JP5397217B2 - COMMUNICATION CONTROL DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, COMMUNICATION CONTROL SYSTEM, COMMUNICATION CONTROL METHOD, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND SERVICE PROVIDING METHOD - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a communication control device, an information processing device, a communication control system, a communication control method, an information processing method, and a service providing method .

  In recent years, various service providing systems and information distribution systems that accept requests for service use and information provision from users (users) via a network and provide desired services and information to the users have become widespread. Yes. Examples include electronic commerce using a virtual store called a net shop, Internet member services such as a social network service (SNS), sales of digital contents such as music and video, and financial trading.

  The service as described above can be provided in various forms. However, a user who wants to receive the service is mainly provided with the service by connecting a terminal used by the user to the web server. Yes. However, since there is an upper limit on the number of terminals that can be connected to the web server and the processing capacity of the web server, if service use is concentrated, users who cannot connect to the web server even if they want to use the service will appear. Therefore, a technique has been proposed in which numbered tickets are distributed to users who could not connect to the web server, and the users are connected in the order in which the connection to the web server is requested as soon as the web server is available (for example, Patent Document 1). ).

  However, among users who want to use the service but cannot connect to the web server, there may be a so-called customer who uses the service for a long time and has a large usage amount. In such a case, if the user is connected to the web server in the order in which the connection to the web server is requested without giving preferential treatment to the customer, the customer who has high purchase possibility is missed, and the sales opportunity There is a risk of losing opportunities. In view of this, as soon as the web server is available, a technique for connecting a customer with priority over other users has been proposed (Patent Documents 2 and 3).

JP 2008-204268 A JP 2003-247871 A JP 2005-182424 A

  However, even if the techniques of Patent Documents 2 and 3 are used, there is a possibility that the customer gives up the use of the service while waiting for the connection with the web server, resulting in an opportunity loss.

  This case has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to improve the certainty that a preferential customer can use the service.

In order to solve the above problem, a communication control device disclosed in the specification includes a first determination unit that determines whether or not a terminal can be newly connected to a service providing device that provides a predetermined service to a connected terminal. Whether or not the user of the terminal requesting the provision of service is a preferential candidate that may be preferentially connected to the service providing apparatus according to the user type input by the user to the terminal. If it is determined that the user of the terminal requesting the provision of the service is the candidate for preferential treatment, the user type of the user of the other terminal already connected to the service providing apparatus And whether or not the user of the terminal requesting the provision of the service is a preferential person connected with priority to the service providing apparatus based on the use status of the service of the user of the other terminal. Judge When it is determined that a terminal can be newly connected to the second determination unit and the service providing apparatus, a terminal that requests provision of the service is connected to the service providing apparatus, and the terminal is connected to the service providing apparatus. even when it is determined that it newly connected, if the user of the terminal that requests the provision of the service by the second determination unit is determined to be the preferential subjects, of the service It comprises a connecting portion for connecting the terminals requesting provided to the service providing device.

In order to solve the above problems, an information processing apparatus disclosed in the specification determines a service providing unit that provides a predetermined service to a connected terminal, and whether or not a terminal can be newly connected to the service providing unit A preferential object that a user of a terminal that requests provision of a service and a terminal that requests provision of a service may be preferentially connected to the service providing unit according to a user type input by the user to the terminal If it is determined whether or not the user of the terminal requesting the provision of the service is a candidate for the preferential treatment, it is determined whether or not it is a candidate, and the other terminal already connected to the service providing unit Based on the user type of the user of the user and the usage status of the service of the user of the other terminal, the user of the terminal requesting provision of the service is preferentially connected to the service providing unit. A person Whether a second determination unit for determining, when it is determined that the terminal can newly connected to the service providing unit connects the terminal requesting the provision of the service to the service provider, the even when it is determined that it newly connected terminal to the service providing unit, if the user of the terminal that requests the provision of the service by the second determination unit is determined to be the preferential subject Includes a connection unit that connects a terminal that requests provision of the service to the service providing unit .

In order to solve the above-described problem, the communication control system disclosed in the specification determines a service providing apparatus that provides a predetermined service to a connected terminal and whether or not a terminal can be newly connected to the service providing unit. A preferential object that may be preferentially connected to the service providing apparatus by a user type input by the user to the terminal by a first determination unit that performs the service and a terminal requesting service provision If it is determined whether or not the user of the terminal requesting the provision of the service is a candidate for the preferential treatment, it is determined whether the user is a candidate, and the other terminal already connected to the service providing apparatus based of the usage of the service of the user of the user types and user of the other terminal, Yu user of the terminal that requests the provision of the service is connected with priority to the service providing device When it is determined that a terminal can be newly connected to the second determination unit that determines whether or not the user is a target person and the service providing apparatus, a terminal that requests provision of the service is provided to the service providing apparatus. connect, even if it is determined that it newly connected terminal to the service providing apparatus, the user of the terminal that requests the provision of the service by the second judging unit is in the preferential subject If it is determined comprises a communication control device having a connecting portion for connecting the terminal requesting the provision of the service to the service providing device.

In order to solve the above problem, the communication control method disclosed in the specification determines whether or not a communication control apparatus can newly connect a terminal to a service providing apparatus that provides a predetermined service to the connected terminal. Whether or not the user of the terminal requesting the provision of service is a preferential candidate that may be preferentially connected to the service providing apparatus according to the user type input by the user to the terminal. If it is determined that the user of the terminal requesting the provision of the service is the candidate for preferential treatment, the user type of the user of the other terminal already connected to the service providing apparatus And whether or not the user of the terminal requesting the provision of the service is a preferential person connected with priority to the service providing apparatus based on the use status of the service of the user of the other terminal. Judgment If it is determined that a terminal can be newly connected to the service providing apparatus, a terminal that requests provision of the service is connected to the service providing apparatus, and it is determined that a terminal cannot be newly connected to the service providing apparatus. even if it is, if the user of the terminal that requests the provision of the service is determined to be the preferential subject connects the terminal requesting the provision of the service to the service providing device .

In order to solve the above-described problem, the information processing method disclosed in the specification determines whether a service providing server can newly provide a service to a terminal that requests service provision, and requests provision of the service. A user of the terminal to determine whether or not the user is a preferential candidate who is likely to receive the provision of the service according to the user type input by the user to the terminal; If it is determined that the user of the terminal requesting provision is the preferential candidate, the user type of the user of the other terminal that has already received the service and the user of the other terminal of on the basis of the availability of services, said priority terminal of the user requesting the provision of the service is determined whether the preferential subjects can receive providing of the service, a new said service If it is determined that it subjected provide services to terminals requesting the provision of the service, even if it is determined that it is not able to provide new service; the terminal requesting the provision of the service If the user is determined to be the preferential subject is providing the service to the terminal requesting the provision of the service.

  According to the communication control device, the information processing device, the communication control system, the communication control method, and the information processing method disclosed in the specification, the certainty that a preferential customer can use the service is improved.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the service provision system containing the communication control apparatus of this case. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a gateway apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of a service provision system. It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the function which a gateway apparatus has. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the tables which manage the user information which a storage part stores. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which a gateway apparatus performs. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which selects a cutting user from a nonmember reference user. FIG. 8A shows an example of data stored in the status management table, and FIG. 8B shows an example of data stored in the comparison product number management table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which selects a cutting | disconnection user from the non-member selection user. FIG. 10A shows an example of data stored in the status management table, and FIG. 10B shows an example of data stored in the purchase schedule management table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which selects a cutting | disconnection user from users after a non-member settlement. FIG. 12A shows an example of data stored in the status management table, and FIG. 12B shows an example of data stored in the purchase history management table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process of step S60 of FIG. 14A to 14C show an example of data stored in the status management table, and FIG. 14D shows purchase schedule management when the status management table is in the state shown in FIG. An example of data stored in a table is shown. It is a figure which shows another example of the relationship between the tables which manage the user information which a storage part stores. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the process which determines a cutting | disconnection user. It is the figure which showed the specific example of the data stored in each table shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of a structural example of a service provision system. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a service provision server.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the structure of the service provision system containing the communication control apparatus of this case is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a service providing system including the communication control device of the present case.

  1, a service providing system 100 includes service use terminals 10A to 10D, a network 20, a gateway device (communication control device) 30, a service providing server (service providing device) 40, and a congestion display server (congestion information providing device) 50. Is provided.

  The service use terminals 10A to 10D are terminals operated by a user who receives a service provided from the service providing server 40, and can be a personal computer. The service using terminals 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D are connected to the network 20 and receive provision of a predetermined service (for example, electronic commerce) from the service providing server 40 via the network 20.

  The network 20 is a communication network such as the Internet or a WAN (Wide Area Network), for example, and enables data transmission / reception between terminals and devices connected to the network 20. In the present embodiment, the network 20 enables data transmission / reception between the service using terminals 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D and the gateway device 30.

  The gateway device 30 is connected to the network 20, the service providing server 40, and the congestion display server 50. The gateway device 30 receives a connection request to the service providing server 40 from the service using terminals 10A to 10D via the network 20. The connection request is a signal that requests the service using terminals 10A to 10D to provide a service. Upon receiving the connection request, the gateway device 30 connects the service use terminals 10A to 10D to the service providing server 40 or the congestion display server 50.

  The service providing server 40 is a server computer, for example, and is connected to the gateway device 30. The service providing server 40 provides a predetermined service to the service using terminal connected to the service providing server 40 by the gateway device 30. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the service providing server 40 provides an article purchase (so-called online shopping) service to a connected service using terminal.

  The congestion display server 50 is a server computer, for example, and is connected to the gateway device 30. The congestion display server 50 displays the congestion status of the service providing server 40 on the service using terminal connected to the congestion display server 50 by the gateway device 30.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the gateway device 30 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the gateway device 30.

  The gateway device 30 includes an input / output unit 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a central processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) 303, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 304, and a hard disk drive (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) 305. Prepare.

  The input / output unit 301 transmits and receives data and signals between the service providing server 40 and the congestion display server 50 via the network 20. The ROM 302 stores a program for determining whether or not a service using terminal that requests service provision is connected to the service providing server 40. The CPU 303 reads and executes a program stored in the ROM 302. Also, the functions of the connection determination unit 311, the user determination unit 313, and the connection unit 314 shown in FIG. 4 are executed by calculation by the CPU 303 of the program stored in the ROM 302. The RAM 304 stores temporary data used when executing the program.

  The HDD 305 stores information about the user. Specifically, information on whether or not the user is registered as a member, purchase history information including products purchased by the user and information on the amount of money, the last date and time when the user used the service, the user's member rank, etc. It is.

  Here, the outline | summary of the service provision system 100 mentioned above is demonstrated easily using FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the service providing system 100.

  In FIG. 3, it is assumed that the service using terminals 10B to 10D have already been connected to the service providing server 40 and have received the service. Further, it is assumed that the users B to D of the service using terminals 10B to 10D are general users who have not registered as members (hereinafter, also referred to as non-members) when receiving the service. Further, it is assumed that the upper limit of service use terminals connectable to the service providing server 40 is three. In this situation, it is assumed that the gateway device 30 has received a connection request from the service using terminal 10A that has not yet been connected to the service providing server 40. Since the user A of the service using terminal 10A is a member, it is assumed that the user A is a preferential target connected to the service providing server 40 in preference to the general user.

  In this case, the gateway device 30 has received the connection request from the service use terminal 10A, but the number of service use terminals already connected to the service providing server 40 has reached the upper limit. The service providing server 40 cannot be connected. However, the user A of the service using terminal 10A is a preferential person connected to the service providing server 40 in preference to the general user. Therefore, the gateway device 30 selects any one of the service use terminals 10B to 10D, for example, the service use terminal 10B, and disconnects the connection between the service use terminal 10B and the service providing server 40. Then, the number of service use terminals connected to the service providing server 40 is 2, and a new service use terminal can be connected. The gateway device 30 newly connects the service using terminal 10A to the service providing server 40, so that the user A can receive the service. The gateway device 30 can also connect the service use terminal 10 </ b> B disconnected from the service providing server 40 to the congestion display server 40. When the user A of the service use terminal 10A is a general user, it is not necessary to connect the service use terminal 10A with priority to the service providing server 40, so the gateway device 30 congests the service use terminal 10A. Connect to the display server 50.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of a function that the gateway device 30 has in order to realize the service providing system 100 described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of functions that the gateway device 30 has.

  The gateway device 30 includes a connection availability determination unit (first determination unit) 311, a storage unit 312, a user determination unit (second determination unit) 313, and a connection unit 314.

  When the connection request is received from the service use terminals 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> D, the connection availability determination unit 311 acquires the operating state of the service providing server 40. For example, the connection availability determination unit 311 acquires the processing load of the service providing server 40 and the number of service using terminals connected to the service providing server 40.

  The connection possibility determination unit 311 determines whether or not a service using terminal can be newly connected to the service providing server 40 based on the acquired operating state. Since there is an upper limit on the number of service use terminals that can be connected to the service providing server 40, the connection availability determination unit 311 determines that the number of service use terminals connected to the service providing server 40 has reached the upper limit. It can be determined that the service using terminal cannot be newly connected. Even when the number of connected service using terminals has not reached the upper limit, when the processing load of the service providing server 40 is high, there is a possibility that the server will be down if a new terminal is connected. Accordingly, the connection availability determination unit 311 can also determine that a service using terminal cannot be newly connected even when the processing load of the service providing server 40 exceeds a predetermined threshold. The connection possibility determination unit 311 outputs the determination result to the connection unit 314.

  The storage unit 312 includes, for example, a RAM 304, an HDD 305, and the like, and stores user information related to service users provided by the service providing server 40. The storage unit 312 stores member information including a user ID and a password for determining whether the user is a member of the service. Here, the user information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between tables for managing user information stored in the storage unit 312.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the user information stored in the storage unit 312 is managed using a status management table, a purchase history management table, a comparison product number management table, and a purchase schedule management table. An example of data stored in each table will be described later. Here, an overview of each table and items included in each table will be described.

  The status management table is a table that stores information about service using terminals connected to the service providing server 40. The status management table shows the session number. , IP address, last access time, member level, usage status, and member number. Session No. Is a connection number assigned to a service using terminal connected to the service providing server 40, and the gateway device 30 manages the service using terminal connected to the service providing server 40 using the connection number. The IP address represents the physical IP address of the service using terminal connected to the service providing server 40. The last access time represents the time when the service using terminal last accessed the service providing server 40. The member level indicates whether the user of the service using terminal is a registered member with membership registration or a non-member without membership registration.

  The purchase history management table is a table for storing products purchased by the user, purchase amounts, and the like. The purchase history table includes items of a member number, purchase date, product type, product model number, unit price, purchased number, and amount subtotal. The member number represents a member number of a registered member or a member number temporarily assigned to a general user. The purchase date represents the date when the user of the member number purchased the product. The product type represents the type of product (for example, liquid crystal television, iron, washing machine, etc.) purchased by the user of the membership number on the date of purchase. The product model number represents the model number of the product purchased by the user with the membership number. The unit price represents the unit price of the product purchased by the user with the membership number, and the number of purchases represents the number of products purchased. The amount subtotal represents the amount obtained by multiplying the unit price by the number of purchases.

  The comparison product number management table is a table for managing the number of compared products when the user compares the products. The comparison product number management table includes a session number. , Last access time, reference comparison product number, and reference product average price. Session No. described in the previous section. Description of the last access time is omitted. The number of reference comparison products represents the number of times a product detail information page prepared for each product page is selected or viewed. For example, on a liquid crystal television page, 20 products are displayed, and a product detail information page is prepared for each of the 20 products. In this case, it is possible to count how many product detail information pages the user has selected or browsed, and the number can be used as the reference comparison product number. Each product page may display products of a plurality of product categories (for example, a liquid crystal television and an HDD recorder) together. The reference product average price represents an amount obtained by dividing an amount obtained by adding each unit price of the referenced product by the number of comparison products. The average price of the reference product can be used as a guide for the planned purchase unit price.

  The purchase schedule management table is a table for managing information on products that the user intends to purchase. The purchase schedule management table shows the session number. , The last access time, the number of input characters, and the total amount of products to be purchased. Session No. described in the previous section. Description of the last access time is omitted. The number of input characters represents the number of characters input by inputting a destination or the like when purchasing a product. Note that the input of kanji may be counted as two characters. The planned purchase total amount represents the total amount of items selected to be purchased (for example, items in a cart or basket).

  In FIG. 5, the status management table and the purchase history management table can be associated with each other by a member number. Each of the status management table, the comparison product number management table, and the purchase schedule management table includes a session number. Can be linked by.

  Returning to FIG. The user determination unit 313 is a service that requests the provision of a service based on information input by the user to the service using terminal or based on information input by the user and user information stored in the storage unit 312. It is determined whether the user of the user terminal is a preferential person. Here, the preferential target person refers to a person who is connected to the service providing server 40 with priority over users of other service using terminals. For example, a user who is a member of a predetermined service can be a preferential person who connects to the service providing server 40 in preference to a non-member user. In this case, the user determination unit 313 can determine whether or not the user is a registered member based on whether or not the correct member number and password have been input. The user determination unit 313 can determine that the user is a preferential person when the user is a registered member, and can determine that the user is a non-preferential person when the user is a nonmember. The user determination unit 313 outputs the determination result to the connection unit 314.

  The connection unit 314 receives the determination results from the connectability determination unit 311 and the user determination unit 313, respectively. When it is determined that the service using terminal can be newly connected to the service providing server 40, the connecting unit 314 connects the service using terminal that has transmitted the connection request to the service providing server 40. Even if it is determined that the service use terminal cannot be newly connected to the service providing server 40, the connection unit 314 determines that the user is a preferential person, and connects to another connected service use terminal. Instead, the service use terminal of the preferential person is connected to the service providing server 40. Specifically, the connection between the other service use terminal that has already been connected and the service providing server 40 is disconnected, and the service use terminal of the preferential person is connected to the service providing server 40. Thereby, the preferential treatment target person can receive the service from the service providing server 40 without waiting for the connection with the service providing server 40. In addition, when it is determined that the service use terminal cannot be newly connected to the service providing server 40 and the user is determined to be a non-preferred person, the connection unit 314 displays the service use terminal as a congestion display server. Connect to 50.

  The connection unit 314 connects another service use terminal disconnected from the service providing server 40 to the congestion display server 50 in order to connect the service use terminal of the preferential person to the service providing server 40. be able to.

  In addition, the connection unit 314 can determine a service using terminal that disconnects the connection with the service providing server 40 with reference to each table stored in the storage unit 312. How the connection unit 314 determines the service using terminal that disconnects the connection with the service providing server 40 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 to 14 and specific data examples.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the gateway device 30. In this flowchart, a user who is a registered member is a preferential person.

  The connection possibility determination unit 311 determines whether or not a connection request has been received from the service using terminals 10A to 10D (step S10). When the connection request is not received (step S10 / NO), the connection possibility determination unit 311 repeats the process of step S10 until the connection request is received.

  When the connection request is received (step S10 / YES), the connection determination unit 311 determines whether the number of service use terminals connected to the service providing server 40 has reached the upper limit (step S12). When the number of service using terminals has not reached the upper limit (step S12 / NO), the connection unit 314 newly connects the service using terminal that transmitted the connection request to the service providing server 40 (step S26), and ends the process. To do.

  When the number of service using terminals has reached the upper limit (step S12 / YES), the user determining unit 313 determines whether the user of the service using terminal that transmitted the connection request is a member (step S14).

  When the user is not a registered member (step S14 / NO), the connection unit 314 connects the service use terminal that has transmitted the connection request to the congestion display server 50 (step S16), and ends the process. When the user is a member (step S14 / YES), the connection unit 314 determines whether or not a non-member reference user exists among the users of the service using terminals connected to the service providing server 40 ( Step S18). Here, the reference user refers to a user who simply browses / refers to a screen provided by the service providing server 40 without performing a purchase operation of a product.

  When there is a non-member reference user (step S18 / YES), the connection unit 314 executes a process of selecting a disconnected user to be disconnected from the service providing server 40 from among the non-member reference users. (Step S30). Here, the details of the process of selecting a disconnected user from the reference users will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of selecting a disconnected user from non-member reference users.

  In FIG. 7, the connection unit 314 acquires user information stored in the storage unit 312, and acquires the comparison number of products (reference products) referenced by non-member reference users (step S <b> 31).

  Next, the connection unit 314 selects one user from the non-member reference users and sets it as a disconnected user candidate (step S32). The connection unit 314 determines whether or not a user who has not confirmed whether or not to be a disconnected user candidate exists among non-member reference users (step S33).

  When there is an unconfirmed user (step S33 / YES), the connection unit 314 acquires the next user from non-member reference users (step S34). Next, the connection unit 314 determines whether or not the comparison number of the reference product of the current disconnected user candidate is larger than the comparison number of the acquired reference product of the user (Step S35).

  That the comparison number of the current disconnected user candidates is larger than the comparison number of the acquired user means that the comparison number of the acquired reference product of the user is the lowest among the confirmed users. Therefore, when the comparison number of the current disconnected user candidates is larger than the acquired user comparison number (step S35 / YES), the connection unit 314 selects the acquired user as a disconnected user candidate (step S36). This is because a user who compares various products is considered to have a higher willingness to purchase. When the process of step S36 ends, the connection unit 314 returns to step S33. When the comparison number of the reference products is the same, the connection unit 314 determines that the user who last accessed the service providing server 40 last time or the user with the lowest unit price of the compared product is a disconnected user candidate. good. When the reference product comparison number of the current disconnected user candidate is smaller than the acquired reference product comparison number of the user (step S35 / NO), the connection unit 314 returns to the process of step S33 without changing the disconnected user candidate. .

  When the confirmation has been completed for all the non-member reference users (step S33 / NO), the connection unit 314 sets the disconnected user candidate as a disconnected user (step S37), and ends this processing.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the description will be continued. When the process of step S30 ends, the connection unit 314 disconnects the connection between the service user terminal of the disconnected user selected in the process of step S30 and the service providing server 40 (step S24). Then, the connection unit 314 newly connects the service use terminal that has transmitted the connection request to the service providing server 40 (step S26), and ends the process.

  Here, the process of determining a disconnected user through the process of step S30 will be described using the specific data shown in FIG. FIG. 8A shows an example of data stored in the status management table, and FIG. 8B shows an example of data stored in the comparison product number management table. In the member level item of the status management table, “0” represents a non-member and “1” represents a member. As for the usage status item, “0” indicates that the page is being referred to, “1” indicates that some product has been selected and placed in the cart, and “3” indicates that processing such as accounting is being executed. The state during settlement, “4” represents the state after settlement in which the accounting process has been completed.

  Here, it is assumed that the number of service using terminals that can be connected to the service providing server 40 is ten, and that ten service using terminals are currently connected to the service providing server 40. Further, it is assumed that the user of the service using terminal that transmitted the connection request is a member.

  Since the number of service using terminals connected to the service providing server 40 is the maximum (step S12 / YES), the user determining unit 313 determines whether the user of the service using terminal that has transmitted the connection request is a member ( Step S14). Since the user is a member (step S14 / YES), the connection unit 314 refers to the status management table, and among the users of the service using terminals managed in the status management table, a non-member reference user exists. Is determined (step S18). That is, in the status management table shown in FIG. 8A, it is determined whether or not there is a user whose member level value is “0” and whose usage status value is “0”.

  In the status management table shown in FIG. 8A, there are users (session numbers 01, 04, and 05) whose member level value is “0” and whose usage status value is “0”. (Step S18 / YES). Accordingly, the connection unit 314 proceeds to the disconnected user selection process (step S30). The connection unit 314 reads the session number from the comparison product number management table. The data of 01, 04, and 05 are extracted, and the reference comparison product number is acquired (step S31). Next, the connection unit 314, for example, the session number. The user 01 is set as a disconnected user candidate (step S32). Since there are still users (session Nos. 04 and 05) who have not yet determined whether or not to become a disconnected user candidate (step S33 / YES), the connection unit 314 determines that the next user, for example, session no. 04 user is acquired (step S34). Then, the session No. that is the current disconnected user candidate is displayed. 01 reference comparison product number and session No. The number of reference comparison products of 04 is compared (step S35). In this case, session no. The reference comparison product number 2 of 04 is a session No. that is the current disconnected user candidate. It is smaller than the reference comparison product number 3 of 01 (step S35 / YES). Therefore, the connection unit 314 has the session number. The user 04 is set as a disconnected user candidate (step S36).

  At this stage, since there is a user (session No. 05) who has not determined whether or not to become a disconnected user candidate (step S33 / YES), the connection unit 314 determines that the next user, that is, session No. 05 is acquired (step S34). Then, the session No. that is the current disconnected user candidate is displayed. 04 reference comparison product number and session No. The number of reference comparison products of 05 is compared (step S35). Session No. The reference comparison product number 3 of 05 is the session number that is the current disconnected user candidate. It is larger than the reference comparison product number 2 of 04 (step S35 / NO). Therefore, the connecting unit 314 returns to the process of step S33 without changing the disconnected user candidate.

  Since the connection unit 314 has confirmed all the non-member reference users (step S33 / NO), the connection unit 314 has a session No. as a disconnected user candidate. The user 04 is a disconnected user (step S37). Thereby, in the example of FIG. The service using terminal managed in 04 is disconnected from the service providing server 40 (step S24), and the service using terminal that has transmitted the connection request is newly connected to the service providing server 40 (step S26).

  The flowchart of FIG. 6 will be further described. If there is no non-member reference user among the users of the service using terminals connected to the service providing server 40 (step S18 / NO), the connection unit 314 determines whether there is a non-member selected user. Is determined (step S20). Here, the selected user refers to a user who has selected a product to be purchased and put it in a cart or basket. When there is a non-member selected user (step S20 / YES), the connection unit 314 executes a process of selecting a disconnected user from among the non-member selected users (step S40). Here, the details of the process of selecting a disconnected user from among non-member selected users will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of selecting a disconnected user from non-member selected users.

  In FIG. 9, the connection unit 314 obtains the total amount (scheduled purchase total amount) of products that the non-member selected user plans to purchase (products in the cart) (step S <b> 41). Next, the connection unit 314 selects one user from among the non-members being selected and sets it as a disconnected user candidate (step S42).

  The connection unit 314 determines whether or not there is a user who has not confirmed whether or not to be a disconnected user candidate among non-member selected users (step S43). When there is an unconfirmed user (step S43 / YES), the connection unit 314 acquires the next user from among the non-member selected users (step S44). Next, the connection unit 314 determines whether or not the current planned purchase total amount of the disconnected user candidate is larger than the acquired total purchase planned amount of the user (step S45).

  The current purchase planned total amount of the disconnected user candidate is larger than the acquired total purchase planned amount of the user, which means that the acquired total purchase planned amount of the user is the lowest among the confirmed users. Accordingly, when the total planned purchase price of the current disconnected user candidate is larger than the acquired total purchase price of the user (step S45 / YES), the connection unit 314 sets the acquired user as the disconnected user candidate (step S46). Return to step S43. This is because it is considered that it is less loss for a company that provides a service to disconnect a user with a small total purchase plan amount. When the purchase planned total amount of the current disconnected user candidate is smaller than the acquired total purchase planned amount of the user (step S45 / NO), the connection unit 314 returns to the process of step S43.

  When the confirmation has been completed for all the non-member selected users (step S43 / NO), the connection unit 314 sets the disconnected user candidate as a disconnected user (step S47), and ends this process.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the description will be continued. After the process of step S40 is completed, the connection unit 314 disconnects the connection between the service user terminal of the disconnected user selected in the process of step S40 and the service providing server 40 (step S24). Then, the connection unit 314 newly connects the service use terminal that has transmitted the connection request to the service providing server 40 (step S26), and ends the process.

  Here, using the specific data shown in FIG. 10, the process of determining the disconnected user through the process of step S40 will be described. FIG. 10A shows an example of data stored in the status management table, and FIG. 10B shows an example of data stored in the purchase schedule management table.

  Here, it is assumed that the number of service using terminals that can be connected to the service providing server 40 is ten, and that ten service using terminals are currently connected to the service providing server 40. Further, it is assumed that the user of the service using terminal that transmitted the connection request is a member.

  Since the number of service using terminals connected to the service providing server 40 is the maximum (step S12 / YES), the user determining unit 313 determines whether the user of the service using terminal that has transmitted the connection request is a member ( Step S14). Since the user is a member (step S14 / YES), the connection unit 314 refers to the status management table. Since there is no non-member reference user in the status management table of FIG. 10A (step S18 / NO), the connection unit 314 determines whether there is a non-member selected user (step S20). ). That is, in the status management table shown in FIG. 10A, a user whose member level value is “0” meaning a non-member and whose usage status value is “1” indicating a selected state. It is determined whether or not it exists.

  In the status management table shown in FIG. 10A, there are users (session numbers 01, 04, and 07) whose member level value is “0” and whose usage status value is “1”. (Step S20 / YES). Accordingly, the connection unit 314 proceeds to the disconnected user selection process (step S40).

  The connection unit 314 reads the session number from the purchase schedule management table. The data of 01, 04, and 07 are extracted, and the total purchase planned amount is acquired (step S41). Next, the connection unit 314, for example, the session number. The user 01 is set as a disconnected user candidate (step S42). Since there are still users (session Nos. 04 and 07) that have not yet been determined whether or not to become disconnected user candidates (step S43 / YES), the connection unit 314 determines that the next user, for example, session no. 04 user is acquired (step S44). Then, the connection unit 314 displays the session No. that is the current disconnected user candidate. 01 total purchase price and session No. The total purchase price of 04 is compared (step S45). In this case, session no. 04 total purchase price of 2,700 yen is the session No. that is the current disconnected user candidate. It is smaller than the total purchase price 42,100 yen of 01 (step S45 / YES). Therefore, the connection unit 314 has the session number. The user 04 is set as a disconnected user candidate (step S46).

  At this stage, since there is a user (session No. 07) that has not been determined whether or not to become a disconnected user candidate (step S43 / YES), the connection unit 314 determines that the next user, that is, session no. 07 user is acquired (step S44). Then, the session No. that is the current disconnected user candidate is displayed. 04, the total price of the product to be purchased, and the session number. The total price of the products scheduled for purchase in 07 is compared (step S45). Session No. The total purchase price 35,000 yen of 07 is the session number that is the current disconnected user candidate. This is larger than the total purchase price of 2,700 yen for 04 (NO in step S45). Therefore, the connection unit 314 returns to the process of step S43 without changing the disconnected user candidate.

  Since the connection unit 314 has confirmed all the extracted selected users (step S43 / NO), the connection unit 314 determines the session No. that is a disconnected user candidate. The user 04 is a disconnected user (step S47). Thereby, in the data shown in FIG. The service using terminal managed in 04 is disconnected from the service providing server 40 (step S24), and the service using terminal that has transmitted the connection request is newly connected to the service providing server 40 (step S26).

  Returning to FIG. 6, the description of the flowchart will be continued. When there is no non-member selected user (step S20 / NO), the connection unit 314 determines whether there is a non-member post-settlement user (step S22). Here, the post-settlement user refers to a user who has completed accounting related to the purchase of a product. When a non-member settlement user exists (step S22 / YES), connection part 314 performs processing which chooses a disconnected user from non-member settlement users (step S50). Here, a process for selecting a disconnected user from non-member users after settlement will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for selecting a disconnected user from non-member users after settlement.

  In FIG. 11, the connection unit 314 acquires the total amount of money purchased by the non-member user after payment (total purchase amount) (step S51). Next, the connection unit 314 selects one user from the non-member post-settlement users and sets it as a disconnected user candidate (step S52).

  The connection unit 314 determines whether or not there is a user who has not confirmed whether or not to be a disconnected user candidate among non-member users after settlement (step S53). When there is an unconfirmed user (step S53 / YES), the connection unit 314 acquires the next user from the non-member users after settlement (step S54). Next, the connection unit 314 determines whether or not the current purchase total amount of the disconnected user candidate is larger than the acquired total purchase amount of the user (step S55).

  That the purchase total amount of the current disconnected user candidate is larger than the acquired purchase total amount of the user is that the acquired total purchase amount of the user is the lowest among the confirmed users. Accordingly, when the purchase total amount of the current disconnected user candidate is larger than the acquired total purchase amount of the user (step S55 / YES), the connecting unit 314 sets the acquired user as the disconnected user candidate (step S56), and step Return to S53. When the current purchase total amount of the disconnected user candidate is smaller than the acquired total purchase amount of the user (step S55 / NO), the connection unit 314 returns to the process of step S53.

  When the confirmation has been completed for all the non-member users after settlement (step S53 / NO), the connection unit 314 sets the disconnected user candidate as the disconnected user (step S57), and ends this process.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the description will be continued. When the process of step S50 ends, the connection unit 314 disconnects the connection between the service user terminal of the disconnected user selected in the process of step S50 and the service providing server 40 (step S24). Then, the connection unit 314 newly connects the service use terminal that has transmitted the connection request to the service providing server 40 (step S26), and ends the process.

  Here, the process of determining a disconnected user through the process of step S50 will be described using the specific data shown in FIG. FIG. 12A shows an example of data stored in the status management table, and FIG. 12B shows an example of data stored in the purchase history management table.

  Here, it is assumed that the number of service using terminals that can be connected to the service providing server 40 is ten, and that ten service using terminals are currently connected to the service providing server 40. Further, it is assumed that the user of the service using terminal that transmitted the connection request is a member.

  Since the number of service using terminals connected to the service providing server 40 is the maximum (step S12 / YES), the user determining unit 313 determines whether the user of the service using terminal that has transmitted the connection request is a member ( Step S14). Since the user is a member (step S14 / YES), the connection unit 314 refers to the status management table. In the status management table shown in FIG. 12A, the connection unit 314 has no non-member reference user (step S18 / NO), and there is no non-member selected user (step S20 / NO). It is determined whether there is a post-settlement user (step S22). That is, in the status management table shown in FIG. 12A, there is a user whose member level value is “0” meaning non-member and whose usage status value is “4” meaning after settlement. Judge whether to do.

  In the status management table shown in FIG. 12A, there are users (session numbers 01, 05, and 08) whose member level value is “0” and usage status value is “4”. (Step S22 / YES). Accordingly, the connection unit 314 proceeds to the disconnected user selection process (step S50). In the status management table, the session No. Member numbers of users 01, 05, and 08 are N000001, N000003, and N000005. Therefore, the connection unit 314 extracts the data of the membership numbers N000001, N000003, and N000005 from the purchase history management table. Then, the connection unit 314 further extracts only the data for which the purchase date is today (in the case of FIG. 12 (B), December 14, 2009) from the extracted data, and obtains the total purchase amount. (Step S51). The total purchase amount for each user can be acquired by summing the subtotal for each member number. Since the extracted user is a non-member, it does not actually have a member number. However, here, in order to manage the purchase history, it is assumed that a member number starting with N and managed by a 6-digit number is assigned to a non-member at the time of connection.

  Next, the connection unit 314, for example, the session number. The user 01 is set as a disconnected user candidate (step S52). Since there are still users (session Nos. 05 and 08) who have not yet determined whether or not to become a disconnected user candidate (step S53 / YES), the connection unit 314 determines that the next user, for example, session no. 05 is acquired (step S54). Then, the connection unit 314 displays the session No. that is the current disconnected user candidate. 01 total purchase amount and session no. The total purchase amount of 05 is compared (step S55). In this case, session no. The total purchase amount of 56,800 yen of 05 is the session No. that is the current disconnected user candidate. The total purchase price of 01 is smaller than 380,800 yen (step S55 / YES). Therefore, the connection unit 314 has the session number. The user 05 is set as a disconnected user candidate (step S56), and the process returns to step S53. Note that session no. The total purchase amount of 380,800 yen of 01 is the session No. in the purchase history management table. It is obtained by summing up the subtotal of the member number N000001 assigned to 01. In addition, session no. The total purchase amount 56,800 yen of 05 is the session No. in the purchase history management table. It is obtained by summing up the subtotal of the member number N000003 assigned to 05.

  At this stage, since there is a user (session No. 08) that has not been determined whether or not to become a disconnected user candidate (step S53 / YES), the connection unit 314 determines that the next user, that is, session no. The user 08 is acquired (step S54). Then, the session No. that is the current disconnected user candidate is displayed. 05 user total purchase amount and session No. The total purchase amount of user 08 is compared (step S55). Session No. The total purchase amount of 148,000 yen of 08 is the session number that is the current disconnected user candidate. The total purchase price of 05 is larger than 56,800 yen (step S55 / NO). Accordingly, the connection unit 314 returns to the process of step S53.

  Since the confirmation has been completed for all the non-member users after settlement (step S53 / NO), the connection unit 314 determines the session No. 05 user is a disconnected user (step S57). Thereby, in the data shown in FIG. The service using terminal managed in 05 disconnects the connection with the service providing server 40 (step S24), and newly connects the service using terminal that has transmitted the connection request to the service providing server 40 (step S26).

  Returning to FIG. 6, the description of the flowchart will be continued. When there is no non-member settlement user (step S22 / NO), the connection unit 314 performs a comparison of connected users and a selection process of disconnected users (step S60). Details of the processing in step S60 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process of step S60. In addition, when performing the process of step S60, the user connected to the service providing server 40 is either a member or a user who is paying. Further, “being settled” means a state in which the user is performing an accounting process related to the purchase of a product.

  In FIG. 13, the connection unit 314 determines whether there is a user who is not paying among the users connected to the service providing server 40 (step S <b> 61). When there is a user who is not paying (step S61 / YES), the connection unit 314 sets the corresponding user as a disconnected user (step S65) and ends the process (step S69). That is, according to the processing of steps S61 and S65, even if the user is a member, if the user is not paying, the user can be a disconnected user. When there are a plurality of users who are not paying, the user with the lowest average price of the reference product may be a disconnected user.

  When there is no user who is not paying (step S61 / NO), the connection unit 314 determines whether there is a non-member user (step S62). When there is a non-member user (step S62 / YES), the connection unit 314 sets the corresponding user as a disconnected user (step S65), and ends the process. When there are a plurality of non-member users, the user with the lowest planned purchase price may be a disconnected user.

  When there is no non-member user (step S62 / NO), the connection unit 314 selects one user from the connected users (step S63).

  The connection unit 314 acquires the purchase planned total amount of the selected user (step S64). Next, the connection unit 314 determines whether or not the current planned purchase total amount of the disconnected user candidate is larger than the total planned purchase amount of the selected user (step S66). Here, it is confirmed that the planned purchase total amount of the current disconnected user candidate is larger than the planned purchase total amount of the selected user, whether or not the planned purchase total amount of the selected user is a disconnected user candidate It is the lowest among users. Note that when a user is first selected, there is no disconnected user candidate, so the first selected user may be a disconnected user candidate without undergoing the process of step S66. Alternatively, a dummy cutting user candidate is set in advance, and the planned purchase total amount is initially set to a large value such as 99.99 million yen so that the first selected user becomes a cutting user candidate. You can also

  When the current planned purchase total amount of the disconnected user candidate is larger than the total planned purchase amount of the selected user (step S66 / YES), the connecting unit 314 sets the selected user as the disconnected user candidate (step S67). When the total planned purchase price of the current disconnected user candidate is smaller than the total purchase planned price of the selected user (step S66 / NO), or after the process of step S67, the connection unit 314 becomes a disconnected user candidate. It is determined whether there is a user who has not confirmed whether or not (step S68). When there is an unconfirmed user (step S68 / YES), the connection unit 314 returns to step S63 and continues the process. When there is no unconfirmed user (step S68 / NO), the connection unit 314 sets the disconnected user candidate as a disconnected user (step S69), and ends the process.

  Here, the process of determining the disconnected user through the process of step S60 will be described using the specific data shown in FIG. 14A to 14C show an example of data stored in the status management table. FIG. 14D shows an example of data stored in the purchase schedule management table when the status management table is in the state shown in FIG.

  Here, it is assumed that the number of service using terminals that can be connected to the service providing server 40 is five, and that five service using terminals are currently connected to the service providing server 40. Further, it is assumed that the user of the service using terminal that transmitted the connection request is a member. In addition, it is assumed that dummy cutting user candidates are set, and the total purchase planned product amount is 99.99 million yen.

  Since the number of service using terminals connected to the service providing server 40 is the maximum (step S12 / YES), the user determining unit 313 determines whether the user of the service using terminal that has transmitted the connection request is a member ( Step S14). Since the user is a member (step S14 / YES), the connection unit 314 refers to the status management table. In the status management table shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, there is no non-member reference user (step S18 / NO), and there is no non-member selected user (step S20 / NO). Furthermore, there are no non-member users after settlement (step S22 / NO). Therefore, the connection unit 314 executes the process of step S60.

  In the status management table shown in FIG. 14A, there is a user (session No. 03) whose usage status is not being settled (“3”) (YES in step S61). Therefore, the connection unit 314 has the session number. Even if the user of 03 is a member, session no. The user 03 is a disconnected user (step S65). As a result, session no. The service using terminal managed in 03 is disconnected from the service providing server 40 (step S24), and the service using terminal that has transmitted the connection request is newly connected to the service providing server 40 (step S26).

  In the status management table shown in FIG. 14B, there is no user whose usage status is not being settled (“3”) (step S61 / NO). Therefore, the connection unit 314 determines whether there is a non-member user (step S62). In the status management table shown in FIG. 14B, there is a non-member user (session No. 01) (step S62 / YES). Therefore, the connection unit 314 has the session number. The user 01 is a disconnected user (step S64). As a result, session no. 01 is disconnected from the service providing server 40 (step S24), and the service using terminal that has transmitted the connection request is newly connected to the service providing server 40 (step S26).

  In the status management table shown in FIG. 14C, there is no user whose usage status is not being settled (“3”) (step S61 / NO). Further, there are no non-member users (step S62 / NO). Therefore, the connection unit 314 determines, for example, the session number from the status management table. 01 user is selected (step S63). Next, the connection unit 314 obtains a session number from the purchase schedule management table shown in FIG. A total purchase price of 01 is acquired (step S64). Next, the connection unit 314 displays the total purchase price of the current disconnected user candidate and the session number. The total purchase price of the 01 user's planned purchase product is compared (step S66). Session No. The total purchase price of 42,100 yen for 01 is smaller than the planned purchase price of 99.99 million yen for the current disconnected user candidate set as a dummy (step S66 / YES). Therefore, the connection unit 314 has the session number. The user 01 is set as a disconnected user candidate (step S67). Next, since there is an unconfirmed user (step S68 / YES), the connection unit 314 selects the next user (step S63).

  The connection unit 314, for example, as a next user, session No. 02 user is selected (step S63). The connection unit 314 reads the session number from the purchase schedule management table. The total purchase price of 02 is acquired (step S64). Session No. The total purchase price 2,700 yen of the purchase planned product No. 02 is the session No. that is the current disconnected user candidate. It is smaller than the total purchase price 42,100 yen of 01 (step S66 / YES). Therefore, the connection unit 314 has a session number. 02 user is a disconnected user candidate (step S67). Since there is an unconfirmed user (step S68 / YES), the connection unit 314 returns to step S63 and continues the processing.

  When the processes in steps S63 to S68 described above are repeated, the disconnected user candidate in FIGS. 04 users. As a result, session no. The connection between the service using terminal managed in 04 and the service providing server 40 is disconnected (step S24), and the service using terminal that has transmitted the connection request is newly connected to the service providing server 40 (step S26).

  As is clear from the above description, according to the present embodiment, even when the connection availability determination unit 311 determines that a service use terminal cannot be newly connected to the service providing server 40, a service provision is requested. If the user determination unit 313 determines that the user of the terminal is a preferential person, the connection unit 314 replaces the other terminal already connected to the service providing server 40 with the terminal of the preferential person. Connect to. Thereby, the certainty that the user who is a preferential treatment person can receive provision of a service improves. In addition, since the user who is the preferential person can receive the service without waiting for the connection with the service providing server 40, the possibility of distracting from the purchase is reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a customer who is willing to purchase is missed and an opportunity loss that misses a sales opportunity occurs. In addition, without disconnecting other terminals connected to the service providing server 40, if the user is a preferential person, a new connection is made to the service providing server 40, and a user other than the preferential symmetric person newly connects to the service providing server 40. You may comprise so that it may not.

  In addition, the connection unit 314 is connected to the service providing server 40 based on user information (for example, usage status, product comparison number, planned purchase price, etc.) of a user who is already connected to the service providing server 40. The service using terminal that disconnects the connection is determined. As a result, the possibility of disconnecting the connection with a user who is willing to purchase can be reduced, and the possibility of an opportunity loss occurring can be reduced.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. Is possible.

  For example, the method for determining the disconnected user is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be changed based on the policy of the company that provides the service. For example, as a table stored in the storage unit 312, a product reference status management table shown in FIG. 15 can be used.

  The product reference status management table includes a session number. , Last access time, and category nesting level. Session No. Since the last access time has already been described, the description is omitted. The category nesting level represents the depth of the hierarchy until the product page currently referred to is reached. For example, it is assumed that the user is referring to a liquid crystal television page. In order to reach the page of the liquid crystal television, it is necessary to go through the page of top page> home appliance> AV> liquid crystal television, the category nesting level is 4. In addition, for example, the user wants to refer to the page of the product “washing machine”, but the currently referred page is one higher than “washing machine”, “vacuum cleaner”, “iron”, and the like. Suppose that it is a household appliance that is a hierarchy of. In this case, in order to reach the home appliance page referenced by the user, the top page> home appliance> domestic appliance is passed through, so the category nesting level is 3. The product reference status management table includes a session number. Can be associated with the status management table.

  In addition, using each table shown in FIG. 15, the disconnected user can be determined by the flowchart shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for determining a disconnected user, which is different from the above embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a specific example of data stored in each table shown in FIG. In the status management table of FIG. 17A, the member level items include “0” representing a non-member, “2” representing a premium member whose past purchase amount or the like satisfies a certain condition, and a member other than the premium member It is assumed that “1” representing a general member is set. In addition, the usage status items indicate “0” before product reference, “1” indicating product page reference, “2” indicating product comparison, “3” indicating product selection, and payment in progress. “4” and “5” representing after settlement are set. The state before referring to the product refers to, for example, a state in which the user is referring to a screen (top page) that is displayed first when connecting to the service providing server 40. Further, referring to the product page means a state in which the user has moved from the top page to the product page but has not browsed the detailed information page of the product. Further, "comparison of products" refers to a state in which products are compared by browsing the detailed information page of the products.

  Next, the flowchart of FIG. 16 will be described. Using the status management table shown in FIG. 17A, the connection unit 314 determines whether there is a nonmember, that is, a user with a member level “0” (step S81). If a non-member user exists (step S81 / YES), the connection unit 314 extracts only the record of the non-member user from the status management table (step S82), and sets the extracted record as a processing target. The process from S85 to step S94 is executed. When there is no non-member user (step S81 / NO), the connection unit 314 determines whether or not a general member, that is, a user with a member level “1” exists in the status management table (step S83). . When a general member exists (step S83 / YES), the connection unit 314 extracts only the general member record from the status management table (step S84), and performs the processing of steps S85 to S94 with the extracted record as a processing target. Run. If there is no general member (step S83 / NO), the connection unit 314 executes the processing of steps S85 to S94 with all data in the status management table as processing targets.

  The connection unit 314 determines whether or not a user whose usage status is “0”, that is, a user who is referring to the top page exists in the processing target record (step S85). When there is a user whose usage status is “0” (step S85 / YES), the connection unit 314 has the oldest user who has the last access time stored in the status management table among the users whose usage status is “0”. Is a disconnected user (step S86), and the process is terminated.

  When there is no user whose usage status is “0” (step S85 / NO), the connection unit 314 determines whether there is a user whose usage status is “1”, that is, a user who is referring to the product page. (Step S87). When there is a user whose usage status is “1” (step S87 / YES), the connection unit 314 uses the product reference status management table shown in FIG. The users with the lowest category nesting level are extracted and set as disconnected users (step S88). Then, the connection unit 314 ends the process.

  When there is no user whose usage status is “1” (step S87 / NO), the connection unit 314 determines whether there is a user whose usage status is “2” (step S89). When there is a user whose usage status is “2” (step S89 / YES), the connection unit 314 uses the comparison product count management table shown in FIG. The user with the smallest number of reference comparison products is extracted and set as the disconnected user (step S90). Then, the connection unit 314 ends the process. In addition, when there are a plurality of users having the same number of reference comparison products, the user with the smallest reference product average price can be a disconnected user.

  When there is no user whose usage status is “2” (step S89 / NO), the connection unit 314 determines whether there is a user whose usage status is “3”, that is, a user who is selecting a product (step S89). S91). When there is a user whose usage status is “3” (step S91 / YES), the connection unit 314 uses the purchase schedule management table shown in FIG. 17D to select from the users whose usage status is “3”. The user with the lowest number of input characters is extracted and set as a disconnected user (step S92). And the connection part 314 complete | finishes this process.

  When there is no user whose usage status is “3” (step S91 / NO), the connection unit 314 determines whether there is a user whose usage status is “5”, that is, a user after settlement (step S93). ). When there is a user whose usage status is “5” (step S93 / YES), the connection unit 314 uses the purchase history management table shown in FIG. The user with the lowest total purchase amount for today is extracted and set as the disconnected user (step S94). And the connection part 314 complete | finishes this process.

  When there is no user whose usage status is “5” (step S93 / NO), the connection unit 314 selects a disconnected user from among users whose usage status is “4” in the status management table, that is, users who are paying. Determine (step S95). Regardless of whether the user is a non-member, a general member, or a premium member, the connection unit 314 uses the comparative product count management table shown in FIG. From these, the user with the lowest reference product average price is extracted and set as the disconnected user (step S95). In addition, it is good also considering a user with the lowest planned purchase price as a disconnected user using a purchase plan management table instead of a reference goods average price.

  As described above, the selection method of the disconnected user can be changed depending on which user the company wants to preferentially treat. Further, the table for managing user information is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and any table can be added and deleted in order to realize a desired selection method.

  Further, in FIG. 13, if all the extracted users are in a state of being settled, even if the user of the service using terminal that transmitted the connection request is a member, it is new until the settlement of any user is completed. The connection may not be performed. A newly connected user does not always purchase a product. Therefore, there is a case where the loss for the company is larger when the user who is paying is disconnected. Therefore, as soon as the user during settlement finishes the settlement process, the user to be preferentially connected is connected to the service providing server 40, thereby securing sales and reducing loss caused by losing sales opportunities. it can.

  In FIG. 6, the connection unit 314 has disconnected the connection between the service user terminal of the disconnected user and the service providing server 40, but the disconnected service user terminal is replaced with the congestion information of the service providing server 40. Can be connected to the congestion display server 50 for informing the user. Thereby, the possibility that the disconnected user may be dissatisfied with the service provider is reduced. When the service providing server 40 is ready to connect a new service using terminal, the service using terminal connected to the congestion display server 50 may be reconnected to the service providing server 40. At this time, the usage state before the service using terminal is connected to the congestion display server 50 is reproduced when the service providing server 40 is reconnected, so that the convenience of the user is improved and the service providing server 40 Dissatisfaction with having been disconnected can be reduced.

  Further, in step S12 of FIG. 6, the connection possibility determination unit 311 determines whether or not a new service use terminal can be connected to the service providing server, depending on the number of service use terminals that can be connected to the service providing server 40. However, whether or not the connectability determination unit 311 can connect a new service using terminal to the service providing server based on the processing load of the service providing server 40 in addition to or instead of the above condition. It may be determined.

  In the above description, the gateway device 30 includes the storage unit 312 that stores user information. However, the service providing server 40 includes a storage unit that stores user information as illustrated in FIG. Also good. In this case, the user determination unit 313 and the connection unit 314 of the gateway device 30 can acquire user information from the service providing server 40. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the service providing server 40 may be configured to have the functions of the gateway device 30.

  In the above description, the service providing server 40 and the congestion display server 50 connected to the gateway device 30 are each one, but a plurality of servers may be provided.

  The congestion display server 50 is a server that displays the congestion information of the service providing server 40, but may be a server that can provide only a limited service from among the services provided by the service providing server 40. For example, a user connected to the congestion display server 50 cannot purchase or settle a product, but can browse and compare the product.

  In the above-described embodiment, the service providing server 40 provides the online shopping service. However, the service providing server 40 may be a server that provides emergency information during a disaster or the like. In this case, the government office or local government can be preferentially targeted, and emergency information can be provided with priority over other connections. As a result, in the event of a disaster, it is possible to increase the certainty that government offices and local governments can obtain emergency information when necessary.

  The functions of the gateway device 30 or the service providing server 40 can be realized by a computer. In that case, a program describing the processing contents of the functions that the gateway device 30 or the service providing server 40 should have is provided. By executing the program on a computer, the above processing functions are realized on the computer. The program describing the processing contents can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  When the program is distributed, for example, it is sold in the form of a portable recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) on which the program is recorded. It is also possible to store the program in a storage device of a server computer and transfer the program from the server computer to another computer via a network.

  The computer that executes the program stores, for example, the program recorded on the portable recording medium or the program transferred from the server computer in its own storage device. Then, the computer reads the program from its own storage device and executes processing according to the program. The computer can also read the program directly from the portable recording medium and execute processing according to the program. Further, each time the program is transferred from the server computer, the computer can sequentially execute processing according to the received program.

In addition, the following additional notes are disclosed regarding the above description.
(Supplementary Note 1) A first determination unit that determines whether or not a terminal can be newly connected to a service providing apparatus that provides a predetermined service to a connected terminal, and a user of the terminal that requests provision of the service, A second determination unit that determines whether or not the user is a preferential treatment connected to the service providing apparatus; and when it is determined that a terminal can be newly connected to the service providing apparatus, the service Even if it is determined that a terminal requesting the provision of the service is connected to the service providing apparatus and it is determined that the terminal cannot be newly connected to the service providing apparatus, the user of the terminal requesting the provision of the service is a preferential target. And a connection unit that connects a terminal that requests the provision of the service to the service providing apparatus when it is determined that the user is an authorized person.
(Supplementary Note 2) When the first determination unit determines that a terminal cannot be newly connected to the service providing apparatus, the connection unit disconnects another terminal already connected to the service providing apparatus. The communication control device according to appendix 1, wherein the other terminal is connected to the congestion information providing device that notifies the congestion information of the service providing device.
(Supplementary note 3) The communication control according to supplementary note 2, wherein the connection unit determines the other terminal based on user information of a user of a terminal already connected to the service providing apparatus. apparatus.
(Additional remark 4) The said 2nd determination part stores the information acquired from the said service provision apparatus, or user information whether the user of the terminal which requests | requires provision of the said service is a preferential treatment person. The communication control device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein the determination is made based on information acquired from a storage unit.
(Additional remark 5) When it determines with a terminal not being newly connectable to the said service provision apparatus including the case where the processing load of the said service provision apparatus exceeds the predetermined threshold value from the additional remark 1 characterized by the above-mentioned 5. The communication control device according to any one of 4.
(Supplementary Note 6) When it is determined that a terminal cannot be newly connected to the service providing apparatus, the number of terminals that have established a connection with the service providing apparatus is equal to the number of terminals that can be connected to the service providing apparatus. The communication control device according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, including a case where the upper limit is reached.
(Supplementary Note 7) The user information used by the connection unit to determine the other terminal includes the usage status, the number of comparison products, the planned purchase price, the total purchase price, and the number of input characters of the user of the other terminal. The communication control device according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, including a customer class and a connection time.
(Supplementary note 8) A service providing unit that provides a predetermined service to a connected terminal, a first determination unit that determines whether or not a terminal can be newly connected to the service providing unit, and a service request A second determination unit that determines whether or not the user of the terminal to be a preferential person connected with priority to the service providing apparatus and a terminal can be newly connected to the service providing apparatus. If a terminal requesting the provision of the service is connected to the service providing apparatus, it is requested to provide the service even when it is determined that a terminal cannot be newly connected to the service providing apparatus. An information processing apparatus comprising: a connection unit that connects a terminal that requests provision of the service to a service providing apparatus when it is determined that the user of the terminal is a preferential person.
(Supplementary note 9) A service providing apparatus that provides a predetermined service to a connected terminal, a first determination unit that determines whether or not a terminal can be newly connected to the service providing unit, and a request for service provision A second determination unit that determines whether or not the user of the terminal to be a preferential person connected with priority to the service providing apparatus and a terminal can be newly connected to the service providing apparatus. If a terminal requesting the provision of the service is connected to the service providing apparatus, it is requested to provide the service even when it is determined that a terminal cannot be newly connected to the service providing apparatus. A communication control device having a connection unit that connects a terminal that requests provision of the service to a service providing device when it is determined that the user of the terminal is a preferential person Control system.
(Supplementary Note 10) The communication control device determines whether or not a terminal can be newly connected to a service providing device that provides a predetermined service to the connected terminal, and a user of the terminal that requests provision of the service, A terminal that determines whether or not a preferential target is connected to the service providing apparatus and determines that a new terminal can be connected to the service providing apparatus, and requests the provision of the service Even if it is determined that a terminal cannot be newly connected to the service providing apparatus, the user of the terminal requesting provision of the service is determined to be a preferential person. And a communication control method for connecting a terminal requesting provision of the service to a service providing apparatus.
(Supplementary Note 11) The service providing server determines whether or not a new service can be provided to a terminal requesting service provision, and the user of the terminal requesting service provision provides the service preferentially. If it is determined whether or not it is a preferential person who can receive the service, and if it is determined that the service can be newly provided, the service is provided to the terminal requesting the provision of the service, and the service cannot be newly provided. Even if it is determined, if it is determined that the user of the terminal requesting the provision of the service is a preferential person, providing the service to the terminal requesting the provision of the service, A characteristic information processing method.

10A, 10B, 10C, 10D ... service using terminal 30 ... gateway device 40 ... service providing server 50 ... congestion display server 311 ... connectability determining unit 312 ... storage unit 313 ... user determining unit 314 ... connecting unit

Claims (11)

A first determination unit that determines whether or not a terminal can be newly connected to a service providing apparatus that provides a predetermined service to the connected terminal;
Whether or not a user of a terminal requesting provision of a service is a candidate for preferential treatment that may be preferentially connected to the service providing apparatus according to a user type input by the user to the terminal. If it is determined that the user of the terminal requesting the provision of the service is the preferential treatment candidate, the user type of the user of another terminal already connected to the service providing apparatus and Based on the usage status of the service of the user of the other terminal , it is determined whether or not the user of the terminal requesting the provision of the service is a preferential target connected to the service providing apparatus. A second determination unit that
When it is determined that a terminal can be newly connected to the service providing apparatus, it is determined that a terminal that requests provision of the service is connected to the service providing apparatus, and a terminal cannot be newly connected to the service providing apparatus. even when an, if the user of the terminal that requests the provision of the service by the second determination unit is determined to be the preferential subjects, said terminal requesting the provision of the service A connection unit connected to the service providing device;
A communication control device comprising:   When the first determination unit determines that a terminal cannot be newly connected to the service providing apparatus, the connection unit disconnects the other terminal already connected to the service providing apparatus, and The communication control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the other terminal is connected to a congestion information providing apparatus that notifies congestion information of the providing apparatus.   The communication control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the connection unit determines the other terminal based on user information of a user of a terminal already connected to the service providing apparatus. The second determination unit, the information the user of the terminal that requests the provision of the services whether or not the preferential subject, acquired from the service providing device, or storage unit for storing user information The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the determination is based on information acquired from the communication device.   The case where it is determined that a terminal cannot be newly connected to the service providing apparatus includes a case where the processing load of the service providing apparatus exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The communication control device according to claim 1.   If it is determined that a terminal cannot be newly connected to the service providing apparatus, the number of terminals that have established a connection with the service providing apparatus has reached the upper limit of the number of terminals that can be connected to the service providing apparatus. The communication control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A service providing unit for providing a predetermined service to the connected terminal;
A first determination unit for determining whether a terminal can be newly connected to the service providing unit;
Whether or not a user of a terminal requesting provision of a service is a candidate for preferential treatment that may be preferentially connected to the service providing unit according to a user type input by the user to the terminal. If it is determined that the user of the terminal requesting the provision of the service is the preferential candidate, the user type of the user of another terminal already connected to the service providing unit and Based on the usage status of the service of the user of the other terminal , it is determined whether or not the user of the terminal requesting the provision of the service is a preferential person connected with priority to the service providing unit. A second determination unit that
When it is determined that a terminal can be newly connected to the service providing unit, it is determined that a terminal that requests provision of the service is connected to the service providing unit, and a terminal cannot be newly connected to the service providing unit. even when an, if the user of the terminal that requests the provision of the service by the second determination unit is determined to be the preferential subjects, said terminal requesting the provision of the service A connection to connect to the service provider ;
An information processing apparatus comprising: A service providing apparatus that provides a predetermined service to a connected terminal;
A first determination unit for determining whether a terminal can be newly connected to the service providing device ;
Whether or not a user of a terminal requesting provision of a service is a candidate for preferential treatment that may be preferentially connected to the service providing apparatus according to a user type input by the user to the terminal. If it is determined that the user of the terminal requesting the provision of the service is the preferential treatment candidate, the user type of the user of another terminal already connected to the service providing apparatus and Based on the usage status of the service of the user of the other terminal , it is determined whether or not the user of the terminal requesting the provision of the service is a preferential target connected to the service providing apparatus. A second determination unit that
When it is determined that a terminal can be newly connected to the service providing apparatus, it is determined that a terminal that requests provision of the service is connected to the service providing apparatus, and a terminal cannot be newly connected to the service providing apparatus. even when an, if the user of the terminal that requests the provision of the service by the second determination unit is determined to be the preferential subjects, said terminal requesting the provision of the service A communication control device having a connection unit connected to the service providing device;
A communication control system comprising: Communication control device
Determine whether the terminal can be newly connected to a service providing apparatus that provides a predetermined service to the connected terminal;
Whether or not a user of a terminal requesting provision of a service is a candidate for preferential treatment that may be preferentially connected to the service providing apparatus according to a user type input by the user to the terminal. If it is determined that the user of the terminal requesting the provision of the service is the preferential treatment candidate, the user type of the user of another terminal already connected to the service providing apparatus and Based on the usage status of the service of the user of the other terminal , it is determined whether or not the user of the terminal requesting the provision of the service is a preferential target connected to the service providing apparatus. And
When it is determined that a terminal can be newly connected to the service providing apparatus, it is determined that a terminal that requests provision of the service is connected to the service providing apparatus, and a terminal cannot be newly connected to the service providing apparatus. even when an, if the user of the terminal that requests the provision of the service is determined to be the preferential subject connects the terminal requesting the provision of the service to the service providing device,
A communication control method characterized by the above. Service providing server
Determine whether a new service can be provided to a terminal requesting the service,
It is determined whether or not the user of the terminal requesting the provision of service is a preferential candidate who may receive the provision of the service in preference to the user type input by the user to the terminal. If it is determined that the user of the terminal requesting the provision of the service is the preferential treatment candidate, the user type of the user of the other terminal already receiving the service and the other on the basis on the availability of the service for the user of the terminal, it determines whether the user of the terminal that requests the provision of the service is preferential subjects can receive providing of said priority service,
If it is determined that it provides newly the service provides a service to the terminal requesting the provision of the service, even if it is determined that it is not able to provide new the service, providing the service when the terminal of the user requesting is determined to be the preferential subject is providing the service to the terminal requesting the provision of the service,
An information processing method characterized by the above. In a service providing method by a service providing apparatus that provides a predetermined service to a connected terminal,
When the service providing device exceeds the upper limit for permitting connection, the service provision is performed by referring to a storage unit storing user information including a user type and usage status of the predetermined service for each user. Identify user information including the user type and usage status of the second user of the terminal connected to the device,
Whether the first user is a preferential candidate that may be preferentially connected to the service providing device according to the user type of the first user of the terminal that requests provision of the predetermined service. If the first user is determined to be the preferential candidate, the first user is determined based on the user type and usage status of the specified second user. If it is determined whether to give priority to the second user over the second user, and it is determined to give priority to the first user over the second user, the specified Executes the process of disconnecting the connection of the second user's terminal and permits the connection of the terminal of the first user
A service providing method for causing a computer to execute processing.

Images