Value-adding method, value-adding program, and value-adding system

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a provisional value imparting method, a value imparting program, and a value imparting system that can reduce disadvantages to a user even when the expiration date of the value arrives. [Solution] The expiration date (expiration date) of a specified value (points) granted for the purchase of content (UGC) in which a production-involved user (creator) was involved in creating is managed separately from the expiration date (expiration date) of a specific value (coins) used within the virtual space, and by changing the specified value (points) to a specific value (coins), it is possible to effectively extend the expiration date (expiration date), and if the specified value (points) are not used by the expiration date (expiration date) of the specified value (points), the specified value (points) is automatically changed to the specific value (coins).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method, a program, and a system for temporarily assigning value to a user. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a technology has been proposed for providing a service that gives users values ​​such as points (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6612286 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As in Patent Document 1, some values ​​such as points given to users have expiration dates or other time limits for use, and once the expiration date has passed, the value becomes invalid, causing a disadvantage to the user.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a provisional value conferring method, a value conferring program, and a value conferring system that can reduce the disadvantage to the user even when the expiration date of the value arrives. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first method of adding value is: A value imparting method for imparting value to a user, comprising: a specific value granting step of granting a specific value to the user; a predetermined value granting step of granting a predetermined value to the user; and The specific value and the predetermined value each have an expiration date, and The predetermined value is changeable to the specific value; When the predetermined value is changed to the specific value, a new expiration date is set for the specific value after the change, regardless of the expiration date that was set for the predetermined value, The method further includes an automatic change step of automatically changing the predetermined value to the specific value if the predetermined value is not used by the expiration date of the predetermined value. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, by changing the predetermined value to a specific value, it is possible to effectively extend the expiration date of use, and if the predetermined value is not used by the expiration date of the predetermined value, the predetermined value is automatically changed to the specific value, thereby preventing the user from being disadvantaged by the expiration date of the predetermined value.

[0007] The value imparting method of means 2 is the value imparting method according to means 1, The predetermined value is convertible into cash within the expiry date. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, if the predetermined value is not converted into cash by the expiration date of the predetermined value, the predetermined value is automatically changed to a specific value, thereby preventing the user from being disadvantaged by the expiration date of the predetermined value.

[0008] The value imparting method of means 3 is the value imparting method according to means 2, The specified value cannot be changed to the predetermined value and cannot be converted into cash. It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it possible to prevent a specific value from being changed to a predetermined value and converted into cash.

[0009] The value imparting method of means 4 is the value imparting method according to means 2 or 3, The predetermined value is convertible to cash provided that the sum is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, even if the total of the specified values ​​does not reach a specified threshold within the expiration date and the tokens cannot be converted into cash, the effective expiration date can be extended by changing the tokens to a specific value within the expiration date.

[0010] The value imparting method of means 5 is the value imparting method according to any one of means 1 to 4, The method further includes a time limit notification step of notifying the user when the time limit for use of the predetermined value is approaching. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows you to be notified that the expiration date of a given value is approaching.

[0011] Measure 6, the value-addition program, A value imparting program that causes a computer to execute a process of imparting value to a user, a specific value granting step of granting a specific value to the user; a predetermined value granting step of granting a predetermined value to the user; Execute The specific value and the predetermined value each have an expiration date, and The predetermined value is changeable to the specific value; When the predetermined value is changed to the specific value, a new expiration date is set for the specific value after the change, regardless of the expiration date that was set for the predetermined value, and further executing an automatic change step of automatically changing the predetermined value to the specific value if the predetermined value is not used by the expiration date of the predetermined value. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, by changing the predetermined value to a specific value, it is possible to effectively extend the expiration date of use, and if the predetermined value is not used by the expiration date of the predetermined value, the predetermined value is automatically changed to the specific value, thereby preventing the user from being disadvantaged by the expiration date of the predetermined value.

[0012] The value-adding system of Measure 7 is A value granting system for granting value to a user, a specific value granting means for granting a specific value to a user; a predetermined value granting means for granting a predetermined value to a user; Equipped with The specific value and the predetermined value each have an expiration date, and The predetermined value is changeable to the specific value; When the predetermined value is changed to the specific value, a new expiration date is set for the specific value after the change, regardless of the expiration date that was set for the predetermined value, The method further includes an automatic change step of automatically changing the predetermined value to the specific value if the predetermined value is not used by the expiration date of the predetermined value. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, by changing the predetermined value to a specific value, it is possible to effectively extend the expiration date of use, and if the predetermined value is not used by the expiration date of the predetermined value, the predetermined value is automatically changed to the specific value, thereby preventing the user from being disadvantaged by the expiration date of the predetermined value.

[0013] The present invention may have only the invention-specifying matters set forth in the claims of the present invention, or may have the invention-specifying matters set forth in the claims of the present invention as well as configurations other than the invention-specifying matters. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a virtual space providing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server computer for providing virtual space in the virtual space providing system of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a virtual space server that constitutes a virtual space-providing server computer according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user management server that constitutes the virtual space-providing server computer of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a UGC server that constitutes the virtual space providing server computer of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal used in the virtual space providing system of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow of operations of the virtual space providing system of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of UGC that can be used in the virtual space providing system of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the use of UGC in the virtual space providing system of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a user database included in the user management server of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a UGC database included in the UGC server according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of UGC membership registration in the virtual space providing system of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow of creating UGC in the virtual space providing system of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow when putting up UGC in the virtual space providing system of the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of purchasing UGC in the virtual space providing system of the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a flow when UGC is used in the virtual space providing system of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow after a UGC sale in the virtual space providing system of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a status of point management performed by the UGC server of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a status of point management performed by the UGC server of the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a status of point management performed by the UGC server of the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the status of coin management performed by the user management server of the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a video distribution system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a video distribution server computer in the video distribution system of the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of operations of the video distribution system of the second embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the structure of a moving image distributed in the moving image distribution system of the second embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of registering a distributor in the video distribution system of the second embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flow of live streaming of a video in the video distribution system of the second embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the flow of sending a comment to a video being distributed in the video distribution system of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] [Form 1] The virtual space provision method of form 1-1 is as follows: A virtual space providing method for providing a virtual space to a user, comprising: a content output step of enabling content in which the user has participated in the creation to be output to the virtual space; a content selling step of selling the content to general users other than the production participating users who were involved in the production of the content; a value imparting step of imparting value to the user involved in the production of the content by the general user purchasing the content; a value notification step of notifying the user participating in the production of the content of value information that can identify the amount of value that the user participating in the production of the content will obtain by purchasing the content, or the ratio of the value that the user participating in the production of the content will obtain to the value used to purchase the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be output into a virtual space, such content can be sold to general users other than the production-involved users who were involved in the production, and since value is given to the production-involved users when the content is purchased by general users, there is no need for settlement between the production-involved users and the general users, and transactions of content to be used in the virtual space can be easily carried out between users. In addition, value information that can identify the amount of value that a user involved in the production of the content will obtain by purchasing the content, or the ratio of the value that a user involved in the production of the content will obtain to the value used to purchase the content, is notified to the user involved in the production of the content, thereby increasing the motivation of the user involved in the production of the content to be involved in the production of the content.

[0016] A virtual space providing method of form 1-2 is the virtual space providing method according to form 1-1, In the value notification step, the value information is notified to the users involved in the production of the content before the content is sold. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the amount of value that a user involved in the production of the content will obtain by purchasing the content, or the ratio of the value that a user involved in the production of the content will obtain to the value used to purchase the content, can be notified before the content is sold.

[0017] A virtual space providing method of form 1-3 is the virtual space providing method according to form 1-1 or 1-2, The method further includes a value changing step of changing the amount of value that the user participating in the production of the content can obtain by purchasing the content, or changing the ratio of the value that the user participating in the production of the content can obtain to the value used to purchase the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, even if the amount of value that a user involved in the production of the content obtains by purchasing the content, or the ratio of the value that a user involved in the production of the content obtains to the value used to purchase the content, changes, that information can be appropriately communicated.

[0018] A virtual space providing method of form 1-4 is the virtual space providing method according to form 1-3, In the value changing step, the amount of value that the user participating in the production of the content can obtain by purchasing the content, or the ratio of the value that the user participating in the production of the content can obtain to the value used to purchase the content, is changed by at least one element of the time of sale of the content, the sales amount of the content, or information related to the user participating in the production of the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the amount of value that a user involved in the production of a content can obtain by purchasing the content, or the ratio of the value that a user involved in the production of a content can obtain relative to the value used to purchase the content, changes depending on the timing of the sale of the content, the amount of sales of the content, and information related to the user involved in the production of the content, thereby effectively increasing the motivation of users involved in the production of content.

[0019] A virtual space providing method of form 1-5 is a virtual space providing method according to any one of forms 1-1 to 1-4, In the value imparting step, a value is imparted to the user involved in the production of the content after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the general user purchased the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, it is possible to assign value to the users involved in the production after ensuring that the content transaction was carried out normally.

[0020] A virtual space providing method of form 1-6 is the virtual space providing method according to form 1-5, a problem receiving step of receiving a problem regarding the content or a problem regarding the purchase of the content after the general user has purchased the content and before the predetermined period has elapsed; In the value assigning step, a value is assigned to the user involved in the production of the content when the predetermined period has elapsed after the general user has purchased the content, and when no problem has been accepted in the problem accepting step, or when the accepted problem has been resolved. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, it is possible to provide value to users involved in the production after ensuring that no problems have arisen regarding the content or the purchase of the content.

[0021] A virtual space providing method of form 1-7 is a virtual space providing method according to any one of forms 1-1 to 1-6, The method further includes a specific value allocating step of allocating a specific value that can be used in the virtual space to the user; In the value imparting step, a predetermined value different from the specific value is imparted to the user involved in the production of the content when the general user purchases the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the specified value given for the purchase of content in which a production-participating user has participated in the production can be managed separately from the specific value used within the virtual space.

[0022] A virtual space providing method of form 1-8 is the virtual space providing method according to form 1-7, The specific value and the predetermined value can be used for different purposes. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the objects that can use the specified value that is granted to a production-related user for the purchase of content in which the production user was involved can be managed separately from the specific value used within the virtual space.

[0023] A virtual space providing method of form 1-9 is the virtual space providing method according to form 1-8, the predetermined value is convertible to cash; The specified value is not convertible into cash. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the specified value given to a production-related user for purchasing content in which the user has participated in the production can be converted into cash, thereby effectively increasing the motivation of the production-related user to be involved in the production of content.

[0024] A virtual space providing method of form 1-10 is a virtual space providing method according to any one of forms 1-7 to 1-9, The predetermined value is changeable to the specific value; The specific value cannot be changed to the predetermined value. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, a predetermined value given to a production participating user for the purchase of content in which the production participating user has participated can be changed to a specific value and used within the virtual space.

[0025] A virtual space providing method of form 1-11 is the virtual space providing method according to form 1-10, The specific value and the predetermined value each have an expiration date set therefor; When the predetermined value is changed to the specific value, a new expiration date is set for the specific value after the change, regardless of the expiration date that was set for the predetermined value. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, by changing the predetermined value given to the purchase of content in which a production-involved user has participated in the production to a specific value, it is possible to effectively extend the expiration date of the content.

[0026] The virtual space provision program of form 1-12 is A virtual space providing program that causes a computer to execute a process of providing a virtual space to a user, a content output step of enabling content in which the user has participated in the creation to be output to the virtual space; a content selling step of selling the content to general users other than the production participating users who were involved in the production of the content; a value imparting step of imparting value to the user involved in the production of the content by the general user purchasing the content; a value informing step of informing the user participating in production of the content of the amount of value that the user participating in production of the content will obtain by purchasing the content, or value information that can identify the ratio of the value that the user participating in production of the content will obtain to the value used to purchase the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be output into a virtual space, such content can be sold to general users other than the production-involved users who were involved in the production, and since value is given to the production-involved users when the content is purchased by general users, there is no need for settlement between the production-involved users and the general users, and transactions of content to be used in the virtual space can be easily carried out between users. In addition, value information that can identify the amount of value that a user involved in the production of the content will obtain by purchasing the content, or the ratio of the value that a user involved in the production of the content will obtain to the value used to purchase the content, is notified to the user involved in the production of the content, thereby increasing the motivation of the user involved in the production of the content to be involved in the production of the content.

[0027] The virtual space provision system of form 1-13 is A virtual space providing system that provides a virtual space to a user, a content output means for outputting content that a user has participated in creating into the virtual space; a content sales means for selling the content to general users other than the users who participated in the production of the content; a value imparting means for imparting value to the users involved in the production of the content when the general users purchase the content; and value notification means for notifying the user participating in the production of the content of value information that can identify the amount of value that the user participating in the production of the content will obtain by purchasing the content, or the ratio of the value that the user participating in the production of the content will obtain to the value used to purchase the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be output into a virtual space, such content can be sold to general users other than the production-involved users who were involved in the production, and since value is given to the production-involved users when the content is purchased by general users, there is no need for settlement between the production-involved users and the general users, and transactions of content to be used in the virtual space can be easily carried out between users. In addition, value information that can identify the amount of value that a user involved in the production of the content will obtain by purchasing the content, or the ratio of the value that a user involved in the production of the content will obtain to the value used to purchase the content, is notified to the user involved in the production of the content, thereby increasing the motivation of the user involved in the production of the content to be involved in the production of the content.

[0028] [Form 2] The virtual space provision method of form 2-1 is as follows: A virtual space providing method for providing a virtual space to a user, comprising: a content output step of enabling content in which the user has participated in the creation to be output to the virtual space; a usage permission step in which a production participating user who has participated in the production of the content permits an administrator of the virtual space to use the content, including permission for a third party to use the content; a usage permission step of permitting a general user other than the production participating user of the content to use the content permitted for use by the production participating user in response to a request from the general user; a usage fee receiving step of receiving a value as a fee for use of the content from the general user who is permitted to use the content; and a usage fee providing step in which, when the general user is permitted to use the content, the administrator of the virtual space provides the user involved in the production of the content with value as compensation for the use of the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be output into a virtual space, a production-related user who has participated in the production of the content grants permission to the administrator of the virtual space to use the content, including permission for third parties to use the content, and the use of the content that has been granted permission to be used by the production-related user is granted to a general user other than the production-related user of the content at the request of the general user, and value is accepted from the general user who has been granted permission to use the content as compensation for the use of the content, and when permission is granted to a general user to use the content, the administrator of the virtual space grants value to the production-related user of the content as compensation for the use of the content, thereby eliminating the need for settlement between the production-related user and the general user and making it easy to trade content used in the virtual space between users.

[0029] A virtual space providing method of form 2-2 is the virtual space providing method according to form 2-1, a value notification step of notifying the user participating in production of the content of the amount of value that the user participating in production of the content can obtain by permitting the general user to use the content, or value information that can identify the ratio of the value that the user participating in production of the content can obtain to the value accepted from the general user who is permitted to use the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, value information that can identify the amount of value that a user involved in the production of the content can obtain by allowing general users to use the content, or the ratio of the value that a user involved in the production of the content can obtain to the value accepted from general users who are permitted to use the content, is notified to the user involved in the production of the content, thereby increasing the motivation of the user involved in the production to create content.

[0030] A virtual space providing method of form 2-3 is the virtual space providing method according to form 2-2, In the value notification step, the value information is notified to the user involved in production of the content before the user gives permission to the administrator of the virtual space to use the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the amount of value that the users involved in the production of the content will obtain by allowing general users to use the content, or the ratio of the value that the users involved in the production of the content will obtain compared to the value accepted from general users who are permitted to use the content, can be notified to the administrator of the virtual space before allowing the content to be used.

[0031] A virtual space providing method of form 2-4 is the virtual space providing method according to form 2-2 or 2-3, The method further includes a value changing step of changing the amount of value that the user participating in the production of the content can obtain by permitting the general user to use the content, or changing the ratio of the value that the user participating in the production of the content can obtain to the value accepted from the general user who is permitted to use the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, even if the amount of value that a user involved in the production of the content can obtain by allowing a general user to use the content, or the ratio of the value that a user involved in the production of the content can obtain to the value accepted from a general user who is permitted to use the content, changes, that information can be appropriately communicated.

[0032] A virtual space providing method of form 2-5 is the virtual space providing method according to form 2-4, In the value changing step, the amount of value that the user involved in production of the content can obtain by allowing the general user to use the content, or the ratio of the value that the user involved in production of the content can obtain to the value accepted from the general user who is permitted to use the content, is changed by at least one element of the time when the general user was permitted to use the content, the quantity of the content that the general user was permitted to use, or information related to the user involved in production of the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the amount of value that a user involved in the production of a content can obtain by allowing a general user to use the content, or the ratio of the value that a user involved in the production of a content can obtain to the value accepted from a general user who is permitted to use the content, changes depending on the time when the general user is permitted to use the content, the quantity of the content that the general user is permitted to use, or information related to the user involved in the production of the content, thereby effectively increasing the motivation of users involved in the production of content.

[0033] A virtual space providing method of form 2-6 is a virtual space providing method according to any one of forms 2-1 to 2-5, In the step of providing a fee for use, a value is provided to the user involved in the production of the content after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the general user was permitted to use the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, it is possible to provide value to the users involved in the production after ensuring that the use of the content has been properly permitted.

[0034] A virtual space providing method of form 2-7 is the virtual space providing method according to form 2-6, a problem receiving step of receiving a problem regarding the content or a problem regarding permission to use the content before the predetermined period has elapsed after the general user has been permitted to use the content; In the use fee providing step, after the general user is permitted to use the content, if the predetermined period has elapsed and no problem has been accepted in the problem accepting step, or if the accepted problem has been resolved, a value is provided to the user involved in the production of the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, it is possible to provide value to users involved in the production after ensuring that there are no problems with the content or with the permission to use the content.

[0035] A virtual space providing method of form 2-8 is a virtual space providing method according to any one of forms 2-1 to 2-7, The method further includes a specific value allocating step of allocating a specific value that can be used in the virtual space to the user; In the step of providing a fee for use, a predetermined value different from the specific value is provided to the user involved in the production of the content by permitting the general user to use the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the specified value given to a general user when the user is permitted to use content that a production-related user has participated in producing can be managed separately from the specific value used within the virtual space.

[0036] A virtual space providing method of form 2-9 is the virtual space providing method according to form 2-8, The specific value and the predetermined value can be used for different purposes. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the objects that can use the specified value that is granted when a general user is permitted to use content that a production-related user has participated in producing can be managed separately from the specific value used within the virtual space.

[0037] A virtual space providing method of form 2-10 is the virtual space providing method according to form 2-9, the predetermined value is convertible to cash; The specified value is not convertible into cash. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the specified value given in return for a general user being permitted to use content that a production-related user has participated in producing can be converted into cash, thereby effectively increasing the motivation of production-related users to be involved in the production of content.

[0038] A virtual space providing method of form 2-11 is a virtual space providing method according to any one of forms 2-8 to 2-10, The predetermined value is changeable to the specific value; The specific value cannot be changed to the predetermined value. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the predetermined value given to a general user when the user is permitted to use content that a production-participating user has participated in producing can be changed to a specific value and used within the virtual space.

[0039] A virtual space providing method of form 2-12 is the virtual space providing method according to form 2-10, The specific value and the predetermined value each have an expiration date set therefor; When the predetermined value is changed to the specific value, a new expiration date is set for the specific value after the change, regardless of the expiration date that was set for the predetermined value. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, by changing the predetermined value given to a general user when the user is permitted to use content that a production-participating user has participated in producing to a specific value, it is possible to effectively extend the expiration date of the content.

[0040] The virtual space provision program of form 2-13 is A virtual space providing program that causes a computer to execute a process of providing a virtual space to a user, a content output step of enabling content in which the user has participated in the creation to be output to the virtual space; a usage permission step in which a production participating user who has participated in the production of the content permits an administrator of the virtual space to use the content, including permission for a third party to use the content; a usage permission step of permitting a general user other than the production participating user of the content to use the content permitted for use by the production participating user in response to a request from the general user; a usage fee receiving step of receiving a value as a fee for use of the content from the general user who is permitted to use the content; and a usage fee providing step in which, when the general user is permitted to use the content, the administrator of the virtual space provides the user involved in the production of the content with value as compensation for the use of the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be output into a virtual space, a production-related user who has participated in the production of the content grants permission to the administrator of the virtual space to use the content, including permission for third parties to use the content, and the use of the content that has been granted permission to be used by the production-related user is granted to a general user other than the production-related user of the content at the request of the general user, and value is accepted from the general user who has been granted permission to use the content as compensation for the use of the content, and when permission is granted to a general user to use the content, the administrator of the virtual space grants value to the production-related user of the content as compensation for the use of the content, thereby eliminating the need for settlement between the production-related user and the general user and making it easy to trade content used in the virtual space between users.

[0041] The virtual space provision system of form 2-13 is A virtual space providing system that provides a virtual space to a user, a content output means for outputting content that a user has participated in creating into the virtual space; a usage permission means for allowing a production-contributing user who has been involved in the production of the content to permit an administrator of the virtual space to use the content, including permission for a third party to use the content; a usage permission means for permitting a general user other than the production participating user of the content to use the content permitted for use by the production participating user in response to a request from the general user; a usage fee receiving means for receiving a value as a fee for use of the content from the general user who is permitted to use the content; and a usage fee providing means for providing a value to the user involved in the production of the content from the administrator of the virtual space as a fee for using the content when the general user is permitted to use the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be output into a virtual space, a production-related user who has participated in the production of the content grants permission to the administrator of the virtual space to use the content, including permission for third parties to use the content, and the use of the content that has been granted permission to be used by the production-related user is granted to a general user other than the production-related user of the content at the request of the general user, and value is accepted from the general user who has been granted permission to use the content as compensation for the use of the content, and when permission is granted to a general user to use the content, the administrator of the virtual space grants value to the production-related user of the content as compensation for the use of the content, thereby eliminating the need for settlement between the production-related user and the general user and making it easy to trade content used in the virtual space between users.

[0042] [Form 3] The content provision method for form 3-1 is as follows: A content providing method for providing content to a user, comprising: a content providing step of providing the content in which the user has been involved in the production to a general user other than the production participating user who has been involved in the production of the content; a content rights selling step of selling rights relating to the content to the general user; a value imparting step of imparting value to the users involved in the production of the content by the general users purchasing rights related to the content; a value notification step of notifying the user participating in production of the content of the amount of value that the user participating in production of the content will obtain by purchasing the rights to the content, or value information that can identify the ratio of the value that the user participating in production of the content will obtain to the value used to purchase the rights to the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be provided to general users other than the production-involved users who were involved in the production of the content, it is possible to sell rights to such content to general users, and since value is given to the production-involved users when the rights to the content are purchased by the general users, there is no need for settlement between the production-involved users and the general users, and transactions of rights to content can be easily carried out between users. In addition, value information that can identify the amount of value that a user involved in the production of the content will obtain by purchasing rights to the content, or the ratio of the value that a user involved in the production of the content will obtain to the value used to purchase rights to the content, is notified to the user involved in the production of the content, thereby increasing the motivation of the user involved in the production of the content.

[0043] A content providing method of form 3-2 is the content providing method according to form 3-1, In the value notification step, the value information is notified to the users involved in the production of the content before the rights relating to the content are sold. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the amount of value that a user involved in the production of the content will obtain by purchasing the rights to the content, or the ratio of the value that a user involved in the production of the content will obtain compared to the value used to purchase the rights to the content, can be notified before the rights to the content are sold.

[0044] A content providing method of form 3-3 is the content providing method according to form 3-1 or 3-2, The method further includes a value changing step of changing the amount of value that the user participating in the production of the content can obtain by purchasing the rights to the content, or changing the ratio of the value that the user participating in the production of the content can obtain to the value used to purchase the rights to the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, even if the amount of value that a user involved in the production of the content can obtain by purchasing rights to the content, or the ratio of the value that a user involved in the production of the content can obtain to the value used to purchase rights to the content, changes, that information can be appropriately communicated.

[0045] A content providing method of form 3-4 is the content providing method according to form 3-3, In the value changing step, the amount of value that the user involved in production of the content can obtain by purchasing the rights to the content, or the ratio of the value that the user involved in production of the content can obtain to the value used to purchase the rights to the content, is changed by at least one element of the timing of sales of the rights to the content, the sales amount of the rights to the content, or information related to the user involved in production of the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the amount of value that a user involved in the production of a content can obtain by purchasing rights to the content, or the ratio of the value that a user involved in the production of the content can obtain to the value used to purchase rights to the content, changes depending on the timing of the sale of rights to the content, the sales volume of rights to the content, and information related to the user involved in the production of the content, thereby effectively increasing the motivation of users involved in the production of content.

[0046] A content providing method of form 3-5 is a content providing method according to any one of forms 3-1 to 3-4, In the value imparting step, a value is imparted to the user involved in the production of the content after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the general user purchased the rights to the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, it is possible to assign value to users involved in the production after ensuring that the transaction of rights relating to the content has been carried out normally.

[0047] A content providing method of form 3-6 is the content providing method according to form 3-5, The method further includes a problem receiving step of receiving a problem regarding the content or a problem regarding the purchase of the right for the content after the general user has purchased the right for the content and before the predetermined period has elapsed; In the value assigning step, after the general user purchases the rights to the content, if the predetermined period has elapsed and no problem has been accepted in the problem accepting step, or if the accepted problem has been resolved, a value is assigned to the user involved in the production of the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, it is possible to provide value to users involved in the production after ensuring that there are no problems with the content or with purchasing rights to the content.

[0048] A content providing method of form 3-7 is a content providing method according to any one of forms 3-1 to 3-6, The method further includes a specific value granting step of granting a specific value to the user; In the value assigning step, a predetermined value different from the specific value is assigned to the user involved in the production of the content when the general user purchases the rights to the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the predetermined value given in response to the purchase of rights relating to content in which the production participating user has participated in the production can be managed separately from the specific value.

[0049] A content providing method of form 3-8 is the content providing method according to form 3-7, The specific value and the predetermined value can be used for different purposes. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the objects for which a specified value that is granted in exchange for the purchase of rights to content in which a production-related user has participated in the production can be managed separately from specific values.

[0050] A content providing method of form 3-9 is the content providing method according to form 3-8, the predetermined value is convertible to cash; The specified value is not convertible into cash. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the specified value granted to a production-related user for purchasing rights to content in which the production-related user has participated can be converted into cash, thereby effectively increasing the motivation of the production-related user to be involved in the production of content.

[0051] A content providing method of form 3-10 is a content providing method according to any one of forms 3-7 to 3-9, The predetermined value is changeable to the specific value; The specific value cannot be changed to the predetermined value. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the predetermined value given for the purchase of rights relating to content in which the production participating user has participated in the production can be changed to a specific value and used.

[0052] A content providing method of form 3-11 is the content providing method according to form 3-10, The specific value and the predetermined value each have an expiration date set therefor; When the predetermined value is changed to the specific value, a new expiration date is set for the specific value after the change, regardless of the expiration date that was set for the predetermined value. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, by changing the predetermined value granted for the purchase of rights to content in which a production-involved user has been involved in the production to a specific value, it is possible to effectively extend the expiration date of the content.

[0053] The content provision method for form 3-12 is as follows: A content providing method for providing content to a user, comprising: a content providing step of providing the content in which the user has been involved in the production to a general user other than the production participating user who has been involved in the production of the content; a usage permission step in which the production participating user permits an administrator to use the content, including permitting a third party to use the rights related to the content; a usage permission step of permitting a general user to use the rights related to the content permitted for use by the production-participating user in response to a request from the general user; a usage fee receiving step of receiving a value as a fee for use of the right related to the content from the general user who is permitted to use the right related to the content; and a usage fee granting step in which, when the general user is permitted to use the rights related to the content, the administrator grants a value to the user involved in the production of the content as a fee for using the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be provided to general users other than the production-related users who were involved in the production of the content, the production-related users who were involved in the production of the content grant permission to an administrator to use the content, including permission for third parties to use the rights related to the content, and the administrator grants the general users, upon request, permission to use the rights related to the content that the production-related users have granted them permission to use, and accepts value from the general users who have been granted permission to use the rights related to the content as consideration for the use of the rights related to the content, and when the administrator grants value to the production-related users of the content as consideration for the use of the content, there is no need for settlement between the production-related users and the general users, and transactions of rights related to the content can be easily carried out between users.

[0054] The content provision program for form 3-13 is A content providing program that causes a computer to execute a process for providing content to a user, a content providing step of providing the content in which the user has been involved in the production to a general user other than the production participating user who has been involved in the production of the content; a content rights selling step of selling rights relating to the content to the general user; a value imparting step of imparting value to the users involved in the production of the content by the general users purchasing rights related to the content; a value informing step of informing the user participating in production of the content of the amount of value that the user participating in production of the content will obtain by purchasing the rights to the content, or value information that can identify the ratio of the value that the user participating in production of the content will obtain to the value used to purchase the rights to the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be provided to general users other than the production-involved users who were involved in the production of the content, it is possible to sell rights to such content to general users, and since value is given to the production-involved users when the rights to the content are purchased by the general users, there is no need for settlement between the production-involved users and the general users, and transactions of rights to content can be easily carried out between users. In addition, value information that can identify the amount of value that a user involved in the production of the content will obtain by purchasing rights to the content, or the ratio of the value that a user involved in the production of the content will obtain to the value used to purchase rights to the content, is notified to the user involved in the production of the content, thereby increasing the motivation of the user involved in the production of the content.

[0055] The content provision program for form 3-14 is A content providing program that causes a computer to execute a process for providing content to a user, a content providing step of providing the content in which the user has been involved in the production to a general user other than the production participating user who has been involved in the production of the content; a usage permission step in which the production participating user permits an administrator to use the content, including permitting a third party to use the rights related to the content; a usage permission step of permitting a general user to use the rights related to the content permitted for use by the production-participating user in response to a request from the general user; a usage fee receiving step of receiving a value as a fee for use of the right related to the content from the general user who is permitted to use the right related to the content; and a usage fee granting step in which, when the general user is permitted to use the right related to the content, the administrator grants a value to the user involved in the production of the content as a fee for using the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be provided to general users other than the production-related users who were involved in the production of the content, the production-related users who were involved in the production of the content grant permission to an administrator to use the content, including permission for third parties to use the rights related to the content, and the administrator grants the general users, upon request, permission to use the rights related to the content that the production-related users have granted them permission to use, and accepts value from the general users who have been granted permission to use the rights related to the content as consideration for the use of the rights related to the content, and when the administrator grants value to the production-related users of the content as consideration for the use of the content, there is no need for settlement between the production-related users and the general users, and transactions of rights related to the content can be easily carried out between users.

[0056] The content provision system of form 3-15 is A content providing system for providing content to a user, a content providing means for providing content in which a user has participated in the production to general users other than the production participating users who have participated in the production of the content; a content rights sales means for selling rights relating to the content to the general users; a value imparting means for imparting value to the users involved in the production of the content when the general users purchase rights to the content; and value notification means for notifying the users participating in the production of the content of value information that can identify the amount of value that the users participating in the production of the content will obtain by purchasing the rights to the content, or the ratio of the value that the users participating in the production of the content will obtain to the value used to purchase the rights to the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be provided to general users other than the production-related users who were involved in the production of the content, the production-related users who were involved in the production of the content grant permission to an administrator to use the content, including permission for third parties to use the rights related to the content, and the administrator grants the general users, upon request, permission to use the rights related to the content that the production-related users have granted them permission to use, and accepts value from the general users who have been granted permission to use the rights related to the content as consideration for the use of the rights related to the content, and when the administrator grants value to the production-related users of the content as consideration for the use of the content, there is no need for settlement between the production-related users and the general users, and transactions of rights related to the content can be easily carried out between users. In addition, value information that can identify the amount of value that the users involved in the production of the content can obtain by allowing general users to use the rights related to the content, or the ratio of the value that the users involved in the production of the content can obtain to the value accepted from general users who are permitted to use the rights related to the content, is notified to the users involved in the production of the content, thereby increasing the motivation of the users involved in the production to create content.

[0057] The content provision system of form 3-16 is A content providing system for providing content to a user, a content providing means for providing content in which a user has participated in the production to general users other than the production participating users who have participated in the production of the content; a usage permission means for allowing the production-participating user to permit an administrator to use the content, including permitting a third party to use the rights related to the content; a usage permission means for permitting a general user to use the rights relating to the content permitted for use by the production-participating user in response to a request from the general user; a usage fee receiving means for receiving a value as a fee for the use of the right related to the content from the general user who is permitted to use the right related to the content; and a usage fee granting means for granting a value from the administrator to the user involved in the production of the content as a fee for using the content when the general user is permitted to use the right related to the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be provided to general users other than the production-related users who were involved in the production of the content, the production-related users who were involved in the production of the content grant permission to an administrator to use the content, including permission for third parties to use the rights related to the content, and the administrator grants the general users, upon request, permission to use the rights related to the content that the production-related users have granted them permission to use, and accepts value from the general users who have been granted permission to use the rights related to the content as consideration for the use of the rights related to the content, and when the administrator grants value to the production-related users of the content as consideration for the use of the content, there is no need for settlement between the production-related users and the general users, and transactions of rights related to the content can be easily carried out between users.

[0058] [Form 4] The virtual space provision method of form 4-1 is as follows: A virtual space providing method for providing a virtual space to a user, comprising: a content output step of enabling content in which the user has participated in the creation to be output to the virtual space; a content selling step of selling the content to general users other than the production participating users who were involved in the production of the content; a specific value granting step of granting a specific value that can be used in the virtual space to a user; a predetermined value allotting step of allotting a predetermined value to the user involved in the production of the content when the general user purchases the content; and The specific value and the predetermined value each have an expiration date. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be output into a virtual space, such content can be sold to general users other than the production-involved users who were involved in the production, and since the content is purchased by a general user and a specific value is assigned to the production-involved users, there is no need for settlement between the production-involved users and the general users, and transactions of content to be used in the virtual space can be easily carried out between users. In addition, the expiration date of a specified value that is granted in response to the purchase of content in which a production-related user has participated in the production can be managed separately from the expiration date of a specific value used within the virtual space.

[0059] A virtual space providing method of form 4-2 is the virtual space providing method according to form 4-1, The predetermined value is changeable to the specific value; When the predetermined value is changed to the specific value, a new expiration date is set for the specific value after the change, regardless of the expiration date that was set for the predetermined value. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the predetermined value given to a production-involved user for purchasing content in which the user has been involved in the production can be changed to a specific value and used within the virtual space, and by changing the predetermined value to a specific value, it is possible to effectively extend the expiration date of the content.

[0060] A virtual space providing method of form 4-3 is the virtual space providing method according to form 4-2, The predetermined value is convertible into cash within the expiry date. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the predetermined value given to the user for purchasing the content in which the user participated in the production can be converted into cash, which effectively increases the motivation of the user to participate in the production of the content. Furthermore, even if the value is not converted into cash within the expiration date, the effective expiration date can be extended by converting it into a specific value within the expiration date.

[0061] A virtual space providing method of form 4-4 is the virtual space providing method according to form 4-3, The specified value cannot be changed to the predetermined value and cannot be converted into cash. It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it possible to prevent a specific value from being changed to a predetermined value and converted into cash.

[0062] A virtual space providing method of form 4-5 is the virtual space providing method according to form 4-4, The predetermined value is convertible to cash provided that the sum is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, even if the total of the specified values ​​does not reach a specified threshold within the expiration date and the tokens cannot be converted into cash, the effective expiration date can be extended by changing the tokens to a specific value within the expiration date.

[0063] A virtual space providing method of form 4-6 is a virtual space providing method according to form 4-4 or 4-5, The method further includes a time limit notification step of notifying the user when the time limit for use of the predetermined value is approaching. It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it possible to notify the user that the expiration date of a predetermined value, i.e., the date by which the value can be converted into cash, is approaching.

[0064] A virtual space providing method of form 4-7 is a virtual space providing method according to any one of forms 4-3 to 4-6, The method further includes an automatic change step of automatically changing the predetermined value to the specific value if the predetermined value is not converted into cash by the expiration date of the predetermined value. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, if the predetermined value is not converted into cash by the expiration date of the predetermined value, the predetermined value is automatically changed to a specific value, thereby preventing the user from being disadvantaged by the expiration date of the predetermined value.

[0065] The virtual space provision program of form 4-8 is A virtual space providing program that causes a computer to execute a process of providing a virtual space to a user, A virtual space providing program that causes a computer to execute a process of providing a virtual space to a user, a content output step of enabling content in which the user has participated in the creation to be output to the virtual space; a content selling step of selling the content to general users other than the production participating users who were involved in the production of the content; a specific value granting step of granting a specific value that can be used in the virtual space to a user; a predetermined value allotting step of allotting a predetermined value to the user involved in the production of the content when the general user purchases the content; Execute The specific value and the predetermined value each have an expiration date. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be output into a virtual space, such content can be sold to general users other than the production-involved users who were involved in the production, and since the content is purchased by a general user and a specific value is assigned to the production-involved users, there is no need for settlement between the production-involved users and the general users, and transactions of content to be used in the virtual space can be easily carried out between users. In addition, the expiration date of a specified value that is granted in response to the purchase of content in which a production-related user has participated in the production can be managed separately from the expiration date of a specific value used within the virtual space.

[0066] The virtual space provision system of form 4-9 is A virtual space providing system that provides a virtual space to a user, a content output means for outputting content that a user has participated in creating into the virtual space; a content sales means for selling the content to general users other than the users who participated in the production of the content; a specific value granting means for granting a specific value that can be used in the virtual space to a user; a predetermined value granting means for granting a predetermined value to the user involved in the production of the content when the general user purchases the content; Equipped with The specific value and the predetermined value each have an expiration date. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be output into a virtual space, such content can be sold to general users other than the production-involved users who were involved in the production, and since the content is purchased by a general user and a specific value is assigned to the production-involved users, there is no need for settlement between the production-involved users and the general users, and transactions of content to be used in the virtual space can be easily carried out between users. In addition, the expiration date of a specified value that is granted in response to the purchase of content in which a production-related user has participated in the production can be managed separately from the expiration date of a specific value used within the virtual space.

[0067] [Form 5] The virtual space provision method of form 5-1 is as follows: A virtual space providing method for providing a virtual space to a user, comprising: a content output step of enabling content in which the user has participated in the creation to be output to the virtual space; a content selling step of selling the content to general users other than the production participating users who were involved in the production of the content; a specific value granting step of granting a specific value that can be used in the virtual space to a user; a predetermined value allotting step of allotting a predetermined value to the user involved in the production of the content when the general user purchases the content; and The specific value and the predetermined value can be used for different purposes. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be output into a virtual space, such content can be sold to general users other than the production-involved users who were involved in the production, and since the content is purchased by a general user and a specific value is assigned to the production-involved users, there is no need for settlement between the production-involved users and the general users, and transactions of content to be used in the virtual space can be easily carried out between users. In addition, the objects that can use the specified value that is granted when a production-related user purchases content in which the user has been involved in producing can be managed separately from the specific value used within the virtual space.

[0068] A virtual space providing method of form 5-2 is the virtual space providing method according to form 5-1, the predetermined value is convertible to cash; The specified value is not convertible into cash. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the specified value given to a production-related user for purchasing content in which the user has participated in the production can be converted into cash, thereby effectively increasing the motivation of the production-related user to be involved in the production of content.

[0069] A virtual space providing method of form 5-3 is the virtual space providing method according to form 5-2, The predetermined value is changeable to the specific value; The specific value cannot be changed to the predetermined value. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the predetermined value given to a user for purchasing content in which the user participated in the production can be changed to a specific value and used in the virtual space. It is also possible to prevent the specific value from being changed to a predetermined value and converted into cash.

[0070] A virtual space providing method of form 5-4 is the virtual space providing method according to form 5-2 or 5-3, The predetermined value has an expiration date, The predetermined value is convertible into cash within the expiry date. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for a limited period of time during which a given value can be converted into cash.

[0071] A virtual space providing method of form 5-5 is the virtual space providing method according to form 5-4, The method further includes an automatic change step of automatically changing the predetermined value to the specific value if the predetermined value is not converted into cash by the expiration date of the predetermined value. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, if the predetermined value is not converted into cash by the expiration date of the predetermined value, the predetermined value is automatically changed to a specific value, thereby preventing the user from being disadvantaged by the expiration date of the predetermined value.

[0072] A virtual space providing method of form 5-6 is a virtual space providing method according to any one of forms 5-1 to 5-5, The predetermined value cannot be used in the virtual space, The specific value can be used in the virtual space. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the usable objects of the specified value granted to a production-involved user for the purchase of content in which the user has been involved in the production can be clearly distinguished and managed from the specific value used within the virtual space.

[0073] A virtual space providing method of form 5-7 is a virtual space providing method according to any one of forms 5-1 to 5-6, The predetermined value cannot be used for the production costs of the content or the sales costs of the content; The specific value can be used to cover the cost of producing the content or the cost of selling the content. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the target of the specified value that is granted for the purchase of content in which a production-related user has participated in the production can be clearly distinguished and managed from the specific value used for the production costs of the content or the sales costs of the content.

[0074] The virtual space provision program of forms 5-8 is A virtual space providing program that causes a computer to execute a process of providing a virtual space to a user, a content output step of enabling content in which the user has participated in the creation to be output to the virtual space; a content selling step of selling the content to general users other than the production participating users who were involved in the production of the content; a specific value granting step of granting a specific value that can be used in the virtual space to a user; a predetermined value allotting step of allotting a predetermined value to the user involved in the production of the content when the general user purchases the content; Execute The specific value and the predetermined value can be used for different purposes. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be output into a virtual space, such content can be sold to general users other than the production-involved users who were involved in the production, and since the content is purchased by a general user and a specific value is assigned to the production-involved users, there is no need for settlement between the production-involved users and the general users, and transactions of content to be used in the virtual space can be easily carried out between users. In addition, the objects that can use the specified value that is granted when a production-related user purchases content in which the user has been involved in producing can be managed separately from the specific value used within the virtual space.

[0075] The virtual space provision system of form 5-9 is A virtual space providing system that provides a virtual space to a user, a content output means for outputting content that a user has participated in creating into the virtual space; a content sales means for selling the content to general users other than the users who participated in the production of the content; a specific value granting means for granting a specific value that can be used in the virtual space to a user; a predetermined value granting means for granting a predetermined value to the user involved in the production of the content when the general user purchases the content; Equipped with The specific value and the predetermined value can be used for different purposes. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in a configuration in which content in which a user has participated in the production can be output into a virtual space, such content can be sold to general users other than the production-involved users who were involved in the production, and since the content is purchased by a general user and a specific value is assigned to the production-involved users, there is no need for settlement between the production-involved users and the general users, and transactions of content to be used in the virtual space can be easily carried out between users. In addition, the objects that can use the specified value that is granted when a production-related user purchases content in which the user has been involved in producing can be managed separately from the specific value used within the virtual space.

[0076] [Form 6] The value-adding method for Form 6-1 is as follows: A value imparting method for imparting value to a user, comprising: a specific value granting step of granting a specific value to the user; a predetermined value granting step of granting a predetermined value to the user; and The specific value and the predetermined value each have an expiration date, and The predetermined value is changeable to the specific value; When the predetermined value is changed to the specific value, a new expiration date is set for the specific value after the change, regardless of the expiration date that was set for the predetermined value, The method further includes an automatic change step of automatically changing the predetermined value to the specific value if the predetermined value is not used by the expiration date of the predetermined value. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, by changing the predetermined value to a specific value, it is possible to effectively extend the expiration date of use, and if the predetermined value is not used by the expiration date of the predetermined value, the predetermined value is automatically changed to the specific value, thereby preventing the user from being disadvantaged by the expiration date of the predetermined value.

[0077] The value imparting method of form 6-2 is the value imparting method according to form 6-1, The predetermined value is convertible into cash within the expiry date. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, if the predetermined value is not converted into cash by the expiration date of the predetermined value, the predetermined value is automatically changed to a specific value, thereby preventing the user from being disadvantaged by the expiration date of the predetermined value.

[0078] The value imparting method of form 6-3 is the value imparting method according to form 6-2, The specified value cannot be changed to the predetermined value and cannot be converted into cash. It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it possible to prevent a specific value from being changed to a predetermined value and converted into cash.

[0079] The value imparting method of form 6-4 is the value imparting method according to form 6-2 or 6-3, The predetermined value is convertible to cash provided that the sum is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, even if the total of the specified values ​​does not reach a specified threshold within the expiration date and the tokens cannot be converted into cash, the effective expiration date can be extended by changing the tokens to a specific value within the expiration date.

[0080] The value imparting method of form 6-5 is the value imparting method according to any one of forms 6-1 to 6-4, The method further includes a time limit notification step of notifying the user when the time limit for use of the predetermined value is approaching. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows you to be notified that the expiration date of a given value is approaching.

[0081] The value-adding program in form 6-6 is A value imparting program that causes a computer to execute a process of imparting value to a user, a specific value granting step of granting a specific value to the user; a predetermined value granting step of granting a predetermined value to the user; Execute The specific value and the predetermined value each have an expiration date, and The predetermined value is changeable to the specific value; When the predetermined value is changed to the specific value, a new expiration date is set for the specific value after the change, regardless of the expiration date that was set for the predetermined value, and further executing an automatic change step of automatically changing the predetermined value to the specific value if the predetermined value is not used by the expiration date of the predetermined value. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, by changing the predetermined value to a specific value, it is possible to effectively extend the expiration date of use, and if the predetermined value is not used by the expiration date of the predetermined value, the predetermined value is automatically changed to the specific value, thereby preventing the user from being disadvantaged by the expiration date of the predetermined value.

[0082] The value-adding system of Forms 6-7 is A value granting system for granting value to a user, a specific value granting means for granting a specific value to a user; a predetermined value granting means for granting a predetermined value to a user; Equipped with The specific value and the predetermined value each have an expiration date, and The predetermined value is changeable to the specific value; When the predetermined value is changed to the specific value, a new expiration date is set for the specific value after the change, regardless of the expiration date that was set for the predetermined value, The method further includes an automatic change step of automatically changing the predetermined value to the specific value if the predetermined value is not used by the expiration date of the predetermined value. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, by changing the predetermined value to a specific value, it is possible to effectively extend the expiration date of use, and if the predetermined value is not used by the expiration date of the predetermined value, the predetermined value is automatically changed to the specific value, thereby preventing the user from being disadvantaged by the expiration date of the predetermined value. [Example]

[0083] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a virtual space providing system according to a first embodiment to which the virtual space providing method, virtual space providing program, content providing method, content providing program, value imparting method, and value imparting program of the present invention are applied.

[0084] As shown in Figure 1, the virtual space provision system of this embodiment is mainly composed of a virtual space provision server computer 100 that can execute various processes to provide virtual space to each user, and user terminals 200 (200a, 200b, 200c, etc.) that each user uses to participate in the virtual space, and the virtual space provision server computer 100 and each user terminal 200 are connected to each other via the Internet network N so that they can communicate data with each other.

[0085] 1, there are multiple users, such as user A, user B, user C, etc., and user terminals 200 include user terminals 200a, 200b, 200c, etc. that can be used by each of user A, user B, user C, etc. Although there are usually multiple users, there may be one or four or more users, and the number may be determined appropriately depending on the processing capacity of the virtual space-providing server computer 100, etc. Hereinafter, user A, user B, user C, etc. may be collectively referred to as "users," and user terminals 200a, 200b, 200c, etc. may be collectively referred to as "user terminals 200."

[0086] 2, the virtual space providing server computer 100 is, for example, a server computer owned by a company that operates a virtual space, and is composed of three servers: a virtual space server 100a, a user management server 100b, and a UGC server 100c. Of these, the virtual space server 100a is a server that executes processes for constructing a virtual space and processes for reflecting operations of each user's user terminal 200 in the virtual space, the user management server 100b is a server that manages various data of users who use the virtual space, and the UGC server 100c is a server that manages data related to content that users themselves have been involved in creating (hereinafter referred to as UGC (User Generated Contents) in this embodiment).

[0087] The virtual space server 100a, the user management server 100b, and the UGC server 100c are connected to the Internet network N via a communication device 110 included in the virtual space providing server computer 100.

[0088] In this embodiment, the virtual space providing server computer 100 is configured with three servers: the virtual space server 100a, the user management server 100b, and the UGC server 100c. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the virtual space providing server computer 100 may be configured with two or fewer servers. Furthermore, the virtual space providing server computer 100 may be configured with additional servers having functions different from the virtual space server 100a, the user management server 100b, and the UGC server 100c, or may be configured with multiple servers having the same functions distributed across multiple servers.

[0089] <Virtual space server> Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the virtual space server 100a used in this embodiment. The virtual space server 100a used in this embodiment is a server computer with relatively excellent processing power, and as shown in Fig. 3, has a processor (CPU) 101a connected to a data bus 108a, a memory (RAM) 102a, a storage 103a such as a hard disk, a communication interface (I / F) 104a capable of two-way communication via the Internet using the TCP / IP protocol, and an input / output interface (I / F) 105a to which an input device such as a keyboard can be connected.

[0090] In addition to an operating system (server OS) for providing server functions (not shown), storage 103a of virtual space server 100a stores various data and programs as shown in Fig. 3. Specifically, the storage mainly stores a virtual space generation program for generating a virtual space, data on the generated virtual space, object data used in the virtual space, a viewpoint video control program for controlling the viewpoint video of the avatar of a user participating in the virtual space, an audio control program for controlling audio within the virtual space, etc.

[0091] In addition, in this embodiment, an input / output interface (I / F) 105a is provided to enable local operations. However, if remote operations via the communication interface (I / F) 104a are possible, the input / output interface (I / F) 105a may not be provided.

[0092] <User management server> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the user management server 100b used in this embodiment. The user management server 100b used in this embodiment is a server computer with relatively excellent processing capabilities. As shown in FIG. 4, it includes a processor (CPU) 101b connected to a data bus 108b, a memory (RAM) 102b, a storage 103b such as a hard disk, a communication interface (I / F) 104b capable of two-way communication via the TCP / IP protocol over the Internet, and an input / output interface (I / F) 105b capable of connecting input devices such as a keyboard.

[0093] In the storage 103b of the user management server 100b, in addition to an operation system (server OS) not shown, various types of data and programs are stored as shown in FIG. 4. Specifically, mainly, a user management program for managing users and a user database for managing user-related data are stored.

[0094] In addition, in this embodiment, an input / output interface (I / F) 105b is provided to enable local operations. However, if remote operations via the communication interface (I / F) 104b are possible, the input / output interface (I / F) 105b may not be provided.

[0095] <Server for UCG> Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the UGC server 100c used in this embodiment. The UGC server 100c used in this embodiment is a server computer with relatively excellent processing power, and as shown in Fig. 5, has a processor (CPU) 101c, memory (RAM) 102c, storage 103c such as a hard disk, a communication interface (I / F) 104c capable of two-way communication via the Internet using the TCP / IP protocol, and an input / output interface (I / F) 105c to which an input device such as a keyboard can be connected.

[0096] In addition to an operating system (server OS) not shown, the storage 103c of the UGC server 100c stores various data and programs as shown in Fig. 5. Specifically, a UGC management program for managing UGC, a UGC database for managing data related to UGC, etc. are mainly stored.

[0097] In this embodiment, an input / output interface (I / F) 105c is provided to enable local operation, but if remote operation is possible via a communication interface (I / F) 104c, the input / output interface (I / F) 105c may not be provided.

[0098] <User terminal> Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal 200 used in the virtual space providing system of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the user terminal 200 is a smartphone carried by the user or a regular desktop computer (PC) installed in the user's home or the like, and as shown in Fig. 6, has a processor (CPU) 201 connected to a data bus 208, a memory (RAM) 202, a storage 203 such as a hard disk or non-volatile memory, a communication interface (I / F) 204 capable of two-way communication via the Internet using the TCP / IP protocol, an image processing unit 206 including a graphics processing unit (GPU) to which a display device 210 is connected, and an input / output interface (I / F) 205 to which various input / output devices are connected.

[0099] As will be described later, the display device 210 may be any device capable of displaying each viewpoint video generated based on virtual space data of the virtual space updated by virtual space update data distributed from the virtual space server 100a by a user viewpoint video control program included in the user program stored in the storage 203. If the user terminal 200 is a smartphone, the display device 210 corresponds to the display device of the smartphone, and if the user terminal 200 is a regular computer (PC), the display device 210 corresponds to a stationary display constituting the computer (PC). Note that these displays are not limited to those that display planar images (2D images), and may also be, for example, those that can display stereoscopic images (3D images) by displaying right-eye and left-eye images, such as a head-mounted display (HMD) that can be worn by the user.

[0100] The input / output interface (I / F) 205 is connected to input devices such as an operation input device 221 consisting of one or more devices that allow the user to perform various operations, an audio input device 222 such as a microphone that can input the user's voice, and an audio output device 223 such as a speaker, earphones, headphones, etc. that can output audio etc. distributed from the virtual space server 100a.

[0101] The audio output device 223 may not be a standalone device, but may be integrated with the display device 310 like the head-mounted display (HMD) described above.

[0102] The operation input device 221 can be any device that allows the user to perform various operations such as movement operations including moving the user avatar, zoom operations, operations related to comments, operations related to gifts, etc., and may be composed of at least one of, for example, a transparent touch panel formed on the surface of a smartphone display, a keyboard that constitutes a computer, a game controller, etc.

[0103] The various input / output devices connected to these input / output interfaces (I / F) 205 may be built-in or external, and in the case of external devices, they may be connected either wired or wirelessly.

[0104] In addition to an operating system (OS) for operating the user terminal 200, such as a smartphone or computer, the storage 203 also stores a user application that is executed by the processor (CPU) 301 or the like to provide various functions related to users in the virtual space providing system in cooperation with the virtual space server 100a. Furthermore, for users who wish to create and sell UGC, a UGC application is also stored that connects to the UGC server 100c and provides various functions related to the creation and listing of UGC in cooperation with the UGC server 100c.

[0105] As shown in Figure 6, the user application includes a user viewpoint image control program that provides the function of generating each viewpoint image to be displayed on the display device 210, a user audio control program that provides the function of outputting audio delivered from the virtual space server 100a from the audio output device 223, and user authentication data for authenticating the identity of the user in a communication connection with the virtual space server 100a.

[0106] The UGC application also includes a UGC access control program that controls access to the UGC server 100c, a UGC production program used to produce UGC, and the like.

[0107] In this way, by using the user terminal 200 used in the virtual space provision system of this embodiment, a user can move and operate the avatar of the user participating in the virtual space, and by changing the viewpoint of the user's avatar, the viewpoint image displayed on the display device 210 can be changed.

[0108] <Virtual space distribution system operation> FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of operations of the virtual space providing system of this embodiment.

[0109] First, the video system will be described. As mentioned above, the virtual space server 100a is capable of providing a virtual space based on the virtual space generation program and user avatar data, etc., and the actions of each user's avatar, etc., are reflected in the actions of the user's avatar by updating the virtual space data describing the state of the virtual space using user avatar information transmitted from the user terminal 200.

[0110] An avatar action operation process is executed in the user terminal 200 to receive operations corresponding to each action to be performed by the user's avatar. Then, the user terminal 200 transmits the user's avatar information based on the operations received in the avatar action operation process to the virtual space server 100a.

[0111] Based on the user avatar information transmitted from the user terminal 200 in this manner, the virtual space server 100a executes a virtual space update process to update the virtual space data, thereby reflecting the user's actions (operations) in each avatar in the virtual space.

[0112] Then, after executing a virtual space update data generation process for generating virtual space update data based on the virtual space data before the update and the virtual space data after the update, the generated virtual space update data is distributed to the user terminal 200.

[0113] In the user terminal 200 to which the virtual space update data has been delivered, as shown in Figure 7, the pre-stored virtual space data is updated based on the delivered virtual space update data, and a user-perspective video generation process is executed using the updated virtual space data, thereby generating a user-perspective video based on the updated virtual space data, and the generated user-perspective video is displayed on the user terminal 200 (user-perspective video output process).

[0114] In this way, in this embodiment, the viewpoint images of each user participating in the virtual space through their avatar are generated and displayed on each user's user terminal 200, and by generating these avatar viewpoint images of each user on the virtual space server 100a, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the processing load on the virtual space server 100a becomes significantly large, resulting in many users being unable to participate in the virtual space.

[0115] Next, the audio system will be explained. When the user speaks in the user terminal 200, the audio is input from the audio input device 222. The input audio is then converted into data and transmitted to the virtual space server 100a as performer audio (data) (user audio input processing).

[0116] The virtual space server 100a generates distribution voice (data) from user voice information based on user voice (data) received from the user terminal 200 (distribution voice generation process), and distributes the generated distribution voice (data) to each user terminal 200 (avatar voice distribution process).

[0117] On the user terminal 200, the voices of each user avatar are output from a voice output device 223 such as a speaker based on the avatar voice (data) distributed from the virtual space server 100a. As a result, the user can recognize as if each user's avatar is speaking.

[0118] <Use of UGC> In this embodiment, by registering UGC in which the user participated in production in the UGC server 100c, the registered UGC can be used by the user's avatar.

[0119] For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the user can create UGC using a device such as a PC, register the created UGC in the UGC server 100c, and thereby permit use in the virtual space provided by the virtual space server 100a. Other users can purchase the right to use the UGC registered in the UGC server 100c, and the user who has purchased the right to use the UGC can use the UGC in the virtual space provided by the virtual space server 100a.

[0120] In this embodiment, the user creates UGC using a device such as a PC and registers the created UGC in the UGC server 100c, enabling use in the virtual space provided by the virtual space server 100a. However, it may also be configured such that the user accesses the UGC server 100c and creates and registers UGC using the UGC production program implemented in the UGC server 100c, thereby enabling use in the virtual space provided by the virtual space server 100a.

[0121] In the example shown in Figure 8, UGC is applied to clothing such as a T-shirt that can be worn by an avatar in a virtual space. UGC is not limited to clothing that can be worn by an avatar in a virtual space, but also includes items such as accessories that can be worn by an avatar in a virtual space, items such as furniture that can be placed in a virtual space, stamps used for chatting and other interactions with other users, avatar voice generation data, motion data that defines the avatar's movements, and other content that is created by a user or in which a user was involved in the creation.

[0122] In addition, when creating UGC using a UGC production program implemented in the UGC server 100c as described above, if multiple different UGC production programs are required depending on the type of UGC to be produced, the UGC production programs corresponding to the type of UGC may be distributed and implemented on multiple servers.

[0123] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the use of UGC.

[0124] In the virtual space provision system of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, users who are creators involved in the production of content can submit UGC that can be used in the virtual space and grant permission to the administrator of the virtual space (such as the company operating the virtual space) to use the UGC, including permission to use the UGC within the virtual space.

[0125] In this embodiment, creators involved in the production of content are not limited to users who actually create the content, but also include users who are indirectly involved in the production by planning the content, coordinating the production, etc.

[0126] Administrators of virtual spaces that are permitted to use UGC sell the right to use UGC to general users other than creators, and general users can purchase the right to use UGC using coins, which are virtual space currency that can be used within the virtual space.When a general user purchases the right to use UGC, the administrator of the virtual space allows the purchasing user to use the UGC in the virtual space, and the purchasing user can then use the UGC in the virtual space.

[0127] Users can access the user management server 100b from a user app and obtain coins as virtual space currency using cash, etc., or they can access the user management server 100b from a UGC app and obtain coins as virtual space currency using cash, etc.

[0128] In addition, when the administrator of the virtual space sells the right to use UGC to a general user, the administrator will grant points calculated based on the sales amount, etc. to the user as a creator as compensation for allowing the user to use the UGC.

[0129] In this embodiment, coins, which are a currency that can be used in a virtual space, are used as the value used when a general user purchases the right to use UGC, while points that can be exchanged for cash or coins are used as the value granted as consideration for a user as a creator permitting the use of UGC. In other words, different types of value are used when a general user purchases the right to use UGC and when a user as a creator permits the use of UGC, but a common value may also be used. Also, cash may be used as either or both of the value used when a general user purchases the right to use UGC and the consideration for a user as a creator permitting the use of UGC.

[0130] <User database> FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the user database provided in the user management server 100b.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 10, the user database includes a user table, an avatar table, an item table, and a coin table.

[0132] The user table stores and manages the user's account name (email address, etc.), authentication information (password, etc.), name, personal information such as the user name used in the virtual space, and the number of followers of the user, all of which are associated with the user ID assigned to each user.

[0133] The avatar table stores and manages information about the avatars used in the virtual space, such as avatar data for the avatars used by the users and items worn by the avatars, in association with the user IDs.

[0134] The item table stores and manages items that can be used by a user, in association with the user ID. UGC that a user has purchased the right to use is registered in the item table.

[0135] The item table also includes a PGC table in which content created by the administrator or creators commissioned by the administrator (hereinafter referred to as PGC (Professional Generated Contents) in this embodiment) is registered as available items, and a UGC table in which UGC is registered, and items available to users are managed in separate tables for PGC and UGC. This makes it possible to separately manage PGC directly licensed by the administrator as a creator and UGC re-licensed by the administrator based on the administrator receiving permission from the user as a creator, making it easy to identify users who are currently licensed for use and to track the history of users who have been licensed to use UGC when transferring the right to use UGC purchased by a user to a third party.

[0136] A coin table is assigned to each user ID, and the coin table for each user ID stores and manages the date of coin grant, the expiration date of the coin, and the number of coins granted to the user in association with the coin ID of the coin granted to the user. A coin ID is issued each time a coin is granted, and the granted coins are managed by coin ID, not by the total number of coins owned by the user. As mentioned above, coins are a value used as currency in the virtual space, and the coins owned by the user are managed by the coin table.

[0137] <UGCデータベース> FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of the UGC database provided in the UGC server 100c.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 11, the UGC database includes a creator table, a base content table, a UGC table, a sales history table, and a point table.

[0139] The creator table stores and manages information about a creator (a user who creates UGC) who has registered as a UGC member among users of the virtual space, in association with the creator ID assigned to that creator, such as the creator's account name (email address, etc.), authentication information (password, etc.), CR rank set based on the creator's sales performance, and user rank set based on the number of followers of the creator, etc.

[0140] The base content table registers and manages the quantity of base content purchased by a creator for each type of base content, corresponding to the creator ID. Base content is data that serves as a template for the specifications of a virtual space. Creators can consume the purchased quantity of base content to create UGC in that quantity. The data constituting the base content consists of data that can be changed by the creator and data that cannot be changed by the creator. Creators can create UGC by modifying the changeable data. In addition, base content is defined for each type of UGC that creators can create. As mentioned above, examples of UGC that creators can create include clothing that can be worn by avatars in virtual spaces, accessories that can be worn by avatars in virtual spaces, furniture that can be placed in virtual spaces, stamps used for chatting and other interactions with other users, avatar voice generation data, and motion data that defines the avatar's movements.

[0141] In this embodiment, the configuration allows a creator to create UGC by modifying the data of the base content, but a configuration is also possible in which a user can create UGC from scratch without using base content. In this case, the costs required for listing and review may be different when a creator creates UGC using base content than when a creator creates UGC without using base content. For example, when base content is not used, the labor required for review is greater than when base content with fixed specifications is used, so the costs required for publishing and review may be set higher than when base content is used.

[0142] The UGC table is assigned for each creator ID. In the UGC table for each creator ID, UGC data that is in production or completed, the quantity of UGCs available for sale, the current status (in production, under review, for sale, etc.), the review result by the operation, the quantity of listings, the sales amount, and the reduction rate of points for the sales amount are registered in association with the UGC ID that is assigned each time the creator starts creating UGC, and the UGCs that are in production or completed by the creator are managed.

[0143] The sales history table is assigned for each creator ID. In the sales history table for each creator ID, the sale date and time, the UGC ID sold, the quantity sold, the sales amount, the applicable reduction rate, and the current status (notification reception period, points awarded, etc.) are registered in association with the sales ID that is assigned each time the UGC of the creator is sold, and the sales history of the UGC created by the creator is managed.

[0144] The points table is assigned for each creator ID. In the points table for each creator ID, the date the points were awarded, the expiration date of the points, and the quantity of points are registered in association with the point ID of the points awarded to the creator, and it is managed. The point ID is issued each time points are awarded, and the awarded points are managed for each point ID instead of being the total number of points held by the user.

[0145] <Operations related to UGC> Figures 12 to 16 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the flow of operations related to UGC, particularly among the operations of the virtual space providing system of this embodiment.

[0146] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the flow of operations between the user terminal 200 and the UGC server 100c when a user of the virtual space who desires to create and sell UGC registers as a UGC member.

[0147] When a user registers as a UGC member, the user must have previously registered as a user of the virtual space, and the UGC application must be installed on the user terminal 200 in advance.

[0148] When registering as a UGC member, the user first performs a UGC member registration operation using the UGC app on the user terminal 200. This causes the user terminal 200 to send a UGC member registration request together with the user ID of the user to the UGC server 100c.

[0149] Upon receiving the UGC member registration request, the UGC server 100c performs a registration request acceptance process. In the registration request acceptance process, the server 100b inquires about the presence or absence of a user ID, and if the user ID exists, returns the UGC member registration conditions to the user terminal 200 that sent the UGC member registration request.

[0150] The conditions for registering as a UGC member include, in particular, that by submitting UGC that can be used in a virtual space, the user as a creator grants the administrator of the virtual space (such as the company operating the virtual space) permission to use the UGC, including permission to use the UGC within the virtual space.

[0151] The user terminal 200, which has received the reply of the registration conditions of the UGC member, displays the returned registration conditions and prompts the user to agree to the conditions. Then, when the agreement operation of the conditions is performed, the user terminal 200 transmits an agreement notification to the UGC server 100c.

[0152] Upon receiving the consent notice, the UGC server 100c performs UGC member registration processing, which issues a creator ID, obtains necessary information (account information, authentication information, etc.) from the user management server 100b, registers information about the creator in a creator table, registers the issued creator ID in a base content table, and generates a UGC table, a sales history table, and a points table for the issued creator ID.

[0153] When the UGC member registration process is completed, the UGC server 100c returns a registration notification indicating that registration has been completed to the user terminal 200 that sent the consent notification, and the user is then permitted to create and sell UGC.

[0154] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the flow of operations of the user terminal 200, the UGC server 100c, and the user management server 100b when a creator who has registered as a UGC member creates UGC.

[0155] When a creator creates UGC, they need to purchase base content that corresponds to the type of UGC they are creating. The creator first performs a base content purchase operation using the UGC app on the user terminal 200. The base content purchase operation includes an operation to specify the type and quantity of base content they wish to purchase. As a result, the user terminal 200 transmits a base content purchase request to the UGC server 100c, which includes the creator ID of the creator, the type and quantity of base content.

[0156] Upon receiving the base content purchase request, the UGC server 100c performs a process to confirm the owned coins. In the process, the server calculates the number of coins required to purchase the base content based on the type and quantity of the base content, and sends a request to the user management server 100b to confirm the owned coins, including the user ID of the creator and the number of coins required to purchase the base content.

[0157] Upon receiving the request to confirm the number of coins held, the user management server 100b performs a process to identify the number of coins held. In this process, the coin table for the user ID included in the confirmation request is identified, and it is confirmed whether the user has the number of coins required to purchase the base content. If the user has the number of coins required to purchase the base content, the server subtracts the number of coins used to purchase the base content from the number of coins held, and notifies the UGC server 100c of approval. At this time, if coins with different expiration dates are registered in the coin table, the coins with the shortest expiration date are subtracted first.

[0158] When the UGC server 100c receives a notification of approval for the request to check the owned coins, it performs a base content quantity registration process. In the base content quantity registration process, the specified quantity is registered (added) to the quantity of base content of the specified type among the quantities of base content registered in the base content table corresponding to the corresponding creator ID, and by registering the quantity of base content, the user becomes able to create UGC of the corresponding type.

[0159] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the flow of operations of the user terminal 200, the UGC server 100c, and the virtual space server 100a when a creator who has registered as a UGC member puts up UGC for sale.

[0160] When a creator wants to put up UGC, the creator first makes a UGC putting up request operation in the UGC app on the user terminal 200. The UGC putting up request operation includes an operation to specify the UGC that the creator wishes to put up for sale. As a result, the user terminal 200 transmits a UGC putting up request to the UGC server 100c, which includes the creator ID of the creator and the UGC ID of the UGC that the creator wishes to put up for sale.

[0161] Upon receiving a request to list UGC, the UGC server 100c performs a UGC review process. The UGC review process identifies the target UGC from the UGCID included in the UGC listing request, and reviews the identified UGC to determine whether it is acceptable to use the UGC, including whether it conforms to the specifications of the virtual space, whether it infringes intellectual property, whether it violates laws and regulations, etc. These reviews include both processes performed automatically by a program and processes in which details of the UGC are output to a reviewer and approval is obtained from the reviewer.

[0162] If the UGC server 100c determines in the UGC review process that there is no problem with using the target UGC and approves it, it performs a process to calculate the return rate relative to the sales amount, i.e., the ratio of the number of points awarded to the creator to the number of coins used by general users for purchases, registers the approval as the review result for the corresponding UGCID in the UGC table, further registers the calculated return rate, and sends an approval notification including the return rate to the user terminal 200 of the creator who requested to list the UGC.

[0163] The payout rate is calculated based on the CR rank and user rank of the creator registered in the creator table. For example, the payout rate (payout rate (%) = 70 + CR rank value + user rank value) is calculated by adding the CR rank (0 to 10) and user rank (0 to 10) to the basic payout rate (e.g., 70). The CR rank is a number from 0 to 10, and the greater the sales volume over the past few months, the greater the number. The user rank is also a number from 0 to 10, and the greater the number of followers of the creator, the greater the number. Note that the calculation method of the payout rate is not limited to this, and the payout rate may be fixed. Alternatively, the payout rate may be configured to change depending on at least one of the following factors: the sales period of the UGC, the sales volume, and information about the creator. In addition, the redemption rate may change depending on the type of base content, or the CR rank may be affected at the time of sale.If the configuration allows UGC to be created without using base content as described above, the redemption rate may change depending on whether the UGC was created using base content or not, or the CR rank may be affected at the time of sale.

[0164] Upon receiving the approval notice, the user terminal 200 displays the return rate included in the approval notice in addition to the fact that the listing of the UGC has been approved, thereby informing the creator of the return rate relative to the sales amount of the UGC.

[0165] In this embodiment, the creator is notified of the rebate rate relative to the sales amount of the UGC. However, the number of points (rebate amount) awarded to the creator may be notified each time one unit or a predetermined number of units (e.g., 10 units) of the UGC is purchased. The timing at which the rebate rate and rebate amount are notified is not limited to before the UGC is listed, i.e., before sales begin. The rebate rate and rebate amount may also be notified at the time of listing the UGC, after listing the UGC, when purchasing the UGC, or after purchasing the UGC. The rebate rate and rebate amount may also be notified to the creator by periodically notifying the creator, regardless of whether the UGC is listed or not, or by listing the rebate rate and rebate amount on the administrator's website or the FAQ page of this service, which can be accessed via the UGC app or a general browser app. The configuration may be such that the rebate rate and rebate amount are notified at any time upon access from the creator, for example, by the creator accessing a sales management screen or a sales analysis screen on which the rebate rate and rebate amount are displayed.

[0166] The user terminal 200 then prompts the user to input an instruction to put up the UGC. The instruction to put up includes specifying the quantity of UGC to be put up and the sales price (unit price) of the UGC. When the instruction to put up is made, the user terminal 200 transmits an instruction to put up the UGC, including the creator ID of the creator, the UGC ID of the UGC to be put up, the quantity to be put up, and the sales price, to the UGC server 100c, and permits the administrator of the virtual space to use the UGC (including granting permission to third parties to use it).

[0167] Upon receiving the UGC listing instruction, the UGC server 100c performs listing registration processing. In the listing registration processing, the UGC table of the creator ID included in the UGC listing instruction is identified, and the listing quantity and sales price specified by the listing instruction operation are registered in association with the corresponding UGC ID. This allows users of the virtual space to purchase the listed UGC. Note that the virtual space may be configured so that users can purchase the listed UGC from a store located within the virtual space, or from a sales page on a user app or website.

[0168] After the UGC registration process, the UGC server 100c transmits the corresponding UGC data to the virtual space server 100a, and the virtual space server 100a receives the UGC data and registers it so that it can be used in the virtual space. This allows users who are authorized to use the UGC to use the UGC in the virtual space.

[0169] In this embodiment, when creating UGC, it is necessary to purchase the base content using coins, i.e., costs are incurred for producing UGC, but no costs are incurred for listing (selling) UGC. However, it is also possible to have a configuration in which both or either costs for producing UGC or costs for listing (selling) UGC are incurred.

[0170] Furthermore, if a creator has insufficient coins to cover the costs of producing and selling UGC, the creator may be able to defer payment of the costs of producing and selling UGC using future sales (points, as described below) as collateral. In this case, the UGC production history and UGC listing history may record whether the sale was a special sale (e.g., deferred payment), and control may be exercised to deduct points equivalent to the coins used to produce and list the UGC from sales (points) at the time of sale. This prevents the supply of UGC from being hindered by a coin shortage. Furthermore, the creator may be able to waive the costs of producing and listing UGC for the first time, the first few times, or a predetermined period after starting UGC production and listing. This configuration may encourage beginners to create and list UGC.

[0171] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the flow of operations of the user terminal 200, the UGC server 100c, and the user management server 100b when a user of the virtual space purchases UGC.

[0172] When a user of the virtual space purchases UGC, the user performs a UGC purchase operation using a user app on the user terminal 200. The UGC purchase operation includes an operation to specify the UGC to be purchased and the quantity. As a result, the user terminal 200 transmits a UGC purchase request to the UGC server 100c, which includes the user ID of the user, the UGC ID of the UGC to be purchased, and the quantity to be purchased.

[0173] Upon receiving the UGC purchase request, the UGC server 100c performs a process to confirm the number of coins held. In the process, the server calculates the number of coins required to purchase the UGC based on the sales price of the UGC identified from the UGC ID and the quantity to be purchased, and sends a request to the user management server 100b to confirm the number of coins held, including the user ID of the user who wishes to purchase the UGC and the number of coins required to purchase the UGC.

[0174] Upon receiving the request to confirm the number of coins held, the user management server 100b performs a process to identify the number of coins held. In this process, the coin table for the user ID included in the confirmation request is identified, and it is confirmed whether the user has the number of coins required to purchase the UGC. If the user has the number of coins required to purchase the UGC, the server subtracts the number of coins used to purchase the UGC from the number of coins held, and notifies the UGC server 100c of approval. At this time, if coins with different expiration dates are registered in the coin table, the coins with the shortest expiration date are subtracted first.

[0175] The UGC server 100c, which has received a notification of approval for the request to check the owned coins, performs a sales history registration process. In the sales history registration process, a new sales ID is issued, and the issued sales ID is registered in the sales history table assigned to the creator ID of the creator of the purchased UGC, in association with the sales date and time, the UGC ID of the sold UGC, the sales quantity, the sales price, and the return rate, and the notification acceptance period is set in the status.

[0176] After the sales history registration process, the UGC server 100c transmits a permission notice including the user ID and UGC ID to the user management server 100b, and permits the user who purchased the UGC to use the UGC.

[0177] Upon receiving the permission notice, the user management server 100b registers the UGCID included in the permission notice in the item table in association with the user ID included in the permission notice. This allows the user to use the UGC identified by the registered UGCID in the virtual space.

[0178] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the flow of operations of the user terminal 200, the user management server 100b, and the virtual space server 100a when a virtual space user uses purchased UGC in the virtual space.

[0179] When a user of the virtual space uses the UGC that he or she has purchased, the user selects the UGC from the items that the user possesses using the user app on the user terminal 200. This causes the user terminal 200 to send a UGC use request to the user management server 100b.

[0180] Upon receiving a UGC usage request, the user management server 100b performs a UGC usage setting process. In the UGC usage setting process, for example, if the UGC is content to be used for a user's avatar, the UGC ID is set in association with the user ID registered in the avatar table, thereby setting the user's avatar to a UGC usage state. The user management server 100b then requests the virtual space server 100a to update the data with the latest setting information. The virtual space server 100a updates the virtual space data based on the latest setting information included in the update request. The UGC is output into the virtual space by updating the virtual space data based on the setting information for the UGC usage. As described above, if the UGC is content to be used for a user's avatar, the avatar in the virtual space is output using the UGC.

[0181] <Actions related to point and coin allocation> 17 to 21 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the flow of operations, particularly operations related to point and coin awarding, of the operations of the virtual space providing system of this embodiment.

[0182] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the flow of operations of the UGC server 100c when points are awarded to a creator in response to the purchase of UGC.

[0183] When UGC is purchased, the UGC server 100c registers the sales ID, sales date and time, UGC ID of the sold UGC, sales quantity, sales amount, and rebate rate in the sales history table using the sales history registration process described above, and sets the status to the report acceptance period, and performs a process to accept issues regarding the use of UGC, infringement of intellectual property rights, violation of laws and regulations, etc. from users who have purchased UGC over a specified period (two weeks in this embodiment).

[0184] If a predetermined period has passed since the date of sale and no report has been received from a user who purchased the UGC during that period, or if a report has been received but the problem related to the report has already been resolved, the UGC server 100c performs a point granting process to grant points to the creator who produced the UGC. In the point granting process, the server calculates the number of points to be granted based on the sales quantity, sales amount, and return rate of the sales ID for which the report acceptance period has passed (number of points to be granted = sales quantity × sales amount × return rate), issues a point ID, and registers the issued point ID, the point grant date, expiration date (in this embodiment, 180 days from the grant date), and the calculated number of points in a point table assigned to the creator ID of the creator to whom the points will be granted, in association with each other.

[0185] Points are a value given to creators who have produced UGC as compensation for the creator's permission to use the UGC, and once points are issued and registered in the points table, they can be exchanged for cash equivalent to the number of points (1 point = 1 yen) or coins equivalent to the number of points (1 point = 1 coin) within the expiration date. Note that points differ from coins, which are a currency that can be used in virtual space, in that they cannot be used in virtual space and must be exchanged for coins in order to be used in virtual space.

[0186] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the flow of operations of the user terminal 200 and the UGC server 100c when a creator exchanges points for cash.

[0187] When a creator wishes to exchange points for cash, the creator first performs an exchange request operation in the UGC app on the user terminal 200. The exchange request operation includes an operation to specify the number of points desired to be exchanged for cash. In this embodiment, it is possible to specify 3,000 points or more, and exchange of less than 3,000 points is not accepted. When the exchange request operation is performed, the user terminal 200 transmits an exchange request to the UGC server 100c, including the creator ID of the creator and the number of points desired to be exchanged for cash.

[0188] Upon receiving the cash-out request, the UGC server 100c performs a point balance check process. In the point balance check process, the server identifies the point table assigned to the creator ID included in the cash-out request, checks whether the number of points desired to be exchanged for cash is registered, and, if the number of points desired to be exchanged for cash is registered, subtracts the number of points to be exchanged for cash from the registered number of points. The server then specifies the amount equivalent to the number of points desired to be exchanged for cash and issues a transfer instruction to the virtual space administrator's financial institution to transfer the amount to the creator's bank account. At this time, if points with different expiration dates are registered in the point table, the points with the shortest expiration date are subtracted first.

[0189] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the flow of operations of the user terminal 200, the UGC server 100c, and the user management server 100b when a creator exchanges points for coins.

[0190] When a creator exchanges points for coins, the creator first performs a coin exchange operation in the UGC app on the user terminal 200. The coin exchange operation includes an operation to specify the number of points that the creator wishes to exchange for coins. Unlike cash conversion, any number of points can be specified. When the coin exchange operation is performed, the user terminal 200 transmits a coin exchange request to the UGC server 100c, which includes the creator ID of the creator and the number of points that the creator wishes to exchange for coins.

[0191] Upon receiving the coin change request, the UGC server 100c performs a point balance check process. In the point balance check process, the point table assigned to the creator ID included in the coin change request is identified, and it is confirmed whether the number of points desired to be changed to coins is registered. If the number of points desired to be changed to coins is registered, the number of points to be exchanged for coins is subtracted from the registered number of points. The UGC server 100c transmits a grant request including the user ID of the creator and the number of coins to be exchanged from the points (the number of coins equivalent to the subtracted number of points) to the user management server 100b, and instructs the granting of the number of coins equivalent to the subtracted number of points.

[0192] Upon receiving the granting request, the user management server 100b performs a coin granting process. In the coin granting process, a coin ID is issued, and the issued coin ID, the granting date of the coin, the expiration date (in this embodiment, 180 days from the granting date), and the number of coins to be granted to the user (the number of coins exchanged from points) are registered in a coin table assigned to the user ID of the user to whom the coins will be granted (the user ID included in the granting request) in association with each other.

[0193] Coins are awarded by exchanging points, and also by virtual space users purchasing them with cash. Once coins are awarded and registered in the coin table, they can be used to purchase services provided within the virtual space, the aforementioned UGC, etc., within their expiration date. Furthermore, unlike points, coins cannot be exchanged for cash, and cannot be used to exchange for points.

[0194] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the flow of operations of the UGC server 100c and the user management server 100b when the expiration date arrives before the creator has exchanged the points for cash or coins.

[0195] If a creator has not exchanged their points for cash or coins and one month remains until the expiration date, the UGC server 100c performs a redemption deadline warning notification process. In the redemption deadline warning notification process, a redemption deadline warning notification is sent to the target creator (creator's user terminal 200) including a warning that the expiration date is approaching, the redemption deadline, the number of applicable points, the fact that the points will no longer be exchangeable for cash upon the expiration date, and that the points will automatically be exchanged for coins upon the expiration date. The redemption deadline warning notification may be configured to be sent to a UGC app installed on the creator's user terminal 200, or may be configured to be sent to the creator's email address, etc.

[0196] Furthermore, if the expiration date arrives before the creator has exchanged the points for cash or coins, the UGC server 100c performs an automatic exchange process to automatically exchange the expired points for coins without a coin exchange request from the user. In the automatic exchange process, the number of points for the point ID whose expiration date has arrived is invalidated, and the UGC server 100c transmits a grant request including the user ID of the creator and the number of coins to be exchanged from the points (the number of coins equivalent to the invalidated points) to the user management server 100b, and instructs the granting of the number of coins equivalent to the invalidated points.

[0197] Upon receiving the granting request, the user management server 100b performs a coin granting process. In the coin granting process, a coin ID is issued, and the issued coin ID, the granting date of the coin, the expiration date (in this embodiment, 180 days from the granting date), and the number of coins to be granted to the user (the number of coins exchanged from points) are registered in a coin table assigned to the user ID of the user to whom the coins will be granted (the user ID included in the granting request) in association with each other.

[0198] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the flow of operations of the user management server 100b when the expiration date of a coin arrives without the user of the virtual space using the coin.

[0199] If a virtual space user has not used a coin and one month remains until the expiration date, the user management server 100b performs an expiration date warning notification process. In the expiration date warning notification process, an expiration date warning notification is sent to the target user (the user's user terminal 200) including a warning that the expiration date is approaching, the expiration date, the number of coins to be used, and information that the coins will become invalid when the expiration date arrives. The expiration date warning notification may be configured to be sent to a user app installed on the user's user terminal 200, or may be configured to be sent to the user's email address, etc.

[0200] Furthermore, if the expiration date of the points arrives without the user of the virtual space using them, the user management server 100b invalidates the coins in question, making them unusable within the virtual space.

[0201] <Features of Example 1> Next, the features of the virtual space providing system in this embodiment will be described below.

[0202] <Feature 1> The virtual space providing system of this embodiment is a system that provides a virtual space to a user (a system consisting of a virtual space server 100a, a user management server 100b, and a UGC server 100c), a content output step (a step in which the virtual space server 100a outputs UGC) that enables a user (consumer) to output content (UGC) that the user (consumer) has been involved in creating to the virtual space; a content selling step of selling the content (UGC) to general users (general users) other than the production participating users (creators) who were involved in the production of the content (UGC) (a step in which the UGC server 100c performs an exhibition registration process and makes the UGC available for purchase); a value granting step of granting value (points) to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) when the general user (general user) purchases the content (UGC) (a step in which the UGC server 100c grants points to the creator through a point granting process); and a value notification step of notifying the user (creator) of the content (UGC) of the amount of value (number of points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain by purchasing the content (UGC), or value information (refund amount / refund rate) that can identify the ratio of the value (points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain to the value (coins) used to purchase the content (UGC) (a step in which the UGC server 100c transmits an approval notice including the refund amount / refund rate and displays the refund amount / refund rate on the user terminal 200 of the creator). It is characterized by the following.

[0203] This feature allows a configuration in which content (UGC) in which a user (consumer) has been involved in the creation to be output into a virtual space, and such content (UGC) can be sold to general users (general users) other than the production-involved users (creators) who were involved in the creation.When the content (UGC) is purchased by a general user (general user), value (points) is awarded to the production-involved users (creators), so there is no need for settlement between the production-involved users (creators) and general users (general users), and transactions of content (UGC) used in the virtual space can be easily carried out between users (users of the virtual space).

[0204] In addition, the amount of value (number of points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) will obtain by purchasing the content (UGC), or value information (refund amount / refund rate) that can identify the ratio of the value (points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) will obtain to the value (coins) used to purchase the content (UGC), is notified to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC), thereby increasing the motivation of the user (creator) involved in the production to be involved in the production of the content (UGC).

[0205] In the value notification step, the value information (return amount / return rate) is notified to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) before the content (UGC) is sold (before the UGC is put up for sale). It is characterized by the following.

[0206] This feature makes it possible to inform users (creators) involved in the production of the content (UGC) of the amount of value (number of points) that they will obtain by purchasing the content (UGC), or the ratio of the value (coins) used to purchase the content (UGC) to the value (points) that they will obtain, before the content (UGC) is sold (before the UGC is put up for sale).

[0207] The system further includes a value changing step (a step in which the UGC server 100c calculates a return rate according to a CR rank and a user rank) for changing the amount of value (number of points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain by purchasing the content (UGC) or the ratio of the value (points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain to the value (coins) used to purchase the content (UGC). It is characterized by the following.

[0208] This feature allows appropriate notification of changes in the amount of value that a user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain by purchasing the content (UGC), or the ratio of the value (coins) used to purchase the content (UGC) to the value (points) that a user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain.

[0209] In the value changing step, the amount of value (number of points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain by purchasing the content (UGC), or the ratio of the value (points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain relative to the value (coins) used to purchase the content (UGC), is changed according to at least one element of information related to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) (CR rank according to the sales volume in the past few months, user rank according to the number of followers) of the time of sale of the content (UGC), the sales volume of the content (UGC), or information related to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC). It is characterized by the following.

[0210] This feature allows the amount of value (number of points) that a user (creator) involved in the production of a content (UGC) can obtain by purchasing the content (UGC), or the ratio of the value (coins) used to purchase the content (UGC) to the value (points) that a user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain, to change depending on the sales period of the content (UGC), the sales volume of the content (UGC), and information related to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) (CR rank based on sales volume over the past few months, user rank based on the number of followers), thereby effectively increasing the motivation of users (creators) involved in the production to be involved in the production of content (UGC).

[0211] In the value imparting step, after the general user (general user) purchases the content (UGC), a value (points) is imparted to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) after a predetermined period (report acceptance period) has elapsed. It is characterized by the following.

[0212] This feature allows us to ensure that the content (UGC) transaction was carried out properly, and then assign value (points) to the users (creators) involved in the production.

[0213] The system further includes a problem reception step (a step in which the UGC server 100c receives problems regarding the use of UGC, infringement of intellectual property rights, violation of laws and regulations, etc.) of receiving problems regarding the content (UGC) or problems regarding the purchase of the content (UGC) after the general user (general user) has purchased the content (UGC) and before the predetermined period (report reception period) has elapsed, In the value granting step, after the general user (general user) purchases the content (UGC), if the predetermined period (report acceptance period) has elapsed and no problem has been accepted in the problem acceptance step, or if the accepted problem has been resolved, value (points) is granted to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC). It is characterized by the following.

[0214] This feature allows value (points) to be awarded to users (creators) involved in the production, while ensuring that there are no problems with the content (UGC) or with the purchase of the content (UGC).

[0215] The method further includes a specific value granting step (a step in which the user management server 100b grants coins to a user) of granting a specific value (coin) that can be used in the virtual space to the user (user of the virtual space), In the value imparting step, when the general user (general user) purchases the content (UGC), a predetermined value (points) different from the specific value (coins) is imparted to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC). It is characterized by the following.

[0216] This feature allows the specified value (points) awarded for the purchase of content (UGC) in which a production-related user (creator) was involved in creating to be managed separately from the specific value (coins) used within the virtual space.

[0217] The specific value (coins) and the predetermined value (points) can be used for different purposes (coins can be used as currency in the virtual space, while points cannot be used in the virtual space and can be exchanged for cash or points). It is characterized by the following.

[0218] This feature allows the targets for which a specified value (points) awarded for the purchase of content (UGC) in which a production-related user (creator) was involved in creating to be used to be managed separately from the specific value (coins) used within the virtual space.

[0219] The predetermined value (points) can be converted into cash, The specified value (coins) cannot be converted into cash. It is characterized by the following.

[0220] This feature allows production-related users (creators) to convert a specified value (points) awarded for the purchase of content (UGC) in which they have been involved in creating into cash, thereby effectively increasing the motivation of production-related users (creators) to be involved in the creation of content (UGC).

[0221] The predetermined value (points) can be changed to the specific value (coins), The specific value (coins) cannot be changed to the predetermined value (points). It is characterized by the following.

[0222] This feature allows a production-related user (creator) to convert the specified value (points) awarded for purchasing content (UGC) in which they were involved in creating into a specific value (coins) that can be used within the virtual space.

[0223] The specific value (coins) and the predetermined value (points) each have a set expiration date, When the predetermined value (points) is changed to the specific value (coins), a new expiration date (expiration date) is set for the specific value (coins) after the change, regardless of the expiration date (expiration date) that was set for the predetermined value (points). It is characterized by the following.

[0224] This feature makes it possible to effectively extend the expiration date by changing the specified value (points) awarded for the purchase of content (UGC) that a production-related user (creator) was involved in creating into a specific value (coins).

[0225] <Feature 2> The virtual space providing system of this embodiment is a system that provides a virtual space to a user (a system consisting of a virtual space server 100a, a user management server 100b, and a UGC server 100c), a content output step (a step in which the virtual space server 100a outputs UGC) that enables a user (consumer) to output content (UGC) that the user (consumer) has been involved in creating to the virtual space; A usage permission step in which a user (creator) involved in the creation of the content (UGC) permits the administrator of the virtual space to use the content (UGC), including permission for a third party (general user) to use the content (UGC) (a step in which the creator transmits an exhibition instruction to the UGC server 100c to permit the use of the UGC); a usage permission step of permitting a general user (general user) other than the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) to use the content (UGC) permitted for use by the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) in response to a request from the general user (general user) (a step of sending a permission notice from the UGC server 100c to the user management server 100b and permitting the user who purchased the UGC to use the UGC); a usage consideration receiving step of receiving value (coins) as consideration for use of the content (UGC) from the general user (general user) who is permitted to use the content (UGC) (a step in which the user management server 100b subtracts coins from the user when the UGC server 100c receives a UGC purchase request); and a usage consideration granting step (a step in which the UGC server 100c grants points to the creator through a point granting process) in which, when the general user (general user) is permitted to use the content (UGC), the administrator of the virtual space grants value (points) to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) as consideration for the use of the content (UGC). It is characterized by the following.

[0226] With this feature, in a configuration in which content (UGC) that a user (user) has participated in creating can be output to a virtual space, a user (creator) who has participated in the creation of the content (UGC) may authorize the administrator of the virtual space to use the content (UGC), including permission for third parties (general users) to use the content (UGC), and the administrator may authorize general users (general users) other than the user (creator) who has participated in the creation of the content (UGC) to use the content (UGC) that has been permitted for use by the user (creator), upon request from the general users (general users), and C), value (coins) are accepted as compensation for the use of the content (UGC) from general users (general users) who are permitted to use the content (UGC), and when the general users (general users) are permitted to use the content (UGC), the administrator of the virtual space grants value (points) to the users (creators) involved in the production of the content (UGC) as compensation for the use of the content (UGC).This eliminates the need for settlement between the users (creators) involved in the production and the general users (general users), and makes it easy to conduct transactions between users (users of the virtual space) of the content (UGC) used in the virtual space.

[0227] and a value notification step of notifying the user (creator) of the content (UGC) of the amount of value (number of points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain by allowing the general user (general user) to use the content (UGC), or value information (refund amount / refund rate) that can identify the ratio of the value (points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain to the value (coins) accepted from the general user (general user) who is permitted to use the content (UGC) (a step in which the UGC server 100c transmits an approval notice including the refund amount / refund rate and displays the refund amount / refund rate on the user terminal 200 of the creator). It is characterized by the following.

[0228] This feature allows the users (creators) involved in the production of the content (UGC) to be notified of value information (refund amount / refund rate) that identifies the amount of value (number of points) that the users (creators) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain by allowing general users (general users) to use the content (UGC), or the ratio of the value (points) that the users (creators) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain to the value (coins) accepted from general users (general users) who are permitted to use the content (UGC), thereby increasing the motivation of the users (creators) involved in the production to create content (UGC).

[0229] In the value notification step, the value information (refund amount / refund rate) is notified to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) at a stage before the user (creator) permits the administrator of the virtual space to use the content (UGC) (at a stage before the UGC is put up for sale). It is characterized by the following.

[0230] This feature makes it possible to inform the administrator of the virtual space before allowing the use of the content (UGC) to the virtual space (before the UGC is put up for sale) of the amount of value (number of points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) will obtain by allowing general users (general users) to use the content (UGC), or the ratio of the value (points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) will obtain to the value (coins) accepted from general users (general users) who are permitted to use the content (UGC).

[0231] The system further includes a value changing step (a step in which the UGC server 100c calculates a return rate according to a CR rank and a user rank) of changing the amount of value (number of points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain by permitting the general user (general user) to use the content (UGC), or the ratio of the value (points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain to the value (coins) accepted from the general user (general user) who is permitted to use the content (UGC). It is characterized by the following.

[0232] This feature allows appropriate notification of changes in the amount of value (number of points) that users (creators) involved in the production of content (UGC) can obtain by allowing general users (general users) to use the content (UGC), or the ratio of the value (points) that users (creators) involved in the production of content (UGC) can obtain to the value (coins) accepted from general users (general users) who are permitted to use the content (UGC).

[0233] In the value changing step, the amount of value (number of points) that the user involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain by allowing the general user (general user) to use the content (UGC), or the ratio of the value (points) that the user involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain to the value (coins) accepted from the general user (general user) who is permitted to use the content (UGC), is changed according to at least one element of information related to the user involved in the production of the content (UGC) (CR rank according to the amount of sales in the past few months, user rank according to the number of followers). It is characterized by the following.

[0234] This feature allows the amount of value (number of points) that a user (creator) involved in the production of a content (UGC) can obtain by allowing a general user (general user) to use the content (UGC), or the ratio of the value (points) that a user (creator) involved in the production of a content (UGC) can obtain to the value (coins) accepted by a general user (general user) who is permitted to use the content (UGC), to change depending on the time when the general user (general user) was permitted to use the content (UGC), the quantity of the content (UGC) that the general user (general user) was permitted to use, or information related to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) (CR rank based on sales volume over the past few months, user rank based on number of followers), thereby effectively increasing the motivation of users (creators) involved in the production to be involved in the production of content (UGC).

[0235] In the use fee granting step, after the general user (general user) is permitted to use the content (UGC), value (points) is granted to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) after a predetermined period (report acceptance period) has elapsed. It is characterized by the following.

[0236] This feature allows value (points) to be awarded to users (creators) involved in the production after ensuring that the use of the content (UGC) has been properly authorized.

[0237] The system further includes a problem reception step (a step in which the UGC server 100c receives problems regarding the use of UGC, infringement of intellectual property rights, violation of laws and regulations, etc.) of receiving problems regarding the content (UGC) or problems regarding permission to use the content (UGC) after the general user (general user) is permitted to use the content (UGC) and before the predetermined period (report reception period) has elapsed, In the use fee granting step, after the general user (general user) is permitted to use the content (UGC), if the predetermined period (report acceptance period) has elapsed and no problem has been accepted in the problem acceptance step, or if the accepted problem has been resolved, value (points) is awarded to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC). It is characterized by the following.

[0238] This feature allows value (points) to be awarded to users (creators) involved in the production, while ensuring that there are no issues regarding the content (UGC) or the permission to use the content (UGC).

[0239] The method further includes a specific value granting step (a step in which the user management server 100b grants coins to a user) of granting a specific value (coin) that can be used in the virtual space to the user (user of the virtual space), In the use consideration granting step, a predetermined value (points) different from the specific value (coins) is granted to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) by permitting the general user (general user) to use the content (UGC). It is characterized by the following.

[0240] This feature allows the specified value (points) awarded when a general user (general user) is permitted to use content (UGC) that a production-related user (creator) has been involved in creating to be managed separately from the specific value (coins) used within the virtual space.

[0241] The specific value (coins) and the predetermined value (points) can be used for different purposes (coins can be used as currency in the virtual space, while points cannot be used in the virtual space and can be exchanged for cash or points). It is characterized by the following.

[0242] This feature allows the targets of use of the specified value (points) that are granted when general users (general users) are permitted to use content (UGC) that a production-related user (creator) has been involved in creating to be managed separately from the specific value (coins) used within the virtual space.

[0243] The predetermined value (points) can be converted into cash, The specified value (coins) cannot be converted into cash. It is characterized by the following.

[0244] This feature allows production-related users (creators) to convert into cash the specified value (points) that they are given when general users (general users) are permitted to use content (UGC) that they have been involved in creating, thereby effectively increasing the motivation of production-related users (creators) to be involved in the creation of content (UGC).

[0245] The predetermined value (points) can be changed to the specific value (coins), The specific value (coins) cannot be changed to the predetermined value (points). It is characterized by the following.

[0246] This feature allows a specified value (points) that is granted to general users (general users) when they are permitted to use content (UGC) that a production-related user (creator) has been involved in creating to be converted into a specific value (coins) that can be used within the virtual space.

[0247] The specific value (coins) and the predetermined value (points) each have a set expiration date, When the predetermined value (points) is changed to the specific value (coins), a new expiration date (expiration date) is set for the specific value (coins) after the change, regardless of the expiration date (expiration date) that was set for the predetermined value (points). It is characterized by the following.

[0248] This feature makes it possible to effectively extend the expiration date by changing the specified value (points) that is granted when a general user (general user) is permitted to use content (UGC) that a production-related user (creator) has been involved in creating into a specific value (coins).

[0249] <Feature 3> The virtual space providing system of this embodiment is a system that provides content (UGC) to users (a system consisting of a virtual space server 100a, a user management server 100b, and a UGC server 100c), a content providing step (a step in which the virtual space server 100a outputs UGC) of providing content (UGC) in which the user (consumer) participated in the creation to general users (general users) other than the creation participating users (creators) who participated in the creation of the content (UGC); a content (UGC) right selling step of selling rights relating to the content (UGC) to the general user (general user) (a step in which the UGC server 100c performs an auction registration process and makes the UGC available for purchase); a value granting step of granting value (points) to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) by the general user (general user) purchasing rights related to the content (UGC) (a step in which the UGC server 100c grants points to the creator through a point granting process); and a value notification step of notifying the user (creator) of the content (UGC) involved in production of the content (UGC) of the amount of value (number of points) that the user (creator) involved in production of the content (UGC) can obtain by purchasing the rights related to the content (UGC), or value information (refund amount / refund rate) that can identify the ratio of the value (points) that the user (creator) involved in production of the content (UGC) can obtain to the value (coins) used to purchase the rights related to the content (UGC) (a step in which the UGC server 100c transmits an approval notice including the refund amount / refund rate and causes the user terminal 200 of the creator to display the refund amount / refund rate). It is characterized by the following.

[0250] This feature allows a configuration in which content (UGC) in which a user (consumer) has been involved in the production can be provided to general users (general users) other than the production-involved users (creators) who were involved in the production of the content (UGC), and it is possible to sell rights to such content (UGC) to general users (general users).When a general user (general user) purchases rights to the content (UGC), value (points) is awarded to the production-involved users (creators), so there is no need for settlement between the production-involved users (creators) and the general users (general users), and transactions of rights to the content (UGC) can be easily carried out between users (users of the virtual space).

[0251] In addition, the amount of value (number of points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) will obtain by purchasing the rights to the content (UGC), or value information (refund amount / refund rate) that can identify the ratio of the value (points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) will obtain to the value (coins) used to purchase the rights to the content (UGC), is notified to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC), thereby increasing the motivation of the user (creator) involved in the production to be involved in the production of the content (UGC).

[0252] In the value notification step, the value information (return amount / return rate) is notified to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) before the rights related to the content (UGC) are sold (before the UGC is put up for sale). It is characterized by the following.

[0253] This feature makes it possible to inform users (creators) involved in the production of the content (UGC) of the amount of value (number of points) that they will obtain by purchasing the rights to the content (UGC), or the ratio of the value (points) that they will obtain compared to the value (coins) used to purchase the rights to the content (UGC), before the rights to the content (UGC) are sold (before the UGC is put up for sale).

[0254] The system further includes a value changing step (a step in which the UGC server 100c calculates a return rate according to a CR rank and a user rank) of changing the amount of value (number of points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain by purchasing the rights related to the content (UGC), or the ratio of the value (points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain to the value (coins) used to purchase the rights related to the content (UGC). It is characterized by the following.

[0255] This feature allows information to be appropriately communicated even if the amount of value (number of points) that a user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) obtains by purchasing rights to the content (UGC), or the ratio of the value (coins) used to purchase rights to the content (UGC) to the value (points) that a user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) obtains, changes.

[0256] In the value changing step, the amount of value (number of points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain by purchasing the rights to the content (UGC), or the ratio of the value (points) that the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain to the value (coins) used to purchase the rights to the content (UGC), is changed according to at least one element of information related to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) (CR rank according to the amount of sales in the past few months, user rank according to the number of followers) of the time of sale of the rights to the content (UGC), the amount of sales of the rights to the content (UGC), or information related to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC). It is characterized by the following.

[0257] This feature allows the amount of value (number of points) that a user (creator) involved in the production of a content (UGC) can obtain by purchasing rights to the content (UGC), or the ratio of the value (coins) used to purchase rights to the content (UGC) to the value (points) that a user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can obtain, to change depending on the timing of the sale of rights to the content (UGC), the sales volume of rights to the content (UGC), and information related to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) (CR rank based on sales volume over the past few months, user rank based on number of followers), thereby effectively increasing the motivation of users (creators) involved in the production to be involved in the production of content (UGC).

[0258] In the value imparting step, after the rights to the content (UGC) are purchased by the general user (general user), value (points) are imparted to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) after a predetermined period (report acceptance period) has elapsed. It is characterized by the following.

[0259] This feature allows us to ensure that the rights transaction for the content (UGC) was carried out properly, and then give value (points) to the users (creators) involved in the production.

[0260] The system further includes a problem reception step (a step in which the UGC server 100c receives problems regarding the use of UGC, infringement of intellectual property rights, violation of laws and regulations, etc.) of receiving problems regarding the content (UGC) or problems regarding the purchase of the right to the content (UGC) after the general user (general user) has purchased the right to the content (UGC) and before the predetermined period (report reception period) has elapsed, In the value granting step, after the rights to the content (UGC) are purchased by the general user (general user), the predetermined period (report acceptance period) has elapsed, and if no problem is accepted in the problem acceptance step, or if the accepted problem has been resolved, value (points) is granted to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC). It is characterized by the following.

[0261] This feature allows value (points) to be awarded to users (creators) involved in the production, while ensuring that there are no problems with the content (UGC) or with purchasing rights to the content (UGC).

[0262] The method further includes a specific value granting step (a step in which the user management server 100b grants coins to a user) of granting a specific value (coins) to a user (a user of the virtual space), In the value granting step, a predetermined value (points) different from the specific value (coins) is granted to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) when the general user (general user) purchases rights related to the content (UGC). It is characterized by the following.

[0263] This feature allows the specified value (points) granted to a production-involved user (creator) for purchasing rights to content (UGC) in which he or she was involved in creating to be managed separately from a specific value (coins).

[0264] The specific value (coins) and the predetermined value (points) can be used for different purposes (coins can be used as currency in the virtual space, while points cannot be used in the virtual space and can be exchanged for cash or points). It is characterized by the following.

[0265] This feature allows the targets for which a specified value (points) can be used, which are granted in exchange for the purchase of rights to content (UGC) in which a production-related user (creator) was involved in creating, to be managed separately from specific values ​​(coins).

[0266] The predetermined value (points) can be converted into cash, The specified value (coins) cannot be converted into cash. It is characterized by the following.

[0267] This feature allows production-related users (creators) to convert a specified value (points) that is awarded for purchasing rights to content (UGC) that they have been involved in creating into cash, thereby effectively increasing the motivation of production-related users (creators) to be involved in the creation of content (UGC).

[0268] The predetermined value (points) can be changed to the specific value (coins), The specific value (coins) cannot be changed to the predetermined value (points). It is characterized by the following.

[0269] This feature allows a production-related user (creator) to convert the specified value (points) granted for purchasing rights to content (UGC) in which he or she was involved in creating into a specific value (coins) and use it.

[0270] The specific value (coins) and the predetermined value (points) each have a set expiration date, When the predetermined value (points) is changed to the specific value (coins), a new expiration date (expiration date) is set for the specific value (coins) after the change, regardless of the expiration date (expiration date) that was set for the predetermined value (points). It is characterized by the following.

[0271] This feature makes it possible to effectively extend the expiration date by changing the specified value (points) granted to a user (creator) involved in the production for the purchase of rights to content (UGC) in which the user was involved in the production to a specific value (coins).

[0272] The virtual space providing system of this embodiment is a system that provides content (UGC) to users (a system consisting of a virtual space server 100a, a user management server 100b, and a UGC server 100c), a content providing step (a step in which the virtual space server 100a outputs UGC) of providing content (UGC) in which the user has participated in the creation to general users (general users) other than the creation participating users (creators) who have participated in the creation of the content (UGC); A usage permission step in which the user involved in the production (creator) permits the administrator (administrator of the virtual space) to use the content (UGC), including permission to a third party (general user) to use the rights related to the content (UGC) (a step in which the creator transmits an exhibition instruction to the UGC server 100c to permit the use of UGC); a permission step of permitting a general user (general user) to use the rights related to the content (UGC) permitted for use by the production participating user (creator) in response to a request from the general user (general user) (a step of sending a permission notice from the UGC server 100c to the user management server 100b and permitting the user who purchased the UGC to use the UGC); a usage fee receiving step of receiving value (coins) from the general user (general user) who is permitted to use the rights related to the content (UGC) as a fee for using the rights related to the content (UGC) (a step in which the user management server 100b subtracts coins from the user when the UGC server 100c receives a UGC purchase request); and a usage consideration granting step (a step in which the UGC server 100c grants points to the creator through a point granting process) in which, when the general user (general user) is permitted to use the rights related to the content (UGC), the administrator (administrator of the virtual space) grants value (points) to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) as consideration for the use of the content (UGC). It is characterized by the following.

[0273] With this feature, in a configuration in which content (UGC) in which a user (consumer) has participated in the production can be provided to general users (general users) other than the users (creators) involved in the production of the content (UGC), the users (creators) involved in the production of the content (UGC) can authorize the administrator (administrator of the virtual space) to use the content (UGC), including granting a third party (general user) permission to use the rights related to the content (UGC), and can authorize the general user (general user) to use the rights related to the content (UGC) that have been granted permission for use by the users (creators) involved in the production to the general user (general user) at the request of the general user, and can also provide the content (UGC) to the general user (general user) for the purpose of providing the content (UGC) to the general user (general user) for the purpose of providing the content (UGC) to the general user (general user) for the purpose of providing the content (UGC) to the general user (general user) for the purpose of providing the content (UGC) to the general user (general user) for the purpose of providing the content (UGC) to the general user (general user), and can provide ...), and can provide the content (UGC) to the general user (general user) for the purpose of providing the content (UGC) to the general user (general user), and can provide the content (UGC) to the general user (general user The system accepts value (coins) from general users (general users) who have been permitted to use the rights related to the content (UGC) as compensation for the use of the rights related to the content (UGC), and when the general user (general user) is permitted to use the rights related to the content (UGC), the administrator (administrator of the virtual space) grants value (points) to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) as compensation for the use of the content (UGC).This eliminates the need for settlement between the user (creator) involved in the production and the general user (general user), and makes it easy to trade between users (users of the virtual space) of the rights related to the content (UGC).

[0274] The system for providing users with content related to feature point 3 is not limited to the virtual space providing system disclosed in Example 1, but can also be applied to a video distribution system disclosed in Example 2, an online game system available via the Internet or other communication lines, and an SNS (social network service) available via the Internet or other communication lines.

[0275] <Feature 4> The virtual space providing system of this embodiment is a system that provides a virtual space to a user (a system consisting of a virtual space server 100a, a user management server 100b, and a UGC server 100c), a content output step (a step in which the virtual space server 100a outputs UGC) that enables a user (consumer) to output content (UGC) that the user (consumer) has been involved in creating to the virtual space; a content (UGC) selling step (a step in which the UGC server 100c performs an exhibition registration process to make the UGC available for purchase) of selling the content (UGC) to general users (general users) other than the production participating users (creators) who participated in the production of the content (UGC); a specific value granting step (a step in which the user management server 100b grants coins to the user) of granting specific value (coins) that can be used in the virtual space to the user (user of the virtual space); a predetermined value granting step (a step in which the UGC server 100c grants points to the creator through a point granting process) of granting a predetermined value (points) to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) when the content (UGC) is purchased by the general user (general user); and The specific value (coins) and the predetermined value (points) each have a validity period (expiration date). It is characterized by the following.

[0276] This feature allows a configuration in which content (UGC) in which a user (consumer) has participated in the creation to be output into a virtual space, and such content (UGC) can be sold to general users (general users) other than the production-involved users (creators) who were involved in the creation.When the content (UGC) is purchased by a general user (general user), a specific value (coins) is assigned to the production-involved users (creators), so there is no need for settlement between the production-involved users (creators) and general users (general users), and transactions of content (UGC) used in the virtual space can be easily carried out between users (users of the virtual space).

[0277] In addition, the expiration date (term of validity) of a specified value (points) granted for the purchase of content (UGC) in which a production-involved user (creator) was involved in creating can be managed separately from the expiration date (term of validity) of a specific value (coin) used within the virtual space.

[0278] The predetermined value (points) can be changed to the specific value (coins), When the predetermined value (points) is changed to the specific value (coins), a new expiration date (expiration date) is set for the specific value (coins) after the change, regardless of the expiration date (expiration date) that was set for the predetermined value (points). It is characterized by the following.

[0279] This feature allows the specified value (points) awarded for the purchase of content (UGC) that a production-involved user (creator) was involved in creating to be converted into a specific value (coins) and used within the virtual space, and by converting the specified value (points) into a specific value (coins), it is possible to effectively extend the expiration date (expiration date). The predetermined value (points) can be converted into cash within the expiration date. It is characterized by the following.

[0280] This feature allows users (creators) involved in the creation of content (UGC) to convert a predetermined value (points) into cash, effectively increasing the motivation of users (creators) to participate in the creation of content (UGC). Even if points are not converted into cash within the expiration date, the effective expiration date can be extended by converting them into a specific value (coins) within the expiration date.

[0281] The specific value (coins) cannot be converted into the predetermined value (points) and cannot be exchanged for cash. It is characterized by the following.

[0282] This feature prevents a specific value (coins) from being converted into a predetermined value (points) and then converted into cash.

[0283] The predetermined value (points) can be converted into cash provided that the total amount is equal to or exceeds a predetermined threshold (3,000 points). It is characterized by the following.

[0284] Due to this feature, even if the total amount of the specified value (points) does not reach the specified threshold (3,000 points) within the expiration date and the points cannot be converted into cash, the effective expiration date can be extended by converting the points into a specific value (coins) within the expiration date.

[0285] The method further includes a time limit notification step (a step in which the UGC server 100c performs a warning notification process for the redemption deadline) for notifying the user when the time limit (expiration date) for use of the predetermined value (points) is approaching. It is characterized by the following.

[0286] This feature makes it possible to notify the user that the expiration date (time limit) of a predetermined value (points), i.e., the time limit until which points can be converted into cash, is approaching.

[0287] The method further includes an automatic conversion step (a step in which the UGC server 100c performs an automatic conversion process) of automatically converting the predetermined value (points) to the specific value (coins) if the predetermined value (points) is not converted into cash by the expiration date (expiry date) of the predetermined value (points). It is characterized by the following.

[0288] With this feature, if the specified value (points) is not converted into cash by the expiration date (expiry date) of the specified value (points), the specified value (points) will be automatically converted into a specific value (coins), thereby preventing the user from being disadvantaged when the expiration date (expiry date) of the specified value (points) arrives.

[0289] <Feature 5> The virtual space providing system of this embodiment is a system that provides a virtual space to a user (a system consisting of a virtual space server 100a, a user management server 100b, and a UGC server 100c), a content (UGC) output step (a step in which the virtual space server 100a outputs UGC) that enables a user (consumer) to output content (UGC) that the user (consumer) has been involved in creating to the virtual space; a content (UGC) selling step (a step in which the UGC server 100c performs an exhibition registration process to make the UGC available for purchase) of selling the content (UGC) to general users (general users) other than the production participating users (creators) who participated in the production of the content (UGC); a specific value granting step (a step in which the user management server 100b grants coins to the user) of granting specific value (coins) that can be used in the virtual space to the user (user of the virtual space); a predetermined value granting step (a step in which the UGC server 100c grants points to the creator through a point granting process) of granting a predetermined value (points) to the user (creator) involved in the production of the content (UGC) when the content (UGC) is purchased by the general user (general user); and The specific value (coins) and the predetermined value (points) can be used for different purposes (coins can be used as currency in the virtual space, while points cannot be used in the virtual space and can be exchanged for cash or points). It is characterized by the following.

[0290] This feature allows a configuration in which content (UGC) in which a user (consumer) has participated in the creation to be output into a virtual space, and such content (UGC) can be sold to general users (general users) other than the production-involved users (creators) who were involved in the creation.When the content (UGC) is purchased by a general user (general user), a specific value (coins) is assigned to the production-involved users (creators), so there is no need for settlement between the production-involved users (creators) and general users (general users), and transactions of content (UGC) used in the virtual space can be easily carried out between users (users of the virtual space).

[0291] In addition, the targets for which a specified value (points) that is awarded for the purchase of content (UGC) that a production-related user (creator) has been involved in creating can be managed separately from the specific value (coins) used within the virtual space.

[0292] The predetermined value (points) can be converted into cash, The specified value (coins) cannot be converted into cash. It is characterized by the following.

[0293] This feature allows production-related users (creators) to convert a specified value (points) awarded for the purchase of content (UGC) in which they have been involved in creating into cash, thereby effectively increasing the motivation of production-related users (creators) to be involved in the creation of content (UGC).

[0294] The predetermined value (points) can be changed to the specific value (coins), The specific value (coins) cannot be changed to the predetermined value (points). It is characterized by the following.

[0295] This feature allows a user involved in the creation of a content (UGC) to purchase a predetermined value (points), which can be converted into a specific value (coins) and used in the virtual space. It also prevents the specific value (coins) from being converted into a predetermined value (points) and exchanged for cash.

[0296] The predetermined value (points) has an expiration date. The predetermined value (points) can be converted into cash within the expiration date. It is characterized by the following.

[0297] This feature allows you to limit the period during which a given value (points) can be redeemed for cash.

[0298] The method further includes an automatic conversion step (a step in which the UGC server 100c performs an automatic conversion process) of automatically converting the predetermined value (points) to the specific value (coins) if the predetermined value (points) is not converted into cash by the expiration date (expiry date) of the predetermined value (points). It is characterized by the following.

[0299] With this feature, if the specified value (points) is not converted into cash by the expiration date (expiry date) of the specified value (points), the specified value (points) will be automatically converted into a specific value (coins), thereby preventing the user from being disadvantaged when the expiration date (expiry date) of the specified value (points) arrives.

[0300] The predetermined value (points) cannot be used in the virtual space, The specific value (coins) can be used within the virtual space. It is characterized by the following.

[0301] This feature allows the use of a specified value (points) awarded for the purchase of content (UGC) in which a production-involved user (creator) was involved in creating to be clearly distinguished and managed from the specific value (coins) used within the virtual space.

[0302] The predetermined value (points) cannot be used for the production costs of the content (UGC) or the sales costs of the content (UGC), The specific value (coins) can be used for the production costs of the content (UGC) or the sales costs of the content (UGC). It is characterized by the following.

[0303] This feature allows the use of a specified value (points) awarded for the purchase of content (UGC) in which a production-involved user (creator) was involved in creating to be clearly distinguished and managed from the specific value (coins) used for the production costs of the content (UGC) or the sales costs of the content (UGC).

[0304] <Feature 6> The virtual space providing system of this embodiment is a system that provides value to users (consisting of a virtual space server 100a, a user management server 100b, and a UGC server 100c), a specific value granting step of granting a specific value (coins) to the user (a step in which the user management server 100b grants coins to the user); a predetermined value granting step of granting a predetermined value (points) to the user (a step in which the UGC server 100c grants points to the creator through a point granting process); and The specific value (coins) and the predetermined value (points) each have a validity period (expiration date), The predetermined value (points) can be changed to the specific value (coins), When the predetermined value (points) is changed to the specific value (coins), a new expiration date (expiration date) is set for the specific value (coins) after the change, regardless of the expiration date (expiration date) that was set for the predetermined value (points), The method further includes an automatic change step (a step in which the UGC server 100c performs an automatic exchange process) of automatically changing the predetermined value (points) to the specific value (coins) if the predetermined value (points) is not used by the expiration date (expiry date) of the predetermined value (points). It is characterized by the following.

[0305] This feature makes it possible to effectively extend the expiration date by changing a predetermined value (points) to a specific value (coins), and if the predetermined value (points) is not used by the expiration date, the predetermined value (points) is automatically changed to the specific value (coins), thereby preventing users from being disadvantaged by the expiration date of the predetermined value (points).

[0306] The predetermined value (points) can be converted into cash within the expiration date. It is characterized by the following.

[0307] With this feature, if the specified value (points) is not converted into cash by the expiration date (expiry date) of the specified value (points), the specified value (points) will be automatically converted into a specific value (coins), thereby preventing the user from being disadvantaged when the expiration date (expiry date) of the specified value (points) arrives.

[0308] The specific value (coins) cannot be converted into the predetermined value (points) and cannot be exchanged for cash. It is characterized by the following.

[0309] This feature prevents a specific value (coins) from being converted into a predetermined value (points) and then converted into cash.

[0310] The predetermined value (points) can be converted into cash provided that the total amount is equal to or exceeds a predetermined threshold (3,000 points). It is characterized by the following.

[0311] Due to this feature, even if the total amount of the specified value (points) does not reach the specified threshold (3,000 points) within the expiration date and the points cannot be converted into cash, the effective expiration date can be extended by converting the points into a specific value (coins) within the expiration date.

[0312] The method further includes a time limit notification step of notifying the user when the time limit (expiration date) of the predetermined value (points) is approaching. It is characterized by the following.

[0313] This feature makes it possible to notify the user that the expiration date (expiration date) of a given value (points) is approaching.

[0314] Note that the system for assigning value to users relating to feature point 6 is not limited to the virtual space provision system disclosed in Example 1, but can also be applied to the video distribution system disclosed in Example 2, an online game system available via the Internet or other communication lines, an SNS (social network service) available via the Internet or other communication lines, a point assignment system available via the Internet or other communication lines, etc.

[0315] Although the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention also includes modifications and additions that do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Example]

[0316] FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a video distribution system according to a second embodiment to which the content providing method and the content providing program of the present invention are applied.

[0317] As shown in FIG. 22, the video distribution system of this embodiment is mainly composed of a video distribution server computer 1100 capable of executing various processes for distributing videos to each user, and user terminals 1200 (1200a, 1200b, 1200c, ...) that each user uses to participate in the virtual space, and the video distribution server computer 1100 and each user terminal 1200 are connected to each other via the Internet network N so that they can communicate data with each other.

[0318] 22, there are multiple users, such as user A, user B, user C, etc., and user terminals 1200 include user terminals 1200a, 1200b, 1200c, etc. that can be used by each of user A, user B, user C, etc. Although there are usually multiple users, there may be one or four or more users, and the number may be determined appropriately depending on the processing capacity of video distribution server computer 1100, etc. Hereinafter, user A, user B, user C, etc. may be collectively referred to as "users," and user terminals 1200a, 1200b, 1200c, etc. may be collectively referred to as "user terminals 1200."

[0319] 23, video distribution server computer 1100 is, for example, a server computer owned by a video distribution company, and is composed of two servers: video distribution server 1100a and distribution management server 1100b. Of these, video distribution server 1100a is a server for executing processing to distribute videos in response to requests from user terminals 1200 of each user, and distribution management server 1100b is a server for managing distributors and videos distributed from video distribution server 1100a.

[0320] The video distribution server 1100a and distribution management server 1100b are connected to the Internet network N via a communication device 1110 provided in the video distribution server computer 1100.

[0321] In this embodiment, the video distribution server computer 1100 is configured with two servers, video distribution server 1100a and distribution management server 1100b, but the present invention is not limited to this, and video distribution server computer 1100 may be configured with a single server. Also, video distribution server computer 1100 may be configured with an additional server having functions different from video distribution server 1100a and distribution management server 1100b, or may be configured with multiple servers with the same functions distributed across multiple servers.

[0322] <Video distribution system operation> The video distribution system of this embodiment performs processing to distribute streaming archived video in response to a request from a user terminal 1200. It is also possible to perform live distribution, in which streaming video transmitted from a distributor is distributed to multiple user terminals 1200 in almost real time.

[0323] <Live streaming operation> FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of operations of the distribution management server 1100b and the video distribution server 1100a when live distribution is performed in the video distribution system of this embodiment.

[0324] When a user distributes a moving image, the user transmits streaming (raw data) of the moving image to be distributed from the user terminal 1200 of the distributor to the distribution management server 1100b.

[0325] Delivery management server 1100b uses the streaming (raw data) transmitted from the distributor's user terminal 1200 to generate streaming (composite data) to be delivered by video delivery server 1100a using a delivery video generation program, and outputs the generated streaming data to video delivery server 1100a, which then delivers the streaming (composite data) output from delivery management server 1100b to viewer's user terminal 1200. Through this operation, the video transmitted from user terminal 1200 is delivered to viewer's user terminal 1200.

[0326] <Use of content> Users who are watching can send comment data to the video being live-streamed from their user terminals 1200, and the distribution management server 1100b adds the comment data sent from the viewer's user terminal 1200 to the streaming (raw data) sent from the distributor's user terminal 1200 using a distribution video generation program, thereby generating streaming (composite data) of the video with comments from the viewer added, as shown in Fig. 25, and can distribute this from the video distribution server 1100a to the viewer's user terminal 1200. In other words, users who are watching can display their own comments using the distributor's video.

[0327] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 25, when comment data transmitted from the viewer's user terminal 1200 is added to streaming (raw data) transmitted from the distributor's user terminal 1200, the comment can be displayed in four types of frames, frame A to frame D. Of these frames A to D, for frames B to D, viewers can purchase the right to use these frames to display their comments, i.e., the right to use the distributor's video, to display their own comments in the corresponding frames. The purchase amounts for the right to display comments in frames B to D vary: if a purchase amount between 500 yen and 999 yen is specified, the comment can be displayed in frame B; if a purchase amount between 1000 yen and 4999 yen is specified, the comment can be displayed in frame C; and if a purchase amount of 5000 yen or more is specified, the comment can be displayed in frame D.

[0328] In addition, frames A to D not only differ in their display format, but also in the limit on the number of characters that can be displayed for comments, with the order of frame A < frame B < frame C < frame D being the largest number of characters that can be displayed for comments.

[0329] In addition, when a video distribution administrator sells the right to use a distributor's video (the right to display comments) to a viewer, the administrator will grant the distributor an amount calculated based on the sales amount, etc., as compensation for the distributor's permission to use the video.

[0330] In this embodiment, when a video distribution administrator sells a viewer the right to use a distributor's video (the right to display comments) for a live-streamed video, the administrator grants the distributor an amount calculated based on the sales price, etc., as compensation for the distributor's permission to use the video.However, when a video distribution administrator sells a viewer the right to use a distributor's video (the right to display comments) for an archived video, the administrator may grant the distributor an amount calculated based on the sales price, etc., as compensation for the distributor's permission to use the video.

[0331] In addition, in this embodiment, the value used by the viewer when purchasing the right to use the distributor's video and the value granted as consideration for the distributor's permission to use the video are both configured to be cash, but values ​​other than cash may also be used, and different types of value may also be used for each, as in Example 1.

[0332] <Content usage actions> 26 to 28 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the flow of operations, particularly operations related to the use of content, of the operations of the video distribution system of this embodiment.

[0333] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the flow of operations of the user terminal 1200 and the distribution management server 1100b when a user who desires to distribute a video performs distributor registration.

[0334] When a user registers as a distributor, the user first performs a distributor registration operation on the user terminal 1200. This causes the user terminal 1200 to transmit a distribution registration request.

[0335] Upon receiving the distribution registration request, the distribution management server 1100b performs a registration request acceptance process, in which the distribution management server 1100b returns the distributor's registration conditions to the user terminal 1200 that sent the distribution registration request.

[0336] The conditions for distributor registration include, in particular, that by permitting the distribution of videos that the distributor has produced, the distributor grants permission to the video distribution administrator (such as the video distribution operating company) to use the videos, including granting third parties permission to use the rights related to the videos.

[0337] Upon receiving the reply of the distributor's registration conditions, the user terminal 1200 displays the reply of the distributor's registration conditions and prompts the user to agree to the conditions. Then, when the condition agreement operation is performed, the user terminal 1200 transmits an agreement notification to the distribution management server 1100b.

[0338] Upon receiving the agreement notification, the distribution management server 1100b performs a distributor registration process, which issues a distributor ID and registers information about the distributor in a distributor database that manages distributors.

[0339] When the distributor registration process is completed, the distribution management server 1100b returns a registration notification indicating that registration has been completed to the user terminal 1200 that sent the consent notification, and the user is then permitted to distribute videos.

[0340] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the flow of operations of the distributor's user terminal 1200, distribution management server 1100b, and video distribution server 1100a when the distributor live-distributes a video.

[0341] When a distributor is live streaming a video, the distributor first performs a video streaming setting operation on the distributor's user terminal 1200. As a result, the distributor's user terminal 1200 transmits a streaming setting request including the distributor ID of the distributor to the streaming management server 1100b.

[0342] Upon receiving the distribution setting request, the distribution management server 1100b performs distribution setting processing for the video by the distributor. Upon completion of the distribution setting processing, the distribution management server 1100b performs processing to calculate a return rate relative to the sales price of the rights related to the video, i.e., the ratio of the amount granted to the distributor to the purchase price of the rights related to the video, registers the calculated return rate, and transmits a setting completion notice including the return rate to the user terminal 1200 of the distributor who made the distribution setting request.

[0343] The payout rate is calculated based on the number of followers of the streamer, the number of views of videos previously streamed by the streamer, etc. For example, the payout rate is calculated by adding a basic payout rate (e.g., 70) with a value that varies depending on the number of followers and the number of views. Note that the method for calculating the payout rate is not limited to this, and the payout rate may be fixed. Furthermore, the payout rate may be configured to change depending on at least one of the following factors: when the streamer's video was viewed, the number of views of the streamer's video, and information about the streamer.

[0344] When the distributor's user terminal 1200 receives the setting completion notification, it notifies the distributor that the video distribution settings have been completed, and also displays the rebate rate included in the setting completion notification, thereby informing the distributor of the rebate rate for the purchase price of the rights related to the video.

[0345] In this embodiment, the distributor is notified of the rebate rate for the purchase price of the rights related to the video, but the amount (rebate amount) granted to the distributor for each predetermined purchase price (e.g., 1,000 yen) of the rights related to the video may also be notified. Furthermore, the timing at which the rebate rate and rebate amount are notified is not limited to before the start of video distribution, but may also be at the start of video distribution, after distribution has started, when the rights related to the video are purchased (when a comment is sent), or after the rights related to the video are purchased (after a comment is sent). Furthermore, the rebate rate and rebate amount may also be notified by periodically notifying the distributor, regardless of whether the video is being distributed or not, or at any timing based on access from the distributor.

[0346] After that, the distributor's user terminal 1200 prompts the user to start distribution. When the distribution start operation is performed, the distributor's user terminal 1200 transmits a streaming of the video to be distributed to the distribution management server 1100b and permits the video distribution administrator to use the video (including granting a license to a third party to use the rights related to the video).

[0347] Delivery management server 1100b receives the streaming from distributor's user terminal 1200, uses the streaming transmitted from distributor's user terminal 1200, generates a streaming to be delivered by video delivery server 1100a using a delivery video generation program, and outputs it to video delivery server 1100a, which then delivers the streaming output from delivery management server 1100b to viewer's user terminal 1200. In addition, delivery management server 1100b enters a state in which it can accept comment data, i.e., a state in which a viewer can purchase the right to display comments, upon starting to output the streaming to video delivery server 1100a.

[0348] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the flow of operations of the viewer's user terminal 1200, distribution management server 1100b, and video distribution server 1100a when a viewer sends a comment to a video being live distributed.

[0349] When a viewer sends a comment to a video being live-streamed, the viewer inputs the comment and the purchase price for the right to the video (the right to display the comment on the video) into the viewer's user terminal 1200. The viewer's user terminal 1200 then transmits the input comment data and the purchase price to the distribution management server 1100b.

[0350] Upon receiving the comment data and the purchase amount, the distribution management server 1100b performs a purchase confirmation process. The purchase confirmation process checks whether the viewer who sent the comment data has completed payment of the purchase amount. Once payment of the purchase amount has been confirmed in the purchase confirmation process, the distribution management server 1100b outputs the comment data and the purchase amount to the distribution video generation program, thereby granting the viewer permission to use the right to add a comment to the video being distributed.

[0351] The distribution video generation program identifies a frame in which to display comments according to the purchase amount, generates streaming (composite data) with the comments to be displayed within the identified frame, and outputs it to the video distribution server 1100a. The video distribution server 1100a then distributes the streaming (composite data) output from the distribution management server 1100b to the viewer's user terminal 1200.

[0352] In addition, after the live broadcast ends, the distribution management server 1100b tallies the purchase amounts of the rights to the video (the right to display comments on the video) purchased during the broadcast, calculates the total refund amount (total refund amount = total purchase amount x refund rate) based on the tallied purchase amounts and the refund rate set at the start of the broadcast, and pays the calculated total refund amount in cash to the broadcaster who performed the live broadcast as compensation for the use of the video.

[0353] <Features of Example 2> Next, the features of the video distribution system according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0354] <Feature 7> The video distribution system of this embodiment is a system that provides content (videos) to users (a system consisting of a video distribution server 1100a and a distribution management server 1100b). a content providing step (a step in which the video distribution server 1100a distributes the video) in which the user (consumer) is involved in the production of the content (video) to general users (viewers) other than the production participating users (distributors) who are involved in the production of the content (video); a content rights selling step of selling rights (rights to display comments) related to the content (video) to the general users (viewers) (a step in which the distribution management server 1100b makes the content ready to receive comment data when streaming output starts); a value imparting step of imparting value (cash) to the user involved in the production of the content (video) (distributor) when the general user (viewer) purchases the rights to the content (video) (purchasing the right to display comments in slots B to D) (a step in which the distribution management server 1100b calculates a total refund amount based on the purchase price and refund rate of the rights to the video purchased during distribution, and pays the calculated total refund amount in cash to the distributor as compensation for the use of the video); and a value notification step of notifying the user (distributor) of the content (video) of value information (refund amount / refund rate) that can identify the amount of value that the user (distributor) involved in the production of the content (video) will obtain by purchasing the rights to the content (video), or the ratio of the value that the user (distributor) involved in the production of the content (video) will obtain to the value used to purchase the rights to the content (video) (a step in which the distribution management server 1100b transmits a setting completion notification including the refund amount / refund rate and displays the refund amount / refund rate on the user terminal 1200 of the distributor). It is characterized by the following.

[0355] This feature allows content (videos) that users (consumers) have been involved in producing to be provided to general users (viewers) other than the production-involved users (distributors) who were involved in the production of the content (videos), and it is possible to sell rights to such content (videos) to general users (viewers).When the rights to the content (videos) are purchased by the general users (viewers), value (cash) is given to the production-involved users (distributors), so there is no need for settlement between the production-involved users (distributors) and general users (viewers), and transactions of rights to the content (videos) between users (consumers) can be easily carried out.

[0356] In addition, value information (refund amount / refund rate) that can identify the amount of value that the user (distributor) involved in the production of the content (video) will obtain by purchasing the rights to the content (video), or the ratio of the value that the user (distributor) involved in the production of the content (video) will obtain compared to the value used to purchase the rights to the content (video), is notified to the user (distributor) involved in the production of the content (video), thereby increasing the motivation of the user (distributor) involved in the production to be involved in the production of the content (video).

[0357] In the value notification step, the value information (refund amount / refund rate) is notified to the user (distributor) involved in the production of the content (video) before the rights to the content (video) are sold (before distribution begins). It is characterized by the following.

[0358] This feature makes it possible to inform users (distributors) involved in the production of the content (video) of the amount of value that they will obtain by purchasing the rights to the content (video), or the ratio of the value that they will obtain compared to the value used to purchase the rights to the content (video), before the rights to the content (video) are sold (before distribution begins).

[0359] The system further includes a value change step (a step in which the distribution management server 1100b calculates a return rate according to the number of followers of the distributor and the number of views of videos previously distributed by the distributor) of changing the amount of value that the user involved in the production of the content (video) can obtain by purchasing the rights to the content (video), or the ratio of the value that the user involved in the production of the content (video) can obtain to the value used to purchase the rights to the content (video). It is characterized by the following.

[0360] This feature allows information to be appropriately communicated even if the amount of value that a user (distributor) involved in the production of a content (video) obtains by purchasing rights to that content (video), or the ratio of the value that a user (distributor) involved in the production of that content (video) obtains to the value used to purchase rights to the content (video), changes.

[0361] In the value changing step, the amount of value that the user (distributor) involved in the production of the content (video) can obtain by purchasing the rights to the content (video), or the ratio of the value that the user (distributor) involved in the production of the content (video) can obtain relative to the value used to purchase the rights to the content (video), is changed based on at least one element of information related to the user (distributor) involved in the production of the content (video) (the number of followers of the distributor, the number of views of videos previously distributed by the distributor). It is characterized by the following.

[0362] This feature allows the amount of value that a user (distributor) involved in the production of a content (video) can obtain by purchasing rights to the content (video), or the ratio of the value that a user (distributor) involved in the production of the content (video) can obtain compared to the value used to purchase the rights to the content (video), to change depending on the timing of the sale of rights to the content (video), the amount of rights to the content (video) sold, and information related to the user (distributor) involved in the production of the content (video) (the number of followers of the distributor, the number of views of videos the distributor has previously distributed).This effectively increases the motivation of users (distributors) involved in the production of content (videos).

[0363] The video distribution system of this embodiment is a system that provides content (videos) to users (a system consisting of a video distribution server 1100a and a distribution management server 1100b). a content providing step (a step in which the video distribution server 1100a distributes the video) in which the user (consumer) is involved in the production of the content (video) to general users (viewers) other than the production participating users (distributors) who are involved in the production of the content (video); a usage permission step in which the production participating user (distributor) permits an administrator (video distribution administrator) to use the content (video), including permission to a third party (viewer) to use the rights related to the content (video) (a step in which the distributor transmits streaming of the video to the distribution management server 1100b upon the start of distribution and permits the use of the video); a permission step of permitting a general user (viewer) to use the rights related to the content (video) permitted for use by the production participating user (distributor) in response to a request from the general user (viewer) (a step in which the distribution management server 1100b permits the viewer to use the right to add a comment to the video being distributed by outputting comment data to a distribution video generation program); a payment acceptance step (a step in which the distribution management server 1100b accepts a purchase amount together with comment data) of accepting a value (cash) from the general user (viewer) who is permitted to use the rights related to the content (video) as payment for the use of the rights related to the content (video); and a usage compensation granting step in which, when the general user (viewer) is permitted to use the rights related to the content (video), the administrator (video distribution administrator) grants value (cash) to the production participating user (distributor) of the content (video) as compensation for the use of the content (video) (a step in which the distribution management server 1100b calculates a total refund amount based on the purchase price of the rights related to the video purchased during distribution and a refund rate, and pays the calculated total refund amount in cash to the distributor as compensation for the use of the video). It is characterized by the following.

[0364] With this feature, in a configuration in which content (video) that a user (consumer) has participated in the production of can be provided to general users (viewers) other than the production-related users (distributors) who have participated in the production of the content (video), the production-related users (distributors) who have participated in the production of the content (video) grant permission to an administrator (administrator of the virtual space) to use the content (video), including permission for third parties (viewers) to use the rights related to the content (video), and grant permission to the general users (viewers) to use the rights related to the content (video) that have been granted permission for use by the production-related users (distributors) at the request of the general users (viewers), and Value (cash) is accepted from general users (viewers) who have been permitted to use the rights related to the content (video) as consideration for the use of the rights related to the content (video), and when the general user (viewer) is permitted to use the rights related to the content (video), the administrator (video distribution administrator) grants value (cash) to the user (distributor) involved in the production of the content (video) as consideration for the use of the content (video).This eliminates the need for settlement between the user (distributor) involved in the production and the general user (viewer), and makes it easy to trade rights related to the content (video) between users (customers).

[0365] Although the second embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention also includes modifications and additions that do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0366] 100 Virtual space provision server computer 100a Virtual space server 100b User management server 100c UGC server 200 User terminals 1100 Video distribution server computer 1100a Video distribution server 1100b Distribution management server 1200 user terminals

Claims

1. A value imparting method for imparting value to a user, comprising: a specific value granting step of granting a specific value that can be used to purchase content to the user; a predetermined value providing step of providing a predetermined value as compensation for the purchased content to the user who provided the content; and The specific value and the predetermined value each have an expiration date, and The predetermined value can be changed to the specific value without changing ownership; When the predetermined value is changed to the specific value without changing the owner, a new expiration date is set for the specific value after the change, regardless of the expiration date that was set for the predetermined value, A value-granting method further comprising an automatic change step of automatically changing the specified value to the specific value without changing the owner if the specified value is not used by the expiration date of the specified value.

2. The predetermined value is convertible into cash within the expiry date. The value imparting method according to claim 1.

3. The specified value cannot be changed to the predetermined value and cannot be converted into cash. The value imparting method according to claim 2.

4. The predetermined value is convertible to cash provided that the sum is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The value imparting method according to claim 3.

5. The method further includes a time limit notification step of notifying the user when the time limit for use of the predetermined value is approaching. The value imparting method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A value imparting program that causes a computer to execute a process of imparting value to a user, a specific value granting step of granting a specific value that can be used to purchase content to the user; a predetermined value providing step of providing a predetermined value as compensation for the purchased content to the user who provided the content; Execute The specific value and the predetermined value each have an expiration date, and The predetermined value can be changed to the specific value without changing ownership; When the predetermined value is changed to the specific value without changing the owner, a new expiration date is set for the specific value after the change, regardless of the expiration date that was set for the predetermined value, The value-imparting program further executes an automatic change step of automatically changing the specified value to the specific value without changing the owner if the specified value is not used by the expiration date of the specified value.

7. A value granting system for granting value to a user, a specific value granting step of granting a specific value that can be used to purchase content to the user; a predetermined value providing step of providing a predetermined value as compensation for the purchased content to the user who provided the content; Equipped with The specific value and the predetermined value each have an expiration date, and The predetermined value can be changed to the specific value without changing ownership; When the predetermined value is changed to the specific value without changing the owner, a new expiration date is set for the specific value after the change, regardless of the expiration date that was set for the predetermined value, The value granting system further comprises an automatic change step of automatically changing the specified value to the specific value without changing the owner if the specified value is not used by the expiration date of the specified value.

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