Commodity provision device, program, and commodity provision system

Abstract

[Problem] To notify a user regarding an inventory status or the like of a commodity at an appropriate timing. [Solution] This commodity provision device comprises: a first-type-option presentation means for presenting a plurality of first-type options associated with a commodity group composed of a plurality of commodities to a terminal in a manner that enables by a user; and an inventory management means for managing the inventory status of commodities in the commodity group associated with each of the plurality of first-type options. The first-type-option presentation means confirms the inventory status of the commodities in the commodity group associated with the first-type options for each occurrence of an event relating to the first-type options, and presents the inventory status of the commodities.

Description

Product provision device, program, and product provision system

[0001] The present invention relates to a product provision device, a program, and a product provision system.

[0002] Conventionally, there have been online lottery-style product provision systems (for example, see Patent Document 1). In such online lottery-style systems, unlike options such as tangible lottery boxes or lottery tickets, users cannot monopolize the options.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-070937

[0004] Therefore, it has been an issue to notify users of the inventory status of products at the right time.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention provides a product provision device, a program, and a product provision system that can notify a user of product inventory status and the like at an appropriate time.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a product provision device capable of communicating with a user's terminal, comprising: a first-type option presentation means for presenting to the terminal a plurality of first-type options associated with a product group consisting of a plurality of products so that the user can select from them; and an inventory management means for managing the inventory status of products in the product group associated with each of the plurality of first-type options, wherein the first-type option presentation means checks the inventory status of products in the product group associated with the first-type option each time an event related to the first-type option occurs, and presents the inventory status of the products.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a first-type option presentation means that presents on a terminal a plurality of first-type options associated with a product group consisting of a plurality of products so that the user can select from them, and an inventory management means that manages the inventory status of products in the product group associated with each of the plurality of first-type options, wherein the first-type option presentation means checks the inventory status of products in the product group associated with the first-type option each time an event related to the first-type option occurs, and presents the inventory status of the products.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a product provision system comprising: a first-type option presentation means for presenting on a terminal a plurality of first-type options associated with a product group consisting of a plurality of products so that the user can select from them; and an inventory management means for managing the inventory status of products in the product group associated with each of the plurality of first-type options, wherein the first-type option presentation means checks the inventory status of products in the product group associated with the first-type option each time an event related to the first-type option occurs, and presents the inventory status of the products.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to notify the user of the inventory status of a product at an appropriate time.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a product provision method applied to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a product provision system according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the device configuration of a tablet computer, which is an example of the terminal 2. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the product provision device 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the inventory database D1. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 2. The following description will be made using the sequence diagram of FIG. 7 between the product provision device 1 and the terminal 2. FIG. 8 is an operational flowchart of a first-type option presentation process of the product provision device 1. FIG. 9 is an example of a purchasable title list screen presented on the terminal 2. FIG. 10 is an example of a lottery box list screen presented on the terminal 2. FIG. 11 is an example of product information for lottery box 1 presented on the terminal 2 when a user selects lottery box 1. FIG. 12 is an operational flowchart of a standby process (Step 118). FIG. 13 is an example of product information for lottery box 1 presented to a user who selects standby. FIG. 14 is an operational flowchart of a second-type option presentation process of the product provision device 1. FIG. 15 is an example of a lottery ticket purchase screen displayed on the terminal 2. Fig. 16 is an example of a lottery ticket list screen for a selected lottery box displayed on terminal 2. Fig. 17 is an example of a payment processing completion screen. Fig. 18 is an example of a lottery ticket opening screen displayed on terminal 2. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an inventory database D1 in a modified embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 is an example of a bonus product offering screen displayed on terminal 2 by product offering unit 115.

[0011] <Embodiments of the Present Invention> A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0012] First, to facilitate understanding of the configuration of this embodiment, a product provision method applied to this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining the product provision method applied to this embodiment.

[0013] The method of providing merchandise applied in this embodiment provides merchandise by lottery from among multiple types of merchandise belonging to a title selected by the user. The title may be the title of a certain character or event, etc. The merchandise provided may be electronic data such as images and music, or real goods such as toys, stationery, models, clothing, and household goods. The real goods may also be a combination of different types of goods such as toys, stationery, models, clothing, and household goods. The following explanation will be given using the case where real goods are provided by delivery.

[0014] Furthermore, the provided products may be of different types as long as they are of the same title (series). For example, the provided products may be in different forms, such as electronic data and physical goods, as long as they are works with the same worldview in anime, movies, manga, games, etc., or as long as they are grouped in advance as a series based on commonalities between the products. In the following explanation, the provided products will be described as physical goods of multiple types.

[0015] One title is associated with a plurality of first-type options, and each of the plurality of first-type options is associated with a plurality of second-type options. Each of the first-type options is associated with a product group including N products of P types associated with the title. Each of the plurality of second-type options associated with each first-type option is associated with one of the products in the product group associated with the first-type option.

[0016] To explain this in more detail using FIG. 1 , the first type of options are lottery boxes, and the second type of options are lottery tickets contained in the lottery boxes. There is one title, the "XXX Series," and each of the multiple lottery boxes 1 through M associated with this title, the "XXX Series," is associated with one product group. Each product group contains P types of products, and each product group is composed of a total of N products of P types, with the types and numbers of products being the same for each product group. The proportion of products belonging to one product group is determined by the prize set for each product type. That is, the higher the prize ranking, the fewer the number of products, and the lower the prize ranking, the more the number of products. For example, if "Product X-1" of the "XXX Series" product group is set as the first prize, "Product X-2" as the second prize, ..., and "Product XP" as the P prize, the probability of winning increases in the order of "Product X-1," "Product X-2," ..., "Product XP." That is, "Product X-1" has the lowest probability of winning and the smallest number of items, while "Product XP" has the highest probability of winning and the largest number of items.

[0017] Here, a case where M=10, N=100, and P=5 in FIG. 1 will be described.

[0018] The title "XXX Series" is associated with ten lottery boxes 1 to 10, and each of lottery boxes 1 to 10 is associated with 100 lottery tickets 1 to 100. There are five types of products in one product group associated with each lottery box 1 to 10: "Product X-1" to "Product X-5," with the first prize being "Product X-1," the second prize being "Product X-2," the third prize being "Product X-3," the fourth prize being "Product X-4," and the fifth prize being "Product X-5." The breakdown of the numbers is 2 "Product X-1," 8 "Product X-2," 20 "Product X-3," 30 "Product X-4," and 40 "Product X-5," for a total of 100 products. In other words, each of the four types of 100 product groups is associated with a respective lottery box 1 to 10.

[0019] Furthermore, each of the lottery tickets 1 to 100 in each of the lottery boxes 1 to 10 is associated with one of the 100 products in the product group associated with the lottery box. The lottery tickets 1 to 100 are associated one-to-one with the products to prevent overlapping. At this time, it is preferable that the association between the lottery tickets 1 to 100 and the products in each of the lottery boxes 1 to 10 is not the same, but is different for each lottery box. This is to prevent the user from discovering the correspondence between the lottery tickets and the products as they repeatedly select lottery tickets.

[0020] Next, the provision of merchandise to a user will be described. The user selects a title they wish to purchase, and then selects one lottery box from the multiple lottery boxes 1 to 10 associated with that title. Here, it is assumed that the user selects lottery box 5. The user selects the desired number of lottery tickets from lottery tickets 5-1 to 5-100 associated with lottery box 5. The merchandise associated with the lottery tickets selected by the user is then provided. The lottery ticket selected by the user and provided with a merchandise is made unavailable to be selected by other users. The stock of the merchandise associated with the selected lottery tickets then becomes zero.

[0021] In this way, the provision of products associated with the title is realized by a lottery system in which the user can select the product himself.

[0022] The issue here is the inventory status of the products in the product group associated with the lottery box. To increase the chances of obtaining the desired product, users will try to select a lottery box that has a large stock of the desired product. Therefore, it is necessary to notify the user of the inventory status of the products in each lottery box at the right time. Here, inventory status refers to the number of lottery tickets remaining in the lottery box (number of remaining products) and the inventory status of each type of product. Below, we will explain the product provision device system in this embodiment, which solves this issue.

[0023] [Overall Configuration] The product provision device system according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the product provision system according to this embodiment. In Fig. 2, 1 is a product provision device, and 2 is a user terminal.

[0024] The product providing device 1 and the user terminal 2 can be connected to a communication line N and can communicate with each other. The communication line N refers to a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, the communication line N includes a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a telephone communication network, a cable network, the Internet, and other communication networks, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

[0025] The product provision device 1 is a server system including one or more server devices, storage devices, etc. The product provision device 1 performs various services to provide products to users, obtains product inventory status, and performs procedures for providing products to users. In this embodiment, the product is a product that is provided to a user in exchange for the user paying a monetary price. The product is expressed in the form of a tangible product, etc. For example, it may be a sculpted object such as a figurine that has the appearance of a certain character, clothing, a plastic model, an accessory, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0026] The terminal 2 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, etc. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a tablet computer, which is an example of the terminal 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the terminal 2 includes a display 21, a touch operation panel 22 integral with the display 21, and a built-in speaker 23. The terminal 2 also includes a control board, a built-in battery, a power button, a volume adjustment button, etc., which are not shown.

[0027] The control board is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU, GPU, and DSP, various IC memories such as an ASIC, VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a wireless communication module for wireless communication with a base station. The control board also is equipped with so-called I / F circuits (interface circuits), such as a driver circuit for the touch operation panel 22. These elements equipped on the control board are electrically connected to each other via bus circuits or the like, and are connected to enable reading and writing of data and sending and receiving of signals.

[0028] [Functional Configuration] The configuration of each device will be described.

[0029] First, a description will be given of the configuration of the product provision device 1. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the product provision device 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the product provision device 1 includes a processing unit 10, a communication unit 11, and a storage unit 12.

[0030] The processing unit 10 comprehensively controls the operation of the product provision device 1 based on the programs and data stored in the memory unit 12. The functions of the processing unit 10 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or an IC memory. The processing unit 10 includes, as main functional units, a user information management unit 111, a first type option presentation unit 112, a second type option presentation unit 113, a payment processing unit 114, a product provision unit 115, and an inventory management unit 116.

[0031] The user information management unit 111 uses a user information database to manage user information, such as the user's identification information (user ID) and password for the purchasing service, personal information such as the user's name and address, and product purchase history information for the user.

[0032] The first-type option presentation unit 112 references the inventory database D1 and presents a purchasable title list screen and a lottery box list screen on the terminal 2. In this embodiment, one title is associated with a plurality of first-type options, and each of the plurality of first-type options is associated with a plurality of second-type options. Each of the first-type options is associated with a product group including N products of P types associated with the title. Each of the plurality of second-type options associated with each first-type option is associated with one of the products in the product group associated with the first-type option. In this embodiment, the first-type options are lottery boxes, and the second-type options are lottery tickets.

[0033] The first type option presentation unit 112 refers to the inventory database D1, checks the remaining number of lottery tickets associated with the lottery box, and the current inventory status of the products associated with the lottery box and the lottery tickets, and presents a lottery box list screen including the current inventory status on the terminal 2.

[0034] Here, the inventory database D1 will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the inventory database D1. An inventory database D1 is prepared for each title, and the inventory database D1 in Fig. 5 is an example of the inventory database D1 for the title XXX series. The inventory database D1 includes a lottery box database D2 and a lottery ticket database D3.

[0035] The lottery box database D2 provides one record for each lottery box, and each record includes the lottery box ID (identification information) of the lottery box, the product type ID (identification information) of the product type included in the lottery box, the number of lottery tickets remaining in the lottery box, lottery box selection state information, and a user waiting for selection. The lottery box selection state information describes one of a selectable state, a selected state, and an unselectable state. The selectable state is a state in which a user can select a presented lottery box. The selected state is a state in which another user has selected a lottery box, and when that user's selection (holding) is released, the lottery box can be selected. The unselectable state is a state in which the number of lottery tickets associated with the lottery box is zero (all selected (opened)), and a lottery ticket in the lottery box cannot be selected. A user waiting for selection is a user waiting for the currently selected lottery box to be released, as described below.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5 , one lottery ticket database D3 is associated with one lottery box. One lottery ticket database D3 has one record for each lottery ticket, and each record includes the lottery ticket ID (identification information) of the lottery ticket, the product ID (identification information) of the product associated with the lottery ticket ID, and opening information for the lottery ticket. The opening information for the lottery ticket includes an opened state in which the ticket has been opened by the user and the product associated with the ticket has been provided, and an unopened state in which the ticket has not been opened by the user and the product associated with the ticket has not yet been provided. In the opened state, a "1" is assigned, and in the unopened state, a "0" is assigned. In other words, in the opened state, the product associated with the lottery ticket is out of stock, and in the unopened state, the product associated with the lottery ticket is in stock.

[0037] The first type option presentation unit 112 receives the user's selection of a title, refers to the lottery box database D2 associated with that title, obtains lottery box information including the lottery box ID and the number of lottery tickets remaining in that lottery box (lottery ticket inventory information), generates a lottery box list screen including an image of each lottery box and the number of lottery tickets remaining in each lottery box, and presents the lottery box list screen to the terminal 2.

[0038] Each time a user selects one of the lottery boxes on the lottery box list screen, the first type option presentation unit 112 refers to the lottery ticket database D3, obtains the current inventory status of the products in the selected lottery box, and presents product information for the selected lottery box. The product information includes the type of product in the lottery box and the number of remaining lottery tickets for each product type. As described above, in this embodiment, lottery tickets and products are associated one-to-one, so the number of remaining lottery tickets for each product type is the same as the number of remaining products (in stock) for each product type.

[0039] Furthermore, the first-type option presentation unit 112 updates the selection status of the lottery box database D2 to "selected" each time a user selects one of the lottery boxes on the lottery box list screen. The reason for this is that if a lottery box were selectable by multiple users, the lottery tickets for that lottery box would also be selectable by multiple users, making it impossible to accurately manage the inventory of products associated with the lottery tickets. On the other hand, if a user is allowed to select a lottery box for a long period of time, other users would not be able to select that lottery box. Therefore, the first-type option presentation unit 112 measures the time T1 from the user's selection of a lottery box to the decision to purchase a lottery ticket for that lottery box, and if the time T1 exceeds a predetermined TX, the first-type option presentation unit 112 forcibly deselects the lottery box, transitions it to a selectable state, and updates the selection status of that lottery box in the lottery box database D2 to "selectable."

[0040] Furthermore, when a lottery box whose selection status is "selected" is deselected, the first-type option presentation unit 112 can control the user to a standby state so that the user can select the lottery box preferentially. In this case, the first-type option presentation unit 112 enters the user ID of the user in the selection standby user for that lottery box in the lottery box database D2. Then, when the selection status of the lottery box becomes "selectable," the first-type option presentation unit 112 refers to the lottery ticket database D3, obtains the current inventory status of the product in the "selectable" lottery box, and presents the current product information for the lottery box to the user's terminal 2. Note that when there are multiple waiting users, the current product information may be presented only to the first user, or the current product information may be presented to all waiting users.

[0041] In this way, the first type option presentation unit 112 checks the inventory database D1 (lottery box database D2 or lottery ticket database D3) each time an event related to the first type of option (lottery box) occurs, and presents the latest inventory status of the product of the first type of option (lottery box) to the user. As described above, the event related to the first type of option (lottery box) includes at least presenting a lottery box list screen, presenting product information when a lottery box is selected, and presenting product information of the lottery box to a waiting user of a lottery box that has become selectable from the selected state.

[0042] In this embodiment, the selection of the lottery box (first type of option) is made by the user, but the system may be configured so that the user can choose between manual selection and automatic selection, and if automatic selection is selected, the first type of option presentation unit 112 may automatically select a selectable lottery box (first type of option) by lottery. In this case, the product information of the automatically selected lottery box is set to the latest product information, as in the case of the manual selection described above.

[0043] The second-type option presentation unit 113 controls the presentation of multiple second-type options to the terminal 2. In the present embodiment, the second-type options are lottery tickets. The second-type option presentation unit 113 first presents a lottery ticket purchase screen for reserving the number of tickets to purchase, allows the user to decide the number of lottery tickets to purchase, and then presents a lottery ticket list screen including multiple lottery tickets to the terminal 2. When presenting the lottery ticket purchase screen, the second-type option presentation unit 113 counts the number of lottery tickets whose opening information is "0" in the lottery ticket database D3, and includes the remaining number of selectable lottery tickets on the lottery ticket purchase screen.

[0044] Furthermore, when generating a lottery ticket list screen after determining the number of lottery tickets to purchase, the second-type option presentation unit 113 refers to the lottery ticket database D3 and acquires information on the latest lottery tickets in the selected lottery box. The acquired lottery ticket information includes the lottery ticket ID and opening information of the lottery ticket. Based on the lottery ticket information, the second-type option presentation unit 113 generates a lottery ticket list screen in which opened and unopened tickets can be distinguished, and opens lottery tickets cannot be selected by the user.

[0045] Similarly to the lottery box, if a user is allowed to select a lottery ticket for a long period of time, other users will be unable to select that lottery box. Therefore, the second-type option presentation unit 113 measures the time T2 from the presentation of the lottery ticket purchase screen to the completion of payment for the purchase of that lottery ticket, and when the time T2 exceeds a predetermined TY, it forcibly cancels the selection of the lottery ticket and the selection of that lottery box. The second-type option presentation unit 113 then updates the selection status of that lottery box in the lottery box database D2 to make it selectable.

[0046] Regarding the relationship between the time TX and the time TY, it is preferable that the time TY is longer than the time TX, considering that it takes longer to select a lottery ticket.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the selection of the lottery ticket (second type of option) is made by the user, but the configuration may be such that the user can choose between manual selection and automatic selection, and if automatic selection is selected, the second type of option presentation unit 113 can automatically select a lottery ticket from unopened lottery tickets (second type of option) by lottery.

[0048] The payment processing unit 114 performs payment processing for the reserved lottery ticket. The payment processing is performed after the user confirms the selection of the lottery ticket on the lottery ticket list screen.

[0049] Here, when the payment processing unit 114 completes the payment process, the second type option presentation unit 113 updates the selection state of that lottery box in the lottery box database D1 from selected to selectable. In this way, by performing payment after the type of product associated with the selected lottery ticket is determined and the type of product to be provided to the user is determined, the lottery box can be transitioned from the selected state to the selectable state without waiting for the time required for the subsequent provision of the product, such as the performance of opening the lottery ticket.

[0050] The product provision unit 115 presents a lottery ticket opening screen. Depending on the user's selection of the lottery ticket to open, product information such as a product image of the product associated with the opened lottery ticket is presented. The product provision unit 115 also performs shipping procedures for the product provided to the user. The delivery address is selected from addresses registered in the user information database.

[0051] After the payment processing by the payment processing unit 114 is completed, the inventory management unit 116 receives the lottery ticket ID of the selected lottery ticket from the second type option presentation unit 113 and updates the opening information of the received lottery ticket ID in the lottery ticket database D3 from "0" to "1". Furthermore, the inventory management unit 116 counts the number of lottery tickets whose opening information is "0" in the lottery ticket database D3 and updates the number of remaining lottery tickets in the lottery box database D2 for that lottery box. As a result, the inventory database D1 reflects the latest product status.

[0052] The communication unit 11 connects to a communication line N to realize communication.

[0053] The storage unit 12 stores a system program and a function program. The system program is a program for realizing the basic functions of the product provision device 1 as a computer. The function program is a program for causing the processing unit 10 to function as main functional units, including a user information management unit 111, a first type option presentation unit 112, a second type option presentation unit 113, a payment processing unit 114, a product provision unit 115, and an inventory management unit 116. The storage unit 12 also stores an inventory database D1 (a lottery box database D2 and a lottery ticket database D3) for each title.

[0054] Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the terminal 2. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 2.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6, the terminal 2 includes an operation input unit 30, a processing unit 31, an image display unit 32, a sound output unit 33, a communication unit 34, and a storage unit 35.

[0056] The operation input unit 30 is used to input various operations by the user and outputs an operation input signal corresponding to the operation input to the processing unit 31. The functions of the operation input unit 30 can be realized by, for example, elements that are directly operated by the user's fingers, such as a touch operation pad, a home button, a button switch, a joystick, or a trackball, as well as elements that detect movement or posture, such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a tilt sensor, or a geomagnetic sensor. In Figure 2, this corresponds to the touch operation panel 22.

[0057] The processing unit 31 comprehensively controls the operation of the terminal 2 based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 35, operation input signals from the operation input unit 30, etc. The functions of the processing unit 31 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, an IC memory, etc. The processing unit 31 includes a calculation unit 40, an image generation unit 41, a sound generation unit 42, and a communication control unit 43 as its main functional units.

[0058] The calculation unit 40 executes various processes for purchasing a product and outputs the results to the image generation unit 41, the sound generation unit 42, and the communication control unit 43. The calculation unit 40 includes a display control unit 50 and a product purchase processing unit 51.

[0059] The display control unit 50 uses information provided by the product provision management device 1 and user operation information to display and present a product purchase screen for a product.

[0060] The product purchase processing unit 51 performs a product purchase procedure. Specifically, the product purchase processing unit 51 performs a product purchase process with the product provision device 1.

[0061] The image generation unit 41 generates one image per frame time (for example, 1 / 60 seconds) based on the processing results of the calculation unit 40, and outputs the generated image signal to the image display unit 32. The functions of the image generation unit 41 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a program such as a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, an IC memory used for expanding texture data, etc.

[0062] The sound generation unit 42 generates sound signals such as sound effects and various operation sounds based on the processing results of the calculation unit 40, and outputs the signals to the sound output unit 33. The function of the sound generation unit 42 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a voice synthesis IC, or an audio codec capable of reproducing audio files.

[0063] The communication control unit 43 performs communication connection and data processing for data communication with the product provision management device 1 .

[0064] The image display unit 32 displays a screen based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 41. The function of the image display unit 32 can be realized by a display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In FIG. 2 , the image display unit 32 corresponds to the display 21.

[0065] The sound output unit 33 outputs sound effects and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 42. In FIG.

[0066] The communication unit 34 realizes communication by connecting to the communication line N. The function of the communication unit 34 can be realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc.

[0067] The storage unit 35 stores in advance or temporarily stores each time processing is performed programs for operating the terminal 2 and implementing various functions of the terminal 2, as well as data used during execution of these programs. The storage unit 35 can be realized, for example, by RAM, ROM, IC memory such as flash memory, magnetic disks such as hard disks, or optical disks such as CD-ROMs and DVDs. Specifically, the storage unit 35 stores a system program and a control program that controls the terminal 2 to process the purchase of an item (product) 3. The system program is a program for implementing the basic functions of the terminal 2 as a computer. The control program is a program for causing the calculation unit 40 to function as the display control unit 50 and the product purchase processing unit 51.

[0068] [Explanation of Operation] The operation of the product provision system in this embodiment will be described, focusing on the operation of the product provision device 1. First, an event for checking the inventory status of lottery boxes will be described using the sequence diagram between the product provision device 1 and the terminal 2 in FIG.

[0069] The product providing device 1 checks the product inventory status at least at the following times.

[0070] 1. In response to a request for a lottery box list screen (selection of a title) from the terminal 2 (Step 1), the product provision device 1 checks the product inventory status (Step 20) and presents a lottery box list screen including the remaining number of lottery tickets in each lottery box (Step 2).

[0071] 2. In response to a request to select a lottery box from the terminal 2 (Step 3), the product providing device 1 checks the product inventory status (Step 20) and presents product information (stock quantity for each product type) of the selected lottery box (Step 4).

[0072] 3. In response to a lottery box selection standby request from the terminal 2 (Step 5), the product providing device 1 checks the product inventory status (Step 20) and presents product information (stock quantity for each product type) of the selected lottery box (Step 6).

[0073] 4. When the standby state is released in the determination of whether to release the selection of the lottery box (Step 21), the product provision device 1 checks the inventory status of the product (Step 20) and presents product information (the number of products in stock for each product type) of the lottery box that has been released from standby (Step 7).

[0074] 5. In response to a request for a lottery ticket purchase screen from the terminal 2 (Step 8), the product providing device 1 checks the product inventory status (Step 20) and presents a lottery ticket purchase screen including the number of lottery tickets remaining in the lottery box (Step 9).

[0075] 6. In response to a request for a lottery ticket list screen from the terminal 2 (Step 10), the product provision device 1 checks the product inventory status (Step 20) and presents a lottery ticket list screen including the opening status of each lottery ticket (Step 11).

[0076] The occurrence of the above events is caused by a user action (operation) except for deselecting a waiting lottery box (Step 21). In this way, the product inventory status is checked (Step 20) each time an event occurs, particularly for each user action (operation), and the inventory status is presented, thereby accurately conveying information to the user about the number of lottery tickets remaining in the lottery box or the number of products in stock.

[0077] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the product provision device 1. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first type option presentation process of the product provision device 1.

[0078] First, the user accesses the product providing device 1 using the terminal 2 and requests a product purchase screen.

[0079] Upon receiving the request for the product purchase screen, the first type option presentation unit 112 of the product providing device 1 presents a purchasable title list screen to the terminal 2 (Step 100). FIG. 9 is an example of the purchasable title list screen presented to the terminal 2. For each title, the purchasable title list screen also displays a description of the type of product belonging to the product group associated with that title. The user selects the title they wish to purchase. In this example, it is assumed that the user selected the title "XXX Series."

[0080] The first-type option presentation unit 112 determines whether a title to purchase is selected (Step 101). When a title to purchase is selected (Step 102), the first-type option presentation unit 112 reads lottery box information from the lottery box database D1 of the inventory data D1 for the selected title (Step 103). In other words, the first-type option presentation unit 112 checks the inventory status of the product. The lottery box information includes a lottery box ID, the number of remaining lottery tickets, and lottery box selection status information.

[0081] The first-type option presentation unit 112 uses the read lottery box information to present a lottery box list screen to the terminal 2 (Step 104). The first-type option presentation unit 112 also presents the status of each lottery box (selectable, non-selectable, selected) and the number of remaining lottery tickets for that lottery box. FIG. 10 is an example of a lottery box list screen presented to the terminal 2. In the example of FIG. 10, lottery boxes 1 to 4 are displayed out of lottery boxes 1 to 10 for the title "XXX Series." To view lottery boxes 5 and beyond, users can select the next page. While the lottery box information for all lottery boxes associated with a title may be acquired at once, it is preferable to acquire the lottery box information for the lottery box on each page transition. This is because the product inventory status may change before transitioning to a different page.

[0082] For each of lottery boxes 1 to 4, the state of the lottery box (selectable state, non-selectable state, selected state) and the number of lottery tickets remaining in that lottery box are displayed. For example, lottery box 1 is in the selectable state, and 55 lottery tickets remain. Lottery box 2 is in the non-selectable state, and 0 lottery tickets remain. Lottery box 3 is in the selected state, and 5 lottery tickets remain. Lottery box 4 is in the selectable state, and 15 lottery tickets remain. Furthermore, when lottery box 3 is in the selected state and lottery box 3 is selected, the user can wait for the selection of that lottery box by selecting the selection standby button 90.

[0083] The user selects a desired lottery box from the lottery boxes displayed on the terminal 2. The first-type option presentation unit 112 determines whether a lottery box has been selected (Step 105). If the selected lottery box is in an unselectable state or a selected state (Step 106), the first-type option presentation unit 112 determines whether the lottery box is in a standby selection state (Step 117). If the lottery box is in a standby selection state, the first-type option presentation unit 112 performs standby processing (Step 118). The standby processing (Step 118) will be described later. If the lottery box is not in a standby selection state, the first-type option presentation unit 112 returns to Step 104 and waits for a new lottery box to be selected. On the other hand, if the selected lottery box is in a selectable state (Step 106), the first-type option presentation unit 112 updates the selection state information of the lottery box ID of that lottery box in the lottery box database D2 to a selected state (Step 107).

[0084] The first type option presentation unit 112 references the lottery ticket database D3 associated with the selected lottery box and acquires product information (Step 108). That is, the first type option presentation unit 112 checks the product inventory status. The acquired product information includes the product type and the number of remaining lottery tickets for each product type. The first type option presentation unit 112 can obtain the current number of remaining lottery tickets for each product type by counting the lottery tickets with an opened status of "0" for each product ID.

[0085] The first-type option presentation unit 112 presents product information for the selected lottery box to the terminal 2 (Step 109). Fig. 11 shows an example of product information for lottery box 1 presented to the terminal 2 when the user selects lottery box 1. In the example of Fig. 11, it is displayed that lottery box 1 contains two lottery tickets for the first prize "Turning Panda Doll," eight lottery tickets for the second prize "Robocon X Figure," 15 lottery tickets for the third prize "Warrior X Figure," and 30 lottery tickets for the fourth prize "X Ghost Sticker." The product information also displays a lottery ticket purchase decision button for purchasing a lottery ticket for the lottery box with the displayed product information.

[0086] When the first type option presentation unit 112 presents the product information of the lottery box to the terminal 2, it starts measuring time T1 (Step 110). Here, time T1 is the time from the presentation of the product information of the lottery box to the determination of the number of lottery tickets to be reserved for purchase for that lottery box.

[0087] The first-type option presentation unit 112 determines whether the time T1 exceeds a predetermined time TX (Step 111). If the time T1 exceeds the time TX, the first-type option presentation unit 112 updates the selected lottery box (lottery box displaying product information) from a selected state to a selectable state (Step 112), reads out lottery box information from the lottery box database D1 (Step 103), and returns the screen of the terminal 2 to the lottery box list screen (Step 104).

[0088] If the time T1 does not exceed the time TX, the first-type option presentation unit 112 determines whether to purchase the lottery ticket for the selected lottery box (Step 113). If it is determined that the lottery ticket for the selected lottery box is to be purchased (Step 114), the first-type option presentation unit 112 notifies the second-type option presentation unit 113 of this (Step 115) and ends measurement of the time T1 (Step 116).

[0089] Next, the standby process (Step 118) will be described with reference to Fig. 12, which is a flowchart showing the standby process (Step 118).

[0090] The first type option presentation unit 112 adds the user ID of the user who selected "wait" to the list of users waiting to select the lottery box in the lottery box database D2 (Step 200). Fig. 13 shows an example of product information for lottery box 1 presented to a user who selected "wait." As shown in Fig. 13, it is displayed that the user is currently waiting to select a lottery box.

[0091] The first-type option presentation unit 112 determines the selection state of the lottery box (Step 201). If the lottery box is in a selected state (being selected) (Step 202), the first-type option presentation unit 112 continues to determine the selection state of the lottery box (Step 201).

[0092] On the other hand, if the selection status of the lottery box is updated to selectable (Step 202), the first-type option presentation unit 112 proceeds to Step 108 and continues processing for the user with the first-ranked user ID among the user IDs registered as selection-waiting users for the lottery box in the lottery box database D2 (Step 203).Then, the first-type option presentation unit 112 deletes the first-ranked user ID from the selection-waiting users for the lottery box in the lottery box database D2, and updates the lottery box database D2 (Step 204).

[0093] Next, the first-type option presentation unit 112 determines the selection-waiting users of the lottery box in the lottery box database D2 (Step 205). If the user ID exists among the selection-waiting users of the lottery box in the lottery box database D2, the first-type option presentation unit 112 returns to Step 201 and continues the processing. On the other hand, if the user ID does not exist among the selection-waiting users of the lottery box in the lottery box database D2, the first-type option presentation unit 112 ends the waiting process.

[0094] Next, the second-type option presentation process will be described with reference to FIG.

[0095] First, the second-type option presentation unit 113 reads out the lottery ticket information for the selected lottery box from the lottery ticket database D3 (Step 300). In other words, the second-type option presentation unit 113 checks the product inventory status. The lottery ticket information that is read out is the remaining number of unopened lottery tickets. The second-type option presentation unit 113 presents a lottery ticket purchase screen including the remaining number of lottery tickets on the terminal 2 (Step 301). FIG. 15 is an example of the lottery ticket purchase screen displayed on the terminal 2. The user inputs the number of lottery tickets to reserve for purchase on the lottery ticket purchase screen.

[0096] When the second-type option presentation unit 113 presents the lottery ticket purchase screen on the terminal 2, it starts measuring time T2 (Step 302). Here, time T2 is the time from the presentation of the lottery ticket purchase screen to the completion of payment for the purchase of that lottery ticket. The second-type option presentation unit 113 reads out the lottery ticket information of the selected lottery box from the lottery ticket database D3 (Step 303). In other words, the second-type option presentation unit 113 checks the product inventory status. The lottery ticket information that is read out is the lottery ticket ID and opening information.

[0097] The second-type option presentation unit 113 determines whether to reserve the number of lottery tickets to purchase (Step 304). When the reserved number of lottery tickets to purchase has been determined (Step 305), the second-type option presentation unit 113 presents a lottery ticket list screen for the selected lottery box on the terminal 2 (Step 306). FIG. 16 is an example of the lottery ticket list screen for the selected lottery box displayed on the terminal 2. On the lottery ticket list screen of FIG. 16, images of lottery tickets with already opened lottery ticket IDs are displayed with dotted lines, and selectable lottery tickets are displayed with solid lines. The user can select the number of lottery tickets reserved for purchase from the selectable lottery tickets. On the other hand, when the reserved number of lottery tickets to purchase has not been determined, the second-type option presentation unit 113 determines whether the time T2 exceeds a predetermined time TY (Step 315). If the time T2 exceeds the time TY, the second-type option presentation unit 113 updates the selected lottery box from a selected state to a selectable state (Step 318) and stops the process. If the time T2 does not exceed the time TY, the second-type option presentation unit 113 returns to Step 304 and continues the process.

[0098] Next, the second-type option presentation unit 113 determines whether lottery ticket selection is complete on the lottery ticket list screen (Step 307). If lottery ticket selection is not complete (Step 308), the second-type option presentation unit 113 determines whether time T2 exceeds a predetermined time TY (Step 316). If time T2 exceeds time TY, the second-type option presentation unit 113 updates the selected lottery box from a selected state to a selectable state (Step 318) and stops processing. If time T2 does not exceed time TY, the second-type option presentation unit 113 returns to Step 307 and continues processing.

[0099] On the other hand, when the user has completed the selection of the lottery ticket (Step 308), the settlement processing unit 114 performs the settlement process for the purchase of the lottery ticket (Step 309). Fig. 17 shows an example of a completion screen of the settlement process.

[0100] Upon completion of the settlement process (Step 310), the inventory management unit 116 sets a flag of "1" in the opening information of the lottery ticket ID for the selected lottery ticket and updates the lottery ticket database D3 (Step 311). In addition, the second type option presentation unit 113 changes the selection status information of the selected lottery box from selected to selectable and updates the lottery box database D2 (Step 312).

[0101] As a result, the lottery box that was selected by the user becomes selectable by other users, and other users can select that lottery box. Also, at the time of payment, the selected lottery ticket is confirmed, and the product associated with that lottery ticket is also confirmed, so that the next user who selects that lottery box can be accurately informed of information about the remaining lottery tickets and product inventory status, and lottery tickets that have already been opened will not be selected by other users.

[0102] On the other hand, if the payment processing unit 114 does not complete the payment processing (Step 310), the second-type option presentation unit 113 determines whether time T2 exceeds a predetermined time TY (Step 316). If time T2 exceeds time TY, the second-type option presentation unit 113 updates the selection state information of the selected lottery box from selected to selectable (Step 318) and stops processing. If time T2 does not exceed time TY, the second-type option presentation unit 113 returns to Step 309 and continues processing.

[0103] When the payment processing unit 114 completes the payment processing (Step 310) and the inventory management unit 116 completes updating the lottery ticket database D3 (Steps 311 and 312), the product provider unit 115 presents a lottery ticket opening screen (Step 313) and presents product information for the product associated with the opened lottery ticket (Step 314). Figure 18 is an example of the lottery ticket opening screen displayed on terminal 2. By selecting the lottery ticket to open, the user can view product information for the product associated with that lottery ticket.

[0104] The method of providing products applied in this embodiment is to provide products in a lottery box format. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately inform the user of the current product inventory status. This embodiment is configured to check the product inventory status each time an event caused by a user action (operation) occurs, so it is possible to accurately inform the user of information about the number of lottery tickets remaining in the lottery box or the number of products in stock.

[0105] Furthermore, even if the selection of a waiting lottery box is cancelled, the current stock status of the product is checked, so the user can know the stock status of the product after waiting.

[0106] Furthermore, one product is associated with each lottery ticket, and the inventory status is updated when the lottery ticket is opened, so that the next user who selects the lottery box can be accurately informed of information about the remaining lottery tickets and products, and duplicate products can be prevented from being provided.

[0107] Furthermore, when providing products in a lottery box format, the lottery box must be selectable by only one user. On the other hand, it is not desirable for one user to monopolize the selection of the lottery box. In this embodiment, the lottery box is configured so that only one user can select a lottery ticket, and the payment for the purchase of the lottery ticket is made after the user has selected the lottery ticket, and then the lottery ticket is opened, thereby shortening the time that the selection of the lottery box must be maintained for one user.

[0108] <Modification of the embodiment of the present invention> Providing highly interesting products is advantageous for both users and product providers. Therefore, in a modification of the embodiment of the present invention, an example will be described in which a special benefit is given to a user who selects the last lottery ticket remaining in a lottery box.

[0109] 19 is a diagram showing an example of the inventory database D1 in a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. In the example of Fig. 19, for each lottery box, a product XX is listed, which is a special product to be given to a user who selects the last lottery ticket remaining in the lottery box.

[0110] The product provision unit 115 refers to the opening status of the lottery ticket in the lottery ticket database D3 each time a lottery ticket is opened, and when all lottery tickets in the lottery ticket database D3 have been opened, the product provision unit 115 provides the bonus product in the lottery box to the user who selected the last lottery ticket. In other words, the lottery ticket inventory status is checked for each user action (operation). Figure 20 is an example of a bonus product provision screen displayed on the terminal 2 by the product provision unit 115. This configuration makes it possible to provide a highly entertaining product provision system.

[0111] Although the present invention has been described above by way of preferred embodiments, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept.

[0112] Furthermore, some or all of the above-described embodiments may also be described as in the following supplementary notes, but are not limited to the following.

[0113] [Supplementary Note 1] A product provision device capable of communicating with a user terminal, comprising: a first-type option presentation means for presenting to the terminal a plurality of first-type options associated with a product group consisting of a plurality of products so that the user can select from them; and an inventory management means for managing the stock status of products in the product group associated with each of the plurality of first-type options, wherein the first-type option presentation means checks the stock status of products in the product group associated with the first-type option each time an event related to the first-type option occurs, and presents the stock status of the products.

[0114] [Supplementary Note 2] The product provision device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the event related to the first type of option occurs multiple times until the product is determined.

[0115] [Supplementary Note 3] The product provision device described in Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the event related to the first type of option is at least one of a request for the first type of option presentation means to present the plurality of first type of options, and a user selecting one of the plurality of first type of options.

[0116] [Supplementary Note 4] The product providing device described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, wherein when the presentation of the first type of options is divided into multiple screens, the first type option presentation means checks the inventory status of products in the product group associated with the first type of option for each screen transition and presents the inventory status of the products.

[0117] [Supplementary Note 5] The product provision device described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the first-type option presentation means: allows only one user to select one first-type option; presents each first-type option in any one of a selectable state, a selected state, and an unselectable state; and presents a selected first-type option in a selected state until the selection of the first-type option is deselected.

[0118] [Supplementary Note 6] The product provision device described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5, wherein the first-type option presentation means presents the first-type option in a selectable or selected state, on condition that at least one of the plurality of second-type options associated with the first-type option is selectable, and presents the first-type option in an unselectable state, on condition that all of the plurality of second-type options associated with the first-type option are unselectable.

[0119] [Supplementary Note 7] The product provision device described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the first-type option presentation means controls a standby state for a user's selection of a first-type option presented in a selected state so that the first-type option can be preferentially selected after deselecting the first-type option, and when the user selects to standby for a first-type option presented in a selected state, checks the inventory status of products in a product group associated with the first-type option and presents the inventory status of the products.

[0120] [Supplementary Note 8] A product provision device as described in any of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 7, comprising a second-type option presentation means for presenting to the terminal, among a plurality of first-type options, a plurality of second-type options associated with a first-type option selected by the user so as to be selectable by the user, wherein, when presenting the plurality of second-type options, the second-type option presentation means checks the stock status of products associated with the second-type options and presents the second-type options that reflect the stock status.

[0121] [Supplementary Note 9] The product providing device described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the second type option presentation means presents a selection screen on the terminal showing the number of options to be selected for the second type of option, and when presenting the selection screen, checks the stock status of the product associated with the second type of option, and presents the selection screen reflecting the stock status.

[0122] [Supplementary Note 10] The product providing device described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the second type option presentation means cancels the selection of the first type option on the condition that payment corresponding to the number of selections of the second type option on the selection screen has been completed.

[0123] [Supplementary Note 11] The product provision device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 10, further comprising a product provision means for presenting, on the terminal, product information of a product associated with a second type of option selected by a user.

[0124] [Supplementary Note 12] The product provision device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 11, wherein the first type of option is an image resembling a lottery box.

[0125] [Supplementary Note 13] The product provision device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 12, wherein the second type of option is an image resembling a lottery ticket.

[0126] [Supplementary Note 14] A program that causes a computer to function as: a first-type option presentation means that presents, on a terminal, a plurality of first-type options associated with a product group consisting of a plurality of products so that the user can select from them; and an inventory management means that manages the stock status of products in the product group associated with each of the plurality of first-type options, wherein the first-type option presentation means checks the stock status of products in the product group associated with the first-type option each time an event related to the first-type option occurs, and presents the stock status of the products.

[0127] [Supplementary Note 15] A product provision system comprising: a first-type option presentation means for presenting a plurality of first-type options associated with a product group consisting of a plurality of products on a terminal so that the user can select from them; and an inventory management means for managing the stock status of products in the product group associated with each of the plurality of first-type options, wherein the first-type option presentation means checks the stock status of products in the product group associated with the first-type option each time an event related to the first-type option occurs, and presents the stock status of the products.

[0128] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Product provision device 2 Terminal 10 Processing unit 11 Communication unit 12 Storage unit 111 User information management unit 112 First type option presentation unit 113 Second type option presentation unit 114 Payment processing unit 115 Product provision unit 116 Inventory management unit

Claims

1. A product provision device capable of communicating with a user's terminal, comprising: a first type option presentation means for presenting to the terminal a plurality of first type options associated with a product group consisting of a plurality of products so that the user can select from them; and an inventory management means for managing the stock status of products in the product group associated with each of the plurality of first type options, wherein the first type option presentation means checks the stock status of products in the product group associated with the first type option each time an event related to the first type option occurs, and presents the stock status of the products.

2. The product providing device according to claim 1, wherein the event relating to the first type of option occurs multiple times until the product is determined.

3. The product provision device described in claim 2, wherein the event related to the first type of option is at least one of a request for presentation of the multiple first type of options by the first type of option presentation means, and a user selecting one of the multiple first type of options.

4. The product provision device according to claim 3, wherein when the presentation of the first type of options is divided into a plurality of screens, the first type option presentation means checks the stock status of products in a group of products associated with the first type of option for each screen transition and presents the stock status of the products.

5. A product provision device as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first-type option presentation means: enables selection of one first-type option only for one user; presents each first-type option in any one of a selectable state, a selected state, and an unselectable state; and presents a selected first-type option in the selected state until the selection of the first-type option is deselected.

6. The product provision device described in claim 5, wherein the first-type option presentation means presents the first-type option in a selectable or selected state, on condition that at least one of a plurality of second-type options associated with the first-type option is selectable, and presents the first-type option in an unselectable state, on condition that all of the plurality of second-type options associated with the first-type option are unselectable.

7. The product provision device described in claim 5, wherein the first-type option presentation means controls the user to wait for selection of a first-type option presented in a selected state so that the first-type option can be preferentially selected after deselection of the first-type option, and when the user selects to wait for the first-type option presented in a selected state, checks the inventory status of products in a product group associated with the first-type option and presents the inventory status of the products.

8. A product provision device as described in claim 5, further comprising a second type option presentation means for presenting to the terminal a plurality of second type options associated with a first type option selected by the user from a plurality of first type options in a selectable manner by the user, wherein the second type option presentation means, when presenting the plurality of second type options, checks the stock status of products associated with the second type options and presents the second type options reflecting the stock status.

9. The product provision device according to claim 8, wherein the second type option presentation means presents a selection screen on the terminal showing the number of options to be selected for the second type, and when presenting the selection screen, checks the stock status of the product associated with the second type of option, and presents the selection screen reflecting the stock status.

10. The product provision device according to claim 9, wherein the second type option presentation means cancels the selection of the first type option on condition that a payment corresponding to the number of the second type options selected on the selection screen has been completed.

11. The product provision device according to claim 8, further comprising a product provision means for presenting, on the terminal, product information of a product associated with a second type of option selected by a user.

12. The product provision device according to claim 1, wherein the first type of option is an image resembling a lottery box.

13. The product provision device according to claim 8, wherein the second type of option is an image resembling a lottery ticket.

14. A program that causes a computer to function as: a first type option presentation means that presents on a terminal a plurality of first type options associated with a product group consisting of a plurality of products so that the user can select from them; and an inventory management means that manages the inventory status of products in the product group associated with each of the plurality of first type options, wherein the first type option presentation means checks the inventory status of products in the product group associated with the first type option each time an event related to the first type option occurs, and presents the inventory status of the products.

15. A product provision system comprising: a first type option presentation means for presenting on a terminal a plurality of first type options associated with a product group consisting of a plurality of products so that the user can select from them; and an inventory management means for managing the stock status of products in the product group associated with each of the plurality of first type options, wherein the first type option presentation means checks the stock status of products in the product group associated with the first type option each time an event related to the first type option occurs, and presents the stock status of the products.

Images