System, method, and program for providing lottery

Abstract

To support a lighthearted interchange between users via a lottery.SOLUTION: A service providing server 10 is communicably connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20, and provides online services to a user who operates the user terminal 30, and the online services have a lottery function of acquiring reward. The server 10 can execute a lottery using lottery data related to other users, and grants reward also to the other users following execution of such a lottery, thus promoting exchange of lottery data among users.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, method, and program for providing a lottery. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various lotteries have been provided in services such as online games. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses an online game with a lottery function including a combined lottery in which two to four players registered as a group cooperate to participate. In the combined lottery, the results of the lottery drawn by each player are shared with other players belonging to the same group (for example, additional benefits are awarded to the other players), and this mechanism can encourage the building of relationships between players. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-054527 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned combined lottery requires group registration (recruitment of members) before the lottery is held, which may hinder casual participation in the combined lottery. Therefore, a system that allows users to casually interact with each other through such lotteries is desired.

[0005] One of the objects of the embodiment of the present invention is to support casual interaction between users through a lottery. Other objects of the embodiment of the present invention will become apparent by reading the entire specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for providing a lottery, comprising one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors, in response to execution of readable instructions, perform the steps of conducting the lottery in response to a request from a first user and granting a first reward to the first user based on the result of the lottery, wherein the step of conducting the lottery includes conducting the lottery using first lottery data associated with a second user input by the first user, and the one or more computer processors further perform the step of granting a second reward to the second user in conjunction with conducting the lottery using the first lottery data.

[0007] A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for providing a lottery, executed by one or more computers, comprising the steps of conducting the lottery in response to a request from a first user and granting a first reward to the first user based on the result of the lottery, wherein the step of conducting the lottery includes conducting the lottery using first lottery data associated with a second user entered by the first user, and the method further comprises the step of granting a second reward to the second user in connection with conducting the lottery using the first lottery data.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for providing a lottery, which causes one or more computers to execute the steps of conducting the lottery in response to a request from a first user and granting a first reward to the first user based on the result of the lottery, wherein the step of conducting the lottery includes conducting the lottery using first lottery data associated with a second user input by the first user, and further causes the one or more computers to execute the step of granting a second reward to the second user in conjunction with the conducting of the lottery using the first lottery data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention support casual interactions between users via lotteries. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network including a service providing server 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed by a user information table 151. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating information managed by a lottery management table 152. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a basic screen 50 for limited-time lottery selection. [Figure 5] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a lottery execution method selection screen 60. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the server 10 in response to selection of a lottery code use button 64. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a lottery code input screen 70. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a lottery execution instruction screen 80. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a lottery result screen 90. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a lottery code usage notification screen 200. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a limited time lottery details screen 210. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals may be used to designate the same or similar components.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a network including a service providing server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the server 10 is communicatively connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. Although only one user terminal 30 is illustrated in FIG. 1, the server 10 is communicatively connected to a plurality of user terminals 30. The server 10 provides online services to users who operate the user terminals 30, and the online services have a lottery function that allows users to win rewards. The service providing server 10 is an example of a device that implements all or part of the system of the present invention.

[0013] The online services in this embodiment include various services, including, but not limited to, online games, online shopping, and content distribution.

[0014] First, we will explain the hardware configuration of the service providing server 10. The service providing server 10 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in Fig. 1, it includes a computer processor 11, a main memory 12, an input / output I / F 13, a communication I / F 14, and a storage (storage device) 15, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0015] The computer processor 11 is configured as a CPU, a GPU, or the like, and loads various programs stored in a storage 15 or the like into a main memory 12 and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 12 is configured, for example, by a DRAM or the like.

[0016] The input / output I / F 13 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with an operator, etc. The input / output I / F 13 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), a voice input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input / output I / F 13 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0017] The communication I / F 14 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination of these, and is configured to enable wired or wireless communication via a communication network 20 or the like.

[0018] The storage 15 is configured, for example, by a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage 15 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, etc. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the storage 15 has a user information table 151 that manages information about users of the online service, and a lottery management table 152 that manages information about lotteries executed by users. Furthermore, for example, the storage 15 stores a server-side program 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The program 40 is a program that causes the service providing server 10 to function as all or part of a system for providing an online service with a lottery function. At least a portion of the server-side program 40 may be configured to be executed on the user terminal 30 via a web browser or other application.

[0019] In this embodiment, the service providing server 10 may be configured using a plurality of computers each having the above-described hardware configuration. For example, the server 10 may be configured by one or a plurality of server devices.

[0020] The service providing server 10 configured in this manner functions as a web server and an application server, and executes various processes in response to requests from a web browser or other application (e.g., an application for an online service) installed on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data (e.g., HTML data) and control data according to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 displays a web page or other screen based on the received data.

[0021] Next, we will explain the hardware configuration of the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 is configured as a general computer, and as shown in Fig. 1, it includes a computer processor 31, a main memory 32, an input / output I / F 33, a communication I / F 34, and a storage (storage device) 35, and these components are electrically connected via a bus or the like (not shown).

[0022] The computer processor 31 is configured as a CPU, a GPU, or the like, and loads various programs stored in a storage 35 or the like into the main memory 32 and executes various instructions included in the programs. The main memory 32 is configured, for example, by a DRAM or the like.

[0023] The input / output I / F 33 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with an operator, etc. The input / output I / F 33 includes, for example, information input devices such as a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse, a touch panel, etc.), an audio input device such as a microphone, and an image input device such as a camera. The input / output I / F 33 also includes an image output device such as a display, and an audio output device such as a speaker.

[0024] The communication I / F 34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, or a combination thereof, and is configured to be able to realize wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20 or the like.

[0025] The storage 35 is configured by, for example, a magnetic disk or a flash memory, etc. The storage 35 stores various programs including an operating system, various data, etc. The programs stored in the storage 35 can be downloaded from an application market or the like and installed.

[0026] In this embodiment, the user terminal 30 may be configured as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable device, a personal computer, a game terminal, or the like.

[0027] A user of a user terminal 30 configured in this manner can use the online services provided by the server 10 by communicating with the server 10 via a web browser or other application installed on storage 35, etc.

[0028] Next, we will explain the functions of the service providing server 10 configured as above. As shown in Fig. 1, the computer processor 11 of the server 10 is configured to function as a management function control unit 111, a service provision control unit 112, and a lottery control unit 113 by executing instructions included in a program (for example, at least a part of the server-side program 40) loaded into the main memory 12.

[0029] The management function control unit 111 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of the management functions of online services. For example, the management function control unit 111 transmits screen data and control data of various screens related to the management functions to the user terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation input by the user via the screens output on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data and control data according to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. The management functions controlled by the management function control unit 111 include, for example, login processing (user authentication), billing control, and user account management.

[0030] The service provision control unit 112 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of the provision of online services. For example, the service provision control unit 112 transmits screen data and control data of various screens for providing online services to the user terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation inputs by the user via the screens output on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data, control data, etc. according to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30. For example, if the online service is an online game, the service provision control unit 112 executes various processes for controlling the progress of the online game.

[0031] The lottery control unit 113 is configured to execute various processes related to the control of the lottery. For example, the lottery control unit 113 transmits screen data and control data of various screens related to the lottery function to the user terminal 30, executes various processes in response to operation input by the user via the screen output on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data, control data, etc. according to the results of the processes to the user terminal 30.

[0032] The lottery in this embodiment includes various types of lotteries. For example, the lottery objects (rewards) typically include various electronic and virtual contents (e.g., items, characters, cards, coins, points, etc.) that can be used in online services.

[0033] In this embodiment, the lottery control unit 113 is configured to execute a lottery in response to a request from a user and grant a predetermined reward to the user based on the result of the lottery. For example, when the lottery control unit 113 receives a lottery request from a user via a screen displayed on the user terminal 30, it executes a lottery process. The lottery process includes, for example, a process of determining a winning lottery object as a lottery result in accordance with a predetermined winning probability for each of a plurality of lottery objects. Then, the winning lottery object is granted to the user as a predetermined reward based on the result of the lottery.

[0034] Furthermore, the lottery in this embodiment can be executed using lottery data associated with other users (for example, owned by other users). That is, the lottery control unit 113 is configured to execute a lottery using lottery data associated with other users that is input by a user. For example, the lottery control unit 113 accepts input of lottery data to be used along with a lottery request via a screen output on the user terminal 30. The lottery data can be implemented as data in various formats, for example, as a character string consisting of a predetermined number of characters. The lottery data associated with a user is managed, for example, in the user information table 151. For example, multiple lottery data to be used during a predetermined period and that are mutually identifiable are assigned (associated) to multiple users.

[0035] Furthermore, the lottery control unit 113 is configured to grant a predetermined reward to another user (holder of the lottery data) associated with the lottery data when a lottery is held using the lottery data. The predetermined reward may be the same reward as the reward granted to the user who held the lottery (for example, the lottery item that was won), or may be a different reward of the same type, or may be a different type of reward.

[0036] In this way, the service providing server 10 in this embodiment enables the execution of a lottery using lottery data associated with other users, and provides a reward to the other users in association with the execution of such a lottery, thereby encouraging the exchange of lottery data between users. In other words, the service providing server 10 supports casual interaction between users via lotteries.

[0037] In this embodiment, lottery data associated with a user may be prohibited from being used in a lottery run by that user (use in a lottery run by the user himself / herself). For example, if lottery data entered by a user together with a lottery request is associated with the user himself / herself, the lottery control unit 113 rejects the input of the lottery data (for example, displays an error message). This configuration promotes the use of lottery data associated with other users, and as a result, can further encourage the exchange of lottery data between users.

[0038] In this embodiment, the lottery data may be invalidated after being used for a predetermined number of lotteries (for example, once or more than twice). For example, the lottery control unit 113 invalidates the lottery data after a predetermined number of lotteries have been held using the lottery data. The status of the lottery data associated with a user (number of uses, validity status, etc.) is managed, for example, in the user information table 151. This configuration limits the number of uses of the same lottery data, and prevents damage from spreading when, for example, fraudulent use of the lottery data occurs.

[0039] In this embodiment, the lottery control unit 113 may be configured to enable the use of new lottery data associated with the same user when lottery data is invalidated. The new lottery data that becomes available may, for example, have been previously associated with the user before the old lottery data is invalidated, or may be newly associated with the user when the old lottery data is invalidated. In this case, the lottery control unit 113 may be configured to notify the user associated with the lottery data that has newly become available for use. This configuration may, for example, limit the number of times the same lottery data can be used while facilitating the execution of the lottery itself using the lottery data.

[0040] In addition, in this embodiment, the multiple use of lottery data associated with the same user may be restricted. For example, a user who has entered a lottery using a lottery code associated with a specific user may be prohibited from using that lottery code again or from using a new lottery code associated with that specific user. This configuration encourages the exchange of lottery data among multiple users.

[0041] Furthermore, the lottery control unit 113 may be configured to, in conjunction with the execution of a lottery using lottery data, output to the user who executed the lottery related user information regarding other users associated with the lottery data used. For example, the related user information is displayed on a screen output to the user terminal 30 before or after the execution of the lottery. This configuration allows a user who used the lottery data to know information about other users associated with the lottery data, thereby promoting interaction between users.

[0042] In this embodiment, when lottery data is used, other rewards may be awarded in addition to the predetermined reward based on the lottery result. For example, when lottery data is used for the lottery, the lottery control unit 113 awards the predetermined reward based on the lottery result and other rewards to the user who has executed the lottery, while when lottery data is not used, the lottery control unit 113 awards the predetermined reward based on the lottery result but does not award the other rewards. This configuration encourages the execution of a lottery using lottery data.

[0043] Furthermore, the lottery control unit 113 may be configured to output, in response to a request from a user, used lottery data information regarding one or more used lottery data that the user has used in executing one or more past lotteries. In this case, the used lottery data information includes information about the user associated with each of the one or more used lottery data, and is displayed, for example, on a screen output to the user terminal 30. The used lottery data of each user is managed, for example, in the lottery management table 152. This configuration allows users to later learn information about other users with whom the used lottery data is associated, thereby promoting interaction between users.

[0044] Next, a specific example of one aspect of the service providing server 10 of this embodiment having such functions will be described. In this example, the service providing server 10 provides an online game, and the lottery function of the game provides a lottery for acquiring characters to be used in the game. The type of online game is not particularly limited, but includes various types of games such as card games, puzzle games, RPGs, and action games.

[0045] First, the information managed by each table in this example will be explained. Fig. 2 shows an example of information managed by the user information table 151 in this example. In this example, user information table 151 manages information about users of the online game, and as shown in the figure, associates the information with a "user account" that identifies an individual user, and manages information such as "basic information" including account name, gender, date of birth, etc., "number of lottery items owned" which is the number of lottery items owned to be used in the lottery, "first lottery code" which is the first lottery code (lottery data) used in the lottery, "first lottery code used flag" which indicates the usage status of the first lottery code (whether it has been used or not), "second lottery code" which is the second lottery code, "second lottery code used flag" which indicates the usage status of the second lottery code, "third lottery code" which is the third lottery code, "third lottery code used flag" which indicates the usage status of the third lottery code, "owned item information" which is information about owned items other than lottery items, and "owned character information" which is information about owned characters.

[0046] The lottery codes are codes that can be used in a "limited-time lottery," which is a lottery event with a specific holding period set, and in this example, three lottery codes are assigned to one user in advance (by the time the limited-time lottery is held). The values ​​of these three lottery codes are set as the first to third lottery codes in the user information table 151. Furthermore, the multiple lottery codes assigned to multiple users are mutually identifiable; in other words, a unique value is set for each lottery code throughout the entire game.

[0047] The owned item information includes information for identifying owned items (for example, item IDs), and the owned character information includes information for identifying owned characters (for example, character IDs).

[0048] 3 illustrates information managed by lottery management table 152 in this example. Lottery management table 152 in this example manages information related to executed lotteries, and as shown in the figure, manages information such as a "used lottery code" which is the lottery code used in the corresponding lottery and an "acquired character" which is the character acquired in the corresponding lottery, in association with a combination of a "user account" which identifies an individual user and a "number of draws" which identifies each lottery (number of draws) executed by the corresponding user.

[0049] The information managed by each table in this example has been described above. Next, the screens output on the user terminal 30 and the processing executed by the service providing server 10 in this example will be described. Fig. 4 illustrates a limited-time lottery basic screen 50 output on the user terminal 30. The screen 50 is a starting screen for executing a limited-time lottery, and as shown in the figure, has a basic information display area 52 that displays basic information about the corresponding limited-time lottery, a lottery item information display area 54 that displays information about lottery items (the number owned by the user), a lottery code information display area 56 that displays information about lottery codes, and lottery execution buttons 581 to 583, which are three objects for instructing the execution of a lottery.

[0050] The basic information display area 52 displays an image corresponding to the limited-time lottery, an outline of the lottery specifications (e.g., winning characters), and information such as the duration of the lottery, and has a details button 521 in the lower right corner. The button 521 is an object for displaying details of the limited-time lottery.

[0051] The lottery code information display area 56 displays the value of the lottery code that is currently valid among the three lottery codes owned by the corresponding user (associated with the user), and has a copy button 561 and a share button 562 on the right edge. In the example of FIG. 4, the character string "r9fdoadjik" is displayed as the lottery code value. The lottery code in this example is composed of a 10-digit random alphanumeric character string.

[0052] As described above, three lottery codes are set for one user in this example, but only one code is valid at a specific time (simultaneously), and the valid code switches in sequence. Specifically, of the three first to third lottery codes managed in the user information table 151, the first lottery code is valid in the initial state, while the second and third lottery codes are invalid. Thereafter, as will be described in detail later, the first lottery code is invalidated in response to use of the first lottery code, and instead the second lottery code is validated. Thereafter, similarly, the second lottery code is invalidated in response to use of the second lottery code, and instead the third lottery code is validated.

[0053] The lottery code information display area 56 displays which of the first to third lottery codes the value of the displayed lottery code is. For example, in the example of Fig. 4, "Lottery Code (First)" is displayed, and it can be seen that the displayed value is that of the first lottery code.

[0054] The copy button 561 is an object for copying the value of the displayed lottery code (i.e., the lottery code that is valid at that time) to the clipboard (shared memory). When the button 561 is selected, the displayed lottery code is copied to the clipboard. The user can notify other users by manually pasting the copied lottery code into a message or the like of another application and sending it, for example.

[0055] The share button 562 is an object for sharing the displayed lottery code with other users via another application. When the button 562 is selected, a screen (not shown) for selecting the application to be used for sharing (sharing method) is displayed, and when the user selects the desired application via the screen, the application is launched and a message including the lottery code is automatically created. The user can notify other users of the lottery code by sending such a message.

[0056] Lottery execution buttons 581-583 have different attributes for the characters that can be acquired by the corresponding lotteries. Specifically, button 581 corresponds to a lottery for acquiring a "type A" character, button 582 corresponds to a lottery for acquiring a "type B" character, and button 583 corresponds to a lottery for acquiring a "type C" character. The user selects one of lottery execution buttons 581-583 that corresponds to the attribute of the desired character, for example.

[0057] 5 shows an example of a lottery execution method selection screen 60 that is output in response to selection of any of the lottery execution buttons 581 to 583. The screen 60 is a screen for selecting a method for executing a lottery, and as shown in the figure, has a use lottery item button 62, which is an object for executing a lottery using a lottery item, and a use lottery code button 64, which is an object for executing a lottery using a lottery code. When the user wants to execute a lottery using a lottery item, the user selects the use lottery item button 62.

[0058] On the other hand, when the user wishes to execute a lottery using a lottery code, the user selects the use lottery code button 64. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the process executed by the server 10 in response to the selection of the use lottery code button 64. When the button 64 is selected, the server 10 first accepts the input of the lottery code as shown in the figure (step S100). The input of the lottery code is accepted via a screen output on the user terminal 30.

[0059] 7 illustrates a lottery code input screen 70 that is displayed in place of the lottery execution method selection screen 60 in response to selection of the lottery code use button 64. As shown in the figure, the screen 70 has a lottery code input area 72 and an input completion button 74. The user inputs the value of the lottery code to be used in the lottery code input area 72 and then selects the input completion button 74. Typically, the user is informed of a valid lottery code held by another user by that user.

[0060] 6, the server 10 then determines whether the input lottery code is a usable code (step S110). In this example, a usable lottery code satisfies the following three conditions: (1) The lottery code must be valid at that time. (2) The user (holder) who possesses the lottery code is not the user who will be conducting the lottery. (3) The holder of the lottery code has not previously used any other lottery code that he or she holds. The validity of the lottery code is identified by referring to the user information table 151. The holder of the lottery code is identified by referring to the user information table 151. The holder of a lottery code that has been used in the past is identified by referring to the user information table 151 and the lottery management table 152.

[0061] If the entered lottery code is not usable (NO in step S110), the server 10 notifies the user of this (that the entered lottery code is not usable) (step S115) and terminates this process (returning to the lottery code input screen 70).

[0062] On the other hand, if the input lottery code is usable (YES in step S110), the server 10 then accepts an instruction to hold a lottery (step S120).

[0063] 8 shows an example of a lottery execution instruction screen 80 that is displayed in place of the lottery code input screen 70 after the input completion button 74 on the lottery code input screen 70 is selected and the entered lottery code is usable. As shown in the figure, the screen 80 displays the value of the entered lottery code and a message indicating that a notification will be sent to the holder of the lottery code, and has a lottery execution button 84 with the text "Draw a gacha" added. When the button 84 is selected, an instruction to execute the lottery is issued.

[0064] 6, upon receiving the instruction to draw a lottery, the server 10 then draws a lottery (step S130) and grants the character that is selected as a result of the lottery to the user who drew the lottery (step S140). When the lottery is drawn, a lottery is conducted according to the winning probability of each of the multiple characters that are the subject of the lottery, and the winning character is determined. When the lottery is drawn and the character is granted, the owned character information in the user information table 151 for the corresponding user is updated, and a new record is created in the lottery management table 152.

[0065] 9 shows an example of a lottery result screen 90 that is displayed in place of the lottery execution instruction screen 80 after the lottery has been executed. As shown in the figure, the screen 90 displays information (e.g., an image, etc.) about the character that has been won (acquired by the user) and information (e.g., an account name, etc.) about the holder of the used lottery code. Through the screen 90, the user can learn the holder of the used lottery code in addition to the character that has been won.

[0066] Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 6, the server 10 then grants a special item to the holder of the used lottery code (step S150). The special item is a type of item other than a character (e.g., a material for strengthening a character) used in the online game of this example. The granted special item may be a predetermined fixed item, or may vary depending on other parameters. Furthermore, when the special item is granted, the possessed item information in the user information table 151 for the corresponding user is updated.

[0067] In another example of this embodiment, the holder of the used lottery code is given a character (for example, the same character as the character given to the user who executed the lottery, or a different character) instead of or in addition to the special item.

[0068] Then, the server 10 updates the usage status of the used lottery code (step S160). Specifically, in the user information table 151, the value of the used flag corresponding to the used lottery code is updated to a value indicating "used." As a result, if any unused lottery codes remain in the possession of the corresponding user, the next unused lottery code becomes valid. In other words, in this example, updating the usage status of the lottery code can result in the validation of a new lottery code.

[0069] In this example, when a lottery code is used, a related notification is sent to the holder of the lottery code. Figure 10 illustrates a lottery code use notification screen 200 displayed on the user terminal 30 of the holder of the used lottery code. For example, the screen 200 is displayed superimposed on the top screen (not shown) of the online game in this example when the top screen is displayed for the first time after a lottery using the corresponding lottery code is executed. As shown, the lottery code use notification screen 200 displays the value of the used lottery code, along with text indicating that the lottery code has been used, that a special item (souvenir) has been acquired, and that the lottery code has been updated (only when the next lottery code is activated).

[0070] Here, when a lottery is executed using a lottery item instead of a lottery code (i.e., when the use lottery item button 62 on the lottery execution method selection screen 60 is selected), the lottery is executed, the winning character is awarded, and a predetermined number of lottery items are consumed, similar to steps S130 to S140 in the flowchart of FIG. 6 (the number of lottery items held by the corresponding user is updated in the user information table 151). Note that when a lottery code is used, an "extra" reward (item, etc.) that is not awarded when a lottery item is used may be awarded in addition to the winning character. Also, the probability of winning a character when a lottery code is used may differ from that when a lottery item is used (for example, using a lottery code may be more advantageous for the user).

[0071] In this example, in response to a request from the user, a history of lottery codes that the user has previously used in limited-time lotteries is displayed. Fig. 11 shows an example of a limited-time lottery details screen 210 that is displayed in place of the limited-time lottery basic screen 50 shown in Fig. 4 in response to selection of a details button 521 in the basic information display area 52 of the limited-time lottery basic screen 50.

[0072] The time-limited lottery details screen 210 displays detailed information about the corresponding time-limited lottery, and as shown, includes a lottery code usage history display area 212 for displaying information about the lottery codes used by the corresponding user. In this area 212, the values ​​of the lottery codes used by the corresponding user and information about their holders (e.g., account names) are arranged in the order in which they were used.

[0073] In the above example, the lottery code held by the user who is conducting the lottery cannot be used, but in another example of this embodiment, in addition to lottery codes held by other users, lottery codes held by the user himself may also be usable.

[0074] In the above example, a lottery code that has been used once is invalidated, but it may be possible to use one lottery code more than once.

[0075] In the above example, three lottery codes are assigned to each user in advance, but the number of lottery codes to be assigned may be one, two, or four or more. Also, instead of assigning multiple lottery codes in advance, a new valid lottery code may be assigned each time a lottery code becomes invalid.

[0076] In the above example, a lottery is provided to acquire characters to be used in an online game, but the lottery in this embodiment includes various types of lotteries to acquire various other rewards in various services.

[0077] The service providing server 10 according to the present embodiment described above enables the execution of a lottery using lottery data (for example, a lottery code) associated with other users, and grants a reward (for example, a special item) to the other users in association with the execution of such a lottery, thereby encouraging the exchange of lottery data between users. In other words, the service providing server 10 supports casual interaction between users via lotteries.

[0078] In other embodiments of the present invention, some or all of the functions possessed by the service providing server 10 in the above-described embodiments may be realized by cooperation between the service providing server 10 and the user terminal 30, or may be realized by the user terminal 30.

[0079] The processes and procedures described herein, other than those explicitly described, may be implemented by software, hardware, or any combination thereof. For example, the processes and procedures described herein may be implemented by implementing logic corresponding to the processes and procedures in media such as integrated circuits, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and magnetic disks. The processes and procedures described herein may also be implemented as computer programs corresponding to the processes and procedures and executed by various computers.

[0080] Although processes and procedures described herein are described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such processes or procedures may be performed by multiple devices, software, components, and / or modules. Also, the software and hardware elements described herein may be implemented by combining them into fewer components or breaking them down into more components.

[0081] In this specification, even if a component of the invention is described as either singular or plural, or is described without limitation as either singular or plural, the component may be either singular or plural unless the context requires otherwise. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 10 Service provider server 11. Computer Processor 111 Management function control section 112 Service provision control unit 113 Lottery control unit 15. Storage 151 User Information Table 152 Lottery Management Table 30 User terminals 40 Server-side programs 50 Limited Time Lottery Basic Screen 60 Lottery execution method selection screen 70 Lottery code entry screen 80 Lottery execution instruction screen 90 Lottery result screen 200 Lottery code usage notification screen 210 Limited Time Lottery Details Screen

Claims

1. 1. A system for providing a lottery drawing, comprising one or more computer processors, the one or more computer processors, in response to execution of readable instructions, performing: executing the lottery in response to a request from a first user; and granting a first reward to the first user based on the result of the lottery; the step of executing the lottery includes executing the lottery using a first lottery code associated with a second user input by the first user; the one or more computer processors further execute a step of granting a second reward to the second user in association with the execution of the lottery using the first lottery code; The first lottery code is invalidated after being used for a predetermined number of lotteries, the one or more computer processors further execute a step of enabling use of a second lottery code associated with the second user, the second lottery code being different from the first lottery code, in response to the invalidation of the first lottery code. system.

2. The first lottery code is prohibited from being used for the lottery executed by the second user associated with the first lottery code. The system of claim 1.

3. The second lottery code is prohibited from being used for a new lottery to be executed by the first user who executed the lottery using the first lottery code. The system of claim 1.

4. the step of enabling use of the second lottery code includes notifying the second user of the second lottery code. The system of claim 1.

5. The one or more computer processors further execute a step of outputting information about the second user to the first user in association with the execution of the lottery using the first lottery code.

5. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The second reward is a different type of reward from the first reward.

6. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the step of granting the first reward includes granting a third reward in addition to the first reward to the first user when the first lottery code is used for the lottery, and not granting the third reward to the first user when the first lottery code is not used for the lottery.

7. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The one or more computer processors further execute a step of outputting used lottery code information regarding one or more used lottery codes that the first user has used in one or more past lotteries in response to a request from the first user, The used lottery code information includes information about a user associated with each of the one or more used lottery codes.

8. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A plurality of lottery codes to be used for a predetermined period of time, the plurality of lottery codes being mutually identifiable, are associated with a plurality of users including the first and second users; 9. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. 1. A method for providing a lottery, executed by one or more computers, comprising: executing the lottery in response to a request from a first user; and granting a first reward to the first user based on a result of the lottery; the step of executing the lottery includes executing the lottery using a first lottery code associated with a second user input by the first user; The method further includes a step of granting a second reward to the second user in association with the execution of the lottery using the first lottery code; The first lottery code is invalidated after being used for a predetermined number of lotteries, The method further includes a step of enabling use of a second lottery code associated with the second user, the second lottery code being different from the first lottery code, upon invalidation of the first lottery code. method.

11. A program for providing a lottery, comprising: executing the lottery in response to a request from a first user; and granting a first reward to the first user based on the result of the lottery; the step of executing the lottery includes executing the lottery using a first lottery code associated with a second user input by the first user; causing the one or more computers to further execute a step of granting a second reward to the second user in association with the execution of the lottery using the first lottery code; The first lottery code is invalidated after being used for a predetermined number of lotteries, causing the one or more computers to further execute a step of enabling the use of a second lottery code associated with the second user and different from the first lottery code, in association with the invalidation of the first lottery code; program.

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