

[0138] The recruiting means 85 is a functional means for recruiting other user accounts that wish to borrow the purchased books of one user account. Regarding this recruitment, for example, it may be to notify all the friend users of one user that the purchased book is being lent out. Also, it may be possible to switch whether to conduct recruitment for each purchased book according to the operation of the first operation means 32 described later.

[0139] ≪Functional means of the communication terminal device≫ In the second embodiment of the present invention, the first operation means 32 (see FIG. 5) enables the lending period to be determined in one user account.

[0140] Also, the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 operated in another user account (see FIG. 5) enables the purchased book to be displayed viewable in the account of another user when the above permission is given by the permission means 82.

[0141] ≪Flow of processing≫ FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of lending a purchased book from one user to another user in the e-book system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart of FIG. 10, it is assumed that there is one second communication terminal device 4, but there may be a plurality of second communication terminal devices 4. Further, the order and content of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0142] (Step SP21) One user purchases one e-book from the book information 20A stored in the server device 2 by the first operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3. This one e-book becomes a purchased book. After the end of step SP21, the process proceeds to step SP22.

[0143] (Step SP22) The recruitment means 25 of the server device 2 recruits other user accounts that wish to borrow the purchased book. This recruitment is carried out, for example, by displaying a list screen as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 or by pop-up notification on the second display means 41 of a plurality of second communication terminal devices 4.

[0144] Here, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen 91 of friend users (including one user) of other users. The list screen 91 may be displayed on the second display means 41 when, for example, other users operate using the second operation means 42 of the second communication terminal device 4.

[0145] In the list screen 91, a button 92 for moving to a list screen 96 described later, a fourth area 93 in which a thumbnail image of one user is shown on the button 92, a fifth area 94 in which information such as the name of one user is shown, and a sixth area 95 for indicating that one user has a purchased book that can be lent are provided for each friend user (including one user).

[0146] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen 96 of purchased books of one user. At the upper part of the list screen 96, a fourth area 93 and a fifth area 94 are provided. Further below, a seventh area 97 for displaying a list of purchased books of a single user is provided. In the seventh area 97, images 98, 100, etc. of the covers of the purchased books are displayed, and it is possible to scroll to view the images of the covers of a plurality of purchased books.

[0147] For the image 98 of the cover of a purchased book that has already been lent by a single user to any other user, it is indicated that it is on loan. Further below each image 98 in the seventh area 97, an eighth area 99 with the loan period displayed is provided.

[0148] The image 100 of the cover of a purchased book in a state where a single user has not lent it to any other user, that is, in a lendable state, has the function of a button, and when another user clicks on the image 100, it is equivalent to applying to borrow the purchased book. Further below the image 100 in the seventh area 97, a ninth area 101 with the indication that it is lendable is provided. After the end of step SP22, the process proceeds to step SP23.

[0149] (Step SP23) Another user applies to borrow a purchased book by clicking on the image 100 shown in FIG. 12 using the second operation means 42 of the second communication terminal device 4. After the end of step SP23, the process proceeds to step SP24.

[0150] (Step SP24) The server communication means 26 of the server device 72 notifies the first communication terminal device 3 of the information (name, etc.) of the other user account applied for in step SP5. After the end of step SP24, the process proceeds to step SP25.

[0151] (Step SP25) One user determines, by means of the operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3, another user account that has been applied for as the lending destination of the purchased books. Further, information about the determination is transmitted to the server device 72.

[0152] However, the first communication terminal device 3 may further include, as a functional means, a determination means (not shown) that automatically determines another user account that has been applied for as the lending destination of the purchased books. Further, the determination means does not have to set conditions when determining another user account that has been applied for as the lending destination. In that case, one user account with the earliest application for each purchased book will be determined as the lending destination. After the end of step SP25, the process proceeds to step SP26.

[0153] The following steps SP26 and SP27 are processes for lending purchased books from one user account to another user account.

[0154] (Step SP26) The permission means 82 of the server device 72 makes it impossible to view the purchased books in one user account. After the end of step SP26, the process proceeds to step SP27.

[0155] (Step SP27) The permission means 82 of the server device 72 permits another user account to view the purchased books. Note that step SP26 and step SP27 may be performed simultaneously, or vice versa. After the end of step SP27, the process proceeds to step SP28.

[0156] (Step SP28) The display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 displays the purchased books borrowed, and other users can view them. Note that other users can freely view or end the viewing as many times as they like during the lending period after the end of step SP26 or step SP27. After the end of step SP28, the process proceeds to step SP29.

[0157] The following steps SP29 and SP30 are processes for returning the purchased books from another user account to one user account.

[0158] (Step SP29) The permission means 82 of the server device 72 does not permit the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 to display the purchased books. After the end of step SP29, the process proceeds to step SP30.

[0159] (Step SP30) The permission means 82 of the server device 72 permits the viewing of the purchased books for one user account. Note that step SP29 and step SP30 may be performed simultaneously, or may be performed in the reverse order. After the end of step SP30, the process proceeds to step SP31.

[0160] (Step SP31) The display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays the purchased books, and one user can view them. After the end of step SP31, the process ends.

[0161] ≪Effect≫ The program according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a program that can view the purchased e-books, which are the e-books purchased in the account of one user, from among one or more e-books stored in the server device 72. The program permits the computer to view the purchased e-books in the accounts of other users, and during the permitted period, makes it impossible to view the purchased e-books in the account of one user. The program functions as permission means 82 and display means (second display means 41). The permission means 82 permits the computer to view the purchased e-books in the accounts of other users, and when permitted by the permission means 82, enables the purchased e-books to be displayed so that they can be viewed in the accounts of other users.

[0162] According to this configuration, since e-books can be lent and borrowed between users, the demand for illegal uploading can be suppressed. Thereby, the dignity of the authors of e-books can be protected. Also, similar to lending paper books, while an e-book is lent to another person, the person who lent it cannot view it, so it is possible to prevent a decrease in the motivation of users to purchase e-books and ensure the interests of the authors.

[0163] In the program according to the second embodiment of the present invention, after the end of the above period, the permission means 82 makes it impossible to view the purchased e-books borrowed in the accounts of other users, and makes it possible to view the purchased e-books in the account of one user.

[0164] According to this configuration, by suppressing the disadvantage of the user who lent the e-book, it is possible to ensure the motivation of the user to lend the e-book.

[0165] The program according to the second embodiment of the present invention further functions as operation means (first operation means 32) that enables the computer to determine the above period in the account of one user.

[0166] According to this configuration, the convenience when lending e-books is improved.

[0167] In the program according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when there are a plurality of purchased books in the account of one user, the permission means 82 permits other users' accounts to view other purchased books during the period in which the other user's account is permitted to view one of the purchased books. The computer is further made to function as a restriction means 83 that provides a predetermined restriction (second predetermined restriction) regarding the permission means 82 permitting other users' accounts to view other purchased books during the period in which the permission means 82 permits the other user's account to view one of the purchased books.

[0168] According to this configuration, when lending a plurality of e-books to a plurality of users respectively, by providing restrictions, the interests of the author can be ensured.

[0169] In the program according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the computer is further made to function as a restriction means 83 that provides a predetermined restriction when the permission means 82 permits other users' accounts to view purchased books and changes the predetermined restriction according to the release time of the purchased books.

[0170] According to this configuration, by changing the predetermined restriction, such as making the predetermined restriction heavier for e-books that have just been released than for other e-books, the interests of the author can be ensured.

[0171] The information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is an information processing apparatus capable of browsing purchased e-books, which are e-books purchased in the account of one user, from among one or more e-books stored in the server device 72. It has permission means 82 that permits browsing of purchased e-books in the accounts of other users and makes it impossible to browse the purchased e-books in the account of one user during the period of such permission, and display means (second display means 41) that, when permitted by the permission means 82, enables the purchased e-books to be displayed so as to be browsable in the accounts of other users.

[0172] According to this configuration, since e-books can be lent and borrowed between users, the demand for illegal uploading can be suppressed. Thereby, the dignity of the authors of e-books can be protected. Also, like lending paper books, while an e-book is lent to another person, the person who lent it cannot view it, so it is possible to prevent a decrease in the willingness of users to purchase e-books and ensure the interests of the authors.

[0173] ===Third Embodiment=== Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0174] In the third embodiment of the present invention, it is different from the first and second embodiments in that when permission to view an e-book is given to another user, a reward is given to the one user. In the following description, points that overlap with the configuration and functions of the e-book system 1 according to the first or second embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0175] In the third embodiment of the present invention, one e-book selected in one user account is made viewable in the one user account from among one or more e-books stored in the server device 102.

[0176] ≪Functional Means of Server Device≫ FIG. 13 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the functional means of the server device 102.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 13, the server device 102 includes, as a functional configuration, server storage means 20, control means 21, permission means 22, restriction means 23, granting means 114, level management means 116, and server communication means 26. Among these, since the control means 21 and the server communication means 26 are the same as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0178] Also, the permission means 22 and the restriction means 23 may be replaced with the permission means 82 and the restriction means 83. Since these are the same as those in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, respectively, the description thereof is omitted.

[0179] Also, the book information 20A stored in the server storage means 20 is assumed to include other e-books related to one e-book. Here, "related" refers to, for example, a relationship in which there are multiple volumes for one work and they are included in each other, or a relationship in which one is a spin-off work (derivative work) of the other.

[0180] Also, the user account information 20B stored in the server storage means 20 is assumed to include title level information and point information in addition to the respective information described in the first embodiment.

[0181] The point information is information including points associated with each user account. The title level information is information including the title level associated with each user account. The title level varies according to the points, and preferably, the points contribute to the increase in the title level. For example, it may be assumed that the title level increases by one every time the points reach a predetermined value.

[0182] The higher the title level, the more advantageous it may be (such as being discounted or having an increased discount rate) when purchasing e-books, more free currency may be granted, and more exchange vouchers for e-books may be obtained. The display of the title level may be in words such as "beginner", "intermediate", "advanced", etc., or in numerical values such as "1", "2", "3", etc. Or it may be a combination of numerical values and words, such as "first stage", "second stage", "third stage", etc.

[0183] The granting means 114 grants a reward to one user account when the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 displays a selected e-book in one user account so that it can be viewed in another user account.

[0184] For example, when the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 displays an e-book during the display of the first display means 31 as in the first embodiment, the granting means 114 grants a reward to one user account.

[0185] Alternatively, when the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 displays an e-book of one user account, that is, a purchased e-book, as in the second embodiment, the granting means 114 may grant a reward to one user account.

[0186] Furthermore, after the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 displays as described above, when another e-book related to the one e-book is purchased in another user account, the granting means 114 may grant a reward to one user account.

[0187] The above reward may be free currency, paid currency, points, or exchange vouchers that can be exchanged for e-books for free, etc.

[0188] Alternatively, when the e-books included in the book information 20A can be purchased by consuming in-app currency, the above reward may be a right to reduce the in-app currency to be consumed when purchasing a new e-book during a third predetermined period. In this case, the e-books subject to the right may be other than the latest publications.

[0189] The level management means 116 manages the title level associated with each user account (for example, one user account). Further, as already described, the level management means 116 varies the title level according to the points given by the giving means 114. For example, the level management means 116 may increase the title level by one each time the points reach a predetermined value.

[0190] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the my page screen 120. The my page screen 120 may be displayed on the first display means 31 when, for example, one user operates it using the first operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3 (see FIG. 5 for the first display means 31 and the first operation means 32).

[0191] A part of the one user account information 30A is displayed on the my page screen 120. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, the fourth area 93 and the fifth area 94 already described are provided on the my page screen 120. Further, on the my page screen 120, a tenth area 121 showing points etc. associated with one user account, an eleventh area 122 showing exchange tickets etc., and a twelfth area 123 showing title levels etc. are provided. And although not shown, an area showing in-app currency etc. may also be provided.

[0192] ≪Functional means of the communication terminal device≫ Similar to the first embodiment, the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 according to the third embodiment of the present invention are functional means that, when the permission means 22 permits, can display one e-book so that it can be viewed in another user's account on the second display means 41.

[0193] Also, it is assumed that the user account information 30A and 40A includes the title level information and point information described above.

[0194] ≪Flow of processing≫ FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of lending a purchased book from one user to another user in an e - book system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart of FIG. 15, it is assumed that there is one second communication terminal device 4, but there may be a plurality of second communication terminal devices 4. Also, the order and content of the following steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0195] Also, in the flowchart of FIG. 15, up to step SP11 is substantially the same as the flowchart of FIG. 6. The differences are that the fact of viewing together in step SP8 and the fact of ending the viewing in step SP11 are notified to the server device 102. The description of other steps up to step SP11 is omitted.

[0196] (Step SP32) Another user purchases an e - book related to an e - book purchased by one user from the book information 20A stored in the server storage means 20 by the second operation means 42 of the second communication terminal device 4. The purchased information is transmitted from the terminal communication means 43 of the second communication terminal device 4 to the server communication means 26 of the server device 102. After the end of step SP32, the process proceeds to step SP33.

[0197] (Step SP33) The awarding means 114 awards a reward to one user account. For example, when the reward is points, it may overwrite the points associated with one user account included in the user account information 20B and transmit the information from the server communication means 26 to the first terminal communication means 33. After the end of step SP42, the process ends.

[0198] <<Effect>> The program according to the third embodiment of the present invention is a program that can view one e-book selected in one user's account from one or more e-books stored in the server device 102 in one user's account, and causes a computer to include permission means 22 (or permission means 82) for permitting viewing of one e-book in another user's account, display means (second display means 41) capable of displaying one e-book viewable in another user's account when permitted by the permission means 22 (or permission means 82), and awarding means 114 for awarding a reward to one user's account when the display means displays it.

[0199] According to this configuration, when one user allows another user to view an e-book owned by the one user, by awarding a reward to the one user, illegal uploading of e-books can be suppressed and the dignity of the e-book author can be protected.

[0200] The program according to the third embodiment of the present invention further causes a computer to function as restriction means 23 (or restriction means 83) that provides a predetermined restriction when the permission means 22 (or permission means 82) permits viewing of one e-book (or purchased e-book) in another user's account.

[0201] According to this configuration, when one user permits another user to view their own e-book, by providing a predetermined restriction, the interests of the author can be ensured.

[0202] In the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, other e-books related to one e-book are stored in the server device, and the awarding means 114 awards a reward to one user's account by having other e-books purchased in another user's account after the display means (second display means 41) displays one e-book.

[0203] According to this configuration, when another user purchases an e-book that one user has permitted to view, and then the other user purchases that e-book, a reward is given to the one user, so that the one user will preferentially permit viewing of highly interesting e-books. As a result, highly interesting e-books will become widely known, and the chance of being purchased will increase. Therefore, while protecting the dignity of the author, the interests of the author can be ensured.

[0204] In the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, one e-book can be purchased by consuming in-app currency, and the reward is the right to reduce the in-app currency to be consumed when purchasing a new e-book during a predetermined period (third predetermined period).

[0205] According to this configuration, when another user views an e-book that one user has permitted to view, the one user can purchase a new e-book at a low price. Therefore, the one user will actively permit other users to view e-books. Thus, illegal uploading of e-books can be more suppressed.

[0206] In the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that the new e-books subject to the right are other than the latest issues.

[0207] According to this configuration, by making it impossible to purchase the latest issues at a low price, the interests of the author can be ensured.

[0208] In the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the computer is further caused to function as level management means 116 that manages the level associated with the account of one user, and the reward is points that contribute to an increase in level. The higher the level, the more advantageous it is for the account of one user when purchasing the new e-books.

[0209] According to this configuration, the more times one user permits another user to view an e-book, the easier it is for the one user to purchase a new e-book. Therefore, the motivation of the one user to give such permission can be improved.

[0210] The information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention is an information processing apparatus that can view, in the account of one user, one e-book selected from one or more e-books stored in the server device 102, and includes permission means 22 (or permission means 82) for permitting another user to view the one e-book in the account of the other user, display means (second display means 41) capable of displaying the one e-book so that it can be viewed in the account of the other user when permitted by the permission means 22 (or permission means 82), and giving means 114 for giving a reward to the account of the one user when the display means displays it.

[0211] According to this configuration, when one user allows another user to view an e-book owned by the one user, by giving a reward to the one user, illegal uploading of e-books can be suppressed and the dignity of the e-book author can be protected.

[0212] ===Modification Example=== Note that the present invention is not limited to the above specific examples. That is, those in which a person skilled in the art makes appropriate design changes to the above specific examples 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 far as technically possible, and those obtained by combining them are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

[0213] For example, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the permission means 22 has been described as permitting another user to view an e-book that one user is viewing together with the one user. However, alternatively, after one user finishes viewing an e-book, another user may be permitted to view it.

[0214] In addition, in the second embodiment of the present invention, although the processing of the purchased books purchased by one user account has been described, under certain conditions, it may be owned without purchase, or may be rented.

[0215] In addition, in the third embodiment of the present invention, although it has been described that the awarding means 114 awards a reward to one user account, in addition to one user account, a reward may also be awarded to the author of the e-book permitted to be viewed by one user account.

[0216] In addition, in the third embodiment of the present invention, it has been described that when another user purchases an e-book after viewing it, the awarding means 114 awards a reward to one user. However, the awarding means 114 may award a reward to one user when the period from the end of this viewing to the purchase is within a certain period.

[0217] In addition, in the third embodiment of the present invention, after the second display means 41 displays one e-book or a purchased book as in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, when another e-book related to the one e-book or the purchased book is purchased by another user account, it has been stated that the awarding means 114 awards a reward to one user account. However, instead of another user account purchasing another e-book related to one e-book, when another e-book is displayed during the display of the first display means 31, or when borrowing another purchased book of one user account as in the second embodiment, the awarding means 114 may award a reward to one user account.

[0218] In addition, in the second embodiment of the present invention, although it has been described that there is one lending destination user account for each purchased book, it may be possible to set a plurality of lending destinations for each purchased book.

[0219] In the description using the flowcharts in each embodiment, when another user account applies for a recruitment, it is assumed that the processes of "notifying the applying user" (steps SP5 in FIGS. 6 and 15 and SP24 in FIG. 10) and "user determination" (steps SP6 in FIGS. 6 and 15 and SP25 in FIG. 10) are performed. However, these processes may be omitted. When omitting them, the permission means 22, 82 determines and performs browsing permission (and non - permission) for the applied user account.

[0220] Also, in each embodiment, for convenience, a plurality of user accounts are distinguished as one user account and other user accounts, and a plurality of communication terminal devices are distinguished as the first communication terminal device 3 and the 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 become one user account, and the communication terminal device described as the second communication terminal device 4 can become one communication terminal device 3. Furthermore, for each e - book, the relationship between one user account and other user accounts may be switched, and the relationship between the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 may also be switched.

[0221] Also, 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, 4. Further, at the first access of each user (the first login by each user account), the screen may be displayed on the display means 31, 41 respectively. In this case, each user can answer the question using the operation means 32, 42 respectively. Also, the data of the question may be provided in the server storage means 20 or / and the terminal storage means 30. And according to the answer results of each user to the question, setting means for setting each configuration of the screen subsequently displayed on the display means 31, 41 may be provided in the server device 2 or / and the communication terminal devices 3, 4. In addition, each component of the screen refers to, for example, the direction of scrolling (vertical scrolling, horizontal scrolling), and the genre or orientation of the e-books to be recommended (prioritizing those that can be viewed without consuming paid currency, prioritizing specific works), etc. Also, the above questions may be skippable by each user using the operation means 32 and 42 respectively. Furthermore, each user may be able to re-set the components of the screen set at the time of the first access after the next access and subsequent accesses. With the above configuration, a screen that suits the user's preferences can be displayed, improving convenience, and thus the continuation rate of the service can be improved.

[0222] In addition, in the present invention, in addition to the configurations described in each embodiment, control means for generating a screen of game elements such as quizzes and / or polls regarding the content of e-books may be provided in the server device 2 and / or the communication terminal devices 3 and 4. Furthermore, the screens may be respectively displayed on the display means 31 and 41. The quiz and / or poll may be, for example, "What is the popular manga work where 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 and / or the poll using the operation means 32 and 42 respectively. Also, the data of the quiz and / or poll may be provided in the server storage means 20 and / or the terminal storage means 30. Furthermore, in this case, the awarding means 114 in the third embodiment may award a reward to the user account of the user who answered the quiz and the poll. Also, the reward may be free currency, artwork related to e-books, badges, or virtual trading cards, etc. With the above configuration, it is possible to deepen the user's understanding of the content of the e-book or arouse the user's interest in the content.

[0223] In addition, in the above-described third embodiment, when another user purchases one e-book, it is assumed that the points and title levels of one user fluctuate. However, the awarding means 114 of the above-described third embodiment may award points by category. Furthermore, the level management means 116 may also manage a plurality of title levels by category. For example, in addition to the points and title levels described in the above-described third embodiment, points and title levels that fluctuate each time one user purchases an e-book may be provided. Furthermore, points, title levels, etc. that fluctuate each time one user presses the "like" button for comments, etc. of another user may be provided. Furthermore, the awarding means 114 may award a badge to one user each time the user answers or correctly answers a specific quiz, in addition to the points that contribute to the change in the title level.

[0224] In addition, in the present invention, in addition to the configurations described in each embodiment, control means for setting various achievements may be provided in the server device 2 or / and the communication terminal devices 3 and 4. Furthermore, the control means may generate a screen for displaying each achievement and the achievement or non-achievement of the achievement. Furthermore, the screen may be displayed on the display means 31 and 41, respectively. Furthermore, the awarding means 114 of the above-described third embodiment may award a reward to each user each time the user achieves an achievement. In addition, various types of achievements may be provided, and different rewards may be awarded for each. Note that as types of achievements, it is preferable that they relate to each user's actions with respect to e-books, such as the number of correct answers or the correct answer rate of quizzes, the number of comments posted about e-books, the amount of support for the author of an e-book, and the length of the period of regular subscription to a specific e-book.

[0225] In addition, in the present invention, in addition to the configurations described in each embodiment, a control means for generating a screen that allows friend users to confirm each other's access status and the e-books currently being viewed (displayed), and a screen that allows confirmation of the presence or absence of the current viewing (display) of friend users for each e-book, etc., may be provided in the server device 2 or / and the communication terminal devices 3 and 4. Furthermore, the control means may generate a screen on which a friend user can "like" an e-book or a comment from a friend user (a comment input by operating the operation means 42) is displayed in real time. And the screen may be displayed on the display means 31 and 41, respectively. Furthermore, based on the viewing status (display status) of each e-book, the control means may provide an information column indicating the popularity of the e-book, such as "Popular Work" or "Viewing Number Exceeds ○○○", for each e-book within the above-described screen. Note that "based on the viewing status (display status)" may be, for example, when the cumulative number of views (display times) reaches a predetermined number, when the cumulative number reaches a predetermined number within a certain period, or when the cumulative number reaches a predetermined number among the friend users of the target user, etc. Also, the above control means may enable each user to recommend a specific e-book to a friend user. Furthermore, when a friend user who has been recommended an e-book by a user purchases the e-book, the recommending user may be able to obtain a reward. With the above-described configuration, the user can improve the interest when viewing e-books in participation with friend users.

[0226] In addition, in the present invention, in addition to the configurations described in each embodiment, when each user is viewing an e-book, that is, when 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. Further, as in the first embodiment, even when one user and another user are viewing the same page (image) of the same e-book together, it may be possible for the one user and the other user to perform the same operation on the operation means 32, 42. With the above-described configuration, it is possible to improve the convenience when viewing an e-book and realize real-time communication between friend users.

[0227] Also, in the present invention, control means may be provided to extract the most exciting page (image) for each e-book based on the viewing status, chat, voice chat, etc. history of each user, and set a screen for digest display of this for each e-book. Then, the display means 31, 41 may display the screen respectively.

[0228] In addition, in the present invention, in addition to the configurations described in each embodiment, when each user is viewing an e-book, that is, when each display means 31, 41 is displaying the e-book, each user can enlarge a part (that is, a part of the screen of the e-book) specified by the operation means 32, 42 (by tapping or the like) (however, during the time when the user is operating the operation means 32, 42). Further, in that case, the screen being displayed may be displayed at a position that does not cover the hand or finger of the user operating the operation means 32, 42. Further, it may return to the original state when the operation of the operation means 32, 42 is stopped (when the hand or finger is released). Further, the magnification ratio may be set by the user. Furthermore, for each page of the e-book, metadata such as the arrangement of frames and the position of lines of dialogue is stored in the server storage means 20 or / and the terminal storage means 30, dynamically analyzed by the control means, and the control means may adjust the location to be enlarged according to the metadata and the user's tap position. 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, in addition to the configurations described in each embodiment, control means for generating a screen provided with a text field regarding the work description and synopsis of each e-book may be provided. Then, the screen may be displayed on the display means 31 and 41, respectively. Furthermore, the control means may dynamically generate text according to the user's reading progress or viewing status (display status). Also, the text may be stored in the server storage means 20 or / and the terminal storage means 30, or the server storage means 20 or / and the terminal storage means 30 may store the sentences that are the source of the text (for example, the sentences associated with each episode), and the control means may dynamically generate text by combining these according to the reading progress or viewing status (display status). For example, for a certain e-book, if the target user has never viewed it, the above text may be content that explains the overall outline of the work. If the user has finished viewing up to the 10th episode, the above text may be content that summarizes up to the 10th episode and introduces the 11th episode and later. With the above configuration, it is possible to provide the user with text according to the degree of understanding of the e-book rather than uniform text, and promote the viewing and purchase of e-books. Also, even if the period since the user's last viewing becomes long, the user can read the synopsis up to the place where they last viewed, which serves as a motivation to resume viewing, so an improvement in the return rate can be expected.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0230] 2: Server device, 20: Server storage means, 22: Permission means, 23: Restriction means, 24: Judgment means, 25: Recruitment means, 31: First display means, 32: First operation means, 33: First terminal communication means, 41: Second display means, 42: Second operation means, 43: Second terminal communication means

Claims

1. A program for enabling a user to read, through his / her account, one electronic book selected from one or more electronic books stored in a server device, the electronic book being selected through the user's account, the program comprising: Computer, a first display means for displaying the one electronic book so that the one electronic book can be viewed under the account of the one user; an authorization means for authorizing one or more other users to view the one electronic book under their accounts while the first display means is displaying the one electronic book; a second display means for displaying the one electronic book so as to be viewable under the account of the other user when the permission is given by the permission means; a restriction means for imposing a predetermined restriction on the permission means when the permission means gives the permission; A program that functions as a

2. The electronic book contains entertainment content. The program according to claim 1.

3. The computer, and further functioning as a solicitation means for soliciting accounts of the other users permitted to view the one electronic book by the permission means while the first display means is displaying the one electronic book.

3. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The computer, and further functioning as a communication means for enabling communication for transmitting and receiving character information and / or audio information between a first communication terminal device on which the first electronic book is displayed by the first display means and a second communication terminal device on which the second display means displays the electronic book, when the first display means and the second display means are displaying the electronic book.

3. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the permission means permits the accounts of the other users to view the one electronic book while the first display means is displaying the one electronic book; 3. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The computer, and when the first display means and the second display means are displaying the one electronic book, the display means further functions as a first operation means for enabling a page forward operation and a page back operation of the one electronic book only under the account of the one user.

3. The program according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The computer, a storage means for storing a viewing status in a state in which the first display means and the second display means are displaying the one electronic book; a determination means for determining whether or not the last page of the one electronic book has been viewed based on the viewing status stored in the storage means; a second operation means for enabling a page forward operation and a page back operation of the one electronic book in the account of the other user when the determination means makes a positive determination; Further functioning as The program according to claim 6.

8. An information processing device that allows a user to view, through his / her account, one electronic book selected from one or more electronic books stored in a server device, the one electronic book selected through the user's account, the information processing device comprising: a first display means for displaying the first electronic book on a first communication terminal device so that the first electronic book can be viewed under the account of the first user; an authorization means for authorizing one or more other users to view the one electronic book under their accounts while the first display means is displaying the one electronic book; a second display means for displaying the one electronic book so as to be viewable under the account of the other user when the permission is given by the permission means; a restriction means for imposing a predetermined restriction on the permission means when the permission means gives the permission; An information processing device comprising:

Images