Systems, methods, and programs for managing the distribution of content.

Abstract

To increase pleasure which a user gets from acquiring content.SOLUTION: A service providing server 10 relating to one embodiment of the present invention is connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20 so as to be able to communicate it and provides a prescribed service to a user operating the user terminal 30 and has a function to manage giving the user content to be utilized (or not utilized) in the prescribed service. The server 10 gives a part of a plurality of contents given to a first user to a second user satisfying a share condition, so that the user can get pleasure from acquiring (sharing) a part of contents acquired by another user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, method, and program for managing granting of content. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in various services such as games, various contents (for example, items used in games, etc.) are granted to users. For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses that when a privilege is granted to a first player, an equivalent privilege is granted to a second player registered in association with the first player. Such a content granting mechanism can induce the establishment of relationships between players. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0003] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-54527 Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, although the conventional mechanism as described above can promote the registration of players in association with each other, only equivalent content is granted to the first and second players, so it cannot be said that the enjoyment of acquiring content itself is sufficient.

[0005] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to improve a user's enjoyment of acquiring content. Other objects of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon reference to the entire specification. Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a system for managing the provision of content, comprising one or more computer processors, wherein the one or more computer processors perform the steps of providing a plurality of content to a first user who satisfies a first condition, and providing a portion of the plurality of content to a second user who satisfies a second condition, in response to the execution of a readable instruction.

[0007] A method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for managing the distribution of content, which is executed by one or more computers, and comprises the steps of: distributing a plurality of content to a first user who satisfies a first condition; and distributing a portion of the plurality of content to a second user who satisfies a second condition.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for managing the distribution of content, which causes one or more computers to perform the steps of: distributing a plurality of content to a first user who satisfies a first condition; and distributing a portion of the plurality of content to a second user who satisfies a second condition. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Various embodiments of the present invention enhance the user's enjoyment of acquiring content. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a network including a service provision server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating the information managed by user information table 151. [Figure 3] A diagram illustrating the information managed by the content assignment management table 152. [Figure 4] An example diagram of the battle screen 60. [Figure 5]An example diagram showing screen 70 of a treasure chest with a timer. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating notification screen 80. [Figure 7] A diagram illustrating the first unlock support screen 90. [Figure 8] An example diagram showing screen 70 of a treasure chest with a timer. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating the processes that server 10 executes in response to the selection of the "Open" button 722. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating the lottery results screen 200. [Figure 11] A diagram illustrating the sharing results screen 210. [Figure 12] An example diagram showing screen 220 of a treasure chest with a special lock. [Figure 13] A diagram illustrating notification screen 80. [Figure 14] A diagram illustrating the second unlock support screen 230. [Figure 15] An example diagram showing screen 220 of a treasure chest with a special lock. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or similar components may be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a network including a service provision server 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the server 10 is connected to a user terminal 30 via a communication network 20 such as the Internet. In Figure 1, only one user terminal 30 is shown, but the server 10 is connected to multiple user terminals 30. The server 10 has the function of providing predetermined services to users operating the user terminal 30 and managing the provision of content used (or not used) in said predetermined services to users. The service provision server 10 is an example of a device that implements all or part of the system of the present invention.

[0013] In the present embodiment, the services provided by the server 10 include various types of services, including but not limited to, for example, distribution of media content such as games and videos, and SNS, etc.

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

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

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

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

[0018] The storage 15 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk, flash memory, etc. The storage 15 stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the storage 15 has a user information table 151 that manages information about users of the services provided, and a content granting management table 152 that manages information about granting content to users. Also, for example, the storage 15 stores a server-side program 40 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The program 40 is a program that causes the service provision server 10 to function as all or part of the system for providing the services in this embodiment. At least a part of the server-side program 40 may be configured to be executed on the user terminal 30 side via a terminal-side program 42, which will be described later.

[0019] In this embodiment, the service provision server 10 may be configured using multiple computers, each having the hardware configuration described above. For example, the server 10 may be configured by one or more server devices.

[0020] The service server 10 configured in this way functions as both a web server and an application server. It responds to requests from terminal-side programs 42 installed on the user terminal 30, executes various processes, and transmits screen data (e.g., HTML data) and control data, etc., to the user terminal 30 according to the results of those processes. The user terminal 30 then displays a web page or other screen based on the received data.

[0021] Next, the hardware configuration of the user terminal 30 will be described. The user terminal 30 is configured as a general-purpose computer and, as shown in Figure 1, includes a computer processor 31, main memory 32, input / output interface 33, communication interface 34, and storage (memory device) 35. These components are electrically connected via buses and the like (not shown).

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

[0023] The input / output interface 33 includes various input / output devices for exchanging information with the operator, etc. The input / output interface 33 includes, for example, information input devices such as keyboards and pointing devices (e.g., mice, touch panels, etc.), audio input devices such as microphones, and image input devices such as cameras. Furthermore, the input / output interface 33 includes image output devices such as displays and audio output devices such as speakers.

[0024] The communication interface 34 is implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, various communication software, and a combination thereof, and is configured to enable wired or wireless communication via the communication network 20, etc.

[0025] The storage 35 is composed of, for example, a magnetic disk or flash memory. The storage 35 stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data. The programs stored in the storage 35 can be downloaded and installed from an application market or the like. The storage 35 also stores the terminal-side program 42. This program 42 is configured as a web browser or other application (for example, an application for the service in this embodiment), and as described above, it may be configured to execute at least a part of the server-side program 40.

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

[0027] A user operating the user terminal 30 configured in this way can use the services provided by the server 10 by communicating with the server 10 via the terminal-side program 42 installed on the storage 35, etc.

[0028] Next, the functions of the service provision server 10 configured in this way will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the computer processor 11 of the server 10 is configured to function as a management function control unit 111, a service provision control unit 112, and a content assignment management unit 113 by executing instructions contained in a program loaded into the main memory 12 (for example, at least a part of the server-side program 40).

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

[0030] The service provision control unit 112 is configured to perform various processes related to the control of service provision in this embodiment. For example, the service provision control unit 112 transmits screen data and control data for various screens (e.g., screens for advancing a game) for providing the service to the user terminal 30, performs various processes in response to user input via the screens output by the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data and control data to the user terminal 30 according to the results of those processes.

[0031] The content assignment management unit 113 is configured to perform various processes for managing the assignment of content. For example, the content assignment management unit 113 transmits screen data and control data for various screens related to the management of content assignment to the user terminal 30, performs various processes in response to user input via the screens output on the user terminal 30, and transmits screen data and control data to the user terminal 30 according to the results of those processes.

[0032] In this embodiment, the content assignment management unit 113 is configured to assign multiple pieces of content to a user who satisfies the conditions for acquiring content. For example, the content assignment management unit 113 determines two or more predetermined pieces of content (winning content) to be assigned to the user by lottery from among multiple pieces of content that are subject to a lottery, each of which has a set probability of winning.

[0033] In this embodiment, the content provided to the user includes, but is not limited to, various electronic and virtual content, and may be implemented as items, characters, cards, points, and coins. The content provided to the user can also be described as a benefit or reward for the user.

[0034] Furthermore, the content allocation management unit 113 is configured to allocate a portion of the content acquired by the first user who has met the acquisition conditions described above to a second user who has met the sharing conditions for acquiring a portion of that content.

[0035] Thus, in this embodiment, the service provider server 10 grants a portion of the multiple content assigned to the first user to the second user who satisfies the sharing conditions, allowing the user to enjoy acquiring (sharing) a portion of the content acquired by other users. In other words, the service provider server 10 enhances the user's enjoyment of acquiring content.

[0036] In this embodiment, the content to be given (shared) to users who satisfy the sharing conditions described above can be determined in various ways. For example, from among a plurality of contents given to the first user who has satisfied the acquisition conditions, the first user, or the second user who has satisfied the sharing conditions, may select the content to be given to the second user. Alternatively, the server 10 may make the determination automatically according to predetermined rules. For example, the content distribution management unit 113 is configured to distribute one or more contents, determined by lottery from among a plurality of contents given to the first user who has satisfied the acquisition conditions, to the second user who has satisfied the sharing conditions. Such a configuration enhances the enjoyment of the lottery for the content to be shared.

[0037] Furthermore, users who receive some content may be allowed to request the provision of other content. For example, the content provision management unit 113 is configured to provide additional content to a user who satisfies the sharing conditions, in response to a request from that user. Such requests may be made, for example, with payment (for example, by consuming paid items). The additional content provided may or may not allow duplication with previously provided content (i.e., provide content other than the previously provided content). The additional content provided may be selected by the first user who satisfies the acquisition conditions, or by the second user who satisfies the sharing conditions, or it may be automatically determined by the server 10 according to predetermined rules. This configuration enhances the enjoyment of acquiring further content.

[0038] Furthermore, the content allocation management unit 113 can be configured to present multiple pieces of content allocated to a first user who has met the acquisition conditions to a second user who has met the sharing conditions. For example, these multiple pieces of content are displayed on a screen output on the second user's user terminal 30, and this screen typically includes a notification of the content to be shared with the second user. This configuration makes it possible to inform users who have met the sharing conditions about multiple pieces of content allocated to users who have met the acquisition conditions.

[0039] In this embodiment, the sharing conditions described above include various conditions. For example, the sharing conditions include conditions that are satisfied depending on the user who has fulfilled the acquisition conditions. In this case, the user who has acquired multiple pieces of content will specify the other users who will receive the sharing. This configuration makes it possible for the user who has acquired multiple pieces of content to specify the other users to whom they will share some of these pieces.

[0040] Furthermore, for example, the sharing conditions include conditions that are satisfied in response to a user who has fulfilled the acquisition conditions performing a predetermined action that helps the user fulfill those acquisition conditions. For example, if the acquisition conditions are conditions that are satisfied in accordance with the passage of a predetermined amount of time, the predetermined action for satisfying the sharing conditions includes an action to shorten that predetermined time (forcibly advance the passage of time) (for example, including the use of an item). Also, for example, if the acquisition conditions are conditions that are satisfied in accordance with the use of a predetermined item, the predetermined action includes using the predetermined item for a user who has fulfilled the acquisition conditions (for example, granting the predetermined item to the user). Also, for example, if the acquisition conditions are conditions that are satisfied in accordance with defeating an enemy character, the predetermined action includes attacking the enemy character. This configuration makes it possible to share content with users who have performed actions that help the user fulfill the acquisition conditions.

[0041] Furthermore, the content distribution management unit 113 may be configured to distribute the distributed content to a second user in such a way that the greater the degree to which the second user who satisfies the sharing conditions helped the first user who satisfies the acquisition conditions, the more advantageous it is for the second user. For example, the greater the reduction in the predetermined time by the second user, the greater the quantity of the predetermined items used, or the greater the damage dealt by attacks on enemy characters, the greater the quantity of distributed content distributed to the second user, and / or the higher the value of the content. This configuration promotes the execution of actions that help other users satisfy the acquisition conditions, and as a result, can help build good relationships between users.

[0042] In this embodiment, if there are multiple users who satisfy the sharing conditions, the content may be shared with these multiple users. In other words, the content distribution management unit 113 may be configured to distribute a portion of the content acquired by a first user who has satisfied the acquisition conditions to both second and third users who satisfy the sharing conditions for acquiring a portion of that content. The content distributed to these second and third users may be the same content or may be different content. This configuration enables distribution to multiple users.

[0043] Next, a specific example of a service provision server 10 of this embodiment having such functions will be described. In this example, the service provision server 10 has the function of providing an online game to a user operating a user terminal 30 and managing the assignment of characters (content) used in the game to the user. For example, the game may be configured as a competitive game in which a player battles an enemy character using a deck consisting of multiple characters.

[0044] First, let's explain the information managed by each table in this example. Figure 2 illustrates the information managed by the user information table 151 in this example. In this example, the user information table 151 manages information about users (players) who play the game, and as shown in the figure, it is associated with a "user account" that identifies individual users and manages information such as "basic information" including account name, gender, and date of birth, "friend information" which is information about other users with whom the user has a friendship relationship (including user accounts), "character ownership information" which is information about the characters the user owns, "coin ownership" which is the number of coins that can be exchanged for various items, "attack points (current value / maximum value)" which is the current and maximum value of attack points consumed when attacking enemy characters, "time-saving item ownership" which is the number of time-saving items that forcibly reduce the remaining time until the lock on the timer-equipped treasure chest (described later) is unlocked, and "key item ownership information" which is information about the key items the user owns (items used to unlock the special lock treasure chest (described later)).

[0045] In this example, friendship is established when one user requests a friend and the other user accepts it, and friend information includes each friend's user account. Coins are paid items purchased with real currency. Attack points, as will be explained in more detail later, decrease in proportion to attacks against enemy characters, and then increase over time, up to a maximum value. Time-saving items and key items are given to users at various times, for example, as rewards such as login bonuses and stage clear bonuses.

[0046] Figure 3 illustrates the information managed by the content assignment management table 152 in this example. In this example, the content assignment management table 152 manages information about the treasure chests owned by the user, and as shown in the figure, it associates the "user account" that identifies an individual user and the "treasure chest ID" that identifies an individual treasure chest for each user with information such as "treasure chest type" indicating the type of treasure chest, "remaining time until unlocking" which is the remaining time until the treasure chest is unlocked, "key item usage status" which is the usage status of the key item used to unlock the treasure chest, "supporting user information" which is information about other users who have helped unlock the treasure chest, and "shared designated user information" which is information about other users who have been designated as recipients of the shared treasure chest.

[0047] In this example, the treasure chest contains five characters, and when a user opens the treasure chest, these five characters are granted to that user. In this example, there are two types of treasure chests: "Treasure Chest with Timer" and "Treasure Chest with Special Lock," and the treasure chest type in the content grant management table 152 is set to a value corresponding to one of these two types. Furthermore, as will be explained in more detail later, the remaining time to unlock in the content grant management table 152 is set when the treasure chest type is "Treasure Chest with Timer," but not when it is "Treasure Chest with Special Lock." Conversely, the key item usage status in the content grant management table 152 is set when the treasure chest type is "Treasure Chest with Special Lock," but not when it is "Treasure Chest with Timer."

[0048] As will be explained in more detail later, users can help unlock treasure chests owned by other users who are their friends, and the support user information in the content granting management table 152 will contain information about the other users who provided such support (including their user accounts).

[0049] As will be explained in more detail later, the user who opens the treasure chest can individually specify other users to whom they will share the acquired characters, and the content distribution management table 152 will be set with information about these other users (including their user accounts).

[0050] The above explains the information managed by each table in this example. Next, we will explain the processes executed by the service provider server 10 and the screens output on the user terminal 30 in this example. Figure 4 shows an example of a battle screen 60 output on the user terminal 30. This screen 60 is for battling an enemy character. In this example game, battles with enemy characters occur at various times, for example, in the middle of a quest.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the battle screen 60 has an information display area 62 for displaying information, a normal attack button 64, and a special attack button 66. The information display area 62 displays information about the enemy character who will be the opponent and the player's deck, and this information includes an image of the enemy character, the current value of their HP (remaining HP), and the current value of the HP (remaining HP) of each character included in the player's deck.

[0052] The normal attack button 64 is an object used to command a normal attack on an enemy character, and the special attack button 66 is an object used to command a special attack on an enemy character. Special attacks deal more damage to enemy characters compared to normal attacks, but they also consume more attack points.

[0053] In this example, when an enemy character is defeated (when the enemy character's HP is reduced to 0), the user is rewarded. This reward includes the aforementioned timer-controlled treasure chest and the special lock-protected treasure chest. When these treasure chests are awarded, a new record is created in the content allocation management table 152.

[0054] Here, we will explain the processing related to the timer-equipped treasure chest, which is one of the two types of treasure chests with timers and a special lock. Figure 5 shows an example of the timer-equipped treasure chest screen 70 output on the user terminal 30. This screen 70 is for the user to take action on the timer-equipped treasure chests they possess. As shown in the figure, this screen 70 has a list display area 72 that displays a list of the timer-equipped treasure chests the user possesses, a time-saving item button 74, and a support request button 76.

[0055] As shown in Figure 5, the list display area 72 has one or more individual display areas 721, each corresponding to an individual timer-equipped treasure chest, arranged vertically. Each area 721 displays the image of the corresponding treasure chest along with the remaining time until the corresponding treasure chest is unlocked. In this example, each timer-equipped treasure chest has a pre-set elapsed time required to be unlocked (e.g., 24 hours), and the individual display area 721 displays the remaining time of that elapsed time. The remaining time until each treasure chest is unlocked is managed in the content assignment management table 152.

[0056] The Time-Saving Item Button 74 is an object used to use a time-saving item that forcibly shortens the elapsed time until a timer-locked treasure chest is unlocked (reduces the remaining time). When the Time-Saving Item Button 74 is selected while any individual display area 721 is selected, a time-saving item is used for the corresponding treasure chest. When a time-saving item is used, a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 3 hours) is deducted from the remaining time until the corresponding treasure chest is unlocked, and the remaining time until the corresponding treasure chest is unlocked is updated in the Content Assignment Management Table 152. In addition, when a time-saving item is used, the number of time-saving items held by the corresponding user is updated in the User Information Table 151.

[0057] The "Request Support" button 76 is an object used to request help from friends to unlock a treasure chest with a timer. When the "Request Support" button 76 is selected while any of the individual display areas 721 is selected, a request for help to unlock the corresponding treasure chest is sent to the corresponding user's friends. Alternatively, the user can select the user to request support from among multiple users (managed in the user information table 151) who have a friend relationship with the corresponding user.

[0058] Figure 6 illustrates a notification screen 80 displayed on a user terminal 30 of a user who has received a request for assistance in unlocking a treasure chest with a timer. This notification screen 80 is a screen for displaying notifications related to the game in this example, and is displayed at times such as when logging into the game. The notification screen 80 in Figure 6 contains a notification object 82A that displays the text, "You have received a request for assistance in unlocking a treasure chest with a timer from user A." Through this object 82A, the user can learn of a request for assistance in unlocking a treasure chest with a timer from another user (user A in this example).

[0059] When a notification object 82A corresponding to a request for assistance in unlocking is selected, the first unlocking assistance screen 90, as illustrated in Figure 7, is displayed instead of the notification screen 80. As shown in the figure, the screen 90 has an information display area 92 for displaying information and a time-saving item button 94. The information display area 92 displays information about the timer-equipped treasure chest that is the subject of the unlocking assistance request, and this information includes the account name of the user who possesses the corresponding treasure chest, an image of the corresponding treasure chest, and the remaining time until unlocking.

[0060] When the time-saving item button 94 is selected, the time-saving item is used on the corresponding treasure chest. When the time-saving item is used, a predetermined amount of time is deducted from the remaining time until the corresponding treasure chest is unlocked. The remaining time until the corresponding treasure chest is unlocked is updated in the content assignment management table 152, and the number of time-saving items held by the corresponding user is updated in the user information table 151. In addition, the support user information for the corresponding treasure chest is updated in the content assignment management table 152 (the user account of the user who used the time-saving item is registered). Thus, in this example, a user can help other users unlock timer-controlled treasure chests by using a time-saving item.

[0061] A treasure chest can be opened by the user when the remaining time until unlocking reaches 0. Figure 8 illustrates a timer-enabled treasure chest screen 70 that includes a treasure chest that has been unlocked when the remaining time until unlocking reaches 0. As shown in the figure, of the two individual display areas 721 included in the list display area 72 of the screen 70, the treasure chest corresponding to the lower area 721 is unlocked, and in this case, an open button 722 is placed at the right end of the area 721. This button 722 is an object for opening the corresponding treasure chest.

[0062] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process that the server 10 executes in response to the selection of the "Open" button 722. When the button 722 is selected, the server 10 first determines the winning characters as shown in the figure (step S100). Specifically, five winning characters are selected by lottery from among several characters that are pre-set as targets for each type of treasure chest. The lottery is conducted according to the winning probability pre-set for each character. Note that there are multiple types of treasure chests with timers, and the types of characters targeted for lottery, and / or their winning probabilities, differ depending on the type of treasure chest.

[0063] Next, server 10 assigns the determined winning character to the corresponding user (the user who opened the treasure chest) (step S110). In accordance with the character assignment, the character ownership information of the corresponding user is updated in user information table 151.

[0064] Figure 10 illustrates a lottery result screen 200 that is overlaid on the timer-equipped treasure chest screen 70 in accordance with the awarded characters. As shown in the figure, the screen 200 has an information display area 202 for displaying information and a share button 204. The information display area 202 displays images of each of the five winning characters.

[0065] The Share Button 204 is an object that allows a user to specify another user and share one of the five characters that were won. When the button 204 is selected, a list of the user's friends is displayed, and the user can specify a user from among their friends to share with. When a user is specified to share with, the content allocation management table 152 is updated with the information of the user who was designated to share the treasure chest (the user account of the specified user is registered).

[0066] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 9, the server 10 then determines whether there are any supporting users or users designated to share (step S120). Supporting users are users who supported the unlocking of the corresponding treasure chest (i.e., users who used time-saving items), and are identified by referring to the supporting user information in the content assignment management table 152. Users designated to share are users who the user who opened the treasure chest designated to share via the lottery result screen 200 mentioned above, and are identified by referring to the users designated to share in the content assignment management table 152.

[0067] Then, if there are supporting users or users designated to receive the share (YES in step S120), the server 10 determines which characters to share with these target users (step S130). Specifically, one character is randomly selected from the five characters acquired by the user who opened the treasure chest to be the character to be shared. In this example, if there are multiple target users, the draw is performed individually for each user (the characters shared with multiple users may differ from each other). It is also possible to assign the same character to multiple target users as the character to be shared.

[0068] Next, server 10 grants (distributes) the determined characters to be shared to the corresponding users (supporting users and users designated for sharing) (step S140). In accordance with the granting of characters, the character ownership information of the corresponding users is updated in user information table 151.

[0069] Figure 11 illustrates a character sharing result screen 210 that is output on the user terminal 30 of a user who has received a character sharing. This screen 210 is output, for example, via a notification object (an object that notifies of the sharing) displayed in the notification screen 80 described above. As shown in the figure, the screen 210 has an information display area 212 that displays information and an additional lottery button 214. The information display area 212 displays information regarding the sharing result, and this information includes information about the one character that was shared and the remaining four characters other than that character (the remaining four characters out of the five characters given to the user who opened the treasure chest).

[0070] The additional draw button 214 is an object that allows a user who has received a character to participate in an additional draw to acquire one of the remaining four characters. When this button 214 is selected, one character determined by the draw from the remaining four characters is additionally granted to the corresponding user. In accordance with the granting of a character, the character ownership information of the corresponding user is updated in the user information table 151.

[0071] In this example, the additional draw is performed in exchange for the consumption of coins, which are a paid item. Specifically, in response to the execution of the additional draw, the number of coins held by the corresponding user is updated in the user information table 151 (deducted by a predetermined amount). In other examples of this embodiment, when performing the additional draw, one additional character to be given may be selected from among five characters, including the character that has already been shared. In this case, the character that has already been shared may be discarded (resulting in a re-determination (re-draw) of the character to be shared). Furthermore, the additional draw can be performed free of charge (without incurring any charges).

[0072] The above explains the processing related to treasure chests with timers. Next, we will explain the processing related to treasure chests with special locks. Figure 12 shows an example of the special lock treasure chest screen 220. This screen 220 is for the user to take action on the special lock treasure chests they possess. As shown in the figure, this screen 220 has a list display area 222 that displays a list of special lock treasure chests the user possesses, a key item button 224, and a support request button 226.

[0073] As shown in Figure 12, the list display area 222 has one or more individual display areas 2221, each corresponding to an individual special-locked treasure chest, arranged vertically. Each area 2221 displays the image of the corresponding treasure chest, along with the usage status of the key item needed to unlock the corresponding treasure chest. In this example, to unlock a special-locked treasure chest, all three types of pre-set key items (key A, key B, and key C) must be used, and the individual display area 2221 displays the usage status (whether or not they have been used) of these three types of key items. The usage status of the key items for each treasure chest is managed in the content assignment management table 152.

[0074] The key item button 224 is an object used to use the key items described above. When the key item button 224 is selected while any individual display area 2221 is selected, a screen is displayed for the user to select a key item from among the key items they possess (managed in the key item possession information of the user information table 151), and the key item selected via this screen is used for the corresponding treasure chest. When a key item is used, the usage status of the key item for the corresponding treasure chest is updated, specifically, the key item usage status for the corresponding treasure chest is updated in the content assignment management table 152. In addition, when a key item is used, the key item possession information of the corresponding user is updated in the user information table 151.

[0075] The "Request Support" button 226 is an object used to request help from a friend to unlock a specially locked treasure chest. When the "Request Support" button 226 is selected while any of the individual display areas 2221 is selected, a request for help to unlock the corresponding treasure chest is sent to the friend. Alternatively, the user can select the user to request help from among multiple users who are friends with the corresponding user.

[0076] Figure 13 illustrates a notification screen 80 displayed on a user terminal 30 of a user who has received a request for assistance in unlocking a specially locked treasure chest. As mentioned above, this notification screen 80 is a screen for displaying notifications related to the game in this example. The notification screen 80 in Figure 13 contains a notification object 82B that displays the text, "You have received a request for assistance in unlocking a specially locked treasure chest from user A." Through this object 82B, the user can learn of a request for assistance in unlocking a specially locked treasure chest from another user (user A in this example).

[0077] When a notification object 82B corresponding to a request for assistance in unlocking is selected, the second unlocking assistance screen 230, as illustrated in Figure 14, is displayed instead of the notification screen 80. As shown in the figure, the screen 230 has an information display area 232 for displaying information and a key item button 234. The information display area 232 displays information about the special locked treasure chest that is the subject of the unlocking assistance request, and this information includes the account name of the user who possesses the corresponding treasure chest, an image of the corresponding treasure chest, and the usage status of the key item.

[0078] When the key item button 234 is selected, a screen is displayed for the user to select a key item from their owned key items, and the key item selected via this screen is used for the corresponding treasure chest. When a key item is used, the usage status of the key item for the corresponding treasure chest is updated. Specifically, the usage status of the key item for the corresponding treasure chest is updated in the content assignment management table 152, and the key item ownership information of the corresponding user is updated in the user information table 151. In addition, the support user information for the corresponding treasure chest is updated in the content assignment management table 152 (the user account of the user who used the key item is registered). In this example, a user can help unlock a specially locked treasure chest owned by another user by using a key item.

[0079] A specially locked treasure chest, in which all three types of key items have been used, can be opened by the user. Figure 15 illustrates the specially locked treasure chest screen 220 when a treasure chest has been unlocked using all three types of key items. As shown in the figure, of the two individual display areas 2221 contained in the list display area 222 of the screen 220, the treasure chest corresponding to the upper area 2221 is unlocked, and an open button 2222 is placed at the right end of that area 2221. This button 2222 is an object for opening the corresponding treasure chest.

[0080] When the "Open" button 2222 on the special lock treasure chest screen 220 is selected, the server 10 executes the flowchart process illustrated in Figure 9, similar to when the "Open" button 722 on the timer treasure chest screen 70 is selected. Specifically, the server 10 determines and assigns the winning character (steps S100, S110), and if there are supporting users or users designated to share, it determines and assigns (shares) the characters to these users (steps S130, S140). Then, when the additional draw button 214 on the sharing results screen 210 is selected, one character selected by lottery from the remaining four characters is additionally assigned to the corresponding user.

[0081] In the example described above, a treasure chest is awarded as a reward for defeating an enemy character, but treasure chests may be awarded at other times as well, for example, through the execution of a gacha. Furthermore, the action of opening a treasure chest is merely an example, and in other examples of this embodiment, characters may be awarded to the user in response to various actions other than this one. For example, multiple characters may be awarded in response to the execution of a gacha (without going through a treasure chest), in which case, for example, another user who bears part of the cost of executing the gacha (e.g., paid or free items, etc.) is considered a supporting user, and some of the multiple characters acquired by the user who executed the gacha are shared with the supporting user.

[0082] In the example above, the character awarded to the user who opens the treasure chest is determined by lottery, but the character may be determined by various methods other than lottery. For example, a predetermined number of characters may be awarded, or the user who opens the treasure chest may be allowed to choose which character to acquire.

[0083] In the example above, we provided assistance in unlocking a treasure chest (by using time-saving items / key items) in response to a request from a user who possesses a treasure chest. However, it is also possible to allow users to help unlock treasure chests owned by other users even without such a request. For example, a list of unlocked timer-locked treasure chests or special-locked treasure chests owned by the user could be displayed on the user's profile screen (the user may also be able to specify which treasure chests they wish to help unlock individually), and other users could then provide assistance in unlocking them through this list.

[0084] In the example above, users who used time-saving items or key items were designated as supporters eligible for sharing. However, instead of this, or in addition to this, users who supported battles against enemy characters to obtain treasure chests (for example, users who attacked enemy characters) may also be designated as supporters eligible for sharing.

[0085] In the example above, one character to be shared was determined by lottery from among the five characters given to the user who opened the treasure chest. However, the character to be shared could be determined by various methods other than lottery. For example, the user who opened the treasure chest, or the user who receives the shared character, could be allowed to choose which character to share.

[0086] In the example described above, the characters shared by users who helped unlock the treasure chest may vary depending on the degree of their support. For example, the greater the degree of support (for example, the more time-saving items or key items used), the higher the value of the shared characters (for example, rarity, etc.) (for example, the higher the probability of winning such characters), or the greater the number of characters shared (for example, two or more).

[0087] In the example above, the characters were shared with both supporting users and users designated to receive the characters. However, the characters could also be shared only with supporting users, or only with users designated to receive the characters.

[0088] In the example described above, an online game was provided to the user operating the user terminal 30. However, in other examples of this embodiment, various services other than such games are provided, and various content used (or not used) in those services is provided and shared.

[0089] As described above, the service provider server 10 according to this embodiment provides a portion of the multiple contents (e.g., characters, etc.) assigned to the first user to a second user (e.g., a supporter user or a user designated to receive the contents) who satisfies the sharing conditions. This allows users to enjoy acquiring (receiving) a portion of the contents acquired by other users. In other words, the service provider server 10 enhances the user's enjoyment of acquiring content.

[0090] In another embodiment of the present invention, some or all of the functions of the service provision server 10 in the above-described embodiment may be realized through cooperation between the service provision server 10 and the user terminal 30, or may be realized by the user terminal 30.

[0091] The processes and procedures described herein can be implemented by software, hardware, or any combination thereof, in addition to those explicitly described herein. For example, the processes and procedures described herein can be implemented by implementing the logic corresponding to those processes and procedures on a medium such as an integrated circuit, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or magnetic disk. Furthermore, the processes and procedures described herein can be implemented as computer programs corresponding to those processes and procedures and executed by various types of computers.

[0092] Even if a process or procedure described herein is described as being performed by a single device, software, component, or module, such process or procedure may be performed by multiple devices, multiple software programs, multiple components, and / or multiple modules. Furthermore, the software and hardware elements described herein can also be realized by integrating them into fewer components or by decomposing them into more components.

[0093] In this specification, where a component of the invention is described as either one or more, or without limitation to either one or more, such component may be either one or more, unless the context should be otherwise interpreted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 10 Service Provider Servers 11 Computer Processors 111 Management Function Control Unit 112 Service Provision Control Unit 113 Content Assignment Management Department 15 Storage 151 User Information Table 152 Content Assignment Management Table 30 User terminals 40 Server-side programs 42 Terminal-side programs 60 Battle screen 70 Treasure Chest Screen with Timer 80 Notification screen 90 First unlock support screen 200 Lottery results screen 210 Sharing results screen 220 Special Locked Treasure Chest Screen 230 Second Lock Unlock Support Screen

Claims

1. A system comprising one or more computer processors for managing the assignment of content, wherein the one or more computer processors, in response to the execution of a readable instruction, The first step is to provide multiple pieces of content to the first user who satisfies the first condition, The steps include providing a portion of the aforementioned multiple content to a second user who satisfies the second condition, In response to a request from the second user, the system performs the step of providing the second user with some of the other content of the multiple content, which is different from the aforementioned content. The second condition includes conditions that are satisfied depending on whether they are specified by the first user after the first condition is satisfied. system.

2. The step of providing the aforementioned portion of content includes providing the aforementioned portion of content, which has been determined by lottery from among the multiple contents, to the second user. The system according to claim 1.

3. The request from the second user will be subject to charges to the second user. The system according to claim 1.

4. The step of providing some of the aforementioned content includes presenting the plurality of the aforementioned content to the second user. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The second condition includes a condition that is satisfied in response to the first user performing a predetermined action that helps satisfy the first condition, The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first condition includes a condition that is satisfied as a predetermined amount of time elapses. The predetermined action includes an action to shorten the predetermined time. The system according to claim 5.

7. The first condition includes conditions that are satisfied depending on the use of the specified item, The predetermined action includes using the predetermined item for the first user, The system according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The first condition mentioned above includes a condition that is satisfied in accordance with defeating an enemy character, The predetermined action includes an attack on the enemy character. The system according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. The step of providing the aforementioned portion of the content includes providing the aforementioned portion of the content to the second user in such a way that the greater the degree to which the second user assisted the first user in satisfying the first condition, the more advantageous it is for the second user. The system according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

10. The step of providing some of the aforementioned content includes providing some of the aforementioned content to a third user who satisfies the second condition, in addition to the second user. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The step of providing the aforementioned multiple contents includes providing the aforementioned multiple contents, which were determined by lottery, to the first user. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A method for managing the distribution of content, which is performed by one or more computers. The first step is to provide multiple pieces of content to the first user who satisfies the first condition, The steps include providing a portion of the aforementioned multiple content to a second user who satisfies the second condition, The process includes the step of providing the second user with some of the other content of the plurality of content that is different from the aforementioned content, in response to a request from the second user, The second condition includes conditions that are satisfied depending on whether they are specified by the first user after the first condition is satisfied. method.

13. A program for managing the distribution of content, which is installed on one or more computers. The first step is to provide multiple pieces of content to the first user who satisfies the first condition, The steps include providing a portion of the aforementioned multiple content to a second user who satisfies the second condition, In response to a request from the second user, the system performs the step of providing the second user with some of the other content of the multiple content, which is different from the aforementioned content. The second condition includes conditions that are satisfied depending on whether they are specified by the first user after the first condition is satisfied. program.

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