JP5599844B2 - Pricing system, pricing system control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a price determination system, a price determination system control method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system (social networking service) for sharing information within a user group having a friendship with a user is known. Patent Document 1 describes a social networking service in which, when a user uses a predetermined service, billing processing is executed for the user.

JP 2007-206823 A

  However, in the prior art, the price of goods and services purchased by users (simply called charging services) is constant, and the number of users who use charging services cannot be increased sufficiently. For example, it may be possible to increase the number of users who use the billing service by reducing the price during a predetermined period. However, when this period ends, the user returns to the original price. It could not be increased sufficiently. Therefore, for example, it is desired to increase the number of users who use the billing service by utilizing the characteristics of the social networking service.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a price determination system, a control method for the price determination system, and a program capable of increasing the number of users who use a billing service. It is.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a price determination system according to the present invention is a user who associates a price fluctuation unit that fluctuates a current price of purchase target data purchased by a user with a first user and a second user. Means for acquiring the user group data from means for storing group data; and when the first user has purchased the purchase target data, the second user associated with the first user is the purchase target. When the first user purchases the purchase target data at a price different from the current price of the purchase target data changed by the price changing means as the price of the purchase target data when purchasing data And price determining means for determining based on the price of the purchase target data.

  Moreover, the control method of the price determination system according to the present invention includes a price fluctuation step for changing a current price of purchase target data purchased by a user, and user group data in which a first user and a second user are associated with each other. Acquiring the user group data from the storing means; and when the first user purchases the purchase target data, the second user associated with the first user purchases the purchase target data. When the first user purchases the purchase target data, the price of the purchase target data when the first user purchases the purchase target data is different from the current price of the purchase target data changed in the price fluctuation step. And a price determining step for determining based on the price of the target data.

  In addition, the program according to the present invention includes a price change unit that changes a current price of purchase target data purchased by a user, a user group data that associates a first user with a second user, and a user group data that is associated with the user. Means for acquiring group data, the purchase target data when the second user associated with the first user purchases the purchase target data when the first user has purchased the purchase target data; A price different from the current price of the purchase target data that has been changed by the price changing means, based on the price of the purchase target data when the first user has purchased the purchase target data. And price determining means for determining.

  An information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium recording the above program.

  In addition, the price determination system according to the present invention stores a price fluctuating unit that fluctuates the current price of goods or services purchased by the user, and a user group data that associates the first user with the second user. And when the first user purchases the product or the service, the second user associated with the first user purchases the product or the service. When the first user purchases the product or the service at a price different from the current price of the product or the service changed by the price changing unit as the price of the product or the service And price determining means for determining based on the price of the product or the service.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the number of users who use the billing service.

In the aspect of the invention, the price determination unit may be configured to store the purchase target data when the second user purchases the purchase target data when the second user purchases the purchase target data. Price comparison means for comparing the price determined based on the price and the current price of the purchase target data changed by the price change means, and the price of the purchase target data changed by the price change means When the current price is higher than the price determined based on the price of the purchase target data when the first user purchases the purchase target data, the first user purchases the purchase target data. When the second user associated with the first user purchases the purchase target data at a price determined based on the price of the purchase target data when Determining the price of the purchased data, characterized in that.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the price determination system includes: means for acquiring the sales number data from means for storing the sales number data relating to the number of sales or the number of sales available for the purchase target data; And means for determining the number of the second users who can purchase the purchase target data at the determined price based on the number of sales or the number of available sales indicated by the sales number data. And

  In one aspect of the present invention, the price determination system includes means for acquiring the sales quantity data from means for storing the sales quantity data relating to the sales quantity or the sales possible quantity of the purchase target data, and the second user. Further comprising means for determining a period during which the purchase target data can be purchased at a price determined by the price determination means based on the number of sales or the number of available sales indicated by the sales number data. And

  In the aspect of the present invention, the price determination system is associated with the second user when the second user purchases the purchase target data at a price determined by the price determination unit. Means for executing a process for granting a reward to the first user.

  Moreover, in one aspect of the present invention, the price determination system includes means for accepting designation by the first user among second users associated with the first user, and the price determination means includes The price of the purchase target data when the second user designated by the first user among the second users associated with the first user purchases the purchase target data, It is determined based on the price of the purchase target data when the first user purchases the purchase target data.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the price determination system further includes means for acquiring the purchase history data from means for storing the purchase history data indicating a purchase history of the purchase target data by the first user. And the price determination means determines whether the first user associated with the second user has purchased the purchase target data in the past when the second user purchases the purchase target data. Determining means based on the purchase history data, and when the first user associated with the second user has purchased the purchase target data in the past, the first user When the purchase target data is purchased, the price determined based on the price of the purchase target data is determined by the second user associated with the first user by the purchase target data. Determining the price of the purchased data when purchasing data, characterized in that.

  In the aspect of the invention, the price determination system may be configured such that when the first user purchases the purchase target data, the price determination unit determines that the second user associated with the first user is the price determination unit. Purchase price generation means for generating purchase qualification data indicating that the purchase target data is eligible for purchase at the determined price, and storing the purchase qualification data in the purchase qualification data storage means; Means for determining whether the purchase qualification data is stored in the purchase qualification data storage means when the second user associated with the first user purchases the purchase target data; And the purchase qualification data is stored in the purchase qualification data storage means, before the first user purchases the purchase target data. Determining a price determined based on a price of the purchase target data as a price of the purchase target data when the second user associated with the first user purchases the purchase target data; Features.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the price determination system which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen for a user performing purchase operation of purchase object data. It is a block diagram which shows the function implement | achieved by the price determination system. It is a figure which shows the data storage example of user group data. It is a figure which shows the example of a data storage of purchase object master data. It is a figure showing an example of data storage of purchase history data. It is a figure which shows the flow of a process in a price determination system. It is a figure which shows the flow of a process in a price determination system. It is a functional block diagram of the price determination system of Embodiment 2. It is a figure which shows the data storage example of purchase qualification data. It is a figure which shows the flow of a process in the price determination system of Embodiment 2. It is a figure which shows the flow of a process in the price determination system of Embodiment 2. It is a figure which shows the data storage example of sales number data. It is a figure which shows correlation with the conditions regarding the number of sales of purchase object data, and the number of purchaseable users. It is a figure which shows the data storage example of the purchase history data in Embodiment 3. It is a figure which shows correlation with the conditions regarding the number of sales of purchase object data, and a purchase possible period. It is a figure which shows the example of data storage of the purchase history data in Embodiment 4. It is a figure which shows the data storage example of the purchase history data in Embodiment 6.

[1. Embodiment 1]
Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The price determination system according to the present invention determines the price of purchase target data whose price fluctuates under a predetermined condition. The purchase target data is data that is purchased by a user as a product, for example, data that is given to a charged user. In the present embodiment, a case where a user purchases application software (for example, game software) will be described as an example of purchase target data.

[1-1. Overall configuration of pricing system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a price determination system according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the price determination system S includes, for example, one or a plurality of server devices 1 under the management of a system administrator and one or a plurality of user devices 10 used for a user operation. Consists of including. The devices constituting the price determination system S are connected via a network N so that data communication is possible.

  The server device 1 is a known server computer. For example, the server device 1 includes a control unit 2 including a CPU, a storage unit 3 including an HDD and a RAM, an operation unit 4 including a keyboard and a mouse, an input unit 5 including a DVD playback device, a liquid crystal monitor, and the like Including a display unit 6 and a communication unit 7 including a network card or the like.

  The control unit 2 controls each unit of the server device 1 based on an operating system stored in the storage unit 3, a program read from the input unit 5, and the like. The storage unit 3 stores various programs, various data (for example, data indicating the current date and time), and the like. The operation unit 4 inputs various operation signals to the control unit 2. The input unit 5 reads data, programs, and the like from various storage media. The communication unit 7 communicates with other terminals via the network N.

  The user device 10 is a known computer such as a personal computer, a game machine (such as a home game machine or a portable game machine), or a portable information terminal (for example, a mobile phone). For example, the user device 10 includes a control unit 11 including a CPU, a storage unit 12 including a flash memory and a RAM, an operation unit 13 including a touch panel and various buttons, and an input unit 14 including a memory card slot. And a display unit 15 including a liquid crystal panel and the like, and a communication unit 16 including a network card or the like for performing wireless communication or wired communication.

  For example, the control unit 11 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 12. The storage unit 12 stores data necessary for the control unit 11 to execute the program, data indicating the current date and time, and the like. The operation unit 13 inputs various operation signals to the control unit 11. The input unit 14 reads programs and data from various storage media. The communication unit 16 communicates with other terminals via the network N.

  For example, a user operates a user device 10 to use a social networking service that shares information with other users who are friends. “A user who has a friendship with a certain user” means the same as a user associated with a certain user.

  Users can communicate with other friends who are friends by using social networking services. For example, the user registers data indicating his / her diary in the server device 1 by operating the user device 10. This diary can only be viewed by a user who has a friendship with the user who registered the diary. In the social networking service, various known methods can be applied as a method for the user to communicate with other users.

  In the present embodiment, the user can purchase the purchase target data by operating the user device 10. For example, the user can purchase application software such as game software, word processing software, spreadsheet software, and image editing software. The user can perform purchase operation of purchase target data from a predetermined screen.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen on which the user performs a purchase operation of purchase target data. As shown in FIG. 2, the purchase screen 20 includes a list 21 indicating purchase target data candidates that the user can purchase, a price 22 indicating a charge amount when the user purchases the purchase target data, and purchase target data. Remarks column 23 indicating the contents of the item, price description, etc., button 24 for the user to select purchase target data, button 25 for the user to instruct purchase of the purchase target data, to cancel the purchase of the purchase target data Button 26 is displayed. The user relies on the display content of the purchase screen 20 to perform the purchase operation of the purchase target data.

  The current price of the purchase target data fluctuates under a predetermined condition. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the current price of purchase target data is reduced when a certain period comes. That is, during a period when the price of the purchase target data is low (hereinafter referred to as a time sale period), the user can purchase the purchase target data at a price lower than the normal price (hereinafter referred to as a discount price).

  In the case shown in FIG. 2, “word processor software A” is sold at a normal price, while “game software B” is sold at a discount price. When the time sale period ends, the “game software B” returns to the normal price.

  In the price determination system S of the present embodiment, when a certain user purchases purchase target data at a discount price, a user who has a friendship relationship with this user, for example, discounts the regular price even if the time sale period ends. The data can be purchased at a price. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 2, “spreadsheet software C” is outside the time sale period, but since the friend of the user has purchased in the time sale period in the past, C "can be purchased at a discounted price. Hereinafter, details of the present technology will be described.

[1-2. Function block]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing functions realized by the price determination system S. As shown in FIG. 3, in the price determination system S, a server data storage unit 30, a price fluctuation unit 32, and a price determination unit 34 are realized. In the present embodiment, a case where the server data storage unit 30, the price fluctuation unit 32, and the price determination unit 34 are realized by the server device 1 will be described. In the server device 1, these functions are realized by the control unit 2 operating according to a program read from the storage unit 3.

[1-2-1. Server data storage unit]
The server data storage unit 30 is realized mainly by the storage unit 3. The server data storage unit 30 stores data necessary for the user to use the social networking service and data necessary for the user to purchase the purchase target data. For example, the server data storage unit 30 stores the following data.
(1) User data for uniquely identifying a user (2) User group data associating a certain user (first user) with another user (second user) (3) Purchase by a user Purchase target master data for defining purchase target data that can be purchased (4) purchase history data indicating purchase history of purchase target data by a certain user (first user)

[User data]
For example, user personal information is stored in the user data. The user's personal information includes, for example, a user ID, password, user's name, gender, date of birth, address, contact information (telephone number, mail address, etc.), and information for charging the user (for example, credit Card number and bank account information).

  For example, when a user starts using a social networking service, the user performs user registration by inputting content stored in user data. In addition, when the social networking service is used after the user performs user registration, the server device 1 acquires the user ID and password input by the user from the user device 10 to authenticate the user.

[User Group Data]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of user group data. As shown in FIG. 4, information identifying a user group and users belonging to the user group are stored in association with each other in the user group data. A user group defines one or a plurality of users associated with a certain user. In the present embodiment, the user group defines, for example, a user who has a friendship with a certain user (hereinafter simply referred to as a friend). A user can share information with one or more users belonging to a user group.

[Master data for purchase]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of purchase target master data. As shown in FIG. 5, the purchase target master data includes data for identifying the purchase target data, data indicating a normal price (reference price) of the purchase target data, and the current price of the purchase target data. Data indicating the fluctuation condition is stored in association with each other.

  The fluctuation condition is a condition indicating whether or not the current price of the purchase target data fluctuates. The variation condition may be a predetermined condition. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the variation condition is a condition related to the current time (for example, data indicating a time sale period). In addition, although described in detail in the modification, the variable condition may be a condition related to the current number of sales of the purchase target data.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the purchase target master data stores data related to the price of the purchase target data when the variation condition is satisfied. That is, the price of the purchase target data when the fluctuation condition is satisfied is associated with the fluctuation condition.

  For example, when the variation condition is satisfied, the user can purchase the purchase target data at a discount price lower than the normal price. Also, a plurality of variable conditions may be prepared, and the price of the purchase target data may be different depending on the satisfied variable conditions. For example, the discount rate of the purchase target data may be different depending on the variation condition that is satisfied. For example, in the case of the data storage example shown in FIG. 5, the price of “game software B” is 200 yen from March to December, but fluctuates to 100 yen during January and 150 yen during February. fluctuate.

[Purchase history data]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of purchase history data. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the purchase history data includes, for example, data for identifying the user, data for identifying the purchase target data purchased by the user, and the price of the purchase target data when the user purchases the purchase target data. Is stored. That is, the purchase history data stores information related to purchase target data purchased by a certain user in the past.

  The price of purchase history data when the user purchases the purchase target data is the price at the time of purchase of the purchase target data by the user, and is the amount charged to the user who purchased the purchase target data. In the present embodiment, as price data stored in the purchase history data, data indicating either a normal price or a discount price at the time sale is stored.

  In the present embodiment, the price data describes the case where the price of the purchase target data itself is described. However, the price data may be related to the price of the purchase target data when a certain user purchases the purchase target data. In addition, for example, a discount rate may be indicated.

  The control unit 2 functions as a unit that acquires various data stored in the server data storage unit 30. The data stored in the server data storage unit 30 is not limited to the above example, and the data necessary for the user to use the social networking service or the data necessary for the user to purchase the purchase target data. Need only be stored. In addition, for example, the server data storage unit 30 may store data indicating the current time, data indicating a diary or image registered by the user, or purchase target data itself.

[1-2-2. Price fluctuation section]
The price fluctuation unit 32 is realized mainly by the control unit 2. The price changing unit 32 changes (increases / decreases) the current price of the purchase target data purchased by the user. As described above, the data indicating the price (normal price) of the purchase target data before the change is stored in the server data storage unit 30, for example. The price changing unit 32 changes the current price of the purchase target data by changing the price (ordinary price) indicated by the data.

  For example, the price change unit 32 determines whether or not the change condition is satisfied, and changes the current price of the purchase target data based on the determination result. In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not a variation condition is satisfied based on data indicating the current time.

  For example, when the fluctuation condition is satisfied, the price fluctuation unit 32 fluctuates the current price of the purchase target data so that the current price of the purchase target data becomes a price associated with the fluctuation condition. In the present embodiment, the price changing unit 32 determines whether or not the current time is a time sale period, and when the current time is a time sale period, changes the current price of the purchase target data to a discount price.

[1-2-3. Price Determination Department]
The price determination unit 34 is realized mainly by the control unit 2. When the first user purchases the purchase target data, the price determination unit 34 determines the price of the purchase target data when the second user associated with the first user purchases the purchase target data (hereinafter, The purchase price of the purchase target data when the first user purchases the purchase target data at a price different from the current price of the purchase target data changed by the price changing unit 32. The price is determined based on the price (that is, the price indicated by the price data. Hereinafter, simply referred to as the purchase price of the first user).

  For example, the price determination unit 34 acquires price data from the server data storage unit 30 and determines the purchase price of the second user based on the price data. For example, the price determination unit 34 causes the purchase price of the second user to be a price corresponding to the price of the purchase target data when the first user associated with the second user purchases the purchase target data. Next, the purchase price of the second user is determined.

  The price corresponding to the purchase price of the first user is a price determined based on the purchase price of the first user, for example, the same price as the purchase price of the first user. In addition, for example, the price corresponding to the purchase price of the first user is determined based on the current price changed by the price changing unit 32 and the purchase price of the first user (for example, these prices). Average price) or a price obtained by substituting the purchase price of the first user into a predetermined formula (for example, a price 1.1 times the purchase price of the first user) Also good.

  When the first user associated with the second user has not purchased the purchase target data in the past, the price determination unit 34 changes the purchase price of the second user to the current value changed by the price changing unit 32. Decide on the price. On the other hand, when the first user associated with the second user has purchased the purchase target data in the past, the price determination unit 34 changes the current price at which the purchase price of the second user has been changed by the price changing unit 32. The purchase price of the second user is determined based on the price data.

  In the present embodiment, when the second user purchases the purchase target data, the price determination unit 34 determines the price determined based on the purchase price of the first user (that is, determined based on the price data). A price comparison unit that compares the price) and the current price of the purchase target data changed by the price changing unit 32 will be described.

  In this case, the price determination unit 34 determines the purchase price of the second user based on the comparison result of the price comparison unit. For example, when the current price of the purchase target data changed by the price changing unit 32 is higher than the purchase price of the first user, the price determined based on the purchase price of the first user is set to the first price. This is determined as the purchase price of the second user associated with the user. That is, the purchase price of the second user is determined based on the price data. On the other hand, when the current price of the purchase target data changed by the price changing unit 32 is lower than the purchase price of the first user, the current price of the purchase target data changed by the price changing unit 32 is changed to the second price. As the purchase price of the user.

  Further, for example, it is determined based on a predetermined method whether the second user is eligible to purchase the purchase target data at a price determined by the price determination unit 34 (for example, the purchase price of the first user). Is done. That is, it is determined based on a predetermined method whether or not a certain user can purchase the purchase target data at a price determined by the price determination unit 34. The price determination unit 34 may determine the price of the purchase target data based on the determination result.

  That is, when the second user is eligible to purchase the purchase target data at a price determined by the price determination unit 34, the price determination unit 34 determines the purchase price of the second user as the price. Determine based on the data. In the present embodiment, for example, this determination process is executed by the following method.

  For example, here, when the second user purchases the purchase target data, the price determination unit 34 determines whether or not the first user associated with the second user has purchased the purchase target data in the past. A case will be described in which determination means for determination based on purchase history data is included. The determination unit refers to the user group data, identifies the first user associated with the second user, and selects the purchase history of the identified first user from the purchase history indicated by the purchase history data. The above determination is made by referring to the above.

  In this case, the price determination unit 34 determines the purchase price of the second user based on the determination result of the determination unit. When the first user associated with the second user has purchased the purchase target data in the past, the price determination unit 34 gives the price determined based on the purchase price of the first user to the first user. Determined as the purchase price of the associated second user.

  In other words, for example, when it is determined that the first user associated with the second user has purchased the purchase target data in the past, the second user is determined by the price determination unit 34. Since it is qualified to purchase the purchase target data at the price, the purchase price of the second user is determined based on the price data.

  On the other hand, for example, when it is not determined that the first user associated with the second user has purchased the purchase target data in the past, the second user purchases the purchase target data at the price determined by the price determination unit 34. The purchase price of the second user is limited so that it is not determined based on the price data. In this case, the purchase price of the second user is determined to be the current price changed by the price changing unit 32.

[1-3. Flow of price determination system processing]
7 and 8 are diagrams showing the flow of processing in the price determination system S. The processing described below is performed, for example, when the control unit 2 operates based on a program stored in the storage unit 3 or the like, and the control unit 11 operates based on a program stored in the storage unit 12 or the like. Executed. Note that, when the processes shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are executed, the user inputs the user ID and password, and the user is authenticated. In other words, the server device 1 holds information for identifying which user is accessing the user.

  As shown in FIG. 7, first, the control unit 11 determines whether or not to display a purchase screen 20 on which the user purchases purchase target data on the display unit 15 (S10). For example, it is determined whether or not a predetermined button is pressed from a predetermined menu screen. When it is not determined that the purchase screen 20 is displayed on the display unit 15 (S10; N), the control unit 11 ends this process.

  When it determines with displaying the purchase screen 20 on the display part 15 (S10; Y), the control part 11 performs the display request of the purchase screen 20 with respect to the server apparatus 1 (S11). In other words, a data acquisition request indicating a list of purchase target data that can be purchased by the user is made. Note that when a display request is made in S <b> 11, information for identifying the user (for example, a user ID) may be transmitted to the server device 1.

  In the server apparatus 1, the control unit 2 receives a display request for the purchase screen 20 (S12). The control unit 2 sequentially refers to the records of the purchase target master data and determines whether or not the variation condition stored in the purchase target master data is satisfied (S13). In S13, for example, it is determined whether or not the current time is a time sale period.

  When it is determined that the variation condition is satisfied (S13; Y), the control unit 2 varies the price of the purchase target data and provisionally determines the price of the purchase target data (S14). In S14, for example, the price of the purchase target data changes from the normal price to the discount price. That is, for example, the price of the purchase target data changes to a discount price associated with the change condition determined to be satisfied in S13.

  On the other hand, when it is not determined that the fluctuation condition is satisfied (S13; N), the control unit 2 temporarily determines the price of the purchase target data to the normal price without changing the price of the purchase target data to the discount price (S15). . Note that the data indicating the price temporarily determined in S14 or S15 is temporarily stored in the RAM or the like of the storage unit 3 in association with information for identifying the purchase target data.

  The control unit 2 refers to the user group data and the purchase history data, and whether the friend (first user) of the user (second user) who requested display of the purchase screen 20 has purchased the purchase target data in the past. It is determined whether or not (S16). In S16, a friend is specified based on the user group data. Then, based on the purchase history data, it is determined whether or not this friend has purchased the purchase target data currently undergoing the price determination process (the processes of S13 to S19).

  When it is determined that the user's friend has purchased in the past (S16; Y), the control unit 2 refers to the price data stored in the purchase history data, and the price when the friend purchases the purchase target data (that is, It is determined whether the purchase price of the first user is lower than the price temporarily determined in S14 or S15 (S17). That is, the purchase price of the friend indicated by the price data stored in the purchase history data is compared with the current price provisionally determined in S14 or S15.

  When it is determined that the purchase price of the friend is cheaper (S17; Y), the control unit 2 displays the purchase price of the user who requested display in S11 (that is, the purchase price of the second user) as the price data. It is determined based on the purchase price of the friend shown (that is, the purchase price of the first user) (S18).

  On the other hand, when it is not determined that the user's friend has purchased in the past (S16; N) and when it is not determined that the purchase price of the friend is lower (S17; N), the control unit 2 issues a display request in S11. The purchase price of the user is determined to the price provisionally determined in S14 or S15 (S19). Data indicating the price determined in S18 or S19 is stored in the RAM or the like of the storage unit 3 in association with information for identifying purchase target data.

  The storage unit 3 may be associated with a flag indicating that the price has been determined based on a friend's purchase price in S18 or a flag indicating a discount price in addition to the stored contents. Good. By referring to this flag, it can be displayed in the remarks column 23 of the purchase screen 20 that it is the purchase price of a friend, the discount price during the time sale period, or the like.

  The control unit 2 determines whether or not a price has been determined for a predetermined number of purchase target data (S20). The predetermined number may be, for example, the number of purchase target data displayed on the purchase screen 20 requested to be displayed, or the number of purchase target data stored in the purchase target master data.

  When it is not determined that the price has been determined for the predetermined number of purchase target data (S20; N), the process returns to S13, and the price of the next purchase target data is determined. When it is determined that the price has been determined for the predetermined number of purchase target data (S20; Y), the control unit 2 indicates the display content of the purchase screen 20 based on the price of the purchase target data determined in S18 or S19. Data is generated and transmitted to the user device 10 (S21).

  8, in the user device 10, the control unit 11 displays the purchase screen 20 on the display unit 15 based on the data received from the server device 1 (S22). In S22, a purchase screen 20 including a list 21 indicating purchase target data that can be purchased by the user and a price 22 of the purchase target data determined in S18 or S19 is displayed. When the purchase screen 20 is displayed, a purchase operation by the user is awaited.

  The control unit 11 determines whether or not a purchase operation for purchase target data has been received from the purchase screen 20 (S23). For example, it is determined whether or not the button 24 corresponding to one or more purchase target data is selected and the button 25 is pressed. If it is not determined that the purchase operation for the purchase target data has been accepted (S23; N), this process ends.

  When it is determined that the purchase operation for the purchase target data has been received (S23; Y), the control unit 11 transmits purchase content data including data for identifying the purchase target data selected by the user to the server device 1 (S24). ). In addition, the purchase content data may include data for identifying the user who performed the purchase operation, data indicating the date and time when the purchase operation was performed, and the like.

  In the server device 1, the control unit 2 receives purchase content data from the user device 10 (S25). The received purchase content data is temporarily stored in, for example, the RAM of the storage unit 3.

  Based on the user data and the purchase target data, the control unit 2 executes billing processing for the user who performed the purchase operation (S26). In S26, the data indicating the price determined in S18 or S19 is referred to, and the price of the purchase target data indicated by the purchase content data is specified. The specified price is charged to the user. As a charging method, a credit card number stored in user data may be used, a charging agent process through a mobile phone operator may be executed, and various known methods can be applied.

  The control unit 2 updates the storage content of the purchase history data (S27). In S27, for example, data for identifying the user who purchased the purchase target data, data for identifying the purchase target data purchased by the user, and data indicating the purchase price of the user (that is, the user was charged) The data stored in the purchase history data is updated by adding a new record to the purchase history data.

  The control unit 2 transmits the purchase target data on which the user has performed the purchase operation to the user (S28). In the user device 10, the control unit 11 receives the purchase target data transmitted by the server device 1 and stores it in the storage unit 12 (S29), and the process ends.

  According to the price determination system S described above, when a certain user (second user) purchases purchase target data, the user purchase data at a price corresponding to the purchase price of a friend (first user). Can be purchased. For example, even if a user misses the time sale period, if a friend purchases game software at a discount price during the time sale period, this user can purchase the game software at a discount price instead of the normal price. . Therefore, it is possible to increase the number of users who use the billing service by utilizing the characteristics of the social networking service in which users are associated with each other.

  In addition, since the price is determined by comparing the current price with the purchase price of the friend, when the purchase price of the friend is lower than the current price, the user purchases the purchase target data at the purchase price of the friend. be able to. In other words, if, for example, the current price is even lower than the discount price that the friend purchased during the time sale period, the user will be given the cheaper current price instead of the friend's purchase price. Can be purchased at.

  Further, by referring to the purchase history data, it can be determined whether a friend of the user who performs the purchase operation has purchased the purchase target data in the past. That is, it can be determined whether the user who performs the purchase operation has a friendship relationship with the user who purchased the purchase target data in the past and is eligible to purchase the purchase target data at a discount price. For example, if the user who purchases the purchase target data has a friendship with a user who has purchased the purchase target data in the past at the time of performing the purchase operation, the purchase target data is displayed at the purchase price of the user. Can be purchased.

  In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which all of the user's friends who have purchased the purchase target data at a discount price in the past are eligible to purchase the purchase target data at the price determined by the price determination unit 34. The number of users who are eligible to purchase the purchase target data at the price determined by the price determination unit 34 (hereinafter referred to as the number of purchaseable users) may be determined in advance. For example, up to five of the user's friends who have purchased the purchase target data on a first-come-first-served basis may be able to purchase the purchase target data at a price determined by the price determination unit 34.

[2. Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, whether or not the user (second user) who intends to purchase the purchase target data is eligible to purchase the purchase target data at the purchase price of another user (first user). Although the case where the determination is made based on the purchase history data has been described, this determination process may be executed by another method.

  The price determination system S of the second embodiment is configured such that the above determination process is performed depending on whether or not purchase qualification data described later is associated with a user who intends to purchase purchase target data. Hereinafter, the technique of the second embodiment will be described in detail.

[2-1. Functions Realized in Embodiment 2]
FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the price determination system S of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the price determination system S of the second embodiment implements a purchase qualification data generation unit 36 and a purchase qualification data storage unit 38 in addition to the functions of the first embodiment. Here, a case where the purchase qualification data generation unit 36 and the purchase qualification data storage unit 38 are realized by the server device 1 will be described.

[2-1-1. Purchase qualification data generator]
The purchase qualification data generation unit 36 is realized mainly by the control unit 2. When the first user purchases the purchase target data, the purchase qualification data generation unit 36 purchases the purchase target data at a price determined by the price determination unit 34 by the second user associated with the first user. The purchase qualification data indicating the qualification is generated, and the purchase qualification data is stored in the purchase qualification data storage unit 38.

  The purchase qualification data indicates to the price determination unit 34 that the second user is eligible to purchase the purchase target data at a price determined by the price determination unit 34 (for example, the purchase price of the first user). It is data to prove. In this embodiment, the case where purchase qualification data includes, for example, price data or data indicating a price determined based on the price data will be described. That is, the case where the purchase qualification data indicates the purchase price of the first user or the price that the second user can purchase will be described.

[2-1-2. Purchase qualification data storage]
The purchase qualification data storage unit 38 is realized mainly by the storage unit 3. The purchase qualification data storage unit 38 stores the purchase qualification data generated by the purchase qualification data generation unit 36. In the present embodiment, purchase qualification data is stored in association with the second user.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of purchase qualification data. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the purchase qualification data generated by the purchase qualification data generation unit 36 is associated with the second user and stored in the purchase qualification data storage unit 38. That is, purchase qualification data generated when a certain user purchases purchase target data is stored in the purchase qualification data storage unit 38 in association with data identifying a friend of the user.

  For example, when the first user purchases the purchase target data, the purchase qualification data generation unit 36 refers to the user group data and identifies the second user associated with the first user. The information for identifying the specified second user and the generated purchase qualification data are associated with each other and stored in the purchase qualification data storage unit 38.

  When the second user associated with the first user purchases the purchase target data, the price determination unit 34 according to the second embodiment determines whether the purchase qualification data is stored in the purchase qualification data storage unit 38. The determination means to include. That is, when the second user purchases the purchase target data, the price determination unit 34 determines whether or not the purchase qualification data is stored in the purchase qualification data storage unit 38, so that the second user It is determined whether or not there is a qualification to purchase the purchase target data at the price determined by the price determination unit 34.

  The price determination unit 34 determines the purchase price of the second user based on the determination result of the determination unit. That is, when the purchase qualification data is stored in the purchase qualification data storage unit 38, the price determination unit 34 determines the price determined based on the purchase price of the first user associated with the first user. It is determined as the purchase price of the second user. On the other hand, when the purchase qualification data is not stored in the purchase qualification data storage unit 38, the price determination unit 34 determines the current price changed by the price change unit 32 as the purchase price of the second user.

  Here, the determination means of the price determination unit 34 stores the purchase qualification data and the second user in association with each other in the purchase qualification data storage unit 38 when the second user purchases the purchase target data. A case where it is determined whether or not there is will be described. That is, when the second user purchases the purchase target data, when the purchase qualification data and the second user are stored in association with each other in the purchase qualification data storage unit 38, the second user It is determined that the purchase price of the user is eligible to purchase the purchase target data.

[2-2. Flow of processing of price determination system of embodiment 2]
11 and 12 are diagrams illustrating a process flow in the price determination system S of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same processing as in FIGS. 7 and 8 is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 10, S30 to S35 are the same processes as S10 to S15, respectively, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  After the price of the purchase target data is provisionally determined in S34 or S35, the control unit 2 determines whether the purchase qualification data is associated with the user who has requested display in S11 (S36). That is, in S36, the purchase qualification data indicating the qualification to purchase the purchase target data whose price is currently determined at the price determined by the price determination unit 34 is stored in association with the user who requested the display in S31. It is determined whether or not it has been done.

  If it is determined that the purchase qualification data is associated (S36; Y), the user who requested the display in S31 is eligible to purchase the purchase target data at the price determined by the price determination unit 34. , The process proceeds to S37.

  On the other hand, if it is not determined that the purchase qualification data is associated (S36; N), the user who requested the display in S31 is not qualified to purchase the purchase target data at the price determined by the price determination unit 34. Proceeds to S39.

  Subsequent S37 to S49 are the same as S17 to S29, respectively, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  When the purchase target data is stored in the user device 10 as a result of the processing of S37 to S49, the control unit 2 determines whether or not the user has purchased the purchase target data at a discount price (S50). In S50, for example, purchase target data indicated by the purchase content data received in S45 and a flag (a flag indicating whether or not the purchase target data is a discount price) stored in the RAM of the storage unit 3 are referred to. The determination is made.

  If it is not determined that the user has purchased the purchase target data at a discount price (S50; N), the process ends. That is, in this case, since the user purchases the purchase target data at the normal price and the friend of the user cannot purchase the purchase target data at a low price, the purchase qualification data is not generated.

  When it is determined that the user has purchased the purchase target data at a discount price (S50; Y), the control unit 2 generates purchase qualification data (S51). In S48, for example, purchase qualification data including data (price data) indicating the purchase price of the user stored in the RAM of the storage unit 3 and data for identifying purchase target data purchased by the user is generated. The

  Next, the control unit 2 stores the purchase qualification data generated in S51 and the friend of the user who purchased the purchase target data in association with each other in the storage unit 3 (S52), and the process ends. In S52, the user's friend who purchased the purchase target data is specified by referring to the user group data. The identified friend is associated with the purchase qualification data and stored in the storage unit 3 (see FIG. 10).

  According to the price determination system S described above, by using the purchase qualification data, it is determined whether or not the user who is going to purchase the purchase target data is qualified to purchase the purchase target data at the purchase price of a friend. can do. As in the first embodiment, the number of users who use the billing service can be increased by utilizing the characteristics of the social networking service.

  The purchase qualification data is generated when the user purchases the purchase target data, so that the friend at the time of purchase by the user can purchase the purchase target data at the purchase price of the user. Form 2 is different from Embodiment 1.

  In the above description, the case where the purchase qualification data includes price data has been described. However, the purchase qualification data is purchased at a price determined by the price determination unit 34 by the second user associated with the first user. Any data indicating that it is eligible to purchase data may be used. In other words, the purchase qualification data does not necessarily include price data.

  For example, the purchase qualification data may include data indicating a price at which the second user can purchase the purchase target data. That is, when the processing of S51 is executed, the price determination unit 34 once determines the price of the purchase target data based on the price data. Purchase qualification data including data indicating the determined price may be generated and stored in the purchase qualification data storage unit 38 in association with a friend.

  As in the first embodiment, the number of purchaseable users may be determined in advance. For example, if the number of user friends exceeds the number of purchaseable users, the friends associated with the purchase qualification data are determined based on a predetermined method. For example, it may be determined randomly, or a parameter indicating intimacy with a friend may be stored and determined based on this parameter.

[3. Embodiment 3]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, for example, a case has been described in which the number of purchaseable users is all of a user's friends or a predetermined number. The price determination system S of the third embodiment is configured such that the number of purchaseable users varies based on, for example, sales of purchase target data. Hereinafter, details of the present technology will be described.

[3-1. Functions Implemented in Price Determination System of Embodiment 3]
The server data storage unit 30 of the third embodiment stores sales number data regarding the number of sales (purchase number) or the number of available sales (number of stocks) of the purchase target data. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the sales number data indicates the sales number of the purchase target data.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of sales number data. As shown in FIG. 13, in the sales number data, data for identifying the purchase target data and data indicating the sales number of the purchase target data are stored in association with each other. For example, when the user purchases purchase target data, the control unit 2 functions as means for updating the sales number indicated by the sales number data. That is, when the user purchases the purchase target data, the sales number data is updated so that the sales number indicated by the sales number data increases.

  The timing at which the control unit 2 updates the contents of the sales quantity data may be any timing as long as it is after the purchase operation by the user is accepted. For example, after the purchase target data is transmitted to the user device 10 in S28, the control unit 2 updates the sales number data by incrementing the sales number indicated by the purchase target data.

  In the price determination system S of the third embodiment, the sales number data indicates the number of second users (number of purchaseable users) who can purchase the purchase target data at the price determined by the price determination unit 34. Means for determining based on the number sold or available. For example, it is determined whether or not the number of sales or the number of available sales indicated by the number of sales data satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the number of sales or the number of sales possible, and the number of users that can be purchased is determined based on the determination result. In the present embodiment, for example, a case will be described in which data in which the condition relating to the number of sales of purchase target data and the number of purchaseable users are associated is stored in the server data storage unit 30.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an association between a condition related to the number of sales of purchase target data and the number of purchaseable users. The condition regarding the number of sales is, for example, a condition indicating whether or not the number of sales in a predetermined period (for example, a period from the current predetermined time to the current time) is within a predetermined range (for example, a reference number or more). In the data storage example shown in FIG. 14, the number of purchaseable users varies depending on whether the number of sales in the most recent week is within a predetermined range (for example, 10 or more).

[3-2. Flow of processing of price determination system of embodiment 3]
Next, the process flow of the price determination system according to the third embodiment will be described.

  First, the flow of processing of the price determination system S when the first embodiment and the third embodiment are combined will be described. In this case, the process of the flow similar to FIG.7 and FIG.8 is performed. When the third embodiment is applied to the first embodiment, for example, the remaining number of users who can purchase the purchase target data at the price determined by the price determination unit 34 in the purchase history data (hereinafter, the number of remaining purchaseable users) This stores information about.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of purchase history data according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, for example, the number of remaining purchaseable users is stored in the purchase history data. In S27 of the third embodiment, the number of remaining purchaseable users is stored in the purchase history data by referring to the sales number data and the data shown in FIG.

  Specifically, for example, the number of sales of purchase target data purchased by the user is specified by referring to the sales number data. Next, the number of purchaseable users associated with the condition that the specified number of sales satisfies is stored in the purchase history data as the number of remaining purchaseable users.

  The number of remaining purchaseable users decreases by one each time a friend purchases purchase target data at a price determined by the price determination unit 34. That is, when a friend purchases the purchase target data at a price determined by the price determination unit 34, the number of remaining purchaseable users decreases in S27. When the number of purchaseable users associated with a user who has purchased purchase target data in the past falls within a predetermined range (for example, 0), the friend cannot purchase the purchase target data at the purchase price of this user. Limited to

  Further, for example, in the third embodiment, it is determined whether or not the number of remaining purchaseable users stored in the purchase history data is 0 when the process of S16 is executed. If the remaining number of purchaseable users is not 0, the process proceeds to S17. On the other hand, when the number of remaining purchaseable users is 0, the process proceeds to S19.

  Next, the process flow of the price determination system S when the second embodiment and the third embodiment are combined will be described. In this case, the process of the flow similar to FIG.11 and FIG.12 is performed. When Embodiment 3 is applied to Embodiment 2, for example, the number of friends associated with purchase qualification data is determined based on the number of purchaseable users.

  For example, when the process of S52 is executed, the number of purchaseable users is specified by referring to the sales number data and the data shown in FIG. In S52, among the friends of the users who have purchased the purchase target data, the number of friends who can be purchased is associated with the purchase qualification data. The method for associating purchase qualification data when the number of user friends exceeds the number of purchaseable users is the same as in the second embodiment.

  According to the price determination system of the third embodiment, the number of purchaseable users can be changed based on sales of purchase target data. For example, popular purchase target data can be sold to some extent even after the end of the time sale period. Therefore, by reducing the number of users that can be purchased, it is possible to prevent a decline in the unit price of customers. On the other hand, purchase target data with poor sales will not be sold after the time sale period is over, so the sales can be increased by increasing the number of purchaseable users.

  Note that the same processing as described above is also executed when the sales number data indicates the number that can be sold. The number that can be sold is the number of users who can purchase the purchase target data. For example, the scarce value of the purchase target data can be improved by setting the number of sales available for the purchase target data. In this case, the number of purchaseable users is determined by replacing the “number of sales” in the above with “number of sales”.

[4. Embodiment 4]
In the first to third embodiments, when the user purchases the purchase target data at a discount price, the friend of the user is the purchase target at the price determined by the price determination unit 34 at any time outside the time sale period. Explained when data can be purchased. The period during which the friend can purchase the purchase target data at the price determined by the price determination unit 34 may vary under a predetermined condition.

  In the price determination system according to the fourth embodiment, for example, when a user purchases purchase target data at a discount price, a friend purchases the purchase target data at the purchase price of the user according to the sales of the purchase target data. It is configured to determine the period for which

[4-1. Functions Implemented in Price Determination System of Embodiment 4]
In the price determination system S of the fourth embodiment, the sales number data indicates a period during which the second user can purchase the purchase target data at a price determined by the price determination unit 34 (hereinafter referred to as “purchasable period”). Means for determining based on the number of sales or the number of available sales. For example, it is determined whether the number of sales or the number of available sales indicated by the number of sales data satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the number of sales or the number of sales possible, and the purchase available period is determined based on the determination result. In the present embodiment, for example, a case will be described in which data associated with a condition related to the number of sales of purchase target data and a purchase available period is stored in the server data storage unit 30.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an association between a condition relating to the number of sales of purchase target data and a purchase available period. In the data storage example shown in FIG. 16, the purchase possible period differs depending on whether or not the number of sales in the most recent week is within a predetermined range (for example, 10 or more).

[4-2. Flow of processing of price determination system of embodiment 4]
Next, the process flow of the price determination system according to the fourth embodiment will be described.

  First, the processing flow of the price determination system S when the first embodiment and the fourth embodiment are combined will be described. In this case, the process of the flow similar to FIG.7 and FIG.8 is performed. When the fourth embodiment is applied to the first embodiment, for example, data relating to a purchase available period is stored in the purchase history data.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of purchase history data according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, for example, the purchase history period is stored in the purchase history data. In S27 of the fourth embodiment, the purchase possible period is stored in the purchase history data by referring to the sales number data and the data shown in FIG.

  Specifically, for example, the number of sales of purchase target data purchased by the user is specified by referring to the sales number data. Next, the purchase available period associated with the condition that the specified number of sales satisfies is stored in the purchase history data. For example, the date after the purchase available period from the current time is stored as the purchase available period. When the purchase possible period has passed, the friend user is limited so that the purchase target data cannot be purchased at the price determined by the price determination unit 34.

  For example, when the process of S16 is executed, data indicating the current time generated by a time function or the like is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the purchase available period stored in the purchase history data has elapsed. When it is determined that the purchase available period has not elapsed, the process of S17 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the purchase available period has elapsed, the process proceeds to S19.

  Next, the process flow of the price determination system S when the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment are combined will be described. In this case, the process of the flow similar to FIG.11 and FIG.12 is performed. When the fourth embodiment is applied to the second embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, for example, data indicating a purchase available period is stored in the purchase qualification data.

  For example, when the process of S51 is executed, the purchase possible period is specified by referring to the sales quantity data and the data shown in FIG. Purchase qualification data including data indicating the specified purchase available period is generated and stored in association with the friend.

  In S36, the purchase available period of the purchase qualification data stored in the user device 10 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the current time is the purchase available period. If it is determined that the current time is the purchase available period, the process proceeds to S37. If it is not determined that the current time is the purchase available period, the process proceeds to S39.

  According to the price determination system of the fourth embodiment, the purchase available period can be changed based on the sales of the purchase target data. For example, since popular purchase target data may be sold immediately even at a normal price, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the customer unit price by shortening the purchase possible period. On the other hand, purchase target data with poor sales can hardly be sold at the normal price, so that the sales can be increased by extending the purchase period.

  In the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the same process as described above is executed when the sales number data indicates the number that can be sold. By replacing “sales number” in the above with “saleable number”, the number of users that can be purchased is determined.

[5. Embodiment 5]
In the price determination system of the fifth embodiment, in addition to the functions of the first to fourth embodiments, when a friend purchases purchase target data at the purchase price of the user, for example, the user receives a reward (for example, cashback). It is configured so that it can be received. Hereinafter, details of the present technology will be described.

[5-1. Functions Implemented in Price Determination System of Embodiment 5]
In the price determination system S of the fifth embodiment, when the second user purchases the purchase target data at the price determined by the price determination unit 34, the first user associated with the second user is rewarded. Means for executing a process for giving.

  The reward given to the user is, for example, payment of cash or virtual currency (cash back), purchase target data, goods or services, and the like. The process for giving a reward to the user is, for example, a payment process for the user to receive cash or virtual currency, a process for distributing purchase target data to the user, a process for determining a product received by the user, or a process provided to the user. Service decision processing.

[5-2. Flow of processing of price determination system of embodiment 5]
In the fifth embodiment, the same processing as in FIGS. 7 and 8 or FIGS. 11 and 12 is executed. For example, after the process of S28 or S52 is executed, purchase history data or purchase qualification data is referred to, and a user who should receive a reward is specified. The server device 1 executes a process for the user to receive a reward.

  The reward given to the user is determined based on a predetermined method. For example, the reward given to the user may be determined based on the difference between the current price of the purchase target data and the purchase price of the friend. For example, the larger the difference, the higher the reward may be given to the user (for example, cash back increases).

  According to the price determination system of the fifth embodiment, when a user purchases data to be purchased and a friend purchases at the purchase price of the user, a reward is given to the user. The number of users who use the billing system can be increased.

[6. Embodiment 6]
In addition to the functions of the first to fifth embodiments, the price determination system of the sixth embodiment has a configuration in which this user can designate a friend who can purchase purchase target data at a purchase price of a certain user. It has become. Hereinafter, details of the present technology will be described.

[6-1. Functions Implemented in Price Determination System of Embodiment 6]
The price determination system S of the sixth embodiment includes means for accepting designation by the first user among the second users associated with the first user. For example, a screen (not shown) including a list of friends of the first user is displayed on the display unit 15, and designation by the first user is accepted. That is, the designation of a friend who can purchase the purchase target data at the price determined by the price determination unit 34 among the friends of the first user is accepted.

  The price determination unit 34 determines the price of the purchase target data when the second user designated by the first user among the second users associated with the first user purchases the purchase target data. The determination is made based on the price of the purchase target data (that is, price data) when the first user purchases the purchase target data. In other words, the price of the purchase target data when the second user not specified by the first user among the second users associated with the first user purchases the purchase target data. Are limited based on price data.

  The price determination unit 34 acquires data for identifying the second user specified by the first user from a unit that accepts the specification by the first user (for example, the operation unit 13 of the user device 10). For example, the price determination unit 34 acquires data for identifying the second user designated by the first user from the user device 10 via the network N.

[6-2. Flow of processing of price determination system of embodiment 6]
Next, the process flow of the price determination system according to the sixth embodiment will be described.

  First, the process flow of the price determination system S when the first embodiment and the sixth embodiment are combined will be described. In this case, the process of the flow similar to FIG.7 and FIG.8 is performed. When the sixth embodiment is applied to the first embodiment, for example, data indicating the second user designated by the first user is stored in the purchase history data.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of purchase history data according to the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, for example, the purchase history data stores data for identifying a friend (second user). For example, when the user purchases the purchase target data at a discount price, data indicating a list of the user's friends is generated and transmitted to the user device 10 after S28 is executed.

  In the user device 10, a screen showing a list of friends is displayed, and designation of friends by the user is accepted. Data indicating a friend designated by the user is transmitted to the server device 1 based on the user's operation content. In the server device 1, the acquired data is stored in the purchase history data.

  Further, for example, when the process of S16 of the sixth embodiment is executed, it is determined whether or not data indicating the user who has requested display in S11 is stored in the purchase history data. That is, it is determined whether or not the user who has requested display is designated by a friend. If it is determined that it is designated, the process of S17 is executed. On the other hand, if it is not determined that it is designated, the process proceeds to S19.

  Next, the process flow of the price determination system S when the second embodiment and the sixth embodiment are combined will be described. In this case, the process of the flow similar to FIG.11 and FIG.12 is performed. When the sixth embodiment is applied to the second embodiment, for example, the purchase qualification data is associated only with the second user designated by the first user.

  For example, when the process of S51 is executed, designation by the first user is accepted. This receiving method is the same as when the sixth embodiment is applied to the first embodiment. Purchase qualification data is distributed to the user device 10 operated by the designated second user.

  According to the price determination system of the sixth embodiment, this user can designate a friend who can purchase the purchase target data at a purchase price of a certain user. Among the friends of the user who purchased the purchase target data, it is possible to select a friend who can purchase at a discount price. Therefore, another user is required to become a friend in order to purchase the purchase target data at a low price. Can be prevented.

[7. Modified example]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  (1) For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the price changing unit 32 changes the price of the purchase target data so that the price of the purchase target data is reduced during the time sale period has been described. The method of changing the price of the purchase target data by 32 is not limited to the example of the embodiment. For example, the price of the purchase target data may be changed by referring to the latest purchase target master data set by the system administrator.

  In addition, for example, the fluctuation condition for changing the price of the purchase target data may not be the condition regarding the current time as in the embodiment. For example, the price changing unit 32 may change the price of the purchase target data based on the number of sales (or sales) of the purchase target data or the number of available sales. For example, the conditions regarding the number of sales of the purchase target data or the number of sales possible and the information about the price of the purchase target data may be stored in advance in association with each other.

  In this case, the price is changed to a price associated with a condition that the number of sales of the purchase target data satisfies. For example, the user may be notified of the number of remaining sales necessary until the current number of sales of the purchase target data reaches a predetermined number. In addition, as for the information regarding the price associated with the number of sales of the purchase target data or the number of available sales, the price itself may be stored, or the price increase / decrease rate of the purchase target data may be stored. Good.

  For example, the price of the purchase target data varies so that the price increases as the number of purchase target data increases. In this case, the unit price of the purchase target data with a large number of sales becomes high, so that the sales can be increased. Further, for example, the price may be reduced as the number of purchase target data increases. In this case, for example, the price can be reduced as the purchase target data is purchased between friends.

  In addition, for example, at the time when sales of purchase target data is started, a predetermined price is set, and the purchase target is determined based on the time required until the number of sales of the purchase target data satisfies the condition regarding the sales number. The price of the data may be changed. In this case, the information related to the time required until the number of sales of the purchase target data satisfies the condition regarding the sales number and the information related to the price of the purchase target data may be associated with each other and stored in advance.

  For example, the price of the purchase target data fluctuates so that the price increases as the time required for the number of sales of the purchase target data to satisfy the condition relating to the sales number becomes shorter. In this case, since the unit price of popular purchase target data becomes high, sales can be increased. Further, for example, the number of sales of the purchase target data may be shortened in time required for satisfying the condition regarding the number of sales, and the price may be reduced. In this case, for example, the price can be reduced as the purchase target data is purchased between friends during a predetermined period.

  Further, for example, in the embodiment, the case where one price is associated with one purchase target data has been described, but one price may be associated with a plurality of purchase target data. That is, in this case, a plurality of purchase target data is sold as one set. The price changing unit 32 may change the price of this one set.

  (2) Also, for example, in the embodiment, by using data (purchase history data or purchase qualification data) stored in the server device 1, a certain user is qualified to purchase purchase target data at a friend's purchase price. The case where it is determined whether or not there is described. This determination processing method is not limited to the example of the embodiment. In addition, for example, this determination process may be performed based on data stored in the user device 10.

  For example, when the first user purchases the purchase target data, the purchase qualification data generation unit 36 refers to the user group data and identifies the second user associated with the first user. The generated purchase qualification data is distributed to the user device 10 operated by the identified second user. For example, the generated purchase qualification data and the data for identifying the second user who should distribute the purchase qualification data are stored in the server data storage unit 30 in association with each other. When the apparatus 1 is accessed, this purchase qualification data is distributed.

  In this case, the purchase qualification data storage unit 38 is realized by the storage unit 12 of the user device 10. For example, in the user device 10, purchase qualification data is acquired from the purchase qualification data generation unit 36 via the network N, and the acquired purchase qualification data is stored in the purchase qualification data storage unit 38.

  In addition, the price determination unit 34 according to the present modification determines whether or not purchase qualification data is acquired from the purchase qualification data storage unit 38 of the user device 10 operated by the second user, whereby the second user However, it is determined whether or not it is qualified to purchase the purchase target data at the price determined by the price determination unit 34.

  In the present modification, processing similar to the processing flow shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is executed. However, for example, when S31 is executed, the control unit 11 determines whether or not purchase qualification data is stored in the storage unit 12.

  If it is not determined that the purchase qualification data is stored, it means that the friend (first user) of the user (second user) has not purchased the purchase target data in the past, so the processing of S36 to S39 Is not executed. That is, the server device 1 does not execute the processes of S36 to S39 when the purchase qualification data is not acquired from the user device 10. Therefore, in the processes of S35 and S36, the price of the purchase target data is not provisionally determined, but the price of the purchase target data is determined.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the purchase qualification data is stored, S31 to S52 are executed. However, in S <b> 31, the control unit 11 transmits a display request for the purchase screen 20 and purchase qualification data stored in the storage unit 12 to the server device 1. In S <b> 32, the control unit 2 receives the display request for the purchase screen 20 and purchase qualification data, and temporarily stores them in the RAM or the like of the storage unit 3.

  In S36, the control unit 2 determines whether or not the purchase target data currently undergoing price determination processing is purchase target data indicated by the purchase qualification data received in S32. When it determines with it being the purchase object data which purchase qualification data show, a process transfers to S37. When it is not determined that the purchase qualification data indicates purchase target data, the process proceeds to S39.

  Further, in S52, the control unit 2 distributes the purchase qualification data generated in S51 to the friend of the user who purchased the purchase target data. In S52, by referring to the user group data, a friend of the user who purchased the purchase target data is specified, and purchase qualification data is transmitted to the user device 10 operated by the friend. In the user device 10 of the friend who has received the purchase qualification data, the received purchase qualification data is stored in the storage unit 3. The friend can use the received purchase qualification data when purchasing the next purchase target data.

  Further, since the purchase qualification data is stored in the user device 10 of each user, for example, whether or not the user can purchase the purchase target data cheaply even outside the time sale period, This can be grasped by referring to the purchase qualification data stored in the user device 10 without accessing the server device 1.

  Further, for example, the purchase qualification data may include a predetermined character string (for example, a coupon code). This predetermined character string may be used to prove that the second user is eligible to purchase the purchase target data at the purchase price of the first user. For example, the purchase qualification data generation unit 36 causes the server data storage unit 30 to store a predetermined character string when generating purchase qualification data including a predetermined character string. When the second user purchases the purchase target data, the character string stored in the purchase qualification data and the character string stored in the server data storage unit 30 are compared, so that the second user It may be determined (authenticated) whether or not there is a qualification to purchase the purchase target data at the purchase price of the first user.

  (3) In the embodiment, the case where the purchase target data is application software data has been described. However, the purchase target data may be data that is a purchase target of the user. For example, the purchase target data may be image data, moving image data, or audio (music) data.

  In addition, for example, the purchase target data may be data indicating an item (billing item) used in a game using a social networking service.

  In this case, for example, the user aims to play a game by operating the user device 10 to generate a predetermined game event. For example, a friend is notified of the progress of a certain user's game. For example, when a user generates a predetermined game event, the user and a friend are notified.

  For example, when a charge item purchased by the user is used in a game, the value of the game parameter changes. Further, for example, when a charge item purchased by a user is used in a game, the occurrence probability of a game event may be changed. The price determination system S may determine the price of the charge item used in the game.

  Further, for example, the purchase target data may be data indicating a game event. In this case, only a charged user can generate a predetermined game event. In addition, for example, the purchase target data may be data indicating characters appearing in the game. In this case, only a charged user can use a predetermined character.

  (4) In addition, when charging processing is executed for a user who has purchased purchase target data, the case where the user is charged for the actual currency has been described, but charging is exchanged within the social networking service. Virtual currency may be used. In this case, the user purchases virtual currency (for example, points) by paying real currency (for example, yen) in advance. When the user purchases the purchase target data, a virtual currency billing process is executed. That is, the price determination system S may determine the price in the virtual currency of the purchase target data.

  (5) In the embodiment, the case where the price changing unit 32 is realized by the server device 1 has been described. However, the price changing unit 32 may be realized by the user device 10. In this case, the user device 10 may acquire purchase target master data from the server device 1 via the network N, or the purchase target master data may be stored in the storage unit 12 in advance. .

  In this case, when the user purchases the purchase target data, the price is changed by referring to the purchase target master data. That is, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation condition stored in the purchase target master data is satisfied, and the price is changed to the price associated with the fluctuation condition. The data indicating the changed price may be transmitted to the server device 1 via the network N.

  In the embodiment, the case where the price determination unit 34 is realized by the server device 1 has been described. However, the price determination unit 34 may be realized by the user device 10. In this case, the user device 10 may acquire price data from the server device 1 via the network N, or the price data may be stored in the storage unit 12 in advance. Data indicating the price determined by the price determination unit 34 may be transmitted to the server device 1 so that the user is charged.

  In the second embodiment, the case where the purchase qualification data generation unit 36 is realized by the server device 1 has been described. However, the purchase qualification data generation unit 36 may be realized by the user device 10. In this case, the user device 10 stores information (for example, user data) for identifying the friend user device 10, and distributes the generated purchase qualification data to the friend user device 10. Or the user apparatus 10 transmits the produced | generated purchase qualification data to the server apparatus 1, and the server apparatus 1 distributes purchase qualification data to a friend by specifying a user's friend.

  (6) For example, although the case where the friend of a certain user was linked | related by user group data was demonstrated, the other user may be linked | related by user group data. In addition, for example, a friend of a user's friend may be associated, or a user participating in a community related to a certain topic may be associated.

  (7) Moreover, in the said embodiment and modification, although the purchase object data was mentioned as an example as an example of a user's purchase object, in the price determination system S, the price of what becomes a user's purchase object is It may be determined. In addition, for example, the price of goods or services given to the user may be determined. In this case, for example, by replacing “purchase target data” described above with “product or service”, the same processing as in the embodiment and the modification may be realized.

  S price determination system, 1 server device, 2 control unit, 3 storage unit, 4 operation unit, 5 input unit, 6 display unit, 7 communication unit, 10 user device, 11 control unit, 12 storage unit, 13 operation unit, 14 Input section, 15 display section, 16 communication section, 20 purchase screen, 21 list, 22 price, 23 remarks column, 24, 25, 26 buttons, 30 server data storage section, 32 price fluctuation section, 34 price determination section, 36 purchase Qualification data generation unit, 38 purchase qualification data storage unit.

Claims (10)

Price fluctuation means for changing the current price of the purchase target data purchased by the user,
Means for acquiring said user group data from means for storing user group data associating a first user with a second user;
Determination means for determining whether or not the first user has purchased the purchase target data;
Means for determining a price of the purchase target data when the second user associated with the first user purchases the purchase target data based on a determination result of the determination means; When it is determined that one user has purchased the purchase target data, the purchase price changed by the price changing unit as the price of the purchase target data when the second user purchases the purchase target data Price determination means for determining a price different from the current price of the target data based on the price of the purchase target data when the first user purchases the purchase target data;
A pricing system characterized by including: The pricing system is
Means for obtaining the sales quantity data from means for storing the sales quantity data relating to the sales quantity or the sellable quantity of the purchase object data;
Means for determining the number of the second users who can purchase the purchase target data at a price determined by the price determination means based on the number of sales or the number of sales available indicated by the sales number data;
The price determination system according to claim 1, further comprising: The pricing system is
Means for obtaining the sales quantity data from means for storing the sales quantity data relating to the sales quantity or the sellable quantity of the purchase object data;
Means for determining a period during which the second user can purchase the purchase target data at a price determined by the price determination means based on the number of sales or the number of available sales indicated by the sales number data;
The price determination system according to claim 1, further comprising: The pricing system is
When the second user purchases the purchase target data at a price determined by the price determining means, a process for giving a reward to the first user associated with the second user is executed. Means to
The price determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The pricing system is
Means for accepting designation by the first user among the second users associated with the first user;
Including
The price determining means includes
Among the second users associated with the first user, the price of the purchase target data when the second user designated by the first user purchases the purchase target data is Determining based on the price of the purchase target data when the first user has purchased the purchase target data;
The price determination system as described in any one of Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The pricing system is
Means for acquiring the purchase history data from means for storing the purchase history data indicating a purchase history of the purchase target data by the first user;
Further including
The determination means includes
When the second user purchases the purchase target data, whether or not the first user associated with the second user has purchased the purchase target data in the past is determined based on the purchase history data. Judgment
The price determining means includes
When it is determined that the first user associated with the second user has purchased the purchase target data in the past, the purchase target data when the first user purchases the purchase target data. A price determined based on a price is determined as a price of the purchase target data when the second user associated with the first user purchases the purchase target data;
The price determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The pricing system is
When it is determined that the first user has purchased the purchase target data, the second user associated with the first user purchases the purchase target data at a price determined by the price determination means. Purchasing qualification generating means for generating purchase qualification data indicating the qualification to be stored, and storing the purchase qualification data in the purchase qualification data storage means;
Further including
The price determination unit determines whether the purchase qualification data is stored in the purchase qualification data storage unit when the second user associated with the first user purchases the purchase target data. Means to
Including
When the purchase qualification data is stored in the purchase qualification data storage means, the price determined based on the price of the purchase target data when the first user purchases the purchase target data is the first Determining the price of the purchase target data when the second user associated with one user purchases the purchase target data;
The price determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: A price change step that changes the current price of the purchase target data that the user purchases,
Obtaining said user group data from means for storing user group data associating a first user with a second user;
A determination step of determining whether or not the first user has purchased the purchase target data;
A step of determining a price of the purchase target data when the second user associated with the first user purchases the purchase target data based on a determination result in the determination step; When it is determined that one user has purchased the purchase target data, the purchase price changed in the price changing step is used as the price of the purchase target data when the second user purchases the purchase target data. A price determining step for determining a price different from a current price of the target data based on a price of the purchase target data when the first user purchases the purchase target data;
A control method of a pricing system characterized by comprising: Price fluctuation means to fluctuate the current price of purchase target data purchased by the user,
Means for acquiring said user group data from means for storing user group data associating a first user with a second user;
Determination means for determining whether or not the first user has purchased the purchase target data;
Means for determining a price of the purchase target data when the second user associated with the first user purchases the purchase target data based on a determination result of the determination means; When it is determined that one user has purchased the purchase target data, the purchase price changed by the price changing unit as the price of the purchase target data when the second user purchases the purchase target data Price determination means for determining a price different from the current price of the target data based on the price of the purchase target data when the first user purchases the purchase target data;
As a program to make the computer function as. Price fluctuation means for fluctuating the current price of goods or services purchased by the user;
Means for acquiring said user group data from means for storing user group data associating a first user with a second user;
Determining means for determining whether the first user has purchased the product or the service;
A means for determining a price of the product or the service when the second user associated with the first user purchases the product or the service based on a determination result of the determination unit; When it is determined that the first user has purchased the product or the service, the price fluctuating means as the price of the product or the service when the second user purchases the product or the service. Price determination means for determining a price different from the current price of the product or service changed based on the price of the product or service when the first user purchases the product or service; ,
A pricing system characterized by including:

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