Application usage management system and application usage management method

Abstract

To allow users to use applications within an appropriate range.SOLUTION: A first user terminal 100 includes: a reception unit that accepts usage restrictions for a preset group to which a plurality of applications used by a user belong; and a first transmission unit that transmits information on the usage restrictions for the group to a server. A second user terminal 200 includes a second transmission unit that transmits a usage status of the applications to the server. A management server 300 includes: a recording unit that records the group in association with the usage restrictions based on the information on the usage restrictions transmitted from a management user terminal; an acquisition unit that acquires the usage status of the applications from the user terminal; a determination unit that determines whether or not the acquired usage status of the applications satisfies the usage restrictions of the group to which the applications belong; and a restriction unit that restricts use of the applications if it is determined that the usage restrictions are not satisfied based on a determination result of the determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an application usage management system and an application usage management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, management systems that prohibit access to specific applications have been known. For example, the management system described in Patent Document 1 identifies the attributes of media files and manages access to applications based on parental control policies related to the attributes of the media files. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-218552 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the management system described in Patent Document 1 only prohibits access to applications, and does not allow children (users) to use applications within an appropriate range.

[0005] The present invention aims to allow users to use applications within an appropriate range. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An application usage management system that solves the above problem is an application usage management system that includes a user terminal used by a user who uses an application, a management user terminal used by a management user who manages the user's use of the application, and a server that connects to the user terminal and the management user terminal via a network.

[0007] Furthermore, the application usage management system includes a reception unit for receiving usage restrictions for a predetermined group to which a plurality of applications used by the user belong, and a first transmission unit for transmitting information on usage restrictions regarding the group to the server. Furthermore, the application usage management system includes a second transmission unit for transmitting the usage status of the application to the server by the user terminal.

[0008] Furthermore, the application usage management system includes a recording unit in which the server associates the usage restrictions with the group based on the information on the usage restrictions sent from the management user terminal and records them; an acquisition unit that acquires the usage status of the application from the user terminal; a judgment unit that determines whether the acquired usage status of the application satisfies the usage restrictions of the group to which the application belongs; and a restriction unit that restricts the use of the application if it is determined that the usage restrictions are not satisfied based on the judgment result of the judgment unit.

[0009] A control program that solves the above problem is a control program for a server that is connected via a network to a user terminal used by a user who uses an application and to an administrative user terminal used by an administrative user who manages the use of the application by the user, and that causes the server to function as a first receiving unit that receives information on usage restrictions relating to a predetermined group to which multiple applications belong from the administrative user terminal, and a recording unit that associates the usage restrictions with the group and records them based on the information on usage restrictions sent from the administrative user terminal.

[0010] Furthermore, the control program causes the server to function as a second receiving unit that receives the usage status of the application from the user terminal, a judgment unit that determines whether the acquired usage status of the application satisfies the usage restrictions of the group to which the application belongs, and a restriction unit that restricts the use of the application if it determines that the usage restrictions are not satisfied based on the judgment result of the judgment unit.

[0011] A control method for solving the above problem is a control method for a server connected via a network to a user terminal used by a user who uses an application and to an administrative user terminal used by an administrative user who manages the use of the application by the user, wherein the server executes a first receiving step in which the server receives information on usage restrictions relating to a predetermined group to which multiple applications belong from the administrative user terminal, and a recording step in which the server associates the usage restrictions with the group and records them based on the information on usage restrictions sent from the administrative user terminal.

[0012] Furthermore, the above control method executes a second receiving step in which the server receives the usage status of the application from the user terminal, a determination step in which the server determines whether the acquired usage status of the application satisfies the usage restrictions of the group to which the application belongs, and a restriction step in which the server restricts the use of the application if it determines that the usage restrictions are not satisfied based on the determination result in the determination step.

[0013] The server that solves the above problem is a server that is connected via a network to a user terminal used by a user who uses an application and to an administrator terminal used by an administrator who manages the use of the application by the user.

[0014] Furthermore, the server includes a first receiving unit that receives information on usage restrictions relating to a predetermined group to which multiple applications belong from the administrative user terminal, and a recording unit that associates the usage restrictions with the group and records them based on the information on usage restrictions sent from the administrative user terminal.

[0015] The server further includes a second receiving unit that receives the usage status of the application from the user terminal, a judgment unit that determines whether the acquired usage status of the application satisfies the usage restrictions of the group to which the application belongs, and a restriction unit that restricts the use of the application if it determines that the usage restrictions are not satisfied based on the judgment result of the judgment unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to allow a user to use an application within an appropriate range. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of usage restrictions. [Figure 3] (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing the data structure of the application. [Figure 4] 10(a) to 10(c) are schematic diagrams illustrating the flow of processing attribute information. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for setting usage restrictions. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for applying usage restrictions. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for issuing a reward. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a setting screen for an application that is subject to usage restrictions. [Figure 9] 10(a) to 10(c) are schematic diagrams showing examples of usage restriction setting screens. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] An embodiment of an application usage management program, an application usage management method, an application usage management device, and a management program will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 7. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which an administrative user manages the use of applications by a user. For example, the user is a minor, and the administrative user is a guardian who supervises the minor.

[0019] 1, in this embodiment, user terminals connected to a network NW and a management server 300 are used. The user terminals include a first user terminal 100 and a second user terminal 200.

[0020] The first user terminal 100 is a computer terminal operated by an administrative user, and includes a computing unit such as a CPU and a volatile memory such as RAM. Based on programs and data stored in the storage unit, the first user terminal 100 controls each unit of the administrative server 20, such as controlling communications via a communication unit, reading and writing information from and to the storage unit, and performing various types of computational processing. The storage unit also stores various applications, including management programs for managing the use of applications by users. The computing unit such as the CPU executes these applications to output and input information. The first user terminal 100 is, for example, a multi-function mobile terminal (smartphone), a PC (personal computer) terminal, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0021] The second user terminal 200 is a computer terminal operated by a user, and includes a processing unit such as a CPU and a volatile memory such as a RAM. Based on programs and data stored in the storage unit, the second user terminal 200 controls each unit of the management server 20, such as controlling communications by a communication unit, reading and writing information from and to the storage unit, and performing various types of calculation processing. The processing unit executes various applications to output and input information. The second user terminal 200 is, for example, a multi-function mobile terminal (smartphone), a PC (personal computer) terminal, a tablet terminal, a home game console, etc.

[0022] The management server 300 includes a control unit 310 and a usage restriction storage unit 320 .

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the usage restriction storage unit 320 stores the identification information of the administrative user and the identification information of the user in association with each other. The identification information of one administrative user may be associated with the identification information of one user, or may be associated with the identification information of multiple users. The identification information of the administrative user may be a user ID or a terminal ID. The identification information of the user may be a user ID or a terminal ID. The usage restriction storage unit 320 also stores the identification information of applications that are available on the second user terminal 200 and are subject to management in association with the identification information of the user.

[0024] The usage restriction storage unit 320 also stores usage restrictions that specify restrictions on application usage in association with the identification information of the user using the application and the identification information of the application to be managed. The usage restrictions are registered in the second user terminal 200 via the management server 300 when the administrative user performs an input operation on the first user terminal 100. The usage restrictions may include a consumption limit that is an upper limit on consumption within a predetermined period, an upper limit on usage time and usage time within the predetermined period, and message sending and receiving status. The consumption limit may include at least one of an upper limit on the amount of consideration consumed for acquiring items or function expansions within the application (e.g., 1,000 yen per month) and an upper limit on communication volume. The upper limit may be currency or points that can be used within the application, or a parameter associated with the user in the game. The usage time limit is the accumulated usage time over a predetermined period, such as "one hour per day" or "two hours per day on a holiday." The application can be used only if the accumulated usage time over this predetermined period falls within the specified time period. Alternatively, the usage time may be the duration of an application, and the usage limit may be the upper limit of that duration. For example, if the usage limit specifies "two hours," using the application continuously for one hour, pausing for 15 minutes, then resuming and using it for another hour would satisfy the usage limit, but using it continuously for two hours would be deemed to have reached the usage limit. In this case, the time required to consider the application suspended may be specified (e.g., 15 minutes). Thresholds for usage time may be specified, for example, "daytime until 9:00 PM," "6:00 PM to 8:00 PM," "until 8:00 PM on weekdays," or "holidays only." Furthermore, a rule combining both time and duration, such as two hours between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM, may also be set. Message sending and receiving status may include restrictions on data communication (such as restrictions on sending location information), SNS (social networking services), and restrictions on messages using communication functions within an application (such as sending and receiving emails and other messages between players within a game, posting within a game, and chat within a guild with multiple players).In addition to the above-mentioned restrictions on the use of applications, usage restrictions also include sending notifications from the second user terminal 200 used by the user to the first user terminal 100 used by the administrative user while maintaining the usage conditions of the application by the user.

[0025] The control unit 310 functions as a terminal management unit 311 and a reward issuing unit 312 by executing a program stored in the storage unit.

[0026] When a request for registering usage restrictions for the second user terminal 200 is received from the first user terminal 100, the terminal management unit 311 associates input information about the usage restrictions from the first user terminal 100 with the identification information of the first user terminal 100, the identification information of the second user terminal 200, and the identification information of the application, and registers the information in the usage restriction storage unit 320. Furthermore, when a request is received from the second user terminal 200, the terminal management unit 311 reads out usage restrictions corresponding to the identification information of the second user terminal 200 from the usage restriction storage unit 320 and applies the read usage restrictions to the second user terminal 200. Note that the terminal management unit 311 may transmit usage restrictions for an application in response to a request transmitted when the application executes a predetermined process, or may transmit usage restrictions for multiple applications collectively to the second user terminal 200 at a predetermined timing; the timing is not particularly limited.

[0027] Here, application of usage restrictions to the second user terminal 200 is realized by the following configuration. That is, as shown in FIG. 3(a), when an application 110 is installed on a terminal that is not subject to management, such as the first user terminal 100, the application 110 may include a management module 110A that describes the application's management functions. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3(b), when an application 210 is installed on the second user terminal 200, the application 210 includes not only a management module 210A that describes the application's management functions, but also an SDK module 210B that describes the application's management functions using an SDK (software development kit). Here, the application's management functions include processing functions related to usage restrictions, such as obtaining usage restrictions stored outside the terminal, obtaining the usage status of each application, and notifying the first user terminal 100 and restricting the use of the application when the usage restrictions are not met.

[0028] The reward issuing unit 312 acquires the usage status of the second user terminal 200 via the network NW. The reward issuing unit 312 monitors whether the usage status acquired from the second user terminal 200 complies with the usage restrictions of the second user terminal 200 for a certain period of time. If the usage restrictions are complied with for a certain period of time, the reward issuing unit 312 acquires a reward or reward identification information associated with the application that complies with the usage restrictions from the reward storage unit 330. In this case, the reward may be usable within the application that complies with the usage restrictions. For example, if the application is a game, the reward may be game media that can be used within the game. Note that game media is electronic data used in the game and may be acquired, owned, used, managed, exchanged, combined, strengthened, sold, discarded, or gifted by the user within the game. For example, game media may include any media such as cards, items, virtual currency, tickets, characters, avatars, level information, status information, parameter information (such as stamina value and attack power), ability information (such as skills, abilities, spells, and jobs), etc. The manner in which the game medium is used is not limited to that explicitly stated in this specification.

[0029] The reward issuing unit 312 may monitor whether the usage status acquired from the second user terminal 200 indicates that the number of times the usage restrictions of the second user terminal 200 have been observed is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, or whether the number of times the usage restrictions have not been observed is less than a predetermined number. For example, if the usage restriction is "6:00 PM - 8:00 PM," a reward may be granted if the number of times the application has not been used in violation of this restriction is less than a predetermined number (three times) within a predetermined period (e.g., one month). Furthermore, rewards may be hierarchically structured according to the number of times the application has been used in compliance with the usage restrictions or the number of times the application has been used without complying with the usage restrictions. For example, the reward may be changed in stages, such that a reward granted when the number of times the application has not been used in a predetermined period is zero times is more valuable to the user than a reward granted when the application has not been used once within the predetermined period.

[0030] When the reward issuing unit 312 acquires the reward or the reward identification information stored in the reward storage unit 330, it transmits it to the second user terminal 200. When the second user terminal 200 receives the reward or the reward identification information, it stores it in the storage unit of the second user terminal 200. When the second user terminal 200 receives the reward identification information, it reads out data corresponding to the identification information and stores it as belonging to the user. The function of the reward issuing unit 312 may be a function possessed by the SDK module 210B of the second user terminal 200.

[0031] Next, the flow of the process of registering attribute information about a user will be described. In this embodiment, a case where the age of the user is registered as attribute information will be described. The timing for inputting the age of the user may be, for example, when the application is executed for the first time and user registration is requested, but may be any timing according to the specifications of the application.

[0032] In the example shown in FIG. 4(a), when the second user terminal 200 requires input of the user's age, the user inputs the user's age into the second user terminal 200. The input information is then transmitted from the second user terminal 200 to the management server 300 via the network NW, and is registered or temporarily stored in the usage restriction storage unit 320 of the management server 300. Furthermore, once the input information is registered in the management server 300, the second user terminal 200 notifies the first user terminal 100 via the network NW of the user's age registration. This allows the management user using the first user terminal 100 to check the age registration details of the user and check whether the user has registered an incorrect age.

[0033] In the example shown in FIG. 4(b), when the second user terminal 200 needs to input the age of the user, the second user terminal 200 transmits a request to input the age of the user to the first user terminal 100 via the management server 300 or without the management server 300. The first user terminal 100 then requests the management user to input the age of the user. The input information is then transmitted from the first user terminal 100 to the management server 300 via the network NW and registered in the usage restriction storage unit 320 of the management server 300. The age registered in the management server 300 is then registered in the second user terminal 200. Alternatively, the input information is transmitted from the first user terminal 100 to the second user terminal 200 via the network NW.

[0034] In the example shown in FIG. 4(c), the age of the user is pre-registered in the management server 300. For example, suppose the user fraudulently inputs the user's age through the second user terminal 200. In this case, the input information is transmitted from the second user terminal 200 to the management server 300 via the network NW. The management server 300 then compares the pre-registered age of the user with the newly input age of the user. The pre-registration of the user's age can be achieved by the management server 300 previously acquiring the user's personal information, such as information on a personal identification card, from an external source, or by the management server 300 registering the user's age. In this case, if the pre-registered age of the user differs from the newly input age of the user, the management server 300 transmits an error notification to the second user terminal 200. Upon receiving the error notification from the management server 300, the second user terminal 200 notifies the first user terminal 100 of the fraudulent input via the network NW. This allows the administrative user using the first user terminal 100 to check whether or not the user has registered an incorrect age.

[0035] The input age may be verified using an age group. There may be two age groups, or three or more age groups. For example, the user may input, as age information, whether or not the user is 18 years old or older, or one of the age groups such as "under 12 years old," "12 to 18 years old," "18 to 20 years old," etc. The management server 300 or the second user terminal 200 may store the age group as pre-registered age information. The management server 300 or the second user terminal 200 may verify the age (e.g., "16 years old") with a pre-registered age group, or may verify the age group input into the second user terminal 200 with a pre-registered age group, or may verify the age group input into the second user terminal 200 with a pre-registered age group.

[0036] The age of the registered user may be used as a condition for providing a reward when the usage restrictions are observed. For example, the reward for observing the usage restrictions may be provided on the premise that the user's age falls under the age of "minor."

[0037] The age of a registered user may also be used as a condition for setting usage restrictions. For example, usage restrictions may be set for an application on the condition that the user's age falls under the "minor" age category.

[0038] Furthermore, if age is set as a condition for executing an application or part of the application's functions, the age of the user registered in the management server 300 or the second user terminal 200 may be used. This makes it possible to prevent incorrect input of age.

[0039] Next, the usage restriction setting process executed by the management server 300 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0040] First, the control unit 310 of the management server 300 registers the user (step S10). Specifically, in response to an input operation by the administrative user, the first user terminal 100 executes a management application including a management program stored in the storage unit. The administrative user inputs the administrative user's identification information and the user's identification information into the management application. The administrative user's identification information and the user's identification information are, for example, identification information of a platform that provides the application, but are not limited thereto and may be identification information set for application management or other information. The first user terminal 100 transmits the input administrative user's identification information and the user's identification information to the management server 300. The control unit 310 of the management server 300 then associates and registers the received administrative user's identification information and the user's identification information in the usage restriction storage unit 320. Note that once the administrative user and the user are associated and registered in the management server 300, there is no need to register the same information again. For example, step S10 can be omitted when changing usage restrictions that have already been set, or when a new application is installed on the second user terminal 200 after the administrative user and user are registered and usage restrictions are set for that application.

[0041] After registering the identification information of the administrative user and the identification information of the user using the application, the administrative server 300 acquires, from the storage unit of the administrative server 300 or an external device, the identification information of the application including the SDK module 210B among the applications associated with the identification information of the user using the application. The administrative server 300 then stores the acquired application identification information in the usage restriction storage unit 320 in association with the identification information of the user using the application.

[0042] Next, the control unit 310 registers the usage restrictions (step S11). Specifically, in response to an input operation by the administrative user, the first user terminal 100 requests the management server 300 to register usage restrictions for the second user terminal 200. Specifically, the terminal management unit 311 of the control unit 310 transmits to the first user terminal 100 a list of applications that include the SDK module 210B from among the applications stored in the second user terminal 200 that are associated with the identification information of the user using the application. The administrative user selects applications that are to be subject to usage restrictions from the list of applications received by the first user terminal 100. The administrative user also inputs the content of the usage restrictions to be applied to the selected applications into the first user terminal 100. The first user terminal 100 transmits the selected applications and the usage restrictions set for these applications to the management server 300 in a state in which they are associated with each other.

[0043] When the control unit 310 receives the selected application and the usage restrictions set for this application, it registers the usage restrictions (step S11) and sets the application to which the usage restrictions are applied (step S12). Note that it does not matter whether steps S11 and S12 are executed before or after the other steps.

[0044] Next, the control unit 310 sets usage restrictions on the applications stored in the second user terminal 200 (step S13). For example, the terminal management unit 311 of the control unit 310 receives a request to confirm the usage restrictions from the second user terminal 200 at a predetermined timing, such as when an application to be managed is executed. Then, the terminal management unit 311 reads the identification information of the second user terminal 200 and the usage restrictions corresponding to the requested application from the usage restriction storage unit 320, and transmits the read usage restrictions to the second user terminal 200. The second user terminal 200 receives the usage restrictions set for the application by the administrative user, and stores them in the storage unit in association with the application.

[0045] Next, the usage restriction application process executed by the second user terminal 200 will be described with reference to Figure 6. The second user terminal 200 stores the usage status in a storage unit each time an application including the SDK module 210B is executed. For example, when an item is purchased within the application, the amount of consumption is added to the cumulative consumption amount and stored in the storage unit. Then, the second user terminal 200 initializes the cumulative consumption amount after a certain period of time has passed.

[0046] The second user terminal 200 acquires the usage status of the application of the user from the storage unit (step S20). In this case, the usage status is information for each application to which usage restrictions are applied, and includes the date and time when the application is started, the date and time when the application is closed, the date and time when a purchase was made within the application, the contents of the purchase, the ID of the party sending and receiving messages on the application, the communication volume, location information, etc.

[0047] Next, the second user terminal 200 determines whether the usage status of the user satisfies the usage restrictions (step S21). Specifically, the second user terminal 200 compares the acquired usage status of the application with the usage restrictions applied to the application.

[0048] If the usage status of the user satisfies the usage limit ("NO" in step S21), the second user terminal 200 ends the process shown in FIG. 6 without restricting the use of the application. Even if the usage status satisfies the usage limit, if the usage status is approaching the usage limit, warning information may be output on the second user terminal 200. For example, if the usage time specified in the usage limit is "two hours" and the usage time stored as the usage status is "one and a half hours," warning information indicating that only 30 minutes of usage are remaining may be output on the display of the second user terminal 200. In this case, a notification may be sent from the second user terminal 200 to the first user terminal 100 via a network such as the management server 300, informing the user that the usage status is approaching the usage limit. In this way, the management user can grasp the usage status of the user's application and directly warn the user to refrain from using it.

[0049] On the other hand, if the usage status of the user does not satisfy the usage restrictions ("YES" in step S21), the second user terminal 200 restricts the use of the application (step S22). Specifically, the second user terminal 200 may suspend the use of the application, or may notify the first user terminal 100 used by the administrative user that the usage status of the application has exceeded the usage restrictions. Alternatively, the second user terminal 200 may perform both. If the application is a web application, upon receiving from the second user terminal 200 a notification that the usage status of the user does not satisfy the usage restrictions, the administrative server 300 suspends transmission of application data to the second user terminal 200. If the application is a native application, the second user terminal 200, as part of the functions of the SDK module 210B, executes at least one of suspending execution of the application and restricting part of its functions. Also, a warning message may be displayed on the screen.

[0050] In addition to applying usage restrictions at the second user terminal 200, the second user terminal 200 may transmit the acquired usage status of the application to the first user terminal 100. The first user terminal 100 then displays the usage status of the application received from the second user terminal 200. This allows the administrative user to check the usage status of the application by the user via the first user terminal 100.

[0051] Next, the reward issuing process executed by the management server 300 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0052] First, the control unit 310 determines whether the usage restrictions have been observed for a certain period of time (step S16). Specifically, the reward issuing unit 312 of the control unit 310 counts the elapsed time since the usage restrictions were applied. Then, while counting the elapsed time, the reward issuing unit 312 acquires usage status from the second user terminal 200 and compares the usage status acquired at a predetermined timing within the certain period with the usage restrictions.

[0053] If the usage restrictions are complied with for a certain period of time ("YES" in step S16), the control unit 310 issues a reward (step S17). Specifically, the reward issuing unit 312 of the control unit 310 obtains a reward or reward identification information associated with the application that complied with the usage restrictions from the reward storage unit 330. If the application is, for example, a game, a predetermined number of game media may be stored as a reward in association with the user as the user's property. In addition, a usage period may be set for the game media. Game media that has expired cannot be used.

[0054] On the other hand, if the usage restrictions are not observed for a certain period of time ("NO" in step S16), the control unit 310 ends the process shown in FIG. 4 without issuing a reward.

[0055] By having the administrative user set usage restrictions for an application in this way, users such as minors can use the application under the supervision of the administrative user, such as a parent or guardian. This can be expected to have the effect of preventing unintended heavy charges for application operators, etc. Furthermore, the administrative user can understand the user's lifestyle and actual application usage, and can unify the understanding between the administrative user and the user regarding the appropriate use of user devices such as smartphones. As described above, according to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0056] (1) In the above embodiment, the usage status of the application in the second user terminal 200 is acquired, and if the acquired usage status does not satisfy the usage restrictions, at least one of notifying the first user terminal 100 used by the administrative user and restricting the usage of the application in the second user terminal 200 used by the user is executed. This allows the user to use the application within an appropriate range.

[0057] (2) In the above embodiment, the upper limit of consumption within a predetermined period on the second user terminal 200 is specified, and if the specified upper limit of consumption exceeds the upper limit of usage time, at least one of notifying the first user terminal 100 used by the administrative user and restricting the use of the application on the second user terminal 200 used by the user is executed. This has the advantage that the administrator can allow the user to use the application within the upper limit of consumption. In addition, the administrator of the application can prevent unintended heavy charging.

[0058] (3) In the above embodiment, the usage time within a predetermined period on the second user terminal 200 is identified, and if the identified usage time exceeds the upper limit of usage time, at least one of notifying the first user terminal 100 used by the administrative user and restricting the use of the application on the second user terminal 200 used by the user is executed. This allows the user to use the application within the range that does not exceed the upper limit of usage time.

[0059] (4) In the above embodiment, the time of application use on the second user terminal 200 is identified, and if the identified time of use does not meet the specified time of use, at least one of notifying the first user terminal 100 used by the administrative user and restricting the use of the application on the second user terminal 200 used by the user is executed. This allows the user to use the application within the range that does not meet the specified time.

[0060] (5) In the above embodiment, restrictions on message transmission and reception in the second user terminal 200 are identified, and if message transmission and reception are restricted, at least one of restrictions on the use of applications in the second user terminal 200 used by the user is implemented. This allows the user to use applications within the scope that satisfies the restrictions on transmission of location information.

[0061] (6) In the above embodiment, the second user terminal 200 acquires the age of the user entered for the application to be managed, and compares the acquired age of the user with the age of the user stored in the usage restriction storage unit 320. If the comparison results in a mismatch, a notification is sent to the first user terminal 100 used by the administrative user, or the use of the application on the second user terminal 200 used by the user is restricted. This makes it possible to prevent the user from inputting an incorrect age.

[0062] (7) In the above embodiment, when the age of the user is not registered in the usage restriction storage unit 320, the registered content of the age of the user is notified to the first user terminal 100 used by the administrative user via the second user terminal 200 used by the user. This allows the administrative user to be notified of the registered content of the age of the user.

[0063] (8) In the above embodiment, when a managed application is executed, if the age of the user is not registered in the usage restriction storage unit 320, the first user terminal 100 used by the administrative user is requested to register the age of the user. This allows the administrative user to properly manage the attribute information of the user.

[0064] (9) In the above embodiment, it is determined whether the application usage history for a predetermined period satisfies the usage restrictions, and if it is determined that the application usage history satisfies the usage restrictions, a reward that can be used within the application is given to the user or the administrative user. This can motivate the user or the administrative user to comply with the usage restrictions of the application. The above embodiment can be modified as follows.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the user is a child and the administrative user is the child's guardian, but as long as the user and administrative user are associated with each other in the administrative server 300, the relationship is not limited to a child and its guardian.

[0066] In the above embodiment, usage restrictions that define limitations on application usage are registered for each application. Alternatively, usage restrictions that define limitations on application usage may be registered for each group that includes the application. The process of registering usage restrictions for each group will be described.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 8 , when the management application is launched on the first user terminal 100, the first user terminal 100 outputs a group creation screen 400 on the display of the first user terminal 100 in accordance with an input operation by the management user. The display of the first user terminal 100 is integrally equipped with a touch panel that detects the presence of a finger, a stylus, or the like. The group creation screen displays an identification indicator 401 such as text data or an icon for identifying an application, a selection unit 402 such as a check box for selecting an application associated with the identification indicator 401, and a creation execution unit 403 for creating a group with the applications selected in the selection unit 402. The group creation screen displays a list of applications that are to be managed by the first user terminal 100 from among the applications stored in the second user terminal 200. The applications to be managed include those that have an SDK module 210B, and the identification information for these applications is acquired from the management server 300.

[0068] The administrative user selects an application for which a usage restriction is to be set by, for example, checking the selection unit 402, and then selects the creation execution unit 403 to create a group. Furthermore, when the creation execution unit 403 is selected, a usage restriction setting screen is output to the display of the first user terminal 100. On the usage restriction setting screen, multiple usage restrictions for the created group are displayed selectably using, for example, a pull-down menu. The administrative user selects one or more of the displayed usage restrictions. When a usage restriction is selected, the first user terminal 100 transmits to the management server 300 identification information of the selected one or more applications and the usage restriction set for the group of the one or more applications in an associated state. Note that the identification information of the selected one or more applications and the usage restriction set for the group of the one or more applications may be transmitted to the management server 300 at different times.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 9, the management server 300 associates a group of applications transmitted from the first user terminal 100 with a usage limit and stores the group. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9(a), "App A," ... "App E" are set as one group. Furthermore, for this group, an upper limit on consumption within a predetermined period, such as "one month," is associated and stored as a usage limit. In the example shown in FIG. 9(b), "App F," ... "App K" are set as one group. Furthermore, for this group, an upper limit on consumption within a predetermined period, such as "one month," the usage time of the application on weekdays, and the usage time on Saturdays and Sundays are associated and stored as usage limits. Note that this "usage time" may be the cumulative usage time of the applications belonging to the group, or may be the usage time for each application. In the example shown in FIG. 9(c), "App L," ... "App N" are set as one group. Furthermore, a usage limit of "no limit" is set for this group.

[0070] The management server 300 acquires the usage status of each application from the second user terminal 200 and identifies the usage status of each group based on the acquired usage status. For example, for multiple applications belonging to a group set as "2,000 yen per month," the amount of consumption within each application is acquired and added to the cumulative amount of consumption.

[0071] Then, the management server 300 compares the usage restrictions and usage status for each group at a predetermined timing within a certain period of time.

[0072] If the management server 300 determines that the usage restrictions are not satisfied, it restricts the use of the application for the entire group. For example, if the application is a web application, the management server 300 stops transmission of application data from the server that provides the application to the second user terminal 200. If the application is a native application, the management server 300 sends an application restriction request to the second user terminal 200. Upon receiving the restriction request, the second user terminal 200, as part of the functionality of the SDK module 210B, may suspend execution of the application, restrict part of it, or display warning information on the screen.

[0073] Although the example described here is one in which the administrative user creates groups of applications, usage restrictions may also be set for pre-set groups. Examples of pre-set groups are categories on a platform that provides applications, such as "games," "music," "entertainment," "social networking," "news," and "shopping." The administrative user then sets usage restrictions for applications belonging to the "games" group using the first user terminal 100. For example, the administrative user may limit the use of applications belonging to the "games" group to a "monthly spending limit of 2,000 yen." This saves the administrative user the trouble and time of grouping applications.

[0074] In this way, by allowing the administrative user to create groups of applications and set usage restrictions for each group, even if a large number of applications are installed on the second user terminal 200, the administrative user can reduce the effort and time required to manage the use of applications by the users.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the use of an application whose usage restrictions are not satisfied is restricted. In addition, execution of an application whose usage is restricted may be permitted based on an input operation by the administrative user on the first user terminal 100. Specifically, when the use of an application is restricted, a notification is sent from the administrative server 300 or the second user terminal 200 to the first user terminal 100. Upon receiving the notification, the first user terminal 100 outputs the received notification on its display. This notification includes a link to a release screen, and selecting this link displays the release screen. By releasing the suspension of use set for the application on this release screen, a release command is sent from the first user terminal 100 to the administrative server 300 or the second user terminal 200, and execution of the application can be resumed on the second user terminal 200.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the use of an application whose usage restrictions are not satisfied is restricted. In addition, a request for usage restrictions may be sent from the second user terminal 200 to the first user terminal 100 in response to an operation by the user. The request may be, for example, a request to relax usage restrictions, a change to the upper limit setting, or the resumption of a suspended application. When the administrative user receives the request at the first user terminal 100, if the request is accepted, the administrative user may change the usage restrictions or execute a process to enable the suspension of the suspended application. This allows for a more consistent understanding of the appropriate use of applications between the administrative user and the user.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the second user terminal 200 acquires usage restrictions, acquires application usage status, and notifies the first user terminal 100 or restricts usage if the usage status does not satisfy the usage restrictions. Alternatively, the management server 300 may perform at least one of these processes. For example, the management server 300 receives application usage status from the second user terminal 200 and stores it in a storage unit. The management server 300 also receives usage restrictions set for each application or each group of applications from the first user terminal 100 and stores it in a storage unit. The management server 300 then determines whether the usage status satisfies the usage restrictions at a predetermined timing, such as when the usage status is updated. If the usage status does not satisfy the usage restrictions, the management server 300 transmits a command to restrict the use of the application to the second user terminal 200 or an external device that transmits application data. When the second user terminal 200 receives the command, it uses the functions of the SDK module 210B to suspend application execution or display a warning on a display. If an external device transmitting application data receives a command to restrict use of the application, the transmission of application data may be suspended.

[0078] In the above embodiment, as an example of a message transmission / reception status, the transmission of location information in the second user terminal 200 is restricted. However, the message transmission / reception status that is subject to usage restrictions is not limited to this, and for example, the transmission / reception of SNS information, the transmission of image information, etc. may also be applied.

[0079] In the above embodiment, when the second user terminal 200 requires input of the user's age, the administrative user registers the user's age in the management server 300 via the first user terminal 100. However, the timing of registering the user's age is not limited to this, and for example, the user or the administrative user may register the user's age in the management server 300 at a timing desired by the user or the administrative user.

[0080] In the above embodiment, a reward is given to a user when the usage restrictions are observed for a certain period of time, but a configuration in which no reward is given may also be adopted.

[0081] In the above embodiment, at least some of the operations and processes performed by the user terminals 100, 200 may be performed by the management server 300 connected to the user terminals 100, 200. For example, processes such as control of various applications executed by the user terminals 100, 200 may be performed by either the management server 300 or the user terminals 100, 200. Furthermore, processes such as control of various applications may be performed by the management server 300 and the user terminals 100, 200 in cooperation with each other.

[0082] An information processing device such as a computer or a mobile phone can be suitably used to function as the management server 300 or the user terminals 100 and 200 according to the above-described embodiments. Such an information processing device can be realized by storing a program describing the processing content for realizing each function of the management server 300 or the user terminals 100 and 200 according to the embodiments in a storage unit of the information processing device, and reading and executing the program using a CPU of the information processing device. The following additionally describes the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and other examples. [1] An application usage management system including a user terminal used by a user who uses an application, a management user terminal used by a management user who manages the use of the application by the user, and a server connected to the user terminal and the management user terminal via a network, The management user terminal, a reception unit that receives usage restrictions for a group to which a plurality of applications used by the user belong, the group being set in advance; a first transmission unit that transmits information on usage restrictions related to the group to the server; The user terminal, a second transmission unit that transmits the usage status of the application to the server; The server: a recording unit that records the usage restriction in association with the group based on the information on the usage restriction transmitted from the administrative user terminal; an acquisition unit that acquires the usage status of the application from the user terminal; a determination unit that determines whether the acquired usage status of the application satisfies the usage restrictions of the group to which the application belongs; a restriction unit that restricts use of the application when it is determined that the usage restrictions are not satisfied based on the determination result of the determination unit. [2] A control program for a server connected via a network to a user terminal used by a user who uses an application and a management user terminal used by a management user who manages the use of the application by the user, The server, a first receiving unit that receives, from the administrative user terminal, information on usage restrictions relating to a group to which a plurality of applications belong that has been set in advance; a recording unit that records the usage restriction in association with the group based on the information on the usage restriction transmitted from the administrative user terminal; a second receiving unit that receives the usage status of the application from the user terminal; a determination unit that determines whether the acquired usage status of the application satisfies the usage restrictions of the group to which the application belongs; a control program that causes the control program to function as a restriction unit that restricts use of the application when it is determined that the usage restrictions are not satisfied based on the determination result of the determination unit. [3] the first receiving unit receives, as the usage restriction, from the administrative user terminal, a consumption upper limit amount that is an upper limit of a consumption amount of a fee or a consumption amount of a parameter consumed when using the application within a predetermined period; the second receiving unit receives, as the usage status, the consumption amount of the application within the predetermined period from the user terminal; The control program according to [2], wherein the determination unit determines whether the consumption amount for each group exceeds the upper consumption limit. [4] the first receiving unit receives, as the usage restriction, an upper limit value of usage time that is an upper limit of usage time of the application within a predetermined period from the administrative user terminal; the second receiving unit receives, as the usage status, from the user terminal, a usage time of the application within the predetermined period; The control program according to [2] or [3], wherein the determination unit determines whether the usage time for each of the groups exceeds an upper limit value of the usage time. [5] the first receiving unit receives, as the usage restriction, a restriction on a time of use of the application from the administrative user terminal; the second receiving unit receives, as the usage status, a usage time when the application was used from the user terminal; The control program according to any one of [2] to [4], wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the use time of the application for each of the groups satisfies the restriction on the use time. [6] the first receiving unit receives, from the administrative user terminal, a restriction on sending and receiving messages with other users who use the application, as the usage restriction; The second receiving unit receives, as the usage status, a message transmission / reception status with other users from the user terminal; The control program according to any one of [2] to [5], wherein the determination unit determines whether or not a message transmission / reception status with other users for each group satisfies a restriction on message transmission / reception. [7] The server, a third receiving unit that receives attribute information input for each application from the user terminal when the application to be managed is executed in the user terminal; a matching unit that matches the acquired attribute information with attribute information of the user stored in a storage unit of the server; A control program described in any one of [2] to [6], further functioning as an error sending unit that sends an error notification to the user terminal if the attribute information does not match as a result of the comparison. [8] The server, Acquire an application usage history of the user terminal during the predetermined period set in the usage restriction; a history determination unit that determines whether the application usage history for each group during the predetermined period satisfies the usage restrictions; A control program described in any one of [2] to [7], which further functions as an awarding unit that awards rewards that can be used within the application to the user or the administrative user if it is determined that the application usage history satisfies the usage restrictions. [9] A method for controlling a server connected via a network to a user terminal used by a user who uses an application and a management user terminal used by a management user who manages the use of the application by the user, comprising: The server: a first receiving step of receiving, from the management user terminal, information on usage restrictions relating to a group to which a plurality of applications belong and which is set in advance; a recording step of associating the usage restriction with the group based on the information on the usage restriction transmitted from the management user terminal and recording the information; a second receiving step of receiving the usage status of the application from the user terminal; a determination step of determining whether the acquired usage status of the application satisfies the usage restrictions of the group to which the application belongs; and a limiting step of limiting use of the application when it is determined based on the determination result in the determining step that the use restriction is not satisfied.

[10] A server connected via a network to a user terminal used by a user who uses an application and a management user terminal used by a management user who manages the use of the application by the user, a first receiving unit that receives, from the administrative user terminal, information on usage restrictions relating to a group to which a plurality of applications belong that has been set in advance; a recording unit that records the usage restriction in association with the group based on the information on the usage restriction transmitted from the administrative user terminal; a second receiving unit that receives the usage status of the application from the user terminal; a determination unit that determines whether the acquired usage status of the application satisfies the usage restrictions of the group to which the application belongs; a restriction unit that restricts use of the application when it is determined that the usage restrictions are not satisfied based on the determination result of the determination unit.

[11] An administrative user terminal used by an administrative user who manages the use of applications by users, a reception unit that receives usage restrictions for a group to which a plurality of applications belong that is set in advance; an application management program that functions as a first transmission unit that transmits information on usage restrictions related to the group to a server that registers the usage restrictions;

[12] The application management program according to

[11] , wherein the reception unit receives a consumption limit amount, which is an upper limit on the amount of consideration or parameters consumed when using the application within a specified period, as the usage restriction for the group.

[13] The application management program according to

[11] or

[12] , wherein the reception unit receives an upper limit value of usage time, which is an upper limit of usage time of the application within a predetermined period, as the usage restriction for the group.

[14] The application management program according to any one of

[11] to

[13] , wherein the reception unit receives a restriction on a time of day when the application is used as the usage restriction for the group.

[15] The application management program according to any one of

[11] to

[14] , wherein the reception unit receives, as the usage restriction for the group, a restriction on sending and receiving messages with other users who use the application.

[16] The application management program according to any one of

[11] to

[15] , wherein the preset group is made up of the applications that belong to the same application category.

[17] An administrative user terminal used by an administrative user who manages the use of applications by users, a receiving step of receiving usage restrictions for a group to which a plurality of applications belong that is set in advance; a first transmission step of transmitting information on usage restrictions related to the group to a server that registers the usage restrictions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100...User terminal (first user terminal), 200...User terminal (second user terminal), 300...Management server, 310...Control unit, 311...Terminal management unit, 312...Reward issuing unit, 320...Usage restriction memory unit, 330...Reward memory unit, NW...Network.

Claims

1. An application usage management system including a user terminal used by a user who uses an application, a management user terminal used by a management user who manages the use of the application by the user, and a server connected to the user terminal and the management user terminal via a network, The management user terminal, Accepting usage restrictions on the application used by the user; transmitting the information on the usage restrictions to the user terminal via the server; The user terminal, based on the information on the usage restrictions transmitted from the administrative user terminal via the server, associate the usage restrictions with the application and record them; Acquire the usage status of the application; determining whether the acquired usage status of the application satisfies the usage restrictions of the application; If it is determined based on the determination result that the usage restrictions are not satisfied, the use of the application is restricted; For the application for which the usage restrictions have been satisfied, acquiring, as a reward at a predetermined timing, identification information of a game medium that can be used within the application, and recording the information in a storage unit in association with the user; The server: The application usage management system changes the reward in stages depending on the number of times the application is used in compliance with the usage restrictions or the number of times the application is used without complying with the usage restrictions.

2. An application usage management system including a user terminal used by a user who uses an application, a management user terminal used by a management user who manages the use of the application by the user, and a server connected to the user terminal and the management user terminal via a network, The management user terminal, Accepting usage restrictions on the application used by the user; transmitting the information on the usage restrictions to the user terminal via the server; The user terminal, based on the information on the usage restrictions transmitted from the administrative user terminal via the server, associate the usage restrictions with the application and record them; Acquire the usage status of the application; determining whether the acquired usage status of the application satisfies the usage restrictions of the application; If it is determined based on the determination result that the usage restrictions are not satisfied, the use of the application is restricted; For the application for which the usage restrictions have been satisfied, acquiring, as a reward at a predetermined timing, identification information of a game medium that can be used within the application, and recording the information in a storage unit in association with the user; The server: receiving attribute information from the user terminal, the attribute information being input for each application to be managed when the application is executed on the user terminal and being used in determining the usage restriction; The acquired attribute information is compared with the attribute information of the user stored in the storage unit of the server, If the attribute information does not match as a result of the comparison, the application usage management system sends an error notification to the user terminal.

3. the administrative user terminal transmits to the server, as the usage restriction, a consumption upper limit amount that is an upper limit of the amount of consideration consumed or the amount of parameters consumed when using the application within a predetermined period; The application usage management system according to claim 1 , wherein the user terminal determines, as the usage status, whether or not the amount of consumption of the application within the predetermined period has exceeded the upper consumption limit.

4. The application usage management system according to claim 3 , wherein the consumption upper limit is an upper limit of the consumption of points that can be used within the application.

5. the management user terminal transmits an upper limit value of usage time, which is an upper limit of usage time of the application within a predetermined period, to the using user terminal via the server; the user terminal determines, as the usage status, whether or not the usage time of the application within the predetermined period has exceeded the upper limit of the usage time; The application usage management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the management user terminal transmits, as the usage restriction, a restriction on the time of use of the application to the user terminal via the server; 6. The application usage management system according to claim 1, wherein the user terminal determines whether or not the usage time at which the application is used satisfies the usage time restriction.

7. the administrative user terminal transmits, as the usage restriction, a restriction on sending and receiving messages with other users who use the application to the user terminal via the server; 7. The application usage management system according to claim 1, wherein the user terminal determines whether or not the status of message transmission and reception with the other user satisfies the restrictions on message transmission and reception.

8. 1. An application usage management method for a system including a user terminal used by a user who uses an application, a management user terminal used by a management user who manages the use of the application by the user, and a server connected to the user terminal and the management user terminal via a network, The management user terminal, Accepting usage restrictions on the application used by the user; transmitting the information on the usage restrictions to the user terminal via the server; The user terminal, based on the information on the usage restrictions transmitted from the administrative user terminal via the server, associate the usage restrictions with the application and record them; Acquire the usage status of the application; determining whether the acquired usage status of the application satisfies the usage restrictions of the application; If it is determined based on the determination result that the usage restrictions are not satisfied, the use of the application is restricted; For the application for which the usage restrictions have been satisfied, acquiring, as a reward at a predetermined timing, identification information of a game medium that can be used within the application, and recording the information in a storage unit in association with the user; The server: An application usage management method in which the reward is changed in stages depending on the number of times the application is used in compliance with the usage restrictions or the number of times the application is used without complying with the usage restrictions.

9. 1. An application usage management method for a system including a user terminal used by a user who uses an application, a management user terminal used by a management user who manages the use of the application by the user, and a server connected to the user terminal and the management user terminal via a network, The management user terminal, Accepting usage restrictions on the application used by the user; transmitting the information on the usage restrictions to the user terminal via the server; The user terminal, based on the information on the usage restrictions transmitted from the administrative user terminal via the server, associate the usage restrictions with the application and record them; Acquire the usage status of the application; determining whether the acquired usage status of the application satisfies the usage restrictions of the application; If it is determined based on the determination result that the usage restrictions are not satisfied, the use of the application is restricted; For the application for which the usage restrictions have been satisfied, acquiring, as a reward at a predetermined timing, identification information of a game medium that can be used within the application, and recording the information in a storage unit in association with the user; The server: receiving attribute information from the user terminal, the attribute information being input for each application to be managed when the application is executed on the user terminal and being used in determining the usage restriction; The acquired attribute information is compared with the attribute information of the user stored in the storage unit of the server, If the attribute information does not match as a result of the comparison, an error notification is sent to the user terminal.

10. An application usage management system including a user terminal used by a user who uses an application, a management user terminal used by a management user who manages the use of the application by the user, and a server connected to the user terminal and the management user terminal via a network, The management user terminal, Accepting usage restrictions on the application used by the user; transmitting the information on the usage restrictions to the server; The user terminal, Sending the usage status of the application to the server; The server: based on the information on the usage restrictions transmitted from the administrative user terminal, associate the usage restrictions with the application and record them; acquiring a usage status of the application from the user terminal; determining whether the acquired usage status of the application satisfies the usage restrictions of the application; If it is determined based on the determination result that the usage restrictions are not satisfied, a command to restrict the use of the application is sent to the user terminal; For the application for which the usage restrictions have been satisfied, game content that can be used within the application is granted to the user as a reward at a predetermined time; and In providing the game media as a reward, The reward is changed in stages depending on the number of times the application is used in compliance with the usage restrictions or the number of times the application is used without complying with the usage restrictions. Application usage management system.

11. An application usage management system including a user terminal used by a user who uses an application, a management user terminal used by a management user who manages the use of the application by the user, and a server connected to the user terminal and the management user terminal via a network, The management user terminal, Accepting usage restrictions on the application used by the user; transmitting the information on the usage restrictions to the server; The user terminal, Sending the usage status of the application to the server; The server: receiving attribute information from the user terminal, the attribute information being input for each application to be managed when the application is executed on the user terminal and being used in determining the usage restriction; The acquired attribute information is compared with the attribute information of the user stored in the storage unit of the server, If the attribute information does not match as a result of the comparison, an error notification is sent to the user terminal. based on the information on the usage restrictions transmitted from the administrative user terminal, associate the usage restrictions with the application and record them; acquiring a usage status of the application from the user terminal; determining whether the acquired usage status of the application satisfies the usage restrictions of the application; If it is determined based on the determination result that the usage restrictions are not satisfied, a command to restrict the use of the application is sent to the user terminal; For the application for which the usage restrictions have been satisfied, game content that can be used within the application is granted to the user as a reward at a predetermined time. Application usage management system.

12. 1. An application usage management method for a system including a user terminal used by a user who uses an application, a management user terminal used by a management user who manages the use of the application by the user, and a server connected to the user terminal and the management user terminal via a network, The management user terminal, Accepting usage restrictions on the application used by the user; transmitting the information on the usage restrictions to the server; The user terminal, Sending the usage status of the application to the server; The server: based on the information on the usage restrictions transmitted from the administrative user terminal, associate the usage restrictions with the application and record them; acquiring a usage status of the application from the user terminal; determining whether the acquired usage status of the application satisfies the usage restrictions of the application; If it is determined based on the determination result that the usage restrictions are not satisfied, a command to restrict the use of the application is sent to the user terminal; For the application for which the usage restrictions have been satisfied, game content that can be used within the application is granted to the user as a reward at a predetermined time; and In providing the game media as a reward, The reward is changed in stages depending on the number of times the application is used in compliance with the usage restrictions or the number of times the application is used without complying with the usage restrictions. Application usage management methods.

13. 1. An application usage management method for a system including a user terminal used by a user who uses an application, a management user terminal used by a management user who manages the use of the application by the user, and a server connected to the user terminal and the management user terminal via a network, The management user terminal, Accepting usage restrictions on the application used by the user; transmitting the information on the usage restrictions to the server; The user terminal, Sending the usage status of the application to the server; The server: receiving attribute information from the user terminal, the attribute information being input for each application to be managed when the application is executed on the user terminal and being used in determining the usage restriction; The acquired attribute information is compared with the attribute information of the user stored in the storage unit of the server, If the attribute information does not match as a result of the comparison, an error notification is sent to the user terminal. based on the information on the usage restrictions transmitted from the administrative user terminal, associate the usage restrictions with the application and record them; acquiring a usage status of the application from the user terminal; determining whether the acquired usage status of the application satisfies the usage restrictions of the application; If it is determined based on the determination result that the usage restrictions are not satisfied, a command to restrict the use of the application is sent to the user terminal; An application usage management method that, for an application for which the usage restrictions are satisfied, grants game content that can be used within the application to the user as a reward at a predetermined time.

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