Display control system, display control method, and program

Abstract

To improve user convenience. [Solution] The input information acquisition unit (101) of the display control system (1) acquires input information related to the goods or services that the user wishes to purchase or apply for. Based on the input information, the search unit (102) searches for available electronic vouchers from among a plurality of electronic vouchers, which are electronic vouchers that the user can use to purchase or apply for goods or services. The display control unit (103) displays a search results screen related to the search results for available electronic vouchers on the user's terminal (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display control system, a display control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, electronic vouchers such as electronic gift certificates issued by local governments and the like are known. For example, in Patent Document 1, an electronic settlement is executed using an electronic voucher (an example of an electronic voucher) that has an expiration date and can be used at preset stores among stores that can use an electronic payment service. When there is an electronic voucher available at the preset store based on the identification information of the preset store obtained by the electronic payment app reading the code image of the preset store and the information of the voucher available at the preset store, an electronic payment app that prompts the use or purchase of the voucher is described.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] One of the objects of the present disclosure is to improve the convenience of the user.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The display control system according to the present disclosure includes an input information acquisition unit that acquires input information regarding the input of a product or service that a user wishes to purchase or apply for, a search unit that searches for available electronic coupons that can be used by the user for the purchase or application of the product or service from among a plurality of electronic coupons based on the input information, and a display control unit that causes a search result screen regarding the search result of the available electronic coupons to be displayed on the user terminal of the user.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] [[ID=1B]]The present disclosure can enhance the convenience of the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] z [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the display control system. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of a function realized by the display control system. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of an electronic coupon database. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of a search target database. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a user database. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of a process executed by the display control system. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of a function realized in a modification. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a search result screen of Modification 1. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of a search target database of Modification 2. [Figure 12] sThis is a diagram showing an example of a search result screen for Modification 2. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal for Modification 4. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing an example of a search result screen for Modification 6. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal for Modification 8. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal for Modification 9. [Figure 17] This is a diagram showing an example of a search result screen for Modification 11. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing an example of a search result screen for Modification 13. [Figure 19] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal for Modification 14. [Figure 20] This is a diagram showing an example of a search result screen for Modification 15.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] [1. Hardware Configuration of the Display Control System] An example of an embodiment of a display control system, a display control method, and a program according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the display control system. For example, the display control system 1 includes a server 10 and a user terminal 20. Each of the server 10 and the user terminal 20 is connected to a network N such as the Internet or a LAN. Note that at least one of the server 10 and the user terminal 20 may exist in multiple units.

[0010] [[ID=(38)]]The server 10 is a server computer. For example, the server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The control unit 11 includes at least one processor. The storage unit 12 includes at least one of a volatile memory such as a RAM and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The communication unit 13 includes at least one of a communication interface for wired communication and a communication interface for wireless communication.

[0011] The user terminal 20 is the user's computer. For example, the user terminal 20 is a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, or a wearable terminal. The user terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an operation unit 24, and a display unit 25. The hardware configurations of the control unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the communication unit 23 may be the same as those of the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the communication unit 13, respectively. The operation unit 24 is an input device such as a touch panel or a mouse. The display unit 25 is a display such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL.

[0012] Note that the programs stored in the storage units 12 and 22 may be supplied to the server 10 or the user terminal 20 via the network N. Also, at least one of a reading unit (e.g., a memory card slot) for reading a computer-readable information storage medium and an input / output unit (e.g., a USB port) for inputting / outputting data to / from an external device may be included in the server 10 or the user terminal 20. For example, a program stored in an information storage medium may be supplied to the server 10 or the user terminal 20 via at least one of the reading unit and the input / output unit.

[0013] Also, the computer included in the display control system 1 is not limited to the example of FIG. 1. The display control system 1 may include at least one computer. For example, the display control system 1 may include only the server 10. In this case, the user terminal 20 exists outside the display control system 1. The display control system 1 may include the server 10 and another computer not shown in FIG. 1.

[0014] [2. Overview of the Display Control System] In this embodiment, we take as an example the case in which the display control system 1 provides a reception service to a user for accepting the purchase or application of goods or services. The goods may be physical goods (tangible objects) or electronic goods (intangible objects). The services may be services provided in a real-world location or services provided online (in a virtual location). For example, the application may be an application for reservation, an application for purchase, an application for use, an application for a lottery, or other application.

[0015] In this embodiment, a service that accepts applications for travel reservations is described as an example of a reception service, but the reception service is not limited to the example in this embodiment. The reception service can be any service that accepts the purchase or application for some kind of product or service. For example, the reception service may be an e-commerce service, an online flea market service, a video distribution service, an e-book service, a hometown tax donation service, a payment service, a financial service, a communication service, an electronic ticketing service, or any other service.

[0016] Furthermore, the display control system 1 can be applied to services other than the reception service. The services to which the display control system 1 is applied are not limited to the examples of this embodiment. For example, the display control system 1 may be applied to a search service that does not accept the purchase or application for goods or services, but searches for goods or services. When a user purchases or applies for goods or services found in the search service, they may access a linked service that works in conjunction with the search service. The display control system 1 may also be applied to a search service that does not accept the purchase or application for goods or services, and does not search for goods or services, but searches for electronic gift certificates as described later.

[0017] In this embodiment, the travel product for which a reservation application is accepted by the reception service is given as an example where the travel product for which the reception service accepts applications corresponds to the product for which the reception service accepts applications. The travel product may be the same as a known reception service. For example, the travel product may be accommodation, train tickets, airline tickets, tours, or rental cars. Hereafter, the travel product will be simply referred to as the product. When a user visits an accommodation facility, the accommodation facility's services are provided to the user, so accepting a reservation application for a plan prepared by the accommodation facility can also be said to be accepting an application for the services provided by the accommodation facility.

[0018] Figures 2 and 3 show examples of screens displayed on the user terminal 20. For example, when a user operates the user terminal 20 to access the server 10, the user terminal 20 displays the top screen SC1, which corresponds to the entry point to the travel reservation service, on the display unit 25, as shown in Figure 2. The top screen SC1 includes an input form F10 that accepts input of search conditions (search queries) related to the search target. The search conditions may be the same as known conditions. For example, the search conditions may be check-in date, check-out date, number of rooms, number of people, area, budget, keywords, or a combination thereof.

[0019] For example, when a user enters search criteria into input form F10 and selects button B11, server 10 searches for accommodations based on the user's entered search criteria. Once server 10 has found a product, as shown in Figure 3, user terminal 20 displays a search results screen SC2 showing the accommodation search results on display unit 25. In the example in Figure 3, the search results screen SC2 includes information about the accommodation "Hokkaido XYZ Hotel" itself (e.g., the name, location, features, or rating of the accommodation) and information about the plans offered by the accommodation "Hokkaido XYZ Hotel" (e.g., the conditions, content, or price of the plan).

[0020] In this embodiment, the search results screen SC2 displays the search results for electronic vouchers that the user can use at the accommodation. An electronic voucher is an electronic monetary voucher. An electronic voucher can also be called a digital or virtual monetary voucher. An electronic voucher is sometimes called an electronic voucher. An electronic voucher may be similar to a publicly known electronic voucher. For example, an electronic voucher may be a gift certificate, a regional development voucher, a facility usage voucher, a meal voucher, a gift card not classified as such, or a product exchange voucher. An electronic voucher does not necessarily include free coupons. An electronic voucher may include paid coupons.

[0021] For example, the search results screen SC2 displays not only information about accommodations that were found through the search, but also search results for available electronic vouchers that users can use at those accommodations. In the example in Figure 3, the search results screen SC2 includes button B20A indicating the available electronic voucher "AAA Travel Gift Certificate" and button B20B indicating the available electronic voucher "Sapporo City Gift Certificate". Hereafter, when buttons B20A and B20B are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as button B20.

[0022] The number of available electronic vouchers displayed on the search results screen SC2 may be any number. If no available electronic vouchers are found, no search results for available electronic vouchers will be displayed on the search results screen SC2. If there is a limit to the number of available electronic vouchers that can be displayed on the search results screen SC2 at one time, the search results screen SC2 will display the search results for available electronic vouchers within that limit. Users may switch the available electronic vouchers displayed on the search results screen SC2 to display any available electronic vouchers that cannot be displayed on the search results screen SC2.

[0023] For example, a user can purchase an electronic voucher indicated by button B20 by selecting button B20. The purchase of the electronic voucher may follow a procedure similar to that of known systems. For example, a user may purchase an electronic voucher within the search results screen SC2, or on a different screen from the search results screen SC2 (for example, a screen for purchasing electronic vouchers). A user may purchase an electronic voucher by specifying the price or quantity. A user can use the purchased electronic voucher to pay for accommodation. Payment may be made when making a reservation or on-site. The electronic voucher may include a premium or a discount on the accommodation fee. These details may be indicated on button B20, as shown in Figure 3.

[0024] In the example shown in Figure 3, a user can purchase at least one of the available electronic vouchers, "AAA Travel Voucher" and "Sapporo City Voucher," and use it for payment at the accommodation facility "Hokkaido XYZ Hotel." Similarly, when a user searches for goods or services other than accommodation facilities using the reception service, the search results for electronic vouchers that the user can use to purchase or apply for the goods or services found in the search will be displayed on the search results screen SC2. This also applies to other reception services such as e-commerce services.

[0025] As described above, when a user enters search criteria to search for goods or services, the display control system 1 of this embodiment searches for electronic gift certificates available to the user along with the goods or services. The user can search for electronic gift certificates while simultaneously searching for the goods or services that were their original purpose. The display control system 1 displays a search results screen SC2 showing the search results for electronic gift certificates on the user terminal 20. This allows the user to know which electronic gift certificates they are eligible for, thus enhancing user convenience. The details of the display control system 1 will be described below.

[0026] [3. Functions implemented by the display control system] Figure 4 shows an example of the functions implemented by the display control system 1. The various components implemented in the display control system 1 of this embodiment can be configured by combining them into a single device or by further distributing them among multiple devices.

[0027] Figure 4 shows an example of the functions implemented by server 10. For example, server 10 includes a data storage unit 100, an input information acquisition unit 101, a search unit 102, and a display control unit 103. The data storage unit 100 is implemented by a storage unit 12. The input information acquisition unit 101, the search unit 102, and the display control unit 103 are each implemented by a control unit 11.

[0028] [3-1. Data Storage Unit] The data storage unit 100 stores various types of data. For example, the data storage unit 100 stores the electronic money database DB1, the search target database DB2, and the user database DB3.

[0029] Figure 5 shows an example of the electronic gift certificate database DB1. The electronic gift certificate database DB1 is a database that stores various information related to electronic gift certificates. In this embodiment, we take the example that the electronic gift certificate database DB1 stores basic information of electronic gift certificates that are searchable in the reception service. For example, the electronic gift certificate database DB1 stores type identification information, name information, issuer information, price information, usage conditions information, premium information, validity period information, and application period information.

[0030] Type identification information is information that can identify the type of electronic voucher. If the travel reservation service supports multiple types of electronic vouchers, type identification information for each of the multiple types is stored in the electronic voucher database DB1. For example, type identification information may be an ID uniquely assigned to each type of electronic voucher. If each type can be identified by the name of the electronic voucher, the name information may correspond to the type identification information.

[0031] In this embodiment, we describe a case where the concept of the number of electronic vouchers does not exist, and the remaining balance of each electronic voucher is managed. However, if the concept of the number of electronic vouchers exists and the amount per voucher is defined, the type identification information may indicate the unit of currency of the electronic voucher. For example, even if the same usable electronic voucher has the name "AAA Travel Voucher," if there are three types of electronic vouchers with amounts of 1,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen per voucher, the type identification information may be information that can identify each of these three types of electronic vouchers.

[0032] Name information is information related to the name of the electronic voucher. For example, name information is the text (string) indicating the name of the electronic voucher displayed on the search results screen SC2. Issuer information is information related to the issuer of the electronic voucher. For example, if the electronic voucher is issued by a business that operates a travel booking service, the issuer information will indicate that business. The issuer can be any entity. For example, the issuer may be a local government or the national government, or a business that operates a service other than a travel booking service.

[0033] Price information is information regarding the price of electronic vouchers. In this embodiment, since the concept of quantity does not exist for electronic vouchers and the remaining balance of each electronic voucher is managed, the price information indicates the price range that the user can acquire at one time. If the concept of quantity does not exist for electronic vouchers and the remaining balance of each electronic voucher is managed, the price information may indicate the unit of electronic voucher that the user can acquire at one time. If the concept of quantity exists for electronic vouchers and a price per voucher is set, the price information may indicate the price set for each electronic voucher. If a fee is incurred to acquire electronic vouchers, the price information may indicate the fee.

[0034] The terms of use information pertains to the terms and conditions for the use of an electronic gift certificate. These terms define the conditions under which the use of the electronic gift certificate is permitted. The use of the electronic gift certificate is permitted only when these terms and conditions are met. For example, the terms and conditions may include the merchant where the user can use the electronic gift certificate (e.g., accommodation), the location of the merchant, the goods (e.g., the plan offered by the accommodation), the services (e.g., specific services provided by the accommodation), the period, age, age group, gender, place of residence, or other conditions. Electronic gift certificates do not necessarily have specific terms and conditions.

[0035] Premium information refers to information about the premium associated with electronic gift certificates. The premium is a benefit that arises with electronic gift certificates. For example, if a user who pays 10,000 yen to acquire an electronic gift certificate is granted an electronic gift certificate worth 10,500 yen, a premium of 500 yen is incurred. In the example in Figure 5, the premium information shows the percentage of the premium, but the premium information may also show the amount of the premium. Electronic gift certificates do not necessarily have a premium associated with them. If an electronic gift certificate does not have a premium associated with it, the premium information does not need to be stored in the electronic gift certificate database DB1.

[0036] The validity period information is information regarding the validity period of an electronic gift certificate. The validity period may be determined based on the timing of the issuance of the electronic gift certificate, or it may be predetermined regardless of the timing of the issuance of the electronic gift certificate. If there is no specific validity period, the validity period information does not need to be stored in the electronic gift certificate database DB1. The application period information is information regarding the application period for an electronic gift certificate. The application period is the period during which an application for an electronic gift certificate can be made. If there is no specific application period, the application period information does not need to be stored in the electronic gift certificate database DB1.

[0037] Note that the information stored in the electronic gift certificate database DB1 is not limited to the example in Figure 5. The electronic gift certificate database DB1 may store any information related to electronic gift certificates. For example, the electronic gift certificate database DB1 may store the acquisition conditions for acquiring electronic gift certificates (e.g., upper limit amount, or demographic information such as the user's place of residence), the number of electronic gift certificates in stock, the number of electronic gift certificates issued, information about users who have acquired electronic gift certificates, or other information.

[0038] Figure 6 shows an example of the search target database DB2. The search target database DB2 is a database that stores various information about the product or service to be searched. For example, the search target database DB2 stores search target identification information, basic information about the product or service, a search index, price information, and availability information. In this embodiment, accommodation facilities are the search target, so the example in Figure 6 shows a case where various information about accommodation facilities is stored in the search target database DB2. The search target can also be accommodation facility plans, so various information about accommodation facility plans is stored in the search target database DB2.

[0039] The search target identification information is information that can identify the product or service being searched. For example, the search target identification information may be an ID, name, or other information uniquely assigned to the product or service. In this embodiment, we take the case where an accommodation facility corresponds to the search target, so the search target identification information may be the ID, name, or other information of the accommodation facility. Individual plans prepared by the accommodation facility may also correspond to the search target. In this case, the search target identification information is information that can identify each individual plan.

[0040] The basic information of the search target is the information of the search target displayed on the search results screen SC2. For example, the basic information of the search target may be the name, location, contact information, description, image, rating, facilities, or other information of the search target. In this embodiment, we take the case where an accommodation facility corresponds to the search target as an example, so the basic information of the search target is the information of the accommodation facility displayed on the search results screen SC2. If the search target is an individual plan prepared by the accommodation facility, the basic information of the search target is the information of the individual plan displayed on the search results screen SC2.

[0041] A search index is information referenced during a search. For example, a search index may be a keyword, a category, a price range, or other information. Basic information of the search target may also be used as the index. In this embodiment, we take the example of a case where accommodation facilities correspond to the search target, so the search index is information referenced when searching for accommodation facilities. If individual plans prepared by accommodation facilities correspond to the search target, the search index is information referenced when searching for individual plans.

[0042] Price information is information about the price of a product or service. In this embodiment, since accommodation facilities correspond to the product, the price information shows the price of the plan offered by the accommodation facility. If there are multiple prices for a single plan, the price information may show each of the multiple prices. The price information may change dynamically depending on the time of year or conditions such as campaigns. As in the modified examples described later, if the price differs depending on whether the user uses electronic vouchers or not, the price information may show each of those prices.

[0043] The available information refers to the types of electronic vouchers that a user can use when purchasing or applying for goods or services. In this embodiment, since accommodation facilities correspond to goods, if a user can use multiple types of electronic vouchers at an accommodation facility, the available information may indicate each type of electronic voucher that can be used at that facility. If there are any conditions (e.g., a maximum amount) on the use of electronic vouchers, the available information may indicate those conditions.

[0044] Note that the information stored in the search target database DB2 is not limited to the example in Figure 6. The search target database DB2 may store any information about products or services. For example, the search target database DB2 may store information about the purchase status or reservation status of products or services. If the display control system 1 is applied to services other than the reception service described as an example in this embodiment, the search target database DB2 may store information about products or services that are searchable in those other services.

[0045] Figure 7 shows an example of the user database DB3. The user database DB3 is a database that stores various information about users. In this embodiment, when a user registers to use the reception service, a new record is created in the user database DB3 and various information about that user is stored. For example, the user database DB3 stores user identification information, basic user information, and information about the electronic money held.

[0046] User identification information is information that can identify a user. For example, user identification information may be a user ID, login account, email address, telephone number, or other information. User basic information is information about a user registered with the travel booking service. For example, user basic information may be a name, place of residence, date of birth, family structure, age or age group, occupation, other demographic information, or other information. User basic information may be updated based on user actions.

[0047] The held electronic gift certificate information refers to information about the electronic gift certificates held by the user. Holding electronic gift certificates can also be described as acquiring electronic gift certificates. For example, the held electronic gift certificate information may show the type identification information, remaining balance, number of certificates, validity period, application period, or other information of the held electronic gift certificates. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user has acquired electronic gift certificates in advance from an electronic gift certificate service that handles electronic gift certificates. The electronic gift certificate service may be a travel reservation service, or it may be a different service from a travel reservation service. For example, the electronic gift certificate service may be an e-commerce service, a communication service, or a payment service.

[0048] Furthermore, electronic vouchers may be granted to users without any settlement being performed (i.e., without the user incurring any financial burden). For example, electronic vouchers may be granted to users as a benefit (e.g., a benefit for using a service) or as a reward (e.g., a reward for paying taxes to a particular local government). Electronic vouchers may be granted by local governments to users who have completed identity verification. Electronic vouchers may be granted to users by being transferred from other users. Users may be able to hold electronic vouchers by any means of their choosing. Other methods by which users can hold electronic vouchers may be the same as publicly known methods.

[0049] For example, when a user acquires an electronic voucher, server 10 updates the user's electronic voucher information to indicate the acquired electronic voucher. If the electronic voucher does not have a concept of quantity and the remaining balance of each electronic voucher is managed, server 10 updates the remaining balance indicated in the electronic voucher information. When an electronic voucher is granted to a user, server 10 updates the user's electronic voucher information to indicate the granted electronic voucher. If the electronic voucher has a concept of quantity and a fixed amount per voucher, the type identification information may indicate the denomination of the electronic voucher in yen.

[0050] Note that the information stored in the user database DB3 is not limited to the example in Figure 7. The user database DB3 may store any information about the user. For example, the user database DB3 may store the password for the user to log in to the reception service, identity verification information regarding whether the user has verified their identity, acquisition history information regarding the history of electronic vouchers acquired by the user, service usage history information regarding the user's use of the travel reservation service, electronic voucher usage history information regarding the user's use of electronic vouchers, or other information.

[0051] The data stored in the data storage unit 100 is not limited to the above example. The data storage unit 100 only needs to store the data necessary for the display control described in this embodiment. For example, the data storage unit 100 may store the data necessary for displaying the top screen SC1, the search results screen SC2, or other screens.

[0052] [3-2. Input Information Acquisition Section] The input information acquisition unit 101 acquires input information relating to the goods or services that the user wishes to purchase or apply for. Input information is information that indicates the content entered by the user regarding the goods or services. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the input information acquisition unit 101 acquires input search condition information relating to the search conditions entered by the user in the reception service as input information. That is, an example is given in which input search condition information corresponds to input information. Therefore, where it is written as input search condition information, it can be read as input information. Input information is not limited to input search condition information. Other examples of input information will be explained in the modified examples below.

[0053] The input search criteria information is information that indicates the content of the search criteria entered by the user. Since the search criteria can also be called a search query, the input search criteria information is information that indicates the search query entered by the user. The search criteria may be the same as those used in publicly known reception services. For example, the user enters the search criteria by entering letters, numbers, symbols not classified as such, or a combination thereof. The user may also enter the search criteria by inputting into parts of the user interface (e.g., a pull-down menu or a button).

[0054] In this embodiment, the input information acquisition unit acquires input search condition information, such as the check-in date, entered by the user. The input search condition information should indicate search conditions corresponding to the service to which the display control system 1 is applied. For example, if the display control system 1 is applied to other services such as e-commerce services or online flea market services, the input search condition information may indicate keywords, categories, quantities, other attributes, or combinations thereof of goods or services that can be purchased or applied for in the other service. The input information acquisition unit 101 should acquire input search condition information corresponding to the other service.

[0055] [3-3. Search Section] The search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates from among multiple electronic gift certificates based on the input information. The search unit 102 uses the input information as a search query and the information stored in the electronic gift certificate database DB1 as an index to search for available electronic gift certificates. The search unit 102 can search for available electronic gift certificates based on a known search engine (search algorithm). For example, the search unit 102 searches for electronic gift certificates that have an index corresponding to the search query as available electronic gift certificates.

[0056] In this embodiment, the input search condition information corresponds to the input information, so we will take the example of when the search unit 102 searches for products or services based on the input search condition information. For example, the search unit 102 uses the input search condition information as a search query and the information stored in the search target database DB2 as an index to search for products or services. The search for products or services may be performed on a computer other than the server 10. The other computer may be located within the display control system 1 or outside the display control system 1.

[0057] For example, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic vouchers based on the input search condition information. The search unit 102 uses the input search condition information as a search query and the information stored in the electronic voucher database DB1 as an index to search for available electronic vouchers. Any information stored in the electronic voucher database DB1 may be used as an index. For example, name information, issuer information, price information, usage conditions information, premium information, validity period information, application period information, or a combination of these may be used as an index.

[0058] For example, if a location is entered as a search criterion, the usage conditions information may be used as an index. The search unit 102 searches for electronic vouchers that the user can use at the location entered as a search criterion, and these are called available electronic vouchers. If a period is entered as a search criterion, at least one of the validity period information and the application period information may be used as an index. The search unit 102 searches for electronic vouchers that the user can use during the period entered as a search criterion, and these are called available electronic vouchers. Similarly, if other search conditions are entered, the search unit 102 should search for electronic vouchers that satisfy the other search conditions, and these are called available electronic vouchers.

[0059] [3-4. Display Control Unit] The display control unit 103 causes the user terminal 20 to display the search results screen SC2 regarding the search results for available electronic vouchers. In this embodiment, since the display control unit 103 is implemented by the server 10, the display control unit 103 causes the user terminal 20 to display the search results screen SC2 by generating display data for the search results screen SC2 and sending it to the user terminal 20. The display data can be any data that causes the user terminal 20 to display a screen. The format of the display data can be a known format. For example, the display data may be data in a markup language such as HTML, or image data such as JPEG. The display data may be data that causes the entire search results screen SC2 to be displayed, or data that causes the user terminal 20 to be displayed.

[0060] For example, the display control unit 103 displays a search results screen SC2 on the user terminal 20, showing the available electronic vouchers found through a search by the search unit 102. The search results screen SC2 includes information about the available electronic vouchers. For example, the search results screen SC2 may show the name, price, premium, discount offered by the electronic voucher, or other information of the available electronic voucher. The information necessary for the display control unit 103 to display the available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2 is stored in the electronic voucher database DB1. Based on the search results of the search unit 102 for available electronic vouchers, the search results screen SC2 generates display data for the search results screen SC2 and transmits it to the user terminal 20.

[0061] In this embodiment, the display control unit 103 displays the search results for goods or services and the search results for available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2. The search results screen SC2 includes not only the search results for available electronic vouchers but also information about goods or services that were found by the search unit 102. For example, the search results screen SC2 may display the name, description, price, image, rating, or other information of the goods or service voucher. The information necessary for the display control unit 103 to display goods or services on the search results screen SC2 is stored in the search target database DB2. Based on the search results for goods or services by the search unit 102 and the search results for available electronic vouchers by the search unit 102, the search results screen SC2 generates display data and transmits it to the user terminal 20.

[0062] The display control unit 103 may display not only the search results screen SC2, but also other screens on the user terminal 20. For example, the display control unit 103 may display the top screen SC1 on the user terminal 20. The display control unit 103 may also display the purpose input screen SC3, as described in the modified example below, on the user terminal 20. The display control unit 103 may also display other screens on the user terminal 20, such as the top screen SC1, the search results screen SC2, and the purpose input screen SC3 (for example, a screen for purchasing electronic money).

[0063] [4. Processing performed by the display control system] Figure 8 shows an example of processing performed by the display control system 1. Figure 8 shows the processing related to the display of the search results screen SC2, which is performed by the display control system 1. The control units 11 and 21 execute the programs stored in the storage units 12 and 22, respectively, thereby executing the processing shown in Figure 8. The steps in Figure 8 represent an example of a display control method.

[0064] As shown in Figure 8, when the user specifies a reception service (for example, the reception service's website) on the user terminal 20, the server 10 performs a process to display the top screen SC1 in communication with the user terminal 20 (S1). When the user enters search criteria into the input form F10 and selects button B11, the user terminal 20 sends input search criterion information regarding the search criteria entered by the user to the server 10 (S2).

[0065] Server 10 obtains input search condition information from user terminal 20 (S3). Server 10 searches for products or services based on the input search condition information and the search target database DB2 (S4). Server 10 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the input search condition information and the electronic gift certificate database DB1 (S5). Server 10 performs processing to display a search results screen SC2 showing the search results for products or services in S4 and the search results for available electronic gift certificates in S5 to user terminal 20 (S6), and this process ends.

[0066] [5. Summary of Embodiments] The display control system 1 of this embodiment acquires input information regarding the goods or services that the user wishes to purchase or apply for. Based on the input information, the display control system 1 searches for available electronic vouchers from among a plurality of electronic vouchers, which are electronic vouchers that the user can use to purchase or apply for goods or services. The display control system 1 displays the search results screen SC2 regarding the search results for available electronic vouchers on the user terminal 20. As a result, the user can find out which electronic vouchers they can use, and the display control system 1 can improve user convenience.

[0067] Furthermore, the display control system 1 provides a reception service to the user. The display control system 1 acquires input search condition information related to the search conditions entered by the user in the reception service as input information. Based on the input search condition information, the display control system 1 searches for available electronic gift certificates. The display control system 1 displays the search results for goods or services and the search results for available electronic gift certificates on the search results screen SC2. As a result, the user can search for electronic gift certificates while searching for the goods or services that were their original purpose, thus the display control system 1 can further enhance user convenience.

[0068] [6. Variant] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. This disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0069] Figure 9 shows an example of a function realized by a modified example. For example, the server 10 includes a purchase acceptance unit 104 and a selection acceptance unit 105. Each of the purchase acceptance unit 104 and the selection acceptance unit 105 is realized by a control unit 11.

[0070] [6-1. Variation 1] For example, in a reception service, users may be able to input search criteria step by step. When multiple items are included in the search criteria, a user entering each item one by one is equivalent to a user entering search criteria step by step. A user entering search criteria from general (abstract) to detailed (concrete) is equivalent to a user entering search criteria step by step. When there is a hierarchical relationship between individual items, a user entering a higher-level item and then a lower-level item is equivalent to a user entering search criteria step by step. Modification example 1 describes a case where available electronic vouchers are searched and displayed on the search results screen SC2 each time a user enters search criteria.

[0071] Figure 10 shows an example of the search results screen SC2 of Modification Example 1. The input information acquisition unit 101 of Modification Example 1 acquires input search condition information each time the user enters search conditions. For example, as in the embodiment, when the user enters search conditions on the top screen SC1, the input information acquisition unit 101 acquires input search condition information indicating those search conditions. In this case, the search results screen SC2, similar to the embodiment, is displayed. The user can enter the search condition "accommodation type", the search condition "other", or other search conditions on the search results screen SC2. The input information acquisition unit 101 acquires input search condition information indicating those search conditions from the user terminal 20 each time the user enters search conditions on the search results screen SC2.

[0072] In the modified example 1, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates each time the user enters a search condition. The search unit 102 may search multiple search conditions using AND or multiple search conditions using OR. For example, as in the embodiment, when the user enters a search condition on the top screen SC1, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the input search condition information indicating the search condition. The search unit 102 also searches for goods or services based on the input search condition information indicating the search condition. In the upper example of Figure 10, the user enters the search condition "area". The search unit 102 searches for two available electronic gift certificates that can be used at accommodation facilities in Hokkaido, as entered by the user: "AAA Travel Gift Certificate" and "Sapporo City Gift Certificate".

[0073] For example, when a user enters a search condition such as "accommodation type," "other," "check-in / check-out," or other search conditions on the search results screen SC2, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic vouchers from the user terminal 20 based on the input search condition information indicating the search conditions each time the user enters a search condition on the search results screen SC2. The search unit 102 also searches for products or services based on the input search condition information indicating the search conditions. The search unit 102 may perform the search immediately after the user enters the search conditions, or it may perform the search after the user has entered the search conditions and selected an image such as a search button.

[0074] In Modification 1, the display control unit 103 displays the search results for available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2 each time the user enters search criteria. For example, as in the embodiment, when the user enters search criteria on the top screen SC1, the display control unit 103 displays the same search results screen SC2 as in the embodiment on the user terminal 20. For example, "each time the user enters search criteria" may mean at least one of the following: the user entering search criteria on the top screen SC1 and selecting button B11; the user entering search criteria on the top screen SC1 without selecting button B11; and the user entering other search criteria on the search results screen SC2.

[0075] For example, when a user enters a search condition "accommodation type", "other", "check-in / check-out", or other search conditions on the search results screen SC2, the display control unit 103 updates the display of the search results screen SC2 each time the user enters a search condition on the search results screen SC2 so that available electronic vouchers based on the input search condition information indicating that search condition are displayed on the search results screen SC2. The display control unit 103 also updates the display of the search results screen SC2 so that products or services based on the input search condition information indicating that search condition are displayed on the search results screen SC2.

[0076] In the lower example of Figure 10, the user has specified check-in and check-out as other search criteria. The available electronic voucher "AAA Travel Voucher" is usable during the check-in to check-out period specified by the user, but the available electronic voucher "Sapporo City Voucher" was not usable during the check-in to check-out period specified by the user (for example, it was unavailable during this period due to peak season). Therefore, when the user enters the check-in and check-out search criteria, the available electronic voucher "Sapporo City Voucher," which was displayed in the search results screen SC2 in the upper part of Figure 10, disappears from the search results screen SC1 in the lower part of Figure 10.

[0077] In the reception service of Modification 1, the user can input search criteria step by step. The display control system 1 acquires the input search criteria information each time the user inputs search criteria. The display control system 1 searches for available electronic vouchers each time the user inputs search criteria. The display control system 1 displays the search results for available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2 each time the user inputs search criteria. As a result, the user can find out about the available electronic vouchers corresponding to the latest search criteria each time they input search criteria, thus improving user convenience.

[0078] [6-2. Variation 2] For example, as in Modification 1, when the user enters search conditions step by step, the types of available electronic gift certificates may be displayed first, followed by the prices of the available electronic gift certificates. In Modification 2, the input information acquisition unit 101 acquires the first input search condition information, which is the input search condition information for the first search condition, when the user enters the first search condition, and acquires the second input search condition information, which is the input search condition information for the second search condition, when the user enters the second search condition after entering the first search condition.

[0079] The first search condition is the one entered before the second search condition among multiple search conditions that are entered in stages. For example, the search condition accepted on the top screen SC1 corresponds to the first search condition. The search condition entered relatively earlier on the search results screen SC2 may also correspond to the first search condition. The second search condition is the one entered after the first search condition among multiple search conditions. For example, the search condition entered relatively later on the search results screen SC2 corresponds to the second search condition.

[0080] Figure 11 shows an example of the searchable database DB2 in Modification 2. As shown in Figure 11, Modification 2 takes the example of a case where there is an index for searching by type and an index for searching by amount. For example, when electronic vouchers are used at accommodation facilities, information such as whether the accommodation facility is a hotel, the area in which the accommodation facility is located, or the means of transportation to the accommodation facility affects the types of electronic vouchers that can be used at the accommodation facility. Information such as the length of stay or the number of people staying at the accommodation facility affects the types of electronic vouchers that are suitable for use at the accommodation facility. In the example in Figure 11, separate indexes are provided for searching by type and by amount.

[0081] In Modification 2, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the first input search condition information when the user enters a first search condition, and searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the first input search condition information and the second input search condition information when the user enters a second search condition. The fact that a search is performed each time a search condition is entered is the same as in Modification 1. The search unit 102 should search for available electronic gift certificates each time the first search condition and the second search condition are entered, in the same manner as in Modification 1.

[0082] For example, if the user enters as a first search criterion whether the accommodation is a hotel, the region where the accommodation is located, or the means of transportation to the accommodation, the search unit 102 performs a search for accommodations that match the first search criterion and the types of electronic vouchers that can be used at said accommodations, based on an index for searching by type. If the user enters as a second search criterion the period of stay or the number of people staying at the accommodation, the search unit 102 performs a search for accommodations that match both the first and second search criterion and the price of electronic vouchers that are suitable for use at said accommodations, based on an index for searching by amount.

[0083] Figure 12 shows an example of the search results screen SC2 of Modification Example 2. In Modification Example 2, when a user enters a first search condition, the display control unit 103 displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input search condition information on the search results screen SC2, as shown in the upper part of Figure 12. In the upper example of Figure 12, the search results screen SC2 shows the name of the available electronic voucher as the type. The search results screen SC2 does not show the amount of the available electronic voucher. Information on the types of available electronic vouchers (for example, type identification information or name information) is assumed to be stored in the electronic voucher database DB1. The display control unit 103 displays the types of available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2 based on the information stored in the electronic voucher database DB1.

[0084] As shown in the lower part of Figure 12, when the user enters a second search condition, the display control unit 103 displays the amount of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input search condition information and the second input search condition information on the search results screen SC2. In the example in the lower part of Figure 12, the search results screen SC2 shows the amount of available electronic vouchers. The search results screen SC2 may show the amount per electronic voucher, or it may show the range of amounts that the user can purchase electronic vouchers. The amount information (for example, price information) is assumed to be stored in the electronic voucher database DB1. Based on the information stored in the electronic voucher database DB1, the display control unit 103 displays the amount of available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2. When the search unit 102 searches for an electronic voucher price close to the price of accommodation corresponding to the first input search condition information and the second input search condition information, the display control unit 103 may display that price on the search results screen SC2.

[0085] For example, if a general search condition, such as a first search condition, is entered, the display control unit 103 may initially display only the types of electronic gift certificates that correspond to the first search condition on the search results screen SC2. If a more detailed search condition, such as a second search condition, is entered, the display control unit 103 may then display the specific amounts corresponding to the second search condition on the search results screen SC2.

[0086] In the modified example 2, the display control system 1 acquires first input search condition information when the user enters a first search condition. The display control system 1 acquires second input search condition information when the user enters a second search condition after entering the first search condition. When the user enters a first search condition, the display control system 1 searches for available electronic vouchers based on the first input search condition information. When the user enters a second search condition, the display control system 1 searches for available electronic vouchers based on the first input search condition information and the second input search condition information. When the user enters a first search condition, the display control system 1 displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input search condition information on the search results screen SC2. When the user enters a second search condition, the display control system 1 displays the amounts of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input search condition information and the second input search condition information. As a result, the user can find out the types of electronic vouchers corresponding to the first search condition first, and then find out the prices of electronic vouchers corresponding to the second search condition later, thus improving user convenience. For example, if the search results screen SC2 displays not only the type of electronic voucher but also its price from the start, the amount of information the user has to see would be too much. However, the display control system 1 makes it easier for the user to check the electronic voucher information by separating the information presented to the user.

[0087] [6-3. Modification 3] For example, in Modification 2, the case where type search and price search are performed with an AND condition is given as an example, but multiple type searches may be performed with an OR condition. Modification 3 describes the case where both the first search condition and the second search condition described in Modification 2 are search conditions for type. The process by which the input information acquisition unit 101 acquires the first input search condition information and the second input search condition information is as described in Modification 2. However, in Modification 3, the second search condition is also a condition for type search. For example, the first search condition is the region where the accommodation is located (for example, Hokkaido), and the second search condition is also the region where the accommodation is located (for example, Okinawa Prefecture).

[0088] In Modification 3, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the first input search condition information when the user enters a first search condition. This process may be the same as in Modification 2. When the user enters a second search condition, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the first input search condition information or the second input search condition information. This process differs from Modification 2 in that the first input search condition information and the second input search condition information are searched using an OR condition. For example, if the first search condition is a region where accommodation is located (e.g., Hokkaido) and the second search condition is also a region where accommodation is located (e.g., Okinawa Prefecture), the search unit 102 searches for accommodation using an OR condition of these two regions and also searches for the types of electronic gift certificates that can be used at said accommodation. In the above example, the search unit 102 searches for accommodation in Hokkaido or Okinawa Prefecture and also searches for the types of electronic gift certificates that can be used at accommodation in Hokkaido or Okinawa Prefecture.

[0089] In Modification 3, the display control unit 103 displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input search condition information on the search results screen SC2 when the user enters the first search condition. This process may be the same as in Modification 2. When the user enters the second search condition, the display control unit 103 displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input search condition information or the second input search condition information on the search results screen SC2. This process differs from Modification 2 in that the first input search condition information and the second input search condition information are searched using an OR condition, and the types of electronic vouchers corresponding to the search result are displayed on the search results screen SC2. For example, if the first search condition is a region where accommodation is located (e.g., Hokkaido) and the second search condition is also a region where accommodation is located (e.g., Okinawa Prefecture), the display control unit 103 displays the types of electronic vouchers available at accommodations found using the OR condition of these two regions. In the above example, the display control unit 103 displays the types of electronic vouchers available at accommodations in Hokkaido or Okinawa Prefecture on the search results screen SC2.

[0090] In the modified example 3, the display control system 1 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the first input search condition information or the second input search condition information when the user enters a second search condition. When the user enters a second search condition, the display control system 1 displays the types of available electronic gift certificates corresponding to the first input search condition information or the second input search condition information on the search results screen SC2. This allows the user to know the types of electronic gift certificates corresponding to the first search condition and the types of electronic gift certificates corresponding to the OR condition of the first or second search condition, thus improving user convenience. For example, the user can know the types of electronic gift certificates found using the OR condition in the type search, thus enabling them to learn about a wider variety of electronic gift certificates.

[0091] [6-4. Modification 4] For example, in the embodiment, the display control system 1 is applied to a reception service that accepts the purchase or application for goods or services. In Modification 4, as another example of application, the display control system 1 is provided to a user with a reception service that accepts input from the user regarding the purpose of using electronic money. The purpose may be a specific goods or service that the user wishes to purchase or apply for using electronic money, or it may not be a specific goods or service, but rather a wish that the user wants to fulfill using electronic money.

[0092] Figure 13 shows an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 20 in Modification 4. As shown in Figure 13, the user terminal 20 displays a purpose input screen SC3 on the display unit 25, which accepts purpose input. For example, the purpose input screen SC3 includes buttons B30A to B30D for the user to input each of several purposes. Each of the buttons B30A to B30D indicates a different purpose, such as "travel," "birthday party," "car," or "other." Hereafter, when buttons B30A to B30D are not distinguished from each other, they will simply be referred to as button B30.

[0093] Note that the input of a target is not limited to selecting button B30. The target may also be selected by selecting other user interface parts other than button B30 (e.g., checkboxes, icons, bars, or text). For example, the user may input a target by entering keywords. As shown in Modification 5 below, the user may input a target by entering any sentence.

[0094] The input information acquisition unit 101 in Modification 4 acquires input purpose information related to the purpose entered by the user in the reception service as input information. In other words, Modification 4 gives an example where the input purpose information corresponds to input information. For this reason, the parts that say input purpose information can be read as input information. Input information is a concept that includes the input search information described in the embodiment and the input purpose information described in Modification 4.

[0095] For example, when a user selects button B30, the user terminal 20 transmits input purpose information that identifies button B30 to the server 10. The input information acquisition unit 101 acquires the input purpose information from the user terminal 20. Similar to the search conditions in Modification Example 1, the purpose may be entered in stages. In this case, the user enters purposes one after another, starting with a general purpose and progressing to more specific ones. In the example in Figure 13, the user first enters a general purpose such as "travel." Then, the user enters details about the type of travel within that general purpose. For example, the user enters a destination or duration. The input information acquisition unit 101 acquires the input purpose information for each purpose entered by the user.

[0096] In Modification 4, the search target database DB2 is associated with each of several objectives and search target identification information for products or services appropriate for achieving those objectives. The search unit 102 in Modification 4 may search for products or services based on the input objective information. For example, the search unit 102 may use the input objective information as a search query and the information stored in the search target database DB2 as an index to search for products or services. The search unit 102 may also search for products or services for which search target identification information is associated with the objective indicated by the input objective information. The search for products or services may be performed on a computer other than the server 10. The other computer may be located within the display control system 1 or outside the display control system 1.

[0097] In Modification 4, the electronic gift certificate database DB1 is assumed to associate each of several purposes with identification information of the type of electronic gift certificate that the user can use to achieve that purpose. The search unit 102 in Modification 4 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the input purpose information. For example, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the input purpose information. The search unit 102 uses the input purpose information as a search query and the information stored in the electronic gift certificate database DB1 as an index to search for available electronic gift certificates. For example, if a location is entered as the purpose, the search unit 102 may search for electronic gift certificates that can be used at that location as available electronic gift certificates. If a period is entered as the purpose, the search unit 102 may search for electronic gift certificates that can be used during that period as available electronic gift certificates. Similarly, if other purposes are entered, the search unit 102 should search for electronic gift certificates that satisfy the other purposes as available electronic gift certificates.

[0098] In the modified example 4, the display control unit 103 displays the user's entered purpose and the search results for available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2. As shown in the lower part of Figure 13, the search results screen SC2 may include not only the search results for available electronic vouchers, but also the user's entered purpose and information about products or services found by the search unit 102. Based on the user's entered purpose, the search results for products or services by the search unit 102, and the search results for available electronic vouchers by the search unit 102, the display control unit 103 generates display data for the search results screen SC2 and transmits it to the user terminal 20. In the lower example of Figure 13, four types of available electronic vouchers that the user can use for travel purposes are displayed on buttons B20A to B20D. If the user enters additional purposes one after another, the processing of the input information acquisition unit 101, the search unit 102, and the display control unit 103 should be executed in succession.

[0099] The display control system 1 in the modified example 4 provides the user with a reception service that accepts input from the user regarding the purpose for which they wish to use the electronic gift certificate. The display control system 1 acquires the input purpose information related to the purpose entered by the user in the reception service as input information. The display control system 1 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the input purpose information. The display control system 1 displays the purpose and the search results for available electronic gift certificates on the search results screen SC2. This allows the display control system 1 to enhance user convenience.

[0100] [6-5. Variation 5] For example, as explained to some extent in Modification 4, users may be able to input their objectives in stages. If the objective includes multiple items, the user inputting each item one by one is equivalent to the user inputting the objective in stages. The user inputting the objective from general content to detailed content one after another is equivalent to the user inputting the objective in stages. Modification 5 describes a case where, each time the user inputs an objective, available electronic vouchers are searched and displayed on the search results screen SC2.

[0101] In Modification 5, the input information acquisition unit 101 acquires input purpose information each time the user enters a purpose. For example, as in the embodiment, when the user enters a purpose on the purpose input screen SC3, the input information acquisition unit 101 acquires input purpose information indicating that purpose. In this case, as in Modification 5, the purpose input screen SC3 as shown in Figure 13 is displayed. The user can enter items included in the purpose on the purpose input screen SC3. The input information acquisition unit 101 acquires input purpose information indicating that purpose from the user terminal 20 each time the user enters a purpose on the search results screen SC2.

[0102] In the example shown in Figure 13, the purpose of travel is associated with multiple search criteria as multiple items. The purpose of a birthday party is associated with multiple search criteria for the party venue (e.g., location, budget, or category) as multiple items. The purpose of a car is associated with multiple search criteria for cars (e.g., price range, type, or performance) as multiple items. Similarly, multiple items are associated with other purposes. The data showing the association between purposes and multiple items is pre-stored in the data storage unit 100. The user then successively inputs at least some of the multiple items associated with the initially specified purpose.

[0103] In Modification 5, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates each time the user enters a purpose. For example, similar to Modification 4, when the user enters a purpose on the purpose input screen SC3, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the input purpose information indicating that purpose. The search unit 102 also searches for goods or services based on the input purpose information indicating that purpose. In this case, similar to Modification 4, the search results screen SC2 as shown in Figure 13 is displayed. The search unit 102 may search multiple items using AND or multiple items using OR.

[0104] In Modification 5, the display control unit 103 displays the search results for available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2 each time the user enters a purpose. For example, when the user enters a purpose on the purpose input screen SC3, the display control unit 103 displays the search results screen SC2 on the user terminal 20, as shown in the lower part of Figure 13. In Modification 5, the user may be allowed to enter the purpose item on the search results screen SC2. In this case, each time the user enters an item, the input information acquisition unit 101 acquires the input information, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic vouchers, and the display control unit 103 displays the search results for available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2. That is, each time the user specifies their purpose, the input information acquisition unit 101 acquires the input information, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic vouchers, and the display control unit 103 displays the search results for available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2.

[0105] In the modified example 5, the display control system 1 acquires input purpose information each time the user inputs a purpose. The display control system 1 searches for available electronic vouchers each time the user inputs a purpose. The display control system 1 displays the search results for available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2 each time the user inputs a purpose. As a result, the user can find out about the latest available electronic vouchers corresponding to their purpose each time they input a purpose, thus improving user convenience.

[0106] [6-6. Variation 6] For example, as in Modification 5, if the user inputs the purpose step by step, the types of available electronic vouchers may be displayed first, followed by the prices of the available electronic vouchers. The input information acquisition unit 101 acquires first input purpose information, which is the input purpose information for the first content, when the user inputs first content, and acquires second input purpose information, which is the input purpose information for the second content, when the user inputs second content related to the purpose after inputting first content.

[0107] The first content is the purpose entered before the second content among multiple purposes that are entered in stages. For example, the purpose that is accepted relatively earlier on the purpose input screen SC3 corresponds to the first content. The second content is the purpose entered after the first content among multiple purposes. For example, the purpose that is entered relatively later on the purpose input screen SC3 corresponds to the second content. Multiple contents may be pre-associated with the purpose category that the user enters first, such as "travel." Furthermore, the order in which the user specifies the contents may also be predetermined.

[0108] In Modification 6, similar to Modification 2, an index for searching by type and an index for searching by amount may be stored in the target database DB2. For example, purpose or destination affects the types of electronic vouchers available to the user. Period or number of people affects the types of electronic vouchers suitable for use. Each of these indexes for searching by type and amount may be provided in the target database DB2.

[0109] In Modification 6, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the first input purpose information when the user enters the first content, and searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the first input purpose information and the second input purpose information when the user enters the second content. Similar to Modification 5, the search is performed each time a search condition is entered. The search unit 102 should search for available electronic gift certificates each time the first content and the second search condition are entered, in the same manner as in Modification 5. For example, if the user enters "travel" as the first content, the search unit 102 performs a search for the type of electronic gift certificate corresponding to the first content. If the user enters the number of people as the second content, the search unit 102 performs a search for accommodation facilities corresponding to the first and second content, and the price of electronic gift certificates suitable for use at those accommodation facilities.

[0110] Figure 14 shows an example of the search results screen SC2 of Modification 6. When a user enters a first item (for example, travel), the display control unit 103 of Modification 6 displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input purpose information on the search results screen SC2, as shown in the upper part of Figure 14. In the upper example of Figure 14, the search results screen SC2 shows the name of the available electronic voucher as the type. The search results screen SC2 does not show the amount of the available electronic voucher. The type information is assumed to be stored in the electronic voucher database DB1. The display control unit 103 displays the types of available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2 based on the information stored in the electronic voucher database DB1.

[0111] In the upper example of Figure 14, the user has not entered a second piece of information (e.g., destination), which is a specific detail of the purpose of travel. The search results screen SC2 includes input forms F21A to F21C that accept input of the second piece of information. The user enters the second piece of information into one of the input forms F21A to F21C. As shown in the lower part of Figure 14, when the user enters the second piece of information (e.g., destination), the display control unit 103 displays the amount of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input purpose information and the second input purpose information on the search results screen SC2.

[0112] In the lower example of Figure 14, the search results screen SC2 displays the amount of available electronic vouchers. The search results screen SC2 may display the amount per electronic voucher, or it may display the range of amounts that the user can purchase electronic vouchers. The amount information is assumed to be stored in the electronic voucher database DB1. The display control unit 103 displays the amount of available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2 based on the information stored in the electronic voucher database DB1. If a general first content is entered, the display control unit 103 may initially display only the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first content on the search results screen SC2. If a second content, which is a more detailed search condition, is entered, the display control unit 103 may display the specific amount corresponding to the second content on the search results screen SC2.

[0113] In the modified example 6, the display control system 1 acquires first input purpose information when the user enters first content. The display control system 1 acquires second input purpose information when the user enters second content after entering first content. When the user enters first content, the display control system 1 searches for available electronic vouchers based on the first input purpose information. When the user enters second content, the display control system 1 searches for available electronic vouchers based on the first input purpose information and the second input purpose information. When the user enters first content, the display control system 1 displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input purpose information on the search results screen SC2. When the user enters second content, the display control system 1 displays the amounts of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input purpose information and the second input purpose information on the search results screen SC2. As a result, the user can find out the types of electronic vouchers corresponding to the first content first, and then find out the prices of the electronic vouchers corresponding to the first and second content later, thus improving user convenience.

[0114] [6-7. Variation 7] For example, in Modification 6, the case where type search and price search are performed with AND conditions is given as an example, but multiple type searches may be performed with OR conditions. Modification 7 describes the case where both the first content and the second content described in Modification 6 are search conditions for type search. The process by which the input information acquisition unit 101 acquires the first input purpose information and the second input purpose information is as described in Modification 6. However, in Modification 7, the second content is also a condition for type search. For example, the second content is the region where the accommodation is located (for example, Hokkaido), and the second search condition is also the region where the accommodation is located (for example, Okinawa Prefecture).

[0115] In Modification 7, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic vouchers based on the first input purpose information when the user inputs the first content. This process may be the same as in Modification 6. When the user inputs the second content, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic vouchers based on the first input purpose information or the second input purpose information. This process differs from Modification 6 in that the first input purpose information and the second input purpose information are searched using an OR condition. For example, if the first content is the purpose of "travel" and the second content is the region of the accommodation (for example, Hokkaido), the search unit 102 searches for the type of electronic voucher using an OR condition of these two contents. In the above example, the search unit 102 searches for the types of electronic vouchers that can be used for the purpose of travel and the types of electronic vouchers that can be used in Hokkaido.

[0116] In Modification 7, the display control unit 103 displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input purpose information on the search results screen SC2 when the user inputs the first content. This process may be the same as in Modification 6. When the user inputs the second content, the display control unit 103 displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input purpose information or the second input purpose information on the search results screen SC2. This process differs from Modification 6 in that the first input purpose information and the second input purpose information are searched using an OR condition, and the types of electronic vouchers corresponding to the search result are displayed on the search results screen SC2. For example, if the first content is the purpose of "travel" and the second content is the region of the accommodation (for example, Hokkaido), the display control unit 103 displays the types of electronic vouchers found using the OR condition of these two contents. In the above example, the display control unit 103 displays the types of electronic vouchers that can be used for travel purposes and the types of electronic vouchers that can be used in Hokkaido.

[0117] In the modified example 7, the display control system 1 searches for available electronic vouchers based on the first input purpose information or the second input purpose information when the user enters the second content. When the user enters the second content, the display control system 1 displays the amount of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input purpose information or the second input purpose information on the search results screen SC2. This allows the user to know the type of electronic voucher corresponding to the first content and the type of electronic voucher corresponding to the OR condition of the first content or the second content, thus improving user convenience. For example, the user can know the type of electronic voucher found by the OR condition of the type search, thus becoming aware of a wider variety of electronic vouchers.

[0118] [6-8. Variation 8] For example, as shown in Modifications 4-7, when a user inputs a purpose, the user may input any text as the purpose. In other words, the method of inputting a purpose is not limited to selecting a button such as button B30. The method of inputting a purpose may be text input. Text is characters, numbers, other symbols, or combinations thereof written in natural language. Text can also be called text.

[0119] Figure 15 shows an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 20 of Modification 8. As shown in the upper part of Figure 15, the purpose input screen SC3 of Modification 8 includes an input form F31 for receiving text indicating the specific content of the purpose. The user can enter any text into the input form F31 indicating what they want to use the electronic voucher for. There may be at least one of an upper and lower limit on the number of characters the user can enter.

[0120] In the modified example 8, the input information acquisition unit 101 acquires input text information related to the text entered by the user as input purpose information. For example, when a user enters text into input form F31, the user terminal 20 sends input text information indicating the text entered by the user into input form F31 to the server 10. The input information acquisition unit 101 acquires the input text information from the user terminal 20.

[0121] In Modification 8, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the input text information. The search unit 102 may use the text indicated by the input text information as the search query, but in Modification 8, an example is given where the search unit 102 obtains keywords from the text indicated by the input text information and performs a search based on the obtained keywords. The method for obtaining the keywords used as the search query from the text may be the same as known methods.

[0122] For example, the search unit 102 performs morphological analysis on the text indicated by the input text information and breaks the text down into morphemes. The search unit 102 obtains the morphemes as keywords and performs a search. The search unit 102 may also obtain only morphemes of a specific part of speech (e.g., nouns) as keywords. The search unit 102 may also obtain keywords from the text using AI (Artificial Intelligence), such as a large-scale language model, instead of morphological analysis. For example, the search unit 102 may input the text entered by the user and a prompt indicating that it wants to obtain keywords from that text, and obtain the keywords output by the AI.

[0123] The search process after keywords are obtained may be the same as in the embodiment. For example, the search unit 102 may use the keywords as a search query to search for products or services that meet the user's purpose from the search target database DB2. The search unit 102 may use the keywords as a search query to search for available electronic gift certificates that can be used for the purpose entered by the user from the electronic gift certificate database DB1. After searching for products or services that meet the user's purpose, the search unit 102 may search for available electronic gift certificates that the user can use for those products or services.

[0124] In the modified example 8, the display control unit 103 displays the search results for available electronic vouchers based on the input text information on the search results screen SC2. The search results screen SC2 may or may not include the text indicated by the input text information. As shown in the lower part of Figure 15, the display control unit 103 displays the search results screen SC2 on the user terminal 20, in which the text indicated by the input text information is placed in a first location and the search results for available electronic vouchers are placed in a second location. Similar to the embodiment, the display control unit 103 may also display the search results screen SC2 on the user terminal 20, which may include search results for goods or services.

[0125] In the modified example 8, the display control system 1 acquires input text information related to the text entered by the user as input purpose information. Based on the input text information, the display control system 1 searches for available electronic vouchers. The display control system 1 displays the search results for available electronic vouchers based on the input text information on the search results screen SC2. This allows the user to input the purpose of using the electronic voucher in any text, thus improving user convenience.

[0126] [6-9. Modification 9] For example, as shown in Modifications 4-8, when a user enters their purpose, the goods or services they wish to purchase or subscribe to tend to be expensive. In this case, the user may not be able to purchase the necessary electronic vouchers for the goods or services all at once. Therefore, Modification 9 provides an example where electronic vouchers that allow for savings are searched for as available electronic vouchers.

[0127] Electronic gift certificate accumulation is a method of purchasing electronic gift certificates in which the user makes payments for the electronic gift certificates in multiple installments. The electronic gift certificates may be granted to the user each time a payment is made, or they may be granted to the user when all payments are completed (at maturity). For example, a user makes multiple payments for electronic gift certificates during a predetermined accumulation period. The payment amount for each payment may be the same or different. Payments in electronic gift certificate accumulation may be the same as known payment methods.

[0128] Figure 16 shows an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 20 in Modification 9. In the reception service of Modification 9, the purpose of the user's savings, which is to accumulate and use electronic gift certificates, is accepted as the purpose. In the upper example of Figure 16, the purpose input screen SC3 includes a button B30 indicating the savings purpose. In Modification 9, as in Modification 8, the user may also input the savings purpose using any text. The input information acquisition unit 101 in Modification 9 acquires input savings purpose information related to the savings purpose entered by the user in the reception service as input purpose information. For example, when the user selects button B30, the user terminal 20 sends input savings purpose information indicating the savings purpose corresponding to the button B30 selected by the user to the server 10. The input information acquisition unit 101 acquires the input savings purpose information from the user terminal 20.

[0129] In the modified example 9, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the input savings purpose information. For example, consider the case where the search unit 102 searches for goods or services based on the input savings purpose information. The search unit 102 uses the input savings purpose information as a search query and the information stored in the search target database DB2 as an index to search for goods or services. The search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the input savings purpose information. The search unit 102 uses the input savings purpose information as a search query and the information stored in the electronic gift certificate database DB1 as an index to search for available electronic gift certificates. Note that the electronic gift certificate database DB1 may also store information indicating whether or not electronic gift certificates can be saved. In this case, the search unit 102 may search for electronic gift certificates for which the savings eligibility information indicates savings are possible.

[0130] In the modified example 9, the display control unit 103 displays the savings purpose and the search results for available electronic gift certificates on the search results screen SC2. As shown in the lower part of Figure 16, the search results screen SC2 includes not only the search results for available electronic gift certificates, but also the savings purpose entered by the user and information about products or services found by the search unit 102. Based on the savings purpose entered by the user, the search results for products or services by the search unit 102, and the search results for available electronic gift certificates by the search unit 102, the display control unit 103 generates display data for the search results screen SC2 and transmits it to the user terminal 20.

[0131] In the reception service of Modification Example 9, the purpose of the user's savings, which is to accumulate and use electronic gift certificates, is accepted as the purpose. The display control system 1 acquires the input savings purpose information related to the savings purpose entered by the user in the reception service as input purpose information. The display control system 1 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the input savings purpose information. The display control system 1 displays the savings purpose and the search results for available electronic gift certificates on the search results screen SC2. This allows the display control system 1 to improve user convenience.

[0132] [6-10. Variation 10] For example, as explained to some extent in the embodiment, each of the multiple electronic vouchers has a designated place of use where the user can use that electronic voucher. That is, an electronic voucher may have a designated place of use as a condition of use. For example, the place of use may be a prefecture, a city or town, an area not classified as such, a specific affiliated store, or another location. In the electronic voucher database DB1 of Modification 10, a place of use is designated as a condition of use. The place of use may be designated for all electronic vouchers, or it may be designated for only some electronic vouchers.

[0133] In the modified example 10, the input information acquisition unit 101 acquires input location information as input information, relating to the input location entered by the user as the place where they purchase or use goods or services. As in the embodiment, when the user enters search conditions, the input location is the location entered by the user as a search condition. In the examples of Figures 2 and 3, the accommodation area corresponds to the input location. The input location may be any location corresponding to the reception service to which the display control system 1 is applied. For example, a store where goods are sold, a facility where services are provided, or another location may correspond to the input location. The user terminal 20 transmits input location information indicating the input location entered by the user to the server 10. The input information acquisition unit 101 acquires the input location information from the user terminal 20.

[0134] When combining Modification 10 with Modifications 5-9, the input location is a location related to the purpose entered by the user. For example, if the user enters the purpose "I want to take a graduation trip to Okinawa," the input location will be Okinawa. As in Modification 8, when the user enters the purpose in sentence form, the part of the sentence that represents a location can be identified in any way. For example, the location in the sentence may be identified based on a dictionary database containing words that indicate various locations, or the location may be identified by prompting the AI ​​to extract the location from the sentence and then inputting the sentence into the AI.

[0135] In the modified example 10, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the input location information and the respective usable locations of the multiple electronic gift certificates. For example, consider the case where the search unit 102 searches for a product or service based on the input location information. The search unit 102 uses the input location information as a search query and the information stored in the search target database DB2 as an index to search for a product or service. The search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the input location information. The search unit 102 uses the input location information as a search query and the information stored in the electronic gift certificate database DB1 as an index to search for available electronic gift certificates. The processing of the display control unit 103 after the available electronic gift certificates have been found may be the same as in the embodiment.

[0136] Each of the multiple electronic vouchers in the modified example 10 has a designated usable location where the user can use that electronic voucher. The display control system 1 acquires input location information as input information, relating to the input location entered by the user as the place where they purchase or use goods or services. Based on the input location information and the usable location of each of the multiple electronic vouchers, the display control system 1 searches for usable electronic vouchers. As a result, the user can find out which usable electronic vouchers are available at the input location, thus improving user convenience.

[0137] [6-11. Variation 11] For example, in modified example 10, there may be few or no available electronic vouchers available to the user at the input location. In this case, available electronic vouchers available to the user may be searched for at nearby locations close to the input location. Nearby locations are locations near the input location. Nearby location definition data indicating which locations correspond to nearby locations may be stored in the data storage unit 100, or if such data is not provided, other locations within a predetermined distance from the input location may correspond to nearby locations.

[0138] In the modified example 11, the search unit 102 searches for at least one of the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at the input location and the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at nearby locations close to the input location. In the modified example 11, the search unit 102 is given as an example of searching for both the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at the input location and the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at nearby locations close to the input location. However, the search unit 102 may search only for the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at the input location, or it may search only for the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at nearby locations close to the input location.

[0139] For example, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic vouchers that the user can use at the input location, in the same manner as in the modified example 10. If the number of available electronic vouchers found in the search is equal to or greater than a threshold (e.g., 2), the search unit 102 does not search for available electronic vouchers that the user can use at nearby locations. If the number of available electronic vouchers found in the search is less than the threshold, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic vouchers that the user can use at nearby locations. The search unit 102 may identify nearby locations by referring to nearby location definition data, or it may identify locations within a predetermined distance from the input location as nearby locations.

[0140] For example, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic vouchers that the user can use in nearby locations. It searches for available electronic vouchers among multiple electronic vouchers whose usable location is nearby. For example, the search unit 102 may search for goods or services that can be sold or applied for in nearby locations. The search unit 102 may also search for available electronic vouchers that the user can use in nearby locations, regardless of the number of available electronic vouchers that are found in the search.

[0141] Figure 17 shows an example of the search results screen SC2 of Modification 11. As shown in Figure 17, the display control unit 103 of Modification 11 displays at least one of the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at the input location and the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at nearby locations on the search results screen SC2. In Modification 11, the display control unit 103 displays both the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at the input location and the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at nearby locations on the search results screen SC2 as an example, but the display control unit 103 may also display only the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at the input location on the search results screen SC2, or it may also display only the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at nearby locations on the search results screen SC2.

[0142] The display control system 1 in the modified example 11 searches for at least one of the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at the input location and the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at nearby locations close to the input location. The display control system 1 displays at least one of the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at the input location and the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at nearby locations on the search results screen SC2. This allows the user to find out which electronic vouchers are available for use at nearby locations, thus improving user convenience.

[0143] [6-12. Variation 12] For example, each of multiple electronic vouchers may have a defined "availability period," which is the period during which a user can purchase or use that electronic voucher. The availability period is a concept that encompasses both the purchase period during which a user can purchase the electronic voucher and the usable period during which a user can use the electronic voucher. Information that can identify the availability period is stored in the electronic voucher database DB1.

[0144] In the modified example 12, the input information acquisition unit 101 acquires input period information as input information, relating to the input period entered by the user as the period during which they purchase or use a product or service. As in the embodiment, when the user enters search conditions, the input period is the period entered by the user as a search condition. In the examples of Figures 2 and 3, the period from check-in to check-out corresponds to the input period. The input period can be any period corresponding to the reception service to which the display control system 1 is applied. For example, the period during which a product is sold, the period during which reservations for products are accepted, the period during which a service is provided, or other periods may correspond to the input period. The user terminal 20 transmits input period information indicating the input period entered by the user to the server 10. The input information acquisition unit 101 acquires the input period information from the user terminal 20.

[0145] When combining Modification 12 with Modifications 5-9, the input period is the period related to the purpose entered by the user. For example, if the user enters the purpose "I want to take a graduation trip in March of next year," the input period will be March of the following year. As in Modification 8, when the user enters the purpose in sentence form, the part of the sentence that represents the period can be identified in any way. For example, the period in the sentence may be identified based on a dictionary database containing words that indicate various periods, or the period may be identified by prompting the AI ​​to extract the period from the sentence and then inputting the sentence into the AI.

[0146] In the modified example 12, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the input period information and the valid period of each of the multiple electronic gift certificates. For example, let's consider the case where the search unit 102 searches for a product or service based on the input period information. The search unit 102 uses the input period information as a search query and the information stored in the search target database DB2 as an index to search for a product or service. The search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the input period information. The search unit 102 uses the input period information as a search query and the information stored in the electronic gift certificate database DB1 as an index to search for available electronic gift certificates. The processing of the display control unit 103 after the available electronic gift certificates have been found may be the same as in the embodiment.

[0147] Each of the multiple electronic vouchers in the modified example 12 has a defined availability period, which is the period during which a user can purchase or use that electronic voucher. The display control system 1 acquires input period information as input information, relating to the input period entered by the user as the period during which they will purchase or use the goods or services. Based on the input period information and the availability period for each of the multiple electronic vouchers, the display control system 1 searches for available electronic vouchers. As a result, the user can find out which electronic vouchers are available for purchase or use during the input period, thus improving user convenience.

[0148] [6-13. Variation 13] For example, in Modification 10, there may be few or no available electronic vouchers available to the user during the input period. In this case, available electronic vouchers available to the user in a nearby period close to the input period may be searched. The nearby period is the period immediately before or after the input period. There may be a certain amount of time between the input period and the nearby period. Nearby period definition data indicating which period corresponds to the nearby period may be stored in the data storage unit 100, or if such data is not provided, another period that is temporally close to the input period may correspond to the nearby period.

[0149] In the modified example 13, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic gift certificates that the user can purchase or use during the input period, and available electronic gift certificates that the user can purchase or use during the period immediately preceding the input period. In the modified example 13, the search unit 102 is given as an example where it searches for both available electronic gift certificates that the user can use during the input period and available electronic gift certificates that the user can use during the period immediately preceding the input period. However, the search unit 102 may also search only for available electronic gift certificates that the user can use during the input period, or only for available electronic gift certificates that the user can use during the period immediately preceding the input period.

[0150] For example, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic vouchers that the user can use during the input period, in the same manner as in the modified example 12. If the number of available electronic vouchers found in the search is equal to or greater than a threshold (e.g., 2), the search unit 102 does not search for available electronic vouchers that the user can use during the nearby period. If the number of available electronic vouchers found in the search is less than the threshold, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic vouchers that the user can use during the nearby period. The search unit 102 may identify the nearby period by referring to nearby period definition data, or it may identify a period within a predetermined time from the input period as the nearby period.

[0151] For example, the search unit 102 searches for available electronic vouchers that the user can use within the nearby period. It searches for available electronic vouchers among multiple electronic vouchers whose validity period is within the nearby period. For example, the search unit 102 may search for goods or services that are available for sale or application within the nearby period. In addition, the search unit 102 may search for available electronic vouchers that the user can use within the nearby period regardless of the number of available electronic vouchers that are found in the search.

[0152] Figure 18 shows an example of the search results screen SC2 in Modification 13. As shown in Figure 18, the display control unit 103 displays at least one of the available electronic vouchers that the user can purchase or use during the input period, and the available electronic vouchers that the user can use during the nearby period, on the search results screen SC2. Modification 13 gives an example where the display control unit 103 displays both the available electronic vouchers that the user can use during the input period and the available electronic vouchers that the user can use during the nearby period on the search results screen SC2. However, the display control unit 103 may also display only the available electronic vouchers that the user can use during the input period on the search results screen SC2, or it may also display only the available electronic vouchers that the user can use during the nearby period on the search results screen SC2.

[0153] The display control system 1 in the modified example 13 searches for at least one of the following: available electronic vouchers that the user can purchase or use during the input period, and available electronic vouchers that the user can purchase or use during the period immediately preceding the input period. The display control system 1 displays at least one of the available electronic vouchers that the user can purchase or use during the input period, and available electronic vouchers that the user can use during the period immediately preceding the input period, on the search results screen SC2. This allows the user to know which available electronic vouchers they can use during the period immediately preceding the input period, thus improving user convenience.

[0154] [6-14. Variation 14] For example, as briefly explained in the embodiment, the display control unit 103 displays multiple available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2. The display control unit 103 displays multiple available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2 when the search unit 102 finds multiple available electronic vouchers. The user may be able to purchase multiple available electronic vouchers from the search results screen SC2.

[0155] The display control system 1 in Modification 14 includes a purchase acceptance unit 104. The purchase acceptance unit 104 accepts the purchase of multiple available electronic gift certificates by the user from the search results screen SC2. In Modification 14, the purchase acceptance unit 104 is implemented by the server 10, so the purchase acceptance unit 104 accepts the purchase of multiple available electronic gift certificates by receiving purchase information from the user terminal 20 indicating that the user is purchasing multiple available electronic gift certificates.

[0156] Figure 19 shows an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 20 in Modification 14. As shown in the upper part of Figure 19, the display control unit 103 in Modification 14 displays a search results screen SC2 on the user terminal 20 that accepts the selection of available electronic vouchers to be purchased from among multiple available electronic vouchers. In the example shown in the upper part of Figure 19, two available electronic vouchers, "AAA Travel Gift Certificate" and "Sapporo City Gift Certificate," are displayed as available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2. The user can select any number of available electronic vouchers from among the multiple available electronic vouchers displayed on the search results screen SC2 as the available electronic vouchers to be purchased.

[0157] For example, when a user selects multiple available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2, the purchase acceptance unit 104 receives information from the user terminal 20 indicating that the operation has been performed. In the upper example of Figure 19, the user selects two available electronic vouchers: "AAA Travel Voucher" and "Sapporo City Voucher". The purchase acceptance unit 104 accepts the selection of these two electronic vouchers. As shown in the lower part of Figure 19, the display control unit 103 displays a purchase screen SC4 on the user terminal 20 for the user to purchase these two available electronic vouchers. The purchase of electronic vouchers from the purchase screen SC4 may follow the same known procedure.

[0158] The display control system 1 in the modified example 14 displays multiple available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2. The display control system 1 accepts the user's purchase of multiple available electronic vouchers from the search results screen SC2. This allows the user to purchase multiple available electronic vouchers, thus improving user convenience. For example, if a user cannot purchase or apply for a product or service with only one available electronic voucher, they can combine multiple available electronic vouchers to purchase or apply for the product or service.

[0159] [6-15. Variation 15] For example, as briefly explained in the embodiment, the user may select an available electronic voucher displayed on the search results screen SC2. In this case, other available electronic vouchers related to the one selected by the user may be displayed.

[0160] The display control system 1 in Modification 15 includes a selection reception unit 105. The selection reception unit 105 accepts the user's selection of available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2. In Modification 15, the selection reception unit 105 is implemented by the server 10, so the selection reception unit 105 accepts the user's selection of available electronic vouchers by receiving selection information from the user terminal 20 indicating the available electronic vouchers selected by the user.

[0161] In the modified example 15, the search unit 102 searches for other available electronic gift certificates that are related to the selected electronic gift certificate when the user selects one. Relatedness refers to commonalities with the selected electronic gift certificate. For example, other available electronic gift certificates with the same usage conditions as the selected electronic gift certificate may be considered other available electronic gift certificates that are related to the electronic gift certificate selected by the user.

[0162] For example, the search unit 102 may search for other available electronic vouchers that can be used in the same locations as the available electronic voucher selected by the user, based on the electronic voucher database DB1. The search unit 102 may also search for other available electronic vouchers that have the same price range per voucher as the available electronic voucher selected by the user, based on the electronic voucher database DB1. The search unit 102 may also search for other available electronic vouchers that have the same or similar validity period as the available electronic voucher selected by the user. If related electronic vouchers are defined in the electronic voucher database DB1, the search unit 102 will identify other available electronic vouchers that are related to the available electronic voucher selected by the user, based on the electronic voucher database DB1.

[0163] Figure 20 shows an example of the search results screen SC2 of Modification 15. As shown in the upper part of Figure 20, the display control unit 103 displays the available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2 according to the search conditions initially entered by the user. When the user selects an available electronic voucher on the search results screen SC2, the user terminal 20 transmits selection information indicating the selected available electronic voucher to the server 10. The selection reception unit 105 accepts the user's selection of an available electronic voucher by receiving the selection information.

[0164] For example, the search unit 102 searches for other available electronic vouchers associated with the available electronic voucher indicated by the selected information. In the modified example 15, the display control unit 103 displays other available electronic vouchers on the search results screen SC2. In the lower example of Figure 20, the available electronic voucher "Sapporo City Gift Certificate" is selected, and the available electronic voucher "Ramen Coupon Ticket" usable in the same area is searched for as a related electronic voucher. The display control unit 103 displays the related available electronic voucher "Ramen Coupon Ticket" on the search results screen SC2. If the user selects the available electronic voucher "Ramen Coupon Ticket", the display control unit 103 may search for other related available electronic vouchers and display them on the search results screen SC2.

[0165] In the modified example 15, the display control system 1 accepts the user's selection of available electronic gift certificates on the search results screen SC2. When the user selects an available electronic gift certificate, the display control system 1 searches for other available electronic gift certificates related to that selected certificate. The display control system 1 then displays the other available electronic gift certificates on the search results screen SC2. This allows the user to see other available electronic gift certificates related to the one they have selected, thus improving user convenience.

[0166] [6-16. Other variations] For example, the above variations may be combined.

[0167] For example, the functions described as being implemented on server 10 may be implemented on user terminal 20 or other computers. The functions described as being implemented on server 10 may be shared among multiple computers.

[0168] [7. Addendum] For example, the display control system 1 can also be configured as follows:

[0169] (1) An input information acquisition unit that acquires input information related to the product or service that the user wishes to purchase or apply for, A search unit searches for available electronic gift certificates from among multiple electronic gift certificates based on the input information, which are electronic gift certificates that the user can use for the purchase or application of the product or service. A display control unit that displays a search results screen relating to the search results for the available electronic vouchers on the user's terminal, A display control system including a display control system. (2) The display control system provides the user with an acceptance service for accepting the purchase or application of the product or service. The input information acquisition unit acquires the input search condition information relating to the search conditions entered by the user in the reception service as the input information. The search unit searches for the available electronic vouchers based on the input search condition information. The display control unit displays the search results for the product or service and the search results for the available electronic vouchers on the search results screen. (1) The display control system described above. (3) In the aforementioned reception service, the user can input the search criteria step by step. The input information acquisition unit acquires the input search condition information each time the user enters the search conditions. The search unit searches for the available electronic vouchers each time the user enters the search criteria. The display control unit causes the search results for available electronic vouchers to be displayed on the search results screen each time the user enters the search criteria. (2) The display control system described above. (4) The input information acquisition unit acquires first input search condition information, which is the input search condition information for the first search condition, when the user enters a first search condition, and acquires second input search condition information, which is the input search condition information for the second search condition, when the user enters a second search condition after entering a first search condition. The search unit searches for the available electronic gift certificates based on the first input search condition information when the user enters the first search condition, and searches for the available electronic gift certificates based on the first input search condition information and the second input search condition information when the user enters the second search condition. The display control unit, when the user enters the first search condition, displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input search condition information on the search results screen, and when the user enters the second search condition, displays the amounts of the available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input search condition information and the second input search condition information on the search results screen. (3) The display control system described above. (5) The input information acquisition unit acquires first input search condition information, which is the input search condition information for the first search condition, when the user enters a first search condition, and acquires second input search condition information, which is the input search condition information for the second search condition, when the user enters a second search condition after entering a first search condition. The search unit searches for available electronic vouchers based on the first input search condition information when the user enters the first search condition, and searches for available electronic vouchers based on the first input search condition information or the second input search condition information when the user enters the second search condition. The display control unit, when the user enters the first search condition, displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input search condition information on the search results screen, and when the user enters the second search condition, displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input search condition information or the second input search condition information on the search results screen. (3) The display control system described above. (6) The display control system provides the user with a reception service that accepts input from the user for the purpose of using the electronic money certificate. The input information acquisition unit acquires the input purpose information related to the purpose entered by the user in the reception service as the input information. The search unit searches for the available electronic vouchers based on the input purpose information. The display control unit displays the objective and the search results for available electronic vouchers on the search results screen. (1) The display control system described above. (7) The user can input the objective step by step, The input information acquisition unit acquires the input purpose information each time the user inputs the purpose. The search unit searches for the available electronic vouchers each time the user enters the purpose. The display control unit causes the search results for available electronic vouchers to be displayed on the search results screen each time the user enters the purpose. (6) The display control system described above. (8) The input information acquisition unit acquires first input purpose information, which is the input purpose information of the first content, when the user inputs first content related to the purpose, and acquires second input purpose information, which is the input purpose information of the second content, when the user inputs second content related to the purpose after inputting the first content. The search unit searches for the available electronic gift certificates based on the first input purpose information when the user inputs the first content, and searches for the available electronic gift certificates based on the second input purpose information when the user inputs the second content. The display control unit, when the user enters the first content, displays the type of available electronic voucher corresponding to the first input purpose information on the search results screen, and when the user enters the second content, displays the amount of the available electronic voucher corresponding to the second input purpose information on the search results screen. (7) The display control system described above. (9) The input information acquisition unit acquires first input purpose information, which is the input purpose information of the first content, when the user inputs first content related to the purpose, and acquires second input purpose information, which is the input purpose information of the second content, when the user inputs second content related to the purpose after inputting the first content. The search unit searches for available electronic vouchers based on the first input purpose information when the user inputs the first content, and searches for available electronic vouchers based on the first input purpose information or the second input purpose information when the user inputs the second content. The display control unit, when the user inputs the first content, displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input purpose information on the search results screen, and when the user inputs the second content, displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input purpose information or the second input purpose information on the search results screen. (7) The display control system described above. (10) The input information acquisition unit acquires input text information relating to the text entered by the user for the purpose of The search unit searches for the available electronic vouchers based on the input text information. The display control unit displays the search results for available electronic vouchers based on the input text information on the search results screen. A display control system as described in any of (6) to (9). (11) In the aforementioned reception service, the purpose of the user accumulating and using the electronic vouchers is accepted as the aforementioned purpose. The input information acquisition unit acquires the input savings purpose information related to the savings purpose entered by the user in the reception service as the input purpose information. The search unit searches for the available electronic vouchers based on the input savings purpose information. The display control unit displays the savings purpose and the search results for available electronic vouchers on the search results screen. A display control system as described in any of (6) to (10). (12) Each of the aforementioned electronic vouchers has a designated place of use where the user can use the electronic voucher. The input information acquisition unit acquires input location information relating to the input location entered by the user as the place where the product or service is purchased or used, as input information. The search unit searches for the available electronic vouchers based on the input location information and the respective usable locations of the plurality of electronic vouchers. A display control system as described in any of (1) to (11). (13) The search unit searches for at least one of the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at the input location and the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at nearby locations close to the input location. The display control unit causes at least one of the available electronic vouchers available to the user at the input location and the available electronic vouchers available to the user at the nearby location to be displayed on the search results screen. (12) The display control system described above. (14) Each of the aforementioned electronic vouchers has a specified period during which the user can purchase or use the electronic voucher. The input information acquisition unit acquires input period information relating to the input period entered by the user as the period during which the user will purchase or use the product or service, as input information. The search unit searches for the available electronic vouchers based on the input period information and the respective availability periods of the plurality of electronic vouchers. A display control system as described in any of (1) to (13). (15) The search unit searches for at least one of the available electronic gift certificates that the user can purchase or use during the input period, and the available electronic gift certificates that the user can purchase or use during the period immediately preceding the input period. The display control unit causes at least one of the available electronic vouchers that the user can purchase or use during the input period and the available electronic vouchers that the user can use during the vicinity period to be displayed on the search results screen. (14) The display control system described above. (16) The display control unit displays a plurality of the available electronic vouchers on the search results screen. The display control system further includes a purchase acceptance unit that accepts the purchase of the multiple available electronic vouchers by the user from the search results screen. A display control system as described in any of (1) to (15). (17) The display control system further includes a selection reception unit that accepts the user's selection of the available electronic money on the search results screen, The search unit searches for other available electronic gift certificates related to the available electronic gift certificate when the user selects the available electronic gift certificate. The display control unit displays the other available electronic vouchers on the search results screen. A display control system as described in any of (1) to (16). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0170] 1 Display control system, 10 Server, 11,21 Control unit, 12,22 Storage unit, 13,23 Communication unit, 20 User terminal, 24 Operation unit, 25 Display unit, 100 Data storage unit, 101 Input information acquisition unit, 102 Search unit, 103 Display control unit, 104 Purchase acceptance unit, 105 Selection acceptance unit, B11,B20,B30 Buttons, DB1 Electronic voucher database, DB2 Search target database, DB3 User database, F10 Input form, F31 Input form, SC1 Top screen, SC2 Search results screen, SC3 Purpose input screen, SC4 Purchase screen, N Network.

Claims

1. An input information acquisition unit that acquires input information related to the product or service that the user wishes to purchase or apply for, A search unit searches for available electronic gift certificates from among a plurality of electronic gift certificates based on the input information, which are electronic gift certificates that the user can use to pay for the purchase or application of the goods or services. A display control unit that displays a search results screen relating to the search results for the available electronic vouchers on the user's terminal, A display control system including a display control system.

2. The usable electronic voucher is a gift certificate, regional development voucher, facility usage voucher, meal voucher, gift card not classified as such, or product exchange voucher that the user can use for payment of the goods or services. The display control system according to claim 1.

3. The usable electronic voucher is an electronic voucher that the user can use for the payment of the goods or services and for the discount of said payment. The display control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The usable electronic voucher is an electronic voucher that can be used by the user for the payment of the goods or services, and for which no discount is incurred on the payment. The display control system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The display control system provides the user with an acceptance service for accepting the purchase or application of the product or service. The input information acquisition unit acquires the input search condition information relating to the search conditions entered by the user in the reception service as the input information. The search unit searches for the available electronic vouchers based on the input search condition information. The display control unit displays the search results for the product or service and the search results for the available electronic vouchers on the search results screen. The display control system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. In the aforementioned reception service, the user can input the search criteria step by step. The input information acquisition unit acquires the input search condition information each time the user enters the search conditions. The search unit searches for the available electronic vouchers each time the user enters the search criteria. The display control unit causes the search results for available electronic vouchers to be displayed on the search results screen each time the user enters the search criteria. The display control system according to claim 5.

7. The input information acquisition unit acquires first input search condition information, which is the input search condition information for the first search condition, when the user inputs a first search condition, and acquires second input search condition information, which is the input search condition information for the second search condition, when the user inputs a second search condition after inputting a first search condition. The search unit searches for the available electronic gift certificates based on the first input search condition information when the user inputs the first search condition, and searches for the available electronic gift certificates based on the first input search condition information and the second input search condition information when the user inputs the second search condition. The display control unit, when the user enters the first search condition, displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input search condition information on the search results screen, and when the user enters the second search condition, displays the amounts of the available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input search condition information and the second input search condition information on the search results screen. The display control system according to claim 6.

8. The input information acquisition unit acquires first input search condition information, which is the input search condition information for the first search condition, when the user inputs a first search condition, and acquires second input search condition information, which is the input search condition information for the second search condition, when the user inputs a second search condition after inputting a first search condition. The search unit searches for the available electronic gift certificates based on the first input search condition information when the user inputs the first search condition, and searches for the available electronic gift certificates based on the first input search condition information or the second input search condition information when the user inputs the second search condition. The display control unit, when the user enters the first search condition, displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input search condition information on the search results screen, and when the user enters the second search condition, displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input search condition information or the second input search condition information on the search results screen. The display control system according to claim 6.

9. The display control system provides the user with a reception service that accepts input from the user for the purpose of using the electronic money certificate. The input information acquisition unit acquires the input purpose information related to the purpose entered by the user in the reception service as the input information. The search unit searches for the available electronic vouchers based on the input purpose information. The display control unit displays the objective and the search results for available electronic vouchers on the search results screen. The display control system according to claim 1.

10. The user can input the objective step by step, The input information acquisition unit acquires the input purpose information each time the user inputs the purpose. The search unit searches for the available electronic vouchers each time the user enters the purpose. The display control unit causes the search results for available electronic vouchers to be displayed on the search results screen each time the user enters the purpose. The display control system according to claim 9.

11. The input information acquisition unit acquires first input purpose information, which is the input purpose information of the first content, when the user inputs first content related to the purpose, and acquires second input purpose information, which is the input purpose information of the second content, when the user inputs second content related to the purpose after inputting the first content. The search unit searches for the available electronic gift certificates based on the first input purpose information when the user inputs the first content, and searches for the available electronic gift certificates based on the first input purpose information and the second input purpose information when the user inputs the second content. The display control unit, when the user inputs the first content, displays the type of available electronic voucher corresponding to the first input purpose information on the search results screen, and when the user inputs the second content, displays the amount of the available electronic voucher corresponding to the first input purpose information and the second input purpose information on the search results screen. The display control system according to claim 10.

12. The input information acquisition unit acquires first input purpose information, which is the input purpose information of the first content, when the user inputs first content related to the purpose, and acquires second input purpose information, which is the input purpose information of the second content, when the user inputs second content related to the purpose after inputting the first content. The search unit searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the first input purpose information when the user inputs the first content, and searches for available electronic gift certificates based on the first input purpose information or the second input purpose information when the user inputs the second content. The display control unit, when the user inputs the first content, displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input purpose information on the search results screen, and when the user inputs the second content, displays the types of available electronic vouchers corresponding to the first input purpose information or the second input purpose information on the search results screen. The display control system according to claim 10.

13. The input information acquisition unit acquires input text information relating to the text entered by the user for the purpose of The search unit searches for the available electronic vouchers based on the input text information. The display control unit displays the search results for available electronic vouchers based on the input text information on the search results screen. A display control system according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. A reception service that accepts input from a user for the purpose of using an electronic gift certificate, wherein the purpose of the user is to purchase the electronic gift certificate in installments, and the reception service accepts input information relating to the purpose of the user to use the electronic gift certificate, and the purpose of the user to use the electronic gift certificate is to use the electronic gift certificate in installments, and the reception service accepts input information relating to the purpose of the user to use the electronic gift certificate, A search unit searches for available electronic gift certificates from among multiple electronic gift certificates based on the input savings purpose information, which are electronic gift certificates that the user can use to purchase or apply for goods or services. A display control unit that displays a search results screen on the user's terminal relating to the savings purpose and the search results for available electronic vouchers, A display control system including a display control system.

15. Each of the aforementioned electronic vouchers has a designated place of use where the user can use the electronic voucher. The input information acquisition unit acquires input location information relating to the input location entered by the user as the place where the product or service is purchased or used, as input information. The search unit searches for the available electronic vouchers based on the input location information and the respective usable locations of the plurality of electronic vouchers. The display control system according to claim 1 or 2.

16. The search unit searches for at least one of the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at the input location and the available electronic vouchers that the user can use at nearby locations close to the input location. The display control unit causes at least one of the available electronic vouchers available to the user at the input location and the available electronic vouchers available to the user at the nearby location to be displayed on the search results screen. The display control system according to claim 15.

17. Each of the aforementioned electronic vouchers has a specified period during which the user can purchase or use the electronic voucher. The input information acquisition unit acquires input period information relating to the input period entered by the user as the period during which the user will purchase or use the product or service, as input information. The search unit searches for the available electronic vouchers based on the input period information and the respective availability periods of the plurality of electronic vouchers. The display control system according to claim 1 or 2.

18. The search unit searches for at least one of the available electronic gift certificates that the user can purchase or use during the input period, and the available electronic gift certificates that the user can purchase or use during the period immediately preceding the input period. The display control unit causes at least one of the available electronic vouchers that the user can purchase or use during the input period and the available electronic vouchers that the user can use during the vicinity period to be displayed on the search results screen. The display control system according to claim 17.

19. An input information acquisition unit that acquires input information relating to the input of goods or services that a user wishes to purchase or apply for, A search unit searches for available electronic gift certificates from among multiple electronic gift certificates based on the input information, which are electronic gift certificates that the user can use for the purchase or application of the product or service. A display control unit that displays a search results screen on the user terminal of the user, which shows a plurality of available electronic gift certificates as the search result of the available electronic gift certificates, and which accepts an operation from the user to display a purchase screen for purchasing the plurality of available electronic gift certificates, A display control system including a display control system.

20. The display control system further includes a selection reception unit that accepts the user's selection of the available electronic money on the search results screen, The search unit searches for other available electronic gift certificates related to the available electronic gift certificate when the user selects the available electronic gift certificate. The display control unit displays the other available electronic vouchers on the search results screen. The display control system according to claim 1 or 2.

21. An input information acquisition step to obtain input information regarding the product or service that the user wishes to purchase or apply for, A search step based on the input information to search for available electronic gift certificates from among multiple electronic gift certificates that are electronic gift certificates that the user can use to pay for the purchase or application of the goods or services; A display control step that causes the user's terminal to display a search results screen relating to the search results for the available electronic money certificates, A display control method including the following.

22. An input information acquisition unit that acquires input information related to the product or service that the user wishes to purchase or apply for. A search unit searches for available electronic gift certificates from among a plurality of electronic gift certificates based on the input information, which are electronic gift certificates that the user can use to pay for the purchase or application of the goods or services. A display control unit that displays a search results screen relating to the search results for the available electronic vouchers on the user's terminal. A program that makes a computer function.

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