Online lottery system, online lottery method and program

Abstract

This invention provides an online lottery system, method, and program that allows users to easily check the number of tickets remaining for each prize in a lottery box. [Solution] The online lottery system 100 includes a screen display unit 201 for outputting a selection screen for multiple lottery boxes to the user's terminal, and an inventory management unit 202 for managing the inventory quantity for each prize in each of the multiple lottery boxes. The screen display unit 201 retrieves the inventory quantity for each prize in each of the multiple lottery boxes from the inventory management unit 202 and displays it on the selection screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to online lotteries.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there is an online lottery system for realizing lottery drawing services on the Internet (online). Regarding the online lottery system, for example, (Patent Document 1) discloses a "product providing management device that can communicate with a user's terminal. The product providing device includes a first type option presenting means for presenting a plurality of first type options to the terminal so that the user can select them, a second type option presenting means for presenting a plurality of second type options associated with the first type option selected by the user among the plurality of first type options to the terminal so that the user can select them, a settlement processing means for performing settlement processing of a cost corresponding to the number of second type options selected by the user, and a product providing means for presenting product information of a product corresponding to the number of second type options selected by the user to the terminal after the settlement processing by the settlement processing means" (see the abstract).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 The company has not disclosed any feature that allows users to carry over any remaining time from their purchase process to the time allocated for selecting prizes.

[0005] This disclosure has been made in view of the above background, and an object in one aspect is to Any remaining time from the user's purchase process will be carried over to the prize selection process. provide a technology.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one embodiment, an online lottery system is provided. The online lottery system comprises a screen display unit for outputting a selection screen for multiple lottery boxes to the user's terminal, a purchase processing unit for executing the lottery purchase process, and a purchase order management unit for managing the purchase order information of lottery tickets in each of the multiple lottery boxes. The purchase processing unit is configured to calculate the elapsed time from the start to the completion of the user's purchase process, calculate the difference between the first time limit and the elapsed time based on whether the elapsed time is shorter than the first time limit available to the user for the purchase process, and add the difference to the second time limit available to the user for prize selection. The purchase processing unit is further configured to determine whether the user is experiencing waiting time based on the purchase order information, and, if waiting time is occurring, to exclude the waiting time from the elapsed time.

[0007] In certain situations, the purchase processing unit is configured to periodically acquire purchase order information from the purchase order management unit, or to receive notifications of updated purchase order information from the purchase order management unit.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a computer-based online lottery method is provided. The method includes outputting a selection screen for multiple lottery boxes to the user's terminal, executing a lottery purchase process, calculating the elapsed time from the start to the completion of the user's purchase process, calculating the difference between the first time limit and the elapsed time based on whether the elapsed time is shorter than the first time limit available to the user for the purchase process, and adding the difference to the second time limit available to the user for prize selection. Calculating the elapsed time includes determining whether the user is experiencing waiting time based on purchase order information, and, based on whether waiting time is occurring, not including the waiting time in the elapsed time.

[0009] According to one embodiment, a computer-running online lottery program is provided. The program causes the online lottery system to output a selection screen of multiple lottery boxes to the user's terminal, execute the lottery purchase process, calculate the elapsed time from the start to the completion of the user's purchase process, calculate the difference between the first time limit and the elapsed time based on whether the elapsed time is shorter than the first time limit available to the user for the purchase process, and add the difference to the second time limit available to the user for prize selection. Calculating the elapsed time includes determining whether the user is experiencing waiting time based on the purchase order information, and, if waiting time is present, excluding the waiting time from the elapsed time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one embodiment, the user, Any remaining time from the purchase process will be carried over to the prize selection process. It is possible.

[0011] The above and other purposes, features, aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of this disclosure, which will be understood in conjunction with the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall structure of the online lottery system 100 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the functional block configuration of the online lottery system 100. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the online lottery system 100. [Figure 4] This figure shows examples of screens 410 and 420 provided by the online lottery system 100. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a screen 510 provided by the online lottery system 100. [Figure 6] This figure shows examples of screens 600, 610, 620, and 630 provided by the online lottery system 100. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of screen 710 provided by the online lottery system 100. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a screen 810 provided by the online lottery system 100. [Figure 9]FIG. is a diagram showing an example of screens 910 and 920 provided by the online lottery system 100. [Figure 10] FIG. is a diagram showing an example of screens 1010 and 1020 provided by the online lottery system 100. [Figure 11] FIG. is a diagram showing an example of screens 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 provided by the online lottery system 100. [Figure 12] FIG. is a diagram showing an example of screen 1210 provided by the online lottery system 100. [Figure 13] FIG. is a diagram showing an example of a calculation process of the holding time of a user executed by the online lottery system 100. [Figure 14] FIG. is a diagram showing an example of a winning determination process for a special prize executed by the online lottery system 100. [Figure 15] FIG. is a diagram showing an example of a customization function for the lottery box image and animation of the online lottery system 100. [Figure 16] FIG. is a diagram showing an example of a process related to an online lottery executed by the online lottery system 100.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technical idea according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Also, each embodiment, each modification, each software or program configuration, each hardware configuration, each function, and each process, etc. may be selectively combined as appropriate.

[0014] <Configuration of Online Lottery System> Figure 1 shows an example of the overall structure of an online lottery system 100 according to this embodiment. The online lottery system 100 provides a lottery service to users over the internet. Users can use the lottery service provided by the online lottery system 100 via their terminal 110. A lottery screen 120 is displayed on the terminal 110, and users can participate in the lottery by interacting with the screen 120. The online lottery system 100 can provide the lottery service to multiple users simultaneously.

[0015] The online lottery system 100 may be implemented as a web application. In this case, terminal 110 can display screen 120 received from the online lottery system 100 on its display via a browser or an application with browser functionality. Alternatively, the online lottery system 100 may be implemented as a server in a server-client system. In this case, terminal 110 has a client application installed and can display screen 120 on its display using data received from the online lottery system 100. Furthermore, the online lottery system 100 may function as part of an online shop. In this case, the lottery service may be offered to the user as one of the products sold in the online shop.

[0016] The online lottery system 100 can be implemented by running a program on one or more server devices. Alternatively, the online lottery system 100 can be implemented by running a program in a cloud environment. The terminal 110 includes personal computers, tablets, smartphones, wearable devices, and other arbitrary information processing terminals.

[0017] Figure 2 shows an example of the functional block configuration of the online lottery system 100. The online lottery system 100 includes a UI (User Interface) 200, a screen display unit 201, an inventory management unit 202, a purchase order management unit 203, a purchase processing unit 204, a setting unit 205, and a storage unit 206.

[0018] UI200 is an interface for use by the user of terminal 110. UI200 includes various screens displayed on terminal 110, as shown in Figures 4 to 12. UI200 also includes functions such as input forms on the various screens displayed on terminal 110. The various screens displayed on terminal 110 and the functions they provide may consist of one or more of HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and Javascript (registered trademark).

[0019] The screen display unit 201 can output or transmit various screens related to the lottery (for example, the various screens shown in Figures 4 to 12) to the user's terminal 110. That is, the screen display unit 201 can output or transmit part or all of the UI 200 to the terminal 110. As an example, the screen display unit 201 can output a screen for selecting multiple lottery boxes (screen 420) to the terminal 110. In addition, the screen display unit 201 can transition the screen displayed on the terminal 110 to another screen based on the input received from the user on each screen. As an example, the screen display unit 201 may be configured to transition the selection screen (screen 420) to a waiting screen (screen 600) or a lottery purchase screen (screen 610 or screen 710) based on the input received from the user to select one of multiple lottery boxes on the lottery box selection screen (screen 420).

[0020] The inventory management unit 202 manages the inventory quantity for each prize in each of the multiple lottery boxes. In the lottery service provided by the online lottery system 100, there may be multiple prizes such as Prize A, Prize B, Prize C, etc. The online lottery system 100 may also provide multiple virtual lottery boxes on screen 420. The inventory of each prize in each of the multiple lottery boxes is managed independently of each other. The inventory management unit 202 may be configured to retrieve inventory information 240 stored in the storage unit 206. The inventory information 240 may include the inventory quantity for each prize in each of the multiple lottery boxes, and the total inventory quantity for all prizes. The inventory management unit 202 notifies the purchase processing unit 204 of the inventory information 240. The purchase processing unit 204 may be configured to add special prizes to the user based on the total inventory quantity. Special prizes include the Last N prize, which is given when there is only one item left in stock, or when there are only 10 items left, etc.

[0021] The purchase order management unit 203 manages purchase order information 250 for each of the multiple lottery boxes. For example, suppose the online lottery system 100 receives lottery drawing requests from terminals 110 of users A, B, and C, in the order of users A, B, and C for a certain lottery box. In this case, the purchase order management unit 203 manages the order in which the three users A, B, and C draw from the lottery box. In this example, user A's turn is 1, user B's turn is 2, and user C's turn is 3. The purchase order information 250 may include the number of people waiting for each lottery box. For example, if users A, B, and C have requested to draw from a certain lottery box, the purchase order information 250 corresponding to that lottery box may include the number of people waiting, "3". The purchase order management unit 203 may also use the storage unit 206 as a storage location for the purchase order information 250.

[0022] The purchase processing unit 204 executes the lottery purchase process. More specifically, the purchase processing unit 204 replicates the process in which a user draws a lottery ticket from a lottery box at a physical store and pays for the lottery. In doing so, the purchase processing unit 204 may refer to the total number of tickets in the lottery boxes and, when the user draws a lottery ticket, may be configured to add a special prize related to the total number of tickets in stock to the user's prizes, based on whether the total number of tickets in stock is a predetermined number.

[0023] The settings unit 205 may provide a function to change the box image of the lottery box for each lottery project. For example, if there are lottery projects A and B, the settings unit 205 may be configured to change the box image of the lottery box for each project A and B. Lottery projects include lotteries for collaboration projects involving anime, manga, and movies. The settings unit 205 may also be configured to change the box image of each of the multiple lottery boxes in the same project (e.g., multiple lottery boxes in project A). Similarly, the settings unit 205 may provide a function to change the winning animation of the lottery box for each lottery project. Furthermore, the settings unit 205 may provide a function to change the lottery box animation for each lottery event. In addition, the settings unit 205 may provide a function to change at least one of the winning animation and lottery drawing animation for each of the multiple lottery boxes in the same event.

[0024] The memory unit 206 stores data for a box image 210, a winning animation 220, and a lottery drawing animation 230 associated with each of one or more lottery plans. The screen display unit 201 can refer to the memory unit 206 and output the box image 210, the winning animation 220, and the lottery drawing animation 230 to the terminal 110 as appropriate. The memory unit 206 can also store inventory information 240 for multiple lottery boxes associated with each plan. Furthermore, the memory unit 206 can store purchase order information 250 for multiple lottery boxes associated with each plan.

[0025] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the online lottery system 100. The online lottery system 100 does not necessarily have to include some of the configurations shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, the online lottery system 100 may also have configurations not shown in Figure 3. In addition, the online lottery system 100 may have two or more of each configuration. Each functional block shown in Figure 2 can be realized by executing a program on the hardware shown in Figure 3.

[0026] The online lottery system 100 includes a processor 301, memory 302, storage 303, external device interface 304, input interface 305, and output interface 306. This includes a communication IF307. The online lottery system 100 also includes a bus 308 that connects these components.

[0027] The processor 301 can execute programs to implement various functions of the online lottery system 100. The processor 301 is composed of, for example, at least one integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may include at least one CPU (Central Processing Unit), at least one GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), at least one ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), at least one AI (Artificial Intelligence) chip, or... These combinations may also be included.

[0028] Memory 302 functions as a workspace for processor 301. Memory 302 stores programs executed by processor 301 and data referenced by processor 301. Memory 302 can be implemented using DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), etc.

[0029] Storage 303 is non-volatile memory that stores programs executed by processor 301 and data referenced by processor 301. Processor 301 executes programs read from storage 303 to memory 302 and references data read from storage 303 to memory 302. Storage 303 can be implemented by HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or flash memory, etc.

[0030] The external device IF304 can be connected to any external device such as a printer, scanner, and external HDD. The external device IF304 can be implemented using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal or the like.

[0031] The input interface 305 can be connected to any input device such as a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, or gamepad. The input interface 305 can be implemented using a USB terminal, PS / 2 terminal, or Bluetooth® module.

[0032] Output IF306 can be connected to any output device such as a CRT display, LCD display, or OLED display. Output IF306 can be implemented using USB terminals, D-sub terminals, DVI (Digital Visual Interface) terminals, HDMI® (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) terminals, and DisplayPort terminals, etc.

[0033] The communication IF307 is connected to other devices via a wired or wireless network. The communication IF307 can be implemented using a wired LAN (Local Area Network) port and a Wi-Fi® (Wireless Fidelity) module, etc. The communication IF307 can send and receive data using communication protocols such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol).

[0034] <Online lottery screen> Next, with reference to Figures 4 to 12, the various screens that the online lottery system 100 provides to the terminal 110 will be described. Each screen shown in Figures 4 to 12 is a part of the screen 120 that the online lottery system 100 provides to the terminal 110. Each screen shown in Figures 4 to 12 may be displayed on the terminal 110's display and configured to accept user input. The output of each screen shown in Figures 4 to 12 to the terminal 110 and the transition processing between screens may be performed by the screen display unit 201. Each screen shown in Figures 4 to 12 includes operation items as UI components. Operation items may include text boxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, buttons, dropdown lists, and other arbitrary operation components. Each screen shown in Figures 4 to 12 may also include the display of various information. Display items for various information may include images and arbitrary display components such as labels. Operation items and display items may be implemented using HTML, images, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, operations on operation items include selecting an item, pressing an item, touching an item, and other arbitrary actions.

[0035] Figure 4 shows examples of screens 410 and 420 provided by the online lottery system 100. Screen 410 is the top page of the online lottery and is provided for one or more lottery projects. Each screen shown in Figures 4 to 12 may also exist for one or more lottery projects. When screen transition item 411 is operated, screen 410 transitions to screen 420. Screen 410 may also be part of an online shop. In this case, screen 410 may be implemented as one of the product pages of the online shop.

[0036] Screen 420 is the lottery box selection screen. Multiple lottery boxes are provided for each lottery project. The user can select a desired lottery box from the multiple lottery boxes displayed on screen 420 and draw a lottery ticket from that desired box. Screen 420 displays multiple lottery box information 423. Each of the multiple lottery box information 423 includes a lottery box image 424, an item 425 for the remaining number of each prize, an item 426 for the remaining number of tickets, a lottery box selection item 427, and an item 428 for displaying the number of people waiting. If the number of people waiting is 0, the lottery box information 423 does not need to include the item 428 for displaying the number of people waiting. As mentioned above, the online lottery system 100 individually manages the inventory of each prize in the multiple lottery boxes. The item 425 for the remaining number of each prize indicates the inventory of each prize in the individual lottery box. The lottery ticket remaining information item 426 shows the inventory of lottery tickets (total of all prizes) in an individual lottery box. The lottery box selection item 427 is an item that transitions screen 420 to the lottery ticket purchase screen 610 corresponding to an individual lottery box. The waiting number display item 428 shows the number of users waiting to draw from the same lottery box. The waiting number display item 428 may or may not include the number of users currently drawing tickets. Item 428 may be configured to be updated at regular intervals to display the latest waiting number. The online lottery system 100 accepts lottery requests from multiple users for the same lottery box. Users can select one lottery box from among multiple lottery boxes by referring to the prize remaining information item 425, the lottery ticket remaining information item 426, and the waiting number display item 428.

[0037] Furthermore, screen 420 includes a filter item 421 for filtering the lottery boxes displayed on screen 420 based on the inventory of individual prizes, the total inventory of all prizes, the number of people waiting, or any combination thereof. Also, screen 420 includes a sort item 422 for sorting the lottery boxes displayed on screen 420 based on the lottery box number, the inventory of individual prizes, the total inventory of all prizes, the number of people waiting, or any combination thereof. Screen 420 transitions to screen 510 based on the operation of the filter item 421. Screen 420 updates the display order of the lottery boxes displayed on screen 420 based on the operation of the sort item 422. Screen 420 transitions to screen 600 or screen 610 based on the operation of the lottery box selection item 427. The screen display unit 201 may refer to the latest purchase order information 250 of the selected lottery box based on the operation of item 427 and send the latest information on the number of people waiting to the terminal 110. Terminal 110 can display the latest number of people waiting on the waiting screen (screen 600). Similarly, when the screen display unit 201 receives a sort operation or a filtering operation, it can refer to the latest purchase order information 250 for each of the multiple lottery boxes and send the latest number of people waiting for each of the multiple lottery boxes to terminal 110. Terminal 110 can update the screen display based on the received latest number of people waiting for each of the multiple lottery boxes.

[0038] Figure 5 shows an example of a screen 510 provided by the online lottery system 100. Screen 510 is a filtering settings screen. Screen 510 includes filtering items 511 and screen transition items 512 and 513. The user can set or input filtering conditions on screen 510 using filtering item 511. Filtering item 511 may be configured to allow selection or input of whether each prize is still available, the remaining number of each prize, the total remaining number of all prizes, and the number of people waiting (e.g., more than X people, less than Y people). When item 512 is operated, screen 510 transitions to screen 420. At that time, the filtering conditions are cleared. When item 513 is operated, screen 510 transitions to screen 420. At that time, the multiple lottery box information 423 displayed on screen 420 is filtered based on the filtering conditions. More specifically, the screen display unit 201 transmits the filtered multiple lottery box information 423 to the terminal 110. Terminal 110 updates screen 420 based on the filtered lottery box information 423 received. The display of the filter items 421 on screen 420 may change depending on whether filtering is enabled or not. For example, the color, text, shape, or any combination thereof of the filter items 421 may change.

[0039] Figure 6 shows an example of screens 600, 610, 620, and 630 provided by the online lottery system 100. Screen 600 is a waiting screen. When a user selects a lottery box, if one or more other users have already selected that box, the user must wait in line until one or more other users have finished drawing their lottery tickets. Therefore, screen 600 is displayed on the user's terminal 110 to inform them that there is a waiting line. Screen 600 includes an item 601 that displays the current number of people waiting and an item 602 for canceling. For example, if the user refers to item 601 and finds that there are too many people waiting, they can operate item 602 to transition screen 600 to screen 420. When it is the user's turn to draw a lottery ticket, screen 600 transitions to screen 610. If the lottery tickets run out while the user is waiting in line, screen 600 transitions to screen 620. If the lottery sales period ends while the user is waiting for their turn, screen 600 will show screen 630. It transitions to [this].

[0040] Screen 610 is a screen for transitioning to the lottery purchase screen. Screen 610 includes item 611 for transitioning to screen 710, which is the lottery purchase screen. When the user interacts with item 611, screen 610 transitions to screen 710. Alternatively, screen 610 may transition to screen 710 after a certain period of time has elapsed. Also, when it is the user's turn to draw a lottery ticket (the user's turn to purchase a lottery ticket), screen 600 may transition to screen 710 instead of screen 610. Screen 620 is a notification screen for when an item is out of stock. Screen 620 includes item 621 for transitioning to screen 420. Screen 630 is a notification screen for when the sales period has ended. Screen 630 includes item 631 for transitioning to screen 410 or the online shop's top page, etc.

[0041] Figure 7 shows an example of a screen 710 provided by the online lottery system 100. Screen 710 is a lottery ticket purchase screen. Screen 710 includes an item 711 for entering the number of tickets to purchase, an item 712 for displaying the current stock of each prize, and screen transition items 714 and 715. Item 712 may be configured to be collapsible and expandable for each prize item. The item 713 for each prize may include a picture of one or more prizes, information on stock availability and whether they are selectable or not. When item 714 for proceeding to the order process is operated, screen 710 transitions to screen 810. When item 715 for cancellation is operated, screen 710 transitions to screen 420.

[0042] Figure 8 shows an example of screen 810 provided by the online lottery system 100. Screen 810 is a screen for confirming the delivery address and payment method for prizes. Screen 810 displays various information such as the number of lottery tickets to be purchased, payment method, delivery address, and whether or not coupons are being used. Screen 810 also includes screen transition items 811 and 812. When item 811 for order confirmation is operated, screen 810 transitions to screen 910 or screen 920 via the order confirmation screen. Based on the operation of items such as the order confirmation button on the order confirmation screen, the order confirmation screen may transition to screen 910 or 920. When item 812 is operated, screen 810 transitions to screen 710.

[0043] Figure 9 shows an example of screens 910 and 920 provided by the online lottery system 100. Screen 910 is a screen that notifies the user of a timeout. Screen 910 includes a screen transition item 911. When item 911 is operated, screen 910 transitions to screen 420. A first time limit is set for the lottery purchase process. Hereinafter, this first time limit may be referred to as the purchase time. A timeout occurs when a predetermined period (purchase time) has elapsed since the user started the lottery purchase process. More specifically, the screen display unit 201 counts the elapsed time since the user started the lottery purchase process and determines that a timeout has occurred based on the elapsed time exceeding a predetermined period. For example, the start of the purchase process may be when screen 710 is output to the user's terminal 110. When item 811 is operated while a timeout has occurred, the screen display unit 201 outputs screen 910 to the terminal 110. When item 811 is operated while no timeout has occurred, the screen display unit 201 outputs screen 920 to terminal 110.

[0044] Screen 920 is the lottery drawing screen. Screen 920 may play the lottery animation 921. The lottery animation 921 may be, for example, an animation of a person drawing a lottery ticket from a box. Screen 920 includes a screen transition item 922. While the drawing process is not yet complete, item 922 may be displayed on screen 920 in a way that it cannot be selected. Alternatively, item 922 may be displayed on screen 920 in a way that it can be selected at any time. In this case, when the screen transition item 922 is operated, the lottery animation 921 is skipped, and screen 920 may transition to screen 1010. If the drawing process takes longer than a certain amount of time, screen 920 may skip the lottery animation 921 to another lottery animation 9 The display may be switched to 31. For example, another lottery animation 931 may be an animation indicating that the drawing process is running in the background. Once the drawing process is complete, item 922 is displayed on screen 920 in a selectable form. When item 922 is operated at this time, screen 920 transitions to screen 1010. Alternatively, screen 920 may automatically transition to screen 1010 as soon as the drawing process is complete. The online lottery system 100 may be configured to accept changes to the lottery animation 921 for each lottery project. When the online lottery system 100 accepts a change to the lottery animation 921 and the lottery is executed, it plays the changed lottery animation 921.

[0045] Figure 10 shows an example of screens 1010 and 1020 provided by the online lottery system 100. Screen 1010 is the lottery winning screen. Screen 1010 may play the lottery winning animation 1011. The winning animation 1011 may be different for each prize, or it may be the same for all prizes. Also, if multiple prizes are won, the winning animation 1011 may be played for each prize. Screen 1010 may automatically transition to screen 1110 based on the completion of the playback of the winning animation 1011. Also, screen 1010 may interrupt the playback of the winning animation 1011 and automatically transition to screen 1110 based on the completion of the lottery process. Furthermore, screen 1010 may include an item for skipping the winning animation 1011. In this case, when the item for skipping is operated, screen 1010 transitions to screen 1110. The online lottery system 100 may be configured to accept changes to the winning animation 1011 for each lottery project. When the online lottery system 100 accepts a change to the winning animation 1011 and the lottery is executed, it plays the changed winning animation 1011.

[0046] When executing the lottery or purchase process, the purchase processing unit 204 refers to the number of items in the lottery box and determines whether or not to add a special prize to the prizes. If the purchase processing unit 204 determines to add a special prize to the prizes, it outputs a notification to the screen display unit 201 indicating that a special prize has been won. Based on the receipt of the notification, the screen display unit 201 outputs screen 1020 to the terminal 110. The terminal 110 may transition from screen 1010 to screen 1020, which received the notification. The terminal 110 may also switch the display of screen 1010 to the display of screen 1020 without transitioning screens. Screen 1020 includes an item 1021 for displaying the special prize and an item 1022 for screen transitions. Screen 1020 may transition to screen 1110 based on the operation of item 1022. If multiple special prizes are won, information on multiple special prizes may be displayed on screen 1020. Furthermore, if multiple special prizes are won, terminal 110 may display screen 1020 as many times as there are special prizes. In this case, if there are undisplayed special prizes when item 1022 is operated, screen 1020 may transition to a screen 1020 displaying a different special prize. Instead of transitioning, screen 1020 may switch item 1021 to display a different special prize.

[0047] Figure 11 shows an example of screens 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 provided by the online lottery system 100. Screen 1110 is the prize selection screen. Screen 1110 includes an item 1111 that displays information about the prize won and an item 1113 for screen transitions. If a prize that allows prize selection is won, item 1111 includes an item 1112 for selecting the prize. The user can select the desired prize by operating item 1112. A second time limit is set for the prize selection process. Hereinafter, this second time limit may be referred to as the prize selection time. If the prize selection process times out, screen 1110 transitions to screen 1120 based on the operation of item 1113 or automatically. The screen display unit 201 counts the elapsed time since the user started the prize selection process and determines that a timeout has occurred based on the elapsed time exceeding a predetermined period (prize selection time). For example, the prize selection process may begin when screen 1110 is displayed to the user's terminal 110. Also, if a prize has been selected for all available prizes when item 1111 was operated before the timeout occurred, screen 1110 will transition to screen 1130. Also, if a prize has not been selected for all available prizes when item 1111 was operated before the timeout occurred, screen 1110 will transition to screen 1140.

[0048] Screen 1120 is a screen that notifies the user that a prize has been automatically selected. Screen 1120 includes a display indicating that a prize has been automatically selected and a screen transition item 1121. Screen 1120 transitions to screen 1210 based on the operation of item 1121.

[0049] Screen 1130 is a prize selection confirmation screen. Screen 1130 includes a display to confirm whether or not to finalize the prize, and screen transition items 1131 and 1132. Screen 1130 transitions to screen 1210 based on the operation of item 1131. Screen 1130 transitions to screen 1110 based on the operation of item 1132.

[0050] Screen 1140 is a screen that notifies the user that if they proceed, any unselected prizes will be automatically selected. Screen 1140 includes a display indicating that if they proceed, any unselected prizes will be automatically selected, and screen transition items 1141 and 1142. Screen 1140 transitions to screen 1110 based on the operation of item 1141. Screen 1140 transitions to screen 1210 based on the operation of item 1142. At that time, if there are prizes that have not been selected, the purchase processing unit 204 automatically selects a prize. For example, the online lottery system 100 may automatically select the prize with the largest number of items in stock. Also, if there are multiple prizes with the largest number of items in stock, the online lottery system 100 may select one prize from among the multiple prizes with the largest number of items in stock based on a predetermined criterion (such as in ascending order of prize number).

[0051] Figure 12 shows an example of a screen 1210 provided by the online lottery system 100. Screen 1210 is the order confirmation screen. Screen 1210 includes item 1211 which displays a list of the prizes won, and screen transition items 1212 and 1213. Screen 1210 transitions to the order history page based on the operation of item 1212. Screen 1210 transitions to the online shop's top page or the online lottery selection page based on the operation of item 1213. The online lottery selection page is one level above screen 410 and is a screen for selecting multiple online lotteries.

[0052] As explained with reference to Figures 1 to 12, the online lottery system 100 includes a screen display unit 201 for outputting a selection screen for multiple lottery boxes to the user's terminal 110, and an inventory management unit 202 for managing the inventory quantity for each prize in each of the multiple lottery boxes. The screen display unit 201 is configured to display the inventory quantity for each prize in each of the multiple lottery boxes obtained from the inventory management unit 202 on the selection screen.

[0053] Furthermore, the screen display unit 201 is configured to transition the selection screen to a waiting screen or a lottery ticket purchase screen based on the user's input to select one of several lottery boxes. The online lottery system 100 further includes a purchase order management unit 203 that manages purchase order information 250 for each of the multiple lottery boxes.

[0054] The screen display unit 201 is configured to display a waiting screen on the terminal 110 when it is not the user's turn to purchase, based on the purchase order information 250, and to transition the waiting screen to the lottery purchase screen when it is the user's turn to purchase.

[0055] Furthermore, the screen display unit 201 is configured to acquire the number of items in stock for each prize in the lottery box selected by the user when it is the user's turn to make a purchase, and to display the acquired number of items in stock for each prize on the lottery purchase screen.

[0056] Furthermore, the screen display unit 201 is configured to display the number of people waiting for the lottery box selected by the user on the waiting screen, based on the purchase order information 250.

[0057] Furthermore, the screen display unit 201 is configured to display the number of people waiting for each of the multiple lottery boxes on the selection screen based on the purchase order information 250.

[0058] Furthermore, the screen display unit 201 acquires the number of items in stock for each prize and purchase order information 250, and is configured to sort multiple lottery boxes on the selection screen based on at least one of the number of items in stock for each prize and the number of people waiting in each of the multiple lottery boxes.

[0059] Furthermore, the screen display unit 201 acquires the number of items in stock for each prize and purchase order information 250, and is configured to allow filtering of multiple lottery boxes on the selection screen based on at least one of the number of items in stock for each prize and the number of people waiting in each of the multiple lottery boxes.

[0060] <Online lottery system features> Next, with reference to Figures 13 to 16, the various functions of the online lottery system 100 will be described. The functions and processes shown in Figures 13 to 16 include functions that run in the background of the online lottery service, as well as functions for customizing the online lottery.

[0061] Figure 13 shows an example of the calculation process for the user's remaining time that the online lottery system 100 performs. As mentioned above, a first time limit (purchase time) is set for the lottery purchase process (from selecting the lottery box to confirming the order). Similarly, a second time limit (prize selection time) is set for the prize selection process. That is, the user is given the first time limit as their remaining time during the lottery purchase process, and the second time limit as their remaining time during the prize selection process. If there is remaining time (first time limit) during the lottery purchase process, the online lottery system 100 may add this remaining time to the prize selection time (second time limit). The calculation process for remaining time may be performed by the purchase processing unit 204. The procedure for calculating remaining time may change depending on whether or not there is a waiting period for the lottery draw (purchase order).

[0062] Case 1310 illustrates the calculation process for the remaining time when there is no waiting line for the lottery. The user is given a first time limit of 10 minutes and a second time limit of 5 minutes. When the user selects item 427 (the "Select this box" button) for selecting a lottery box, the online lottery system 100 starts counting the elapsed time. The online lottery system 100 stops counting the elapsed time when the lottery order is confirmed. The point at which the lottery order is confirmed may be, for example, when the user selects item 811 on screen 810. The online lottery system 100 calculates the difference between the first time limit and the elapsed time (remaining time) and adds the difference (remaining time) to the second time limit. In Case 1310, since the remaining time at the end of the purchase process is 5 minutes, the user's second time limit becomes 10 minutes (original 5 minutes + remaining time of 5 minutes).

[0063] Case 1320 illustrates the calculation process for remaining time when there is a queue for drawing a lottery ticket. The user is given a first time limit of 10 minutes and a second time limit of 5 minutes. When the user selects item 427 (the "Select this box" button) for selecting a lottery box, a queue for drawing a lottery ticket is created. The online lottery system 100 does not start counting the elapsed time while the queue is created. The online lottery system 100 starts counting the elapsed time when the queue ends (when it is the user's turn to draw a ticket). The subsequent processing is the same as in Case 1310. In Case 1320, the remaining time at the end of the purchase process is 2 minutes, so the user's second time limit becomes 7 minutes (original 5 minutes + remaining time of 2 minutes).

[0064] As explained with reference to Figure 13, the online lottery system 100 includes a screen display unit 201 for outputting a selection screen for multiple lottery boxes to the user's terminal, and a purchase processing unit 204 for executing the lottery purchase process. The purchase processing unit 204 is configured to calculate the elapsed time from the start to the completion of the user's purchase process, and based on whether the elapsed time is shorter than the first time limit available to the user for the purchase process, calculate the difference between the first time limit and the elapsed time, and add the difference to the second time limit available to the user for prize selection.

[0065] Furthermore, the online lottery system 100 includes a purchase order management unit 203 that manages purchase order information 250 for each of the multiple lottery boxes. The purchase processing unit 204 determines whether or not a user is experiencing a waiting time based on the purchase order information 250, and is configured not to include the waiting time in the elapsed time if a waiting time is found to be present. The purchase processing unit 204 may periodically acquire the purchase order information 250 from the purchase order management unit 203. The purchase order management unit 203 may notify the purchase processing unit 204 of the updated purchase order information 250 based on the fact that it has updated the purchase order information 250.

[0066] By having the above configuration and functions, the online lottery system 100 can provide a function that carries over any remaining time from the user's purchase process to the prize selection process. This allows the user to take more time to select their prize.

[0067] Figure 14 shows an example of the special prize winning determination process performed by the online lottery system 100. The online lottery system 100 may offer a special prize to the user based on the number of tickets remaining in the lottery box. For example, when a user draws a ticket when there are 10 tickets remaining in the lottery box, the online lottery system 100 may offer the user the number 10 prize. The special prize winning determination process will be explained using cases 1410 and 1420 as examples.

[0068] Case 1410 illustrates an example of the process for determining who wins the Number 10 prize. In the first lottery draw, one user purchases one lottery ticket. At this time, the lottery box has 11 tickets in stock, and there are no winners of the special prize. In the second lottery draw, another user purchases one lottery ticket. At this time, the lottery box has 10 tickets in stock, and this user wins the special prize (Number 10 prize). Therefore, the purchase processing unit 204 adds the special prize (Number 10 prize) to the other user's prizes.

[0069] Case 1420 illustrates an example of the process for determining who has won prizes number 10 and 20. In the first draw, a user purchases 20 lottery tickets. That is, the user draws 20 tickets in a row. At this time, the number of tickets in the lottery box is 25, and during the consecutive draws, there are times when the number of tickets in the box becomes 20 and 10. At each of these times, the user wins a special prize (prize number 20 and prize number 10). Therefore, the purchase processing unit 204 adds the special prizes (prize number 20 and prize number 10) to the user's prizes.

[0070] As explained with reference to Figure 14, the online lottery system 100 includes a screen display unit 201 for outputting a selection screen for multiple lottery boxes to the user's terminal 110, an inventory management unit 202 for managing the inventory quantity for each prize in each of the multiple lottery boxes, and a purchase processing unit 204 for executing the lottery purchase process. The inventory management unit 202 is configured to calculate the total inventory quantity for all prizes in each of the multiple lottery boxes. The purchase processing unit 204 is configured to refer to the total inventory quantity of the lottery boxes subject to the lottery and, when the user performs a lottery, to add a special prize related to the total inventory quantity to the user's prizes based on the fact that the total inventory quantity is a predetermined number.

[0071] By having the above configuration and functions, the online lottery system 100 can offer users not only regular prizes but also special prizes based on the number of tickets in the lottery box. This allows users to enjoy not only the lottery itself but also the strategy involved in deciding when to draw a ticket.

[0072] Figure 15 shows an example of the customization function for the lottery box image and animation of the online lottery system 100. The online lottery system 100 includes a function to change the lottery box image. The online lottery system 100 may be configured to allow setting the lottery box image for each lottery project. The online lottery system 100 may be configured to allow setting the image for each of the multiple lottery boxes included in the same lottery project. Similarly, the online lottery system 100 includes at least one of the functions to change the lottery drawing animation and the winning animation. The online lottery system 100 may be configured to allow changing at least one of the lottery drawing animation and the winning animation. The online lottery system 100 may be configured to allow setting the winning animation for each lottery project. The online lottery system 100 may also be configured to allow setting the lottery drawing animation for each lottery project. The online lottery system 100 may provide a settings screen that allows changing one or more of the lottery box image, winning animation, and lottery drawing animation. This settings screen may be provided as part of the UI 200 and screen 120. The lottery operation staff can change one or more of the lottery box image, winning animation, and lottery drawing animation via the settings screen. The settings screen may be configured to allow each of the lottery box image, winning animation, and lottery drawing animation to be changed individually.

[0073] In the example in Figure 15, lottery plan A is configured with the default lottery box image 1500A, the default lottery drawing animation 1510A, and the default winning animation 1520A. Lottery plan B is configured with a custom lottery box image 1500B, a custom lottery drawing animation 1510B, and a custom winning animation 1520B.

[0074] As explained with reference to Figure 15, the online lottery system 100 includes a screen display unit 201 for outputting multiple lottery box selection screens corresponding to each of one or more lottery plans to the user's terminal 110, a setting unit 205 for setting a lottery box image for each of one or more lottery plans, and a storage unit 206 for storing the lottery box images set for each of one or more lottery plans. The screen display unit 201 is configured to display a lottery box image set for one lottery plan on the selection screen based on the receipt of a request to display a selection screen corresponding to one of the one or more lottery plans.

[0075] The online lottery system 100 also includes a screen display unit 201 for outputting multiple lottery box selection screens corresponding to one or more lottery plans to the user's terminal 110, a setting unit 205 for setting at least one of a lottery drawing animation and a winning animation for each of the one or more lottery plans, and a storage unit 206 for storing at least one of the lottery drawing animation and winning animation set for each of the one or more lottery plans. The screen display unit 201 is configured to play the lottery drawing animation and winning animation set for one lottery plan based on the drawing of a lottery ticket for one of the one or more lottery plans.

[0076] By having the above configuration and functions, the online lottery system 100 allows for the setting of one or more lottery box images, winning animations, and drawing animations for each lottery event. This allows users to enjoy box images and animations unique to each lottery event.

[0077] Figure 16 shows an example of the processing related to online lottery performed by the online lottery system 100. The processor 301 may read a program for performing the processing shown in Figure 16 from storage 303 into memory 302 and execute the program. Some or all of the processing can also be implemented as a combination of circuit elements configured to perform the processing. The following steps may be performed in any order.

[0078] In step S1605, the online lottery system 100 refers to the number of items in stock for each prize. That is, the online lottery system 100 refers to the number of items in stock for each prize in each of the multiple lottery boxes stored in the memory unit 206. In step S1610, the online lottery system 100 displays a selection screen (screen 420) for multiple lottery boxes. The selection screen displays images of the lottery boxes set by the setting unit 205. The selection screen displays the remaining number of each prize and the number of people waiting for each prize in each lottery box. The processing up to steps S1605 and S1610 may be performed based on the receipt of a display request for screen 420.

[0079] In step S1615, the online lottery system 100 determines whether it has received a sort / filtering request from terminal 110. If the online lottery system 100 determines that it has received a sort / filtering request (YES in step S1615), it transfers control to step S1620. Otherwise (NO in step S1615), the online lottery system 100 transfers control to step S1625. In this step, the online lottery system 100 may individually determine whether it has received a sort request and whether it has received a filtering request. In step S1620, the online lottery system 100 performs sorting and filtering. Depending on the received request, the online lottery system 100 may perform at least one of sorting and filtering. In step S1625, the online lottery system 100 updates and redisplays the lottery box selection screen. The processes in steps S1615 to S1625 may be repeated multiple times until the process in step S1630 is completed.

[0080] In step S1630, the online lottery system 100 receives a lottery box selection input from the terminal 110. The selection input indicates that the user has selected one of the lottery boxes on the lottery box selection screen (screen 420). In step S1635, the online lottery system 100 refers to the purchase order information 250. That is, the online lottery system 100 refers to the number of people waiting for each of the multiple lottery boxes stored in the storage unit 206. The number of people waiting for each of the multiple lottery boxes may be temporarily stored in the memory 302. In step S1640, the online lottery system 100 determines whether it is the user's turn to draw a lottery. After receiving the lottery box selection input, the online lottery system 100 can determine whether it is the user's turn to draw a lottery by referring to the purchase order information 250 of the selected lottery box. If the online lottery system 100 determines that it is the user's turn to draw a lottery (YES in step S1640), it moves control to step S1650. Otherwise (NO in step S1640), the online lottery system 100 transfers control to step S1645. In step S1645, the online lottery system 100 transitions the lottery box selection screen (screen 420) to the waiting screen (screen 600). Based on the fact that a certain amount of time has elapsed since the waiting screen was displayed (i.e., a timeout has occurred), the online lottery system 100 transfers control to step S1635. In step S1650, the online lottery system 100 refers to the purchase order information 250 and transfers control to step S1655 based on the fact that it is the user's turn to draw a lottery ticket. In step S1655, the online lottery system 100 transitions the current screen displayed on terminal 110 (screen 420 or screen 600) to the lottery purchase screen (screen 610 or screen 710).

[0081] In step S1660, the online lottery system 100 determines whether or not it has received a lottery order confirmation command. For example, terminal 110 may send a lottery order confirmation command to the online lottery system 100 based on the user operating an item such as the order confirmation button on the order confirmation screen. If the online lottery system 100 determines that it has received a lottery order confirmation command (YES in step S1660), it transfers control to step S1665. Otherwise (NO in step S1660), the online lottery system 100 transfers control to step S1660. If a timeout occurs, the online lottery system 100 forcibly terminates the user's lottery purchase process.

[0082] In step S1665, the online lottery system 100 outputs a lottery animation to the terminal 110. If the lottery animation has been customized, the online lottery system 100 outputs the customized lottery animation to the terminal 110. The terminal 110 plays the received lottery animation. In step S1670, the online lottery system 100 executes the lottery. If the user has purchased multiple lottery tickets, the online lottery system 100 may repeatedly execute the lottery for each ticket purchased.

[0083] In step S1675, the online lottery system 100 determines whether the user has won a special prize and adds the special prize to the user's prizes accordingly. In step S1680, the online lottery system 100 outputs a winning animation to the terminal 110. If the winning animation has been customized, the online lottery system 100 outputs the customized winning animation to the terminal 110. The terminal 110 plays the received winning animation. The online lottery system 100 may output winning animations corresponding to the prizes won and the special prize. The online lottery system 100 may repeat the process in steps S1665 to S1680 for the number of lottery tickets purchased. In step S1685, the online lottery system 100 displays the results of the lottery. For example, the online lottery system 100 sends screen 1110 to the terminal 110. The terminal 110 displays the lottery results on screen 1110 and may accept input for prize selection.

[0084] As explained with reference to Figure 16, the computer constituting the online lottery system 100 can, by executing a program, output a selection screen for multiple lottery boxes to the user's terminal and display the number of available prizes for each of the multiple lottery boxes on the selection screen.

[0085] <Summary> As described above, the online lottery system 100 according to this embodiment can display the number of tickets in stock for each prize in each lottery box on the selection screen for multiple lottery boxes. This makes it easier for the user to select a box that has the desired prize in stock.

[0086] Furthermore, the online lottery system 100 can display the number of people waiting for each lottery box on the screen where users can select from multiple lottery boxes. This allows users to choose a lottery box while considering the number of people waiting.

[0087] Furthermore, the online lottery system 100 can sort multiple lottery boxes based on at least one of the number of items in stock for each prize and the number of people waiting. The online lottery system 100 can also filter multiple lottery boxes based on at least one of the number of items in stock for each prize and the number of people waiting. This allows users to easily select lottery boxes that still have their desired prizes, boxes with short waiting times, etc.

[0088] Furthermore, the online lottery system 100 can display the current number of people waiting on the waiting screen. This allows users to refer to the current number of people waiting to predict their waiting time or to select a different lottery box if there are too many people waiting.

[0089] Furthermore, the online lottery system 100 can offer special prizes to users based on the number of tickets in the lottery box. This allows users to enjoy not only the individual lottery tickets themselves, but also the strategic aspect of timing their ticket draws.

[0090] Furthermore, the online lottery system 100 may provide a function that carries over any remaining time from the user's purchase process to the prize selection process. This allows the user to take more time to select their prize.

[0091] Furthermore, the online lottery system 100 may allow setting one or more of the following for each lottery event: a lottery box image, a winning animation, and a lottery drawing animation. This allows users to enjoy the box image and animation for each lottery event.

[0092] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims and not by the foregoing description, and all modifications are intended to be included in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims. Furthermore, the disclosures described in the embodiments and each variation are intended to be implemented, as far as possible, individually or in combination. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 100 Online lottery system, 110 Terminal, 120, 410, 420, 510, 600, 610, 620, 630, 710, 810, 910, 920, 1010, 1020, 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, 1210 Screen, 201 Screen display unit, 202 Inventory management unit, 203 Purchase order management unit, 204 Purchase processing unit, 205 Setting unit, 206 Storage unit, 210 Box image, 220, 1011, 1520A, 1520B Winning animation, 230, 921, 1510A, 1510B Lottery drawing animation, 240 Inventory information, 250 Purchase order information, 301 Processor, 302 Memory, 303 Storage, 304 External device interface, 305 Input IF, 306 Output IF, 307 Communication IF, 308 Bus, 411, 421, 422, 425, 426, 427, 428, 511, 512, 513, 601, 602, 611, 621, 631, 711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 811, 812, 911, 922, 1021, 1022, 1111, 1112, 1113, 1121, 1131, 1132, 1141, 1142, 1211, 1212, 1213 Items, 423 Lottery Box Information, 424, 1500A Lottery Box Image, 931 Another Lottery Animation, 1310, 1320, 1410, 1420 Cases.

Claims

1. A screen display unit for outputting a selection screen for multiple lottery boxes to the user's terminal, A purchase processing unit for executing the lottery purchase process, The system includes a purchase order management unit that manages purchase order information for each of the aforementioned multiple lottery boxes, The aforementioned purchasing processing unit, The elapsed time from the start to the completion of the user's purchase process is calculated. Based on the fact that the elapsed time is shorter than the first time limit available to the user for the purchase process, the difference between the first time limit and the elapsed time is calculated. The system is configured to add the difference to the second time limit that the user can use when selecting a prize. The aforementioned purchasing processing unit further, Based on the purchase order information, determine whether or not the user is experiencing a waiting time. An online lottery system configured to exclude the aforementioned waiting time from the elapsed time, based on the occurrence of the aforementioned waiting time.

2. The online lottery system according to claim 1, wherein the purchase processing unit is configured to periodically acquire the purchase order information from the purchase order management unit, or to receive notifications of updated purchase order information from the purchase order management unit.

3. A method implemented by an online lottery system, Displaying multiple lottery box selection screens to the user's terminal, To execute the lottery purchase process, To calculate the elapsed time from the start to the completion of the user's purchase process, Based on the fact that the elapsed time is shorter than the first time limit available to the user for the purchase process, the difference between the first time limit and the elapsed time is calculated. The process includes adding the difference to the second time limit available to the user when selecting a prize, Calculating the elapsed time is To determine whether or not the user is experiencing a waiting time based on the purchase order information, A method that includes, based on the occurrence of the aforementioned waiting time, not including the aforementioned waiting time in the elapsed time.

4. A program executed by an online lottery system, Displaying multiple lottery box selection screens to the user's terminal, To execute the lottery purchase process, To calculate the elapsed time from the start to the completion of the user's purchase process, Based on the fact that the elapsed time is shorter than the first time limit available to the user for the purchase process, the difference between the first time limit and the elapsed time is calculated. The online lottery system is instructed to add the difference to the second time limit available to the user when selecting a prize. Calculating the elapsed time is To determine whether or not the user is experiencing a waiting time based on the purchase order information, A program that, based on the occurrence of the aforementioned waiting time, includes not including the aforementioned waiting time in the elapsed time.

Images