JP2020187473A - Digital content provision device - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable provision of digital content in a highly convenient manner that reduces a burden on a user and is contingent on payment later.SOLUTION: A digital content provision device including a log information acquisition part that acquires log information corresponding to user identification information and a service delivery unit that provides a digital content to a user pertaining to the user identification information based on the log information, subject to payment of the consideration by the user pertaining to the user identification information by a predetermined time period after the provision of the digital content delivery is disclosed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present disclosure relates to a digital content providing device.

A service related to credit based on behavioral information such as a request for content (news article) by the user or posting of a comment on the content, giving the user a title indicating the nature of the user, and based on the information on the title given to the user. The technology to provide is known.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-040607

However, with the prior art, it is difficult to make it possible to provide digital contents on the condition of postpay in a highly convenient manner that reduces the burden on the user.

Therefore, in one aspect, it is an object of the present invention to enable the provision of digital contents on the condition of postpayment in a highly convenient manner that reduces the burden on the user.

On one side, a log information acquisition unit that acquires log information associated with user identification information,
Payment of consideration for digital content, subject to payment of consideration by the user for the user identification information by a predetermined deadline after the provision of the digital content, based on the log information, the user identification information A digital content providing device including a service providing unit that provides the digital content to the user is provided.

On one aspect, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide digital contents on the condition of postpayment in a highly convenient manner that reduces the burden on the user.

It is a block diagram of the service provision system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. An example of a play screen for explaining the outline of the battle game part is shown. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the site A in a terminal device. It is explanatory drawing of the flow of deferred payment. It is a functional block diagram concerning a function related to a postpaid function among various functions realized by a server device. It is explanatory drawing of the data in a user information database. It is explanatory drawing of the information about a game. It is explanatory drawing of the data in a log information database. It is explanatory drawing of the data in an index value database. It is explanatory drawing of the data in a billing information database. It is explanatory drawing of the data in the postpaid information database. It is a figure which shows an example of the output mode of the reminder information. It is a figure which shows another example of the output mode of the reminder information. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the operation example about the determination of the availability of a postpaid function. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the operation example about the usage scene of the postpaid function by a user. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the operation example related to the output of the invoice information. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the operation example which concerns on activity restriction processing. It is a schematic flowchart which shows an example of the update process (step S172 of FIG. 17) of a payment status category based on a payment notification. It is a schematic flowchart which shows an example of the update process (step S174 of FIG. 17) of the invoice information according to the unpaid time. It is a schematic flowchart which shows an example of the activity restriction processing (step S176 of FIG. 17) according to a payment status category. It is a schematic flowchart which shows an example of the output processing of the reminder information corresponding to a predetermined operation. It is a schematic flowchart which shows an example of the output processing of the reminder information corresponding to the change of the payment status category.

Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Overview of service provision system)
An outline of the service providing system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The service providing system 1 includes a server device 10 and one or more terminal devices 20. Although three terminal devices 20 are shown in FIG. 1 for convenience, the number of terminal devices 20 may be two or more.

The server device 10 is, for example, an information processing device such as a server managed by a service operator. In the present embodiment, as an example, the server device 10 realizes a so-called service platform and provides various services via the service platform. Specifically, the server device 10 is, for example, an application portal site (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “site”), application software (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “application”), and a social network function (hereinafter, simply referred to as “application”). (Also referred to as "SNS function") is provided to registered users (and guest users if necessary). Hereinafter, the registered user (and guest user if necessary) is also simply referred to as a “user”.

The number of sites provided by the server device 10 is arbitrary, but in the present embodiment, one site (hereinafter, also referred to as "site A") is assumed as an example.

The type and number of applications provided by the server device 10 are arbitrary, but in the present embodiment, as an example, the application provided by the server device 10 is an application for a game (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a "game application"). In addition, various applications for using digital contents (digital contents other than game applications, which will be described later) may be included. The game application or the like may be made executable via the site A. Hereinafter, the game refers to a game related to a game application provided by the server device 10.

The type and number of SNS functions provided by the server device 10 are arbitrary, but here, diary, chat, message board / bulletin board (community), comments, messenger, friend request, object transmission (gift transmission), etc. It may be a function like. The SNS function may be made executable via site A.

The terminal device 20 is an information processing device used by a user, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), or a game device. The terminal device 20 can execute various applications according to the present embodiment. Various applications may be received by the terminal device 20 from the server device 10 or another predetermined application distribution server via the network 3, or a storage device provided in the terminal device 20 or a memory readable by the terminal device 20. It may be stored in advance in a storage medium such as a card. The server device 10 and the terminal device 20 are communicably connected via the network 3. For example, the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 cooperate to execute various processes related to the service.

The network 3 may include a wireless communication network, the Internet, a VPN (Virtual Private Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a wired network, or any combination thereof.

(Configuration of server device)
The configuration of the server device 10 will be specifically described. The server device 10 is composed of a server computer. The server device 10 may be realized in cooperation with a plurality of server computers.

The server device 10 includes a server communication unit 11, a server storage unit 12, and a server control unit 13.

The server communication unit 11 includes an interface that communicates with an external device wirelessly or by wire to transmit and receive information. The server communication unit 11 may include, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication module, a wired LAN communication module, or the like. The server communication unit 11 can send and receive information to and from the terminal device 20 via the network 3.

The server storage unit 12 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. For example, the server storage unit 12 may include a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like. The server storage unit 12 stores various information and programs used for processing related to the service. At least a part of the information and the program stored in the server storage unit 12 may be shared and synchronized with the terminal device 20. Hereinafter, an example of the information stored in the server storage unit 12 will be specifically described.

The server control unit 13 includes one or more processors. The processor may include a general-purpose processor that realizes a specific function by reading a specific program, and a dedicated processor specialized for a specific process. The server control unit 13 controls the operation of the entire server device 10. Details of the server control unit 13 will be described later.

(Configuration of terminal device)
The configuration of the terminal device 20 will be specifically described. As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 20 includes a terminal communication unit 21, a terminal storage unit 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, and a terminal control unit 25.

The terminal communication unit 21 includes an interface for transmitting and receiving information by communicating with an external device wirelessly or by wire. The terminal communication unit 21 may include, for example, a wireless communication module, a wireless LAN communication module, a wired LAN communication module, or the like corresponding to a mobile communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark). The terminal communication unit 21 can send and receive information to and from the server device 10 via the network 3.

The terminal storage unit 22 includes, for example, a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. For example, the terminal storage unit 22 may include a semiconductor memory, a magnetic memory, an optical memory, or the like. The terminal storage unit 22 stores various information and programs received from the server device 10 and used for processing related to the service. Information and programs used for processing related to the service may be acquired from an external device via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, the game application may be acquired from a predetermined application distribution server.

The display unit 23 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display unit 23 can display various screens.

The input unit 24 includes, for example, an input interface including a touch panel provided integrally with the display unit 23. The input unit 24 can accept user input to the terminal device 20. Further, the input unit 24 may include a physical key, or may further include an arbitrary input interface such as a pointing device such as a mouse.

The terminal control unit 25 includes one or more processors. The terminal control unit 25 controls the operation of the entire terminal device 20. Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the terminal control unit 25 will be specifically described.

The terminal control unit 25 transmits / receives information via the terminal communication unit 21. For example, the terminal control unit 25 receives various information and programs used for processing related to the service from at least one of the server device 10 and another external server. The terminal control unit 25 stores the received information and the program in the terminal storage unit 22.

The terminal control unit 25 activates the site A, the game application in the site A, and the like in response to the user's operation. The terminal control unit 25 cooperates with the server device 10 to execute processing related to the service. For example, the terminal control unit 25 causes the display unit 23 to display various screens related to processing related to the service. For example, a GUI (Graphic User Interface) for detecting a user operation may be displayed on the screen. The terminal control unit 25 can detect a user operation on the screen via the input unit 24.

(Overview of game app)
An outline of an example of a game application according to this embodiment will be described. The game according to this embodiment includes one or more game parts. At least one of the one or more game parts may be executed using the game medium.

The game medium is electronic data used in the game, and includes, for example, any medium such as a card, an item, a point, a virtual currency, a ticket, a character, an avatar, and a parameter. In addition, the game medium may be game-related information such as level information, status information, parameter information (physical strength value, attack power, etc.) or ability information (skill, ability, spell, job, etc.). Further, the game medium is electronic data that can be acquired, owned, used, managed, exchanged, synthesized, strengthened, sold, discarded, or donated by the user in the game, but the usage mode of the game medium is described in the present specification. It is not limited to what is specified.

Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the "game medium owned by the user" refers to a game medium associated with a user ID that can uniquely identify the user as the owned game medium. Further, "giving the game medium to the user" means that the game medium is associated with the user ID as the owned game medium. Further, "discarding the game medium owned by the user" means canceling the association between the user ID and the game medium owned by the user. Further, "consuming the game medium owned by the user" means that some effect or influence can be generated in the game depending on the cancellation of the association between the user ID and the owned game medium. Further, "selling the game medium owned by the user" means that the association between the user ID and the owned game medium is canceled and the user ID owns another game medium (for example, virtual currency or item). Indicates that it is associated as a game medium. Further, "transferring the game medium owned by the user A to the user B" means that the association between the user ID of the user A and the owned game medium is canceled and the game medium is owned by the user ID of the user B. Indicates that it is associated as a game medium. Further, "creating a game medium" means defining or determining at least a part of information about the game medium.

The game part is content that can be played by the user in the game, such as quests, missions, mini-games, training, strengthening, and synthesis of game media, game media acquisition events, virtual space exploration events, and opponents ( For example, a battle event with another user, an enemy character, an enemy building, etc.) is included. One or more predetermined tasks (game tasks) may be set for each game part. For example, when it is determined that one or more game tasks set in the game part played by the user have been successfully achieved, for example, a game medium or the like may be given to the user as a reward. The game tasks include, for example, a task of winning a battle with an enemy character, a task of reaching a goal point in a virtual space, and a state in which the user character is in a predetermined state (for example, an incapacitated state) until a predetermined time elapses. ), Etc., any task can be adopted according to the content of the game part. Further, the achievement of a specific task (clear task) among one or more game tasks set in the game part is also referred to as clearing the game part. If the user who plays the game part succeeds in achieving the clear task, it is determined that the game part is cleared, and the game part may end.

The one or more game parts may include a game part for single play and a game part for multiplayer. The game part for single play may include, for example, a game part (for example, a game part for one person) executed based on a user operation on one terminal device 20 used by one user. For example, one terminal device 20 alone or one terminal device 20 and a server device 10 cooperate to execute a game part for single play. On the other hand, the game part for multiplayer is, for example, a game part common to the two or more users (for example,) executed based on a user operation on two or more terminal devices 20 used by the two or more users. , A game part for multiple players) may be included. A game part common to two or more users is, for example, a game part in which at least a part of the progress processing of the game part and at least a part of the processing result are commonly applied to the two or more users. May include. For example, two or more terminal devices 20 cooperate with each other, or two or more terminal devices 20 and a server device 10 cooperate with each other to execute a game part for multiplayer. One game part may support both single play and multiplayer.

As an example, the game according to the present embodiment includes a competitive game part having, for example, an element of a side-scrolling action game and an element of a competitive game in which an opponent is played against an opponent using a game medium. The user selects one or more game media to be used for the competitive game part from the game media (owned game media) owned by the user. Hereinafter, each game medium used for the competitive game part is also referred to as a first game medium. The one or more first game media are collectively referred to as a deck or a team. The opponent is, for example, an automatically operated game medium such as an NPC (Non-Player Character), but is not limited to this. For example, the opponent may be a game medium operated by another user. In one battle game part, the number of opponents may be arbitrarily determined.

The outline of the competitive game part according to the present embodiment will be outlined with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows an example of a play screen for explaining the outline of the competitive game part.

A user who plays a battle game part for single play using the terminal device 20 operates, for example, a moving object 140 arranged in a virtual space to acquire a predetermined item while avoiding obstacles and the like. The moving object 140 corresponds to a predetermined game medium (second game medium). The second game medium may include, for example, a motorcycle, a car, a person, or the like traveling on the road surface 141. In response to the acquisition of item 142, the game media (first game media A1, B, C, D, E) included in the deck perform a predetermined action (for example, an attack on an opponent). The action of the first game medium can damage the opponent (in FIG. 2, the object 144 related to the opponent is displayed). On the other hand, the opponent performs a predetermined action (for example, an attack on the user) at a predetermined time interval, for example. The actions of the opponent can damage the user (in FIG. 2, the object 143 related to the user is displayed). Predetermined parameters (total HP and HP) that reduce the amount of damage given are set for each of the user and the opponent. In FIG. 2, the image area 145 is an area for displaying the rest of the total HP with a gauge, the image area 148 is an area for displaying the rest of the opponent's HP with a gauge, and the image area 149 is a deck. It is an area which shows the state of each 1st game medium included in. When the parameter of the opponent decreases to a predetermined value (for example, zero), it is determined that the user wins. On the other hand, when the parameter of the user decreases to a predetermined value (for example, zero), it is determined that the user is defeated. If it is determined that the user has won or defeated, the battle game part may end.

On the other hand, the battle game part for multiplayer is executed in the same manner as the battle game part for single play described above, except that two or more users play against a common opponent. Specifically, each of the two or more users plays a common battle game part using their own terminal device 20. Each of the two or more users operates the second game medium in the virtual space as described above. A common virtual space may be used for the two or more users, or an independent virtual space may be used for each user. The first game medium included in the deck of each of the two or more users attacks, for example, a common opponent. The above-mentioned parameters of the opponent are commonly applied to two or more users. For example, the parameters of the opponent may be synchronized between the plurality of terminal devices 20 used by two or more users. When the parameter of the opponent decreases to a predetermined value (for example, zero), it is determined that two or more users have won. On the other hand, when the parameter of each of the two or more users decreases to a predetermined value (for example, zero), it is determined that the two or more users are defeated. If it is determined that two or more users have won or defeated, the competitive game part may end.

The above-mentioned game is just an example, and in this embodiment, in addition to the general RPG (Role Playing Game), a fishing game, a run game, a dungeon game, an Othello game, a fighting game, a city planning game, and a horse racing. It can also be applied to games, sports games such as baseball games, shooting games, and the like.

(Overview of postpaid function)
In the present embodiment, the server device 10 further has a function (hereinafter, also referred to as “postpaid function”) capable of providing digital contents to the user on condition of postpayment via the site A.

Here, digital contents are various kinds of electronic data, such as viewable contents such as music and videos, readable contents such as electronic books, playable contents such as game apps, news and articles, etc. Includes information content, etc. Further, in the present embodiment, the digital content includes the electronic data used at the site A, and the electronic data used at the site A includes, for example, a card, an item, a point, a virtual currency, a ticket, a character, an avatar, and the like. Includes arbitrary media such as parameters. Further, the electronic data used at the site A includes a game medium used by the game application. The game medium is as described above.

In the present embodiment, as an example, the digital content provided by the postpaid function is a coin that can be used on the site A (hereinafter referred to as "A coin"), and the user consumes the possessed A coin. You can receive other digital contents.

Here, the provision of digital content to one user means making the digital content available to the one user, and the "use" of the "available state" means. It depends on the attributes of the digital content. For example, when the digital content is a predetermined number of A coins, the predetermined number may be added to the number of A coins associated with the user ID of the one user. When the digital content is viewable content, the viewable content may be played back via the terminal device 20 associated with the user ID of the one user.

Next, the postpaid function will be outlined with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the site A in the terminal device 20, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a postpaid flow.

FIG. 3 shows the home screen (My Page) G50 of Site A. On the home screen G50, a button B50 related to a postpaid function is set in a button B51 or the like capable of transitioning to a game corner. The text "Purchase by postpay" is attached to the button B50, and it is easy to inform the user that A coin can be purchased by postpay. By operating the button B50, the user can transition from the home screen of the site A to an application screen (not shown) in which the number of A coins to be purchased after payment can be specified. In the modified example, the screen G50 may be a screen that can be transitioned from another home screen instead of the home screen.

Here, the deferred payment has the usual meaning, but is a payment settlement method in which the payment of the consideration for the provision of the digital content is postponed until after the provision of the digital content. In the present embodiment, as an example, a user who uses the postpaid function can use a convenience store (hereinafter abbreviated as "convenience store"), a post office, an ATM (Autummatic Teller Machine), or the like after receiving the digital content. It is necessary to pay the price corresponding to the consideration.

In the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the digital content that can be provided by postpayment is A coin, and other digital contents (digital content that requires payment of consideration) can be provided via A coin. .. In the following description, the user receiving the A coin is synonymous with the user purchasing the A coin.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, assuming that a certain month is the N month, the user purchases A coins three times from the 1st of the N month to the last day of the N month (closing date). In this case, the payment deadline is the last day of the next month (N + 1 January), and the user pays the price corresponding to the purchase of three A coins during the payment period from the closing date to the payment deadline. You just have to pay. In this case, the price corresponding to the purchase of A coin three times is the price excluding interest and commission.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the service providing system 1 has the postpaid function, the convenience of the user can be enhanced. For example, even a user who does not have a credit card or the like can receive A coins from the service providing system 1 by using the postpaid function. Also, because the bills are grouped into one for each month, the user does not have to pay each time (like a prepaid card), and only one payment for one month is required, and multiple payments are made. It is possible to complete the payment according to the purchase of A coin, which improves convenience.

(Details of postpaid function)
Next, the details of the deferred payment function will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 13.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram relating to a function related to the postpaid function among various functions realized by the server device 10. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of data in the user information database 50. In FIG. 6 (the same applies to FIGS. 7 to 11 described later), “***” means that some information is stored. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of information about the game. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of data in the log information database 52. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of data in the index value database 54. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of data in the billing information database 55. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of data in the postpaid information database 56. 12 and 13 are diagrams showing each example of the output mode of the reminder information.

The server device 10 cooperates with each terminal device 20 to realize various functions described below. As shown in FIG. 5, the server device 10 includes a user registration unit 30, a service provision unit 31, a log information storage unit 34, a log information acquisition unit 36, a determination unit 38, a billing information management unit 39, and the like. The reminder information output unit 40, the activity restriction unit 42, the upper limit value setting unit 44, the user information database 50, the log information database 52, the index value database 54, the billing information database 55, and the postpaid information database 56. Including. The upper limit value setting unit 44 from the user registration unit 30 can be realized by the server communication unit 11 and the server control unit 13 described above, and the postpaid information database 56 from the user information database 50 can be realized by the server storage unit 12 described above.

It should be noted that the distinction between the function units of the user registration unit 30 and the upper limit value setting unit 44 is for convenience of explanation, and some or all of the functions of one specific function unit (functions described below) are other. It may be realized by one functional part. For example, a part or all of the functions of the user registration unit 30 may be realized by the content providing unit 313. The same applies to the user information database 50 to the postpaid information database 56, and a part or all of the functions of one specific database (functions described below) may be realized by the other database.

The user registration unit 30 registers the user information related to the user who uses the site A in the user information database 50.

As shown in FIG. 6, the user information is associated with a user ID (an example of user identification information), and includes a user name, password, telephone number, SMS authentication result, possessed coins, game information, and SNS information. Includes information about digital content. The user information may include information that is initially registered, such as a user ID and user name, as well as information that is accumulated ex post facto, such as information about the game. In addition, the user information does not have to include the user's real-world information (age, income, address, etc.) other than the telephone number.

The user ID is information that can uniquely identify the user. Hereinafter, the user ID is also simply referred to as a user.

The user name is information indicating the name of the user. Unlike the user ID, the user name does not have to be able to uniquely identify the user. The user name may be arbitrarily determined and changed according to the user operation on the terminal device 20. The user name is information that is initially registered and may be essential information that should be registered.

The password is a password that enables a user name to log in to Site A. A plurality of types of passwords may be set depending on the intended use. The password is information to be initially registered and may be essential information to be registered.

The telephone number is a telephone number for short message service (SMS) authentication. The telephone number is information to be initially registered, may be essential information to be registered, or may be arbitrary information.

The SMS authentication result represents the result of SMS authentication using the registered telephone number. In SMS authentication, a specific confirmation code is transmitted by SMS to the registered telephone number, and then authentication is realized depending on whether or not the confirmation code is input. In FIG. 6, “◯” indicates that the SMS authentication was successful, and “x” indicates that the SMS authentication was unsuccessful. Note that SMS authentication is executed only when the telephone number is registered.

Possessed coins represent the number of A coins possessed (the number of A coins currently available). The user can receive the A coin by using the postpaid function as described above. The initial value of possessed coins is, for example, 0. The possessed coins can be updated by the coin providing unit 3131, the billing processing unit 314, the billing information management unit 39, and the like, as will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 7, the information about the game may include a rank, information about the owned game medium, information about the game medium used, and friend information for each user ID.

Rank is a parameter indicating the skill level of the user regarding the game. In this embodiment, the rank value may increase according to the user's play of the game. The higher the rank, the higher the skill level of the user regarding the game.

The information about the owned game medium includes various information specific to the game medium (owned game medium) owned by the user in the game. When the game medium is acquired by the user, the game medium is associated with the user as the owned game medium. Although details of the information regarding the owned game medium are omitted, the game medium name, rarity, level, cost, HP (HitPoint), attack power, recovery power, and the like may be included for each game medium ID.

The information regarding the game medium used is information indicating the game medium (first game medium) to be used by the user in the competitive game part. The first game medium is selected from the owned game media. In the present embodiment, for example, up to five game media selected from one or more owned game media are associated with the user as the first game media, respectively. Therefore, one game medium can be a first game medium as well as a owned game medium. The first game medium may be selected automatically or in response to a user operation, for example, in a dedicated game part. For example, the dedicated game part may include a game part that performs so-called deck formation, team formation, or the like. A maximum of five first game media shown in the information about the game medium used constitutes one deck. The information regarding the game medium used may include information on a plurality of decks.

The friend information represents a user ID having a friend relationship in the game. For example, when the user A has a friend relationship with the users B and C, the friend information associated with the user A includes the user IDs of the users B and C. The friend relationship is realized through a friend application or the like. In this way, the friend information includes the user IDs of other users that are unidirectionally or bidirectionally associated with the user. It should be noted that users in a friendship relationship may be able to communicate with each other, for example, during a game, such as sending and receiving messages. In addition, in the information about the user, information indicating the group to which the user belongs (for example, a guild or a party) may be included in place of or in addition to the friend information.

The content of the information about the game is not limited to the above. For example, the information about the user may further include information indicating a predetermined point that the user holds in the game. The points are consumed for the user to play the game part. The amount of points consumed may differ for each game part. The points may be increased, for example, with the passage of time or with the use of a given game medium.

The information about the SNS may include various information related to the SNS function. For example, the information about the SNS may include information about the avatar, friend information, and the like for each user ID. The information about the avatar may include clothing information for changing clothes and the like. The friend information may represent a user ID or a group ID connected via the SNS function. The friend information may be the same as the friend information in the game, or may be different.

The information about the digital content may include information for identifying the digital content available to the user. The "digital content available to the user" as used herein is digital content other than the A coin, and may include one or more digital contents provided by the user by consuming the A coin. Information on digital content includes one or more game apps that can be played by the user (for example, one or more game apps that the user has been provided by consuming A coins, and / or other game apps. ) May be included.

The service providing unit 31 provides various services that can be used by each user via the service platform.

The service providing unit 31 includes a login management unit 310, a game processing unit 311, an SNS function realization unit 312, a content providing unit 313, a billing processing unit 314, and a digital content using unit 315.

The login management unit 310 executes a process related to the service used by the site A. Specifically, the login management unit 310 manages the login status of each user at the site A based on the user name, password, and the like in the user information database 50. Basically, when the user name and password entered by the user match the user information in the user information database 50, the login management unit 310 permits login based on the user ID related to the user name. However, in the present embodiment, the login management unit 310 prohibits the login to the site A for the user who is restricted by the activity restriction unit 42 in the fourth stage as described later.

The game processing unit 311 executes game processing related to the game application. At this time, the game processing unit 311 executes the game processing by using the information about the game (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The mode of the game realized by the game processing is as described above, but is arbitrary. When various game processes are executed for one user, the game processing unit 311 appropriately updates the user information (information about the game in the user information shown in FIG. 6) associated with the one user. In the present embodiment, the game processing unit 311 prohibits the user from playing the game for the user who is restricted by the activity restriction unit 42 in the third stage as described later.

The SNS function realization unit 312 executes the process related to the above-mentioned SNS function. At this time, the SNS function realization unit 312 executes the process related to the SNS function by using the information related to the SNS as shown in FIG. When the SNS function realization unit 312 executes various processes related to the SNS function for one user, the user information associated with the one user (information about the SNS in the user information shown in FIG. 6) is appropriately updated. ..

The content providing unit 313 provides the above-mentioned digital contents to the user via the site A. The content providing unit 313 includes a coin providing unit 3131 and a digital content providing unit 3132.

The coin providing unit 3131 gives the user a predetermined number of N A coins (an example of digital contents) on condition that the payment is made by the deferred payment function (payment of the consideration of the provided A coins) until the payment deadline date (an example of a predetermined deadline). provide. The price of each A coin may be constant or variable. Assuming that the consideration for each A coin is, for example, β yen, the consideration for the A coin having a predetermined number of N is N × β yen. In this case, the coin providing unit 3131 provides the user with a predetermined number of N A coins, subject to payment of N × β yen by the payment deadline.

In the present embodiment, as an example, each user provides A coins as many times as necessary (see FIG. 3) until the upper limit value Nmax associated with the user reaches the cumulative value of the monthly consideration before payment. Can receive. That is, the coin providing unit 3131 provides A coins to the user in response to a request from the user until the cumulative value of the monthly consideration before payment reaches the upper limit value Nmax associated with the user. .. The monthly cumulative value of the consideration before payment is the monthly cumulative value, which is the cumulative value of the consideration of the A coin provided. In this case, the cumulative value of the consideration before payment associated with one user is reset to "0" every month. The number of A coins that can be provided at one time may be limited to an upper limit or may be substantially unlimited. That is, the predetermined number N may be a predetermined fixed value or may be selectable / adjustable by the user. In the latter case, the user can also receive a number of A coins as a consideration corresponding to the upper limit value Nmax at a time.

However, in the modified example, each user receives A coins as many times as necessary (see FIG. 3) until the upper limit value Nmax associated with the user reaches the cumulative value of the consideration before payment over the entire period. be able to. The cumulative value of the consideration before payment over the entire period is not the cumulative value for each month, but the cumulative value for the entire period, and is the cumulative value for the consideration of the A coin provided. In this case, when the one user pays the price (full amount) corresponding to the cumulative value, it is reset to "0".
In the present embodiment, the payment deadline is the same for each user, but is not limited to this. For example, in the modified example, the payment deadline may be set in such a manner that the period up to the payment deadline changes according to the credit information (for example, the maximum amount). In this case, a looser (longer) payment deadline may be set for a user who is given higher credit.

In the present embodiment, as an example, assuming that the consideration β per A coin fluctuates, the upper limit value Nmax functions as an upper limit value for the consideration, but is not limited to this. For example, when the consideration β per A coin is fixed, the upper limit value Nmax may be an upper limit value with respect to the cumulative value of the number of A coins before the payment of the consideration.

The upper limit value Nmax may be a fixed value fixed for each user, but in the present embodiment, as an example, it is set by the upper limit value setting unit 44 for each user as described later. In the present embodiment, the coin providing unit 3131 refers to the upper limit value Nmax (upper limit value Nmax associated with the one user) obtained by referring to the postpaid information database 56 for one user (see FIG. 11). Based on the relationship between the billing amount obtained by referring to the billing information database 55 (the billing amount associated with the one user and corresponding to the cumulative value of the consideration before payment) (see FIG. 10). At present, the maximum number of A coins that can be provided to the one user can be grasped.

When the coin providing unit 3131 provides a predetermined number of A coins to a user, the coin providing unit 3131 updates the possessed coins (possessed coins in the user information shown in FIG. 6) associated with the one user. In this case, the coin providing unit 3131 adds a predetermined number N of the numerical values of the possessed coins associated with the one user.

The digital content providing unit 3132 provides the user with various digital contents other than the A coin, subject to the consumption of the A coin associated with the user (decrease in the number of A coins). The consumption amount of A coin may be associated with each digital content. That is, the consumption amount of A coins may be set according to the digital contents in such a manner that the higher the value (compensation) of providing the digital contents, the larger the consumption amount of A coins.

When the digital content providing unit 3132 provides digital content other than the A coin to one user, the possessed coin (possessed coin in the user information shown in FIG. 6) associated with the one user is updated. In this case, the digital content providing unit 3132 subtracts the numerical value of the possessed coins associated with the one user by the number of A coins corresponding to the consideration of the provided digital content.

The billing processing unit 314 executes processing related to the billing service. Specifically, when the billing processing unit 314 receives a request from the user to provide (purchase) A coins, the billing processing unit 314 provides the A coins to the user under predetermined conditions. Note that, unlike the coin providing unit 3131, the billing processing unit 314 provides A coins to the user on the condition of payment at that time, regardless of postpayment. In the present embodiment, the login management unit 310 prohibits the provision of the billing service (that is, the acquisition of A coins) to the user who is restricted by the activity restriction unit 42 in the second stage as described later. To do.

The digital content usage unit 315 executes processing related to the digital content usage service. Specifically, the digital content utilization unit 315 executes processing related to digital content other than processing related to A coin among the digital content available via the service platform. For example, when the digital content user unit 315 receives a request for viewing an electronic book from a certain user, the digital content user unit 315 refers to the "information about the digital content" in the user information (see FIG. 6) related to the one user, and the said Among one or more electronic books associated with one user, the requested electronic book can be viewed.

The log information storage unit 34 collects the log information of each user who uses the site A, and stores the log information for each user ID in the log information database 52. The log information to be stored may be all log information or specific log information (for example, log information related to an operation log). The log information represents various activities (login, logout, use of digital contents, access / use of SNS function, billing, etc.) at Site A based on each user ID. FIG. 8 shows an example of log information stored in the log information storage unit 34. In FIG. 8, for each user ID, information representing the operation date and time and information representing the operation content are stored as a set. A set related to such log information is generated for each operation. The log information stored in the log information database 52 may be raw data or processed data.

The log information acquisition unit 36 acquires (extracts) log information related to the user to be determined by the determination unit 38 from the log information database 52. As described above, the log information database 52 stores log information in a manner associated with the user ID. The log information acquisition unit 36 may extract all of the log information associated with the user ID, or may extract a part (for example, only the log information of a specific period).

The determination unit 38 determines whether or not the postpaid function is available for each user based on the log information acquired by the log information acquisition unit 36. That is, the determination unit 38 determines whether or not the coin providing unit 3131 can provide the A coin to the user based on the log information associated with one user. The determination method by the determination unit 38 is arbitrary as long as the log information is used, but typically, the deferred payment function can be used for a user who is likely to normally use the deferred payment function. Is adapted as More specifically, a mode in which a user who uses the deferred payment function pays the price by the payment deadline is defined as "normal use", and a user who uses the deferred payment function pays the price by the payment deadline. A mode in which payment is delayed or delayed without payment is referred to as "abnormal use", and among "abnormal use", there is a restriction that the account will be suspended without paying the price even after the payment deadline. When the mode to be activated is "unrecoverable use", the determination method by the determination unit 38 is such that the possibility of "unusual use" and / or "irrecoverable use" is minimized. Fitted.

The determination method by the determination unit 38 may be based on a logic in which log information is input and whether or not the A coin can be provided is output as a binary value. In the present specification, "inputting log information" is a concept including inputting a parameter derived from log information (for example, an index value α described later).

Alternatively, the determination method by the determination unit 38 may be realized by utilizing artificial intelligence. In this case, it is also possible to input log information and output (generate) whether or not the A coin can be provided. In the case of artificial intelligence, it can be realized by implementing a convolutional neural network obtained by machine learning. In machine learning, for example, weights of a convolutional neural network that minimizes an error may be learned using actual data related to log information of a large number of users. The error referred to here is a value indicating that the provision of A coin is "possible" based on the log information related to the user who performed "abnormal use" and / or "irrecoverable use". This includes outputting a value indicating that the provision of A coin is "impossible" based on the log information related to the user who has performed "normal use".

In addition, the determination unit 38 may calculate an index value indicating the possibility that "normal use" can be expected when determining whether or not to provide the A coin with two values. At this time, the index value related to one user is the degree of activity of the one user on the site A, the activity period, and the assets cultivated by the one user on the site A (friends connected by the SNS function, game media, etc.). , Game ability, etc.) may be a value that correlates with the value, etc. In this case, the determination unit 38 may calculate the index value for each user and determine that the A coin can be provided to the user whose index value exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

In the present embodiment, as an example, the determination unit 38 calculates a plurality of index values α for each user and for each activity at the site A. The plurality of index values α are, for example, a first index value related to the login status, a second index value related to the billing status, a third index value related to the SNS usage status, and a fourth index value related to the game play status. Including values. Each index value α may be calculated in any manner as long as it represents various situations. When the determination unit 38 calculates the plurality of index values α, as shown in FIG. 9, the determination unit 38 stores (updates) the plurality of index values α in the index value database 54. The timing of calculating (updating) the plurality of index values α is arbitrary, and the plurality of index values α may be calculated periodically and / or irregularly. Further, the calculation (update) timings of the plurality of index values α may be simultaneous or may be different for each index value.

In this case, the determination unit 38 receives a plurality of index values α as inputs and determines whether or not the deferred payment function can be used for each user. The determination unit 38 updates a part of the data (“deferred payment availability” in FIG. 11) in the deferred payment information database 56 according to the determination result. In FIG. 11, a user whose determination result by the determination unit 38 is “the use of the deferred payment function” (“deferred payment is possible”) is represented by “◯”, and the determination result by the determination unit 38 is “use of the deferred payment function”. Users who are "not possible" ("deferred payment not possible") are represented by "x".

In addition to the log information, the determination unit 38 may supplementarily use other predetermined information to determine whether or not the postpaid function can be used for each user. Other predetermined information may include the user's real-world information (age, income, address, etc.), but preferably does not include the user's real-world information. The other predetermined information may be, for example, an SMS authentication result (see FIG. 6). In this case, the determination method by the determination unit 38 makes it easier for the user who succeeded in SMS authentication to determine that the postpaid function is available than the user who did not succeed in SMS authentication. , May be configured. Alternatively, the determination unit 38 may extract users who can use the postpaid function from the users who have succeeded in SMS authentication.

The billing information management unit 39 manages billing information related to the user who uses the postpaid function. The billing information management unit 39 generates billing information related to the postpaid function and stores it in the billing information database 55, and updates the billing information in the billing information database 55. In the example shown in FIG. 10, in the billing information database 55, each information of the user ID, the payment number, the billing amount, the closing date / payment deadline date, the output necessity flag, and the payment status category is stored in the billing information database 55 for each billing ID. It is being held. Only one invoice ID is issued (generated) for each user ID every month. However, the invoice ID does not have to be issued to the user who does not use the postpaid function.

The payment number is a number that allows payment by entering the same number at a convenience store or a post office. The output necessity flag indicates whether or not the invoice information (fixed invoice information) should be output to the corresponding user, and "0" indicates that the invoice information should not be output. , "1" indicates that the invoice information should be output.

The payment status category is a payment status category that represents the payment status. In the present embodiment, the payment status category is represented by "A" when the payment has been completed, and "B0" to "B4" when the payment has not been completed. ing. The payment status categories "B0" to "B4" change according to the degree of delay with respect to the payment deadline (the length of the unpaid time ΔT1 described later), and will be described later. The initial value of the payment status category (that is, the value at the time of issuing the invoice ID) may be "no classification". In this case, when the billing information management unit 39 acquires, for example, a payment notification associated with a certain payment number (for example, when it is acquired from a convenience store or the like), it is associated with the one payment number. The billing information is updated by rewriting the payment status category related to the invoice ID to "A".

The billing information management unit 39 accumulates the billed amount by the amount provided each time the user receives a coin provided by the coin providing unit 3131 using the postpaid function (that is, the cumulative value of the consideration before payment is accumulated). Update). Then, when the deadline arrives, the billing information management unit 39 generates invoice information (invoice information related to payment for this month) for requesting payment of the current billing amount (payment in a lump sum). In this way, in the present embodiment, when the deadline arrives, the invoice information is fixed for each invoice ID.

The billing information management unit 39 outputs invoice information (confirmed invoice information for this month) related to payment for this month after the closing date (see FIG. 4) to the user who uses the postpaid function. The method of outputting the invoice information is arbitrary, and the invoice information may be output on the site A to which the user is logged in, or the invoice information is sent to the user's e-mail address (if registered). May be sent. In this case, the output of the invoice information may preferably include a transition button or link to a payment screen (not shown). In this case, the user can easily prepare for payment in response to the output of the invoice information. The payment screen may be a screen for describing a payment number and a description of the payment method. When the billing information management unit 39 outputs the billing information (fixed current month's billing information) related to the one billing ID to the user associated with the billing ID, the billing information management unit 39 outputs the billing information to the user associated with the billing ID. The output necessity flag (see FIG. 10) associated with the ID is set to “0”. The initial value (that is, the value at the time of issuing the invoice ID) of the output necessity flag is "0", and is set to "1" after the closing date.

The reminder information output unit 40 urges the corresponding user to pay the consideration for the A coin when the consideration for the provided A coin has not been paid by the payment deadline date (an example of a predetermined deadline). Is output. That is, when the consideration for the A coin provided to a certain user is not paid by the payment deadline date, the reminder information output unit 40 outputs the reminder information to the one user. In the following, a user who has not paid the consideration for the provided A coin even after the payment deadline is referred to as an "unpaid user".

The method of outputting the reminder information is arbitrary, and any mode may be used as long as it informs the unpaid user that the consideration for the provided A coin has not been paid. For example, the method of outputting the reminder information may be realized via the terminal device 20 of the unpaid user. In this case, the reminder information output unit 40 may output the reminder information via the site A to which the unpaid user is logged in. To output the reminder information via the site A, for example, output a message on the home screen of the site A (see FIG. 12), output a reminder information message as a chat, and notify an alert related to the SNS function. It may be realized by using it to output reminder information, outputting a reminder information message on the game screen (see FIG. 13), and the like. In FIG. 12, the home screen G51 in which the message M1 “Postpaid payment deadline has passed” is output as reminder information is shown. Further, in FIG. 13, the game screen G52 in which the message M2 “Postpaid payment deadline has passed” is output as reminder information is shown.

Further, the reminder information output unit 40 may realize the output of the reminder information by transmitting a short message to the telephone number corresponding to the unpaid user. Further, the reminder information output unit 40 may realize the output of the reminder information by calling the telephone number corresponding to the unpaid user and playing the automatic voice of the reminder information. Further, the reminder information output unit 40 may realize the output of the reminder information by sending an e-mail to the user's e-mail address (when registered). Further, the reminder information output unit 40 may realize output of reminder information when an operator (person) calls a telephone number corresponding to an unpaid user from a call center or the like. In this way, there are various output means (means for transmitting reminder information) for outputting reminder information to unpaid users by using the telephone number corresponding to the unpaid user (one element of the user information in FIG. 6). It is also possible to combine a plurality of.

The output of the reminder information may preferably include a transition button or link to a payment screen (not shown), similar to the output of invoice information. In this case, the unpaid user can easily prepare for payment in response to the output of the reminder information. The payment screen may be a screen for describing a payment number and a description of the payment method. For example, a message of reminder information such as message M1 shown in FIG. 12 and message M2 shown in FIG. 13 may function as a transition button to a payment screen (not shown).

The reminder information output unit 40 preferably changes the output mode of the reminder information according to the elapsed time (hereinafter, also referred to as “unpaid time ΔT1”) from the payment deadline date (an example of a predetermined first timing). In the present embodiment, as an example, the unpaid time ΔT1 is counted from midnight on the payment deadline date. The unpaid time ΔT1 may be calculated in hours, or in relatively long units such as days, weeks, months, and the like.

Here, "changing the output mode of the reminder information" is a concept including changing the output method of the reminder information and changing the degree of alerting while the output method of the reminder information is the same.

For example, the reminder information output unit 40 may change the contents of the messages M1 and M2 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) so that the longer the unpaid time ΔT1 is, the higher the degree of alerting is. The contents of the messages M1 and M2 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) may include the contents of measures (penalties) when payment is not yet executed (that is, the contents of restrictions by the activity restriction unit 42 described later).

Further, the reminder information output unit 40 may change the output positions of the messages M1 and M2 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) so that the longer the unpaid time ΔT1 is, the higher the degree of alerting is. For example, the message M2 (see FIG. 13) may be output at a position where the longer the unpaid time ΔT1 is, the more the game play is hindered. Further, the message M2 (see FIG. 13) may be expanded to a large size so that the longer the unpaid time ΔT1 is, the more the game play is hindered. Further, the messages M1 and M2 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) may be accompanied by movements such as blinking, pop-up, and movement on the screen to increase the degree of alertness.

Further, the reminder information output unit 40 may change the color, brightness, and the like of the messages M1 and M2 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) so that the longer the unpaid time ΔT1 is, the higher the degree of alerting is.

Further, the reminder information may have a higher degree of alertness by using the function provided in the terminal device 20. For example, when the terminal device 20 has a vibration function, vibration may be generated in the terminal device 20 when the reminder information is output.

In the present embodiment, as an example, when the unpaid time ΔT1 exceeds 0 (an example of the first predetermined time), the reminder information output unit 40 outputs the reminder information via the site A to which the unpaid user is logged in (an example of the first predetermined time). (See FIGS. 12 and 13), when the unpaid time ΔT1 exceeds the predetermined time Th1 (an example of the second predetermined time), a short message is transmitted to the telephone number corresponding to the unpaid user. The short message may contain the same content as that of the message M1 (see FIG. 12). The predetermined time Th1 is any time significantly longer than 0, but may be on the order of, for example, a week or a month. Further, the predetermined time Th1 is the same for each user, but is not limited to this. For example, in the modified example, the predetermined time Th1 may be changed according to the credit information (information calculated based on the unpaid amount and the information on the upper limit of the amount of money, etc.) related to each user, the postpaid information described later, and the like. For example, when using postpaid information, a relatively long predetermined time Th1 is set for a user who has a sufficient usage record (number of times) of the postpaid function and has no delay history (hence, a user whose average delay days is 0). A relatively short predetermined time Th1 may be set for a user who has an insufficient usage record (number of times) and has a delay history (hence, a user whose average delay days is larger than 0).

In the case of outputting the reminder information via the site A, if the unpaid user is logged in to the site A when the unpaid time ΔT1 exceeds 0, the reminder information output unit 40 outputs the reminder information from that point. Can be output. On the other hand, if the unpaid user is not logged in to the site A when the unpaid time ΔT1 exceeds 0, the reminder information output unit 40 then outputs the reminder information when the unpaid user logs in to the site A. You can.

When the unpaid time ΔT1 exceeds 0, the reminder information output unit 40 may continue to output the reminder information to the site A until the consideration is paid. In this case, when the unpaid time ΔT1 further exceeds the predetermined time Th1, the reminder information output unit 40 outputs the reminder information via the site A to which the unpaid user is logged in, and shorts the telephone number corresponding to the unpaid user. You will be sending a message. In this case, as described above, the message related to the reminder information output via the site A may be changed so that the longer the unpaid time ΔT1, the higher the degree of attention.

When the unpaid user pays the consideration for the provided A coin (that is, when the unpaid amount is resolved), the reminder information output unit 40 stops outputting the reminder information as soon as the payment is confirmed. You can.

The activity restriction unit 42 performs activities on the site A based on the user ID of the unpaid user (hereinafter, simply "site") when the consideration for the provided A coin is not paid by the payment deadline date (an example of the predetermined deadline). Also referred to as "activities by unpaid users in A"). Hereinafter, the restriction process executed by the activity restriction unit 42 is also simply referred to as "activity restriction process". The activity on the site A based on the user ID is arbitrary, but for example, as described above, login, log-out, use of digital contents, access / use of SNS function, billing, and the like. Of the various activities at Site A, the activities restricted by the activity restriction unit 42 may be some (ie, some of the various services available through the service platform) or all (ie). It may be the service platform itself). Further, among the various activities on the site A, the activities subject to restriction by the activity restriction unit 42 may be the same as the activities related to the log information stored in the log information database 52, or may be partially different. It can be all different.

Here, the use of digital contents that can be restricted by the activity restriction unit 42 may include not only the use of digital contents provided by payment of A coins but also the use of other digital contents that can be used free of charge. .. The mode of using the digital content differs depending on the attributes of the digital content. For example, when the digital content is a moving image or an electronic book, the use of the digital content means browsing the digital content. When the digital content is a game application, the use of the digital content means playing the game.

The activity restriction unit 42 preferably changes the mode of restriction on the activity by the unpaid user at the site A according to the elapsed time (unpaid time ΔT1) from the payment deadline date (an example of the predetermined second timing). In the present embodiment, as an example, the activity restriction unit 42, like the reminder information output unit 40 described above, responds to the activity by the unpaid user on the site A based on the elapsed time from the payment deadline date (unpaid time ΔT1). It changes the restriction mode, but is not limited to this. For example, unlike the reminder information output unit 40 described above, the activity restriction unit 42 restricts the activity by the unpaid user at the site A according to the elapsed time from the closing date (another example of the predetermined second timing). It may be changed. The same applies to the reminder information output unit 40, and the elapsed time from another reference date may be used. In both cases, the idea is the same, and a substantially equivalent configuration can be realized.

The method of restricting activities by unpaid users on Site A is optional, but for example, limiting login time, restricting new acquisition of A coins, and restricting access / use frequency to SNS functions. , The frequency of playing games may be limited, the upper limit of billing may be limited, the use of the postpaid function may be prohibited, the use of A coins currently possessed may be restricted, and the like.

Further, the method of restricting the activity by the unpaid user at the site A may differ depending on the attribute of the unpaid user. For example, when the frequency of playing a game by one unpaid user is significantly higher than the frequency of using the SNS function, the method of restricting the activity by the one unpaid user is such that the degree of restriction related to game play is the use of the SNS function. It may be a mode that is higher than the degree of restriction according to.
Further, the restriction method may be changed according to the credit information related to each user (information calculated based on the unpaid amount and the information on the upper limit of the amount of money, etc.), the postpaid information described later, and the like. In this case, the amount of processing for ensuring the normal operation of the postpaid function can be flexibly controlled, and the control load of the server device 10 can be reduced. For example, when using postpaid information, the timing at which the limit is activated is relatively late for users who have a sufficient record of using the postpaid function (number of times) and have no delay history (hence, users whose average delay days are 0). For users who have insufficient usage record (number of times) and have a delay history (thus users whose average delay days are greater than 0), the timing at which the limit is activated is set to be relatively early. May be done.

Here, changing the restriction mode for the activity by the unpaid user at the site A changes the restriction method for the activity by the unpaid user at the site A, and the restriction method for the activity by the unpaid user at the site A is the same. It is a concept that includes changing the degree of restriction.

Specifically, the activity restriction unit 42 may change the mode of restriction on the activity by the unpaid user at the site A so that the longer the unpaid time ΔT1 is, the higher the degree of restriction is. For example, when the method of restricting the activity by the unpaid user at the site A is to limit the upper limit of the charge, the activity restriction unit 42 may lower the upper limit of the charge as the unpaid time ΔT1 becomes longer. In this case, the activity restriction unit 42 may finally reduce the upper limit of the charge to 0 to prohibit the charge.

In the present embodiment, as an example, the activity restriction unit 42 changes the restriction mode for the activity by the unpaid user at the site A in four stages according to the unpaid time ΔT1. In the modified example, there may be two stages, three stages, five stages or more.

Specifically, as the first step, the activity restriction unit 42 determines that the unpaid time ΔT1 exceeds the time (an example of the third predetermined time) until the last day of the month following the payment deadline (that is, the next payment deadline). , Stop the deferred payment function. Therefore, in this case, only up to two months' worth of receivables (unpaid receivables) are accumulated.

As the second step, when the unpaid time ΔT1 exceeds the last day of the month following the payment deadline (that is, the next payment deadline) + the time up to 10 days (another example of the third predetermined time), the activity restriction unit 42 Stop using A coin acquisition means (acquisition means other than postpay function). The means for acquiring A coins may include a method of acquiring using a prepaid card service, a method of acquiring as a reward for answering a questionnaire, and the like. As a result, the unpaid user who is subject to the second stage restriction is substantially unable to play the game for a fee. However, unpaid users who are subject to the second stage of restrictions can still play the game without charge. In the modified example, when the activity restriction unit 42 exceeds the last day of the month following the payment deadline (that is, the next payment deadline) + the time up to 10 days (another example of the third predetermined time), the activity restriction unit 42 goes through the service platform. You may restrict the use of some of the various services available.

As a third step, the activity restriction unit 42 determines that the unpaid time ΔT1 exceeds the time until the last day of the month following the payment deadline (that is, the next next payment deadline) (another example of the third predetermined time). And prohibit playing the game. That is, the unpaid user who is subject to the third stage restriction cannot play the game without charge in addition to playing the game with charge. In the modified example, the activity restriction unit 42 sets the unpaid time ΔT1 as the time (that is, another example of the fourth predetermined time) until the last day of the month following the payment deadline (that is, the next next payment deadline). Beyond that, the use of all of the various services available through the service platform may be restricted. In this case, the unpaid user can use the service platform itself, but cannot use any service through the service platform. However, in this case, the state in which the unpaid user can view the reminder information (that is, the reminder information output unit 40 outputs the reminder information to the unpaid user) may be maintained.

As the fourth stage, the activity restriction unit 42 determines that the unpaid time ΔT1 is the time from the payment deadline to the last day of April (that is, the next next next next payment deadline) (an example of the fifth predetermined time). If it exceeds, the account will be suspended. That is, the activity restriction unit 42 prohibits all activities by unpaid users at the site A. As a result, unpaid users who are subject to the fourth stage of restrictions will not be able to log in based on the user ID they have been using (login on Site A), and the game media associated with the user ID will be substantially available. Will be frozen (erased). That is, the unpaid user who is subject to the fourth stage restriction cannot use the service platform itself (use based on the corresponding user ID) realized by the server device 10.

The activity restriction unit 42 releases the restriction partially or completely immediately or after a certain period of time when the consideration for the provided A coin is paid by the unpaid user (that is, when the unpaid amount is resolved). You can. In the present embodiment, as an example, when the unpaid user who is restricted up to the third stage pays the consideration for the provided A coin, the activity restriction unit 42 unconditionally restricts the entire restriction. To release.

On the other hand, the activity restriction unit 42 does not unconditionally completely lift the restriction on the unpaid user who has reached the fourth stage restriction, even if the consideration for the provided A coin is paid. In this case, the administrator of the service providing system 1 individually determines whether or not to release the restriction on the unpaid user who has reached the fourth stage restriction (that is, whether or not to restore the suspended account). .. When the administrator or the like determines that the restriction on the unpaid user who has reached the fourth stage restriction is released, the activity restriction unit 42 receives an input to that effect from the administrator or the like to partially or wholly restrict the restriction. You may release it.

The upper limit value setting unit 44 sets the above-mentioned upper limit value Nmax (upper limit value of the number of A coins that can be provided by the coin providing unit 3131) for each user based on the log information associated with the user. That is, the upper limit value setting unit 44 sets the upper limit value Nmax related to the user based on the log information associated with one user. When the upper limit value setting unit 44 calculates the upper limit value Nmax for each user, the upper limit value setting unit 44 updates (sets) the upper limit value (see FIG. 11) for each user stored in the postpaid information database 56. The upper limit value Nmax may be updated (reviewed) periodically or irregularly for each user.

The method of setting the upper limit value Nmax by the upper limit value setting unit 44 is arbitrary as long as the log information is used, but typically, the upper limit is set for a user who is likely to normally use the postpaid function. The value Nmax is adapted to be high. More specifically, the method of setting the upper limit value Nmax by the upper limit value setting unit 44 is adapted so that the possibility of "abnormal use" and / or "irrecoverable use" occurs is minimized. The log information used in setting the upper limit value Nmax may be the same as the log information used in the determination by the determination unit 38 described above, or may be different. Further, when the upper limit value Nmax is set by two values such as "high" or "low", the logic used in setting the upper limit value Nmax is the logic used in the determination by the determination unit 38 described above. It may be the same or different.

The method of setting the upper limit value Nmax by the upper limit value setting unit 44 may be based on a logic that inputs log information and outputs a candidate value of the upper limit value Nmax. Alternatively, the method of setting the upper limit value Nmax by the upper limit value setting unit 44 may be realized by using artificial intelligence. In this case, it is also possible to input log information and output (generate) a candidate value of the upper limit value Nmax (for example, one category out of three categories). In the case of artificial intelligence, it can be realized by implementing a convolutional neural network obtained by machine learning. In machine learning, for example, using actual data related to log information of a large number of users, the frequency of calculating a candidate value of an upper limit value Nmax that causes "abnormal use" and / or "irrecoverable use" is the minimum. The weights of the convolutional neural network so as to be can be learned.

In the present embodiment, as an example, the upper limit value setting unit 44 calculates a candidate value of the upper limit value Nmax for each user based on the above-mentioned plurality of index values α derived for each user, and the calculated upper limit value. The upper limit value Nmax is set based on the candidate value of Nmax. In this case, the candidate value of the upper limit value Nmax may be equal to the upper limit value Nmax, and when the candidate value of the upper limit value Nmax includes a fraction, the upper limit value Nmax is set by truncating the fraction or the like. May be good.

Specifically, the upper limit value setting unit 44 sets the upper limit value Nmax by appropriately weighting each index value α based on the plurality of index values α in the index value database 54 shown in FIG. Calculate the candidate value. In this case as well, the weighting may be adapted by learning or the like so that the calculation frequency of the candidate value of the upper limit value Nmax that causes “abnormal use” and / or “irrecoverable use” is minimized. ..

Here, the upper limit value setting unit 44 sets the upper limit value Nmax for each user by using information on the postpaid status for each user (hereinafter, also referred to as “postpaid information”) in addition to or instead of the log information. You may. By using the postpaid information, it is possible to increase the possibility that an appropriate upper limit value Nmax can be set for each user. The appropriate upper limit value Nmax corresponds to the maximum value or a value close to the maximum value within a range in which "abnormal use" and / or "irrecoverable use" does not occur.

In this case, the upper limit value setting unit 44 may set the upper limit value Nmax for each user by using the data (see FIG. 11) in the postpaid information database 56. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the postpaid information database 56 contains the postpaid availability (determination result by the determination unit 38 described above), the upper limit value (upper limit value Nmax), the usage record (number of times), the delay history, and the delay history for each user ID. The average number of days delayed is stored. The usage record (number of times) represents the usage record of the deferred payment function, and the delay history indicates the presence or absence and frequency of payment delay (if payment is not made by the payment deadline) when using the deferred payment function. The average number of days delayed represents the average number of days of the delay. In this case, the postpaid information is the usage record (number of times), the delay history, and the average number of days delayed. In the postpaid information database 56, as other postpaid information, information such as whether or not the restriction is activated by the activity restriction unit 42 and how many of the four stages the restriction has been achieved is stored. May be good.

When using such postpaid information, for example, a user who has a sufficient usage record (number of times) and has no delay history (hence, a user whose average delay days is 0) has a relatively high candidate value of the upper limit Nmax. A candidate value of a relatively low upper limit value Nmax may be calculated for a user who is calculated, has an insufficient usage record (number of times), and has a delay history (hence, a user whose average delay days is larger than 0). In this way, by using the postpaid information, it is possible to further increase the possibility that an appropriate upper limit value Nmax can be set for each user.

As described above, the user information database 50 stores user information (see FIG. 6). The user information in the user information database 50 is updated as appropriate as described above.

As described above, the log information database 52 stores log information (see FIG. 8) for each user. The log information in the log information database 52 is updated at any time as described above. The log information in the log information database 52 may be discarded or transferred to another database after a relatively long predetermined period has elapsed since it was stored.

As described above, each index value α (calculation result) (see FIG. 9) is stored in the index value database 54. Each index value α is appropriately updated during the determination process by the determination unit 38.

As described above, the billing information database 55 stores billing information (see FIG. 10). The billing information in the billing information database 55 is stored in a form that can be extracted for each billing ID. Of the billing information in the billing information database 55, the information related to the invoice ID associated with the payment status category "A" is discarded after a predetermined period has elapsed since the payment status category became "A". It may be transferred to another database.

As described above, the postpaid information database 56 stores various information including the postpaid information and various information related to the postpaid function (see FIG. 11). The information in the postpaid information database 56 is appropriately updated by the determination unit 38, the upper limit value setting unit 44, and the like.

By the way, in the present embodiment, as described above, the user information (see FIG. 6) in the user information database 50 does not include or includes real-world information (age, income, address, etc.) of the user. However, its authenticity is unquestioned (for example, its authenticity is not verified by identification cards, etc.). Therefore, unlike the credit provided by financial institutions, credit card companies, etc., it is difficult to provide highly reliable credit based on the user information in the user information database 50.

In addition, in a site that handles digital contents (for example, site A), the user's real-world information (age, income, address, etc.) is not important from the viewpoint of enjoying the digital contents, and the user uses such real-world information. It is a burden for the user to request to enter in. In particular, asking users who only enjoy digital contents such as videos and games to input accurate information in the real world tends to give a sense of discomfort. This is the same for users who want to enjoy not only digital contents but also the convenience of the postpaid function, and for such users, the postpaid function with a small burden (for example, the burden of inputting user information). From the viewpoint of user friendliness, it is better to enjoy the convenience of.

In addition, even if a site that handles digital contents is forced to input real-world information (age, income, address, etc.), it cannot be expected to input accurate information. This is because even if the digital content is purchased, the digital content is not sent to the address in the real world. This is in contrast to EC (Electronic Commerce) sites that deal with clothing, furniture, etc., where accurate input of real-world addresses is also important for users.

In this regard, according to the present embodiment, as described above, whether or not a certain user can use the postpaid function is determined based on the log information of the one user. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to use the postpaid function by using the log information of each user without forcing each user to input accurate information (age, income, address, etc.) in the real world. You can judge. As a result, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide A coins (and other digital contents associated therewith) on the condition of postpayment in a highly convenient manner that reduces the burden on the user.
Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, since the upper limit value setting unit 44 is provided in addition to the determination unit 38, the usage conditions (usability and usage mode) of the postpaid function of each user are substantially two steps. Can be determined. This makes it possible to evaluate the availability of the postpaid function of each user from multiple perspectives (that is, to flexibly evaluate the characteristics of each user), making it easier for a wide range of users to use the postpaid function, and operating the postpaid function normally. It can be made easier to secure. Further, since the upper limit value setting unit 44 performs the setting process of the upper limit value Nmax only for the user who is determined by the determination unit 38 that the postpaid function can be used among all the users, the upper limit value Nmax is set for all the users. The processing load of the server device 10 can be reduced as compared with the case of performing a complicated process for simultaneously realizing the availability of the postpaid function and the setting of the upper limit value.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, since the activity restriction unit 42 is provided, payment by the user using the postpay function (other than “uncollectible use”) can be made even by credit only using the user's log information. Can be expected with high accuracy (that is, a relatively high debt collection rate can be expected). This is because, as described above, the restriction by the activity restriction unit 42 includes the suspension of the account. For users who enjoy Site A, account suspension is the most avoidable penalty. This is because if the account is suspended, the activities up to that point will be nullified. In particular, users who frequently use Site A and users who use Site A for a long period of time tend to have large assets (friends connected by SNS function, game media, etc.) and substantial damage due to account suspension. There is. In addition, users who own electronic books and the like tend to suffer greater substantial damage due to account suspension as the number and types of digital contents such as electronic books they own increase. Therefore, it can be expected that such a user is likely to use the postpaid function in a mode other than "irrecoverable use" in order to avoid account suspension.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the activity restriction unit 42 gradually restricts the activity by the unpaid user at the site A according to the unpaid time ΔT1, so that the user carelessly unpaid (intentionally). There is no risk of immediate account suspension due to (not unpaid), and it is possible to realize a postpaid function that is easy to use.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, since the reminder information output unit 40 is provided, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user unintentionally receives the final disposition of suspension of the account (the fourth stage limitation).

In particular, in the present embodiment, the reminder information output unit 40 outputs the reminder information via the site A, so that the reminder information can be output in a manner that is easily transmitted to the user who uses the site A. A user who uses the postpaid function may use the site A relatively frequently, and can effectively increase the chances of contacting the reminder information. In other words, it is possible for the determination unit 38 to easily determine that the deferred payment function can be used for the user who frequently uses the site A, and as a result, the user who uses the deferred payment function. Payment by (deferred payment) can be expected with high accuracy.

Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the reminder information output unit 40 changes the alertness level of the reminder information according to the unpaid time ΔT1, so that the user having a relatively short unpaid time ΔT1 It is possible to output reminder information in a mode with relatively little annoyance, and for users with a relatively long unpaid time ΔT1, output reminder information in a mode with relatively large annoyance to strongly encourage payment. Is possible. As a result, the original function of the reminder information (the function of urging unpaid users to pay) can be ensured while enhancing the convenience of the reminder information (convenience as a notification function for a user who has an unintentional delay).

In particular, in the present embodiment, when the unpaid time ΔT1 becomes relatively long, the reminder information output unit 40 outputs the reminder information in a manner of transmitting a short message to the unpaid user, so that the original function of the reminder information (to the unpaid user) The function of prompting payment) can be enhanced. This is because the reminder information transmitted by the short message tends to be more effective than the reminder information output in other modes. Further, in the case of a short message, unlike the notification via the site A, even if the user does not display the screen related to the site A on the terminal device 20 (operations such as launching the site A and logging in to the site A). Can notify the user when viewing short messages, which the user tends to do on a daily basis) (without the need for). In addition, since the short message is a notification method linked to information (telephone number) that is difficult to change, it is possible to realize a highly effective notification (prompt).

(Example of operation of service provision system)
Next, an operation example of the server device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 22. The operation example described below is just an example, and various changes can be made.

14 to 22 are schematic flowcharts showing an operation example of the server device 10 related to the postpaid function.

FIG. 14 is a schematic flowchart showing an operation example relating to the determination of availability of the postpaid function. The process shown in FIG. 14 may be executed periodically (for example, once a month).

In step S1402, the server device 10 extracts a plurality of users to be determined from all users (all registered user IDs). The user to be determined may be a user who has accumulated a certain amount or more of log information since the previous determination, or may be a user who has passed a predetermined period from the previous determination. ..

In step S1404, the server device 10 selects one user from the users extracted in step S1402.

In step S1406, the server device 10 extracts the log information related to one selected user from the log information database 52.

In step S1408, the server device 10 determines whether or not the postpaid function is available for one selected user based on the log information extracted in step S1406. The determination method is as described above. Here, it is assumed that the determination method involves the calculation of the index value α described above as an example.

In step S1410, the server device 10 calculates the upper limit value Nmax related to the postpaid function for one selected user based on the log information extracted in step S1406. The calculation method (setting method) of the upper limit value Nmax is as described above. When the past payment status of the selected user is added to the calculation of the upper limit value Nmax, the postpaid information associated with the selected user (“Usage record” in FIG. 11, etc.” as described above. ) May be used.

In step S1412, the server device 10 updates the information in the database associated with one selected user based on the determination result in step S1408 and the calculation result in step S1410. Specifically, the server device 10 updates the "deferred payment availability" and "upper limit value" in the deferred payment information database 56, and each index value α in the index value database 54.

In step S1414, the server device 10 determines whether or not all the users extracted in step S1402 have been selected. If the determination result is "YES", the process ends as it is, and in other cases, step S1416 is performed and the process returns to step S1406.

In step S1416, the server device 10 newly selects one unselected user from the users extracted in step S1402. In this case, the processes of steps S1406 to S1412 are executed for one newly selected user.

In this way, according to the process shown in FIG. 14, the availability of the postpaid function can be determined for each user based on the log information, and the upper limit value Nmax can be set based on the log information.

FIG. 15 is a schematic flowchart showing an operation example regarding a usage scene of the postpaid function by the user. The process shown in FIG. 15 may be repeatedly executed, for example, at predetermined intervals.

In step S1502, the server device 10 determines whether or not a request for providing A coins by using the postpaid function has been received from an arbitrary user (a user logged in to the site A). The request for providing the A coin may be generated on an application screen (not shown) that is advanced by the user operating the button B50 shown in FIG. 3, and may be transmitted to the server device 10. The request for providing A coins may include information on the number of A coins to be provided. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1504, and in other cases, the processing of the current cycle ends.

Here, as an example, it is assumed that the button B50 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed in an operable manner on the site A related to all users. However, in the modified example, the button B50 shown in FIG. 3 may be displayed in an operable manner only on the site A related to the user who can use the postpaid function. Further, in this modification, the number of A coins that can be applied for by one user may be a number that does not exceed the upper limit value Nmax associated with the one user. In this case, step S1504, step S1506, and step S1516, which will be described later, are unnecessary.

In step S1504, the server device 10 is information associated with the user (hereinafter, referred to as “requesting user”) related to the provision request received in step S1502, and is “deferred payment possible / not possible” in the deferred payment information database 56. "And" upper limit ", and" billing amount (cumulative value of consideration before payment at present) "in the billing information database 55 are extracted.

In step S1506, the server device 10 determines whether or not it is possible to provide A coins to the requesting user based on the number of A coins related to the offer request based on the information extracted in step S1504. To do. That is, the server device 10 determines whether or not the provision request can be met. Specifically, in the server device 10, the requesting user is a user who can use the postpaid function, and the number of A coins related to the provision request is the upper limit value Nmax associated with the requesting user. , It is determined that the provision request can be met when the number is less than or equal to the difference from the billing amount (cumulative value of the consideration before payment at the present time) associated with the same user. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1508, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1516.

In step S1508, the server device 10 responds to the request for providing the A coin received in step S1502. That is, the server device 10 updates the possessed coins (possessed coins in the user information shown in FIG. 6) associated with the requesting user. In this case, the server device 10 increases the number of possessed coins associated with the user by the number of A coins related to the provision request.

In step S1510, the server device 10 determines whether or not the provision request received in step S1502 is the first provision request of this month by the same user (that is, the use of the first postpaid function of this month). If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1512, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1514.

In step S1512, the server device 10 issues a new invoice ID and generates invoice information related to the invoice ID (see FIG. 10). At this time, the "billing amount" of the invoice information corresponds to the consideration for the A coin provided in response to this provision request.

In step S1514, the server device 10 updates the invoice information related to the invoice ID for this month that has already been issued among the invoice information associated with the requesting user. At this time, the "billing amount" (see FIG. 10) of the invoice information is increased by the consideration of the A coin provided in response to the present provision request.

In step S1516, the server device 10 notifies the requesting user that the request for provision is not met (that is, the A coin cannot be provided). The notification may be realized via the site A. In addition, the notification may include information on the number of A coins that can be provided (the difference between the upper limit value Nmax associated with the requesting user and the billing amount associated with the same user).

According to the process shown in FIG. 15, when the A coin provision request is received and the A coin provision request is received by using the postpaid function, the provision is provided on the premise that a predetermined condition (see step S1506) is satisfied. The number of A coins related to the request can be provided to the requesting user. In the processes shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, it is determined whether or not the postpaid function can be used by the user before receiving the request for providing the A coin from the user, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the modified example, when a request for providing A coin is received from the user, it may be determined whether or not the postpaid function can be used by the user.

FIG. 16 is a schematic flowchart showing an operation example related to the output of invoice information. The process shown in FIG. 16 may be repeatedly executed, for example, at predetermined intervals.

In step S1602, the server device 10 determines whether or not an arbitrary user has newly logged in to the site A. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1604, and in other cases, the processing of the current cycle ends.

In step S1604, the server device 10 extracts all the invoice IDs associated with the user who newly logged in in step S1602 from the billing information database 55.

In step S1606, the server device 10 determines whether or not the invoice ID with which the output necessity flag (see FIG. 10) having the status “1” is associated exists among the invoice IDs extracted in step S1604. To judge. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1608, and in other cases, the processing of the current cycle ends.

In the modified example, in step S1604, the server device 10 has an output necessity flag whose state is "1" among all the invoice IDs associated with the user who newly logged in in step S1602. The invoice ID associated with (see FIG. 10) may be extracted. In this case, step S1606 may be omitted. That is, if the invoice ID associated with the output necessity flag (see FIG. 10) having the status "1" can be extracted, the process proceeds to step S1608, and if the extraction is not possible, the processing of the current cycle ends. To do.

In step S1608, the server device 10 newly logs in the invoice information (confirmed invoice information) related to the invoice ID associated with the output necessity flag of the state "1" in step S1602. Send to the user. That is, the server device 10 outputs the invoice information on the site A to which the user is logged in.

In step S1610, the server device 10 sets the output necessity flag associated with the invoice ID related to the invoice information output in step S1608 to “0”.

According to the process shown in FIG. 16, invoice information can be output to each user via the site A. In addition to the processing shown in FIG. 16, the invoice information may be sent to the e-mail address associated with each user on the notification date after the closing date, or may be notified to each user by another means. May be good.

In the process shown in FIG. 16, the invoice information is output on the site A, so that the output necessity flag is set to “0”, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of or in addition to outputting the invoice information on the site A, the invoice information is transmitted to the e-mail address associated with the user, so that the output necessity flag is set to "0". You may. Alternatively, instead of or in addition to outputting the invoice information on the site A, the output necessity flag is set to "0" when the transition to the payment screen (not shown) is realized. You may.

17 to 20 are schematic flowcharts for explaining an operation example related to the activity restriction process. FIG. 17 is a schematic flowchart showing an operation example related to the activity restriction process. The process shown in FIG. 17 may be repeatedly executed, for example, day by day.

In step S172, the server device 10 executes the update process of the invoice information (payment status category) based on the payment notification. This update process will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S174, the server device 10 executes the update process of the invoice information (payment status category) according to the unpaid time ΔT1. This update process will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S176, the server device 10 executes the activity restriction process according to the payment status category based on the process result in step S174. The activity restriction processing according to the payment status category will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 18 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of the payment status category update process (step S172 in FIG. 17) based on the payment notification.

In step S1802, the server device 10 extracts the unprocessed payment notification. The payment notification is transmitted to the server device 10 from a terminal (not shown) of the convenience store or the like when the user completes the payment at the convenience store or the like. When the server device 10 receives the payment notification, it stores the unprocessed payment notification in a predetermined storage device (database) (not shown) for accumulating the payment notification. In this case, the server device 10 extracts all outstanding payment notices from the predetermined storage device.

In step S1804, the server device 10 selects one payment notification from the unprocessed payment notifications extracted in step S1802.

In step S1806, the server device 10 specifies the invoice ID associated with the payment number associated with the selected payment notification, and changes the payment status category related to the invoice ID to "A".

In step S1808, the server device 10 determines whether or not all of the unprocessed payment notifications extracted in step S1802 have been selected. If the determination result is "YES", the process ends as it is, and in other cases, step S1810 is performed and the process returns to step S1806.

In step S1810, the server device 10 newly selects one unselected payment notification from the unprocessed payment notifications extracted in step S1802. In this case, the process of step S1806 is executed for the newly selected payment notification.

According to the process shown in FIG. 18, when there is a payment by the user using the deferred payment function, the payment status category related to the corresponding invoice ID is changed to "A".

FIG. 19 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of invoice information update processing (step S174 in FIG. 17) according to the unpaid time ΔT1.

In step S1902, the server device 10 extracts all the invoice IDs associated with the payment status categories other than "A" from the billing information database 55 (see FIG. 10).

In step S1904, the server device 10 selects one invoice ID from the invoice IDs extracted in step S1902.

In step S1906, the server device 10 sets the unpaid time ΔT1 to a threshold value related to the fourth-stage limit with respect to the invoice ID selected in step S1904 (in the present embodiment, as an example, as described above, four from the payment deadline date. It is determined whether or not the time until the last day after the month has been exceeded. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1908, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1910.

In step S1908, the server device 10 sets the payment status category associated with the invoice ID selected in step S1904 to "B4".

In step S1910, the server device 10 sets the unpaid time ΔT1 to the threshold value related to the third-stage limit with respect to the invoice ID selected in step S1904 (in the present embodiment, as an example, as described above, the month after the payment deadline date). Judge whether or not the time until the last day of If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1912, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1914.

In step S1912, the server device 10 sets (or maintains) the payment status category associated with the invoice ID selected in step S1904 in "B3".

In step S1914, the server device 10 sets the unpaid time ΔT1 to the threshold value related to the second-stage limit with respect to the invoice ID selected in step S1904 (in the present embodiment, as an example, as described above, the month following the payment deadline date). It is determined whether or not the last day + 10 days of the time has been exceeded. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1916, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1918.

In step S1916, the server device 10 sets (or maintains) the payment status category associated with the invoice ID selected in step S1904 in "B2".

In step S1918, the server device 10 determines that the unpaid time ΔT1 is the threshold value related to the first-stage limit with respect to the invoice ID selected in step S1904 (in the present embodiment, as an example, as described above, the month following the payment deadline date). Judge whether or not the time until the last day of If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1920, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1922.

In step S1920, the server device 10 sets (or maintains) the payment status category associated with the invoice ID selected in step S1904 in "B1".

In step S1922, the server device 10 determines whether or not the unpaid time ΔT1 is greater than 0 (that is, after the payment deadline date) with respect to the invoice ID selected in step S1904. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S1924, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1926.

In step S1924, the server device 10 sets (or maintains) the payment status category associated with the invoice ID selected in step S1904 to "B0".

In step S1926, the server device 10 determines whether or not all the invoice IDs extracted in step S1902 have been selected. If the determination result is "YES", the processing of the current cycle ends, and in other cases, step S1928 is performed and the process returns to step S1906.

In step S1928, the server device 10 newly selects one unselected invoice ID from the invoice IDs extracted in step S1902. In this case, the processes of steps S1906 to S1924 are executed with respect to the newly selected invoice ID.

In this way, according to the process shown in FIG. 19, the payment status category can be updated according to the unpaid time ΔT1 for each invoice ID.

FIG. 20 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of activity restriction processing (step S176 in FIG. 17) according to the payment status category.

In step S2002, the server device 10 extracts all user IDs that can use the postpaid function from the postpaid information database 56 (see FIG. 11). The user ID that can use the deferred payment function can be extracted based on the "deferred payment availability" in the deferred payment information database 56.

In step S2004, the server device 10 selects one user ID from the user IDs extracted in step S2002.

In step S2006, the server device 10 extracts all the invoice IDs associated with the selected user ID from the billing information database 55 (see FIG. 10). If the invoice ID associated with the selected user ID cannot be extracted, steps S2008 and S2010 may be omitted for the user ID.

In step S2008, the server device 10 identifies the worst payment status category among the payment status categories associated with the invoice ID extracted in step S2006. As described above, the payment status categories are "no classification", "A", and "B0" to "B4", with "no classification" or "A" being the best, and "B0" to "B4". It shall be worse in the order of ".

In step S2010, the server device 10 determines the degree of restriction for the user related to the selected user ID according to the worst payment status category specified in step S2008, and the unpaid user at the site A with the determined degree of restriction. Achieve restrictions on activities by.

Specifically, when the payment status category specified in step S2008 is "no classification", "A", or "B0", the server device 10 does not realize any particular limitation. Further, in a state where some restrictions (that is, the above-mentioned restrictions of the first to third stages) are realized for the selected user ID, the server device 10 releases the restrictions.

Further, when the payment status category specified in step S2008 is "B1", the server device 10 realizes the first-stage limitation (in the present embodiment, the deferred payment function is stopped as described above). In this case, for example, the server device 10 changes the "deferred payment availability" in the deferred payment information database 56, and the "deferred payment availability" associated with the selected user ID to "x". In this case, the "deferred payment availability" associated with the user ID may not be rewritable according to the determination result by the determination unit 38. Alternatively, the server device 10 may substantially disable the use of the postpaid function by the user related to the user ID by setting the upper limit value Nmax associated with the selected user ID to “0”.

Further, when the payment status category specified in step S2008 is "B2", the server device 10 limits the use of the second stage (in the present embodiment, as described above, the use of the A coin acquisition means other than the postpay function is used. Stop) is realized. In this case, for example, the server device 10 prohibits execution of any process for increasing the possessed coins (see FIG. 6) associated with the selected user ID.

Further, when the payment status category specified in step S2008 is "B3", the server device 10 realizes the third stage limitation (in the present embodiment, prohibition of game play as described above). In this case, for example, the game processing unit 311 prohibits the play of the game based on the selected user ID.

Further, when the payment status category specified in step S2008 is "B4", the server device 10 realizes the fourth stage limitation (in the present embodiment, the account is suspended as described above). In this case, for example, the server device 10 cancels the login state of the site A based on the selected user ID (forcibly logs out), and thereafter prohibits the login of the site A based on the user ID. Further, the server device 10 may notify the administrator of the service providing system 1 or the like that the payment status category "B4" has occurred.

In step S2012, the server device 10 determines whether or not all the user IDs extracted in step S2002 have been selected. If the determination result is "YES", the process ends as it is, and in other cases, step S2014 is performed and the process returns to step S2006.

In step S2014, the server device 10 newly selects one unselected user ID from the user IDs extracted in step S2002. In this case, the processes of steps S2006 to S2010 are executed for the newly selected user ID.

According to the process shown in FIG. 20 in this way, when the payment status category is updated, the degree of restriction for each user (the degree of restriction related to the restriction of activities at the site A) can be changed (updated) accordingly.

21 and 22 are schematic flowcharts for explaining an operation example related to the output of the reminder information.

FIG. 21 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of output processing of reminder information according to a predetermined operation. The process shown in FIG. 21 may be repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals.

In step S2100, the server device 10 determines whether or not a predetermined operation by an arbitrary user at the site A has been detected. The predetermined operation is an operation that triggers the output of reminder information and is optional, but is, for example, an operation related to various activities (login, access / use of SNS function, game play, billing, etc.) on Site A. It may be there. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2102, and in other cases, the processing of the current cycle ends. When two or more predetermined operations (predetermined operations by different users) are detected at the same time, the processes after step S2102 may be executed for each predetermined operation.

In step S2102, the server device 10 extracts all the billing IDs associated with the user IDs related to the predetermined operation detected in step S2100 from the billing information database 55 (see FIG. 10).

In step S2104, the server device 10 identifies the worst payment status category among the payment status categories associated with the invoice ID extracted in step S2102.

In step S2106, the server device 10 determines whether the worst payment status category identified in step S2104 is "A" or "no classification". If the determination result is "YES", the processing of this cycle ends. In this case, the reminder information is not output. On the other hand, if the determination result is "NO", the process proceeds to step S2108.

In step S2108, the server device 10 determines whether or not the worst payment status category identified in step S2104 is "B0". If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2110, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2112.

In step S2110, the server device 10 outputs the reminder information having the attention level of the first stage to the user of the user ID related to the predetermined operation detected in step S2100. For example, when the predetermined operation detected in step S2100 is a login to the site A, the server device 10 outputs reminder information having a first-stage attention level on the screen after the login. The reminder information having the alertness of the first stage is the reminder information having the lowest alertness, and may be, for example, the message M1 shown in FIG.

In step S2112, the server device 10 determines whether or not the worst payment status category identified in step S2104 is "B1". If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2114, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2116.

In step S2114, the server device 10 outputs the reminder information having the attention level of the second stage to the user of the user ID related to the predetermined operation detected in step S2100. The reminder information having the second-stage alertness is reminder information having a higher alertness than the first-stage, and is, for example, a similar message (not shown) having a size larger than the message M1 shown in FIG. It may be. In addition, the reminder information having the second stage alert degree is the current status information in which the first stage restriction (in this embodiment, the postpay function is stopped as described above) is realized, or when the unpaid amount is still continued. May include foretelling information that the next second stage limitation will be realized.

In step S2116, the server device 10 determines whether or not the payment status category specified in step S2104 is "B2". If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S2118, and in other cases (that is, when the payment status category specified in step S2104 is "B3"), the process proceeds to step S2120.

In step S2118, the server device 10 outputs the reminder information having the attention level of the third stage to the user of the user ID related to the predetermined operation detected in step S2100. The reminder information having the alert degree of the third stage is the reminder information having a higher alert degree than the second stage. The reminder information with the third stage of alert information includes the current status information in which the second stage restriction is realized and the notice information that the next third stage restriction will be realized if the unpaid amount still continues. It may be included.

In step S2120, the server device 10 outputs the reminder information having the alertness of the fourth stage to the user of the user ID related to the predetermined operation detected in step S2100. The reminder information having the alert degree of the fourth stage is the reminder information having a higher alert degree than the third stage. The reminder information with the 4th stage alert level includes the current status information that the 3rd stage restriction is realized and the notice information that the next 4th stage restriction will be realized if the unpaid amount still continues. It may be included.

According to the process shown in FIG. 21, the reminder information can be efficiently output to the user to be output of the reminder information via the site A. In the process shown in FIG. 21, each reminder information having the attention level of the first to fourth stages is output with the same predetermined operation as a trigger, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the type of predetermined operation that triggers the output of the reminder information may be configured to increase as the reminder information has a higher degree of attention, so that the output opportunity increases as the reminder information has a higher degree of attention.

FIG. 22 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of output processing of reminder information in response to a change in the payment status category. The process shown in FIG. 22 may be executed in cooperation with the process of step S174 shown in FIG.

In step S2202, the server device 10 is used by all users whose payment status category has changed from "B2" to "B3" from the billing information database 55 (see FIG. 10) as a result of step S176 of the process shown in FIG. Extract the ID.

In step S2204, the server device 10 selects one user ID from all the user IDs extracted in step S2202.

In step S2206, the server device 10 transmits a short message related to the reminder information to the telephone number associated with the selected user ID. In the modified example, the output of the reminder information is realized by calling the telephone number associated with the selected user ID and playing the automatic voice related to the reminder information in place of or in addition to the short message. May be good.

In step S2208, the server device 10 determines whether or not all the user IDs extracted in step S2202 have been selected. If the determination result is "YES", the process ends as it is, and in other cases, step S2210 is performed and the process returns to step S2206.

In step S2210, the server device 10 newly selects one unselected user ID from the user IDs extracted in step S2202. In this case, the process of step S2206 is executed with respect to the newly selected user ID.

According to the process shown in FIG. 22 in this way, when the payment status category is updated and the payment status category is "B3" (the user whose third stage restriction is realized), the corresponding user is notified. Reminder information can be output in an output mode that has a relatively high degree of alertness called a short message.

Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims. It is also possible to combine all or a plurality of the components of the above-described embodiment.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, as described above, the user of the site A can receive the provision of other digital contents only through the A coin, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the user of the site A may be able to receive the provision of other digital contents without going through the A coin. That is, the user of the site A may be able to receive the provision of the other digital content up to the direct payment of the consideration for the other digital content. Also in this case, by making the postpaid function available, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, as described above, in order to minimize the load on the user for using the postpaid function, the user's real-world information (age, income, address, etc.) is not used. , It is determined whether or not the user can use the postpaid function, but the present invention is not limited to this. Along with the log information, the user's real-world information may be used to determine whether the user can use the postpaid function.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the service that can be provided through the service platform in the service providing system 1 relates to a layer related to digital contents, but may include services related to other layers such as a communication network and a terminal. Good.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the postpaid function is closed and realized in one service platform, but may be realized in cooperation between a plurality of service platforms. In this case, the log information used by the determination unit 38 may also be collected by a plurality of service platforms.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, as described above, the restriction on the game play by the activity restriction unit 42 is, but is not limited to, the prohibition of the game play. The activity restriction unit 42 may partially restrict the play of the game instead of prohibiting the play of the game. The method of partially limiting the play of the game is optional, but may be realized by limiting the play time. In addition, the activity restriction unit 42 limits the use of a part of the game medium (for example, limiting the cost of the first game medium that can be incorporated into the deck, or the type of the first game medium that can be incorporated into the deck. The play of the game may be partially restricted by limiting the game play, etc.). Further, the activity restriction unit 42 may increase the degree of restriction on the play of the game in conjunction with the increase in the unpaid time ΔT1. In this case, the activity restriction unit 42 may prohibit the play of the game when the unpaid time ΔT1 exceeds the final predetermined time. This also applies to restrictions on game play. For example, when the activity restriction unit 42 restricts the use of other digital contents (e-books, video viewing, etc.), the restriction may be a prohibition on the use or a partial restriction on the use. There may be. In this case, the partial limitation may be limited to the usage time of the digital content (for example, usage time per fixed period, total usage time, etc.), or the usable time zone or the like. Further, the activity restriction unit 42 may increase the degree of restriction on the use of other digital contents in conjunction with the increase in the unpaid time ΔT1. In this case, the activity restriction unit 42 may prohibit the use of the other digital contents when the unpaid time ΔT1 exceeds the final predetermined time.

The following additional notes will be further disclosed with respect to the above embodiments.

[Appendix 1]
A log information acquisition unit that acquires log information associated with user identification information,
Payment of consideration for digital content, subject to payment of consideration by the user for the user identification information by a predetermined deadline after the provision of the digital content, based on the log information, the user identification information A digital content providing device including a service providing unit that provides the digital content to the user.

[Appendix 2]
Further including a determination unit for determining whether or not the service providing unit can provide the digital content to the user related to the user identification information associated with the log information based on the log information.
The digital content providing device according to Appendix 1, wherein the service providing unit provides the digital content to a user related to the user identification information based on the determination result of the determination unit.

[Appendix 3]
Further includes a reminder information output unit that outputs reminder information for urging the user related to the user identification information to pay the consideration for the digital content when the consideration for the digital content is not paid by the predetermined deadline. , The digital content providing device according to Appendix 1 or 2.

[Appendix 4]
The digital content providing device according to Appendix 3, wherein the reminder information output unit changes the output mode of the reminder information according to the elapsed time from a predetermined first timing.

[Appendix 5]
The reminder information output unit outputs the reminder information via the site where the user is logged in based on the user identification information when the elapsed time from the first timing exceeds the first predetermined time. Digital content provider.

[Appendix 6]
When the elapsed time from the first timing exceeds the second predetermined time, the reminder information output unit outputs the reminder information in a manner of transmitting a short message to the telephone number associated with the user identification information. , The digital content providing device according to Appendix 4 or 5.

[Appendix 7]
The item according to any one of Appendix 1 to 6, further comprising an activity restriction unit that restricts activities based on the user identification information when the consideration for the digital contents is not paid by the predetermined deadline. Digital content providing device.

[Appendix 8]
The digital content providing device according to Appendix 7, wherein the activity restriction unit changes a restriction mode for an activity based on the user identification information according to an elapsed time from a predetermined second timing.

[Appendix 9]
The digital content providing device according to Appendix 8, wherein the activity limiting unit prohibits a part of the activity based on the user identification information when the elapsed time from the second timing exceeds the third predetermined time.

[Appendix 10]
The activity restriction unit prohibits all activities based on the user identification information when the elapsed time from the second timing further exceeds the fifth predetermined time longer than the third predetermined time, according to Appendix 9. Digital content providing device.

[Appendix 11]
The service providing department provides various services including the provision of the digital contents through the service platform.
When the elapsed time from the predetermined second timing exceeds the third predetermined time, the activity restriction unit restricts the use of a part of the various services based on the user identification information, and from the second timing. When the elapsed time of is further longer than the fourth predetermined time, which is longer than the third predetermined time, the use of all the various services based on the user identification information is restricted, and the elapsed time from the second timing is the second. 4. The digital content providing device according to Appendix 7, which makes it impossible to use the service platform based on the user identification information when the fifth predetermined time, which is longer than the predetermined time, is further exceeded.

[Appendix 12]
The service providing unit relates to the user identification information in response to a request from the user regarding the user identification information until the cumulative value of the consideration before payment reaches the upper limit value associated with the user identification information. Provide the user with one or more of the digital content
The digital content providing device according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 11, further comprising an upper limit value setting unit for setting the upper limit value based on the log information.

[Appendix 13]
The digital content providing device according to Appendix 12, wherein the upper limit value setting unit sets the upper limit value based on the past payment status of the consideration associated with the user identification information together with the log information.

[Appendix 14]
The digital content providing device according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 13, wherein the digital content includes at least one of viewable content, information content, consumable content, and game medium. ..

[Appendix 15]
The digital content providing device according to any one of Supplementary note 1 to 14, wherein the log information is related to an activity based on the user identification information.

[Appendix 16]
Activities based on the user identification information include login based on the user identification information, billing based on the user identification information, use of the digital content or other digital content based on the user identification information, and SNS based on the user identification information. The digital content providing device according to Appendix 15, which relates to at least one of the uses of the above.

[Appendix 17]
The service providing department provides various services including the provision of the digital contents through the service platform.
The digital content providing device according to Appendix 15, wherein the activity based on the user identification information relates to the use of at least a part of the various services.

[Appendix 18]
Acquires the log information associated with the user identification information and
Payment of consideration for digital content, subject to payment of consideration by the user for the user identification information by a predetermined deadline after the provision of the digital content, based on the log information, the user identification information A method of providing digital content executed by a computer, which comprises providing the digital content to the user.

[Appendix 19]
Acquires the log information associated with the user identification information and
Payment of consideration for digital content, subject to payment of consideration by the user for the user identification information by a predetermined deadline after the provision of the digital content, based on the log information, the user identification information A program that causes a computer to perform processing that provides the user with the digital content.

1 Service provision system 10 Server device 11 Server communication unit 12 Server storage unit 13 Server control unit 20 Terminal device 21 Terminal communication unit 22 Terminal storage unit 23 Display unit 24 Input unit 25 Terminal control unit 30 User registration unit 31 Service provision unit 311 Game Processing unit 312 SNS function realization unit 313 Content providing unit 3131 Coin providing unit 3132 Digital content providing unit 314 Billing processing unit 315 Digital content usage unit 34 Log information storage unit 36 Log information acquisition unit 38 Judgment unit 39 Billing information management unit 40 Output unit 42 Activity restriction unit 44 Upper limit value setting unit 50 User information database 52 Log information database 54 Index value database 55 Billing information database 56 Postpaid information database

Claims (19)

A log information acquisition unit that acquires log information associated with user identification information,
Payment of consideration for digital content, subject to payment of consideration by the user for the user identification information by a predetermined deadline after the provision of the digital content, based on the log information, the user identification information A digital content providing device including a service providing unit that provides the digital content to the user. Further including a determination unit for determining whether or not the service providing unit can provide the digital content to the user related to the user identification information associated with the log information based on the log information.
The digital content providing device according to claim 1, wherein the service providing unit provides the digital content to a user related to the user identification information based on the determination result of the determination unit. Further includes a reminder information output unit that outputs reminder information for urging the user related to the user identification information to pay the consideration for the digital content when the consideration for the digital content has not been paid by the predetermined deadline. , The digital content providing device according to claim 1 or 2. The digital content providing device according to claim 3, wherein the reminder information output unit changes the output mode of the reminder information according to an elapsed time from a predetermined first timing. The reminder information output unit outputs the reminder information via the site where the user is logged in based on the user identification information when the elapsed time from the first timing exceeds the first predetermined time, according to claim 4. Digital content provider. When the elapsed time from the first timing exceeds the second predetermined time, the reminder information output unit outputs the reminder information in a manner of transmitting a short message to the telephone number associated with the user identification information. , The digital content providing device according to claim 4 or 5. The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an activity restriction unit that restricts activities based on the user identification information when the consideration for the digital contents has not been paid by the predetermined deadline. Digital content providing device. The digital content providing device according to claim 7, wherein the activity restriction unit changes a restriction mode for an activity based on the user identification information according to an elapsed time from a predetermined second timing. The digital content providing device according to claim 8, wherein the activity limiting unit prohibits a part of the activity based on the user identification information when the elapsed time from the second timing exceeds the third predetermined time. The ninth aspect of the present invention, wherein the activity restriction unit prohibits all activities based on the user identification information when the elapsed time from the second timing further exceeds the fifth predetermined time longer than the third predetermined time. Digital content providing device. The service providing department provides various services including the provision of the digital contents through the service platform.
When the elapsed time from the predetermined second timing exceeds the third predetermined time, the activity restriction unit restricts the use of a part of the various services based on the user identification information, and from the second timing. When the elapsed time of is further longer than the fourth predetermined time, which is longer than the third predetermined time, the use of all the various services based on the user identification information is restricted, and the elapsed time from the second timing is the second. 4. The digital content providing device according to claim 7, wherein if the fifth predetermined time, which is longer than the predetermined time, is further exceeded, the service platform based on the user identification information cannot be used. The service providing unit relates to the user identification information in response to a request from the user regarding the user identification information until the cumulative value of the consideration before payment reaches the upper limit value associated with the user identification information. Provide the user with one or more of the digital content
The digital content providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising an upper limit value setting unit that sets the upper limit value based on the log information. The digital content providing device according to claim 12, wherein the upper limit value setting unit sets the upper limit value based on the past payment status of the consideration associated with the user identification information together with the log information. The digital content provision according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the digital content includes at least one of viewable content, information content, consumable content, and game medium. apparatus. The digital content providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the log information relates to an activity based on the user identification information. Activities based on the user identification information include login based on the user identification information, billing based on the user identification information, use of the digital content or other digital content based on the user identification information, and SNS based on the user identification information. The digital content providing device according to claim 15, which relates to at least one of the uses of the digital content. The service providing department provides various services including the provision of the digital contents through the service platform.
The digital content providing device according to claim 15, wherein the activity based on the user identification information relates to the use of at least a part of the various services. Acquires the log information associated with the user identification information and
Payment of consideration for digital content, subject to payment of consideration by the user for the user identification information by a predetermined deadline after the provision of the digital content, based on the log information, the user identification information A method of providing digital content executed by a computer, which comprises providing the digital content to the user. Acquires the log information associated with the user identification information and
Payment of consideration for digital content, subject to payment of consideration by the user for the user identification information by a predetermined deadline after the provision of the digital content, based on the log information, the user identification information A program that causes a computer to perform processing that provides the user with the digital content.

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