Program and information processing device

Abstract

The present invention secures the interests of an author while keeping the dignity of the author by suppressing illegitimate upload of electronic books. This program makes it possible to browse, in an account of one user, one electronic book selected in an account of the one user from among one or more electronic books stored in a server device 2. The program causes a computer to function as: a first display means 31 capable of displaying one electronic book in a browsable manner in an account of one user; a permission means 22 for permitting browsing of one electronic book in an account of one or more other users while the first display means 31 displays one electronic book; a second display means 41 for making it possible to display one electronic book so as to be browsable in the account of the other users, when permitted by the permission means 22; and a restriction means 23 for setting a predetermined restriction to permission made by the permission means 22.

Description

Program and information processing device

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and an information processing device.

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a function that allows users to view and subscribe to electronic books using a communication terminal such as a smartphone or tablet is known.

[0003] Patent No. 6656032

[0004] When users browse e-books, they want to reduce the cost of purchasing them. However, conventional technologies such as those disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 cannot meet this need. This has led to the rampant illegal uploading of e-books on the Internet, which has led to the problem of undermining the dignity and interests of authors.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a program and an information processing device that protect the dignity of authors by suppressing illegal uploading of electronic books, while guaranteeing the interests of authors.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a program according to a first aspect of the present invention is a program that enables a user's account to view one e-book selected from one or more e-books stored in a server device, and causes a computer to function as a first display means that enables the e-book to be displayed so that it can be viewed in the user's account, an authorization means that allows the e-book to be viewed in the accounts of one or more other users while the first display means is displaying the e-book, a second display means that enables the e-book to be displayed so that it can be viewed in the accounts of the other users when the authorization means grants permission, and a restriction means that imposes specified restrictions on the authorization given by the authorization means.

[0007] In a second aspect of the present invention, the electronic book contains entertainment content.

[0008] In addition, in a third aspect of the present invention, the computer further functions as a solicitation means for soliciting accounts of other users who are to be permitted by the permission means to view the one electronic book while the first display means is displaying the one electronic book.

[0009] In addition, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, the computer further functions as a communication means that, when the first display means and the second display means are displaying the one electronic book, enables communication for sending and receiving text information and / or audio information between a first communication terminal device on which the one electronic book is displayed by the first display means and a second communication terminal device on which the one electronic book is displayed by the second display means.

[0010] In addition, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, the permission means permits the accounts of multiple other users to view the one electronic book while the first display means is displaying the one electronic book.

[0011] In addition, in a sixth aspect of the present invention, the computer further functions as a first operating means that, when the first display means and the second display means are displaying the one e-book, enables page forward and page back operations of the one e-book only for the account of the one user.

[0012] In addition, in a seventh aspect of the present invention, the computer further functions as a storage means for storing the viewing status when the first display means and the second display means are displaying the one e-book, a determination means for determining whether the one e-book has been viewed up to the final page based on the viewing status stored in the storage means, and a second operation means for enabling page forward and page back operations of the one e-book in the account of the other user when the determination means makes a positive determination.

[0013] In addition, an information processing device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that enables one e-book selected in a user's account from one or more e-books stored in a server device to be viewed in the user's account, and includes a first display means that enables the one e-book to be displayed on a first communication terminal device so that it can be viewed in the one user's account, an authorization means that allows the one e-book to be viewed in the accounts of one or more other users while the first display means is displaying the one e-book, a second display means that, when permission is granted by the authorization means, enables the one e-book to be displayed so that it can be viewed in the accounts of the other users, and a restriction means that sets predetermined restrictions on the permission granted by the authorization means.

[0014] According to the present invention, illegal uploading of electronic books is prevented, thereby protecting the dignity of authors and ensuring their profits.

[0015] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an electronic book system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a smartphone as the communication terminal device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of functional means of the server device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of functional means of the communication terminal device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process when one user and another user browse an electronic book together in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen of an electronic book that invites friend users to browse with the one user in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which electronic books are browsed together in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of functional means of a server device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a process when one user lends an electronic book to another user in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen of friend users of the other user in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a list of electronic books that can be lent to friend users in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of functional means of a server device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a My Page screen that displays a user's in-app currency, points, and title level in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same components and steps in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0017] First Embodiment First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0018] Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an electronic book system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] 1 , the electronic book system 1 includes a server device 2, a first communication terminal device 3, and a second communication terminal device 4. Note that, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the explanation is given assuming that there are two communication terminal devices, the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4, but there may be any number of communication terminal devices as long as there is more than one.

[0020] The server device 2, the first communication terminal device 3, and the second communication terminal device 4 in FIG. 1 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network NT such as an intranet, the Internet, or a telephone line.

[0021] The server device 2 is an information processing device that provides the results obtained by executing the e-book program 2A or a part of the e-book program 2A to the users of the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 via the communication network NT.

[0022] Each of the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 is an information processing device owned by each user, and is an information processing device that provides each user with an electronic book and related information by executing a part of the electronic book program 2A received from the server device 2 after the part is installed therein. Examples of the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 include various devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, and personal computers.

[0023] The e-book program 2A allows a user to select an e-book from one or more e-books stored in the server device 2 and view it using the user's account (hereinafter referred to as the "user account").

[0024] <Hardware Configuration> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the server device 2. As shown in FIG.

[0025] 2, the server device 2 includes a control device 5, a communication device 6, and a storage device 7. The control device 5 mainly includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 5A and a memory 5B.

[0026] In the control device 5, the CPU 5A executes predetermined programs stored in the memory 5B or the storage device 7, etc., thereby functioning as various functional means. Details of these functional means will be described later.

[0027] The communication device 6 is configured with a communication interface for communicating with external devices, etc. The communication device 6 transmits and receives various information to and from the communication terminal devices 3 and 4, for example.

[0028] The storage device 7 is configured with a hard disk, etc. The storage device 7 stores various programs, including the electronic book program 2A, necessary for executing the processes in the control device 5, various information, and information on the results of the processes.

[0029] The server device 2 can be realized using an information processing device such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. The server device 2 may be configured with a single information processing device or multiple information processing devices distributed over the communication network NT. Fig. 2 shows only a portion of the main hardware configuration of the server device 2, and the server device 2 may also have other components that are generally included in a server.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a smartphone as the communication terminal device 3 or 4 shown in FIG.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 include a main control unit 8, a touch panel (touch screen) 9, a camera 10A, a microphone 10B, a mobile communication unit 11, a wireless LAN communication unit 12, a memory unit 13, and a speaker 14.

[0032] The main control unit 8 is configured to include a CPU, a memory (both not shown), etc. The main control unit 8 is connected to a touch panel 9 as a display input device, a camera 10A, a microphone 10B, a mobile communication unit 11, a wireless LAN communication unit 12, a storage unit 13, and a speaker 14. The main control unit 8 has a function to control these connected devices.

[0033] The touch panel 9 has both a display function and an input function, and is composed of a display 9A that performs the display function and a touch sensor 9B that performs the input function. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the display 9A can display various images. The touch sensor 9B can detect the position of a user's input on the various images.

[0034] The camera 10A has a function of taking still images and / or moving images and storing them in the storage unit 13. The microphone 10B has a function of inputting audio and storing it in the storage unit 13.

[0035] The mobile communication unit 11 has a function of connecting to a mobile communication network via an antenna 11A and communicating with other communication terminal devices connected to the mobile communication network.

[0036] The wireless LAN communication unit 12 has a function of connecting to the communication network NT via an antenna 12A and communicating with other devices such as the server device 2 connected to the communication network NT.

[0037] The storage unit 13 stores various programs including a part of the e-book program 2A, various data, and the like.

[0038] The speaker 14 has a function of outputting various sounds.

[0039] Furthermore, Figure 3 only shows some of the main hardware configurations of the communication terminal devices 3 and 4, and the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 may have other configurations that are generally included in communication terminal devices such as smartphones.

[0040] For convenience, it is assumed below that one user operates the first communication terminal device 3 using one user account, and another user operates the second communication terminal device 4 using another user account.

[0041] The electronic book system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a system that provides electronic books to users in response to execution requests (instructions) from the users. The electronic books include books and magazines that are stored as electronic data and displayed on the displays 9A of the communication terminal devices 3 and 4.

[0042] The electronic book system 1 may also be executed based on the consumption of in-app currency that can be used within application software (hereinafter simply referred to as an "app") by the user. This in-app currency includes, for example, paid currency and free currency.

[0043] Paid currency (also called paid coins) is a charge added to a user account based on payment of money, prepaid cards, credit cards, electronic money, crypto assets, etc.

[0044] On the other hand, free currency (also called free coins) is a non-chargeable currency that is granted to a user account by, for example, executing application software (hereinafter referred to as an "app") of the electronic book system 1. An example of executing an app is when a user logs in. Free currency can be consumed without distinction from paid currency. Alternatively, free currency may be used separately from paid currency. Furthermore, a process may be provided that allows only paid currency to be used.

[0045] <Functional Means of Server Device> FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of functional means of the server device 2. As shown in FIG.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the server device 2 has, as its functional configuration, a server storage means 20, a control means 21, a permission means 22, a restriction means 23, a determination means 24, a recruitment means 25, and a server communication means 26.

[0047] Server storage means 20 is realized by one or more storage devices 7. Functional means other than server storage means 20 are realized by control device 5 executing electronic book program 2A stored in storage device 7 or the like. Note that all or part of these functional configurations may be provided in communication terminal devices 3 and 4.

[0048] The server storage means 20 has a function of storing book information 20A, user account information 20B, and the like.

[0049] The book information 20A is information on one or more electronic books. The one or more electronic books include entertainment books and / or books whose visual information when viewed by a user is primarily images and / or pictures. Specifically, these include manga, magazines, and books related to hobbies (games, music, etc.). The one or more electronic books may also include books with other content.

[0050] The user account information 20B is information associated with each user's user account ID, and includes, for example, the user's name, age, user book information, owned currency information, browsing information, friend information, and the like.

[0051] The user book information is information about electronic books that can be viewed in each user account. For example, this is a book that the user purchases from the book information 20A using in-app currency and that is then owned by the user account. Furthermore, the book may be owned by the user account without being purchased by the user under certain conditions. The "viewable" state refers to a state in which the electronic book information is linked to the user account ID.

[0052] The above-mentioned "possession" may refer to a state in which the electronic book included in the book information 20A is available for viewing by each user, for example, by downloading the electronic book to the communication terminal device 3, 4. The above-mentioned "possession" may also refer to a rental format in which the ownership period is set.

[0053] Furthermore, the electronic books included in the book information 20A may be viewable without owning them in a user account. This may be, for example, online viewing through communication with the server device 2, or online viewing through communication with the cloud (not shown) after the electronic books included in the book information 20A are stored in the cloud.

[0054] The owned currency information includes information about in-app currencies owned by the user in the user account, that is, paid currencies and free currencies.

[0055] The viewing information includes the viewing status of each electronic book included in the user book information for each user account, i.e., information on whether or not there is a viewing history, the viewing progress, whether or not the viewing has been completed, whether or not the electronic book is currently being viewed, etc. Note that this viewing status may also be the display status of the display means 31, 41 described later.

[0056] The friend information includes the user accounts of users who have established friend relationships with the user (hereinafter referred to as "friend users") and the upper limit number. This upper limit number refers to the upper limit of the number of friend users that can be set per user.

[0057] The control means 21 is a functional means for controlling the entire system. For example, the control means 21 generates various screens such as a screen displaying a list of book information 20A, accepts operations by users to purchase and download electronic books, manages each piece of information included in each piece of user account information 20B, and performs other controls.

[0058] In addition, the management of each piece of information included in each piece of user account information 20B described above includes, for example, managing electronic books that each user is permitted to view, and changing and managing information about friend users.

[0059] The permission means 22 is a functional means for permitting one or more (e.g., multiple) other user accounts to view an electronic book while the electronic book is being displayed on the first display means 31, which will be described later. Note that "permitting viewing" refers to, for example, a process of linking information about the electronic book to a user account ID.

[0060] Furthermore, information that the first display means 31 is displaying the electronic book is received by the server communication means 26, which will be described later, from the first communication terminal device 3. Furthermore, the other user accounts permitted by the permission means 22 can view the electronic book together with the one user account.

[0061] The "one electronic book" is included in user books that can be viewed by one user account. The "other user accounts" include, for example, friend users of the one user.

[0062] Furthermore, with regard to the above-mentioned "permission," it is preferable to allow other user accounts to view the same page or image as the page or image currently displayed by the first display means 31 among the multiple pages or images contained in one electronic book.

[0063] The restriction means 23 is a functional means for imposing a first predetermined restriction when the permission means 22 grants permission as described above.

[0064] The first predetermined restriction may be a restriction on the number of times or the duration of permission for other user accounts per first predetermined time interval (e.g., "up to five times per day," "up to two hours per day," etc.), or the number of other user accounts that the permission means 22 allows per first predetermined time interval or per electronic book (e.g., "up to ten users per day," "up to five users per electronic book," etc.).

[0065] The determination means 24 is a functional means for determining whether a user has viewed an electronic book up to the final page (whether the first display means 31 described later has displayed an electronic book up to the final page) based on the viewing status stored in the server storage means 20.

[0066] The solicitation means 25 is a functional means for soliciting other user accounts to be permitted to view the electronic book by the permission means 22 while the electronic book is being displayed by the first display means 31 described later. This solicitation may, for example, be used to notify all of the friend users of the user that the user is currently viewing the electronic book, that is, that the user is available to view the electronic book together with the user.

[0067] The server communication means 26 is a functional means for transmitting and receiving various information to and from the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 .

[0068] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of functional units of the communication terminal devices 3 and 4. As already described, it is assumed that one user operates the first communication terminal device 3 using one user account, and another user operates the second communication terminal device 4 using another user account.

[0069] 5, the first communication terminal device 3 includes, as functional components, a first terminal storage means 30, a first display means 31, a first operation means 32, and a first terminal communication means 33. The second communication terminal device 4 includes, as functional components, a second terminal storage means 40, a second display means 41, a second operation means 42, and a second terminal communication means 43.

[0070] The terminal storage means 30, 40 are realized by the storage unit 13. Functional means other than the terminal storage means 30, 40 are realized by the main control unit 8 executing a part of the e-book program 2A stored in the storage unit 13 or the like. This part of the e-book program 2A is downloaded and installed from the server device 2.

[0071] The first terminal storage means 30 has a function of storing first user account information 30A, etc. The first user account information 30A is information associated with one user account ID, including, for example, the name, age, user book information, owned currency information, browsing information, friend information, etc. of the one user.

[0072] The user book information is user book information of one user account, that is, information on electronic books that can be viewed in one user account.

[0073] The owned currency information is information about the in-app currency owned by one user account.

[0074] The viewing information includes information about the viewing status of one user for each electronic book included in the user book information of one user account.

[0075] The friend information includes the user accounts of the friend users of a user. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the friend users include other users.

[0076] The point information includes points associated with one user account. The title level information includes title levels associated with one user account.

[0077] The first display means 31 is a functional means for displaying various screens, such as displaying one electronic book included in the user book information so that it can be viewed by one user account, displaying a screen displaying a list of book information 20A (i.e., a screen related to purchasing electronic books), a screen displaying a list of user book information for one user account, and other screens displaying various information included in the user account information 30A.

[0078] The first operating means 32 is a functional means for performing various operations on each screen displayed on the first display means 31 .

[0079] For example, when the first display means 31 is displaying an electronic book, the first operation means 32 enables page forward (advance to the next image), page backward (return to the previous image), zoom operation of the image (page) being displayed, etc. Furthermore, even when the first display means 31 and the second display means 41 are both displaying an electronic book, the first operation means 32 enables page forward, page backward, zoom operation, etc. of the electronic book.

[0080] The first operation means 32 also enables an operation to purchase an electronic book and add it to the user's book information on the screen displaying a list of the book information 20A displayed on the first display means 31, or an operation to add an electronic book to the user's book information without purchasing it under certain conditions. Furthermore, the first operation means 32 also enables an operation to select an electronic book to be viewed by a user from the screen displaying a list of the user's book information displayed on the first display means 31.

[0081] The first terminal communication means 33 (communication means) is a functional means for performing various communications with the server device 2 and the second communication terminal device 4 .

[0082] The first terminal communication means 33 can, for example, download an electronic book from the book information 20A of the server device 2, or communicate with the server device 2 or the cloud to view an electronic book online without downloading. Furthermore, when the first terminal communication means 33 displays an electronic book on the first display means 31, it transmits a message to that effect to the server device 2.

[0083] Furthermore, when the first display means 31 and the second display means 41 are displaying an electronic book, the first terminal communication means 33 enables communication to send and receive text information and / or audio information between the first display means 31 and the second communication terminal device 4 on which the electronic book is displayed by the second display means 41.

[0084] Furthermore, due to different user accounts, the second terminal storage means 40, second display means 41, second operation means 42, and second terminal communication means 43 are partially different from the first terminal storage means 30, first display means 31, first operation means 32, and first terminal communication means 33. The following description will focus on the different parts.

[0085] The second terminal storage means 40 has a function of storing second user account information 40A and the like. The second user account information 40A is information associated with other user account IDs. This information includes, for example, the names, ages, user book information, owned currency information, browsing information, friend information, and the like of other users.

[0086] The second display means 41 can display a screen informing users of the solicitation by the solicitation means 25 by operating the second operation means 42. This screen will be described later. The second display means 41 is also a functional means that, when the permission means 22 allows another user account to view the same electronic book together with the first user account, makes the first electronic book available for viewing by the other user account.

[0087] The second operating means 42 is a functional means for performing various operations on each screen displayed on the second display means 41. For example, when the screen announcing the above-mentioned recruitment is displayed on the second display means 41, the second operating means 42 can make an application to view one electronic book together with one user account.

[0088] However, when the above application has been approved by the permission means 22 and the first display means 31 and the second display means 41 are displaying a single electronic book, the second operating means 42 does not allow page forward or page back operations for the single electronic book (however, zoom operations may be possible).

[0089] The second terminal communication means 43 (communication means) is a functional means that enables communication to send and receive text information and / or audio information between the first communication terminal device 3 on which the electronic book is displayed by the first display means 31 when the first display means 31 and the second display means 41 are displaying the electronic book.

[0090] <<Processing Flow>> Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing when one user and another user browse an electronic book together in the electronic book system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that, although the flowchart in Fig. 6 assumes that there is one second communication terminal device 4, there may be multiple second communication terminal devices 4. Furthermore, the order and content of the following steps may be changed as appropriate.

[0091] (Step SP1) A user uses the first operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3 to purchase an electronic book from the book information 20A stored in the server storage means 20. After step SP1 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP2.

[0092] (Step SP2) The display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays one electronic book, and one user views it. This viewing status is transmitted from the first terminal communication means 33 to the server communication means 26 of the server device 2. This viewing status is maintained until the processing of step SP9, which will be described later, is performed. After step SP2 ends, the processing proceeds to step SP3.

[0093] (Step SP3) The solicitation means 25 of the server device 2 solicits other user accounts to view the electronic book together with the one user account. This solicitation is carried out, for example, by displaying a list screen as shown in FIG. 7 or by displaying a pop-up notification on the second display means 41 of the plurality of second communication terminal devices 4.

[0094] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen 51 of an electronic book that invites friend users to view the electronic book together with a user. The list screen 51 may be displayed on the second display unit 41 by, for example, another user operating the second operating unit 42 of the second communication terminal device 4.

[0095] The list screen 51 has, for each e-book, a first area 52 displaying thumbnail images showing e-books that are seeking friend users to view together with a user, a second area 53 displaying simple information about the e-book (title and volume number), a third area 54 showing the number of people currently viewing the e-book, and a button 55 (a button labeled "Join") for applying to become a friend user.

[0096] The third area 54 also displays the upper limit of the number of friend users who can view the content together with the host user. For example, when "3 / 5 people" is displayed as shown in FIG. 7, "3" indicates the number of friend users currently viewing the content together with the host user, and "5" indicates the upper limit of the number of friend users who can view the content together with the host user. These numbers may include the host user. After step SP3 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP4.

[0097] (Step SP4) Another user applies to view the electronic book by clicking button 55 on list screen 51 shown in Figure 7 using second operation means 42 of second communication terminal device 4. However, if the number of friend users currently viewing the electronic book together with the first user has already reached the upper limit, the application cannot be made. After step SP4 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP5.

[0098] (Step SP5) The server communication means 26 of the server device 2 notifies part of the information (such as the name) of the other user account applied for in step SP5 to the first communication terminal device 3. After step SP5 ends, the process proceeds to step SP6.

[0099] (Step SP6) One user decides to view one electronic book together with the other user account that has applied, using the operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3. Information about this decision is also sent to the server device 2. After step SP6 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP7.

[0100] (Step SP7) The permission means 22 of the server device 2 permits the other user account to view the electronic book together with the given user. However, this permission is valid only while the first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 is displaying the electronic book. After step SP7 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP8.

[0101] (Step SP8) Another user views the electronic book together with the first user. That is, while the first display unit 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays the electronic book so that it can be viewed by the first user account, the second display unit 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 displays the electronic book so that it can be viewed by the other user account.

[0102] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 display one electronic book together (at the same time).

[0103] 8, the first display unit 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 and the second display unit 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 are displaying the same image (page) 61 of the same electronic book. This electronic book is the one for which button 55 was clicked on the list screen 51 of FIG. 6.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 8, the first display unit 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 and the second display unit 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 display a chat box 62 below the image 61 .

[0105] The chat field 62 displays text information (so-called chat) exchanged between the first terminal communication means 33 of the first communication terminal device 3 and the second terminal communication means 43 of the second communication terminal device 4. The chat exchanged between them is displayed in the chat field 62 in real time.

[0106] In addition to text information, the first terminal communication means 33 and the second terminal communication means 43 can also transmit and receive audio information input through their respective microphones 10B (so-called voice chat). The audio information transmitted and received by each other is output in real time by the speaker 14. The first terminal communication means 33 and the second terminal communication means 43 may also transmit and receive video information and audio information input through their respective cameras 10A and microphones 10B (so-called video chat). The video information and audio information transmitted and received by each other is output in real time by the display 9A and speaker 14. Furthermore, the first terminal communication means 33 and the second terminal communication means 43 may also transmit and receive still image information input through their respective cameras 10A. The still image information transmitted and received by each other is output in real time by the display 9A. After step SP8 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP9.

[0107] (Step SP9) The first display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 ends displaying the electronic book, and the user ends viewing the electronic book. After step SP9 ends, the process proceeds to step SP10.

[0108] (Step SP10) When the first user, who is the host user, finishes viewing the electronic book, the permission means 22 of the server device 2 does not permit the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 to display the electronic book. After step SP10 ends, the process proceeds to step SP11.

[0109] (Step SP11) The second communication terminal device 4 prohibits the second user from viewing the electronic book. Specifically, the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 stops displaying the electronic book, and the other user ends viewing. After step SP11 is completed, the process ends.

[0110] <Effects> As described above, the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a program that enables one e-book selected in one user's account from one or more e-books stored in the server device 2 to be viewed in the one user's account, and causes a computer to function as first display means 31 that enables the one e-book to be displayed so that it can be viewed in the one user's account, permission means 22 that allows the one e-book to be viewed in one or more other user's accounts while the first display means 31 is displaying the one e-book, second display means 41 that enables the one e-book to be displayed so that it can be viewed in the other user's account if permitted by the permission means 22, and restriction means 23 that imposes a predetermined restriction (first predetermined restriction) when the permission means 22 grants permission.

[0111] With this configuration, one user can view an e-book purchased by other users together, which can curb the demand for illegal uploading. This protects the dignity of the e-book author. Furthermore, by imposing certain restrictions on the sharing of e-books, the author's interests can be guaranteed.

[0112] In addition, in the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the electronic book contains entertainment content.

[0113] This configuration allows multiple users to view the content together, making it more enjoyable.

[0114] In addition, the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention further causes the computer to function as a solicitation means 25 that solicits accounts of other users to be permitted by the permission means 22 to view the electronic book while the first display means 31 is displaying the electronic book.

[0115] According to this configuration, the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be widely disseminated.

[0116] In addition, the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention further causes the computer to function as a communication means (terminal communication means 33, 34) that enables communication for sending and receiving text information and / or audio information between a first communication terminal device 3 on which an electronic book is displayed by the first display means 31 and a second communication terminal device 4 on which an electronic book is displayed by the second display means 41 when the first display means 31 and the second display means 41 are displaying the electronic book.

[0117] According to this configuration, one user and other users can exchange thoughts and opinions about the electronic book they are viewing, which can make the discussion more exciting.

[0118] In addition, in the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the permission means 22 permits the accounts of multiple other users to view the same e-book while the first display means 31 is displaying the same e-book.

[0119] According to this configuration, if a plurality of other users are viewing the electronic book together with one user, the atmosphere can become more lively.

[0120] In addition, the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention further causes the computer to function as a first operating means 32 that enables page forward and page back operations for an electronic book only for one user's account when the first display means 31 and the second display means 41 are displaying the electronic book.

[0121] According to this configuration, by allowing only one user to perform page forward and page back operations, convenience for the one user is improved and the one user's motivation to purchase an electronic book can be increased.

[0122] In addition, the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention causes the computer to further function as a storage means (server storage means 20) that stores the viewing status when the first display means 31 and the second display means 41 are displaying an e-book, a determination means 24 that determines whether the e-book has been viewed up to the final page based on the viewing status stored in the storage means, and a second operation means 42 that enables page forward and page back operations of the e-book on the account of another user if the determination means 24 makes a positive determination.

[0123] According to this configuration, other users can also perform page forward and page back operations on an electronic book that has been read to the end, improving convenience for other users.

[0124] Furthermore, the information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that allows one e-book selected in one user's account from one or more e-books stored in the server device 2 to be viewed in the one user's account, and includes a first display means 31 that allows the one e-book to be displayed on a first communication terminal device 3 so that it can be viewed in the one user's account, a permission means 22 that allows the one e-book to be viewed in one or more other user's accounts while the first display means 31 is displaying the one e-book, a second display means 41 that, if permitted by the permission means 22, allows the one e-book to be displayed so that it can be viewed in the other user's account, and a restriction means 23 that sets predetermined restrictions when the permission means 22 grants permission.

[0125] With this configuration, since other users can view the electronic book purchased by one user, it is possible to curb the demand for illegal uploading. This protects the dignity of the electronic book author. Furthermore, by imposing certain restrictions on the viewing of electronic books together, it is possible to guarantee the interests of the author.

[0126] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0127] The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that one user does not read an electronic book together with another user, but one user lends an electronic book to another user. Note that in the following description, points that overlap with the configuration and functions of the electronic book system 1 according to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0128] In the second embodiment of the present invention, an e-book that is purchased from one or more e-books stored in the server device 72 using a user account and becomes viewable using the user account is referred to as a "purchased book."

[0129] <Functional Means of Server Device> FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of functional means of the server device 72. As shown in FIG.

[0130] 9, the server device 72 has, as its functional configuration, a server storage means 20, a control means 21, a permission means 82, a restriction means 83, a solicitation means 85, and a server communication means 26. Of these, the control means 21 and the server communication means 26 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0131] The permission means 82 is a functional means for permitting other user accounts to view purchased books (of one user account) and prohibiting the one user account from viewing the purchased books during the permission period. In other words, the permission means 82 performs a process of lending purchased books from one user account to another user account. This period will be referred to as the "lending period" below.

[0132] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "lending" may refer to, for example, a process of releasing the association of information on a purchased book with one user account ID and linking the information on the purchased book with another user account ID. Alternatively, it may refer to a process of prohibiting the first display means 31 from displaying the purchased book without releasing the association of information on the purchased book with one user account ID (outputting a signal prohibiting this from the server device 72 to the first communication terminal device 3), or other processes.

[0133] Furthermore, the permission means 82 prevents other users from continuing to view the purchased book after the loan period for the purchased book has expired, but allows the purchased book to be viewed by one user's account.

[0134] Furthermore, when a user account has purchased multiple books, the permission means 82 can permit a user account other than the other user account to view the other purchased books during the loan period during which the other user account is permitted to view one of the purchased books.

[0135] The restriction means 83 sets a second predetermined restriction on the permission means 82 permitting the viewing of another purchased book in the account of a user other than the account of the other user during a second predetermined period in which the permission means 82 permits the viewing of one purchased book in the account of the other user.

[0136] The second predetermined limit may be a limit on the number of times a purchased book can be loaned to other user accounts per second predetermined time interval, or a limit on the number of user accounts to which the book can be loaned (e.g., "up to 15 times per month," "up to 10 people per month," etc.).

[0137] The limiting means 83 also changes the second predetermined limit depending on the release date of the purchased book. For example, the second predetermined limit may be set to be stricter for a purchased book that has just been released (i.e., a new book) than for other purchased books (for example, up to five people within one month of release).

[0138] The solicitation means 85 is a functional means for soliciting other user accounts that wish to borrow a book purchased by a given user account. This solicitation may, for example, be used to notify all of the user's friend users that a purchased book is currently on loan. Furthermore, whether or not to solicit for each purchased book may be switched depending on the operation of the first operating means 32, which will be described later.

[0139] <Functional Means of Communication Terminal Device> In the second embodiment of the present invention, the first operating means 32 (see FIG. 5) enables the lending period to be determined for one user account.

[0140] In addition, the second display means 41 (see Figure 5) of the second communication terminal device 4 operated under another user account makes it possible to display purchased books so that they can be viewed under the other user's account if the above-mentioned permission is granted by the permission means 82.

[0141] <<Processing Flow>> Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for one user to lend a purchased book to another user in the electronic book system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that, although the flowchart in Fig. 10 assumes that there is one second communication terminal device 4, there may be multiple second communication terminal devices 4. Furthermore, the order and content of the following steps may be changed as appropriate.

[0142] (Step SP21) A user uses the first operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3 to purchase an electronic book from the book information 20A stored in the server device 2. This electronic book becomes a purchased book. After step SP21 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP22.

[0143] (Step SP22) The soliciting means 25 of the server device 2 solicits other user accounts that wish to borrow the purchased book. This solicitation is carried out, for example, by displaying a list screen as shown in Figures 11 and 12 on the second display means 41 of the multiple second communication terminal devices 4, or by displaying a pop-up notification.

[0144] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen 91 of friend users of another user (including the first user). The list screen 91 may be displayed on the second display unit 41 by, for example, another user operating the second operating unit 42 of the second communication terminal device 4.

[0145] The list screen 91 has, for each friend user (including the user), a button 92 that moves to a list screen 96 described below, a fourth area 93 on the button 92 that displays a thumbnail image of the user, a fifth area 94 that displays information such as the user's name, and a sixth area 95 that displays that the user has purchased books that can be loaned.

[0146] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a list screen 96 of books purchased by a user. A fourth area 93 and a fifth area 94 are provided at the top of the list screen 96. Below these, a seventh area 97 is provided, which displays a list of books purchased by the user. Cover images 98, 100 of purchased books are displayed in the seventh area 97, and the cover images of multiple purchased books can be scrolled to be viewed.

[0147] The cover image 98 of a purchased book that has already been lent by one user to another user indicates that the book is currently on loan. In addition, an eighth area 99 is provided below each image 98 in the seventh area 97, displaying the loan period for each book.

[0148] Image 100 of the cover of a purchased book that has not been lent to any other user by one user, i.e., is available for loan, functions as a button, and when another user clicks on image 100, it is equivalent to requesting to borrow the purchased book. Also, below image 100 in seventh area 97, there is provided ninth area 101 indicating that the book is available for loan. After step SP22 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP23.

[0149] (Step SP23) The other user applies to borrow the purchased book by clicking on image 100 shown in Fig. 12 using the second operation means 42 of the second communication terminal device 4. After step SP23 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP24.

[0150] (Step SP24) The server communication means 26 of the server device 72 notifies the information (such as name) of the other user account applied for in step SP5 to the first communication terminal device 3. After step SP24 ends, the process proceeds to step SP25.

[0151] (Step SP25) The first user determines the requested other user account as the lender of the purchased book by using the operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3. Information about the determination is also sent to the server device 72.

[0152] However, the first communication terminal device 3 may further include a determining means (not shown) as a functional means for automatically determining the requesting user account as the lending destination of the purchased book. Furthermore, the determining means need not set conditions for determining the requesting user account as the lending destination, in which case the one user account that applied earliest for each purchased book will be determined as the lending destination. After step SP25 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP26.

[0153] The following steps SP26 and SP27 are processes for lending a purchased book from one user account to another user account.

[0154] (Step SP26) The permission means 82 of the server device 72 prohibits the user account from viewing the purchased book. After step SP26 ends, the process proceeds to step SP27.

[0155] (Step SP27) The permission means 82 of the server device 72 permits other user accounts to view the purchased books. Note that steps SP26 and SP27 may be performed simultaneously, or may be performed in reverse. After step SP27 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP28.

[0156] (Step SP28) The display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 displays the borrowed and purchased book, which can be viewed by other users. Note that other users can freely view or stop viewing the book any number of times during the lending period after step SP26 or step SP27 has ended. After step SP28 has ended, the process proceeds to step SP29.

[0157] The following steps SP29 and SP30 are processes for returning purchased books from another user account to one user account.

[0158] (Step SP29) The permission means 82 of the server device 72 does not permit the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 to display the purchased books. After step SP29 ends, the process proceeds to step SP30.

[0159] (Step SP30) The permission means 82 of the server device 72 permits one user account to view the purchased book. Note that steps SP29 and SP30 may be performed simultaneously, or may be performed in the reverse order. After step SP30 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP31.

[0160] (Step SP31) The display means 31 of the first communication terminal device 3 displays the purchased books, which are then viewed by the first user. After step SP31 is completed, the process ends.

[0161] <Effects> The program according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a program that allows a purchased book, which is an electronic book purchased under a user's account from among one or more electronic books stored in a server device 72, to be viewed under the user's account, and causes the computer to function as a permission means 82 that allows the purchased book to be viewed under the account of another user, but prevents the purchased book from being viewed under the user's account during the period of permission, and a display means (second display means 41) that, when permitted by the permission means 82, allows the purchased book to be displayed so that it can be viewed under the account of another user.

[0162] This configuration allows users to lend and borrow e-books, thereby curbing the demand for illegal uploading. This protects the dignity of e-book authors. Furthermore, unlike the lending and borrowing of paper books, the lender cannot view the e-book while it is being lent to another person. This prevents a decline in users' willingness to purchase e-books and ensures the interests of authors.

[0163] In the program of the second embodiment of the present invention, the permission means 82 makes it impossible to view purchased books that have been borrowed using another user's account after the end of the above-mentioned period, but makes it possible to view the purchased books using one user's account.

[0164] According to this configuration, by minimizing disadvantages to users who lend out electronic books, it is possible to ensure that the users are motivated to lend out electronic books.

[0165] The program according to the second embodiment of the present invention further causes the computer to function as an operating means (first operating means 32) that enables the user to determine the period for one user's account.

[0166] This configuration improves convenience when lending out electronic books.

[0167] In a second embodiment of the program of the present invention, the permission means 82, when a user has multiple purchased books in his / her account, can permit other purchased books to be viewed in the account of a user other than the other user's account during a period in which the permission means 82 permits viewing of one of the purchased books in the other user's account, and the computer further functions as a restriction means 83 that imposes a specified restriction (second specified restriction) on the permission means 82 permitting viewing of other purchased books in the account of a user other than the other user's account during a period in which the permission means 82 permits viewing of one of the purchased books in the other user's account.

[0168] According to this configuration, when a plurality of electronic books are lent to a plurality of users, restrictions are imposed, thereby ensuring the profits of the author.

[0169] The program according to the second embodiment of the present invention causes the computer to further function as a restriction means 83 that sets predetermined restrictions when the permission means 82 allows another user to view a purchased book on their account, and that changes the predetermined restrictions depending on the release date of the purchased book.

[0170] According to this configuration, by changing the predetermined restrictions, such as by making the predetermined restrictions stricter for newly released electronic books than for other electronic books, it is possible to guarantee the interests of the author.

[0171] The information processing device of the second embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that allows a purchased book, which is an electronic book purchased under a user's account from one or more electronic books stored in a server device 72, to be viewed under the user's account, and is equipped with a permission means 82 that allows the purchased book to be viewed under the account of another user and prevents the purchased book from being viewed under the user's account during the period of permission, and a display means (second display means 41) that, when permitted by the permission means 82, allows the purchased book to be displayed so that it can be viewed under the account of another user.

[0172] This configuration allows users to lend and borrow e-books, thereby curbing the demand for illegal uploading. This protects the dignity of e-book authors. Furthermore, unlike the lending and borrowing of paper books, the lender cannot view the e-book while it is being lent to another person. This prevents a decline in users' willingness to purchase e-books and ensures the interests of authors.

[0173] ===Third Embodiment=== Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0174] The third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first and second embodiments in that a reward is given to a user when the user allows another user to view an electronic book. Note that in the following description, points that overlap with the configuration and functions of the electronic book system 1 according to the first or second embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0175] In the third embodiment of the present invention, one electronic book selected for one user account from one or more electronic books stored in the server device 102 is made viewable for that one user account.

[0176] <Functional Means of Server Device> FIG. 13 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of functional means of the server device 102. As shown in FIG.

[0177] 13, the server device 102 has, as its functional configuration, a server storage means 20, a control means 21, a permission means 22, a restriction means 23, an assignment means 114, a level management means 116, and a server communication means 26. Of these, the control means 21 and the server communication means 26 are similar to those in the first and second embodiments, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0178] Furthermore, the permission means 22 and the restriction means 23 may be replaced with a permission means 82 and a restriction means 83. These are similar to those in the first and second embodiments, respectively, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0179] Furthermore, it is assumed that the book information 20A stored in the server storage means 20 includes other electronic books related to one electronic book. Here, "related" refers to, for example, a relationship in which one work has multiple volumes and each volume contains the other, or a relationship in which one is a spin-off work (derived work) of the other.

[0180] Furthermore, the user account information 20B stored in the server storage means 20 includes title level information and point information in addition to the various pieces of information described in the first embodiment.

[0181] The point information is information including points associated with each user account. The title level information is information including title levels associated with each user account. The title level changes depending on the points, and preferably, the points contribute to increasing the title level. For example, the title level may increase by one each time the points reach a predetermined value.

[0182] The higher the title level, the more advantageous it may be when purchasing e-books (a discount or a higher discount rate), the more free currency may be given, the more vouchers for e-books may be given, etc. The title level may be expressed as words such as beginner, intermediate, advanced, etc., or as a number such as 1, 2, 3, etc. Alternatively, it may be a combination of a number and a word, such as first tier, second tier, third tier, etc.

[0183] The granting means 114 grants a reward to a user account when the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 displays an electronic book selected by a user account so that it can be viewed by another user account.

[0184] For example, the granting means 114 grants a reward to a user account when the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 displays an electronic book while the first display means 31 is displaying the electronic book, as in the first embodiment.

[0185] Alternatively, the granting means 114 may grant a reward to a user account when the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 displays an electronic book, i.e., a purchased book, for a user account, as in the second embodiment.

[0186] Furthermore, the granting means 114 may grant a reward to a user account when another e-book related to the e-book is purchased using another user account after the second display means 41 of the second communication terminal device 4 displays any of the above-mentioned items.

[0187] The reward may be free currency, paid currency, points, or a voucher that can be exchanged for an electronic book free of charge.

[0188] Alternatively, if the electronic book included in the book information 20A can be purchased by consuming in-app currency, the reward may be a right to reduce the amount of in-app currency consumed when purchasing a new electronic book during the third predetermined period. In this case, the electronic book that is the subject of the right may be other than the latest edition.

[0189] The level management means 116 manages the title level associated with each user account (e.g., one user account). As already described, the level management means 116 also changes the title level according to the points assigned by the assigning means 114. For example, the level management means 116 may increase the title level by one each time the points reach a predetermined value.

[0190] 14 is a diagram showing an example of the My Page screen 120. The My Page screen 120 may be displayed on the first display means 31 by, for example, a user operating the first operation means 32 of the first communication terminal device 3 (see FIG. 5 for the first display means 31 and the first operation means 32).

[0191] A portion of one user account information 30A is displayed on the My Page screen 120. That is, as shown in FIG. 14 , the My Page screen 120 has the fourth area 93 and fifth area 94 already described. The My Page screen 120 further has a tenth area 121 that displays points and the like associated with one user account, an eleventh area 122 that displays exchange vouchers and the like, and a twelfth area 123 that displays title levels and the like. Although not shown, an area that displays in-app currency and the like may also be provided.

[0192] <Functional means of communication terminal device> In the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, as in the first embodiment, the second display means 41 is a functional means that, when permitted by the permission means 22, enables an electronic book to be displayed so that it can be viewed under the account of another user.

[0193] The user account information 30A, 40A includes the title level information and point information described above.

[0194] <<Processing Flow>> Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for one user to lend a purchased book to another user in the electronic book system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Note that, although the flowchart in Fig. 15 assumes that there is one second communication terminal device 4, there may be multiple second communication terminal devices 4. Furthermore, the order and content of the following steps may be changed as appropriate.

[0195] 15 is substantially the same as the flowchart of FIG. 6 up to step SP11. The difference is that in step SP8, the two users are browsing together, and in step SP11, the server device 102 is notified that browsing has ended. Explanation of the other steps up to step SP11 will be omitted.

[0196] (Step SP32) Another user uses the second operation means 42 of the second communication terminal device 4 to purchase an electronic book related to the one electronic book purchased by the one user from the book information 20A stored in the server storage means 20. Information about the purchase is transmitted from the terminal communication means 43 of the second communication terminal device 4 to the server communication means 26 of the server device 102. After step SP32 is completed, the process proceeds to step SP33.

[0197] (Step SP33) The granting means 114 grants a reward to the user account. For example, if the reward is points, this may involve overwriting the points associated with the user account contained in the user account information 20B, and transmitting this information from the server communication means 26 to the first terminal communication means 33. After step SP42 is completed, the process ends.

[0198] <Effects> The program according to the third embodiment of the present invention is a program that allows a user's account to view, in the user's account, one electronic book selected from one or more electronic books stored in the server device 102, and causes a computer to function as: permission means 22 (or permission means 82) that allows the electronic book to be viewed in the account of another user; display means (second display means 41) that, when permitted by the permission means 22 (or permission means 82), allows the electronic book to be displayed so that it can be viewed in the account of another user; and granting means 114 that grants a reward to the account of the user when displayed by the display means.

[0199] According to this configuration, when a user allows another user to view an e-book that the user owns, the user is given a reward, thereby discouraging illegal uploading of e-books and protecting the dignity of the author of the e-book.

[0200] The program according to the third embodiment of the present invention further causes the computer to function as a restriction means 23 (or restriction means 83) that imposes a predetermined restriction when the permission means 22 (or permission means 82) allows another user to view an e-book (or a purchased book) under their account.

[0201] According to this configuration, when one user allows another user to view his / her electronic book, the interests of the author can be guaranteed by setting a predetermined restriction.

[0202] In the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a server device stores other e-books related to one e-book, and the granting means 114 grants a reward to a user's account by purchasing the other e-book using the other user's account after the display means (second display means 41) displays the one e-book.

[0203] According to this configuration, when another user reads an electronic book that one user has permitted to be read and then purchases that electronic book, a reward is given to the first user, which allows the first user to preferentially permit reading of electronic books that are of high interest to the first user. This makes highly interesting electronic books more widely known and increases the opportunities for them to be purchased. Therefore, the dignity of the author can be protected while the interest of the author can be guaranteed.

[0204] In a program according to a third embodiment of the present invention, an e-book can be purchased by consuming in-app currency, and the reward is the right to reduce the amount of in-app currency consumed when purchasing a new e-book within a specified period (a third specified period).

[0205] According to this configuration, when other users view an e-book that one user has given permission to view, the one user can purchase a new e-book at a low cost. Therefore, one user will actively allow other users to view e-books. Therefore, illegal uploading of e-books can be further suppressed.

[0206] In the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that the new electronic book that is the subject of the rights is one other than the latest edition.

[0207] According to this configuration, the latest edition cannot be purchased at a low price, thereby ensuring the profits of the author.

[0208] The program according to the third embodiment of the present invention further causes the computer to function as a level management means 116 that manages the level associated with a user's account, and the reward is points that contribute to increasing the level, and the higher the level, the more advantageous the user's account is when purchasing the new e-book.

[0209] According to this configuration, the more times a user allows other users to view an electronic book, the more likely the user is to purchase a new electronic book, thereby improving the user's motivation to give such permission.

[0210] An information processing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that allows a user's account to view an electronic book selected from one or more electronic books stored in a server device 102, and includes a permission means 22 (or a permission means 82) that allows the electronic book to be viewed in another user's account, a display means (second display means 41) that, when permitted by the permission means 22 (or the permission means 82), allows the electronic book to be displayed so that it can be viewed in the other user's account, and an awarding means 114 that awards a reward to the user's account when displayed by the display means.

[0211] According to this configuration, when a user allows another user to view an e-book that the user owns, the user is given a reward, thereby discouraging illegal uploading of e-books and protecting the dignity of the author of the e-book.

[0212] == ...

[0213] For example, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the permission means 22 has been described as allowing another user to view an electronic book together with one user while that user is viewing it, but instead, it may be possible to allow another user to view an electronic book after the first user has finished viewing it.

[0214] Furthermore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, processing of purchased books purchased by one user account was described, but under certain conditions, the books may be owned without being purchased, or may be rented.

[0215] In addition, in the third embodiment of the present invention, it has been explained that the granting means 114 grants a reward to one user account, but in addition to the one user account, it may also grant a reward to the author of the e-book that the one user account allows to be viewed.

[0216] In the third embodiment of the present invention, the granting unit 114 grants a reward to a user when another user reads an electronic book of the user and then purchases the book. However, the granting unit 114 may grant a reward to a user when a certain period of time has elapsed between the end of the reading and the purchase.

[0217] Furthermore, in the third embodiment of the present invention, when the second display means 41 displays one e-book or a purchased book as in the first or second embodiment, and then another e-book related to the one e-book or the purchased book is purchased under another user account, the granting means 114 grants a reward to the one user account. However, the granting means 114 may grant a reward to the one user account when, instead of purchasing another e-book related to the one e-book under another user account, the other e-book is displayed during display on the first display means 31, or when another purchased book of the one user account is borrowed as in the second embodiment.

[0218] Furthermore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, it has been explained that there is one lending destination user account for each purchased book, but it is also possible to set a plurality of lending destinations for each purchased book.

[0219] In addition, in the explanations using the flowcharts in each embodiment, when another user account applies for the recruitment, the processes of "notifying the applying user" (steps SP5 in FIGS. 6 and 15 and SP24 in FIG. 10) and "deciding the user" (SP6 in FIGS. 6 and 15 and SP25 in FIG. 10) are performed, but these processes may be omitted. In that case, the permission means 22, 82 will determine whether to permit (or not permit) viewing for the applying user account.

[0220] In addition, in each embodiment, for convenience, multiple user accounts are distinguished as one user account and another user account, and multiple communication terminal devices are distinguished as a first communication terminal device 3 and a second communication terminal device 4. However, these do not distinguish between specific user accounts or specific communication terminal devices. Therefore, a user account described as another user account can become the one user account, and a communication terminal device described as the second communication terminal device 4 can become the one communication terminal device 3. Furthermore, the relationship between the one user account and the other user account may be reversed for each electronic book, and the relationship between the first communication terminal device 3 and the second communication terminal device 4 may be reversed.

[0221] Furthermore, in the present invention, in addition to the configurations described in each embodiment, the server device 2 and / or the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 may be provided with a control means for generating a screen with one or more questions regarding the display of an e-book (e.g., an e-book included in the book information 20A). Furthermore, the screen may be displayed on the display means 31 and 41 upon each user's first access (first login using each user account). In this case, each user may answer the question using the operation means 32 and 42. Furthermore, the question data may be stored in the server storage means 20 and / or the terminal storage means 30. The server device 2 and / or the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 may be provided with a setting means for setting the configuration of the screen to be subsequently displayed on the display means 31 and 41, respectively, depending on the answers to the questions by each user. The configuration of the screen may include, for example, the scrolling direction (vertical scrolling, horizontal scrolling), the genre or orientation of the recommended e-books (prioritizing e-books that can be viewed without consuming paid currency, prioritizing specific works), etc. Furthermore, each user may be able to skip the above questions using the operation means 32, 42, and furthermore, each screen configuration set by each user at the time of first access may be reconfigured from the next access onwards. With the above configuration, a screen that suits the user's preferences can be displayed, improving convenience and increasing the continuation rate of the service.

[0222] Furthermore, in the present invention, in addition to the configurations described in each embodiment, the server device 2 and / or the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 may include control means for generating screens for game elements such as quizzes and / or votes regarding the content of e-books. Furthermore, the screens may be displayed on the display means 31 and 41, respectively. The quizzes and / or votes may be, for example, questions such as, "Which manga is popular because the protagonist does ____?" or "What did the protagonist say to the enemy after fighting ____?" In this case, each user may answer the quiz and / or vote using the operation means 32 and 42, respectively. Furthermore, data on the quiz and / or vote may be stored in the server storage means 20 and / or the terminal storage means 30. Furthermore, in this case, the granting means 114 in the third embodiment may grant a reward to the user account of the user who answered the quiz and vote. Furthermore, the reward may be free currency, artwork related to the e-book, a badge, a virtual trading card, or the like. The above-described configuration allows the user to deepen their understanding of the content of the electronic book and to become interested in the content.

[0223] In the third embodiment, a user's points and title level change when another user purchases an e-book. However, the awarding means 114 in the third embodiment may award points by category, and the level management means 116 may also provide and manage multiple title levels by category. For example, in addition to the points and title levels described in the third embodiment, points and title levels may be provided that change each time a user purchases an e-book. Furthermore, points and title levels may be provided that change each time a user clicks a "Like" button on another user's comment, etc. Furthermore, the awarding means 114 may award a badge to a user each time the user answers or correctly answers a specific quiz, in addition to points that contribute to the change in the user's title level.

[0224] Furthermore, in the present invention, in addition to the configurations described in each embodiment, the server device 2 and / or the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 may be provided with control means for setting various achievements. Furthermore, the control means may generate a screen displaying each achievement and whether or not the achievement has been achieved. Furthermore, the display means 31 and 41 may display the screen. Furthermore, the granting means 114 of the third embodiment may grant a reward to each user each time the user achieves an achievement. Various types of achievements may be provided, each of which grants a different reward. Note that the types of achievements are preferably those related to each user's behavior regarding an e-book, such as the number or accuracy rate of correct answers to a quiz, the number of comments posted about an e-book, the amount of support given to the author of the e-book, or the length of a subscription period for a particular e-book.

[0225] Furthermore, in the present invention, in addition to the configuration described in each embodiment, the server device 2 and / or the communication terminal devices 3 and 4 may include control means for generating a screen on which friend users can check each other's access status and currently viewed (displayed) e-books, and a screen on which friend users can check whether each e-book is currently being viewed (displayed) by a friend user. Furthermore, the control means may generate a screen on which friend users can "like" an e-book and friend users' comments (comments entered by operating the operation means 42) are displayed in real time. The display means 31 and 41 may then display the screen. Furthermore, the control means may provide information columns indicating the popularity of each e-book, such as "popular title" or "number of views exceeded XX," for each e-book based on the viewing status (display status) of each e-book. Note that "based on the viewing status (display status)" may refer to, for example, when the cumulative number of views (number of times displayed) reaches a predetermined number, when the cumulative number reaches a predetermined number over a certain period, or when the cumulative number reaches a predetermined number among the target user's friend users. The control means may also enable each user to recommend a specific e-book to a friend user. Furthermore, if a friend user who has received a recommended e-book from the user purchases the e-book, the user who made the recommendation may be able to receive a reward. The above configuration can increase the interest of users when viewing e-books in collaboration with friend users.

[0226] Furthermore, in addition to the configurations described in the respective embodiments, the present invention may be configured such that, while each user is viewing an electronic book, i.e., while each display unit 31, 41 is displaying the electronic book, the user can move an icon on the screen or mark the screen by operating the operation unit 32, 42. Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, even when one user and another user are viewing the same page (image) of the same electronic book together, the one user and the other user may be able to perform similar operations on the operation unit 32, 42. The above-described configuration can improve the convenience of viewing electronic books and enable real-time communication between friend users.

[0227] The present invention may also include a control means for extracting the most popular page (image) for each electronic book based on the browsing history, chat, voice chat, etc. of each user, and setting a screen for displaying a digest of this for each electronic book.Then, the display means 31 and 41 may display the screen.

[0228] In addition to the configurations described in the respective embodiments, the present invention may also be configured such that, while each user is viewing an e-book, i.e., while each display unit 31, 41 is displaying the e-book, each user can enlarge a specified portion (i.e., a part of the e-book screen) using the operation unit 32, 42 (by tapping, etc.) (provided that this is only while the user is operating the operation unit 32, 42). Furthermore, in this case, the currently displayed screen may be displayed in a position that does not overlap the user's hand or finger operating the operation unit 32, 42. Furthermore, the screen may be restored to its original state when the user stops operating the operation unit 32, 42 (when the user releases the hand or finger). Furthermore, the enlargement magnification may be set by the user. Furthermore, metadata such as frame layout and dialogue position for each page of the e-book may be stored in the server storage unit 20 and / or the terminal storage unit 30, dynamically analyzed by the control unit, and the control unit may adjust the enlarged area according to the metadata and the user's tap position. The above-described configuration allows users to easily switch between viewing the entire page and viewing the details, providing a comfortable viewing experience.

[0229] Furthermore, in addition to the configuration described in each embodiment, the present invention may also include a control means for generating a screen with a text field for a work description and a synopsis of each e-book. The screen may then be displayed on the display means 31, 41. Furthermore, the control means may dynamically generate text in accordance with the user's reading progress or viewing status (display status). The text may be stored in the server storage means 20 and / or the terminal storage means 30. Alternatively, the server storage means 20 and / or the terminal storage means 30 may store original sentences (e.g., sentences linked to each story) that form the text, and the control means may dynamically combine these sentences to generate text in accordance with the reading progress or viewing status (display status). For example, if a target user has never viewed a certain e-book, the text may provide an overview of the entire work. If the target user has already viewed up to the 10th story, the text may provide a synopsis of the first 10 stories and an introduction to the 11th story and beyond. By configuring as described above, it is possible to provide users with text that is appropriate for their level of understanding of e-books, rather than a uniform text, and to encourage them to view and purchase e-books. Furthermore, even if a long time has passed since the user last viewed the book, the user can read a synopsis of the content up to the point where they last viewed it, which motivates them to resume viewing, and an increase in the return rate can be expected.

[0230] 2: Server device, 20: Server storage means, 22: Permission means, 23: Restriction means, 24: Determination means, 25: Recruitment means, 31: First display means, 32: First operation means, 33: First terminal communication means, 41: Second display means, 42: Second operation means, 43: Second terminal communication means

Claims

1. A program that enables a user's account to view one electronic book selected from one or more electronic books stored in a server device, the program causing a computer to function as: a first display means that enables the electronic book to be displayed so that it can be viewed in the user's account; an authorization means that allows one or more other users to view the electronic book while the first display means is displaying the electronic book; a second display means that, when permission is granted by the authorization means, enables the electronic book to be displayed so that it can be viewed in the other users' accounts; and a restriction means that imposes specified restrictions on the permission granted by the authorization means.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the electronic book contains entertainment content.

3. The program according to claim 1 or 2, further causing the computer to function as a solicitation means for soliciting accounts of other users who are permitted by the permission means to view the one electronic book while the first display means is displaying the one electronic book.

4. A program as claimed in claim 1 or 2, which causes the computer to further function as a communication means for enabling communication for sending and receiving text information and / or audio information between a first communication terminal device on which the electronic book is displayed by the first display means and a second communication terminal device on which the electronic book is displayed by the second display means, when the first display means and the second display means are displaying the electronic book.

5. The program according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the permission means permits the accounts of the other users to view the one electronic book while the first display means is displaying the one electronic book.

6. The program according to claim 1 or 2, further causing the computer to function as a first operating means that enables page forward and page back operations of the one e-book only for the account of the one user when the first display means and the second display means are displaying the one e-book.

7. The program described in claim 6, which causes the computer to further function as: a storage means for storing a viewing status when the first display means and the second display means are displaying the one e-book; a determination means for determining whether the one e-book has been viewed up to the last page based on the viewing status stored in the storage means; and a second operation means for enabling page forward and page back operations of the one e-book in the account of the other user when the determination means makes a positive determination.

8. An information processing device that enables a single user's account to view one electronic book selected from one or more electronic books stored in a server device, the information processing device comprising: a first display means that enables the single electronic book to be displayed on a first communication terminal device so that it can be viewed under the single user's account; an authorization means that allows the single electronic book to be viewed under one or more other user's accounts while the first display means is displaying the single electronic book; a second display means that, when authorization is granted by the authorization means, enables the single electronic book to be displayed so that it can be viewed under the other user's account; and a restriction means that imposes a predetermined restriction on the authorization means when granting the authorization.

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