JP2023146983A - Program, information processing method, and terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable charging for at least a portion of content.SOLUTION: A program provided herein is run by a terminal and causes a control unit of the terminal to perform first processing for charging for at least a portion of content being displayed on a display unit of the terminal according to input to the terminal by a user of the terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1-1

Description

The present disclosure relates to programs, information processing methods, terminals, servers, etc.

For example, as a technology related to the distribution of content that can be used by users, there is a technology related to the distribution of electronic books (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP2007-304885A

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a program executed by a terminal performs a first process related to charging at least a portion of content displayed on a display section of the terminal based on an input by a user of the terminal to the terminal. is executed by the terminal by the control unit of the terminal.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, an information processing method for a terminal includes processing for charging at least a portion of content displayed on a display section of the terminal based on an input by a user of the terminal to the terminal. Including what is done by the control unit.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the terminal includes a display unit and a control unit that performs processing related to charging at least a portion of content displayed on the display unit based on an input to the terminal by a user of the terminal. Equipped with
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the terminal includes a processor that reads a program stored in a memory and executes processing based on the program, and the processor displays a 2. Perform processing related to charging for at least part of the content displayed in the section.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions realized by the control unit of the server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a storage unit of the server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of account registration data according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of a digital content management database according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of the digital content structure data based on 1st Example. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of the account management database based on 1st Example. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of billing management data classified by digital content according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of functions realized by the control unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a storage unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a third embodiment. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to the third embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the data structure of the privilege management database based on 4th Example. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a fifth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a sixth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed by a terminal according to a sixth embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part of the terminal based on the 6th modification. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part of the terminal based on the 6th modification. (1) A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a seventh embodiment. (2) A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal according to the seventh embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part of the terminal based on the 7th modification. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part of the terminal based on the 7th modification. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display part of the terminal based on the 7th modification. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to an eighth embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed by a terminal according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a ninth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a ninth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a tenth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of an analog content management database according to the eleventh embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of analog content structure data according to the eleventh embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of an account management database according to the eleventh embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of evaluation management data by analog content according to the eleventh embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to an eleventh embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to an eleventh embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to an eleventh embodiment. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to the eleventh embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed by each device according to an eleventh modification. The figure which shows an example of the information displayed on the display part of the terminal based on the 11th modification. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a twelfth embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed by a terminal according to a twelfth modification. (1) A diagram showing an example of information displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a thirteenth embodiment. (2) A diagram showing an example of information displayed on the display unit of the terminal according to the thirteenth embodiment. (1) A diagram showing an example of information displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a thirteenth embodiment. (2) A diagram showing an example of information displayed on the display unit of the terminal according to the thirteenth embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the information displayed on the display part of the terminal based on the 13th modification. The figure which shows an example of the information displayed on the display part of the terminal based on the 13th modification. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed by a terminal according to a thirteenth modification. The figure which shows an example of the information displayed on the display part of the terminal based on the 13th modification. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a fourteenth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of information displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a fourteenth embodiment.

<Compliance with legal matters>
Please note that the disclosures described herein are subject to compliance with the host country's legal requirements necessary for the implementation of the disclosures, such as confidentiality of communications.

<Embodiment>
In this specification, for the sake of clarity, there are places where the phrase ``as an example, not a limitation'' is written, but the description is not limited to only those places, and the entire embodiment described below. Please note that.

Embodiments for implementing programs and the like according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

A system may include, by way of example and not limitation, a plurality of devices.
The plurality of devices may be a combination of devices of the same type, devices of different types, or a combination of devices of the same type and devices of different types.
Note that a system can also be thought of as, by way of example and not limitation, a plurality of devices working together to perform some kind of processing.

Further, the system relating to a client (client device) and a server can be considered to be at least one of the following, by way of example and not limitation.
(1) Terminal & Server (2) Server (3) Terminal

(1) is a system that includes, by way of example and not limitation, at least one terminal and at least one server. An example of this is a client-server system.

The server is configured by the following devices, by way of example and not limitation, and may be a single device or a combination of multiple devices.

In particular, the server may include, by way of example and not limitation, at least one processor (for example, without limitation, a CPU: Central Processing Unit, a GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, an APU: Accelerated Processing Unit, a DSP: a Digital Signal Processor). (ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array), etc.), a computer device (processor + memory), a control device, an arithmetic device, a processing device, etc. or configurations that include multiple devices of the same type (for example, not limited to, CPU+CPU, homogeneous multi-core processor, etc.), or configurations that include multiple types of different types of any one device (for example, but not limited to, CPU+DSP, heterogeneous multi-core processors, etc.) etc.), or a combination of multiple devices (for example, without limitation, a processor + computer device, processor + arithmetic device, heterogeneous multiple devices, etc.).
Note that the processor may be a virtual processor.

Further, when a server executes some processing and is configured with a single device, the processing described in the embodiment is executed by the single device. Furthermore, in the case of a configuration including a plurality of devices, the configuration may be such that one device executes some of the processes and the other device executes the other processes. By way of example and not limitation, when the computer is configured to include a processor and an arithmetic device, the processor may execute the first process and the arithmetic device may execute the second process.
Furthermore, when the system is configured with a plurality of devices, each device may be configured to be arranged at physically distant positions from each other.

Moreover, the functions of the server may be provided in the form of PaaS, IaaS, or SaaS in cloud computing, by way of example and not limitation.

Further, the control unit of the system can be at least one of a terminal control unit and a server control unit. In other words, by way of example and not limitation, (1A) only the terminal control section, (1B) only the server control section, or (1C) both the terminal control section and the server control section, the system It can be a control unit of.

In addition, the control and processing performed by the system control unit (hereinafter collectively referred to as "control, etc.") may be performed only by (1A) the terminal control unit, or (1B) server control. (1C) It may be performed by both the control unit of the terminal and the control unit of the server.
In addition, in (1C), as an example and not a limitation, some of the controls performed by the control unit of the system are performed by the control unit of the terminal, and the remaining control etc. are performed by the control unit of the server. You can do it like this. In this case, the allocation (allocation) of control etc. may be divided equally, or may be allocated at different ratios instead of equally.

In addition, when the communication unit of a server is configured by a single device, the communication unit itself provided in the single device may be used. Further, when the server is configured to include a plurality of devices, the communication section of the server may include a communication section of each device.
By way of example and not limitation, if the server includes a first device and a second device, the first device has a first communication section, and the second device has a second communication section, the communication section of the server includes: The concept may include a first communication section and a second communication section.

(2) may be, by way of example and not limitation, a system (hereinafter referred to as a "server system") that includes a plurality of servers. In this case, the configuration described above can be similarly applied to each server.

The control etc. performed by the server system may be performed by (2A) only one server among a plurality of servers, (2B) only another server, or (2C) one server. This may be done by the server and other servers.
Furthermore, in (2C), as an example and not a limitation, one server may perform some of the controls performed by the server system, and the remaining controls may be performed by another server. good. In this case, the allocation (allocation) of control etc. may be divided equally, or may be allocated at different ratios instead of equally.

(3) may be a system configured by a plurality of terminals, by way of example and not limitation.
This system may be, by way of example and not limitation, as follows.
- A system that provides server functionality to terminals (distributed system). This can be accomplished using blockchain technology, by way of example and not limitation.
- A system in which terminals communicate wirelessly with each other. This can be achieved, by way of example and not limitation, by communicating in a P2P (peer-to-peer) manner using short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

Note that the above applies not only to the control unit but also to each functional unit that can be a component of the system, such as an input/output unit, a communication unit, a storage unit, and a clock unit.

The following embodiments illustrate, by way of example and not limitation, a system that includes a terminal and a server (by way of example and not limitation, a client-server system).
Note that it is also possible to apply the server system (2) above as the server.

Further, instead of the system including a terminal and a server, it is also possible to apply a system not including a server, and by way of example and not limitation, the system (3) above.
The embodiment in this case can be configured based on the aforementioned blockchain technology or the like. Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, data stored and managed by a server described in the embodiments below is stored on a blockchain. The terminal can then generate a transaction to the blockchain, and when the transaction is confirmed on the blockchain, the data stored on the blockchain can be updated.

Note that even when expressed as a terminal, this is not limited to the meaning of the terminal as a client device in a client server.
That is, a terminal may include the concept of a device other than that of a client server.

Further, in this specification, the expression "by communication I/F" is used as appropriate. This indicates, by way of example and not limitation, that the device transmits and receives various information and data via the communication I/F (via the communication unit) based on the control of the control unit (processor, etc.). may be used.

In addition, in this specification, when referring to terms such as "related to" or "associated with," "B related to A" or "B related to A," the term "B related to A" is used as an example and not a limitation. ``B'' may mean ``B''. A specific example of this will be described later.

In this specification, when a device performs processing on two or more things, such as "sending A and B" or "receiving A and B,""A" is used. This includes cases in which "B" is performed at the same timing (hereinafter referred to as "simultaneous") and cases in which "A" and "B" are performed at different timings (hereinafter referred to as "non-simultaneous"). shall be deemed acceptable.
As an example and not a limitation, when transmitting the first information and the second information, there is a case where the first information and the second information are sent at the same timing, and a case where the first information and the second information are sent at different timings. It is acceptable to include the concepts of both "transmission" and "transmission."
Note that in consideration of lag (time lag), "simultaneously" may include "almost simultaneously".

Note that even if "A" and "B" are performed at different timings, it is only necessary to process "A" and "B", and the purpose is not necessarily the same. It may be omitted.
As an example and not a limitation, when transmitting the first information and the second information as described above, it is only necessary to transmit the first information and the second information, and the first information and the second information may be transmitted for the same purpose. In addition to the case where the first information and the second information are sent for different purposes, this may include the case where the first information and the second information are sent for different purposes.

In the following embodiment, a book reader service will be exemplified as an example of a service for a user of the terminal 20 to view digital content on the terminal 20. Further, an application for realizing a book reader service is referred to as a "book reader application."

As a form for realizing the book reader service (book reader application), any of the following forms can be applied, by way of example and not limitation.
(A) A configuration in which the book reader application is configured as a standalone application (B) A configuration in which the book reader service function is provided as a function of an application such as a messaging application (C) A configuration in which the book reader service function and the messaging service function are combined (D) A form in which a messaging application is configured as an application separate from the book reader application.

In form (A), by way of example and not limitation, the book reader service provider may be the provider of the book reader application.

In configurations (B) and (C), by way of example and not limitation, the book reader service provider may be the same provider as the messaging service provider.
Further, in this case, one method may be to make the user's account in the messaging application and the user's account in the book reader application a common account.
Further, in this case, as another method, the user's account in the messaging application and the user's account in the book reader application may be automatically associated (linked).

In form (D), by way of example and not limitation, the book reader service provider may be a different provider than the messaging service provider.
Further, in this case, as one method, a process of associating the user's account in the messaging application with the user's account in the book reader application (cooperation process) may be performed.

Note that, different from the above, a function such as a messaging service may be provided as a function of the book reader application.

<Example>
Examples will be described below.
Nowadays, by way of example and not limitation, there are increasing opportunities for users to view digital content such as digital comics using book reader applications and the like. Digital content may be, by way of example and not limitation, content that is configured in digital format.
Furthermore, users often have opportunities to view content in paper media, not just digital content.

In the following embodiments, a method in which a user charges or evaluates at least a portion of digital content or at least a portion of paper media content will be exemplified.
In the examples below, content includes, by way of example and not limitation, books (books may be included in books or separate from books), magazines, video images (including anime, movies, etc.). ) may be included. In addition, books may include comics, novels, reference books, photo books, etc. In other words, the content may include, by way of example and not limitation, content in various formats such as text, images, and sounds.
Note that the content on paper media may be provided as a paper media among the above, by way of example and not limitation.

Furthermore, in the following embodiments, elements that constitute content are referred to as "content elements." A content element is one example, and not a limitation, of at least a portion of content. In the following embodiments, it is possible for the user to charge and evaluate content elements. Specific examples of content elements will be described later.

Furthermore, in the following embodiments, billing means that the user makes payment to the business operator using legal currency or the like.
However, according to the dictionary, charging a user to pay is called "charging," so from the user's perspective, it may be called "payment" or the like instead of "charging."

<First example>
The first embodiment is an embodiment in which the user of the terminal 20 charges for at least a portion of digital content.

The content described in the first embodiment is applicable to each of the other embodiments and other modifications.
In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements as those already mentioned, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

<System configuration>
FIG. 1-1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a communication system 1 in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
In the communication system 1, by way of example and not limitation, a server 10 and a plurality of terminals 20 (terminal 20A, terminal 20B, terminal 20C, . . . ) are connected via a network 30.

The server 10 has a function of providing a predetermined service (by way of example, but not limitation, a book reader service, etc.) to the terminal 20 owned by the user via the network 30. Server 10 may also be described, by way of example and not limitation, as a digital content server or the like. In this embodiment, the user of the server 10 is a book reader service provider (operator).

Note that the number of servers 10 and the number of terminals 20 connected to the network 30 are not limited.

The terminals 20 (terminal 20A, terminal 20B, terminal 20C, . . . ) may be any information processing terminal that can implement the functions described in each embodiment. Terminal 20 may include, by way of example and not limitation, a smartphone, a mobile phone (feature phone), a tablet device, a computer (including, by way of example and not limitation, a desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.), a media computer platform (such as, by way of example and not limitation, a cable). , satellite set-top boxes, digital video recorders), handheld computing devices (by way of example, but not limitation, personal digital assistants, e-mail clients, etc.), wearable terminals (such as glasses-type devices, watch-type devices), VR ( Virtual Reality) terminals, smart speakers (speech recognition devices), or other types of computers or communication platforms. Further, the terminal 20 may be expressed as an information processing terminal.

By way of example and not limitation, the configurations of terminal 20A, terminal 20B, and terminal 20C may be the same. Furthermore, if necessary, the terminal used by user X may be expressed as terminal 20X, and the user information in a predetermined service associated with user You don't have to.
Note that the user information is user information associated with an account used by the user in a predetermined service. User information includes, by way of example and not limitation, the user's name, the user's icon image, the user's age, the user's gender, the user's address, and the user's hobbies, entered by the user or provided by a predetermined service. It includes information associated with the user such as preferences and user identifiers, and may be any one or a combination of these, or may not be the same.

The network 30 plays a role of connecting one or more terminals 20 and one or more servers 10. That is, the network 30 refers to a communication network that provides a connection path so that the various devices described above can transmit and receive data after being connected.

One or more portions of network 30 may or may not be a wired network or a wireless network. Network 30 may include, by way of example and not limitation, an ad hoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (wireless LAN: WLAN), wide area network (WAN), wireless WAN (WWAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), part of the Internet, public switched telephone network (Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), mobile phone network, ISDN (integrated service digital networks), wireless LAN, LTE (long term evolution), CDMA (code division multiple access), Bluetooth (registered trademark), satellite communication, etc., or a combination of two or more of these. Network 30 may include one or more networks 30.

The server 10 (not limited to, but an example of a server, an information processing device, or an information management device) has a function of providing a predetermined service to the terminal 20. The server 10 may be any information processing device that can implement the functions described in each embodiment. Server 10 may include, by way of example and not limitation, a server device, a computer (such as, by way of example and not limitation, a desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.), a media computer platform (by way of example and not limitation, a cable, satellite set-top box, digital video recorder, etc.). ), handheld computing devices (by way of example and not limitation, PDAs, email clients, etc.), or other types of computers or communication platforms. Further, the server 10 may be expressed as an information processing device. If there is no need to distinguish between the server 10 and the terminal 20, the server 10 and the terminal 20 may or may not be each expressed as an information processing device.

[Hardware (HW) configuration of each device]
The HW configuration of each device included in the communication system 1 will be explained.

(1) HW configuration of terminal FIG. 1-1 shows an example of the HW configuration of the terminal 20.
The terminal 20 includes a control section 21 (CPU: central processing unit), a storage section 28, a communication I/F 22 (interface), an input/output section 23, a clock section 29A, and a position calculation information detection section 29B. . Each component of the HW of terminal 20 is interconnected via bus B, by way of example and not limitation. Note that it is not essential that the HW configuration of the terminal 20 includes all the components. By way of example and not limitation, terminal 20 may or may not be configured to have individual components or components removed.

The communication I/F 22 transmits and receives various data via the network 30. Communication may be performed by wire or wirelessly, and any communication protocol may be used as long as mutual communication can be performed. The communication I/F 22 has a function of communicating with various devices such as the server 10 via the network 30. The communication I/F 22 transmits various data to various devices such as the server 10 according to instructions from the control unit 21. Furthermore, the communication I/F 22 receives various data transmitted from various devices such as the server 10 and transmits the received data to the control unit 21 . Moreover, the communication I/F 22 may be simply expressed as a communication section. In addition, when the communication I/F 22 is composed of a physically structured circuit, it may be expressed as a communication circuit.

The input/output unit 23 includes a device for inputting various operations to the terminal 20, a device for outputting processing results processed by the terminal 20, and the like. In the input/output section 23, the input section and the output section may be integrated, or may be separated into an input section and an output section, or may not be.

The input unit is realized by any one or a combination of all types of devices that can receive input from the user and transmit information related to the input to the control unit 21. The input unit includes, by way of example and not limitation, a touch panel, a touch display, hardware keys such as a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a camera (operation input via moving images), and a microphone (operation input via voice).

The output unit is realized by any one of all types of devices capable of outputting the processing results processed by the control unit 21 or a combination thereof. Output units include, by way of example and not limitation, a touch panel, a touch display, a speaker (audio output), a lens (including, by way of non-limiting example, 3D (three dimensions) output or hologram output), a printer, and the like.

Although this is just an example, the input/output section 23 includes a display section 24, a sound input section 25, a sound output section 26, and an imaging section 27, by way of example and not limitation.

The display unit 24 is realized by any one or a combination of all types of devices capable of displaying data according to the display data written in the frame buffer. The display unit 24 may include, by way of example and not limitation, a touch panel, a touch display, a monitor (including, but not limited to, a liquid crystal display or an OELD (organic electroluminescence display)), a head mounted display (HDM), a projection mapping, and a hologram. , devices capable of displaying images, text information, etc. in air (which may or may not be a vacuum). Note that these display units 24 may or may not be capable of displaying display data in 3D.

The sound input unit 25 is used for inputting sound data (including audio data; the same applies hereinafter). The sound input section 25 includes a microphone and the like.
The sound output section 26 is used to output sound data. The sound output unit 26 includes a speaker and the like.
The imaging unit 27 is used to obtain image data (including still image data and moving image data; the same applies hereinafter). The imaging unit 27 includes a camera and the like.

When the input/output unit 23 is a touch panel, the input/output unit 23 and the display unit 24 may have substantially the same size and shape and may be disposed facing each other.

The clock unit 29A is a built-in clock of the terminal 20, and outputs time information (timekeeping information). The clock section 29A includes, by way of example and not limitation, a clock using a crystal oscillator. The clock section 29A can also be expressed as a clock section or a time information detection section, by way of example and not limitation.

Note that the clock unit 29A may or may not have a clock to which the NITZ (Network Identity and Time Zone) standard or the like is applied.

The position calculation information detection unit 29B has a function of detecting (measuring) information (hereinafter referred to as “position calculation information”) necessary for the control unit 21 to calculate (measure) the position of its own terminal 20. Department. The position calculation information detection unit 29B can also be expressed as a position calculation sensor unit, by way of example and not limitation.

The position calculation information detection unit 29B includes, by way of example and not limitation, a satellite positioning sensor (satellite positioning sensor) which is a sensor or unit for calculating the position of the terminal 20 using a satellite positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System). unit), an inertial measurement sensor (IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit)) which is a sensor or unit for calculating the position of the terminal 20 using an inertial navigation system, and UWB (Ultra Wide Wireless). This includes a UWB positioning sensor (UWB positioning unit), which is a sensor or unit for calculating the position of the terminal 20 using the UWB band.

The satellite positioning unit includes, by way of example and not limitation, an RF receiving circuit that converts an RF (Radio Frequency) signal including a positioning satellite signal transmitted from a positioning satellite received by an antenna (not shown) into a digital signal; A positioning satellite signal is captured by performing correlation calculation processing on the digital signal output from the RF receiving circuit, and information such as satellite orbit data and time data extracted from the positioning satellite signal is used as position calculation information. It has a baseband processing circuit etc. for output.

The inertial measurement unit has an inertial sensor that is a sensor that detects information necessary for calculating the position of the terminal 20 by inertial navigation calculation. Inertial sensors include, by way of example and not limitation, a 3-axis acceleration sensor and a 3-axis gyro sensor, and use the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity detected by the gyro sensor as position calculation information. Output.

By way of example and not limitation, the UWB positioning unit is an ultra-wideband RF (Radio Frequency) signal that converts into a digital signal an ultra-wideband RF (Radio Frequency) signal including an ultra-wideband pulse signal for positioning transmitted from a positioning beacon that is received by an antenna (not shown). It includes a relative position calculation processing circuit that calculates the relative position between the terminal 20 and the positioning beacon based on the digital signal output from the wideband RF reception circuit and the ultra-wideband RF reception circuit.
Note that, by way of example and not limitation, the UWB positioning unit may cause the terminal 20 to function as a positioning beacon by transmitting an ultra-wideband RF signal including an ultra-wideband pulse signal for positioning from an antenna (not shown). You don't have to do that.

By way of example and not limitation, the control unit 21 calculates the position of its own terminal 20 at regular timing or at a specific timing based on the position calculation information detected by the position calculation information detection unit 29B. The position of a terminal is referred to as a "terminal position", and the calculated terminal position is referred to as a "calculated terminal position". The control unit 21 may or may not store the calculated terminal position in the storage unit 28 as calculated terminal position history data in association with the date and time when the calculated terminal position was calculated.

The control unit 21 has a physically structured circuit for executing functions realized by codes or instructions included in a program, and includes, by way of example and not limitation, a data processing device built into hardware. This is realized by Therefore, the control unit 21 may or may not be expressed as a control circuit.

The control unit 21 may include, by way of example and not limitation, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), and a FPGA (field programmable). gate array).

The storage unit 28 has a function of storing various programs and various data necessary for the terminal 20 to operate. The storage unit 28 includes various storage media such as, by way of example and not limitation, an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), a flash memory, a RAM (random access memory), and a ROM (read only memory). Furthermore, the storage unit 28 may or may not be expressed as a memory.

In the terminal 20, the program P is stored in the storage unit 28, and by executing the program P, the control unit 21 executes processing as each unit included in the control unit 21. That is, the program P stored in the storage unit 28 causes the terminal 20 to realize each function executed by the control unit 21. Furthermore, this program P may or may not be expressed as a program module.

(2) HW configuration of server FIG. 1-1 shows an example of the HW configuration of the server 10.
The server 10 includes a control section 11 (CPU), a storage section 15, a communication I/F 14 (interface), an input/output section 12, and a clock section 19. The HW components of server 10 are interconnected via bus B, by way of example and not limitation. Note that the HW of the server 10 does not necessarily include all the components as the HW configuration of the server 10 . By way of example and not limitation, the HW of server 10 may or may not be configured to allow removal of individual components, or multiple components.

The control unit 11 has a physically structured circuit for executing functions realized by codes or instructions included in a program, and includes, by way of example and not limitation, a data processing device built into hardware. This is realized by

The control unit 11 is typically a central processing unit (CPU), and may or may not be a microprocessor, processor core, multiprocessor, ASIC, or FPGA. In the present disclosure, the control unit 11 is not limited to these.

The storage unit 15 has a function of storing various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the server 10. The storage unit 15 is realized by various storage media such as HDD, SSD, and flash memory. However, in the present disclosure, the storage unit 15 is not limited to these. Furthermore, the storage unit 15 may or may not be expressed as a memory.

The communication I/F 14 transmits and receives various data via the network 30. Communication may be performed by wire or wirelessly, and any communication protocol may be used as long as mutual communication can be performed. The communication I/F 14 has a function of communicating with various devices such as the terminal 20 via the network 30. The communication I/F 14 transmits various data to various devices such as the terminal 20 according to instructions from the control unit 11. Further, the communication I/F 14 receives various data transmitted from various devices such as the terminal 20 and transmits the received data to the control unit 11. Moreover, the communication I/F 14 may be simply expressed as a communication section. Furthermore, when the communication I/F 14 is composed of a physically structured circuit, it may be expressed as a communication circuit.

The input/output unit 12 includes a device for inputting various operations to the server 10, a device for outputting processing results processed by the server 10, and the like. In the input/output section 12, the input section and the output section may be integrated, or may be separated into an input section and an output section, or may not be.

The input unit is realized by any one or a combination of all types of devices that can receive input from the user and transmit information related to the input to the control unit 11. The input unit is typically implemented using hardware keys such as a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse. Note that the input unit may or may not include, by way of example and not limitation, a touch panel, a camera (operation input via a moving image), or a microphone (operation input via voice).

The output unit is realized by any one of all types of devices capable of outputting the processing results processed by the control unit 11 or a combination thereof. Output units include, by way of example and not limitation, a touch panel, a touch display, a speaker (sound output), a lens (including, by way of non-limiting example, 3D (three dimensions) output or hologram output), a printer, and the like.

Although this is just an example, the input/output section 12 includes a display section 13 by way of example and not limitation.

The display unit 13 is realized by a display or the like. The display is typically implemented as a monitor (for example, but not limited to, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display (OELD)). Note that the display may or may not be a head mounted display (HDM). Note that these displays may or may not be capable of displaying display data in 3D. In this disclosure, the display is not limited to these.

The clock unit 19 is a built-in clock of the server 10, and outputs time information (timekeeping information). The clock unit 19 includes, by way of example and not limitation, an RTC (Real Time Clock) as a hardware clock, a system clock, and the like. The clock section 19 can also be expressed as a timekeeping section or a time information detection section, by way of example and not limitation.
(3) Others The server 10 stores the program P in the storage unit 15, and by executing the program P, the control unit 11 executes processes as each unit included in the control unit 11. That is, the program P stored in the storage unit 15 causes the server 10 to realize each function executed by the control unit 11. This program P may or may not be expressed as a program module.
The same applies to other devices.

In each embodiment of the present disclosure, description will be made assuming that the CPU of the terminal 20 and/or the server 10 executes the program P.

Note that the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 and/or the control unit 11 of the server 10 may be formed not only in a CPU having a control circuit but also in an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, LSI (Large Scale Integration)), etc. Each process may or may not be realized by a dedicated logic circuit (hardware) or a dedicated circuit. Further, these circuits may be realized by one or more integrated circuits, and the plurality of processes shown in each embodiment may or may not be realized by one integrated circuit. Furthermore, LSIs are sometimes called VLSIs, super LSIs, ultra LSIs, etc. depending on the degree of integration. Therefore, the control unit 21 may or may not be expressed as a control circuit.

Further, the program P (by way of example, but not limitation, a software program, computer program, or program module) of each embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in a state stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or It doesn't have to be done. The storage medium can store the program P in a "non-temporary tangible medium". Further, the program P may or may not be for realizing a part of the functions of each embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it may or may not be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the functions of each embodiment of the present disclosure in combination with a program P already recorded on a storage medium.

Furthermore, when referring to a system program (a program executed by the system), the system is as described above. The system program described above is a program that can be executed by the entire system, and this program may be composed of programs for individual devices constituting the system, by way of example and not limitation. It is assumed that the programs stored in each device may be different. In other words, the program does not have to be common to each device that makes up the system.
As an example and not a limitation, if a system is composed of a terminal and a server, and the program of the system is P1, the program P1 of the system is composed of a program P2 stored in the terminal and a program P3 stored in the server. P2 and P3 are for executing system programs, and may be different programs. By way of example and not limitation, the program P2 stored on the terminal is a program that executes a first process and sends the result of the first process to the server, and the program P3 stored on the server is a program that executes a first process and sends the result of the first process to the server. The program may be a program that performs a second process on the result of the first process and sends the result of the second process to the terminal.

The storage medium may include one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs), such as, by way of example and not limitation, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a hard・Disk drive (HDD), hybrid hard drive (HHD), optical disk, optical disk drive (ODD), magneto-optical disk, magneto-optical drive, floppy diskette, floppy disk drive (FDD), magnetic tape, solid state (SSD), a RAM drive, a secure digital card, or any other suitable storage medium, or a suitable combination of two or more thereof. Storage media may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile, where appropriate. Note that the storage medium is not limited to these examples, and may be any device or medium that can store the program P. Further, the storage medium may or may not be expressed as a memory.

The server 10 and/or the terminal 20 can realize the functions of the plurality of functional units shown in each embodiment by reading the program P stored in the storage medium and executing the read program P.

Further, the program P of the present disclosure may or may not be provided to the server 10 and/or the terminal 20 via any transmission medium (communication network, broadcast waves, etc.) that can transmit the program. . By way of example and not limitation, the server 10 and/or the terminal 20 realize the functions of the plurality of functional units shown in each embodiment by executing a program P downloaded via the Internet or the like.

Furthermore, each embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of a data signal in which the program P is embodied by electronic transmission.
At least part of the processing in the server 10 and/or the terminal 20 may or may not be realized by cloud computing configured by one or more computers.
At least part or all of the processing in the terminal 20 may or may not be performed by the server 10. In this case, at least some or all of the processing of each functional unit of the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may or may not be performed by the server 10.
At least part or all of the processing in the server 10 may be performed by the terminal 20, or may not be performed. In this case, at least some or all of the processing of each functional unit of the control unit 11 of the server 10 may or may not be performed by the terminal 20.

Unless explicitly stated, the configuration of the determination in the embodiments of the present disclosure is not essential, and a predetermined process may be performed when the determination condition is met, or a predetermined process is performed when the determination condition is not met. You may or may not.

Note that the program of this disclosure uses scripting languages such as ActionScript and JavaScript (registered trademark), compiler languages such as Objective-C and Java (registered trademark), markup languages such as HTML Living Standard, etc., by way of example and not limitation. It is implemented using

<Functional configuration>
(1) Functional Configuration of Server FIG. 1-2 is a diagram showing an example of the functions realized by the control unit 11 of the server 10 in this embodiment.
The control unit 11 includes, by way of example and not limitation, an application management processing unit 111 as a functional unit for executing application management processing according to an application management processing program 151 stored in the storage unit 15.

FIG. 1-3 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the storage unit 15 of the server 10 in this embodiment.
The storage unit 15 includes, by way of example and not limitation, an application management processing program 151 executed as application management processing, account registration data 153, a digital content management database 155, a digital content database 156, and an account management database 159. is memorized.

The account registration data 153 is registration data regarding an account of an application (in this embodiment, a book reader application), and an example of the data structure is shown in FIG. 1-4.
The account registration data 153 stores, by way of example and not limitation, a user name, an application ID, and other registration information in association with each other.

The user name is the name of the account of the terminal 20 that uses this application, and by way of example and not limitation, the name that the user of the terminal 20 registers when using the application is stored.

The application ID is information used to identify an application's account, or the account itself.
This application ID is preferably a unique value for each account, and is set and stored by the server 10 as a unique value (unique value) for each account, by way of example and not limitation.
The application ID is information associated with the terminal 20 or the user of the terminal 20, and is an example of information regarding the terminal or information regarding the user of the terminal.

Other registered information includes, by way of example and not limitation, identification information for identifying the terminal 20, telephone number of the terminal 20 (terminal telephone number), email address (terminal email address), and information used for various types of authentication in applications. Various information such as authentication information such as a password (login password, authentication password, etc.) can be included.

The identification information for identifying the terminal 20 may be, by way of example and not limitation, a terminal ID (by way of example and not limitation, IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)).
Furthermore, the identification information for identifying the user of the terminal 20 may be, by way of example and not limitation, an application ID for general users or an application ID for official users.

Note that a "user ID" may or may not be used instead of the application ID.
In addition, if the application allows only one account to be registered for one terminal 20, it is not limited, but as an example, "Identification information for identifying the terminal 20 = Identification information for identifying the user of the terminal 20 = Application ID".

Further, as an example and not a limitation, it may be possible to assign a plurality of terminal IDs to one application ID, or it may not be necessary to do so. In this case, applications may or may not be activated simultaneously on a plurality of terminals 20 using one application ID as a target for identification (login).

Furthermore, instead of using various IDs such as application IDs, it is also possible to apply a method of managing accounts using information such as terminal telephone numbers.
In this case, instead of storing ID information such as an application ID in the account registration data 153, information such as a terminal telephone number may be stored in the account registration data 153. Note that instead of replacing ID information such as an application ID with information such as a terminal telephone number, ID information such as an application ID may be made to have a one-to-one correspondence with information such as a terminal telephone number. You don't have to.

Note that in the following various embodiments, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that one account is registered for one terminal 20.
In this case, as described above, "identification information for identifying the terminal 20 = identification information for identifying the user of the terminal 20 = application ID", so the "account user" used in the following explanation is The term may be substantially synonymous with "account terminal."

The digital content management database 155 is a database in which data for managing the digital content stored in the digital content database 156 is stored, and an example of its data structure is shown in FIGS. 1-5.
By way of example and not limitation, the digital content management database 155 stores one or more pieces of digital content management data as management data for each genre (category) of digital content.

By way of example and not limitation, each digital content management data stores a genre of the digital content and one or more pieces of digital content-specific data that are individual data of the digital content included in the genre.

By way of example and not limitation, the digital content management data shown at the forefront of this figure is data whose genre is "book (manga)."
The data for each digital content includes, by way of example and not limitation, a digital content ID for identifying this digital content, a title of this digital content, number of episodes data, character definition data, and digital content. Configuration data is stored.
In addition to this, various information such as the publication date, distribution start date, author, publisher, and publisher of this digital content may be stored in the digital content-specific data, by way of example and not limitation. .

In the following, an explanation will be given as an example of data related to comics. This is sometimes referred to as "digital manga" or simply "manga."

The digital content ID is an ID for uniquely identifying digital content (digital manga in this example), and is set and stored by the server 10 for each digital content, by way of example and not limitation.

The number of episodes data is data on the number of episodes of this digital content.
Note that, depending on the format (form) of the digital content, data on volumes of the digital content, data on chapters of the digital content, etc. may be stored.

The character definition data is definition data regarding characters appearing in this digital content, and includes, by way of example and not limitation, information such as a character ID and character name for uniquely identifying characters appearing in this digital content. Ru.

Note that when the genre of the digital content is "novel", the character definition data may be character definition data regarding characters appearing in the novel.

FIG. 1-6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of digital content configuration data in this embodiment.
The digital content configuration data is configuration data for each page of this digital content, and includes, by way of example and not limitation, a page ID (page number), frame arrangement configuration data, and frame-by-frame management data.

The page ID stores an ID (number) for identifying a page (not limited, but an example of a part included in the content) included in this digital comic.

By way of example and not limitation, the frame arrangement configuration data stores data regarding the arrangement configuration of comic panels constituting the page of the digital comic identified by this page ID. Data such as which frame exists at which position within the page (by way of example and not limitation, the pixel range from where to where each frame is included) is stored.

In the frame-by-frame management data, by way of example and not limitation, a frame ID, an intra-frame element, a corresponding intra-frame element ID, and intra-frame element arrangement configuration data are stored in association with each other.

The frame ID is an ID set by the server 10, by way of example and not limitation, as an ID for uniquely identifying each frame included in the page identified by this page ID. Ru.

By way of example and not limitation, the in-frame element may be an element that constitutes the frame identified by this frame ID (hereinafter referred to as "in-frame element"). Elements such as included characters, characters' lines, scenes, etc. are stored as intra-frame elements.

The ID corresponding to the associated intra-frame element is stored in the corresponding intra-frame element ID.
The in-frame element "character" stores the character ID of the character, by way of example and not limitation. This character ID is stored, by way of example and not limitation, based on the character ID of each character stored in the character definition data.

In the intra-frame element "Serif", the line ID of the line is stored, by way of example and not limitation. As this line ID, an ID uniquely set by the server 10 is stored, by way of example and not limitation.
In the intra-frame element "scene", the scene ID of the scene is stored, by way of example and not limitation. As this scene ID, an ID uniquely set by the server 10 is stored, by way of example and not limitation.

The intra-frame element arrangement configuration data stores, by way of example and not limitation, data regarding the intra-frame arrangement of associated intra-frame elements in the comic panel identified by this frame ID.

All or part of the data stored in the above digital content management data may be considered as metadata regarding the digital content.

By way of example and not limitation, digital content database 156 stores data on digital content that can be delivered to terminal 20 by a book reader application as a database.

The account management database 159 is a database for managing each account (each terminal or each user) stored in the account registration data 153, and the data structure of the account management database 159A is an example of the data structure. An example is shown in Figure 1-7.

The account management database 159A stores one or more account management data as data for each account.

Each account management data stores, by way of example and not limitation, an application ID, digital content usage data, and one or more digital content-specific billing management data.

The application ID stored in the account registration data 153 is stored in the application ID.

The digital content usage data stores, by way of example and not limitation, information such as a digital content ID corresponding to the digital content used by the terminal 20 of this application ID or the user thereof. The digital content used by the user may include, by way of example and not limitation, digital content purchased by the user of the terminal 20, digital content borrowed by the user of the terminal 20, etc., regardless of paid or free of charge.

The billing management data by digital content is, by way of example and not limitation, data for managing billing by the terminal 20 of this application ID or its user for each digital content stored in the digital content usage data. An example of the configuration is shown in Figure 1-8.
Each digital content-specific billing management data stores, by way of example and not limitation, a digital content ID, billing history data, and billing history aggregate data.

The digital content ID stores the digital content ID stored in the digital content usage data.

The billing history data is data for individually managing billing history information of the terminal 20 of this application ID or its user for the digital content element of the digital content identified by this digital content ID, and is an example, not a limitation. The billing date and time, billing element ID, and billing amount (billing amount) are stored in association with each other.

The billing date and time stores, by way of example and not limitation, the date and time when the server 10 received the billing request information transmitted from the terminal 20, or the date and time when the server 10 settled the bill based on the billing request information.

By way of example and not limitation, the billing element ID stores an ID associated with a digital content element that has been billed for the digital content identified by this digital content ID.

In this embodiment, the elements constituting the digital content (hereinafter referred to as "digital content elements") are displayed on the display unit 24 of the user's terminal 20 so that the user can view and recognize the contents. The system is configured so that users can charge for digital content elements that they themselves select from among available digital content. This is different from elements that allow you to view the contents (contents) by paying a fee (such as bag binding, which allows you to view the contents by paying a fee, not as a limitation); For example, after digital content becomes available, the user can basically view the elements unconditionally, and the user may not be able to pay for the elements that the user selects. It can be seen as something that can be done.

A digital content element may be, by way of example and not limitation, at least one of the following:
(1) Entire digital content (2) Digital content scene (3) Digital content page (those with pages)
(4) Digital content frames (those with frames)
(5) Lines of characters, characters, etc. appearing in the digital content (6) Characters, characters, etc. appearing in the digital content The user shall be able to charge for these digital content elements.

(1) is a case where the entire digital content (all of one digital content) is subject to billing, and as an example and not a limitation, the "digital content ID" corresponding to the digital content is the billing element ID. It can be made to be remembered.

Note that, by way of example and not limitation, the digital content may be acquired (purchased) and made available to the user for a fee. Charging for the entire digital content has a different meaning from paying to acquire the digital content.
If a user pays to acquire digital content and then actually uses the digital content and is satisfied with or likes the digital content, a donation is made for the digital content as a whole. It can also be taken to mean charging in a certain sense.

(2) is a case where a scene of digital content is subject to billing, and as an example and not a limitation, the "scene ID" corresponding to the scene for which a billing request is made in the digital content is stored in the billing element ID. You can make it happen.
(3) is a case where a page of digital content is subject to billing, and as an example and not a limitation, the "page ID" corresponding to the page for which a billing request has been made among the digital content is stored in the billing element ID. You can make it happen.
(4) is a case where a frame of digital content is subject to billing, and as an example and not a limitation, the "frame ID" corresponding to the frame for which a billing request has been made is stored in the billing element ID. You can make it happen.
(5) is a case where the lines of characters, characters, etc. appearing in the digital content are subject to billing, and as an example and not a limitation, the "line ID" corresponding to the line of the digital content for which a billing request has been made. can be stored in the charging element ID.
(6) is a case where characters, characters, etc. appearing in digital content are subject to billing. ” may be stored in the charging element ID.

Note that, as an example and not a limitation, in a digital comic, a character of the digital comic is the same character no matter which page or frame it appears in. In other words, if a character is to be charged, it is necessary to charge one character throughout the entire digital content. Therefore, if the charging target is the same character, a common character ID corresponding to the character can be stored in the corresponding intra-frame element ID.
The same can be said of characters appearing in the story.

Also, as an example and not a limitation, in a digital manga, a scene of the digital manga may span multiple frames (which may or may not span pages), or may span multiple pages. It can be a scene (scene) of a digital manga developed in As an example and not a limitation, the book reader service provider (server 10) uses a scene consisting of a plurality of frames (a scene ID is associated with a plurality of frame IDs) as a scene unit for which a user can charge. , or a scene composed of a plurality of pages (a scene ID is associated with a plurality of page IDs).
Note that the scene is not necessarily limited to spanning multiple frames or multiple pages, and may include, by way of example and not limitation, a scene within one frame.

The charging amount stores the amount charged by the user of the terminal 20 for the corresponding charging element ID.
Note that instead of or in addition to the billing amount, the number of billings may be stored.

The billing history total data is data obtained by compiling the billing history information of the terminal 20 with this application ID or its user based on the billing history data. By way of example and not limitation, information such as billing amount and number of billings is aggregated and stored for each type of digital content element.
Note that it is not essential to store this billing history aggregate data.

(2) Functional configuration of terminal FIG. 1-9 is a diagram showing an example of the functions realized by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment.
The control unit 21 includes, by way of example and not limitation, an application processing unit 211 as a functional unit for executing application processing according to an application processing program 281 stored in the storage unit 28.

FIG. 1-10 is a diagram showing an example of data etc. stored in the storage unit 28 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment.
The storage unit 28 stores, by way of example and not limitation, an application processing program 281 executed as application processing, an application ID 283 corresponding to this terminal 20 or the account of the user of this terminal 20, and digital content data 285. be done.

The digital content data 285 stores, by way of example and not limitation, data of digital content used by this terminal 20 or a user of this terminal 20. The digital content data 285 includes data necessary for displaying this digital content on the display unit 24.

Note that the terminal 20 may acquire the digital content data 285 from the server 10 by downloading or by streaming. When acquiring by streaming method, the digital content data does not need to be stored in the storage of the storage unit 28 of the terminal 20.

Further, the digital content data 285 may include, by way of example and not limitation, digital content management data (metadata) stored in the server 10.

In the download method, by way of example and not limitation, when the terminal 20 downloads digital content data, digital content management data (metadata) may also be downloaded.
Note that after downloading the digital content data 285, when the terminal 20 displays the digital content on the display unit 24, it may communicate with the server 10 to obtain digital content management data (metadata) at any time.

Furthermore, in the streaming method, when the server 10 distributes digital content data to the terminal 20 by streaming as needed, digital content management data (metadata) may be distributed to the terminal 20 by streaming as needed.
Note that the digital content management data (metadata) may be first acquired by the terminal 20 from the server 10 using a download method, and the digital content data 285 may be distributed from the server 10 to the terminal 20 using a streaming method.

<Display screen>
In the following, a case will be described in which the terminal 20 is a tablet including a display section 24 with a horizontally long display, by way of example and not limitation. Here, as an example and not a limitation, a case will be described in which the terminal 20 displays a horizontally readable digital manga on the display unit 24 using a book reader application.

By way of example and not limitation, the tablet is provided with a touch panel that functions as an input unit and is disposed opposite the display thereof, thereby forming a touch screen. When an element such as an icon, button, item, or input area is displayed on the display, if a part of the touch panel that is opposite to the area where the element is displayed is operated by the user, The program associated with the element or a subroutine of that program is executed.

Note that the transition of the display screen described below is only an example of the transition of the display screen for realizing the method of the present disclosure. Regarding the transition of display screens illustrated below, display of some display screens may be omitted, or other display screens may be added.

Further, the charging in the technique of the present disclosure can be made to have the meaning of a donation from the user, by way of example and not limitation. For this reason, in the display screen examples shown below, billing may be illustrated as "donation."

In addition, in the display screen example shown below, buttons and icons are shown as information displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 that the user can input (operate), but there is no strict distinction between buttons and icons. It shall be permitted to do so. The button may be an icon, or the icon may be a button.

1-11 and 1-12 are diagrams showing an example of the transition of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment. First, a case where charges are made for comic panels will be exemplified.

The upper part of FIG. 1-11 is a comic display screen of the book reader application, and the words "Book Reader App" are displayed as the name of the book reader application at the top left of the screen. In addition, on the right side of the top of the screen, there is a home button HBT for returning to the home screen in the book reader application, a bookmark button MBT for setting bookmarks in the book reader application, and a billing button for charging in the book reader application. A button BBT, an icon image of the user of this terminal 20 in the book reader application, and a user name (in this example, "user AA") are displayed.

Also, below that is a manga area for displaying manga information (for example, but not limited to, information related to the manga opened in the book reader application (first manga information, second manga information)) An information display area is configured. In this example, the first manga information (page 22 of this manga, by way of example and not limitation) is displayed on the right side of the manga information display area, and the second manga information (limited page 22) is displayed on the left side of the manga display area. As an example, page 23 of this manga is displayed. Further, buttons BTa and BTb for turning the pages of this comic (advance/backward) are displayed on the left and right outside of the comic display area.

As an example and not a limitation, when a user touches an arbitrary frame of the manga information (as an example and not a limitation, the topmost frame PN1 of the second manga information), as shown in the upper part of FIG. The selected frame PN1 is displayed in a display mode indicating that the frame PN1 is selected (hereinafter referred to as a "selection mode" as appropriate). Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, the frame PN1 touched by the user is displayed as being subjected to a hatching process by the control unit 21. Hereinafter, a frame that is touched by the user and whose display mode changes and is in a selected state will be appropriately referred to as a "selected frame", a "frame in a selected state", etc.

As an example and not as a limitation, if the user touches the billing button BBT as shown in the lower part of Figure 1-11 while there is a selected frame, the button BBT as shown in the upper part of Figure 1-12 will be displayed. A display is made.
On this screen, a billing setting area BSR for setting the billing amount (billing amount) for the selected frame PN1 is displayed superimposed on the comic display screen at the bottom of FIG. 1-11.

The billing setting area BSR contains billing amount information (in this example, the words "Offering to this panel", the default billing amount for the panel (100 yen in this example), and buttons for increasing or decreasing the billing amount). , a charging execution button BT1 (in this example, a button that includes the words "Charge") for executing charging, and a charging stop button BT2 (in this example, a button that includes the words "Cancel") for canceling charging settings. button) is displayed.

As an example, and not as a limitation, if the user touches the charging execution button BT1 with "100 yen" set as the charging amount, a display as shown at the bottom of Figure 1-12 is displayed, not as a limitation. Ru.
On this screen, the display mode of the selected frame PN1 returns to its original state, and the billed icon BIC (in this example, the icon containing the character "¥") is superimposed on the upper right of this frame. Displayed.
That is, in this example, information indicating that the user has paid is displayed in association with the digital content element for which the user has paid. By doing so, the user can easily understand which digital content element has been charged for.
However, this display is not essential and may not be displayed.

1-13 and 1-14 are diagrams showing an example of the transition of the screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this embodiment. Here, we will exemplify a case where charges are made for a comic character.

On the screen shown in the upper part of Figure 1-13, unlike the manga display screen in the upper part of Figure 1-11, any character in the manga information (by way of example and not limitation, character A in the top panel of the second manga information) can be displayed. A state in which the character has been touched by the user and is displayed in a selected manner is shown. Hereinafter, a character that has been touched by the user and whose display mode has changed and is in a selected state will be appropriately referred to as a "selected character", "a character in a selected state", etc.

As an example and not as a limitation, if the charging button BBT is touched by the user as shown in the lower part of Figure 1-13 while there is a selected character, the button BBT as shown in the upper part of Figure 1-14 will be displayed as shown in the upper part of Figure 1-14. A display is made.
On this screen, a billing target confirmation area BTR is superimposed on the manga display screen at the bottom of Figure 1-13 and is used to confirm whether the billing target is a scene related to the selected character or the character itself. configured to be displayed.

The billing target confirmation area BTR includes, by way of example and not limitation, the words "Select donation target" and a scene button BT5 for selecting that the billing target is a scene related to the currently selected character (in this example, " A character button BT6 (in this example, a button including the characters "this character") for selecting that the charging target is the selected character itself is displayed.

By way of example and not limitation, when the character button BT6 is touched by the user, a display as shown at the bottom of FIG. 1-14 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.
On this screen, the billing target confirmation area at the top of Figure 1-14 is erased, and the billing setting area BSR described above is displayed, superimposed on the manga display screen, for setting the billing amount for the selected character. It is configured to

In this example, the billing setting area BSR contains billing amount information (in this example, the words "Offering to this character", the default billing amount for the character (300 yen in this example), and information on how to increase or decrease the billing amount. button), the above-mentioned charging execution button BT1, and the above-mentioned charging stop button BT2 are displayed.

Also, unlike the example of the panels described above, in the lower part of FIG. The display mode of all displayed characters A is the selection mode. This is based on the fact that characters are a common element in comics.
Note that, different from this, only the part of the character selected by the user as a billing target may be displayed in a selective manner. That is, in the above example, only the character A of frame PN1 may be displayed in a selected manner.

As an example and not as a limitation, if the user touches the billing execution button BT1 with "300 yen" set as the billing amount, on the manga display screen, the selected character will be displayed. The display mode returns to its original state, and a charged icon (in this example, an icon containing the character "¥") can be displayed superimposed on the upper right of these characters (not shown). ).

Note that the user may be able to select a plurality of digital content elements to be charged for among the digital content elements and charge them at the same time. You may select multiple digital content elements of different types (for example, but not limited to, pages and frames, frames and lines, frames and characters, etc.) to be billed together, or you can select multiple digital content elements of the same type (for example, pages and frames, frames and lines, frames and characters, etc.) to be billed together. For example, you may be able to select multiple lines and charge them at the same time.
As an example and not a limitation, two lines of characters included in the top panel of page 22 may be selected and billed together.

Further, although the bookmark button MBT is provided in the above display screen, it is not necessary to provide this if it is not possible to set a bookmark.

Further, bookmarks may be set for digital content elements other than pages, such as frames, scenes, lines, etc., by way of example and not limitation.
Further, a bookmark may be set for the character. In this case, since the characters are common, it is possible to associate the character with a frame that includes the character with the bookmark, or with the dialogue of the character with the bookmark, or with a scene that includes the character with the bookmark, as an example and not as a limitation. A bookmark may also be set. Then, based on the bookmark, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may display the corresponding frame, dialogue, and scene portion on the display unit 24.
Note that the bookmark will also be explained in later embodiments.

<Processing>
FIG. 1-15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in this embodiment. In this figure, the left side shows the process executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A, and the right side shows the process executed by the control unit 11 of the server 10.

Note that the processing described below is only an example of processing for realizing the technique of the present disclosure, and is not limited thereto.
Another step may be added to the process described below, or some steps may be omitted (deleted) from the process described below.

Further, as described above, the terminal 20A may acquire digital content data from the server 10 in a download format or in a streaming format. The same applies below.

First, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A uses the digital content data 285 (or the digital content data to be streamed) stored in the storage unit 28 based on the input by the user of the terminal 20A to the input/output unit 23. , starts execution of processing related to displaying digital content (for example, but not limited to, a page of a digital comic book, etc.) on the display unit 24 (A110). Note that this processing includes, by way of example and not limitation, processing for displaying the next page, processing for displaying the previous page, and the like.

Next, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether an input for charging has been made by the user of the terminal 20A via the input/output unit 23 (A120). Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, an input is made via the input/output unit 23 to select an element to be charged for the page displayed on the display unit 24 by touch operation or the like, and the above-mentioned charging button is input. It is determined whether an input to BBT or the like is made, a charging amount (requested charging amount) is input, and an input to execute charging (input to the above-mentioned charging execution button BT1 or the like) is made. At this time, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines the digital content element for which charging is requested and the amount for which charging is requested (hereinafter referred to as "requested charging amount") based on these inputs.

Thereafter, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines that, in addition to the application ID 283 (the application ID of the terminal 20A or the user A.A) stored in the storage unit 28, at least the digital content ID is, by way of example and not limitation, Billing request information including the digital content element ID corresponding to the digital content element and the billing requested amount is transmitted to the server 10 via the communication I/F 22 (A140).
Note that the page ID of the page being displayed on the display unit 24 may be included in the billing request information and transmitted to the server 10.

The control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether billing request information has been received from the terminal 20A through the communication I/F 14 (S110).
If it is determined that the information has been received (S110: YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 performs billing and settlement processing (S120). Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, based on the payment method (payment means) set in advance by the user of the terminal 20A, to the digital content element identified by the digital content element ID included in the received billing request information. Settle the billing amount. Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether the corresponding digital content ID is included in the stored digital content-specific billing management data in the account management data of the application ID included in the received billing request information in the account management database 159A. Update billing history data and billing history aggregate data.

As the payment method (payment means), various methods can be applied, including, but not limited to, credit card, debit card, electronic money, account transfer at a financial institution, and convenience store payment.

Thereafter, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits billing and settlement result information, which is information about the result of the billing and settlement process, to the terminal 20A through the communication I/F 14 (S150).
After step A140, when the communication I/F 22 receives the billing and settlement result information from the server 10, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the received billing and settlement result information on the display unit 24 (A150).

After step A150, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether or not to end the process (A190), and if it is determined not to end (A190: NO), returns the process to A120.
On the other hand, if it is determined to end (A190: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 ends the process.

After S150, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether or not to end the process (S190), and if it is determined not to end (S190: NO), returns the process to S110.
On the other hand, if it is determined to end (S190: YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 ends the process.

Note that the server 10 is not limited to transmitting the billing and settlement result information at the above-mentioned timing, but may transmit the billing and settlement result information later, such as at a timing when the digital content has been viewed to the end. Further, a plurality of pieces of billing and settlement result information may be sent together from the server 10 later.
Furthermore, in the above processing, step A150 and step S150 may be omitted.

<Effects of the first embodiment>
In this embodiment, the terminal 20 selects various elements (not limited to , processing for accepting user input for charging for at least a portion of the content (an example of at least a portion of the content), processing for determining charging targets and charging amounts, and processing for transmitting charging request information. A configuration is shown in which a process (not limited, but an example of a first process related to billing) is performed by the control unit 21.
As an example of the effects of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the terminal can charge for at least part of the content displayed on the display section of the terminal based on input by the user of the terminal to the terminal. .

Further, in this embodiment, the server 10 (not limited to the terminal This figure shows a configuration in which billing is settled by a server (an example of a server that communicates with a server).
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, based on the first process, billing can be appropriately settled by the server communicating with the terminal.

<First modification (1)>
In the above embodiment, the server 10 may determine the digital content elements for which the user of the terminal 20 is charged.

In this case, by way of example and not limitation, in step A120 of FIG. Information regarding the location input by the user (for example, but not limited to, location coordinates) (hereinafter referred to as "input location information") and the requested charging amount are determined. Then, in step A140, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A includes, by way of example and not limitation, the page ID, the input location information determined in step A120, and the requested billing amount in billing request information, and transmits the billing request information to the server 10.

In step S120, the control unit 11 of the server 10 identifies the corresponding digital content and page based on the billing request information received from the terminal 20A, by way of example and not limitation. Then, the user of the terminal 20A charges the identified page based on the input position information included in the billing request information, the metadata, and the image data of the corresponding digital content stored in the digital content database 156. Identify digital content elements. Then, the requested amount of charge for the identified digital content element may be settled.

Furthermore, unlike the above embodiment, each time a new page of digital content is displayed on the display unit 24, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A requests metadata regarding the new page from the server 10. Metadata about the new page that is sent may be received and obtained.

Note that these can be similarly applied to the embodiments and modifications described below.

<Second example>
The second embodiment is an embodiment related to a user interface (UI) for allowing the user of the terminal 20 to input at least part of the digital content to be charged.

The content described in the second embodiment is applicable to any of the other embodiments and other modifications.
In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements as those already mentioned, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

<Display screen>
FIGS. 2-1 and 2-2 are diagrams showing an example of the transition of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this embodiment. Here, an example will be exemplified in which dialogue in a comic book is selected as a billing target by long-pressing a dialogue balloon.

In the screen shown in the upper part of Figure 2-1, unlike the manga display screen in the upper part of Figure 1-11, an arbitrary position of the manga information (as an example and not a limitation, character A's dialogue in the top panel of the second manga information It is shown that the position in the speech bubble SB1 has been touched by the user. Then, by way of example and not limitation, the page including this operation position (in this example, the area corresponding to page 23) is displayed in a selected manner. be done.

In this example, when the user touches and holds the position in the speech bubble SB1 of character A's dialogue in the top panel of the second comic information (that is, in a long press state), a long press is started. When the first set time (one second as an example, not a limitation) has elapsed, the page (in this example, the area corresponding to page 23) that includes this operation position (hereinafter referred to as the "long press position") is displayed. may be displayed in a selective manner.

Hereinafter, a page whose display mode has changed to a selected mode and is in a selected state will be appropriately referred to as a "selected page", "a page in a selected state", etc.

As an example and not a limitation, when the long press position is pressed and held by the user as shown in the upper part of Figure 2-1, the second set time (2 seconds as an example and not a limitation) has elapsed since the long press was started. Then, by way of example and not limitation, a display as shown in the lower part of FIG. 2-1 is displayed.
In this screen, unlike the comic display screen in the upper part of FIG. 2-1, the frame PN1 including the long-pressed position is displayed in a selected manner. In other words, the area displayed in the selection mode is narrower (the size of the area is smaller) compared to the upper side of FIG. 2-1.

As an example and not a limitation, when the long press position is pressed and held by the user as shown in the lower part of Figure 2-1, the third set time (3 seconds as an example and not a limitation) after the long press starts. Once the time has elapsed, a display like the one shown in the upper part of FIG. 2-2 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.
In this screen, unlike the comic display screen shown in the lower part of FIG. 2-1, a speech balloon SB1 including the long-press position is displayed in a selected manner. In other words, the area displayed in the selection mode is narrower (the size of the area is smaller) compared to the lower side of FIG. 2-1.

By way of example and not limitation, if the user touches the billing button BBT while there is a speech bubble of the currently selected line, a display as shown in the lower part of FIG. 2-2 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.
This screen is configured to display the above-mentioned billing setting area BSR for setting the billing amount for the speech bubble of the currently selected line, superimposed on the comic display screen in the upper part of FIG. 2-2.

In this example, the billing setting area BSR contains billing amount information (in this example, the words "Offering to this line", the default billing amount for the line (100 yen in this example), and information on how to increase or decrease the billing amount. button), the above-mentioned charging execution button BT1, and the above-mentioned charging stop button BT2 are displayed.

FIGS. 2-3 and 2-4 are diagrams showing examples of screen transitions displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this embodiment. Here, an example will be exemplified in which a character is selected as a billing target by long-pressing the character in a manga.

On the screen shown in the upper part of Figure 2-3, unlike the manga display screen in the upper part of Figure 2-1, the arbitrary position of the manga information (as an example and not a limitation, character B in the second frame of the first manga information) position) is pressed and held by the user, and when the first set time (one second as an example, not a limitation) has elapsed since the start of the long press, the page containing this long press position (in this example, page 22) is displayed. The area corresponding to ) is displayed in a selected manner.

As an example and not a limitation, when the long press position is pressed and held by the user as shown in the upper part of Figure 2-3, the second set time (2 seconds as an example and not a limitation) has elapsed since the long press was started. Then, by way of example and not limitation, a display like the one shown at the bottom of FIG. 2-3 is displayed.
This screen, unlike the comic display screen in the upper part of FIG. 2-3, shows a state in which the frame PN2 including the long-pressed position is displayed in a selected manner.

As an example and not a limitation, when the long press position is pressed and held by the user as shown in the lower part of Figure 2-3, the third set time (3 seconds as an example and not a limitation) after the long press starts. Once the time has elapsed, a display similar to the one shown in the upper part of FIG. 2-4 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.
In this screen, unlike the comic display screen shown in the lower part of FIG. 2-3, a character including the long-pressed position (character B, by way of example and not limitation) is displayed in a selected manner.

By way of example and not limitation, if the user touches the billing button BBT while there is a selected character, a display as shown at the bottom of FIG. 2-4 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.
This screen is configured to display the above-mentioned billing setting area BSR for setting the billing amount for the selected character, superimposed on the comic display screen in the upper side of FIG. 2-4.

Unlike the example of lines mentioned above, in the lower part of Figure 2-4, based on character B being selected as a billing target, all characters B displayed on this page (in this example, page 22) are displayed. The display mode is a selection mode. This is based on the fact that characters are a common element in comics.
Note that if the character B also appears on the 23rd page that is displayed together with the 22nd page, the character B that appears on the 23rd page may also be displayed in a selective manner. However, in this example, character B does not appear on page 23.

<Processing>
In this embodiment, as an example and not a limitation, in step A120 of the process in FIG. Based on this, the clock section 29A measures the elapsed time since the user input started, and the display section 24 displays a selection display in the set selection mode. Then, control is performed to change the display range (size, area) of the selection display based on the elapsed time.

In this case, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A expands the area displayed in the selection mode from the smallest digital content element to the largest digital content element based on the position input by the user based on the measured elapsed time. The display range (size, area) of the selection display may be controlled to be widened (increased) as the selection display progresses.
In addition, on the contrary, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A changes the area displayed in the selected manner from the largest digital content element to the smallest digital content element based on the position input by the user based on the measured elapsed time. The display range (size, area) of the selection display may be controlled to be narrowed (reduced) so that it is reduced to content elements.

Furthermore, in the above example, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A changes the display range (size, area) of the selection display based on the long press time (length of time). but not limited to.
By way of example and not limitation, the display range of the selection display may be changed based on the number of times the screen is touched by the user.
In this case, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A changes the area displayed in the selection mode from the smallest digital content element to the largest digital content element based on the user input position (touched position) based on the number of touches. The display range (size, area) of the selection display may be controlled to be widened (increased) so that the selection display is expanded to include content elements.
In addition, on the contrary, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines, based on the number of times the touch is made, that the area displayed in the selection mode is the largest digital content based on the user input position (touched position). The display range (size, area) of the selection display may be controlled to be narrowed (reduced) so that the element is reduced to the smallest digital content element.

Further, based on an operation by the user to specify a range, for example and not as a limitation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A may narrow or widen the range by performing a pinch (pinch-in/pinch-out) operation after touching. Control may be performed to change the display range of the selection display.

<Effects of the second embodiment>
This embodiment is a display for the terminal 20 to obtain information (not limited to, but an example of first information) such as a digital content element ID corresponding to a digital content element to be charged among the digital content by the control unit 21. By way of example and not limitation, a display for allowing the user to select an element of the content to be charged (by way of example, but not limitation, the first information including information on at least part of the content is acquired by the control unit based on input by the user of the terminal) (an example of a first display for the first display) is displayed on the display unit 24. Then, the terminal 20 performs processing (not limited to, but an example of the first processing) related to charging at least a portion of the content described above based on information such as the digital content element ID acquired by the control unit 21. 21 is shown.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, a first display is displayed on the display unit for the control unit to acquire first information including at least part of the information of the content based on input by the user of the terminal. Then, based on the first information acquired by the control unit, first processing related to charging for at least a portion of the content can be performed to appropriately charge for at least a portion of the content.

Further, in this case, the terminal 20 responds to a touch operation or an input such as a touch operation by the user of its own terminal 20 on a display (not limited to, an example of a first display) for allowing the user to select the digital content element to be charged. Based on this, the control unit 21 may perform control to change the size of the first display.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the terminal is configured to display a first display for acquiring first information including at least part of the content based on an input by a user of the terminal. The size of the first display can be changed based on input by the user. By doing so, it is possible to appropriately prompt the terminal user to input at least a part of the content for which he or she wishes to charge, and also to allow the user of the terminal to properly input at least part of the content for which he/she wishes to charge, and also to enable the terminal user to appropriately input at least part of the content for which he or she wishes to charge, and to provide information on at least part of the content based on the input by the terminal user. 1 information can be appropriately acquired by the control unit.

Further, in this case, the size of the first display may be changed based on the time (length of time) of the touch operation by the user of the terminal on the first display.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the size of the first display can be changed based on the time of input by the user of the terminal with respect to the first display. This allows the user of the terminal to easily and appropriately input at least a portion of the content for which the user desires to be charged, depending on the input time for the first display.

<Third Example>
The third embodiment is an implementation in which the user of the terminal 20 can confirm information regarding at least part of the digital content for which he/she has charged, information regarding at least part of the digital content for which a user other than himself/herself has charged, etc. This is an example.

It would be convenient for users if they could know the digital content elements for which they have paid.
Furthermore, if users other than themselves can find out how much they are charging for which elements of digital content, they may be able to motivate themselves to charge for at least part of the digital content.

The content described in the third embodiment is applicable to any of the other embodiments and other modifications.
In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements as those already mentioned, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

<Display screen>
FIG. 3-1 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this embodiment.

In the screen shown in the upper part of FIG. 3-1, unlike the comic display screen in the upper part of FIG. 1-11, by way of example and not limitation, no charging object is selected. In this state, when the user touches the charging button BBT as shown in the upper part of FIG. 3-1, a display as shown in the lower part of FIG. 3-1 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.

This screen is the billing history display screen of the book reader application, and unlike the upper part of Figure 3-1, there is a billing history display area below the top of the screen that is an area for displaying information related to billing history. is configured. In this example, the top center of the billing history display area displays manga title information/manga volume number information (as an example, not limited to, the text "XX's Great Adventure/Volume 2") and billing ranking. A billing ranking button BRBT (a button including the words "display donation ranking" by way of example and not limitation) is displayed. In addition, at the top left of the billing history display area, a start button HRBT (a button that includes the words "Read from the beginning", as an example and not a limitation) to read this manga from the beginning is displayed, and the billing history is displayed. At the top right of the display area, a continuation button TRBT (a button that includes the words "Continue reading" by way of example and not limitation) for reading the manga from the middle is displayed.

In addition, below that, billing history title information (as an example, but not limited to, an icon containing the characters "¥" and the characters "donation history") is displayed at the top left, and billing history title information is displayed at the top left. A display switching tab STB for switching the display of billing history is displayed at the top right. In this example, based on the fact that the default text "by volume" is displayed on the display switching tab STB, the billing history is displayed according to the number of volumes of the manga.

Also, below that, your own billing history information (first billing history information, second billing history information, third billing history information, etc.) (hereinafter referred to as "first billing history information, second billing history information, third billing history information..." , referred to as "self-user billing history information") are displayed. Specifically, the leftmost part contains the first billing history information (as an example, but not limited to, character A, the characters "Character A", the billing amount (300 yen in this example), and the information for charging this character again. A recharging button ABT1 (in this example, a button that includes the words "Donate to this character")) is displayed, and to the right of it, the second charging history information (one frame on page 23, as an example and not a limitation) is displayed. The eye frame, the words "p.23 1st frame", the charge amount (100 yen in this example), the recharging button ABT2 to charge this frame again (in this example, the words "donate to this frame") Include button)) is displayed, and to the right of it, the third billing history information (as an example, not a limitation, the 4th frame on page 22, the text "p.22 4th frame", and the charge amount ( 100 yen in this example), and a recharging button ABT3 (in this example, a button including the words "Donate to this frame") for charging this frame again. In other words, based on the fact that the display switching tab STB is set to "by volume" by default, this digital manga (in this example, the main volume of "○○'s Great Adventure" (in this example, "2 Billing history information for the "Volume") is displayed.

Note that the user's own billing history information may include the number of charges made by the user instead of or in addition to the amount charged by the user. The same applies below.

FIG. 3-2 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this embodiment. Here, an example of switching the billing history of a comic to a display corresponding to a character will be exemplified.

In the screen shown in the upper part of Figure 3-2, unlike the billing history display screen shown in the lower part of Figure 3-1, the display switching tab STB is expanded by being touched by the user, and the "Character" A state is shown in which the "Every" tab is touched by the user. Based on this operation, the display mode of the "Each Character" tab is displayed in a different display mode from the others.

By way of example and not limitation, when the user touches the "by character" tab as shown in the upper part of FIG. 3-2, a display as shown in the lower part of FIG. 3-2 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.
On this screen, unlike the billing history display screen shown in the upper part of FIG. 3-2, the words "by character" are displayed on the display switching tab.

Further, below that, as own user's billing history information, as an example, not a limitation, first billing history information (as an example, not a limitation, character A, the characters "Character A", the billing amount (300 yen in this example), a recharging button ABT1 (in this example, a button that includes the words "Donate to this character") to charge this character again, and to the right of it, a second Charging history information (as an example and not limited to character C, the characters "Character C", the charging amount (100 yen in this example), re-charging button ABT4 to charge this character again (in this example, "Character C" A button containing the characters "Donation")) is displayed, and to the right of it, third billing history information (as an example, not limited to, character B, the characters "Character B", and the charge amount (in this example, 50 yen) is displayed. ), a recharging button ABT5 for charging this character again (in this example, a button including the words "donate to this character")). That is, based on the selection of the "by character" tab of the display switching tabs, billing history information for characters is extracted and displayed from among the user billing history information described above.

FIG. 3-3 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this embodiment. Here, a case will be exemplified in which charge rankings for comics are displayed.

The screen shown in the upper part of FIG. 3-3 is different from the charging history display screen shown in the lower part of FIG. 3-2, and shows a state in which the charging ranking button BRBT has been touched by the user. Then, by way of example and not limitation, a display like the one shown at the bottom of FIG. 3-3 is displayed.
On this screen, unlike the billing history display screen shown in the upper part of Figure 3-3, billing ranking title information (as an example and not a limitation) is provided with a crown icon and "donation ranking" below the top of the billing history display screen. Characters) are displayed at the top left, and a display switching tab STB (by way of example, not limitation, a "frame by frame" tab) is displayed at the top right.

Additionally, in the position where the billing ranking button BRBT was displayed, a billing history display button BHBT (a button that includes the words "Display donation history" as an example and not a limitation) to return to the display screen of own user's billing history information has been added. Displayed.

Further, below that, billing ranking information (first billing ranking information, second billing ranking information, third billing ranking information, etc.) is displayed in descending order of billing amount.

Specifically, the leftmost part includes first billing ranking information (as an example and not a limitation, an icon indicating the first place in the ranking, an icon image and a user name (in this example, "user C.C."), a billing amount ( In this example, 1,000 yen), the first frame on page 23, the words "p.23 1st frame", this frame for which another user (user C. ) is displayed, and a special charge button SBT1 (in this example, a button that includes the words "Donate to this frame") is displayed, and to the right of it, second charge ranking information (as an example, not limited to) is displayed. The icon indicating the second place in the ranking, the icon image and user name (in this example, "User B.B"), the charge amount (in this example, 800 yen), the 4th frame on page 22, the 4th frame on page 22, ``p.22 4th frame ”, a special charge button SBT2 for charging yourself (user A.A) for this frame for which another user (user B.B) has charged (in this example, a button containing the words “donate to this frame”) )) is displayed, and on the right side, the third billing ranking information (as an example and not a limitation, an icon indicating the third place in the ranking, an icon image and a user name (in this example, "User D.D."), billing The amount (700 yen in this example), the first frame on page 23, the words "p.23 1st frame", the amount paid by another user (user D.D), and the user (user A.A. ) is displayed. A special charging button SBT3 (in this example, a button including the words "Donate to this frame") is displayed for charging a fee.

Note that here, since the charge ranking is used, an example is shown in which the charge amount is displayed in descending order, but the present invention is not limited to this.
Accounting information of other users (at least one other user) is transferred to user A. It is sufficient to allow A to know, and it is not necessarily necessary to display it in a ranking format.
Further, instead of or in addition to the billing amounts of other users, the number of billings of other users may be displayed.

FIG. 3-4 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this embodiment. Here, a case will be exemplified in which the charge ranking of a manga is switched to a display according to each volume.

In the screen shown in the upper part of Figure 3-4, unlike the billing history display screen shown in the lower part of Figure 3-3, the display switching tab SBT is expanded by being touched by the user. A state is shown in which the "Every" tab is touched by the user. In this example, the display mode of the "by volume" tab is displayed in a different display mode from the others.

By way of example and not limitation, when the user touches the "by volume" tab as shown in the upper part of FIG. 3-4, a display as shown in the lower part of FIG. 3-4 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.
In this screen, unlike the billing history display screen shown in the upper part of FIG. 3-4, the words "by volume" are displayed on the display switching tab SBT.

Further, below that, as billing ranking information, as an example and not as a limitation, the first billing ranking information (as an example, not as a limitation), an icon indicating the first place in the ranking, an icon image, and a user name (this In the example, "User C.C"), the charge amount (in this example, 4,100 yen), the characters "No. 1 donated element", character A, the characters "Character A", other users (user C.C. A special charge button SBT4 (in this example, a button containing the words "donate to this character") is displayed for you (user A.A) to charge for this character charged by ), and to the right of it is displayed. , second billing ranking information (as an example and not a limitation, an icon indicating the second place in the ranking, an icon image and a user name (in this example, "User B.B"), a charge amount (in this example, 2,400 yen), " The text ``Element you donated the most'', the 4th frame on page 22, the text ``p.22 4th frame'', this frame that was charged by another user (User B. ) is displayed, and a special charge button SBT5 (in this example, a button that includes the words "Donate to this frame") is displayed, and to the right of it, third charge ranking information (as an example, not limited to) is displayed. Icon indicating 3rd place in the ranking, icon image and user name (in this example, "User D.D."), charge amount (in this example, 2300 yen), text of "No. 1 donated element", 1st frame of page 22 frame, the characters "p.22 1st frame", and the special charge button SBT6 (in this example, " A button containing the words "donation") is displayed.

More specifically, user C. C ranks first in the ranking with a total billing amount (hereinafter referred to as the "total billing amount") of "4,100 yen," and is the digital content element for which the highest charge was made out of this total billing amount of "4,100 yen." is character A.
Also, user B. B ranks second in the ranking with a total billing amount of "2,400 yen," and of this total billing amount of "2,400 yen," the digital content element for which he was charged the most was the 4th frame on page 23. It is shown.
Also, user D. D is ranked 3rd in the ranking with a total charge of "2,300 yen", and the digital content element for which the highest charge was made is the selection mode in the first frame of page 22. It is shown that it was a speech bubble that was displayed.
With these, user A. A can grasp the ranking of total charges and which digital content elements are being charged.

Note that in the above, the user's billing history information and billing ranking information may be displayed on a page-by-page basis.
Furthermore, depending on which page the user's billing history information and billing ranking information are displayed from, the user's billing history information and billing ranking information regarding that page may be displayed. As an example and not as a limitation, in the example of Figure 3-1, based on the fact that the user's billing history information and billing ranking information are displayed from pages 22 and 23, digital content elements related to pages 22 and 23 are displayed. The target user's billing history information and billing ranking may also be displayed. By doing so, the user can grasp his or her billing history and billing ranking related to the page that the user is currently viewing.

Further, the billing history information may be sorted and displayed depending on which page the user's billing history information is displayed from. By way of example and not limitation, in the example of FIG. 3-1, based on the fact that the own user billing history information is displayed from pages 22 and 23, from the billing history information for digital content elements related to pages 22 and 23, They may be displayed in order. By doing so, it becomes easier for the user to understand his or her own billing history related to the page that the user is currently viewing.

Note that, unlike the above, as an example and not a limitation, a billing ranking in a ranking format of who has charged how much for each digital content element is displayed on the display section of the terminal 20. 24 may be displayed.

FIG. 3-5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this case.
In FIG. 3-5 (1), as a charging ranking (donation ranking), the charging ranking for the first frame of page 23 of the manga is displayed as an example and not as a limitation. As an example and not a limitation, the user may select "Frame by Frame" from the display switching tab SBT, and then select this frame (first frame on page 23) from a list of frames not shown. You can display this screen.

On the left side of the screen, the words "p.23 1st frame", an image of this frame, and a special charging button SBT8 for charging this frame are displayed. Further, to the right of this, a charging ranking based on the charging amount of the user who charged for this frame is displayed.
By doing so, the user can confirm who has paid for a given frame and how much.

In FIG. 3-5 (2), as a charging ranking (donation ranking), the charging ranking for the cartoon character A is displayed as an example and not a limitation. By way of example and not limitation, the user can select "By character" from the display switching tab SBT, and then select this character (Character A) from a list of characters (not shown) to display this screen. can be displayed.

On the left side of the screen, the characters "Character A", an image of this character, and a special charging button SBT9 for charging this character are displayed. Further, to the right of this, a billing ranking based on the billing amount of the user who has billed for this character is displayed.
By doing so, the user can confirm who has paid how much for a given character.

Note that similar display may be possible for other digital content elements as well.
Furthermore, a billing ranking based on the number of billings may be displayed, or a billing ranking based on both the billing amount and the number of billings.

Further, the billing ranking information shown above includes billing information of other users (hereinafter referred to as "other user billing information"). Therefore, the billing ranking information may be regarded as a type of other user billing information.

<Processing>
FIG. 3-6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the communication system 1 in this embodiment. The view of the figure is the same as that of Figure 1-15.

If it is determined in S190 that the process is not to end (S190: NO), the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether the own user billing history information transmission condition is satisfied (S310).
The self-user billing history information transmission condition may be, by way of example and not limitation, that "self-user billing history information transmission request information requesting transmission of the own user billing history information has been received from the terminal 20A."

In this case, before step A310, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A controls the terminal 20A via the input/output unit 23 while the digital content page is being displayed on the display unit 24, by way of example and not limitation. User A. An input to display own user billing history information was made by A (for example, not limited to, an operation input to operate the billing button BBT without selecting a digital content element, an operation input to the billing history display button BHBT, etc.) Based on this, own user billing history information transmission request information can be transmitted to the server 10.

In this case, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A transmits, by way of example and not limitation, at least self-user billing history information transmission request information including the application ID 283 stored in the storage unit 28 to the server 10 via the communication I/F 22. You can do it like this.
Note that the page ID of the page currently displayed on the display unit 24 may be included in the own user billing history information transmission request information and transmitted to the server 10.

Further, as shown in the display screen example, it is also possible to display the own user billing history information for each digital content element.
In this case, by way of example and not limitation, identification information of the type of digital content element selected by the user using the display switching tab STB etc. described above may be included in the own user billing history information transmission request information and transmitted to the server 10. You can also do this.

If it is determined that the own user billing history information transmission condition is satisfied (S310: YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 retrieves the user A. of the terminal 20A from the account management database 159A. The account management data in which A's application ID is stored is specified, and based on the billing history data or billing history aggregate data, user A.A. Acquire A's billing history information.
Note that if a page ID is included in the own user billing history information transmission request information received from the terminal 20A, user A. A's billing history information may also be acquired.

Next, the control unit 11 of the server 10 controls the acquired user A. A's billing history information is transmitted to the terminal 20A through the communication I/F 14 as self-user billing history information (S320).

When the own user billing history information is received from the server 10 through the communication I/F 22 (A310: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the received own user billing history information on the display unit 24 (A320).

After S320, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether the billing ranking information transmission condition is satisfied (S330).
The billing ranking information transmission condition may be, by way of example and not limitation, that "billing ranking information transmission request information requesting transmission of billing ranking information has been received from the terminal 20A."

In this case, by way of example and not limitation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A controls the terminal 20A via the input/output unit 23 while the digital content page is being displayed on the display unit 24 before step A330. User A. Charge ranking information transmission request information is transmitted to the server 10 based on the input made by A to display charge ranking information (for example, not limited to, operation input to charge ranking button BRBT, etc.). Good too. In this case, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A transmits billing ranking information transmission request information including at least the application ID 283 stored in the storage unit 28 to the server 10 via the communication I/F 22, by way of example and not limitation. can do.
Note that the page ID of the page being displayed on the display unit 24 may be included in the billing ranking information transmission request information and transmitted to the server 10.

Further, as shown in the display screen example, it is also possible to display the charge ranking for each digital content element.
In this case, by way of example and not limitation, identification information of the type of digital content element selected by the user using the display switching tab STB, etc. described above may be included in billing ranking information transmission request information and transmitted to the server 10. Good too.

Next, the control unit 11 of the server 10 generates billing ranking information based on the billing history data (or billing history aggregate data) of each account (application ID), and transmits the generated billing ranking information to the terminal via the communication I/F 14. 20A (S340).
Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 returns the process to S110.

When the charging ranking information is received from the server 10 through the communication I/F 22 (A330: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the received charging ranking information on the display unit 24 (A340).
Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A returns the process to A110.

Here, the billing ranking information may be information targeting all users including the user of the terminal 20A.
Note that, different from this, the billing ranking information may be information that targets all users (hereinafter referred to as "other users") other than the user of the terminal 20A (all other users).

Furthermore, it is not essential to include information on the amount to be charged in the own user's billing history information and billing ranking information. By way of example and not limitation, information on the number of charges may be included instead of the information on the charge amount. Further, both information on the charge amount and information on the number of charges may be included.

Furthermore, in the above processing, step A150 and step S150 may be omitted.
Further, in the above process, any one of steps A310, A320, S310, and S320 and steps A330, A340, S330, and S340 may be omitted.

<Effects of the third embodiment>
In this embodiment, the terminal 20 receives billing information (not limited to content charged by the first user) based on other users (not limited to, but at least an example of a first user who is different from the user of the terminal) such as billing ranking information. (an example of second information regarding at least a portion of the user) is received by the communication I/F 22, and the received billing information from other users is displayed on the display unit 24.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the terminal acquires second information regarding at least a portion of the content charged for by at least a first user different from the user of the terminal, and then displays the second information. This can be displayed on the screen to notify the user of the terminal. By doing so, it becomes possible to increase the motivation of the terminal user to charge for at least a portion of the content, or to have a competition in charging.

Further, in this case, the billing information by the other user may include information about the billing amount by the other user (not limited to this, but an example of information about the billing amount by the first user for at least part of the content).
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to inform the user of the terminal how much money has been charged by at least a first user different from the user of the terminal.

Further, in this case, the terminal 20 charges the user of the terminal 20 for the digital content element charged by the user of the terminal 20 based on the processing related to charging (an example of the first processing, not limitation). Own user billing history information including amount information (not limited to this, but an example of third information including the amount charged by the user of the terminal) may be displayed on the display unit 24.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the terminal may display third information including the amount charged by the user of the terminal for at least part of the content for which the user of the terminal has charged based on the first process. can be displayed to notify the terminal user. In addition, by doing this, in combination with the above, by way of example and not limitation, it becomes possible to compare the user's billing amount with the billing amount of other users, and even to have a billing competition.

<Third modification (1)>
In the above embodiments, instead of or in addition to information in a ranking format (billing ranking information, etc.), as other user billing information, billing history information of other users (hereinafter referred to as "other user ) may be transmitted from the server 10 to the terminal 20 and displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20. In addition, the user billing history information may be, by way of example and not limitation, an example of second information regarding at least a portion of the content billed by the first user.

Further, in this case, the server 10 may select any of the following users as other users, by way of example and not limitation.
- A set number of other users sampled from other users - One user selected from other users

Further, in these cases, the server 10 may select another user based on the user information of the user of the terminal 20 (by way of example and not limitation, the user's attribute information, etc.). good.
By way of example and not limitation, information such as the user's gender, age, occupation, hobbies, tastes, and interests may be registered in advance in the server 10 as user information. Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines which users have the same or similar user information based on at least one of these pieces of user information, and assigns the thus determined users to other users. It may be selected as .
By doing so, the user of the terminal 20 can refer to information regarding billing of users with the same or similar user information.

<Third modification (2)>
In the above embodiment, the own user billing history information transmission condition and the billing ranking information transmission condition are based on user input at the terminal 20, but the present invention is not limited thereto. By way of example and not limitation, conditions may be set that are not based on user input.

By way of example and not limitation, in the process of FIG. 3-6, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A controls whether the digital content has been viewed to the end by the user of the terminal 20 when the final page of the digital content is displayed on the display unit 24. It is determined that By way of example and not limitation, it can be determined that the final page has been displayed on the display unit 24 based on the page ID (page number) stored in the digital content configuration data. Then, when it is determined that the digital content has been viewed to the end, self-user billing history information transmission request information and billing ranking information transmission request information may be transmitted to the server 10. In other words, a condition based on the fact that the digital content has been viewed to the end may be set as the user billing history information transmission condition or the billing ranking information transmission condition.

The last page may or may not be used as the end of the book, afterword, colophon, etc.
It may or may not be necessary that parts such as the end of the book, afterword, and colophon be displayed on the display section 24.
Further, the condition may be that the back cover is displayed on the display section 24, or it may not be necessary.

Further, after the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines that the digital content has been viewed to the end, a user input is made to read the same digital content again, and by way of example and not limitation, the cover (front cover) of the digital content is displayed. The own user billing history information transmission request information and billing ranking information transmission request information may be transmitted to the server 10 at the timing displayed on the section 24. In other words, conditions based on re-browsing digital content may be set as the own user billing history information transmission conditions and billing ranking information transmission conditions.

Additionally, some users display the next page on the display section 24 of the terminal 20 for viewing, then perform an input to return to the previous page, and display the previous page on the display section 24 of the terminal 20 for browsing. There may be cases where this is the case. In such a case, based on the fact that the previous page has been displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20, the terminal 20 requests the server 10 for own user billing history information and billing ranking information for that page. You can do it like this. In other words, a condition based on the fact that the page has been returned may be set as the own user billing history information transmission condition or the billing ranking information transmission condition.
Note that the same may be applied when a user inputs to return to an arbitrary page from a certain page currently displayed on the display unit 24.

<Fourth Example>
The fourth embodiment is an embodiment that allows the user of the terminal 20 to obtain benefits based on the user of the terminal 20 charging for at least a portion of the digital content.
If the user of the terminal 20 can obtain the benefit, he or she may consider charging for at least a portion of the digital content.

The content described in the fourth embodiment is applicable to any of the other embodiments and other modifications.
In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements as those already mentioned, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

<Data structure>
FIG. 4-1 is a diagram showing an example of a privilege management database stored in the storage unit 15 of the server 10 in this embodiment.
In the privilege management database, privilege management data is stored as data for each digital content, by way of example and not limitation.

Each benefit management data stores, by way of example and not limitation, a digital content ID and benefit data.
In the privilege data, by way of example and not limitation, a type, a privilege provision condition, and a privilege content are stored in association with each other.

The type stores, by way of example and not limitation, the type of benefit granting condition.
As an example and not a limitation, the type of benefit granting condition based on the total billing amount (and/or number of charges) may be "Total", or the type of benefit granting condition based on the story or volume of digital content may be "Story/Volume". , one or more types are stored.

The benefit granting condition is a condition set in advance as a condition for granting a benefit.
The benefit content is the content of a benefit that is granted to the terminal 20 or its user when it is determined that the corresponding benefit granting condition is satisfied.

As an example and not a limitation, for the type "Total", the benefit granting condition is "The total billing amount has reached 30,000 yen", and the benefit content is "Mob Character Application Ticket". This is because, as an example and not a limitation, for the digital content identified by this digital content ID, if the total billing amount so far reaches the set amount, you will appear in the digital content as a mob character. This indicates that an application ticket will be granted.

As an example and not a limitation, for the type "total", the benefit award condition is "the total amount charged for a specific character has reached 2,000 yen", and the benefit content is "specific character goods application ticket". ing. This means that when the total billing amount for a specific character (for example, not limited to, the main character, etc.) among the characters appearing in the digital content identified by this digital content ID reaches the set amount, This indicates that an application ticket for goods of this specific character will be given as one of the goods.

As an example and not a limitation, for the type "Episode/Volume", the bonus condition is "The total billing amount for the latest episode has reached 1,000 yen", but the bonus content is "Coupon for the right to purchase the next episode". It is set. This means that when the total billing amount for the latest episode of the digital content identified by this digital content ID reaches the set amount, a coupon that allows you to purchase the content for the next episode after the latest episode will be issued. This indicates that it will be granted.

As an example and not a limitation, for the type "story/volume", the condition for granting the benefit is "the total billing amount for the latest volume has reached 3,000 yen", but the bonus content is "coupon for the right to purchase the next volume". It is set. This means that when the total billing amount for the latest volume of the digital content identified by this digital content ID reaches the set amount, a coupon that allows you to purchase the content of the next volume of the latest volume will be issued. This indicates that it will be granted.

Note that although the types are provided here, the types may not be provided.
Further, the privilege granting conditions and privilege contents illustrated here are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

By way of example and not limitation, benefit granting conditions and benefit contents may be set based on individual elements among the various digital content elements described above, or benefit granting conditions and benefits may be set based on a combination of two or more elements. The contents may be set.

In addition, in the above example, the content of the benefit is related to the right to have the user granted the benefit appear in digital content as a mob character, but instead of or in addition to this, the user granted the benefit , privilege details related to the right to appear in digital content as an official character limited to one episode or one volume may be set.

Furthermore, the aforementioned billing points may be given as a benefit.

<Processing>
FIG. 4-2 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in this embodiment. The view of the figure is the same as that of Figure 1-15, etc.
After the step of S150, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether the privilege granting conditions are satisfied (S410). Specifically, in this example, user A. of terminal 20A. Regarding A, it is determined whether the above-mentioned privilege granting conditions are satisfied based on the above-mentioned privilege management database.

If it is determined that the privilege granting conditions are not satisfied (S410: NO), the control unit 11 of the server 10 moves the process to step S190.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the benefit granting condition is satisfied (S410: YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits the benefit information regarding the benefit of the benefit content associated with the benefit granting condition determined to be satisfied through the communication interface. /F14 to transmit to the terminal 20A (S420). Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 moves the process to step S190.

After step A150, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether privilege information has been received from the server 10 via the communication I/F 22 (A410).
If it is determined that the message has not been received (A410: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A moves the process to step A190.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the benefit information has been received (A410: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the received benefit information on the display unit 24 (A420). Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A advances the process to step A190.

<Effects of the fourth embodiment>
In this embodiment, the terminal 20 transmits benefit information (an example of information related to benefits, not limitation) based on the amount charged for at least part of digital content by the user of the terminal 20 or the number of charges to the communication I/F 20. Receive by. The terminal 20 is configured to display the received benefit information on the display unit 24.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the terminal user can obtain benefits based on the amount charged by the terminal user for at least part of the digital content or the number of charges. I can do it. As a result, the user can be motivated to pay the fee.

In addition, in this case, the benefit content is content such as the next volume or next episode of the digital content (not limited, but an example of the first digital content) that the user of the terminal 20 is currently using (not limited, Information such as an application ticket for the second content (an example of the second content related to the first content) (not limited to this, but an example of information regarding the use of the second content) may be included.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the user of the terminal can obtain benefits related to the use of the second content related to the first content. As a result, the user can be motivated to pay the fee.

<Fourth modification (1)>
This may be related to the benefits described in the above embodiments, but the terminal 20 performs control to change the display mode of the digital content element charged by the user of its own terminal 20 or a portion related to the digital content element. Alternatively, control may be performed to change the display content of the digital content element for which the user of the own terminal 20 has charged or a portion related to the digital content element.

For convenience, consider content A (content displayed in monochrome) and content B (content displayed in color) as digital content.
Note that these contents are assumed to be the same, with the only difference being whether they are in color or monochrome, by way of example and not limitation.

The control unit 21 of the terminal 20 receives content A and content B from the server 10, by way of example and not limitation. The timing of this reception may be, by way of example and not limitation, at the time of purchase of the digital content, but it does not necessarily have to be received at the same timing.
The control unit 21 of the terminal 20 displays the received content A on the display unit 24. When a user of the terminal 20 charges for a digital content element, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 specifies, by way of example and not limitation, the color of the display location of the corresponding digital content element in the content B. Then, based on the specified color information, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 causes the display location of the charged digital content element in the content A to be displayed in that color.

By way of example and not limitation, if a character is charged, all of that character within the digital content may be displayed in color.
If a fee is charged for the dialogue, the dialogue may be displayed in color.
If a frame is charged, the frame may be displayed in color.
If a page is charged, the page may be displayed in color.

In addition, if a fee is charged for a line, by way of example and not limitation, the line and the character uttering the line may be displayed in color, or the panel containing the line may be displayed in color. .
Also, if a character is charged, by way of example and not limitation, that character and the lines uttered by that character may be displayed in color, or all frames including that character may be displayed in color. Good too.
Furthermore, if a charge is made for a frame, by way of example and not limitation, the page including the frame may be displayed in color.
The same applies to scenes.

Furthermore, instead of the display mode of the digital content, the display contents may be different.
By way of example and not limitation, a mob character or the like may be replaced with another character, or a line uttered by a mob character or the like may be replaced with another line.

Note that, although these can be considered as one of the benefits associated with billing, they do not have to be considered as benefits.

In this modification, the terminal 20 changes the display mode of a digital content element (an example of at least a part of the content, not a limitation) for which the user of the terminal 20 has charged, or a portion related to the digital content element. Control is performed by the control unit 21, or the display content of a digital content element (an example of at least a part of the content, not limited to) for which the user of the own terminal 20 has charged or a portion related to the digital content element is changed. The configuration is shown in which the control unit 21 performs the control.
As an example of the effect of the modified example obtained by such a configuration, based on the user of the terminal charging for at least part of the content, at least part of the content for which the user has charged, or a portion related to at least part of the content, Since the display mode or display content is changed, it is possible to give interest to the user of the terminal.

<Fifth example>
The fifth embodiment is an embodiment related to sharing information regarding at least part of the digital content for which the user of the terminal 20 has charged with other users.
If you can share information about at least part of the digital content you have paid for with other users, you can promote yourself to other users. Further, other users may also consider charging for at least some of the digital content.

The contents described in the fifth embodiment can be applied to any of the other embodiments and other modifications.
In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements as those already mentioned, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

<Display screen>
5-1 to 5-3 are diagrams showing an example of transitions of screens displayed on the display section 24 of the terminal 20A and the display section 24 of the terminal 20B in this embodiment.

In the screen shown in the upper part of Figure 5-1, unlike the manga display screen in the lower part of Figure 1-12, the charged icon BIC of frame PN1 (in this example, the icon containing the character "¥") is touched by the user. The current state is shown. In this case, by way of example and not limitation, a display as shown in the lower part of FIG. 5-1 is displayed.
On this screen, superimposed on the manga display screen in the upper part of Figure 5-1, there is a billing setting area BUR for changing the billing amount that has already been charged and sharing the billing information with friends, with frame PN1 as the billing target. Displayed.

The billed setting area BUR contains the billed amount information (in this example, the words "Offering to this panel" and the amount charged to the panel (100 yen in this example)) and information for changing the billed amount. charge amount change button BT7 (in this example, a button that includes the words "Change"), and a charged share button BT8 (in this example, a button that includes the words "Share") for sharing the payment with a friend. ) is displayed.

By way of example and not limitation, when the charged share button BT8 is touched by the user, a display as shown in the upper part of FIG. 5-2 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.
On this screen, the charged setting area at the bottom of Figure 5-1 is erased, and a sharing target setting area STR is displayed superimposed on the manga display screen to set friends with whom you want to share the payment information. It is configured as follows.

The sharing target setting area STR includes sharing friend candidate information (in this example, the words "Select friends to share", icon images, and user names (in this example, "User B.B", "User C.C", "User D.D", "User E.E", ...)) and a share execution button BT9 (in this example, a button containing the word "Execute") for sharing the charge made to the selected friend. ) is displayed.

Also, on this screen, unlike the manga display screen at the bottom of Figure 2-1, frame PN1, which was displayed with the charged icon superimposed, is displayed in a selected manner, and the charged icon shows the charged icon including the charged amount. The detailed icon is shown changed to BDIC. This is to make it easier for the user to understand the digital content element (frame in this example) that is to be shared.

As an example and not a limitation, when "User B.B" and "User C.C" are selected (in this example, these users are checked), the share execution button BT9 is Suppose that it is touched by .
In this case, user A. Among the friends who share that A has paid, user B. By way of example and not limitation, a screen as shown in the lower part of FIG. 5-2 is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20B of B.

The screen shown at the bottom of FIG. 5-2 shows an example of a comic display screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20B.
In this screen, unlike the manga display screen in the upper part of FIG. 5-1, the icon image and user name (in this example, "user ”) is displayed.

Also, user A. Superimposed on the upper right corner of the frame PN1 for which A has charged, there are other icons indicating that other users have charged, including a charged icon BIC and a user icon UIC of another user who has charged (in this example, user A.A). User billing information is displayed.

Further, in this example, the other user billing information display area AUBR is displayed superimposed on the comic display screen to notify that another user has billed.

Other user billed information display area AUBR displays other user billed information (in this example, the words "Mr. A.A. gave"), an icon image, and a user name (in this example, "User A.A"). , the paid amount (in this example, "100 yen"), the first frame on page 23, manga title information/manga volume information (as an example, not limited to, the text "XX's Great Adventure/Volume 2") ), the characters "1st frame of page 23") are displayed.

In addition, other user paid information display area AUBR, as an example and not a limitation, manga title information/manga volume information included in this area (as an example and not a limitation, the text "XX's Great Adventure / Volume 2") , the characters "first frame on page 23") are user B. When touched by B, the control section 21 of the terminal 20B may display this comic on the display section 24.
If digital content data 285 corresponding to this comic is stored in the storage unit 28 of the terminal 20B, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B displays this comic on the display unit 24 based on this digital content data 285. You can do it like this. In addition, if the digital content data 285 corresponding to this manga is not stored in the storage unit 28 of the terminal 20B, the digital content data of this manga is acquired from the server 10 by a download method or a streaming method and displayed on the display unit 24. can be done.

Further, in this case, the control section 21 of the terminal 20B may display this comic on the display section 24 from the beginning, but the control section 21 of the terminal 20B may display this comic on the display section 24 from the beginning. A page (in this example, page 23) including a digital content element for which A has already been charged (in this example, the first frame of page 23) may be displayed on the display unit 24. Also, after displaying this page on the display section 24, or without displaying this page on the display section 24, the user B. B may be able to charge for this frame (in this example, the first frame on page 23).

In the screen shown in the upper part of FIG. 5-3, user A. A state in which the user icon UIC of A is touched is shown. Note that on this screen, the other user billed information display area AUBR at the bottom of FIG. 5-2 is closed.

In this case, as an example and not a limitation, a display like the one shown at the bottom of FIG. 5-3 is displayed.
This screen differs from the upper part of Figure 5-3 in that it is superimposed on the manga display screen and displays billing information of other users, as well as other user-related billing setting area AUSR for setting the billing amount for frame PN1. is displayed in a speech bubble from the charged icon BIC next to the user icon UIC.

The other user-related charging setting area AUSR contains other user charging amount information (in this example, the characters ``Amount of donation for this frame'', the icon image of ``User A.A'', and the charged amount of User AA ( In this example, "100 yen")) and a charging execution button BT10 for charging (in this example, a button including the words "donate to this frame") are displayed.

Thereafter, by way of example and not limitation, the charging execution button BT10 is pressed by the user B. By way of example and not limitation, when touched by user A. For this frame PN1 charged by user A, user B. B can charge the fee. In this way, user A. Based on the information shared by user A (information that 100 yen was charged for the first frame on page 23), user B. Since user B can also charge, user B. B's billing can be promoted.

Note that in this example, user B. When the other user related charging setting area is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20B of user B. B is user A. Although an example has been shown in which billing can be performed based on information on billing by A, the present invention is not limited to such a form.
By way of example and not limitation, user B. When information different from the other user related charging setting area is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20B of user B. B is user A. Charges may be made based on information about A's charges.
By way of example and not limitation, user B. When the other user billed information display area is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20B of user B. B is user A. Charges may be made based on the information on charges made by A. In this case, in the other user billing information display area, there is a billing setting button for billing (for example, but not limited to "donate to this frame"). ) may also be included.

<Processing>
FIG. 5-4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in this embodiment. This figure shows, in order from the left, a process executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A, a process executed by the control unit 11 of the server 10, and a process executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B.

Note that the sharing of billing information does not necessarily have to be performed while the digital content (pages included in the digital content, etc.) is being displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20. It may also be possible to do this from the home screen, etc.

The control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether or not a user input to share his/her own billing information has been made via the input/output unit 23 (A510), and if it is determined that the input has been made (A510: YES), in a limited manner. For example, sharing target setting information for setting a sharing target from users registered as friends is displayed on the display unit 24 (A520).

Here, a friend may be, by way of example and not limitation, a user (account) associated with one's own user (one's account) in the book reader application.
This account association data (friend registration data) may be stored in the server 10, and the terminal 20A may request the friend registration data from the server 10 and acquire the friend registration data from the server 10.
Note that the terminal 20A may also store friend registration data.

Next, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether a user input to select a sharing target has been made via the input/output unit 23 (A530), and if it is determined that the input has been made (A530: YES), the limited As an example, the application ID 283 (the application ID of the terminal 20A or the user A.A) stored in the storage unit 28 and the application ID of the user selected as the sharing target (in this example, the terminal selected as the sharing target) 20B or user B.B's application ID), a digital content ID, and a digital content element ID of a charged digital content element to be shared among the digital content identified by the digital content ID. is transmitted to the server 10 via the communication I/F 22 (A540).
Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A moves the process to the end determination at A590.

The control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether the sharing request information has been received through the communication I/F 14 (S510), and if it is determined that the sharing request information has been received (S510: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the sharing request information has been received through the communication I/F 14. User A. of terminal 20A. A's billing information is specified and transmitted as shared billing information to the terminal 20B via the communication I/F 14 (S520).

Note that the shared billing information is shared by user B. Since this is the billing information of another user (user A.A) when viewed from B, it may be considered as a type of other user billing information.
In addition, the shared billing information includes user A. Information on at least one of the amount charged by A and the number of charges may be included.

The control unit 21 of the terminal 20B determines whether shared billing information has been received from the server 10 through the communication I/F 22 (B510), and if it is determined that the shared billing information has been received (B510: YES), the received shared billing information is displayed on the display unit 24 (B520).

Note that if the book reader application is not activated on the terminal 20B, the receipt of the shared billing information is notified by push notification etc. by displaying it on the display unit 24, etc., and the user input in response to this notification is notified. Based on this, the book reader application may be started to display the corresponding location on the display unit 24.
Alternatively, the book reader application may be automatically started to display the corresponding location on the display unit 24.

Next, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B determines whether a user input for charging based on the shared charging information has been made via the input/output unit 23 (B530), and if it is determined that the input has been made (B530: YES). ), billing request information for billing the digital content element included in the shared billing information is transmitted to the server 10 via the communication I/F 22 (B540).

After the step S520, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether or not charging request information has been received through the communication I/F 14 (S530), and if it is determined that charging request information has been received (S530: YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 Charging and settlement processing (S120) and transmission of billing and settlement result information (S150) are performed.
Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 moves the process to end determination in S590.

After step B540, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B causes the display unit 24 to display the billing and settlement result information received from the server 10 via the communication I/F 22 (B550).
Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20B shifts the process to the end determination at B590.

Note that it is not essential to enable other users to charge based on the shared charging information, and in this process, steps S530 to S150 and steps B530 to B550 may be omitted. In other words, it may be possible to only share billing information.

<Effects of the fifth embodiment>
In this embodiment, the terminal 20 transmits information regarding the digital content elements (not limited to, at least part of the content) for which the user of the terminal 20 has charged based on the input by the user of the terminal 20. A configuration is shown in which the control unit 21 performs processing related to sharing with a user such as a friend (not limited, but an example of a user different from the user of the terminal).
As an example of the effects of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the terminal can share information regarding at least part of the content charged by the user of the terminal with a user different from the user of the terminal. This creates the possibility, by way of example and not limitation, that a user with whom the information has been shared may be charged for at least some of the same content or at least some related content based on that information.

<Fifth modification (1)>
The user of the terminal 20 may be able to check a list of at least a portion of the digital content for which charges have been made. It may be useful for some users to be able to see a list of at least some of the digital content they have paid for.

In this case, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A, by way of example and not limitation, provides own user billing history information (which may also be referred to as own user billing list information) in the same way as steps A310 to A320 in the process of FIG. 3-6. It is possible to request the server 10 to receive the own user's billing history list information from the server 10 and display it on the display unit 24. In this case, by way of example and not limitation, the server 10 transmits own user billing history information including at least one of the billing amount and the number of billings for each digital content element to the terminal 20A. be able to.

Further, in this case, as in the fifth embodiment, the user of the terminal 20 inputs the user input to be shared with the own terminal 20 whose own user billing history information and own user billing list information are displayed on the display unit 24. Based on what the user does, the user's billing history information and user's billing list information may be shared with other users such as friends.
Note that the sharing method can be similarly implemented based on the process shown in FIG. 5-4, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

This modification has a configuration in which the terminal 20 displays own user billing history information and own user billing list information (not limited to, but an example of a list of at least part of the contents for which the user of the terminal has charged) on the display unit 24. It shows.
As an example of the effect of the modified example obtained by such a configuration, the terminal can display a list of at least part of the contents for which the user of the terminal has paid on the display unit, so that the user of the terminal can check the list.

Furthermore, in this modification, the terminal 20 displays the above list as a user of the terminal 20 based on an input by the user of the terminal 20 of the terminal 20 on which the list is displayed on the display unit 24. 1 shows a configuration in which the control unit 21 performs processing related to sharing with different users.
As an example of the effect of the modified example obtained by such a configuration, the terminal can share a list of at least a portion of the content for which the user of the terminal has paid, with a user different from the user of the terminal. This creates the possibility, by way of example and not limitation, that a user with whom the information has been shared may be charged for at least some of the same content or at least some related content based on that information.

<Sixth Example>
The sixth example is an example of one method for inducing the user of the terminal 20 to pay for at least a portion of the digital content.
When some users view digital content for the first time, they may be so focused on the content that they may not be willing or able to pay for at least some of the digital content. is possible.

The content described in the sixth embodiment is applicable to any of the other embodiments and other modifications.
In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements as those already mentioned, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, by encouraging the user to view the digital content again, the user is encouraged to pay for the digital content element.

Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 can view the digital content from the beginning at a timing such as when the user of the own terminal 20 determines that the user has viewed the digital content to the end. The display section 24 displays information (display) that serves as a guide to enable the user to view the digital content, and information (display) that serves as a guide to enable the user to return to and view a specific page of the digital content. These pieces of information may be considered, by way of example and not limitation, as information related to billing for digital content elements (hereinafter referred to as "billing related information").

As described above, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 determines, by way of example and not limitation, that the digital content has been viewed to the end by the user of the terminal 20 when the final page of the digital content is displayed on the display unit 24. You can do it like this.

The last page may or may not be used as the end of the book, afterword, colophon, etc.
It may or may not be necessary that parts such as the end of the book, afterword, and colophon be displayed on the display section 24.
Further, the condition may be that the back cover is displayed on the display section 24, or it may not be necessary.

<Display screen>
FIG. 6-1 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this embodiment.

The upper part of Figure 6-1 is the manga display screen of the book reader application. page) is displayed, and end-of-book comic information is displayed on the left side of the comic display area. By way of example and not limitation, page 164 of the comic displayed on the right may be an example of the final page of the comic.

The manga information at the end of the book includes, as an example and not a limitation, manga title information/manga volume information (as an example and not a limitation, the text "XX's Great Adventure/Volume 2") and "Do not reread interesting scenes" ” and bookmark information (for example, but not limited to, a white icon indicating a bookmark and the text “Your bookmark”, a black icon indicating a bookmark and the text “p.67”, a black icon indicating a bookmark, and the text “p.67”). "p. 134" text), other user comment information (for example, but not limited to, a white icon indicating a comment, "friend's comment", user B.B's icon image and "Character A is too cool!" >>p.164'', the icon image of user C.C, and the text "Character B is so cool >>p.22"), and the reread button BT11 (limited edition) to read this manga from the beginning. As an example, there is a button that includes the words "read again from the beginning") and a next volume button BT12 to read the next volume of this manga (but as an example, but not limited to, a button that includes the words "read volume 3") ) is displayed.

In addition, the characters "p.67" and "p.134" in the bookmark information are link information (link content) where links are set, and when these characters are touched by the user, these characters are The screen is configured to transition to the comic display screen of the page indicated by the characters (page number).
Also, among other user comment information, "Character A is so cool!">>p. 164” and “Character B is so cool”>>p. The same applies to the characters "22", and when these characters are touched by the user, the screen is configured to transition to the comic display screen of the page indicated by these characters (page number).

As an example and not a limitation, as shown in the upper part of Figure 6-1, "Character B is so cool">>p. 22'' is touched by the user, a display as shown in the lower part of FIG. 6-1 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.
In this example, "Character B is so cool">>p. Based on the fact that the user who posted the comment "22" (in this example, user B.B) commented on the dialogue of character B in the second frame of page 22, the lower part of Figure 6-1 In this example, the speech bubble of character B in the second frame of page 22 is displayed in a selective manner. In addition, user B. A comment icon CIC indicating that B has made a comment (in this example, a black icon indicating a comment) and a user B who made the comment. Comment information including a user icon UIC indicating B is displayed.

When the billing button BBT is touched by the user in this state, by way of example and not limitation, the above-mentioned button is superimposed on the manga display screen shown in the upper part of Figure 6-1, and the billing amount for setting the billing amount for the speech bubble of the currently selected line is displayed. The charging setting area BSR that has been set is displayed.

The billing setting area BSR includes billing amount information (in this example, the words "An offering to this line", the default billing amount for the line (100 yen in this example), and buttons for increasing or decreasing the billing amount), The above-mentioned charging execution button BT1 and the above-mentioned charging stop button BT2 are displayed.

As an example and not as a limitation, if the user touches the billing execution button BT1 with "100 yen" set as the billing amount, the display mode of the speech bubble of the selected line will change. At the same time as returning to the original state, a charged icon (in this example, an icon containing the character "¥") is displayed superimposed on the upper right corner of the speech bubble with the comment icon CIC (not shown).

In this way, it is possible to secure a conduit that allows you to jump from other users' comments at the end of the manga to the relevant part of the manga indicated by the comment, and by displaying the manga display screen with the relevant part selected. , users can easily charge for digital content elements commented on by other users.

Note that, as described in the first embodiment, bookmarks may be set for digital content elements other than pages. In this case, as an example and not a limitation, information such as frames, scenes, lines, characters, etc. for which bookmarks have been set will be displayed with links in the "Your Bookmark" column at the top of Figure 6-1, and the same process as above will be performed. You may also do this.

<Processing>
FIG. 6-2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of content display processing executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A in this embodiment.
The control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the digital content page on the display unit 24 based on the display settings of the display unit 24 (A610).

When displaying the final page in step A610, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays, by way of example and not limitation, information such as the above-mentioned message urging the user of the terminal 20 to view the digital content again, and bookmark information. The display unit 24 can display at least one of the following: and information about comments from friends.

By way of example and not limitation, the bookmark information can be displayed based on the bookmark information set in step A630, which will be described later.

Information on comments from friends is provided by way of example and not limitation.When displaying the final page, control unit 21 of terminal 20A requests information on comments from friends from server 10, and server 10 The information can be displayed based on the information received from the user.
Note that the timing at which information about comments from friends is acquired from the server 10 is not limited to the timing at which the final page is displayed, but may be at an earlier timing.

Thereafter, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A inputs a user input to set a bookmark via the input/output unit 23 for the page currently displayed on the display unit 24 (by way of example and not limitation, operation of the bookmark button MBT). It is determined whether or not this has been done (A620).

If it is determined that the bookmark has been set (A620: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A performs bookmark setting processing (A630). Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, the page number of the page selected by the user as the page on which the bookmark is to be set, and the page number stored in the storage unit 28, in correspondence with the digital content ID of the digital content currently being used. The application ID is stored in the storage unit 28 in association with the application ID.
Note that the bookmark information may be stored in the storage unit 15 of the server 10.

Thereafter, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether a user input to display the following has been made via the input/output unit 23 (A640).
If it is determined that this has not been done (A640: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A moves the process to A690.
On the other hand, if it is determined that this has been done (A640: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether or not the final page is being displayed on the display unit 24 (A650).

If it is determined that the final page is not being displayed (A650: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A updates the display settings of the display unit 24 with the page number of the next page to be displayed (A660). Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A returns the process to A610.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the final page is being displayed on the display unit 24 (A650: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A receives a user input to return to a specific page via the input/output unit 23. It is determined whether or not it has been completed (A670). Specifically, based on the various types of information described above, it is determined, by way of example and not limitation, whether or not a user input has been made for a page number displayed in a link format.

If it is determined that this has been done (A670: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A updates the display settings of the display unit 24 with the page number of the destination page selected by the user as the return page (A680). Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A returns the process to A610.

If it is determined in A670 that there is no return (A670: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether a user input to display the previous page has been made via the input/output unit 23 (A681).
If it is determined that this has been done (A681: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A returns to the previous page and updates the display settings of the display unit 24 with the page number of the page to be displayed (A685). Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A returns the process to A610.

If it is determined in A681 that no input has been made (A681: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether or not a user input to end the display of digital content has been made via the input/output unit 23, etc. Then, it is determined whether or not to end the process (A690).
If it is determined that the process is not to end (A690: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A returns the process to A610.
On the other hand, if it is determined to end the process (A690: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A ends the digital content display process.

<Effects of the sixth embodiment>
In this embodiment, the terminal 20 can display information such as information for displaying digital content from the beginning, information about bookmarks set on a page, information about comments from friends, etc. (not limited to information displayed on the display section). A configuration is shown in which an example of fourth information related to displaying content on the display unit is displayed on the display unit 24.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the content displayed on the display unit can be displayed on the display unit based on the fourth information.

Furthermore, in this case, the terminal 20 is configured based on the input by the user of its own terminal 20 to information for displaying the digital content displayed on the display unit 24 from the beginning (not limited to, but an example of the fourth information). , the digital content may be displayed on the display unit 24 from the beginning.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the terminal can display the content from the beginning based on the input by the terminal user to the fourth information displayed on the display unit. This allows the user of the terminal to view the content again from the beginning, thereby providing an incentive to charge for at least a portion of the content.

In this case, the terminal 20 also receives information for displaying the digital content displayed on the display unit 24 from the beginning, information on bookmarks set on the page, and comments from friends by the user of its own terminal 20. A page included in the digital content (not a limitation, but an example of a part included in the content) is displayed on the display unit 24 based on an input to information such as information (not a limitation, but an example of the fourth information). Good too.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the terminal can display a portion included in the content based on the input by the terminal user to the fourth information displayed on the display unit. This allows the user of the terminal to re-view any part of the content, thereby providing an incentive to charge for at least part of the content.

<Sixth modification (1)>
In connection with the above embodiments, by way of example and not limitation, a user of terminal 20 may not be able to charge a fee unless a page that has been displayed at least once on display 24 of terminal 20 is displayed again. .

As mentioned above, when the user of the terminal 20 views digital content for the first time, he or she may be concentrating on the content and may not want to charge for at least part of the digital content or may not have thought that far. There may be cases where there is no such thing. Therefore, by way of example and not limitation, it is possible to enable charging when a page that has been displayed at least once on the display section 24 of the terminal 20 is displayed again on the display section 24 of the terminal 20. .

FIG. 6-3 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this modification.

In this example, the display screen at the top of FIG. 6-3 is for user A. This is an example of a display screen when it is the first time for user A to read this manga, and the lower display screen in Figure 6-3 is for user A. This is an example of a display screen when A reads this manga for the second time or later. User A. If this is the second time or later that A is reading this manga, then, as an example and not as a limitation, A can go back and read the manga halfway through and read it from any page, or as an example and not as a limitation, A can read the manga to the end. You can include things like if you read the manga back from any page.

The upper part of Figure 6-3 shows the manga display screen when it is the first time to read this manga in a book reader application. The button BBT is displayed in a display mode different from that of other buttons (hereinafter appropriately referred to as a "disabled mode"). Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, if the display mode of the billing button BBT is disabled, it is displayed as being hatched by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20.

As an example and not as a limitation, even if there is a frame being selected, even if the billing button BBT is touched by the user in a state where the display mode of the billing button BBT is disabled, the selected frame will not be selected. The billing setting area for setting the billing amount for the frame inside is not displayed.

The lower part of Figure 6-3 is the manga display screen when it is not the first time to read this manga on the book reader application (as an example, not limited to, if it is the second time or later), and unlike the upper part of Figure 6-1, , the charging button BBT is not displayed in a disabled manner.

As an example and not as a limitation, if the billing button BBT is touched by the user while there is a selected frame (frame PN1 in this example), a display like the one shown at the bottom of Figure 6-1 will appear. It will be done.
On this screen, the above-mentioned billing setting area BSR for setting the billing amount for the selected frame PN1 is displayed, superimposed on the comic display screen in the upper part of FIG. 6-1.

In this way, when it is the first time to read this manga in a book reader application, charging for the manga is restricted by displaying the charging button BBT in a display mode that indicates that the operation of the charging button BBT is not accepted. The user can easily recognize that the In addition, if this is not the first time that you are reading this manga on the book reader application, by displaying the charging button in a display mode that indicates that the operation of the charging button BBT is accepted, you can show that charging for the manga is not restricted. Can be easily recognized by users.

In this case, when a page is displayed on the display unit 24, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 sets a page display flag indicating that the page has been displayed in association with the page number of the page to “ON”. do. The display flag can be set to "OFF" by default.

When displaying a new page on the display unit 24, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 determines the page display flag set in association with the page, and if the page display flag is set to “OFF”, Even if a user inputs for charging via the input/output unit 23, billing request information can be prevented from being sent to the server 10. On the other hand, if the page display flag is set to "ON" and a user input for charging is made via the input/output unit 23, billing request information is transmitted to the server 10. I can do it.

In addition, when displaying the same page again, as an example and not a limitation,
・When displaying the page again after going back before that page.・When displaying the page again after going beyond the page.

In this process, any of the above may be applied.
Note that only one of the above methods may be applied. By way of example and not limitation, the above may be applied only to the case where the user advances beyond that page and then returns to that page for display.
In this case, as an example and not a limitation, after the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 displays the final page on the display unit 24 (after determining that the user has viewed the digital content to the end), the above-mentioned digital Start digital content from the beginning and revisit a specific page based on your input to read the content from the beginning, revisit a specific page based on a bookmark, or identify based on a friend's comment. This may include a case where a page is displayed.

In this modification, when the terminal 20 displays a page included in the digital content on the display unit 24 (an example of a part included in the content, not a limitation), the terminal 20 responds to the input by the user of the own terminal 20 to the terminal 20. If the page is displayed again on the display unit 24 without being performed by the control unit 21, the control unit 21 performs the process of charging the terminal 20 based on the input by the user of the own terminal 20. 21 is shown.
As an example of the effect of the modified example obtained by such a configuration, when the terminal displays a portion included in the content on the display unit, the control unit performs the first process based on the input by the user of the terminal to the terminal. First, when a portion is displayed on the display unit again, the first process can be performed by the control unit based on the input by the user of the terminal to the terminal. As a result, by way of example and not limitation, it is possible to prevent the user of the terminal from charging a fee unless the same portion of the portion included in the content is displayed on the display unit again. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, when a user views content for the first time, they may be focused on the content and may not consider paying, but the same portion of the content may be displayed again. , the user may have viewed a portion of the page at least once, and may therefore consider charging a fee.

<Sixth modification (2)>
In the embodiments described above, when the digital content is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 at least the first time, and when the digital content is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 at the second and subsequent times, the display The content and display mode may be different. This is also an example of ways to encourage users to view digital content again.

As described above, for convenience, content A (content displayed in monochrome) and content B (content displayed in color) are considered as digital content.
Note that, by way of example and not limitation, these contents may be the same, with the only difference being whether they are in color or monochrome.

As mentioned above, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 receives content A and content B from the server 10, by way of example and not limitation. The timing of this reception is not limited to, and may be, for example, at the time of purchasing digital content, but does not necessarily have to be received at the same timing.
As an example and not a limitation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 displays content A on the display unit 24 the first time, and displays content B on the display unit 24 from the second time onwards.

Furthermore, by way of example and not limitation, the first time the terminal 20 receives digital content (hereinafter referred to as "partially modified digital content") that differs from the original digital content in its contents or at least some of its digital content elements. The original digital content may be displayed on the display section 24 for the second time and thereafter. In this case, the partially modified digital content may include, by way of example and not limitation, replacing some of the characters that appear in the original digital content (by way of example and not limitation, Mob characters) with other characters, or changing some of their lines. It may be made different.

Furthermore, in this case, some users may notice a difference between the original digital content and the partially modified digital content. Therefore, as an example and not a limitation, if a user inputs for charging for a different part (different part) is performed via the input/output unit 23 of the terminal 20, and charging request information is sent from the terminal 20 to the server 10. After the server 10 performs the billing and settlement process, the privilege information may be transmitted to the user's terminal 20 at a set timing. As the benefits (benefits information), various benefits such as those described in the fourth embodiment can be provided.

Note that, without requiring charging, the terminal 20 displays confirmation information on the display unit 24 regarding notifying the server 10 of the difference based on the user input for the difference via the input/output unit 23. to be displayed. Then, based on the user input consenting to the confirmation information, the terminal 20 sends difference notification information including information for identifying the difference (corresponding digital content element ID, etc.) to the server 10. You may also send it to Then, when the server 10 receives the difference notification information from the terminal 20, the privilege information may be transmitted to the terminal 20 of the user. In other words, a reward may be given for finding a difference without charging.

<Sixth variation (3)>
As described above, there are cases where the user of the terminal 20 charges for at least a portion of the digital content by re-viewing the digital content from the beginning or by re-viewing a specific page.
On the other hand, since the user of the terminal 20 has already viewed all or part of the digital content at least once, the user of the terminal 20 is interested in other digital content, such as a continuation of the digital content, and is interested in it. There may be cases where you would like to view it. In such a case, because the user is viewing the digital content again (returning to viewing it), it may be difficult for the user to move on to other digital content.
Further, business operators of book reader services and authors of digital content may wish to purchase other digital content for users to view.

Therefore, by way of example and not limitation, the terminal 20 displays information (display) on the display unit 24 that becomes a guide for moving to other digital content when the user views the digital content again and is charged. You can do it like this.

FIG. 6-4 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this modification. This example is an example of a screen that is displayed after the user returns to page 23 and billing is executed for frame PN1.

By way of example and not limitation, when the user touches the billing execution button BT1 to perform billing as shown in the upper part of FIG. 1-12, a display as shown in the upper part of FIG. 6-4 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.
This screen is the manga display screen of the book reader application, and unlike the bottom part of Figure 1-12, it is superimposed on the manga display screen in the bottom part of Figure 1-11 to recommend other manga. The comic recommendation area RCMR is displayed.

The manga recommendation area RCMR contains manga recommendation information (in this example, the text "The person who gave an offering to this panel has also read these works"), the first manga recommendation information (in this example, the text "The Great Adventure of ○○/ The cover of Volume 3 and the text "XX's Great Adventure/Volume 3"), the second manga recommendation information (in this example, the cover of XX Monogatari/Volume 5 and the text "XX Monogatari/Volume 5"), )) and a close button (in this example, a button containing an "x" symbol) for closing this manga recommendation area are displayed.

In addition, the manga recommendation information displayed in this manga recommendation area is an example where the next volume of the manga you are currently reading or the manga that is frequently read by the user who paid for this panel is displayed. However, the display is not limited to this format, and a manga by the same author as the manga currently being read or other manga with scenes similar to the scene of the charged panel may be displayed.

Among the manga recommendation information, the first manga recommendation information and the second manga recommendation information are, by way of example and not limitation, link content that includes link information, and by way of example and not limitation, these manga recommendation information are touched by the user. , the screen is configured to transition to a manga display screen of the manga indicated by these manga recommendation information.

By way of example and not limitation, when the first manga recommendation information is touched by the user as shown in the upper part of FIG. 6-4, a display as shown in the lower part of FIG. 6-4 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.
This screen is the manga display screen for "○○'s Great Adventure/Volume 3" in the book reader application, and unlike the upper part of Figure 6-4, the first manga information (limited For example, the back of the cover of this manga) is displayed, and second manga information (for example, but not limited to, the title page of this manga) is displayed on the left side of the manga display area.

Here, user A. Let us assume that A is reading the manga ``XX's Great Adventure/Volume 3'' for the first time. In this case, the billing button BBT is displayed in a disabled manner as shown in the lower part of FIG. 6-4, so that the user can easily recognize that billing in the manga is restricted.

In this way, by providing a route that allows the user to easily jump to other comics related to the comic he/she is currently reading after paying for the comic he/she is currently reading, it is possible to motivate the user to read other comics.

Note that in the above example, when the user is charged after returning, the terminal 20 displays information on the display unit 24 that will guide the user to view other digital content. but not limited to.
It is not necessary to return, and by way of example and not limitation, a display similar to the above may be displayed based on the fact that the user has been charged upon first viewing.

Further, depending on the user, there may be cases where the user returns to a specific page not for the purpose of charging, but for the purpose of reconfirming the contents.
In this case, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may, by way of example and not limitation, control pages that are popular with other users (hereinafter referred to as "popular pages") even if the user of the own terminal 20 has not charged for the same. ) is displayed on the display unit 24, information that will guide the user to view other digital content similar to the above may also be displayed.

Here, the popular page may be, by way of example and not limitation, at least one of the following pages.
(C-1) Pages where the number of charges is equal to or greater than the set number (or exceeds the set number) (C-2) Pages where the charge amount is equal to or greater than the set amount (or exceeds the set amount) (C-3) Pages whose billing ranking is high ( (C-4) Pages where the user's enthusiasm level calculated based on information on at least one of the number of charges and the charge amount is equal to or higher than the set value (or Pages that exceed the value

In addition to these, by way of example and not limitation, at least one of the following pages may be included in the above popular pages.
(C-5) Pages where the number of comments is equal to or greater than the set number of times (or exceeds the set number of times) (C-6) Pages that are displayed on the terminal 20 more than or equal to the set number of times (or exceeds the set number of times)

This information may be aggregated by server 10, by way of example and not limitation.

Note that whether or not a page has been displayed on the terminal 20 is determined by way of example, not limitation, each time the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 displays a page on the display unit 24, information indicating that the page has been displayed (hereinafter referred to as , referred to as "page display information.") can be sent to the server 10 so that the server 10 can understand it. The server 10 can then total up the number of times the page has been displayed for each page.

In addition, instead of defining digital content elements as pages, digital content elements are elements included in pages (for example, but not limited to, frames, characters' lines, etc.), and pages that include these elements are not defined as above. Pages that meet similar conditions may be designated as "popular pages."

<Sixth variation (4)>
As described above, in order to allow the user to view the digital content again, by way of example and not limitation, the terminal 20 displays the user of the terminal 20 on a screen different from the screen on which the digital content is displayed on the display unit 24. Information on digital content that has been viewed may be displayed. Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, information on digital content that has been viewed by the user of the terminal 20 may be displayed on the home screen (or top screen) of the book reader application.

In this case, information on the viewed digital content may be displayed in various formats, such as a banner format, a carousel format, and a pop-up format, by way of example and not limitation.
Furthermore, when a user inputs information regarding this digital content, the terminal 20 may, by way of example and not limitation, display the digital content on the display unit 24 from the beginning.

Further, in this case, information regarding the part of interest to the user may be displayed in association with the digital content that the user has already viewed. In addition, if the information that serves as a guide for displaying on the display unit 24 the part that the user is concerned about is also displayed, and the user inputs the information, the terminal 20 will display the information that the user is concerned about. The display unit 24 may display the portion where the

The control unit 21 of the terminal 20 can estimate the location of interest to the user based on at least one of the following information, by way of example and not limitation.
・Page display time ・User's biometric information ・User's eye tracking information

The page display time can be the time that the page was displayed on the display unit 24. A page with a long page display time may include an important scene or the like, and may be a page that the user is interested in.
For each page, the page display time is determined, by way of example and not limitation, when the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 causes the clock unit 29A to start timing at the timing when the page is displayed on the display unit 24, and the page is displayed on the display unit 24. It can be measured by, for example, stopping the time measurement of the clock section 29A at the timing when the display is hidden.

The user's biometric information may include, by way of example and not limitation, the user's heart rate, blood pressure, amount of sweat on the user's hands, and the like. A page on which the user's heart rate or blood pressure becomes high or the user's hands become sweaty may include an important scene or the like, and may be a page of interest to the user.
In this case, the terminal 20 may be provided with a biosensor, and the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may estimate the location of interest of the user based on the biometric information detected by the biosensor. can.

The user's eye-tracking information may be, by way of example and not limitation, information detected using eye-tracking techniques. The location that the user was looking at may be an important scene or the like.
In this case, the eye tracker (equipment that measures eye movement) may be, by way of example and not limitation, a glasses-type device described below, which includes an eye-tracking sensor, a depth-measuring camera, etc. can be used. Then, the terminal 20 such as a tablet or smartphone and this glasses-type device are communicatively connected and cooperated, and the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 detects the line of sight of the user wearing the glasses-type device. It is possible to specify the location that the person was gazing at.

Further, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may cause the display unit 24 to display the various displays described above at set timings.
The set timing may be, by way of example and not limitation, the timing of a turning point or the timing of a holiday (for example, the change of season, New Year, Golden Week, Obon, Christmas, the end of the year, etc.). By doing so, it is possible to motivate the user of the terminal 20 to view the digital content viewed in the past again and to charge the user.

Further, at a timing such as the end of the year, the server 10 may include information regarding the digital content element for which the user of the terminal 20 has charged the most in that year (information on at least one of the number of charges and the amount charged). ) may be transmitted to the terminal 20, and the information may be displayed on the terminal 20. The target may be all digital contents used by the user, or the digital content used most often or the most frequently used.

Further, in this case, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may cause the display unit 24 to display a page including the digital content element based on an input to the terminal 20 on which information regarding the digital content element is displayed. .

Note that this display screen example will be illustrated in a seventh modification.

<Seventh Example>
The seventh embodiment is also related to the sixth embodiment, but is an embodiment regarding a method of inducing the user of the terminal 20 to charge for at least a portion of the digital content.
As explained in the sixth embodiment, when some users view digital content for the first time, they concentrate on the content and may not think to charge for at least part of the digital content, or There may be cases where you don't even think about it.

The content described in the seventh embodiment is applicable to any of the other embodiments and other modifications.
In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements as those already mentioned, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the user is prompted to pay for the digital content element by directly or indirectly displaying information that recommends charging for the digital content element (information that prompts the user to pay for the digital content element).
Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 displays information on the display unit 24 regarding recommending that the user pay for digital content elements (hereinafter referred to as “billing recommendation information”). Display.
Note that billing recommendation information may also be referred to as billing promotion information or the like.

<Display screen>
FIG. 7-1 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this embodiment.
In Figure 7-1 (1), similar to the diagram shown in the upper part of Figure 6-1, the first manga information (page 164 of this manga, as an example and not a limitation) is displayed on the right side of the manga information display area. The manga information at the end of the book is displayed on the left side of the manga display area. By way of example and not limitation, page 164 of the comic displayed on the right may be an example of the final page of the comic.

The manga information at the end of the book includes, as an example and not a limitation, manga title information/manga volume information (as an example and not a limitation, the text "XX's Great Adventure/Volume 2"), as well as the information shown at the top of Figure 6-1. Unlike the diagram, information is displayed in the form of letters that say, ``Would you like to donate to a place that interests you?'' This information may be regarded as billing recommendation information that directly recommends billing to the user.

Also, below that, unlike the figure shown in the upper part of Figure 6-1, popular pages are displayed in a ranking format based on at least one of the charge amount and the number of charges as a "donation ranking" (billing ranking). There is. Specifically, in this example, "P.55" is displayed as the first place in the ranking, "P.92" is displayed as the second place in the ranking, and so on. The characters on these pages are link information (link content) with links set, and when these characters are touched by the user, the page will transition to the manga display screen of the page indicated by these characters (page number). It is composed of This information may be regarded as billing recommendation information that indirectly recommends billing to the user.
Note that the popular page may be, by way of example and not limitation, a page that satisfies at least one of the conditions (C-1) to (C-6) described above.

In Figure 7-2 (2), similar to Figure 6-1 (1), the information indicated by the words "Would you like to donate to a place you are interested in?" is displayed, and below that, Different from FIG. 6-1 (1), information on pages that the user (user A.A) is interested in is displayed as "pages that you are interested in." The page that the user (user AA) is interested in can be displayed based on the page display time described in the sixth modification (4), by way of example and not limitation. Specifically, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A measures the page display time of each page based on the method described above. As an example and not a limitation, information on pages whose page display time is longer than a set time (or longer than a set time) is displayed on the display section 24 (as an example and not a limitation) as information on a page that the user is interested in. 24).

Note that in this display screen example, two pages are displayed on one display screen, so in this example, the page display time is measured with two pages as one. Therefore, the "pages you are interested in" column displays information about two pages displayed on the same display screen.

Specifically, in this example, "P.22 to P.23" are displayed in association with the page display time as the page with the longest page display time, and "P.23" is displayed as the page with the second longest page display time. 46 to P.47'' are displayed in association with the page display time, and the same is displayed thereafter. The characters on these pages are link information (link content) with links set, and when these characters are touched by the user, the page will transition to the manga display screen of the page indicated by these characters (page number). It is composed of This information may be considered as information that indirectly recommends charging to the user.

Note that in this display screen example, "page stay time" is displayed from the user's perspective, but "page display time" may be displayed. Further, information on the page display time (page stay time) may not be displayed.

Further, in the above screen, only the information indicated by the words "Would you like to donate to a place you are interested in?" may be displayed.
In addition, on at least one of the screens in Figure 7-1 (1) and Figure 7-1 (2), the information indicated by the words "Would you like to donate to the area you are interested in?" You may choose not to display it.
Furthermore, the donation ranking information shown in FIG. 7-1 (1) and the information about the page of interest shown in FIG. 7-1 (2) may be displayed together.

<Processing>
In this embodiment, as an example and not a limitation, in the process of FIG. 6-2, when a new page is displayed on the display section 24, the control section 21 of the terminal 20A causes the clock section 29A to measure time, and displays the page. The time from when the page is hidden until the page is hidden is measured as the page display time. As an example and not a limitation, the page number of the page, the page display time, and the application ID stored in the storage unit 28 are associated in correspondence with the digital content ID of the digital content currently being used. The information is stored in the storage unit 28.

In addition, when displaying the final page in step A610, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A may display information such as a message prompting the user of the terminal 20 to charge, and the popular page described above, by way of example and not limitation. The display unit 24 can display at least one of the following information and information on the page that the user of the terminal 20 has been viewing for a long time based on the page display time.

Information on popular pages can be obtained, by way of example and not limitation, by the terminal 20A requesting information on popular pages from the server 10 and receiving it from the server 10 when displaying the final page.
Note that the timing at which the information on popular pages is acquired from the server 10 is not limited to the timing at which the final page is displayed, but may be at an earlier timing.

Information on the page that the user of the terminal 20 has been viewing for a long time based on the page display time is displayed by acquiring information on the page display time for each page stored in the storage unit 28 as described above, by way of example and not limitation. You can do as you like.

Further, if the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines that the final page is being displayed in step A650 (A650: YES), based on the above various information, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the final page in a link format, by way of example and not limitation. It may be determined whether or not a user input has been made for the page number.

Note that the display unit 24 is not limited to displaying information such as pages that the user is interested in based on the page display time, and as explained in the sixth modification (4), the user Information such as pages that the user is interested in may be displayed on the display unit 24 based on biometric information, eye tracking information, etc.

<Effects of the seventh embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the terminal 20 receives billing recommendation information for digital content elements of the digital content displayed on the display unit 24 (not limited to this, but an example of fifth information regarding prompting billing for at least part of the content). A configuration for displaying on the display section 24 is shown.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the terminal can prompt the user of the terminal to charge for at least a portion of the content displayed on the display unit.

Furthermore, in this case, the billing recommendation information (not a limitation, but an example of the fifth information) may include information regarding billing by another user (not a limitation, but an example of information regarding billing by at least a first user who is different from the user of the terminal). It may be included.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, fifth information including information regarding billing by at least a first user different from the user of the terminal is displayed on the display unit, and charges are charged for at least a portion of the content. You can prompt the terminal user to do so.

In this case, information regarding charges by other users (not limited to this, but at least an example of information regarding charges by a first user who is different from the user of the terminal) may be collected by another user for an amount equal to or more than a set amount, or for a set number of times. As described above, information regarding the charged digital content elements may be included.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, by way of example and not limitation, at least a portion of the content for which the amount charged or the number of times charged by a first user different from the user of the terminal is to a certain extent high. The user of the terminal can be prompted to charge for.

Further, in this case, the billing recommendation information (not a limitation, but an example of the fifth information) may include information regarding a page included in the digital content (not a limitation, but an example of a portion included in the content).
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the user of the terminal can be prompted to pay for a portion included in the content.

Further, in this case, the charging recommendation information (not limited to, but an example of the fifth information) may include information regarding a page whose display time on the display unit 24 was longer than a set time.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, by way of example and not limitation, it is possible to prompt the user of the terminal to pay for a portion of the time displayed on the display of the terminal for a certain amount of time. .

Furthermore, in this case, the terminal 20 determines whether the page included in the content ( This is not a limitation, and an example of a portion included in the content may be displayed on the display unit 24.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the terminal may display a portion of the content on the display unit based on the input by the user of the terminal to the fifth information displayed on the display unit. I can do it. This allows the user of the terminal to easily charge for a portion included in the content or at least a portion of the portion.

In this case, the charging recommendation information (not limited, but an example of the fifth information) is displayed when the final page etc. is displayed on the display unit 24 (not limited, but an example of when the content is viewed to the end), It may be displayed on the display unit 24.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, when the content is viewed to the end, the fifth information can be displayed on the display unit. When viewing content for the first time, the user may be concentrating on the content and may not want to pay for at least part of the content, or may not have given that much thought to the content. However, by displaying the fifth information on the display unit when the content is viewed to the end, it is possible to increase the possibility that the user will charge the user.

<Seventh modification (1)>
The contents described in the sixth modified example (1) to the sixth modified example (4) can be similarly applied to the seventh embodiment.
Note that the fourth information described above, such as information for displaying digital content from the beginning, information on bookmarks set on the page, and information on comments from friends, as explained in the sixth embodiment, is also added to the digital content element. This information may be considered as a type of information related to prompting for payment.

<Seventh modification (2)>
In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which popular pages are displayed in a ranking format as billing recommendation information, but the present invention is not limited to this.
As billing recommendation information, popular digital content elements other than pages may be displayed in a ranking format or the like.

FIG. 7-2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this case. This screen corresponds to FIG. 7-1 (1).
In the upper part of FIG. 7-2, the billing ranking of the frames is displayed in the billing ranking (donation ranking) column, which is a type of billing recommendation information displayed at the end of the book. The frames displayed here may be regarded as popular frames (popular frames).
Specifically, along with the charge ranking, a reduced image of the corresponding frame and characters identifying the frame are displayed. In this example, the frame that has been charged the most (which can also be considered the most popular frame) is the 4th frame on page 22, and the frame that has been charged next (the next most popular frame) is the 4th frame on page 22. ) is shown to be "the first frame of page 22."

In the upper screen of FIG. 7-2, by way of example and not limitation, user A. When the reduced image corresponding to "1st frame of page 22" is touched by A, a display as shown in the lower part of FIG. 7-2 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.
In this example, pages 22 and 23, which are pages including the frame PN3 corresponding to the touched "first frame of page 22", are displayed on the display unit 24. Further, in this example, the frame of frame PN3 is highlighted in color (red, by way of example and not limitation). Note that instead of coloring the frames of the frames, they may be highlighted using thick lines or the like.
By doing so, the user can grasp at a glance which frame is the target frame. In addition, the user can charge for this frame by selecting this frame as a billing target (displayed in a selection mode) and making settings regarding billing.

Note that when displaying the lower screen in Figure 7-2 on the display unit 24, instead of displaying the frame of the frame highlighted as described above, it is displayed as shown in the example shown in Figure 6-1. Similarly, this frame may be displayed in a selected manner (selected as a billing target). By doing so, the user can directly charge for this frame.

FIG. 7-3 is a diagram showing another example of FIG. 7-2. The upper screen in FIG. 7-2 is the same as the upper screen in FIG. 7-1.
In this example, user A. Based on the touch of the reduced image corresponding to the "first frame of page 22" by A, the billing setting area BSR for this frame is displayed in the center of the screen.
By doing this, it becomes possible to directly charge for this frame.

Note that in the upper screen of FIG. 7-2, user A. When a reduced image of a frame is touched by A, the user can choose whether to display the page containing that frame as shown in the lower part of Figure 7-2, or to directly charge the user as shown in the lower part of Figure 7-3. A selection display to be performed is displayed on the display section 24. If the former is selected, a display as shown in the lower part of FIG. 7-2 may be performed, and if the latter is selected, a display as shown in the lower part of FIG. 7-3 may be performed.

<Seventh modification (3)>
In relation to the sixth variation (4), in order to allow the user to view the digital content again and to charge for the elements of the digital content that have already been viewed, the terminal 20 displays a screen on which the digital content is displayed on the display unit 24. Information on digital content that has been viewed by the user of the terminal 20 may be displayed on a screen different from the screen shown in FIG. Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, information on digital content that has been viewed by the user of the terminal 20 may be displayed on the home screen (or top screen) of the book reader application.

In this case, information on the viewed digital content may be displayed in various formats, such as a banner format, a carousel format, and a pop-up format, by way of example and not limitation.
Furthermore, when a user inputs information regarding this digital content, the terminal 20 may, by way of example and not limitation, display the digital content on the display unit 24 from the beginning.

FIG. 7-4 is a diagram showing an example of the home screen (or the top screen) of the book reader application displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this modification.
On this screen, as information regarding digital comics provided by the book reader application, by way of example and not limitation, special information is displayed at the top of the screen, and information about newly arrived digital comics is displayed below that. Also, below that, advertisements related to digital manga are displayed.

In addition, at the bottom of the screen, an area is configured where, by way of example and not limitation, information about digital comics that can be viewed by the user for free is displayed. In this example, a viewed digital content display area ADR containing information about comics read in the past by the user of the terminal 20A is displayed in a pop-up format so as to be superimposed on this area.

In the viewed digital content display area ADR, images of digital manga that the user of the terminal 20A has read in the past are displayed in a list in the horizontal direction in this example, along with the words "manga read in the past", as an example and not a limitation. has been done.
When an image of any of these digital comics is touched by a user, by way of example and not limitation, that digital comic may be displayed on the display 24, allowing the user to view the digital comic from the beginning. can.

Additionally, in this example, the words "Would you like to donate?"("Would you like to charge?") are displayed at the top of the viewed digital content display area ADR. Displayed. The information in the text "Would you like to donate?" can be a type of billing recommendation information described above. By doing so, it is possible to prompt the user to charge for digital content elements that the user has viewed in the past.
It should be noted that displaying the billing recommendation information is not essential, and may not be displayed.

In addition, as described in the sixth modification (4), by way of example and not limitation, the viewed digital content display area ADR on the screen of FIG. Information regarding the location may be displayed. In addition, if the information that serves as a guide for displaying on the display unit 24 the part that the user is concerned about is also displayed, and the user inputs the information, the terminal 20 will display the information that the user is concerned about. The display section 24 may display the location where the image is displayed.

As described above, by way of example and not limitation, the location of interest to the user can be estimated based on at least one of the following information.
・Page display time ・User's biometric information ・User's eye tracking information

Moreover, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may display the viewed digital content display area ADR on the home screen of FIG. 7-4 at a set timing, by way of example and not limitation.
The set timing can be various timings as described in the sixth modification (4).

<Eighth Example>
The eighth embodiment is an example regarding a UI for billing by the user of the terminal 20 and billing settlement by the server 10.

The contents described in the eighth embodiment can be applied to any of the other embodiments and other modifications.
In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements as those already mentioned, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

<Display screen>
FIG. 8-1 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this embodiment.

In this example, a plurality of digital content elements including character A, the first frame on page 23, and the fourth frame on page 22 are displayed on the display screen in a state where they are selected as billing candidates. Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, when a button (not shown) for selecting a digital content element as a billing candidate is touched by a user, information about the digital content element corresponding to the touched button may be stored in the future. It is stored in the server 10 or the terminal 20A as a charging candidate that may be charged. Based on this information, billing candidate information in a billing candidate display screen to be described later is displayed.

By way of example and not limitation, when the billing button BBT is touched by the user in the state shown in the upper part of FIG. 3-1, a display as shown in the upper part of FIG. 8-1 may be made. .

The upper screen in Figure 8-1 is the billing candidate display screen of the book reader application, and below the top of the screen is a billing candidate display area that is an area for displaying information related to billing candidates. ing. In this example, unlike the billing history display screen at the bottom of Figure 3-1, below the top of the billing candidate display area there is a billing candidate title information (as an example and not a limitation, an icon containing the character "¥" and "Charging Candidates") are displayed at the top left, and a display switching tab STB for switching the display of billing candidates according to the digital content element is displayed at the top right. In this example, based on the fact that the default text "by volume" is displayed on the display switching tab STB, the billing history is displayed according to the number of volumes of the manga.

Furthermore, below that, billing candidate information (first billing candidate information, second billing candidate information, third billing candidate information, . . . ) is displayed, by way of example and not limitation. Specifically, the leftmost part contains the first billing candidate information (as an example, but not limited to, character A, the characters "Character A", the billing amount (300 yen in this example), and the billing amount for this selected character. A selective charging button CBT1 (in this example, a button that includes the words "Donate to this character") is displayed, and to the right of it is displayed second charging candidate information (as an example, not a limitation). The first frame, the text "p.23 1st frame", the charge amount (100 yen in this example), the selection charge button CBT2 for charging this selected frame (in this example, the "Donate to this frame" button) ) is displayed, and to the right of it, the third billing candidate information (as an example, not a limitation, the fourth frame on page 22, the text "p.22 4th frame") is displayed. , the charging amount (100 yen in this example), and a selective charging button CBT3 for charging the selected frame (in this example, a button including the words "donate to this frame")). In other words, based on the display switching tab being the default "by volume", this digital manga (in this example, the main volume of "XX's Great Adventure" (in this example, "Volume 2")) is included in the billing candidate information. Charging candidate information for the following is displayed.Charging public relations information will be appropriately referred to as "charging candidate" below.

Note that on the billing candidate display screen, the user may arbitrarily set the billing amount for the billing candidate. By way of example and not limitation, when the user touches the billing amount in the billing candidate information, the billing amount in the billing candidate information may be changed from the default amount.

As an example and not as a limitation, set triggers and conditions (for example, but not as a limitation, the user has touched the billing button on the home screen, the user has finished reading this volume, the end of the month, etc.) When the timing is right), a display as shown in the lower part of FIG. 8-1 can be made.

The lower screen in Figure 8-1 is the billing management display screen of the book reader application, and unlike the upper part in Figure 8-1, there is an area below the top of the screen for displaying information related to billing management. The billing management display area is configured as follows. In this example, billing management title information (by way of example, but not limitation, an icon including the characters "¥" and the characters "donation management") is displayed at the top left of the billing management display area.

Further, below that, there is a charging candidate number display area that shows the number of charging candidates selected by the user (as an example, not a limitation, the characters "Donation candidates: 10") and the actual charging (payment) among the charging candidates are displayed. ) and the number of payment selections selected for actual charging (payment) among the charging candidates. From the left, there is a display area for the total scheduled charge amount (hereinafter referred to as the "total planned charge amount" as appropriate) based on the total amount to be charged (as an example, not a limitation, the words "Total donation amount: 1,900 yen"). are displayed in order.

Below that, as an example and not a limitation, billing candidate management information (first billing candidate management information, second billing candidate management information, third billing candidate management information, third billing candidate management information, third billing candidate management information, 4 charging candidate management information, etc.) are displayed. Specifically, the leftmost part contains the first billing candidate management information (as an example, not a limitation, character A of ○○'s Great Adventure/Volume 2, the characters "Character A", and the billing amount (in this example, 300 yen), manga title information/manga volume information (as an example, not a limitation, the words "○○'s Great Adventure/Volume 2")) are displayed, and to the right of that, 2nd billing candidate management information is displayed. (As an example and not a limitation, the first frame on page 23 of ○○'s Great Adventure/Volume 2, the words "p.23 1st frame", the charge amount (100 yen in this example), the manga title information / Manga volume number information (as an example, not a limitation, the text "XX's Great Adventure/Volume 2") is displayed, and to the right of it, third billing candidate management information (as an example, not a limitation) is displayed. ○○'s Great Adventure/Volume 2, page 22, 4th panel, text "p.22 4th panel", charge amount (100 yen in this example), manga title information/manga volume information (for limited editions) For example, the characters "XX's Great Adventure/Volume 2") are displayed, and to the right of it, the fourth billing candidate management information (as an example, not limited to, XX Great Adventure/Volume 3) is displayed. The 4th panel on page 32, the text "p. 32 2nd panel", the charge amount (200 yen in this example), the manga title information/manga volume information (as an example, not limited to "XX Great Adventure/ The characters "Volume 3") are displayed.

This example shows a state in which nine pieces of billing candidate management information including first billing candidate management information, third billing candidate management information, and fourth billing candidate management information are selected, and these billing candidate management information This shows a state in which a check mark has been placed in the check box (circular in this example) displayed in association with.

In addition, in the center of the bottom of the screen, there is a payment button BT15 for making a payment for the digital content element corresponding to the selected billing candidate management information (as an example and not a limitation, the words "donation payment" are displayed). button) is displayed.

By way of example and not limitation, when the payment button BT15 is touched by the user (not shown) with billing candidate management information selected, the digital content elements selected by the user may be You can make a payment by

<Processing>
FIG. 8-2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in this embodiment.
This process may be executed as a subroutine, by way of example and not limitation, in the application process executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A and the application management process executed by the control unit 11 of the server 10. can.

Note that in parallel with this process, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A and the control unit 11 of the server 10 can perform the following process, by way of example and not limitation.
By way of example, but not limitation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A, in step A140 of FIG. Charging candidate information including the digital content ID, the digital content element ID determined in step A120, and the requested charging amount is transmitted to the server 10 via the communication I/F 22.
As an example and not a limitation, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether charging candidate information has been received from the terminal 20A through the communication I/F 14 in the step of the AS 110 in FIG. 1-15, and determines that the charging candidate information has been received. If so, the digital content element ID and the billing request amount included in this billing candidate information are associated with the application ID included in the received billing candidate information (in this example, the application ID of user A.A), and the billing candidate is It is stored in the storage unit 15 as list information.

In the process of FIG. 8-2, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether the billing candidate list information display condition is satisfied (A820). The billing candidate list information display condition may be any of the following, by way of example and not limitation.
(E1) The charge button has been operated on a specific screen of the book reader application (for example, but not limited to, the home screen, etc.) (E2) It has been determined that the digital content being used has been viewed to the end (E3) Usage The input to view the digital content inside from the beginning has been made.

If it is determined that this has been established (A820: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A requests charging candidate list information from the server 10 via the communication I/F 22, and requests charging candidate list information from the server 10 via the communication I/F 22. It is received and displayed on the display unit 24 (A830).

Thereafter, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines, via the input/output unit 23, whether a digital content element to be charged is selected from the charging candidate list information displayed on the display unit 24 and a user input for charging has been made. Determine (A825).
If it is determined that the charging request has been made (A825: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A transmits charging request information to the server via the communication I/F 22, as in step A140 of FIG. 1-15 for the selected digital content element. 10 (A840).

The control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether billing request information has been received from the terminal 20A through the communication I/F 14 (S810), and if it is determined that the billing request information has been received (S810: YES), performs the lump-sum billing settlement process. Execute (S820). Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, one identified by one or more digital content element IDs included in the received billing request information is based on the payment method (payment means) set in advance by the user of the terminal 20A. The sum of the requested charges for the above digital content elements is settled. Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 updates billing history data and billing history aggregate data.

After that, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits the lump-sum billing settlement result information from the lump-sum billing settlement process to the terminal 20A through the communication I/F 14 (S850).
After step A840, when the communication I/F 22 receives the lump-sum billing settlement result information from the server 10, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the received lump-sum billing settlement result information on the display unit 24 (A850).

Note that, unlike the above, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A stores the charging candidate information determined in step A140 of FIG. The information may be stored in the memory. Then, in step A830, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A may cause the charging candidate list information stored in the storage unit 28 to be displayed on the display unit 24.

<Effects of the eighth embodiment>
In this embodiment, the processing related to billing performed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 (an example of the first processing, not limited to) is performed on the first digital content element input by the user of the own terminal 20 out of the digital content. Charging candidate information selected by the user of the own terminal 20 from among charging candidate information having the second digital content element input by the user of the own terminal 20 as the charging candidate; The configuration shown is based on the following.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the terminal may collect information related to charging for at least a first part of the content input by the terminal user, and information input by the terminal user. The first process can be performed based on the information regarding charging selected by the user of the terminal among the information regarding charging for at least a portion of the second inputted by the user. As a result, by way of example and not limitation, a terminal user can keep content that he or she wants to charge for, and later select and charge the content that he or she actually wants to charge. This may be convenient for the user.

<Eighth modification (1)>
In the above-described embodiment, the server 10 may settle the bill every set period, such as on a monthly basis. Note that it may be possible to set any period other than one month.

In this case, in FIG. 8-2, the control unit 11 of the server 10 does not perform the lump-sum billing settlement process in S820 based on the reception of the billing request information in S810, but after the set period has elapsed. Based on this, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can perform a lump-sum billing settlement process based on the billing candidate list information.

In this case, in step S850 of FIG. 8-2, the control unit 11 of the server 10 sends the set period lump sum billing settlement result information by the lump sum billing settlement process for the set period to the terminal 20A via the communication I/F 14. You can send it. Then, in step A850, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A can cause the display unit 24 to display the set period lump sum billing settlement result information received from the server 10 via the communication I/F 22.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A may cause the display unit 24 to display the billing candidate list information at the timing when a set period has elapsed. In this case, in the billing candidate list information display conditions described above,
(E4) The set period has passed, or the set date (or time) has arrived (as an example, not as a limitation, the billing closing date has arrived)
You can set the following.

Note that, unlike the above, in the process shown in FIG. 1-15, etc., by way of example and not limitation, one billing target is selected in the terminal 20A, and the control unit 11 of the server 10 selects one billing target based on the billing request information received from the terminal 20A. Then, the billing and settlement process (step S120 in FIG. 1-15, etc.) is performed. Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may transmit the set period lump sum billing settlement result information to the terminal 20A at the timing when the set period has elapsed (step S850 in FIG. 8-2). In other words, each time the user of the terminal 20 selects one billing target, the server 10 settles the billing, but the billing settlement result information is sent from the server 10 to the terminal 20A in a set period. You may also do so.

Further, in the process of FIG. 8-2, regarding the case where billing candidate list information is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A based on the billing candidate list information display conditions of (E1) to (E3) described above, as an example and not a limitation. Similarly, the control unit 11 of the server 10 performs the lump sum billing settlement process (step S820 in FIG. 8-2, etc.) based on the billing request information received from the terminal 20A. Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may transmit the set period lump sum billing settlement result information to the terminal 20A at the timing when the set period has elapsed (step S850 in FIG. 8-2). In other words, each time the user of the terminal 20 selects a billing target from the list of billing candidates, the server 10 settles the billing, but the billing settlement result information is sent to the terminal from the server 10 for the set period. 20A.

This modification shows a configuration in which billing is settled by the server 10 every set period.
As an example of the effect of the modified example obtained by such a configuration, billing payments can be made at once for each set period, which may be convenient for the user.

Further, in this case, the terminal 20 transmits the set period lump-sum billing information that associates the information on the billing amount by the user of the terminal 20, which was settled by the server 10 during the set period, with the information regarding the charged digital content element, through the communication interface. /F22 from the server 10. Then, the terminal 20 may display the received set period lump sum billing information on the display unit 24.
As an example of the effect of the modified example obtained by such a configuration, the terminal associates information on the amount of charges made by the user of the terminal settled by the server during a set period with information regarding at least part of the content for which the charges were made. By receiving the sixth information from the server and displaying it, the user of the terminal can be notified.

<Eighth modification (2)>
In addition to the above-mentioned timing, the server 10 settles the billing at the timing when billing request information is transmitted from the terminal 20 to the server 10 (when the user makes a billing request). (timing, timing each time).

In addition, by way of example and not limitation, at the timing when it is determined that the digital content has been viewed to the end on the terminal 20, one or more billing request information transmitted from the terminal 20 to the server 10 until then Based on this, the server 10 may charge and settle the charges all at once. In this case, when the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 determines, by way of example and not limitation, that the final page has been displayed on the display unit 24, it transmits information indicating this to the server 10 via the communication I/F 22. Then, the server 10 can perform lump-sum billing and settlement processing based on receiving the information from the terminal 20.

<Eighth modification (3)>
Furthermore, in connection with billing (billing settlement), the server 10 may set a limit on at least one of the number of billings and the billing amount. Since there is a possibility that children may also view digital content, the above-mentioned restriction may be used to prevent unlimited charges.

In this case, for an account for which a limit has been set, if the limit is exceeded, the server 10 may not perform billing settlement even if billing request information is received from the terminal 20.
Further, when the server 10 performs lump-sum billing and settlement, the lump-sum billing and settlement can be performed for items for which billing is requested within a limited range.

<Ninth Example>
The ninth embodiment is an embodiment in which billing information of digital content creators and editors (hereinafter collectively referred to as "service provider") and users of book reader services can be confirmed. be.
Note that the service provider may include a book reader service provider.

The content described in the ninth embodiment is applicable to any of the other embodiments and other modifications.
In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements as those already mentioned, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

<Display screen>
In the display screen in this embodiment, an example of displaying a billing heat map regarding billing for comics will be exemplified.
Here, as the terminal 20 used by the service provider, a tablet terminal including a display unit 24 with a vertically long display is illustrated.

In this example, the strength (large and small) of billing data (numerical value) based on at least one of the billing amount and the number of billings for any digital content element of the manga is visually displayed in different colors. The method for clarifying this is called a "billing heat map." Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, a digital content element is displayed in a first manner (white in this example) when the billing data is the weakest (smallest), and in a first manner (white in this example) when the billing data is the strongest (largest). It is displayed in 3 modes (red in this example), and if the billing data is stronger (larger) than in the first mode and weaker (smaller) than in the third mode, it is displayed in the second mode (blue in this example). be done.

FIGS. 9-1 and 9-2 are diagrams showing an example of screen transitions displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment. Here, a "book editor application" is exemplified as an application for checking information regarding billing by a user who uses a book reader service.

FIG. 9-1 is a billing heat map display screen for the book editor application, and the words "Book Editor App" are displayed at the top center of the screen as the name of the book editor application. Additionally, on the right side at the top of the screen, editor setting buttons are displayed for making various settings in the book editor application.

Further, below that is a billing heat map which is an area for displaying billing heat map information (as an example and not a limitation, digital content elements displayed in any of the first to third display modes). A display area is configured. In this example, a billing heat map title display (by way of example and not limitation, the words "Donation Heat Map") is displayed at the center of the top of the billing heat map display area.

In addition, below that, manga title information/manga volume information (as an example, not limited to, the text "XX's Great Adventure/Volume 2") is displayed at the top center, and information is displayed depending on the digital content element. A display switching tab STB for switching the display of the billing heat map is displayed at the top right. In this example, a billing heat map corresponding to each frame of the comic is displayed based on the fact that the default "frame by frame" text is displayed on the display switching tab STB.

Also, below that, billing heat map information (first billing heat map information, second billing heat map information, third billing heat map information, etc.) is displayed in the order of the pages of the manga, by way of example and not limitation. has been done. In this example, billing heat map information corresponding to pages 1 to 10 is displayed from the top left to the right, and pages 11 to 20 are displayed from the bottom left to the right. Charging heat map information corresponding to the eye is displayed, and thereafter, charging heat maps are displayed in the same order.

Specifically, the first billing heat map information of the second aspect (in this example, a blue icon indicating the first page and the text "p.001" as an example and not a limitation) is displayed at the top left corner. , and to the right of that, the second billing heat map information of the first aspect (in this example, a white icon indicating the second page and the text "p.002" as an example and not a limitation) is displayed. , and to the right of it, the third billing heat map information of the first aspect (in this example, a white icon indicating the third page and the text "p.003" as an example and not a limitation) is displayed, (hereinafter omitted), to the right of the ninth billing heat map information (not shown), the tenth billing heat map information of the second aspect (in this example, an icon indicating the tenth page in blue and " p.010") are displayed. Since the following is as shown on the display screen, the explanation will be omitted.

Note that the billing heat map information is link content that includes link information, and when this billing heat map information is touched by the user, a transition is made to the billing heat map details display screen of the page corresponding to this billing heat map information.

As an example and not a limitation, if the user touches the 23rd billing heat map information (in this example, an icon indicating the 23rd page in red and the text "p.023" as an example, not a limitation), As an example, a display as shown in FIG. 9-2 is displayed.
This screen is the billing heat map details display screen of the book editor application, and unlike Figure 9-1, billing heat map detailed information (in this example, charge size (billing data)) is displayed below the top of the screen. A billing heat map detail display area HMR is configured, which is an area for displaying page 23 of the manga, which is color-coded according to strength (intensity and weakness).

As an example and not a limitation, when a user touches any frame in the billing heat map detail display area HMR (as an example and not a limitation, the first frame on page 23), as an example and not a limitation, if the user touches the frame shown in FIG. A display as shown will be made.
On this screen, a billing graph display area BGR for displaying the billing graph of the frame touched by the user is displayed, superimposed on the billing heat map detail display area HMR.

The charge graph display area BGR includes, by way of example and not limitation, the words "Offering to this frame", a charge graph for this frame (in this example, a line graph regarding the number of charges and charge amount), and a display of this charge graph. A close button (in this example, a button including an "x" symbol) for closing the region BGR is displayed.

In this example, the billing graph is displayed as a graph in which the horizontal axis is the date, and the vertical axis is the number of billings and the billing amount. By displaying this kind of display, the service provider can easily understand how much charge was made for which frame on this page (page 23 in this example) on which day or period. becomes.

Note that it is not essential to display both the graph of the number of charges and the graph of the charge amount, and only one of the graphs may be displayed.
Furthermore, it may be possible to switch between these graphs and display them.

Further, in the display screen example of FIG. 9-1, an example was shown in which heat map information of billing for a page is displayed on the display unit 24, but the present invention is not limited to this.
By way of example and not limitation, in the example display screen of FIG. It may also be displayed.
Further, billing heat map information may be switched and displayed on the display unit 24 for each digital content element.

<Processing>
In this embodiment, the control unit 11 of the server 10 calculates account management data for each application ID stored in the account management database 159 based on billing management data for each digital content based on set conditions. , performs processing to generate the billing heat map information, etc. described above. Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can transmit the generated billing heat map information to the terminal 20 on the service provider side via the communication I/F 14.
Note that billing heat map information may be displayed on the display unit 13 of the server 10.

The set conditions include, but are not limited to, an input requesting generation of billing heat map information, etc. is made via the input/output unit 12 of the server 10, a set period has elapsed, and the set conditions are not limited. The conditions may be such that the specified date and time has arrived, that the set time has arrived, or a combination of these conditions.

In this way, by allowing the service provider to view the billing heat map, it becomes possible to easily grasp how much the user of the terminal 20 using the book reader application is paying for which digital content element.

Note that although the example in which the server 10 generates billing heat map information has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this.
Similar to the billing ranking described above, the server 10 generates billing ranking information for all users (or some users) who use the book reader application, and sends this to the terminal 20 on the service provider side. You can also do this.

In this case, the server 10 may generate billing ranking information that can be displayed as sorting for each type of digital content element, similar to the billing ranking described above. By doing so, the service provider can statistically determine which digital content element the user is interested in (likes, likes, etc.). In other words, the service provider can analyze what kind of frame layout, scenes, characters, lines, etc. the user is interested in, and can utilize this in the production of new works.

Further, as described above, as user information, user attribute information including, by way of example and not limitation, the user's gender, age, occupation, hobbies/preferences/interests, etc., is registered in advance in the server 10. Then, the server 10 may aggregate billing information for each user attribute information. Then, the total results may be associated with billing ranking information and the like and transmitted to the terminal 20 on the service provider side. By doing this, the service provider can conduct a more detailed analysis of which attributes of users are interested in what kind of frame layouts, scenes, characters, lines, etc., based on the user's attribute information. becomes possible.

Further, the server 10 may perform a process of aggregating information on changes in charges made by users over time. In other words, even if you aggregate information about how what users charge for changes over time (changes in time and changes in preferences) based on billing information by users over a certain period of time, good. Then, the server 10 may transmit the aggregated information to the terminal 20 on the service provider side. By doing so, the service provider can analyze the information and then change the total amount of goods to be provided to the user as a benefit, or use the information to create a side story.

<10th example>
In the above embodiment, the digital content viewed by the user with the terminal 20 horizontally (as an example, but not limited to, a horizontally read digital comic) was exemplified, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
The contents described in each of the above embodiments and each of the above variations may be applied to digital content that is viewed by a user with the terminal 20 held vertically (as an example, but not limited to, a vertically readable digital manga). .

The content described in the tenth embodiment is applicable to each of the other embodiments and other modifications.
In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements as those already mentioned, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

<Display screen>
In this embodiment, the terminal 20 will be described as a smartphone including a display section 24 with a vertically long display. Further, here, as an example and not a limitation, a case will be described in which the terminal 20 displays a vertically readable digital manga on the display unit 24 using a book reader application.

By way of example and not limitation, a smartphone is provided with a touch panel that functions as an input unit and is placed opposite its display, thereby forming a touch screen. When an element such as an icon, button, item, or input area is displayed on the display, if a part of the touch panel that is opposite to the area where the element is displayed is operated by the user, The program associated with the element or a subroutine of that program is executed.

FIG. 10-1 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this embodiment.

The left side of FIG. 10-1 is a comic display screen of the book reader application, and the words "Book Reader App" are displayed at the top center of the screen as the name of the book reader application. Further, on the right side of the top of the screen, an icon image and a user name ("user A.A" in this example) in the book reader application of the user of this terminal 20A are displayed.

Further, below that, a manga information display area is configured, which is an area for displaying manga information (for example, but not limited to, information related to a manga opened in a book reader application (manga information)). There is. Specifically, in a smartphone equipped with a vertically elongated display section 24, one page of a manga is displayed on the entire screen in the manga information display area.

In addition, at the bottom right of the screen, there is a home button HBT that is superimposed on the manga display screen and is used to return to the home screen in the book reader application, a bookmark button MBT that is used to set a bookmark in the book reader application, and a bookmark button MBT that is superimposed on the manga display screen to return to the home screen in the book reader application. A billing button BBT for billing is displayed.

As an example and not a limitation, if a user touches any frame of manga information (as an example and not a limitation, the topmost frame of the manga information), the frame touched by the user will be displayed as shown on the left side of Figure 10-1. is displayed in a selective manner.

As an example and not as a limitation, if the user touches the charge button BBT as shown in the center of Figure 10-1 while there is a selected frame, a display as shown in the center of Figure 10-1 will be displayed. will be done.
On this screen, a billing setting area BSR for setting the billing amount for the selected frame is displayed superimposed on the comic display screen on the left side of FIG. 10-1.

The billing setting area BSR contains billing amount information (in this example, the words "Offering to this panel", the default billing amount for the panel (100 yen in this example), and buttons for increasing or decreasing the billing amount). , the above-mentioned charging execution button BT1, and the above-mentioned charging stop button BT2 are displayed.

As an example and not a limitation, if the user touches the charging execution button BT1 as shown in the center of FIG. 10-1 with "100 yen" set as the charging amount, then as an example and not a limitation, 1 A display like the one on the right will be displayed.
On this screen, the display mode of the selected frame returns to its original state, and a charged icon (in this example, an icon containing the character "¥", an icon of user A.A. An image and a charge amount (100 yen in this example) are displayed.

<Processing>
The method of this embodiment can be similarly realized by the processes described in the first to ninth embodiments, so the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In this way, the same method as in the above embodiment can be applied to digital content such as vertically read digital comics.
Furthermore, as shown in this display screen example, even if the terminal 20 is, by way of example and not limitation, a smartphone whose display screen is smaller than that of a tablet terminal, the digital content can be appropriately displayed on the display unit 24 so that the user can You can make it possible to charge.

<Examples related to the first to tenth examples>
In the first to tenth embodiments, the case where the user of the terminal 20 charges for at least a portion of the digital content has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this.

By way of example and not limitation, the user of the terminal 20 may be able to "like" at least a portion of the digital content, which is used in SNS and the like.
By way of example and not limitation, "like" may be interpreted as information regarding the user of the terminal 20 evaluating at least a portion of the digital content. Therefore, in the following, the fact that the user of the terminal 20 gives a "like" may be expressed as "evaluating", "performing an evaluation", etc.

Note that, by way of example and not limitation, the above evaluation may be considered as a type of favorable evaluation or positive evaluation of at least part of the content by the user of the terminal 20.
Moreover, "like" may be interpreted as the user of the terminal 20 supporting at least a part of the digital content.

The example in which evaluations such as "likes" are performed will be explained in detail in the following 11th example and later, so it is only shown here that it is similarly applicable to the 1st to 10th examples. A detailed explanation will be omitted here.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the server 10 of the book reader service provider (the server that provides the book reader service, the server that manages information regarding the book reader application) performs the billing and settlement process, but the invention is not limited to this. .
The payment may be made by a payment server that is capable of communicating with the server 10 and manages payment of the payment (not limited to this, but an example of a first server different from the server).
Note that this may also apply to the following embodiments and modifications.

<Eleventh Example>
The eleventh example differs from the first to tenth examples in that it is an example assuming that the user of the terminal 20 views paper media content (analog content) instead of digital content.

The content described in the eleventh embodiment is applicable to each of the other embodiments and other modifications.
In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements as those already mentioned, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, paper media content will be referred to as "analog content" to distinguish it from digital content.
Note that it may also be referred to as paper media content.

Further, below, a method will be described in which the user of the terminal 20 rates at least a portion of the analog content, such as the above-mentioned "like", and charges the user in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiment. What differs from the embodiments described above is that the target can be at least part of analog content instead of at least part of digital content.

In the following description, the information for the user of the terminal 20 to give an evaluation such as "like" is an example of information regarding the user of the terminal 20 evaluating at least a part of the analog content, by way of example and not limitation. can do.
Furthermore, in the following description, the information for the user of the terminal 20 to charge a fee may be, by way of example and not limitation, an example of information related to the user of the terminal 20 charging for at least a portion of the analog content. .
Furthermore, this information can be comprehensively regarded as information regarding at least a portion of analog content.

In the following embodiments, AR glasses, which are a type of glasses-type device, will be mainly exemplified as the terminal 20 worn and used by the user.
AR glasses can be, by way of example and not limitation, a device that can overlay digital information onto real space. AR stands for Augmented Reality, and it adds information that does not actually exist (virtual information) to the real space that the user is looking at through the glass (what exists in reality seen through the display). It is configured so that it can be displayed overlappingly. It can be said that it is a device that recognizes real space using sensors and can express a combination of the real world and digital information.

Note that in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 1-1, the terminal 20 may include a sensor such as the above-mentioned IMU (acceleration sensor, gyro sensor, etc.) by way of example and not limitation. Furthermore, a geomagnetic sensor may be provided.
Further, instead of AR glasses, MR (Mixed Reality) glasses may be used.

Further, the terminal 20 is not limited to being a glasses-type device, and may be, by way of example and not limitation, the aforementioned tablet terminal, smartphone, or the like. This will be discussed later.

<Data structure>
In this embodiment, the storage unit 15 of the server 10 includes, by way of example and not limitation, an AR application management processing program executed as an AR application management process, AR application account registration data 153, and an analog content management database 157. , account management database 159 are stored.

FIG. 11-1 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the analog content management database 157, which is an example of the analog content management database 157 stored in the storage unit 15 of the server 10 in this embodiment.

The analog content management database 157 is a database that stores data for managing information regarding analog content viewed by the user of the terminal 20 using the AR book reader application executed on the terminal 20, and is a database that stores data for managing information regarding analog content viewed by the user of the terminal 20 using the AR book reader application executed on the terminal 20. , one or more analog content management data are stored as management data for each genre (category) of analog content.

The server 10 sets a unique analog content ID for each genre of analog content. Further, by way of example and not limitation, the server 10 can analyze the elements and configuration of the analog content, and generate analog content management data based on the analysis results.

By way of example and not limitation, each analog content management data stores the genre of the analog content and one or more pieces of analog content-specific data that are individual data of the analog content included in the genre.

Each analog content data includes, by way of example and not limitation, an analog content ID for identifying this analog content, a title of this analog content, number of episodes data, character definition data, and analog content configuration data. , analog content image data are stored.
In addition to this, various information such as the publication date, author, publisher, and publisher of the analog content may be stored in the analog content-specific data, by way of example and not limitation.

Note that, in the following description, an example of data related to the genre of analog content "manga" will be explained, not as a limitation but as an example. It is sometimes simply called "manga".

The analog content ID is an ID for uniquely identifying analog content (comic in this example), and is set and stored by the server 10 for each analog content, by way of example and not limitation.

The number of episodes data is data on the number of episodes of this analog content.
Note that, depending on the format (form) of the analog content, data on volumes of the analog content, data on chapters of the analog content, etc. may be stored.

Character definition data is definition data regarding characters appearing in this analog content, and by way of example and not limitation, information such as a character ID and character name for uniquely identifying characters appearing in this analog content is stored. Ru.

Note that when the genre of the analog content is "novel", the character definition data may be character definition data regarding characters appearing in the novel.

FIG. 11-2 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of analog content structure data in this embodiment.
The analog content configuration data stores, by way of example and not limitation, a page ID (page number), frame arrangement configuration data, and frame-by-frame management data.
It should be noted that these configurations can be configured in the same manner by replacing digital content with analog content in the digital content configuration data shown in FIGS. 1-6, by way of example and not limitation, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

The analog content image data may include, by way of example and not limitation, image data related to this analog content (by way of example and not limitation, image data of the cover, image data of each page, image data of the back cover, etc.) .) is memorized.

FIG. 11-3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the account management database 159B, which is an example of the account management database 159 in this embodiment.
The account management database 159B stores one or more account management data as data for each account.

By way of example and not limitation, each account management data stores an application ID and one or more analog content-specific evaluation management data.

The application ID stored in the account registration data 153 is stored in the application ID.

The evaluation management data by analog content is, by way of example and not limitation, data for managing the evaluation by the terminal 20 of this application ID or its user for each analog content, and an example of the data structure is shown in FIG. 11-4. Shown below.
As an example and not a limitation, each analog content-based evaluation management data stores an analog content ID, evaluation history data, and evaluation history total data.

The analog content ID stores the analog content ID of the analog content used by the user, which is specified based on the captured image of the cover, book door, etc. of the analog content captured by the imaging unit 27 of the terminal 20.

The evaluation history data is data for individually managing evaluation history information by the terminal 20 of this application ID or its user with respect to the analog content element of the analog content identified by this analog content ID, and is not limited to For example, evaluation date and time, evaluation element ID, and number of evaluations are stored in association with each other.

As an example and not a limitation, the date and time when the server 10 received the evaluation information transmitted from the terminal 20 is stored in the evaluation date and time.

As an example and not a limitation, the evaluation element ID stores an ID corresponding to an evaluated analog content element in the analog content identified by this analog content ID.

Here, among the content elements, content elements of analog content are referred to as "analog content elements." Analog content elements, like digital content elements, can be, by way of example and not limitation, at least one of the following:
(1) Entire analog content (2) Scenes of analog content (3) Pages of analog content (those with pages)
(4) Analog content frames (those with frames)
(5) Lines of characters appearing in the analog content, characters, etc. (6) Characters appearing in the analog content, characters, etc. The user shall be able to evaluate and charge for these analog content elements.

(1) is a case where the entire analog content (all of one analog content at once) is the subject of evaluation, and as an example and not a limitation, the "analog content ID" corresponding to the analog content is the evaluation element ID. It can be made to be remembered.
(2) is a case where a scene of analog content is to be evaluated, and as an example and not a limitation, the "scene ID" corresponding to the scene for which the evaluation request was made among the analog content is stored in the evaluation element ID. You can make it happen.
(3) is a case where a page of analog content is subject to billing, and as an example and not a limitation, the "page ID" corresponding to the page for which an evaluation request was made among the analog content is stored in the evaluation element ID. You can make it happen.
(4) is a case where a frame of analog content is to be evaluated, and as an example and not a limitation, the "frame ID" corresponding to the frame for which an evaluation request was made among the analog content is stored in the evaluation element ID. You can make it happen.
(5) is a case where lines of characters appearing in analog content are subject to evaluation, and as an example and not a limitation, the "line ID" corresponding to the line for which an evaluation request has been made in the digital content. can be stored in the evaluation element ID.
(6) is a case where characters or characters appearing in analog content are subject to evaluation. " can be stored in the evaluation element ID.

The number of evaluations stores the number of times the user of the terminal 20 has liked the corresponding evaluation element ID.

The evaluation history total data is data obtained by totaling the evaluation history information of the terminal 20 of this application ID or its user based on the evaluation history data. By way of example and not limitation, the number of evaluations and the like are tallied and stored for each type of analog content element.
Note that it is not essential to store this evaluation history aggregate data.

Note that it is also possible to perform billing in addition to evaluation, but the data structure and concept in this case are the same as those for digital content explained in the first embodiment, so illustrations and explanations are omitted. do.

The storage unit 28 of the terminal 20 stores, by way of example and not limitation, an AR application processing program executed as an AR book reader application process, and an application ID 283 corresponding to this terminal 20 or the account of the user of this terminal 20. be done.
Further, the storage unit 28 stores analog content configuration data (metadata) of the analog content received from the server 10.

<Display screen>
In the following, a case where the terminal 20 is an AR glass (glasses-type device) will be exemplified by way of example and not limitation. In this case, the glass part of the AR glasses can be used as the display part 24.
Furthermore, hereinafter, a book reader application using AR executed on the terminal 20 will be described as an "AR book reader application."

In this example, the user of the terminal 20 is configured to be able to "like" (evaluate) analog content elements (paper content elements) in comics.

FIG. 11-5 is a diagram showing an example of a comic and a display on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this embodiment. Here, we will exemplify a case where a user "likes" a comic panel.
The information displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A can be AR (augmented reality) information.

The user is configured to be able to see through the analog content manga information via the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A. In this example, pages 22 and 23 of the manga are shown open.

In the upper part of FIG. 11-5, the words "AR Book Reader App" are displayed at the upper left of the display section 24 as the name of the AR book reader application. Furthermore, in the upper right corner of the display unit 24, an icon image (“user A.A” in this example) of the user of this terminal 20 in the AR book reader application is displayed. In addition, at the bottom right of the display section 24, there is an evaluation button ("like" button) for "like" (evaluating) analog content elements in the AR book reader application. button) is displayed.

By way of example and not limitation, the user may select an analog content element by actually touching the analog content with their finger, or by pointing at the analog content in space without actually touching it with their finger. You can also do this. Hereinafter, this user input will be referred to as "first user input" for convenience.

In addition, although it looks like the AR information is displayed on the glass (display unit 24) of the AR glasses (terminal 20) in the drawing, the user sees buttons and buttons in the space between the AR glasses and the analog content. Icons etc. appear to be floating. The user can perform user input by touching these floating-looking buttons, icons, etc. in space with a finger or the like. Hereinafter, for convenience, this user input will be referred to as a "second user input" for the information (AR information) displayed on the display unit 24.

The terminal 20 can detect these user inputs based on, by way of example and not limitation, a captured image captured by the imaging unit 27, or the like.

As an example and not a limitation, when the first user inputs an arbitrary frame of manga information (as an example and not a limitation, the first frame on page 23), the display section 24 will be displayed as shown in the upper part of FIG. 11-5. Among them, the area (position) corresponding to that frame is displayed in a selective manner. Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, an area of the display unit 24 corresponding to the frame is displayed by being subjected to hatching processing by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A.

As an example and not a limitation, if the evaluation button IBT displayed on the display unit 24 is input by the second user while there is a frame being selected, a display as shown at the bottom of Figure 11-5 will be displayed, as an example and not a limitation. will be done.
On this screen, the display mode of the frame that was in the selected state returns to its original state on the display unit 24, and the evaluated icon IIC (in this example, icon (including a star mark) is displayed.

In this example, after selecting an analog content element, the evaluation button IBT displayed on the display unit 24 is inputted by the second user to "like" it. However, the analog content element may be selected after the second user inputs the evaluation button IBT. Specifically, when an analog content element is input by the first user after the evaluation button IBT is input by the second user, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 gives a "like" to the selected analog content element. It may also be possible to perform processing to do so.

<Processing>
FIG. 11-8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in this embodiment. The view of the figure is the same as that of Figure 1-15.
Although illustration of the steps is omitted, in advance, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A uses the imaging unit 27 to specify, by way of example and not limitation, the analog content that the user is attempting to view, such as the cover or book door of the analog content. It is determined whether an image including information (title, book title, author name, publisher name, etc.) has been captured, and if it is determined that an image has been captured, data of the captured image (hereinafter referred to as "image capture data") is determined. ) is transmitted to the server 10 via the communication I/F 22. Note that data obtained by compressing the captured image data may be transmitted to the server 10.

In response to this, the control unit 11 of the server 10 compares the imaging data received from the terminal 20A with the analog content image data included for each analog content stored in the analog content management database 157, etc. Identify the analog content. Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 stores, by way of example and not limitation, the analog content ID, the title, and the number of episodes data among the analog content-specific data in which the analog content ID corresponding to the identified analog content is stored. The analog content identification data including the character definition data is transmitted to the terminal 20A via the communication I/F 14. Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A causes the storage unit 28 to store the received analog content identification data.
In this way, the terminal 20A can first acquire basic data (metadata) regarding the analog content that the user is attempting to view.

The control unit 21 of the terminal 20A controls the imaging unit 27 to start imaging, and starts executing the AR display process (A1010). In the AR display process, by way of example and not limitation, display of AR information is started on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 (the lens of the AR glasses in the case of AR glasses, the display in the case of a smartphone, tablet, etc.).

In the AR display process, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A causes the display unit 24 to display AR information based on the relative positional relationship between the analog content and the own terminal 20, by way of example and not limitation. More specifically, based on the image captured by the imaging unit 27, the relative position of the analog content with respect to the own terminal 20 is captured, and based on the result, the relative position of the analog content is captured as if it were superimposed on the analog content. Additionally, AR information can be displayed on the display unit 24.
Note that, not limited to the imaging unit 27, other detection units (detection devices) configured in the terminal 20 include, by way of example and not limitation, LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) (laser lidar, infrared lidar, 3D lidar), millimeter lidar, etc. A position depth detection section based on a wave radar, an ultrasonic sensor, etc. may be configured in the terminal 20, and the detection result of this position depth detection section may be used to display AR information.

When applying AR glasses by way of example and not limitation, the position and orientation of the display unit 24 changes depending on the movement (neck movement) of the user wearing the AR glasses. However, even if the position or orientation of the terminal 20 changes, the AR information can be appropriately displayed on the display unit 24 based on the detection results of the various detection units described above.

Next, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether a new page of analog content has been detected based on the captured image or the like (A1020).
If it is determined that it has been detected (A1020: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A transmits the captured image data to the server 10 via the communication I/F 22 (A1030). Note that data obtained by compressing the captured image data may be transmitted to the server 10.

If it is determined that the imaging data has been received from the terminal 20A through the communication I/F 14 (S1020: YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 performs a new page determination process (S1030). Specifically, the new page detected by the terminal 20A is determined based on the imaging data received from the terminal 20A and the analog content-specific data in which the previously acquired analog content ID is stored.

Next, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits new page data regarding the determined new page to the terminal 20A via the communication I/F 14 (S1040). The new page data can include, by way of example and not limitation, analog content configuration data (metadata) in which the page ID (page number) of the determined new page is stored among the analog content-specific data described above.

After step A1030, when the communication I/F 22 receives new page data from the server 10, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A associates the received new page data with the analog content data previously stored in the storage unit 28. It is stored in the storage unit 28 (A1040). In this way, each time a new page is detected, the terminal 20A acquires data (metadata) regarding the new page.

Next, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether the first user input is detected on the corresponding page (A1050). By way of example and not limitation, the applicable page may be the new page if a new page is detected in A1020, or the new page if the new page is not detected in A1020. This can be the previous page. Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, it is determined whether the first user input has been made for any position or area of the corresponding page based on the captured image or the like.

If the first user input is detected (A1050: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A performs evaluation target determination processing (A1060). Specifically, as an example and not a limitation, the first position (area) for how many pixels (pixels) in the horizontal and downward directions from the top left (or top right) of the page Information regarding the position input by the first user on the corresponding page (by way of example and not limitation, position coordinates) (hereinafter referred to as "input position information") is determined by determining whether a user input has been made. Identify. Then, based on the specified input position information and the analog content configuration data included in the new page data, the analog content element to be evaluated by the user is determined.

Next, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether the evaluation button IBT displayed on the display unit 24 has been input by the second user.
If it is determined that the second user input has been made, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A, in addition to the application ID 283 (the application ID of the terminal 20A or the user A.A) stored in the storage unit 28, as an example but not limited to Evaluation request information including at least the analog content ID and the analog content element ID corresponding to the determined analog content element is transmitted to the server 10 via the communication I/F 22 (A1070).

The control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether evaluation request information has been received from the terminal 20A through the communication I/F 14 (S1050).
If it is determined that the information has been received (S1070: YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 performs evaluation processing (S1060). Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, evaluation management data by analog content in which the corresponding analog content element ID is stored in the account management data of the application ID included in the received evaluation request information in the account management database 159B. Update the evaluation history data and evaluation history aggregate data included in.

Thereafter, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits evaluation result information from the evaluation process to the terminal 20A via the communication I/F 14 (S1080).
Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 moves the process to end determination in S1090.

After step A1070, when the communication I/F 22 receives the evaluation result information from the server 10, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the received evaluation result information on the display unit 24 (A1080).
Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A moves the process to the end determination at A1090.

Note that the server 10 is not limited to transmitting the evaluation result information at this timing, and may transmit the evaluation result information later at a timing such as when the analog content is viewed to the end. Further, a plurality of pieces of evaluation result information may be sent together later.
Furthermore, in the above process, step A1080 and step S1080 may be omitted.

Further, in this process, the terminal 20A acquires metadata regarding each page from the server 10 and stores it in the storage unit 28, but the present invention is not limited to this.
When the analog content identification data is first obtained from the server 10, the entire metadata of the analog content may be obtained from the server 10 and stored in the storage unit 28.

<Effects of the 11th embodiment>
In this embodiment, the terminal 20 provides information (such as an analog content element ID) corresponding to an analog content element (an example of at least a part of analog content, not limited to) of analog content input by a user of its own terminal 20 ( An example of first information regarding at least a portion of the analog content is acquired by the control unit 21, but is not limited thereto. Based on the acquisition of information such as the analog content element ID, the terminal 20 transmits information regarding the analog content element (not limited to this, but an example of second information regarding at least a part of the analog content) to the server via the communication I/F 22. 10 is shown.
As an example of the effects of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the terminal acquires first information regarding at least part of the analog content input by the user of the terminal, and then obtains first information regarding at least part of the analog content. 2 information can be sent to the server.

In addition, in this case, the above-mentioned second information may include information such as evaluation request information for requesting to "like" an analog content element (not limited to, if the user of the terminal has requested at least part of the analog content An example of information regarding evaluation) may also be included.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the terminal acquires first information regarding at least part of the analog content input by the user of the terminal, and then transmits at least part of the analog content to the terminal. users can notify the server that they rate it.

Further, in this embodiment, information such as an analog content element ID corresponding to an analog content element of analog content input by the user of the terminal 20 (not limited to, but an example of first information regarding at least a part of the analog content) is , shows a configuration in which analog content is acquired by the control unit 21 based on detection information of analog content detected by the imaging unit 27 of the terminal 20.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the first information can be appropriately acquired based on the detection information of analog content detected by the detection unit of the terminal.

Further, in this case, information such as the analog content element ID corresponding to the analog content element of the analog content input by the user of the terminal 20 (an example of first information regarding at least a part of the analog content, but not limited to) is The information may be acquired by the control unit 21 based on detection information indicating that analog content is detected by a detection unit such as the imaging unit 27 of the terminal 20 and input by the user of the terminal 20 .
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the first information can be appropriately acquired based on the detection information that the analog content is detected by the detection unit of the terminal and the input by the user of the terminal. .

Furthermore, in this case, the terminal 20 is located away from the analog content, and the analog content is imaged (not limited, but an example of detection) by the imaging unit 27 (not limited, but an example of a detection unit of the terminal). It may be arranged at a certain position.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the first information can be appropriately acquired by a terminal placed at a position where the analog content is detected by the detection unit.

Further, in this case, the terminal 20 may be configured to be worn by the user of the terminal 20, such as a glasses-type device.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the first information is appropriately acquired and the second information is appropriately transmitted to the server by the terminal worn by the terminal user. I can do it. Since users only need to wear the device to view analog content, it may be easier for users to use it.

<Eleventh modification (1)>
In the above embodiment, the imaging unit 27 is illustrated as one of the detection units of the terminal 20, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As described above, as a detection unit of the terminal 20, by way of example and not limitation, the terminal 20 may include a position depth detection unit based on LiDAR (laser lidar, infrared lidar, 3D lidar), millimeter wave radar, ultrasonic sensor, etc. , processing similar to the above may be performed based on the detection result of this position depth detection section. Further, the same processing as described above may be performed using the image captured by the imaging unit 27 in combination.
Note that this is similarly applicable to the embodiments and modifications described below.

<Eleventh modification (2)>
Further, in the above embodiment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may determine (specify) the analog content element for which the user evaluates or charges, using the eye tracking technology described above.
Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, the terminal 20 is configured to include an eye tracking sensor, a depth measurement camera, and the like. Then, based on the user's eye tracking information (gaze information) detected by the eye tracking sensor, depth measurement camera, etc., the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 determines the analog content element for which the user evaluates or charges. Good too.
Note that this is similarly applicable to the embodiments and modifications described below.

<Eleventh modification (3)>
In the above embodiment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may detect inputs to buttons, icons, etc. displayed on the display unit 24 based on the user's eye tracking information (gaze information). .

Furthermore, input to buttons and icons displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 may be performed using a laser pointer or the like instead of using a finger or line of sight.

Note that these can be similarly applied to the embodiments and modifications described below.

<Eleventh modification (4)>
In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the user of the terminal 20 evaluates analog content elements, but the present invention is not limited to this. By way of example and not limitation, the user of the terminal 20 may be able to charge for analog content elements, similar to the charging for digital content elements described in the first to tenth embodiments.

FIG. 11-6 is a diagram showing an example of a comic and a display on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this modification.

In the upper part of FIG. 11-6, in addition to the evaluation button IBT, on the right side of the display section 24, there are, by way of example and not limitation, a comment button CMBT for commenting in the AR book reader application, and a comment button CMBT for making a charge in the AR book reader application. A billing button BBT is displayed.

As an example and not a limitation, if the second user inputs the billing button BBT displayed on the display section 24 as shown in the lower part of FIG. 11-6 while there is a frame being selected, A display like the one shown in the upper part of Figure 11-7 is displayed. In this example, a charge setting area BSR is displayed in the center of the display section 24 for setting the charge amount (charge amount) for the selected frame.

The billing setting area BSR contains billing amount information (in this example, the words "Offering to this panel", the default billing amount for the panel (100 yen in this example), and buttons for increasing or decreasing the billing amount). , a charging execution button BT1 for charging (in this example, a button that includes the words "Charging"), and a charging stop button BT2 for canceling charging settings (in this example, including the characters "Cancel"). button) is displayed.

As an example and not as a limitation, if the charging execution button BT1 is input by the second user with "100 yen" set as the charging amount, a display like the one at the bottom of Figure 11-7 will appear. It will be done.
In the display section 24, the display mode of the selected frame returns to its original state, and the billed icon BIC (in this example, "¥" (icon containing text) is displayed.

FIG. 11-9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in this embodiment. The view of the figure is the same as that of Figure 11-8.
In step A1050, if it is determined that a user input (first user input) has been detected on the corresponding page (A1050: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A performs billing target determination processing (A1062). Specifically, as an example and not a limitation, how many pixels (pixels) from the top left (or top right) of the page was input in the horizontal and downward directions? The location coordinates on the corresponding page are determined by determining the . Then, based on the specified position coordinates and the analog content configuration data included in the new page data, the analog content element for which the user is charged is determined.

Next, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether the charging button BBT displayed on the display unit 24 has been input by the second user.
If it is determined that the second user input has been made, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A, in addition to the application ID 283 (the application ID of the terminal 20A or the user A.A) stored in the storage unit 28, as an example but not limited to Billing request information including at least the analog content ID, the analog content element ID corresponding to the determined analog content element, and the billing request amount is transmitted to the server 10 via the communication I/F 22 (A1072).

After step S1040, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines whether billing request information has been received from the terminal 20A through the communication I/F 14 (S1052).
If it is determined that the information has been received (S1052: YES), the control unit 11 of the server 10 performs billing settlement processing (S1062).
Note that the billing and settlement process can be realized by the same process as that described in the process of FIGS.

Thereafter, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits the billing settlement result information to the terminal 20A via the communication I/F 14 (S1082).
Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 moves the process to step S1090.

After step A1072, when the communication I/F 22 receives the billing and settlement result information from the server 10, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A displays the received billing and settlement result information on the display unit 24 (A1082).
Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A moves the process to step A1090.

In this modification, the above-mentioned second information is information such as information for requesting charging for analog content elements (not limited to information regarding the terminal user charging for at least a part of the analog content). example). Based on the transmission of the second information from the terminal 20 to the server 10, billing is performed by the server 10 (an example of a server, not a limitation) or a payment server (an example of a first server different from the server, not a limitation). This shows the configuration in which approval is made.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the terminal acquires first information regarding at least part of the analog content input by the user of the terminal, and then inputs the terminal to at least part of the analog content. The user may send information regarding charges to the server to cause the server, or a first server different from the server, to settle the charges.

<Eleventh modification (5)>
Although the above example uses a glasses-type device as the terminal 20, the present invention is not limited to this. By way of example and not limitation, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like may be used as the terminal 20. The terminal 20 is not limited to a glasses-type device, but is used by being placed at a position away from analog content and at a position where the analog content is detected by the detection unit of the terminal 20 (user (Including items that are held and used by hand.)

FIG. 11-10 is a diagram showing an example of the cartoon and the display on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this case. In this example, a case is illustrated in which a comic located below the terminal 20 is imaged by the imaging section 27 and can be viewed by the user via the display section 24 of the terminal 20.

In the upper part of FIG. 11-10, the words "AR Book Reader App" are displayed at the top left of the screen as the name of the AR book reader application. Further, on the right side at the top of the screen, an icon image (in this example, "user AA") of the user of this terminal 20 in the AR book reader application is displayed. Furthermore, a comment button CMBT, a billing button BBT, and an evaluation button IBT are displayed on the right side of the bottom of the screen.

Further, on the display section 24, a portion of the first frame and second frame of page 22 of the aforementioned manga and a portion of the first frame of page 23 are displayed.
As an example and not a limitation, when an arbitrary frame (the first frame on page 23, as an example and not a limitation) is input by the user as the first user, the display section 24 will be displayed as shown in the upper part of FIG. , the area corresponding to the frame input by the first user is displayed in a selective manner.

The lower part of FIG. 11-10 shows a state in which the evaluation button IBT displayed on the display unit 24 has been input by the second user while there is a frame being selected.
The display mode of the selected frame returns to its original state, and an evaluated icon IIC (in this example, an icon including a star mark) is displayed superimposed on the upper right corner of this frame.
The subsequent steps are the same as in the case of applying the AR glasses described above.

In this way, analog content elements of manga can be evaluated and charged using devices such as tablets and smartphones, unlike devices such as AR glasses that users wear (attached to their bodies). It can improve sex.

Note that this content is similarly applicable to each of the following embodiments and modifications.

<Eleventh modification (6)>
In the above embodiment, each time a new page is detected, the terminal 20A acquires new page data (metadata) regarding the new page from the server 10, but the present invention is not limited to this.
As an example and not a limitation, in the process of FIG. Page data (metadata) regarding all included pages may be acquired from the server 10. Then, the page data may be stored in the storage unit 28 in association with the analog content data.

In addition, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A may transmit the imaging data to the server 10 in real time, or at regular timings (for example, once every 10 seconds, once every 20 seconds, once every 30 seconds, etc. The data may be sent to the server 10 at different times (for example, once per month). Then, the server 10 may transmit corresponding metadata to the terminal 20 at any time based on the imaging data received from the terminal 20.

<Eleventh modification (7)>
In the embodiments and modifications described above, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines the analog content elements for which the user of the terminal 20A evaluates and charges, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

In step A1070 of FIG. 11-8, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A includes, by way of example and not limitation, the page ID of the relevant page and the input position information specified in step A1060 in the evaluation request information and sends it to the server. Send to 10.
In step S1060, the control unit 11 of the server 10 selects the page identified by the page ID from the analog content image data included in the corresponding analog content-specific data based on the page ID included in the received evaluation request information. Get the page image data for. Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines the analog content element for which the user of the terminal 20A is requesting evaluation based on the acquired page image data and the input position information included in the received evaluation request information. You can do it like this.
Note that the same can be applied to the process shown in FIG. 11-9.

<12th example>
The twelfth embodiment is an example regarding a more specific method when a user performs evaluation and billing.

The content described in the twelfth embodiment is applicable to each of the other embodiments and other modifications.
In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements as those already mentioned, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

<Display screen>
FIG. 12-1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the transition between a comic and the display on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment.

In this example, on the display screen of Figure 12-1, the first two-dimensional code CD1 corresponding to this page is printed on the top right of page 22 of the manga, and the top left of page 23 of the manga is printed on the top right. A second two-dimensional code CD2 corresponding to this page is printed. Each two-dimensional code (two-dimensional code image) is a visible code in this example, and includes, by way of example and not limitation, page identification information that identifies the page (by way of example and not limitation, such as a page ID (page number), etc.) is included in the two-dimensional code (two-dimensional code image) by encoding or the like.

In the upper part of FIG. 12-1, as an example and not a limitation, an arbitrary frame of comic information ( As an example and not a limitation, even if the user inputs the third frame on page 22 as the first user, in this example, that frame does not change to the selected mode on the display unit 24, but is displayed in the normal display mode. is displayed.

Further, on this screen, unlike the upper side of FIG. 11-6, the comment button CMBT, billing button BBT, and evaluation button IBT displayed on the display section 24 are displayed in a disabled manner. Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, a comment button CMBT, a billing button BBT, and an evaluation button IBT are displayed by being subjected to a hatching process by the control unit 21.

In this way, if neither the first two-dimensional code CD1 nor the second two-dimensional code CD2 is read by the terminal 20A, any frame of the manga information (by way of example and not limitation, 3 on page 22) Even if the user makes the first user input for the frame (frame 1), this frame does not become selected. Furthermore, since the comment button CMBT, billing button BBT, and evaluation button IBT are displayed in a disabled manner on the display unit 24, even if these buttons are input by the second user, input to these buttons is disabled. You can choose not to accept it.

In the lower part of FIG. 12-1, as an example and not a limitation, two-dimensional codes of a first two-dimensional code CD1 and a second two-dimensional code CD2 are read by the imaging unit 27 of the terminal 20A, and then, as an example and not a limitation, , a state in which an arbitrary frame (by way of example and not limitation, the first frame on page 23) is inputted by the user is shown. As a result, the area corresponding to that frame is displayed in a selected manner on the display section 24.

Also, on this screen, unlike the upper part of FIG. 12-1, a comment button CMBT, a billing button BBT, and an evaluation button are displayed on the display unit 24 based on the two-dimensional code being read by the terminal 20A. IBT is displayed from the disabled mode to the normal display mode.

Also, based on the two-dimensional code being read by the terminal 20A, a first A reading success mark (as an example and not a limitation, a mark in a shape surrounding the outside of the two-dimensional code) indicating that the two-dimensional code CD1 and the second two-dimensional code CD2 have been read by the terminal 20A is displayed. There is. Further, in this example, manga title information/manga volume information (by way of example and not limitation, the characters "XX's Great Adventure/Volume 2") are displayed at the top of the display section 24.

Note that when the two-dimensional code is not read, various buttons may not be displayed on the display section 24.
Further, when the two-dimensional code is not read, information indicating that the two-dimensional code has not been read may be added to the comic information and displayed on the display unit 24. Specifically, as an example and not a limitation, if the two-dimensional code is not read, the display section 24 will indicate that the two-dimensional code has not been read in the blank space where no frames are placed in the manga information. Information (for example, but not limited to, an icon including the words "undetected") may be added and displayed.

Further, when the two-dimensional code is being read, various buttons may be highlighted. Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, when a two-dimensional code is being read, various buttons may be displayed in bold. Furthermore, if the two-dimensional code is being read, information indicating that the two-dimensional code has been read may be added to the comic information. Specifically, when a two-dimensional code is read, information indicating that the two-dimensional code has been read is placed in the blank area of the manga information where no frames are placed (as an example, not limited to "detected"). ” icon) may be added.

Note that in this display screen example, the two-dimensional code (code information) printed on the analog content is a visible code, but it may also be an invisible code.
Further, code information other than a two-dimensional code may be used.

<Processing>
In the process in this embodiment, in step A1050 or A1052 of the process in FIG. It is determined whether the code information (by way of example and not limitation, a code image) that is present has been read. If it is determined that the code information has been read (A1050: YES), in step A1060 or A1062, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A acquires page identification information included in the read code information. Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A moves the process to step A1070 or A1072.

Further, after the code information is read, by way of example and not limitation, if an analog content element such as a frame included in the page is selected based on the first user input by the user, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A: Based on the first user input, the captured image, etc., it is possible to determine the evaluation target and the billing target, and perform the same processing as described above.

Note that if a page number is printed on the analog content, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A may, by way of example and not limitation, recognize the printed page number from the image of the page captured by the imaging unit 27, etc. The imaged page may be identified by recognizing the page.

Further, by way of example and not limitation, code information (invisible code information, by way of example and not limitation) may be printed on each frame, and the control unit 21 may be configured to read this information by the imaging unit 27. It may also be possible to determine which pieces are to be evaluated or charged.
Alternatively, the control unit 21 may determine which frame is to be evaluated or charged based on printing a frame ID in small letters or the like on each frame and having the imaging unit 27 read this ID. .
Note that the same may be applied to analog content elements other than pages and frames.

<Effects of 12th Example>
In this embodiment, information such as an analog content element ID corresponding to an analog content element of analog content input by a user of the terminal 20 (an example of first information regarding at least a part of analog content, but not limited to) is an analog The configuration is shown in which information such as code information and page numbers printed on the content (not limited to, but an example of third information) is acquired by the control unit 21 based on the imaging unit 27 capturing an image.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the third information printed on the analog content including information identifying at least a part of the analog content can be detected by a simple operation of detecting the third information by the detection unit of the terminal. , the first information can be appropriately acquired.

Further, in this case, the third information may be code information (code image, etc.).
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, by a simple operation of detecting code information printed on analog content that includes information identifying at least a part of the analog content by a detection unit of the terminal, The first information can be appropriately acquired.

Further, in this case, the code information may be invisible code information.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the code information from interfering with the content of the analog content, making it easier to view the analog content.

<Twelfth modification (1)>
In the eleventh embodiment and the twelfth embodiment, when realizing evaluation and billing for analog content elements, as an example and not a limitation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may control the own terminal 20 based on the captured image etc. Based on the detection of a user input (first user input) to analog content (analog content element) by a user of A confirmation display for confirmation may be displayed on the display unit 24. Then, evaluation and billing may be performed based on the detection of a user input of consent to the confirmation display via the input/output unit 23 of the terminal 20.
By doing so, it is possible to prevent evaluation and billing from being performed unintentionally by the user.

However, on the other hand, with this method, a confirmation display may be displayed on the display unit 24 every time the user touches or points at the analog content, so the user who is concentrating on the analog content may find it bothersome. There is.

Therefore, by way of example and not limitation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may input user input to the information as a type of information related to evaluation and billing (hereinafter referred to as "evaluation and billing related information"). In response to this, the display unit 24 displays information that enables input of analog content elements for evaluation and charging (information that allows the terminal 20 to accept input from the user, information that enables evaluation and charging). Good too.

Hereinafter, this information will be referred to as "evaluation billing activation information" for convenience. It may be considered as switch-like information to enable evaluation and billing. This evaluation and billing activation information may include input information such as "evaluation switch button (evaluation switch icon)" and "charging switch button (charging switch icon)" by way of example and not limitation.

As an example and not a limitation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 determines whether evaluation charging is enabled based on display conditions set as conditions for displaying evaluation charging activation information (not a limitation, but an example of set conditions). The conversion information can be displayed on the display section 24.
In this case, the display condition may be set, for example, without limitation, such as "a new page of analog content has been detected." In this case, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 determines, by way of example and not limitation, whether or not a new page of analog content has been detected based on the captured image, etc., and if it is determined that it has been detected, the evaluation charge is enabled. information can be displayed.

FIG. 12-2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A in this case. Note that this will be illustrated and described as an evaluation charging related information display process for displaying evaluation charging related information, which is a concept that includes evaluation charging validation information.

This process may be performed as a subroutine of the processes of FIGS. 11-8, 11-9, etc., by way of example and not limitation.

The control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether a display condition for displaying evaluation billing related information (as an example, not a limitation, evaluation billing activation information) is satisfied (A1210).
If it is determined that the display condition is satisfied (A1210: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A sets the analog content page imaged by the imaging unit 27 in the display unit 24, by way of example and not limitation. Evaluation charging related information (as an example, not limited to, evaluation charging activation information) is displayed in an area corresponding to the area where the evaluation charging is performed (A1220).

It should be noted that evaluation charge related information may be displayed in an area of the display unit 24 that corresponds to an area that includes an analog content element (not a limitation, but an area where a manga is depicted on a manga page), as an example and not a limitation. If this happens, it may become difficult for users to view the content. Therefore, the evaluation billing related information is displayed on the display section 24 in an area (not limited, but an example of the second area) that is different from the area containing the analog content element (not limited, but an example of the first area). It's okay. In other words, the evaluation billing related information may be displayed in an area of the display section 24 that does not interfere with the content.

Specifically, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A, based on the captured image, etc., selects an area (by way of limitation, but not limited to, of the display unit 24) that does not overlap with an area (by way of example, but not limited to, a page or frame) that includes an analog content element. For example, evaluation and billing related information can be displayed in an area outside the page, an area between frames, etc.).

Next, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether the evaluation billing related information displayed on the display unit 24 has been input by the second user via the input/output unit 23 (A1230).
If it is determined that the second user input has been made (A1230: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A sets the evaluation input detection flag, which is a flag for detecting an input for "like" by the user, to "ON". ” (A1240).
Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A returns the process to A1210.

If it is determined in step A1210 that the display condition is not satisfied (A1210: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether evaluation billing related information is being displayed on the display unit 24 (A1250). ).
If it is determined that the information is being displayed (A1250: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether a condition for hiding the evaluation billing related information (hereinafter referred to as "hiding condition") is satisfied. (A1260). The non-display condition may be, by way of example and not limitation, a condition set as a condition for hiding the display of evaluation and billing related information based on the display condition described above.

If it is determined that the non-display condition is satisfied (A1260: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A hides the evaluation billing related information displayed on the display unit 24 and sets the evaluation input detection flag to “OFF”. After that, the process returns to A1210.

When the evaluation input detection flag is set to "ON", the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A performs the processing of A1060, A1070, A1062, and A1072 in the processing of FIGS. 11-8 and 11-9, by way of example and not limitation. is performed and the evaluation input detection flag is set to "OFF", the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A can skip the processing of A1060, A1070, A1062, and A1072.

In this modification, the terminal 20 displays evaluation billing activation information (not limited, an example of fourth information related to acquiring the first information, an example of evaluation billing related information) on the display unit 24. In this case, the first information described above indicates a configuration that is acquired by the control unit 21 after the user of the own terminal 20 inputs the evaluation billing activation information.
As an example of the effect of the modified example obtained by such a configuration, after displaying the fourth information related to acquiring the first information and inputting the fourth information by the user of the terminal, the control unit By configuring the first information to be acquired by the first information, it is possible to set up one cushion before acquiring the first information, and it is possible to prevent the user of the terminal from feeling troublesome.

Further, in this case, the evaluation billing validation information may be displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 based on set conditions.
As an example of the effect of the modification obtained by such a configuration, versatility can be improved by displaying the fourth information on the display section of the terminal based on set conditions.

In addition, in this case, the evaluation billing activation information is based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit 27 (not limited to, but an example of information detected by the detection unit), and is based on the captured image of the display unit 24 of the terminal 20. It may be displayed in an area (not limited, but an example of a second area) that is different from an area such as an area where the content of the analog content is drawn (not limited, but an example of a first area).
As an example of the effects of the modification obtained by such a configuration, the fourth information can be displayed in a second area of the display section that is different from the first area of the analog content, and The area can be prevented from being obstructed by the fourth information.

<13th example>
The 13th embodiment is an example of a device for encouraging users to evaluate and charge more.
Book reader service providers and authors of analog content may want more users to evaluate and charge their products.

The contents described in the thirteenth embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments and other modifications.
In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements as those already mentioned, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 provides information (hereinafter referred to as "evaluation and charging recommendation information") related to recommending (prompting) the user to evaluate and charge analog content elements, by way of example and not limitation. ) can be displayed on the display section 24.
Note that the evaluation billing recommendation information may also be referred to as evaluation billing promotion information or the like.
Further, the evaluation and charging recommendation information may be regarded as a type of evaluation and charging related information described above.

The evaluation and charging recommendation information (evaluation and charging recommendation display) may include, by way of example and not limitation, information on messages such as "Please like me" and information on messages such as "Please pay."

In the present embodiment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 is configured to display information based on display conditions (not a limitation, but an example of a set condition) set as a condition for displaying evaluation and charging recommendation information, by way of example and not limitation. , evaluation and billing related information can be displayed on the display unit 24.

In this case, the display condition may be at least one of the following, by way of example and not limitation.
(C1-1) Detecting a new page of analog content (C1-2) Determining that analog content has been viewed to the end (C1-3) Detecting a specific page of analog content

When applying the condition (C1-1), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 determines whether or not a new page of analog content is detected based on a captured image, etc., by way of example and not limitation. be able to.

When applying the condition (C1-2), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may, by way of example and not limitation, include the final page of the analog content (as mentioned above, the end page, afterword, colophon, back cover, etc.) ) is detected.

As a method for the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 to detect the final page, etc., at least one of the following methods can be used, by way of example and not limitation.
・Character recognition for the image of the imaged page ・Image recognition for the image of the imaged page ・Reading of code information printed on the page (as an example, not limited to, information such as the above-mentioned two-dimensional code image) ・Reading of the code information printed on the page Compare the page number printed on the page with the page number stored in the analog content configuration data (if the page is printed on analog content)

For example, and not as a limitation, in a paper book, information about the author, publisher, publisher, etc. may be printed as a colophon at the end of the book. Therefore, by way of example and not limitation, when these characters are recognized by character recognition, it may be determined that the page is the last page. Similarly, the determination may be made by image recognition.
Furthermore, as mentioned above, each page of analog content should be printed with code information including page identification information (for example, but not limited to, page ID (page number)) that identifies that page. You can also do it. In this case, it may be determined that the page is the final page based on page identification information included in the code information read by the imaging unit 27.

When applying the condition (C1-3), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 determines whether or not a specific page of analog content is detected based on a captured image, etc., by way of example and not limitation. can do. Specific pages may include, by way of example and not limitation, pages of highlights in the analog content, pages containing important scenes, pages in which a specific character (by way of example and not limitation, the main character) appears, etc. . In this case, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 receives information regarding a specific page from the server 10, and stores information on the page ID of this specific page in association with analog content data. can do.

<Display screen>
FIG. 13-1 (1) is a diagram showing an example in which evaluation recommendation information that recommends the user to evaluate analog content elements is displayed on the display unit 24 when the user has read the manga to the end.
The evaluation recommendation information can be information that recommends evaluation among the evaluation and billing recommendation information.

In this example, the colophon part of the comic is opened, and the user is viewing the colophon part via the terminal 20A. This colophon contains information such as the title, author, publisher, and place of publication of this analog content.

On the display section 24, unlike the upper part of FIG. J-01, although the comment button CMBT is displayed, the evaluation button IBT and the billing button BBT are not displayed. Further, in this example, based on the fact that the colophon part is detected by the terminal 20A, as an example and not a limitation, an evaluation recommendation is displayed in an area of the display section 24 corresponding to the vicinity of the center of the colophon. Information IRI1 (in this example, information including an icon showing a speaker and the words ``Would you like to ``like'' the part you are interested in?'') is displayed.
Note that page 164 of this comic shown on the right side may be set as the final page, and a similar display may be performed based on the detection of this final page.

In the example of FIG. 13-1(1), when the evaluation recommendation information IRI1 displayed on the display unit 24 is input by the second user, by way of example and not limitation, It is possible to enable a state in which the user can give an evaluation (like).

FIG. 13-1(2) is a diagram showing an example of displaying evaluation recommendation information on the display unit 24 when the page opened by the user is a page of highlights of the manga.
In this example, similar to FIG. 13-1(1), although the comment button CMBT is displayed on the display section 24, the evaluation button IBT and billing button BBT are not displayed. Also, in this example, unlike in Figure 13-1 (1), the page opened by the user is the highlight page of the manga (in this example, page 23, page 22, or both pages), Based on the fact that the terminal 20A detects that this highlight page has been opened, the evaluation recommendation information IRI2 (in this example, a speaker icon) is displayed on the left side of the display section 24. and "This page is a must-see page. Would you like to like it?") are displayed.

In the example of FIG. 13-1 (2), when the second user input is performed for the evaluation recommendation information IRI2 displayed on the display unit 24, by way of example and not limitation, It is possible to enable the user to rate (like) other analog content elements.

It should be noted that evaluation charge related information may be displayed in an area of the display unit 24 that corresponds to an area that includes an analog content element (not a limitation, but an area where a manga is depicted on a manga page), as an example and not a limitation. If this happens, it may become difficult for users to view the content. Therefore, the evaluation billing related information may be displayed in an area (not limited, but an example of the second area) that is different from the area containing the analog content element (not limited, but an example of the first area). In other words, the evaluation billing related information may be displayed in an area of the display section 24 that does not interfere with the content.

FIG. 13-2 is a diagram showing an example of the cartoon and the display on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A in this case.
In FIG. 13-2 (1), based on the fact that the terminal 20A is positioned to capture the upper part of the page of the comic book and the area further above the comic book, the upper part of the display section 24, Evaluation recommendation information IRI4 (in this example, information including an icon showing a speaker and the words "Please Like") is displayed in an area corresponding to an area that does not overlap with the comic book. That is, based on the fact that an area away from the comic book is detected based on the captured image or the like, the evaluation recommendation information is displayed in the area of the display unit 24 that corresponds to the detected area.
In this example, the evaluation recommendation information is displayed in an area of the display unit 24 that corresponds to an area that does not overlap with the comic book, so that it does not get in the way of the user reading the comic.

In FIG. 13-2 (2), the recommended evaluation information IRI4 is displayed in the area of the display unit 24 that corresponds to the blank area at the top right of the panel PN1 on page 23 of the comic. In other words, in this example, after a blank area within a frame is detected by the terminal 20 based on a captured image or the like, evaluation recommendation information is displayed on the display unit 24 in an area corresponding to the detected area. ing.
In this example, the evaluation recommendation information is displayed in an area of the display section 24 that corresponds to the area within the frame, but is blank within the frame, so the user cannot view the frame. It can be done so that it does not get in the way even if the

Note that in this example, the intervals between the frames of the comic are narrow, but there may be cases where the user views a comic in which the intervals between the frames are relatively wide. Therefore, the terminal 20 detects the area between the frames of the comic based on the captured image, etc., and then displays the evaluation recommendation information in the area of the display unit 24 corresponding to the detected area. You can also do this.

<Processing>
The processing in this embodiment is not limited to this, and may be performed by following the flowchart shown in FIG. 12-2 as an example.

In the process shown in FIG. 12-2, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether a display condition for displaying evaluation charging related information (by way of example and not limitation, evaluation charging recommendation information) is satisfied (A1210).
If it is determined that the display condition is satisfied (A1210: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A sets the analog content page imaged by the imaging unit 27 in the display unit 24, by way of example and not limitation. Evaluation charging related information (as an example, not limited to, evaluation charging recommended information) is displayed in an area corresponding to the area where the evaluation charging is performed (A1220).

Next, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether the evaluation billing related information displayed on the display unit 24 has been input by the second user via the input/output unit 23 (A1230).
If it is determined that the second user input has been made (A1230: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A sets the evaluation input detection flag, which is a flag for detecting input for evaluation by the user, to "ON". (A1240).
Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A returns the process to A1210.

If it is determined in step A1210 that the display condition is not satisfied (A1210: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether evaluation billing related information is being displayed on the display unit 24 (A1250). ).
If it is determined that the information is being displayed (A1250: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether a condition for hiding the evaluation billing related information (hereinafter referred to as "hiding condition") is satisfied. (A1260). The non-display condition may be, by way of example and not limitation, a condition set as a condition for hiding the display of evaluation and billing related information based on the display condition described above.

If it is determined that the non-display condition is satisfied (A1260: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A hides the evaluation billing related information displayed on the display unit 24 and sets the evaluation input detection flag to “OFF”. After that, the process returns to A1210.

When the evaluation input detection flag is set to "ON", the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A performs the processing of A1060, A1070, A1062, and A1072 in the processing of FIGS. 11-8 and 11-9, by way of example and not limitation. is performed and the evaluation input detection flag is set to "OFF", the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A can skip the processing of A1060, A1070, A1062, and A1072.

<Effects of 13th Example>
In this embodiment, the terminal 20 acquires evaluation and billing recommendation information (not a limitation, first information) regarding prompting evaluation and billing for analog content elements (not a limitation, but an example of at least a part of the analog content). An example of fourth information related to this, an example of information related to prompting evaluation and charging for at least a part of paper media content, and an example of evaluation charging related information) are displayed on the display unit.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the terminal can prompt the user of the terminal to evaluate or charge for at least a portion of the analog content.

Further, in this case, the above-mentioned first information is related to the evaluation charging recommendation information displayed on the display unit 24 (not limited to, an example of fourth information related to acquiring the first information, an example of evaluation charging related information). The information may be acquired by the control unit 21 after the user of the own terminal 20 performs an input.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, after displaying the fourth information related to acquiring the first information and inputting the fourth information by the user of the terminal, the control unit By configuring the first information to be acquired by the first information, it is possible to set up one cushion before acquiring the first information, and it is possible to prevent the user of the terminal from feeling troublesome.

Further, in this case, the evaluation and charging recommendation information may be displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 based on set conditions.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, versatility can be improved by displaying the fourth information on the display section of the terminal based on set conditions.

Further, in this case, the set condition may include that the analog content has been viewed to the end.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the fourth information is displayed on the display section of the terminal based on the fact that the analog content has been viewed to the end, so that evaluation and billing can be avoided. It is possible to enable a terminal user to view analog content at least once without having to do so.

Furthermore, in this case, the evaluation and billing recommendation information is based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit 27 (not limited to, but an example of information detected by the detection unit), and is based on the captured analog The content may be displayed in a different area (not limited, but an example of the second area) from an area such as an area where the contents are drawn (not limited, but an example of the first area).
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the fourth information can be displayed in a second area of the display section that is different from the first area of the analog content, and The area can be prevented from being obstructed by the fourth information.

<13th modification (1)>
The above-mentioned evaluation charge activation information and evaluation charge recommendation information may be regarded as a type of evaluation charge-related information, as described above.
In this case, the display conditions may be the same when the evaluation billing validation information is displayed on the display section 24 and when the evaluation billing recommendation information is displayed on the display section 24.

Furthermore, the display conditions may be different depending on whether the evaluation billing validation information is displayed on the display section 24 or when the evaluation billing recommendation information is displayed on the display section 24.
As an example and not a limitation, the condition (C1-1) may be applied as the display condition for the evaluation billing activation information. In other words, evaluation billing activation information may be displayed every time a new page is detected.
On the other hand, by way of example and not limitation, the condition (C1-2), the condition (C1-3), or both of these conditions may be applied as the display condition for the evaluation and billing recommendation information. In other words, evaluation and billing recommendation information may be displayed when it is determined that the analog content has been viewed to the end or when it is determined that a specific page of the analog content has been detected.

<13th modification (2)>
The display conditions exemplified as the conditions for displaying the evaluation billing related information in the above embodiment include, by way of example and not limitation, information regarding analog content elements (at least part of the analog content) transmitted from the terminal 20 of another user to the server 10. may also include conditions based on

In this case, as an example and not a limitation, a specific page under condition (C1-3) of the display conditions described above should include a page that satisfies at least one of the following conditions. It's okay. This may be considered to correspond to the "popular page" described in the digital content embodiment.
(C2-1) Pages where the number of evaluations is equal to or greater than the set number of times (or exceeds the set number of times) (C2-2) Pages where the number of charges is equal to or greater than the set number of times (or exceeds the set number of times) (C2-3) The charging amount is the set amount or more (or more than the set amount) (C2-4) Pages with a high evaluation ranking (1st to 3rd, as an example, not a limitation) (C2-5) A page with a high charge ranking (as an example, not a limitation) , 1st to 3rd place) (C2-6) The user's enthusiasm level calculated based on at least one of the following information: the number of evaluations, the number of charges, and the amount charged is equal to or greater than the set value (or exceeds the set value) page that is

In addition to the above, by way of example and not limitation, at least one of the following pages may be included in the popular pages.
(C2-7) Pages where the number of comments is the set number of times (or exceeds the set number of times) (C2-8) Pages where the number of comments detected by the terminal 20 is greater than or equal to the set number of times (or exceeds the set number of times)

Whether or not the analog content page is detected on the terminal 20 is determined by way of example, not limitation, each time the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 detects a page based on a captured image, etc. By transmitting information (hereinafter referred to as "page detection information") to the server 10, it is possible for the server 10 to understand the page detection information. The server 10 can then total up the number of times the page has been detected for each page. A page that has been detected on another user's terminal 20 a set number of times or more (or more than a set number of times) can also be considered as a page that has been viewed by many users.

Note that instead of using analog content elements as pages, analog content elements may be elements included in pages, and pages that include these elements and meet the same conditions as above may be designated as "popular pages." .

FIG. 13-3 is a diagram showing an example of a cartoon and a display on the terminal 20 in this modification. Here, similarly to FIG. 13-1 (2), an example is shown in which evaluation recommendation information is displayed as an example of evaluation billing related information.
In this example, as in FIG. 13-1(2), although the comment button CMBT is displayed on the display section 24, the evaluation button IBT and billing button BBT are not displayed.

Furthermore, in this example, the page opened by the user is a popular page (in this example, page 23, page 22, or both), and the terminal 20A detects that this page has been opened. Based on this, in this example, on the left side of the display section 24, evaluation recommendation information IRI3 (in this example, a speaker icon and "Many people have liked this page") are displayed. Information including the words "Let's like it too!" is displayed.

As an example and not a limitation, if the second user input by the user is made to any position of the evaluation recommendation information IRI3, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 13-3, then as shown in the lower part of FIG. A display like the one shown is displayed.
As an example and not a limitation, the display of the recommended evaluation information IRI3 is erased, and a billing button BBT and an evaluation button IBT are displayed on the right side of the display section 24. That is, the charging button BBT and evaluation button IBT, which were not displayed in the upper part of FIG. 13-3, are displayed on the display section 24.

In addition, in this example, the analog content element included in this page (by way of example and not limitation, the speech bubble of character A in the first frame of page 22) is displayed based on the first user input by the user. Of the area 24, the area corresponding to the speech bubble is displayed in a selected manner.

In this state, by way of example and not limitation, if a user inputs to the evaluation button IBT, it becomes possible to rate (like) the above line using the method described above.

In this modification, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 receives, by way of example and not limitation, information from the server 10 regarding at least one of evaluations by other users and charging (hereinafter referred to as "other user evaluation charging information"). ), and the above display conditions can be determined based on the received evaluation and billing information of other users.

In addition, in connection with this, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 displays a display based on the other user evaluation accounting information received from the server 10 (hereinafter referred to as "other user evaluation accounting related information display") on the display unit 24. You may also do so. Note that the evaluation recommendation information IRI3 shown in FIG. 13-3 may also be used as a type of user evaluation billing related information display.

Further, in this case, the other user evaluation billing related information display is based on the captured image and the other user evaluation billing information received from the server 10, and the page of the analog content imaged by the imaging section 27 in the display section 24. It may be displayed in association with, etc.

Furthermore, in this case, similarly to the thirteenth embodiment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20, based on the display condition (set condition) set as the condition for displaying the other user evaluation billing related information display, Other user evaluation billing related information display may be displayed on the display unit 24.
In this case, the display condition may be, by way of example and not limitation, that "the detected analog content page is a popular page".

FIG. 13-4 is a diagram showing an example of a comic and a display on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 in this modification.
Here, as an example and not a limitation, an analog content element (hereinafter, for convenience) that includes a certain percentage or more area (70% or more area, not a limitation) on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20. An example is shown in which the degree of enthusiasm is displayed based on the number of evaluations of a content element (referred to as an "identified analog content element").

In this case, the degree of enthusiasm may be calculated by the following formula, by way of example and not limitation.
Enthusiasm level (%) = {F/(d×y)}×100
F = Total number of evaluations of each identified analog content element d = Number of identified analog content elements y = Number of users who have read the content

Note that in this example, one user may be able to evaluate one analog content element only once, or it may not be necessary to do so.
Furthermore, the degree of enthusiasm is not limited to the above formula, and may be calculated using another formula. The above formula is just an example and is not limited thereto.

In the upper part of FIG. 13-4, on the left side of the display section 24 of the terminal 20A, enthusiasm level information ETI (in this example, the enthusiasm level is expressed with a gauge) based on the calculated enthusiasm level is displayed. There is. This example shows that the degree of enthusiasm is "87%".

By way of example and not limitation, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 13-4, when a second user inputs an arbitrary position (in this example, the gauge part) of the enthusiasm level information ETI on the display section 24, the screen shown in FIG. -4 The display shown below is displayed.
Specifically, the evaluation number icon NEIC (in this example, a star mark and An icon containing the number of ratings for the identified analog content element) is displayed.

As an example and not a limitation, as shown in the lower part of FIG. When the icon NEIC is input by the second user, evaluation confirmation information (information including the words "Do you rate this frame?", etc., as an example and not a limitation) is displayed on the display unit 24. The user of the terminal 20A can then evaluate the identified analog content element based on the approval operation being performed.

In this way, by displaying the enthusiasm level information related to the number of evaluations given by other users on the display unit 24, it is possible to make the user of the terminal 20 aware of the trends in the evaluations of other users. In addition, based on the user's input regarding the enthusiasm level information, the number of evaluations of each identified analog content element is displayed on the display unit 24, and using the display as a guide, the user can rate each identified analog content element. By making it possible to do so, it becomes possible to easily evaluate the identified analog content elements evaluated by other users.

Here, an example was shown in which enthusiasm level information is displayed based on the number of evaluations by other users, but the display is not limited to this form, and enthusiasm level information based on the number of charges and billing amount by other users can also be displayed. You can do it like this. Furthermore, enthusiasm level information calculated by combining these may be displayed.
Furthermore, each time the terminal 20 detects each page, enthusiasm level information regarding that page may be displayed on the display unit 24.

Note that when the evaluation number icon NEIC is input by the second user, by way of example and not limitation, the identified analog content element may be directly evaluated without displaying the evaluation confirmation information on the display unit 24.

The process executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 in this modification may be the same process as in FIG. 12-2.
Here, as another example of FIG. 12-2, a process in which the terminal 20 receives other user evaluation charging information from the server 10 and displays other user evaluation charging related information based on the received other user evaluation charging information is illustrated.

FIG. 13-5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of displaying other user evaluation and billing related information executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A in this modification. This process may be performed as a subroutine of the processes of FIGS. 11-8, 11-9, etc., by way of example and not limitation.

In this process, by way of example and not limitation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A first requests the server 10 for other user evaluation billing information for all pages of the target analog content, and receives this from the server 10. , is stored in the storage unit 28 in association with the analog content.
Alternatively, by way of example and not limitation, each time a new page is detected, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A requests the server 10 for the new page and other user evaluation billing information, receives this from the server 10, and then It is stored in the storage unit 28 in association with the new page of analog content.

Other user evaluation and billing information includes, by way of example and not limitation, an analog content element ID corresponding to an analog content element that has been evaluated or charged by another user, the number of times the analog content element has been evaluated by other users, the number of charges, etc. Information on at least one of the billing amounts can be included.

The analog content element ID included in the other user evaluation billing information can be, for example, the page ID (page number) of the analog content page. In other words, information regarding analog content pages that have been evaluated or charged by other users can be included.
Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and an analog content element ID corresponding to an analog content element such as a scene, a frame, or a dialogue of a manga may be included in other user evaluation billing information.
Further, the other user evaluation billing information may include an analog content ID corresponding to the entire analog content and a character ID corresponding to a character appearing in the analog content.

The control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether the display condition is satisfied (A1310). Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, it is determined whether the above-described display conditions are satisfied based on other user evaluation billing information stored in the storage unit 28.

If it is determined that the display condition is satisfied (A1310: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A sets the analog content page imaged by the imaging unit 27 in the display unit 24, by way of example and not limitation. Other user evaluation charging related information based on the other user evaluation charging information is displayed in an area corresponding to the area where the other user evaluation charging information is displayed (A1320).

It should be noted that other user evaluation billing related information is displayed on the display unit 24 in an area corresponding to an area that includes an analog content element (not a limitation, but an area where a manga is depicted on a manga page), as an example and not a limitation. Displaying this may make it difficult for users to view the content. Therefore, other user evaluation billing related information display is displayed on the display unit 24 in an area (not limited, an example of the second area) that is different from the area containing the analog content element (not limited, but an example of the first area). You may also do so. In other words, other user evaluation billing related information display may be displayed in an area of the display unit 24 that does not interfere with the content.

Next, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether the display of other user evaluation billing related information has been input by the second user via the input/output unit 23 (A1330).
If it is determined that this has been done (A1330: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A performs processing based on the other user evaluation charging related information display (A1340).

In addition, the process based on the display of user evaluation and billing related information may be, by way of example and not limitation, at least one of the following processes.
(a) Process of displaying on the display section 24 at least one of the number of evaluations, the number of charges, and the amount of charge by other users for the analog content element indicated by the display of other user evaluation and billing related information. (b) Other user evaluation and billing related information Processing that allows the user to evaluate and charge for analog content elements indicated by information display

In the process (a), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A may, by way of example and not limitation, include the number of times other users have evaluated the analog content element included in the other user evaluation and charging information acquired from the server 10, the number of times the charges have been made, the amount charged, etc. Based on the information, at least one of these pieces of information can be displayed on the display section 24.

In the process (b), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A targets the analog content element included in the other user evaluation billing information acquired from the server 10, and when performing evaluation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A performs the evaluation as shown in step A1070 of FIG. 11-8. When the evaluation request information is sent to the server 10 and billing is to be performed, the billing request information can be sent to the server 10 as in step A1072 in FIG. 11-9.

Note that it is not essential to perform these processes, and steps A1330 and A1340 may be omitted.
Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A returns the process to A1210.

If it is determined that the display condition is not satisfied in step A1210 (A1210: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether the other user evaluation billing related information display is being displayed on the display unit 24. (A1350).
If it is determined that the information is being displayed (A1350: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines whether a condition for suppressing the display of other user evaluation billing related information is satisfied (A1360). The non-display condition may be, by way of example and not limitation, a condition set as a condition for hiding the display of other user evaluation and billing related information based on the display conditions described above.

In this modification, the above set conditions are such that at least the second information described above is transmitted to the server 10 from the terminal 20 of another user (not limited to, an example of the first terminal) that is different from the user of the user's own terminal 20. It may also include conditions based on what has happened.
As an example of the effect of the modified example obtained by such a configuration, based on the fact that the second information is transmitted to the server from the first terminal of the first user who is different from the user of the terminal, the fourth information is displayed on the terminal. By displaying the analog content in the section, the user of the terminal can view the analog content at least once without worrying about evaluation or billing.

In addition, in this modification, the terminal 20 receives other user evaluation billing information (at least, but not limited to, at least the analog content for which the second information has been transmitted to the server from the first terminal of the first user different from the user of the terminal). An example of the fifth information regarding the part) is received by the communication I/F 22. The terminal 20 is configured to display, on the display unit 24, other user evaluation and charging related information display based on the received other user evaluation and charging information (not limited, but an example of a second display based on the fifth information). .
As an example of the effect of the modified example obtained by such a configuration, the terminal is configured to provide information regarding at least a portion of the analog content, the second information of which is transmitted to the server from the first terminal of the first user different from the user of the terminal. By displaying the second display based on the fifth information on the display unit after obtaining the fifth information, it is possible to notify the user of the terminal of information regarding at least a portion of the analog content that has been evaluated or charged by other users. . Moreover, this can provide the terminal user with motivation to evaluate and charge for that part.

In this case, other user evaluation billing information may be evaluation request information or The billing request information (not limited to, an example of second information) may be displayed on the display unit 24 based on the fact that it is transmitted to the server 10 more than a set number of times or more than a set number of times. .
As an example of the effect of the modified example obtained by such a configuration, based on a certain amount of second information being transmitted to the server from a terminal different from the terminal including at least the first terminal, the fifth information is transmitted to the terminal. can be displayed on the display section.

Further, in this case, the evaluation request information and the billing request information (not limited to, but an example of the second information) are sent to the server 10 by the communication I/F 22 based on the input by the user of the own terminal 20 on the second display. may be sent to.
As an example of the effect of the modified example obtained by such a configuration, the second information can be easily transmitted to the server by the user of the terminal inputting information to the second display displayed on the display section of the terminal. You can do it like this.

Further, in this case, the other user evaluation charging related information display is based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit 27 (not limited to, but an example of information detected by the detection unit) and the other user evaluation charging information. It may be displayed on the display section 24 of.
As an example of the effect of the modified example obtained by such a configuration, the second display is displayed at an appropriate position or area on the display section of the terminal based on the detection information by the detection section of the terminal and the fifth information. You can make it happen.

In addition to the above example, by way of example and not limitation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may display information on the display unit 24 based on captured images, etc. and other user evaluation billing information. Of the analog contents imaged by the imaging unit 27, positions corresponding to frames of popular pages may be displayed in color to be highlighted. In other words, when a popular page is opened by the user of the terminal 20, the user of the terminal 20 may display the frame of the popular page in color via the display unit 24.

In addition, users may evaluate and charge not only analog content pages but also other elements. In this case, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 specifies the element based on the captured image and the first user input by the user. Based on the specified element on the display unit 24, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 changes the frame of the corresponding frame if it is a scene or frame, or the outer edge of the speech bubble of the dialogue if it is a character, or For example, the outline of the character may be highlighted.

Also, by way of example and not limitation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may control the display unit 24 based on captured images, etc. and other user evaluation billing information. Of these, an area (position) corresponding to the popular page or the like in the edge, top, or bottom area of the analog content imaged by the imaging unit 27 may be highlighted.

In the upper part of Figure 13-6, as an example and not a limitation, a user wearing the terminal 20A (AR glasses) is shown lowering his or her head while pages 22 and 23 of the manga are open. The comic book is shown looking toward the land area.
On the display unit 24, the area corresponding to the popular page in the ground area GR of this comic book is displayed in an emphasized manner (as an example and not a limitation, a colored band (horizontal line) is attached to the ground area). Displayed.

After that, when the user raises his or her head and looks at the top of the comic book, a display as shown in the lower part of FIG. 13-6 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation. In this example, a part of the upper region of the comic book including the top is visible through the display unit 24. Then, in the area of the display section 24 that corresponds to the area away from the comic book above, the manga title information/manga volume number information (as an example and not a limitation, the text "XX's Great Adventure/Volume 2" is displayed) ) is displayed, and below it, page bar PB (page bar information) is displayed.

As an example and not a limitation, the page bar PB includes the characters "p.1" on the rightmost side, a triangle mark indicating the position corresponding to the current page, and the characters "p.164" on the leftmost side. It is displayed in the form of a horizontal bar (page bar) similar to a seek bar. In this example, areas of the page bar PB that correspond to popular pages are displayed in a highlighted manner (as an example and not a limitation, the corresponding areas on the bar are colored).

Note that the color of the band displayed in the ground area may be changed depending on the degree of popularity of the popular page (for example, the more popular the page, the more conspicuous or dark the page is displayed).
Similarly, the color of the corresponding area of the page bar may be changed depending on the degree of popularity of the popular page (the more popular the page, the more prominent the page is, the darker the color, etc.).

Note that the above-mentioned enthusiasm level information may be displayed when the terminal 20 is located at a position where the bottom or top of the manga is displayed.
Furthermore, in the above example, a popular page is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner to the user when the terminal 20 is positioned to project the bottom or top of the manga. The popular page may be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner to the user when the position is different from the position where the bottom or top of the manga is displayed. Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, popular pages may be displayed when the terminal 20 is positioned to display the left or right side of the manga, or when the terminal 20 is positioned not to display any part of the manga. It may be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner for the user.

In this way, by displaying popular pages in an easy-to-understand manner to users regardless of the location of the terminal 20, it is possible to visually show popular pages to users who are reading manga in an easy-to-understand manner, and it is possible to visually show popular pages to users who are reading manga in an easy-to-understand manner. User evaluation and billing can be further encouraged.

In addition to highlighting the area corresponding to the popular page in the book area illustrated in FIG. 13-6, by way of example and not limitation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may Based on the user evaluation billing information, an area of the display unit 24 corresponding to a popular page in the fore-edge or top area of the book imaged by the imaging unit 27 may be highlighted. In other words, an area corresponding to a popular page in at least one of the fore edge, top, and bottom areas of the book may be highlighted.

Specifically, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 selects, by way of example and not limitation, the display conditions (C2-1) to (C2-6) of the book pages based on other user evaluation billing information. A page that satisfies at least one of the conditions is identified as a popular page.
Then, when the fore edge of the book is imaged by the imaging unit 27 (when the fore edge of the book is captured), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 determines, by way of example and not limitation, that the display condition described above is satisfied, and displays the It is possible to specify an area corresponding to the page number of the above-mentioned popular page in the imaged fore-edge area of the portion 24, and highlight the area.
The same can be said of heaven and earth in books.

In this modification, the other user evaluation billing related information display (not a limitation, but an example of a second display) is a captured image captured by the imaging unit 27 (not a limitation, but an example of information detected by the detection unit), Analog content included in other user evaluation and charging information that is imaged by the imaging unit 27 of the terminal 20 in the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 based on the other user evaluation and charging information (an example of the fifth information, not limited) A configuration is shown that is displayed in association with an analog content element (not limited, but an example of at least a portion of analog content detected by a detection unit) identified by an element ID.
As an example of the effect of the modified example obtained by such a configuration, the second display is detected by the detection unit of the terminal in the display unit of the terminal based on the detection information by the detection unit of the terminal and the fifth information. The content can be displayed in association with at least a portion of the analog content. As a result, at least part of the analog content (by way of example and not limitation, the second information is transmitted to the server from the first terminal of the first user different from the user of the terminal) among the analog content. This makes it easier for the user of the terminal to understand where other users have made many evaluations and charges, and can improve their motivation to perform evaluations and charges.

Furthermore, in this case, the analog content element (not a limitation, but an example of at least a part of the analog content) may include an analog content page (not a limitation, but an example of a part included in the analog content).
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the second display is detected by the detection unit of the terminal in the display unit of the terminal based on the detection information by the detection unit of the terminal and the fifth information. The content can be displayed in association with a portion included in the analog content.

Further, in this case, the other user evaluation billing related information display (not a limitation, but an example of the second display) is a captured image captured by the imaging unit 27 (not a limitation, but an example of information detected by the detection unit), Based on other users' evaluation billing information (an example of the fifth information, not limited to), evaluations and billing information by other users in the edge, top, or bottom areas of the imaged analog content on the display section 24 of the terminal 20 are evaluated. It may be displayed in association with a page for which a charge has been made, or may be displayed in association with a page that includes an element for which another user has evaluated or for which a charge has been made.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the second display is detected by the detection unit of the terminal in the display unit of the terminal based on the detection information by the detection unit of the terminal and the fifth information. The analog content element may be displayed in association with a page including the analog content element in the edge, top, or bottom area of the analog content. As a result, you can check where a part of the analog content that has been evaluated or charged by other users, including at least a part of it, is located by checking the edge, top, or bottom area of the analog content through the display of the terminal. , the user of the terminal can easily understand the information.

Further, in this case, the other user evaluation billing related information display (not a limitation, but an example of the second display) is a captured image captured by the imaging unit 27 (not a limitation, but an example of information detected by the detection unit), Based on the evaluation and billing information of other users (not a limitation, but an example of the fifth information), the analog content page (not a limitation, but an example of a part included in the analog content) is evaluated and billed by other users. be displayed on the display unit 24 in a form such as a seek bar that indicates the position of a page containing an analog content element (not limited to this, but an example of a form that indicates the position of a part including at least a part of the analog content). It's okay.
As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the second display may display a portion of the display section of the terminal included in the analog content based on the detection information by the detection section of the terminal and the fifth information. The analog content element may be displayed on the display in a manner indicating the position of the portion containing the analog content element. Thereby, the user of the terminal can easily grasp the location of a portion including at least a portion of analog content that has been evaluated or charged for by another user.

<Thirteenth modification (3)>
In the above embodiment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 displays evaluation recommendation information based on the evaluation ranking (like ranking) on the display unit 24, following the seventh example (as an example, not a limitation, shown in FIG. 7-1). Alternatively, billing recommendation information based on billing rankings (donation rankings) may be displayed on the display unit 24.

Similarly, following the seventh embodiment (FIG. 7-1, by way of example and not limitation), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 detects an analog content page based on a captured image, etc. (hereinafter referred to as " The display unit 24 may display evaluation recommendation information and billing recommendation information based on the page detection time (referred to as "page detection time"). In this case, by way of example and not limitation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 causes the clock unit 29A to start timing at the timing when a page of analog content is detected, and causes the clock unit 29A to start timing at the timing when the page is no longer detected. The page detection time is measured by stopping the page. Then, by way of example and not limitation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 can display information on pages in descending order of page detection time on the display unit 24 as pages that the user is interested in. .

In addition, following the sixth embodiment (as an example, not limited to, FIG. 6-1), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 can set a bookmark on a page of analog content, and a page based on the set bookmark can be used. The display unit 24 may display information such as the following information.
Similarly, following the sixth embodiment (FIG. 6-1, by way of example and not limitation), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 causes the display unit 24 to display page information based on the friend's comments. Good too.
These pieces of information may be regarded as a type of evaluation and billing related information, by way of example and not limitation. Further, it may be regarded as a type of evaluation and billing recommendation information.

<Fourteenth example>
The fourteenth embodiment is an embodiment related to displaying information related to analog content that the user of the terminal 20 is viewing on the display unit 24.

The contents described in the fourteenth embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments and other modifications.
In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements as those already mentioned, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

<Display screen>
In the upper part of FIG. 14-1, on the left side of the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A when facing the page, there is a ranking button RBT for displaying the ranking of evaluation or billing in the AR book reader application, and analog content in the AR book reader application. A details button DBT for displaying detailed information on the element (hereinafter referred to as "detailed information" as appropriate) is displayed.

When the ranking button RBT is tapped, by way of example and not limitation, the evaluation ranking or billing ranking can be transmitted from the server 10 to the terminal 20A and displayed on the display unit 24.

As an example and not a limitation, when there is an arbitrary digital content element being selected (as an example and not a limitation, character B in the second frame on page 22), the details button DBT is displayed as shown in the upper part of Figure 14-1. If 2 users input, by way of example and not limitation, a display like the one shown at the bottom of FIG. 14-1 will be displayed.

In this example, a detailed information display area DIR containing detailed information of the selected digital content element is displayed at the top of the display unit 24.
The detailed information display area DIR contains detailed information (in this example, detailed information about character B) and a detailed evaluation button EIBT for evaluating this analog content element (in this example, a "like this character" button). button containing text), a detailed billing button EBBT for charging this analog content element (in this example, a button containing the text ``Donate to this character''), and a close button EBBT for closing this detailed information display area DIR. A button (in this example, a button containing an "x" symbol) is displayed.

By way of example and not limitation, when the detailed evaluation button EIBT is input by the second user, this character is rated (liked), by way of example and not limitation. Furthermore, when the detailed billing button EBBT is input by the second user, by way of example and not limitation, this character will be billed.

That is, in this example, when the user wants to know detailed information about character B and wants to search for it, he selects character B and clicks the details button DBT displayed on the display section 24. By inputting the information from two users, the detailed information of character B is transmitted from the server 10 to the terminal 20A and displayed on the display unit 24. Further, in this example, the above-mentioned evaluation recommendation information and charge recommendation information are displayed on the display unit 24 together with the detailed information of character B, and the user who has confirmed the detailed information of character B can directly evaluate and charge character B. It is now possible to

In this way, by displaying detailed information on the analog content elements of a manga, users can further improve their interest in the manga they are reading, and also be able to evaluate and charge for the analog content elements that are the subject of the display. By securing a conductor line that allows users to conduct evaluations and charges for analog content elements that interest them.

FIG. 14-2 is a diagram showing another example. In this example, by way of example and not limitation, information on the next volume of this manga (hereinafter referred to as "next volume information" as appropriate) is based on the detection of the back cover of the manga by the imaging unit 27 of the terminal 20. An example of displaying information such as

In the upper part of FIG. 14-2, the back cover of the manga is placed in a visible state, and the lower part of the back cover and the above-mentioned ground area of the manga are visible to the user through the display unit 24 of the terminal 20. It has become. In this example, in the display section 24, the area corresponding to the ground area of the comic book and the area corresponding to the popular page are highlighted (as an example and not a limitation, similar to the upper part of FIG. 13-6). , in which areas corresponding to popular pages are marked with colored bands (horizontal lines).

Further, in association with each area of the popular page displayed in this emphasized manner, icons related to evaluation and billing for the popular page are displayed. In this example, the evaluation icon IAIC including a star icon and the characters "p.23" is displayed in the area corresponding to page 23, and the evaluation icon IAIC including the "¥" icon and the characters "p.23" is displayed in the area corresponding to page 11. An accounting icon BAIC including the characters "113" is displayed.

In addition, at the top of the display section 24, the manga title information/manga volume number information of this manga (as an example, not a limitation, the characters "XX's Great Adventure/Volume 2") are displayed, and to the left of this is displayed. is the next volume information (as an example, not a limitation, a thumbnail image of the cover of the next volume (in this example, "○○'s Great Adventure / Volume 3")), the words "Read more", and this manga. A trial reading button (in this example, a button that includes the words "trial reading") to try reading this manga, and a digital content purchase button (in this example, a button containing the words "Purchase electronic version") to purchase digital content for this manga. ), an analog content purchase button for purchasing analog content for this manga (in this example, a button containing the words "Purchase book version"), and a button used to purchase this manga. Possible coupon buttons (in this example, an icon including the words "Now only" and a button including the words "50 yen off coupon") are displayed.

By way of example, and not limitation, if a user inputs to the evaluation icon IAIC (an icon that includes a star mark and the words "p.23", by way of example and not limitation), the lower part of Figure 14-2 A display like this will be displayed.
On this screen, the next volume information on the upper side of FIG. Detailed information on the eye frame (as an example, not a limitation, the first frame on page 23, the star mark and the text "Liked frame", the text "p.23 1st frame") and this A billing execution button BT1 (by way of example and not limitation, a button including the words "donate to this frame") for charging the digital content element is displayed.

In this way, information on the next volume of the manga is displayed on the display unit 24 after reading the main volume of the manga, so that when you are most interested in the continuation of the current volume, you can receive information on the next volume or purchase it. information related to can be shown to the user, and the user's desire to purchase can be improved. In addition, when the user finishes reading the main volume of the manga, the pages for which the user has rated or paid are clearly displayed, and by ensuring that there is an easy way to return to the analog content elements of these pages, the user can easily return to the analog content elements of these pages. Users can easily evaluate and charge analog content elements that interest them.

Although an example has been shown in which a coupon is always issued after reading a manga, the present invention is not limited to this, and a coupon may be issued when a predetermined condition is satisfied after reading a manga. Specifically, a coupon may be issued if a set amount (for example, 300 yen, not limited) or more is charged for this manga after finishing reading the manga.

In addition to the above, similarly to the third embodiment and the third modification, other users' evaluation information may be used instead of or in addition to ranking-type information (billing ranking information, evaluation ranking information, etc.). Alternatively, billing information may be transmitted from the server 10 to the terminal 20 and displayed on the display unit 24. Further, evaluation history information and billing history information of other users may be transmitted from the server 10 to the terminal 20 and displayed on the display unit 24.
Similarly, one's evaluation history information, billing history information, list information, etc. may be transmitted from the server 10 to the terminal 20 and displayed on the display unit 24.

In this way, the terminal 20 displays the evaluation history information and billing history information (not limited to, but an example of a list of at least a part of the paper media contents for which the second information has been sent to the server) of the user of the terminal 20 on the display. 24, by way of example and not limitation, the user of the terminal can check a list of at least a portion of the analog content that he or she has evaluated or charged for.

In addition, the terminal 20 may receive information such as other user evaluation history information, other user billing history information, etc. (not limited to, at least a document in which the second information is transmitted from the first terminal of the first user different from the user of the terminal to the server). By displaying (an example of a list of at least some of the media contents) on the display unit 24, the user of the terminal can, by way of example and not limitation, check a list of at least some of the analog contents that have been evaluated or charged by others. It can be done.

<Others>
(1) Content In the above embodiments, comics were mainly illustrated as the content, but the content is not limited to this.
By way of example and not limitation, the content may be books other than comics (novels, reference books, photo books, etc.) as described above.
Moreover, the content may be content other than books, such as magazines and moving images (movies, animation, etc.), by way of example and not limitation.

By way of example and not limitation, if the content is a novel, the content element may be, by way of example and not limitation, at least one of the following:
(1) The entire novel (2) Pages of the novel (3) Sentences included in the pages (4) Words and expressions included in the sentences (5) Characters in the novel Users can evaluate and charge for these content elements. It can be done.

Furthermore, by way of example and not limitation, if the content is a moving image, the content element can be, by way of example and not limitation, at least one of the following.
(1) Entire video (2) Video scene (3) Video frame (frame of movie film)
(4) Characters and Characters in Video Images Users can evaluate and charge for these content elements.

When the content is a video image, the frames are played back sequentially, so if the user wants to rate or charge, by way of example and not limitation, the user must pause the video and select the content element to rate or charge. You can also do this.
In addition, while the video is being played, the user can perform a long press operation instead of pausing, and the user can view the frames of the long press operation and the scenes in that frame period for evaluation and billing. It may be possible to make it a target.

(2) Charging Method In the above embodiment, a method was exemplified in which the user of the terminal 20 directly charges the user in legal currency using various payment methods, but the method is not limited to this.

By way of example and not limitation, the user of the terminal 20 may purchase the right to charge from the server 10 in legal currency. As an example and not a limitation, a user of the terminal 20 may purchase points that can be used for billing (hereinafter referred to as "billing points") from the server 10 via his or her own terminal 20, and these billing points may be used to charge for at least a portion of the digital content.

The points for billing may be points equivalent to legal currency (as an example, not limited, 1pt = 1 yen), or points that are not equivalent to legal currency (as an example, not limited, 1pt = 100 yen). Good too.

Further, in this case, the user of the terminal 20 may be able to set how to use the purchased charging points. As an example and not a limitation, assume that the user of the terminal 20 purchases "100pt=10,000 yen" of billing points of "1pt=100 yen".
In this case, it is possible to configure usage settings according to the genre of the content, and as an example and not a limitation, 60pt is allocated to manga (genre ``manga''), and ``60pt'' is allocated to novels (genre ``novel''). It may be possible to make settings such as allocating "40 pt" as the usage amount. In addition, it is possible to set the usage of content within the same genre, and as an example and not a limitation, assign "40pt" to manga A, "35pt" to manga B, It may also be possible to make settings such as allocating "25 pt" to C as the usage amount. Moreover, you may combine these.

In addition, rather than billing points, service points, which are a type of corporate currency and can be used not only for book reader applications but also for various services provided by the business operator, are used. The book reader application may also allow the user to make payments.

Further, in this case, the user of the terminal 20 may be able to set the usage method of the service points, similarly to the above. Specifically, it may be possible to set a part of the service points to be allocated to billing in the book reader application.

Furthermore, billing may be performed not only by legal currency or corporate currency but also by cryptographic assets or the like.

(3) Advertisement (advertisement information)
In the above embodiment, an advertisement (advertisement information) may be displayed on the display section 24 of the terminal 20 based on advertisement display conditions (set conditions).
By way of example and not limitation, the advertisement display condition may be at least one of the following:
(a) Timing when billing request information is sent from terminal 20 to server 10 (or timing when billing is settled)
(b) Timing when the evaluation request information is sent from the terminal 20 to the server 10 (c) Timing when it is determined that the content has been viewed to the end

In (a), by way of example and not limitation, the advertisement information can be transmitted from the server 10 to the terminal 20 and displayed on the terminal 20 at the above timing.
In this case, by way of example and not limitation, the server 10 may acquire advertisement information related to the content element for which the user has paid from an advertisement database (not shown) and transmit it to the terminal 20. In other words, advertising information related to the content element for which the user has paid may be displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20.

In this case, instead of or in addition to the advertising information, the server 10 transmits information indicating how many users are paying for the content element to the terminal 20, and displays the information on the terminal 20. It is also possible to do so. More specifically, information such as "*** people are paying for the same scene" or "*** people are paying for the same frame" may be included. By doing so, the user can grasp the number of other users who are paying for the same digital content element. It may also provide an incentive to charge more for the same digital content element.

In (b), by way of example and not limitation, the advertisement information can be transmitted from the server 10 to the terminal 20 at the above timing. In this case, by way of example and not limitation, the server 10 may acquire an advertisement related to the content element evaluated by the user from an advertisement database (not shown) and transmit it to the terminal 20. That is, an advertisement related to the content element evaluated by the user may be displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20.
Similarly, in place of or in addition to the advertisement information, the server 10 transmits to the terminal 20 information indicating how many users have evaluated the content element. It may be displayed.

In (c), by way of example and not limitation, when the terminal 20 determines that the content has been viewed to the end, the terminal 20 can request the server 10 to transmit advertisement information. Then, upon receiving the request, the server 10 can transmit the advertisement information to the terminal 20.
In this case, the same advertisement information is distributed from the server 10 when the content is displayed on the display unit 24 for the first time (first time) and when the content is displayed on the display unit 24 from the second time onwards. Alternatively, different advertisement information may be distributed from the server 10 and displayed on the terminal 20.

Furthermore, when advertising information is displayed on the terminal 20 as described above, targeting advertisements are distributed from the server 10 and displayed on the terminal 20 based on information on content elements that have been charged or evaluated by the user. Good too. By way of example, but not limitation, if a character is charged or evaluated, it can be determined that the user likes that character (by way of example, not limitation). Therefore, by way of example and not limitation, advertising information regarding the character (by way of example, but not limitation, advertising information for goods of the character, etc.) may be distributed from the server 10 to the terminal 20.

1 Communication system 10 Server 20 Terminal 30 Network

Claims (29)

A program executed by a terminal,
performed by the terminal, wherein the control unit of the terminal performs a first process related to charging at least a portion of the content displayed on the display unit of the terminal based on an input by a user of the terminal to the terminal; Ru. The program according to claim 1,
Displaying on the display section a first display for the control section to obtain first information including at least part of information of the content based on an input by a user of the terminal is executed by the terminal;
The first process is performed by the control unit based on the first information acquired by the control unit. The program according to claim 2,
The terminal performs control by the control unit to change the size of the first display based on an input by a user of the terminal to the first display. 4. The program according to claim 3,
The size is changed based on the time of input by the user of the terminal on the first display. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
receiving, by a communication unit of the terminal, second information regarding at least a portion of the content charged by a first user different from at least a user of the terminal;
Displaying the second information on the display unit is executed by the terminal. 6. The program according to claim 5,
The second information includes information on the amount charged by the first user to the at least some of the charges. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Displaying on the display section third information including an amount charged by the user of the terminal for at least a portion of the content based on the first process is executed by the terminal. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
receiving, by a communication unit of the terminal, information regarding benefits based on the amount charged by the user of the terminal or the number of charges;
Displaying information regarding the benefit on the display unit is executed by the terminal. 9. The program according to claim 8,
The first process includes a process related to charging for at least a part of the first content,
The information regarding the benefit includes information regarding the use of the second content related to the first content. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The terminal performs control by the control unit to change the display mode or display content of at least a portion of the content for which a user of the terminal has paid, or a portion related to at least a portion of the content. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
Displaying on the display section fourth information regarding displaying the content displayed on the display section on the display section is executed by the terminal. 12. The program according to claim 11,
Displaying the content on the display unit from the beginning is executed by the terminal based on an input to the fourth information displayed on the display unit by a user of the terminal. 13. The program according to claim 12,
The terminal displays a portion of the content on the display unit based on an input by a user of the terminal to the fourth information displayed on the display unit. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
When a part included in the content is displayed on the display unit, the first process is not performed by the control unit based on the input by the user of the terminal to the terminal, and the part is displayed on the display unit again. In this case, the first process is performed by the control unit based on an input by a user of the terminal to the terminal. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
Displaying on the display section fifth information regarding prompting for charging for at least part of the content displayed on the display section is executed by the terminal. 16. The program according to claim 15,
The fifth information includes at least information regarding billing by a first user different from the user of the terminal. 17. The program according to claim 16,
The fifth information includes information regarding at least a portion of the content for which the first user has been charged a set amount or more or a set number of times. The program according to any one of claims 15 to 17,
The fifth information includes information regarding a portion included in the content. 19. The program according to claim 18,
The fifth information includes information regarding the portion for which the time displayed on the display unit was longer than a set time. The program according to claim 18 or 19,
Displaying the portion on the display unit is executed by the terminal based on an input to the fifth information displayed on the display unit by a user of the terminal. The program according to any one of claims 15 to 20,
The fifth information is displayed on the display unit when the content is viewed to the end. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 21,
Displaying on the display unit a list of at least a portion of the content for which a user of the terminal has charged is executed by the terminal. 23. The program according to claim 22,
The control unit may perform processing related to sharing the list with a user different from the user of the terminal based on an input by a user of the terminal to the terminal on which the list is displayed on the display unit. executed by The program according to any one of claims 1 to 23,
Based on the first process, billing is settled by a server communicating with the terminal. 25. The program according to claim 24,
The payment is performed by the server every set period. 26. The program according to claim 25,
receiving from the server by the communication unit of the terminal sixth information that associates information about the amount charged by the user of the terminal during the set period with information about at least a part of the charged content; And,
Displaying the sixth information on the display unit is executed by the terminal. An information processing method of a terminal,
The method includes performing, by a control unit of the terminal, processing related to charging for at least a portion of content displayed on a display unit of the terminal based on an input by a user of the terminal to the terminal. A terminal,
A display section;
and a control unit that performs processing related to charging at least a portion of the content displayed on the display unit based on an input by a user of the terminal to the terminal. A terminal,
comprising a processor that reads a program stored in a memory and executes processing based on the program;
The processor includes:
Based on an input by a user of the terminal to the terminal, processing is performed for charging at least a portion of content displayed on a display unit of the terminal.

Images