JP7356862B2 - Information processing device, method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, method, and program.

There are examples of providing services to users using a subscription billing model. Users pay for the right to use a product or service for a certain period of time. For example, by using a monthly membership service, a user can use various contents such as music, videos, comics, and games for a certain period of time.

As an example of such a subscription-type service, Patent Document 1 describes that fitness equipment can be used by subscribing to a subscription option.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-45469

When providing a subscription-type service, users may stop using the service due to various reasons. However, once the user stops using the service, it is often difficult to find motivation to resume using the service. In particular, when a subscription-type service is provided as a paid service such as a monthly membership service, the user may have to stop using the service due to reasons such as a decrease in the frequency of use, so the monthly subscription service that requires repayment is required. It is also difficult to find motivation to resume using the service.

Therefore, there is a need for technology that allows users to reuse subscription-type services with a sense of satisfaction, increasing the likelihood that the service will be used, while assuming that the user will stop using the service. ing. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique for motivating a user who has suspended a subscription-type service to return to the service.

According to one embodiment, an information processing device is provided that includes a control unit and a storage unit and provides a subscription-type service. The control unit operates based on a program stored in the storage unit to determine, when the user resumes the use of the service after stopping, the content of the benefits related to the restart, and the content of the benefits related to the restart. There are a plurality of patterns, and the control unit determines the content of the benefit for each user who performs the restart.

According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method is provided that includes a processor and a memory. Computers provide subscription-type services. In this method, a processor reads and executes a program stored in a memory to determine, when a user restarts a service after having stopped using the service, the content of the benefits related to the restart, and determines the content of the benefits related to the restart. There are multiple patterns of content, and the content of the benefit is determined for each user who restarts.

According to one embodiment, a program is provided to be executed by a computer including a processor and a memory. Computers provide subscription-type services. The program causes the processor to determine the contents of the benefits for restarting the service after the user has stopped using the service, and the contents of the benefits for restarting have multiple patterns, and each user The content of the benefits will be determined.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the number of users of the service by giving a user who has suspended a subscription service a motive to return to the service.

1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a subscription system 1. FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a terminal device 10 that constitutes the subscription system 1 of the first embodiment. 2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a server 20 that constitutes the subscription system 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. It is a diagram showing the data structure of a user information database 281 and a restart privilege provision information database 282 stored in the server 20. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process for granting a restart benefit to a user when the user restarts the subscription service after stopping the use of the service. 3 is a diagram of an example screen of the terminal device 10 in the first embodiment. FIG.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

<First embodiment>
<1 Configuration diagram of the entire subscription system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a subscription system 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the subscription system 1 includes a plurality of terminal devices (in FIG. 1, a terminal device 10A and a terminal device 10B are shown. Hereinafter, they may be collectively referred to as "terminal devices 10"), server 20. The terminal device 10 and the server 20 are communicatively connected via a network 80. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each device (terminal device, server, etc.) can also be understood as an information processing device. That is, a collection of devices can be understood as one "information processing device", and the subscription system 1 may be formed as a collection of a plurality of devices. How to allocate the multiple functions required to realize the subscription system 1 according to this embodiment to one or more pieces of hardware depends on the processing capacity of each piece of hardware and/or the subscription system 1. It can be determined as appropriate in view of specifications and the like.

The terminal device 10 is a device operated by each user. The terminal device 10 is realized by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet that is compatible with a mobile communication system. In addition, the terminal device 10 may be, for example, a stationary PC (Personal Computer), a laptop PC, a game console, or a wearable device. Further, the terminal device 10 may function as a head-mounted display, for example, a transmissive type, a non-transmissive type, or a see-through type head-mounted display. For example, the terminal device 10 may function as a mobile terminal when not functioning as a head-mounted display, and may function as a head-mounted display by being attached to a goggle-type device. In this case, the terminal device 10 can switch between a mode in which it functions as a mobile terminal and a mode in which it functions as a head-mounted display. In the mode where the terminal device 10 functions as a head-mounted display, the terminal device 10 detects the movement of the user's head using a motion sensor built into the terminal device 10, and changes the displayed image on the display in conjunction with the movement of the user's head. Update.

As shown as a terminal device 10B in FIG. 1, the terminal device 10 includes a communication IF (Interface) 12, an input device 13, an output device 14, a memory 15, a storage section 16, and a processor 19.

The terminal device 10 is communicably connected to the server 20 via the network 80. The terminal device 10 has a wireless base station 81 that is compatible with communication standards such as 5G and LTE (Long Term Evolution), and a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) that is compatible with wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standards such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11. It is connected to the network 80 by communicating with a communication device such as a wireless LAN router 82.

The communication IF 12 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the terminal device 10 communicates with an external device. The input device 13 is an input device (for example, a touch panel, a touch pad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc.) for receiving input operations from a user. The output device 14 is an output device (display, speaker, etc.) for presenting information to the user. The memory 15 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by the programs, and is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage unit 16 is a storage device for storing data, and is, for example, a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The processor 19 is hardware for executing a set of instructions written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

The server 20 manages information on each user and information related to granting benefits to users who restart the subscription service. In addition, the benefits granted to the user when the user resumes using the subscription-type service after suspending or suspending the use of the subscription-type service, or when the user resumes the use of the subscription-type service after canceling the subscription-type service are referred to as "resumption benefits". Sometimes. Here, when a user restarts the use of a subscription service after stopping the use of the subscription service, the benefits granted to the user are not uniformly the same for all users, but are provided in multiple patterns (multiple types). ) may be determined. In other words, the content of benefits given to users at the time of restart may be different for each user.

Note that some subscription-type services allow users to use various contents such as music, videos, comics, and games for a certain period of time by using a monthly membership service.

In addition, subscription-type services are those that provide users with the service itself for free or at a fixed sales price, while providing features, benefits, etc. to users who use a monthly fee billing model. There is also. For example, some video distribution services provide users who pay a monthly fee with a feature that allows them to watch videos without advertisements. In addition, in the case of game content, the game program itself is provided at a fixed selling price, or game play itself can be started for free, and items etc. are provided as benefits for monthly members.

Additionally, there are services that allow users to regularly receive products such as card game cards by using a monthly membership service. Furthermore, by becoming a monthly member of a gym, etc., users can use specific facilities for a certain period of time, and by signing a contract with a telecommunications carrier, users can use data communication services. be.

Server 20 is a computer connected to network 80. As shown in FIG. 1, the server 20 includes a communication IF 22, an input/output IF 23, a memory 25, a storage 26, and a processor 29.

The communication IF 22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 communicates with external devices. The input/output IF 23 functions as an interface with an input device for accepting input operations from a user and an output device for presenting information to the user. The memory 25 is for temporarily storing programs and data processed by the programs, and is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage 26 is a storage device for storing data, and is, for example, a flash memory or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The processor 29 is hardware for executing a set of instructions written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

In FIG. 1, each user uses a subscription-type service using the terminal device 10, and the server 20 manages information about each user and information related to granting restart benefits. In other words, each user uses the subscription-type service using the terminal device 10 that each user owns. In addition, the server 20 may update and manage the information of each user and the information related to granting restart benefits by operating a terminal device 10 that the user does not own. For example, in a subscription system for a fitness gym with a monthly membership system, a user performs procedures to register, temporarily suspend, or cancel a subscription service at a store. For example, a user may operate a terminal installed at a store, or a user may request a store clerk to register for a subscription service, and the store clerk may perform an input operation for the registration.

In this way, in order to stop or restart the use of the subscription-type service, the user may perform an operation to stop or restart payment of the consideration on the terminal device 10. In addition, the user may suspend or resume the use of the service by completing a procedure (such as submitting a procedure document or reading procedure document data) at a store or by meeting predetermined conditions.

Thereby, the server 20 updates the various information it manages.

<1.1 Configuration of terminal device 10>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the terminal device 10 that constitutes the subscription system 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 10 includes a plurality of antennas (an antenna 111, an antenna 112), a wireless communication section (a first wireless communication section 121, a second wireless communication section 122) corresponding to each antenna, and an operation Reception unit 130 (including touch sensitive device 131 and display 132), audio processing unit 140, microphone 141, speaker 142, position information sensor 150, camera 160, storage unit 170, and control unit 180 and, including. The terminal device 10 also has functions and configurations that are not particularly illustrated in FIG. 2 (for example, a battery for holding power, a power supply circuit that controls the supply of power from the battery to each circuit, etc.). As shown in FIG. 2, each block included in the terminal device 10 is electrically connected by a bus or the like.

The antenna 111 radiates a signal emitted by the terminal device 10 as a radio wave. Further, the antenna 111 receives radio waves from space and provides a received signal to the first wireless communication unit 121.

The antenna 112 radiates a signal emitted by the terminal device 10 as a radio wave. Further, the antenna 112 receives radio waves from space and provides a received signal to the second wireless communication unit 122.

The first wireless communication unit 121 performs modulation and demodulation processing for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 111 so that the terminal device 10 communicates with other wireless devices. The second wireless communication unit 122 performs modulation and demodulation processing for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 112 so that the terminal device 10 communicates with other wireless devices. The first wireless communication unit 121 and the second wireless communication unit 122 are communication modules including a tuner, an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) calculation circuit, a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) calculation circuit, a high frequency circuit, and the like. The first wireless communication unit 121 and the second wireless communication unit 122 perform modulation, demodulation and frequency conversion of wireless signals transmitted and received by the terminal device 10 and provide received signals to the control unit 190.

The operation reception unit 130 has a mechanism for accepting user input operations. Specifically, the operation reception unit 130 is configured as a touch screen and includes a touch sensitive device 131 and a display 132. Touch sensitive device 131 receives input operations from the user of terminal device 10 . The touch sensitive device 131 uses, for example, a capacitive touch panel to detect the position of the user's touch on the touch panel. The touch sensitive device 131 outputs a signal indicating the user's touch position detected by the touch panel to the control unit 190 as an input operation.

The display 132 displays data such as images, videos, and text under the control of the control unit 190. The display 132 is realized by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

The audio processing unit 140 modulates and demodulates the audio signal. The audio processing unit 140 modulates the signal provided from the microphone 141 and provides the modulated signal to the control unit 190. The audio processing unit 140 also provides an audio signal to the speaker 142. The audio processing unit 140 is realized, for example, by a processor for audio processing. The microphone 141 receives a voice input and provides a voice signal corresponding to the voice input to the voice processing unit 140 . The speaker 142 converts the audio signal provided from the audio processing unit 140 into audio and outputs the audio to the outside of the terminal device 10 .

The position information sensor 150 is a sensor that detects the position of the terminal device 10, and is, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. A GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. The satellite positioning system receives signals from at least three or four satellites, and detects the current position of the terminal device 10 equipped with a GPS module based on the received signals.

The camera 160 is a device that receives light with a light receiving element and outputs it as a photographed image. The camera 160 is, for example, a depth camera that can detect the distance from the camera 160 to the object to be photographed.

The storage unit 170 is configured of, for example, a flash memory, and stores data and programs used by the terminal device 10. In one aspect, storage unit 170 stores user information 171.

The user information 171 is information about each user in the subscription system 1. User information includes information that identifies the user, user name, points held by the user, information related to the use of subscription-type services (e.g. registration date, update history, payment history, restart date), etc. is included. Points held by users include points that can be used as virtual currency in subscription-type services. There are two types of points: those that the user can obtain by paying monetary compensation (points awarded for a fee) and those that the user can obtain without paying monetary compensation (points granted for free). .

The control unit 180 controls the operation of the terminal device 10 by reading a program stored in the storage unit 170 and executing instructions included in the program. The control unit 180 is, for example, an application processor. The control unit 180 functions as an input operation reception unit 181, a transmission/reception unit 182, a data processing unit 183, and a notification control unit 184 by operating according to a program.

The input operation reception unit 181 performs a process of accepting a user's input operation on an input device such as the touch sensitive device 131. The input operation reception unit 181 determines whether the user's operation is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a drag (swipe) based on information on the coordinates of the user's finger or the like in contact with the touch-sensitive device 131. Determine the type of operation, such as whether it is an operation.

The transmitting/receiving unit 182 performs processing for the terminal device 10 to transmit and receive data with an external device such as the server 20 according to a communication protocol.

The data processing unit 183 performs calculations according to a program on the data input by the terminal device 10, and outputs the calculation results to a memory or the like.

The notification control unit 184 performs a process of presenting information to the user. The notification control unit 184 performs processes such as displaying a display image on the display 132, outputting audio to the speaker 142, and generating vibrations on the camera 160.

<1.2 Functional configuration of server 20>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 functions as a communication section 201, a storage section 202, and a control section 203.

The communication unit 201 performs processing for the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

The storage unit 202 stores data and programs used by the server 20. The storage unit 202 stores a user information database 281, a restart privilege provision information database 282, and the like.

The user information database 281 is a database for holding information on each user in the subscription system 1. Details will be described later.

The restart benefit provision information database 282 is a database for holding information related to granting benefits related to the restart ("resumption benefit") when a user restarts the use of a subscription-type service after stopping the use of the service. be. Details will be described later.

The control unit 203 performs functions shown as various modules by the processor of the server 20 performing processing according to a program.

The reception control module 2041 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from an external device according to a communication protocol.

The transmission control module 2042 controls the process by which the server 20 transmits a signal to an external device according to a communication protocol.

The restart benefit determination module 2043 (1) determines to grant a restart benefit to the user when a predetermined condition is met.

For example, the restart benefit determination module 2043 refers to (i) the period that has passed since the user stopped using the subscription service (suspension period) as a predetermined condition, and selects the user ( In other words, it is decided that a restart benefit will be given to a user whose suspension period exceeds a certain period. As the predetermined condition, a plurality of threshold values for comparison with the stop period may be used. In other words, the restart benefit determination module 2043 instructs the user to restart the subscription service when the suspension period exceeds the first period or exceeds the second period, which is longer than the first period. It is also possible to provide benefits.

(ii) As a predetermined condition, the restart benefit determination module 2043 determines that even after the user has stopped using the subscription service, the user continues to use services related to the subscription service. , a restart benefit may be given to the user.

For example, in a system that provides a predetermined service to the user and grants benefits for further use of the subscription-type service (for example, the game itself can be played for free or can be played each time you pay a play fee, and the monthly membership service (such as a game where you can get benefits such as items by subscribing), the restart benefit determination module 2043 refers to the usage status of a predetermined service within a predetermined period after the user stops the subscription service. For example, after the user stops using a subscription-type service, the restart benefit determination module 2043 compares the usage frequency of a predetermined service with a threshold value (for example, if the user uses the service more than once a month, It may be determined that the user continues to use the service (e.g., the user uses the service for a certain amount of time or more per day).

(iii) As a predetermined condition, the restart benefit determination module 2043 allows the user to refer to the assets held by the user for services related to the subscription service, even after the user has stopped using the subscription service. A restart benefit may be given to the user.

For example, in a system that provides a predetermined service to the user and grants benefits for further use of the subscription-type service, after the user stops using the subscription-type service, the The amount of assets held (for example, points, virtual currency, items, etc.) is compared with a threshold value, and depending on the comparison result, it is determined that a restart benefit is to be given to the user. For example, when the number of points as an asset held by a user for a predetermined service falls below a predetermined amount, the restart benefit determination module 2043 determines to grant a restart benefit to the user.

The restart benefit determination module 2043 controls the process of (2) determining the content of the restart benefit to be given to the user and the mode of provision when granting the restart benefit to the user.

The "restart benefit" here may be anything that is recorded as data, such as points, items, virtual currency, game characters, etc., that can be used in a subscription service, or anything that is useful to the user.

Furthermore, the "restart benefit" is not limited to data, but may also be goods. For example, as a subscription service, goods (e.g., cards used in board games, trading card games, etc., used in games played in the real world) are continuously provided to users. Suppose there is something to do. The "restart benefit" may be the item itself provided to the user when using the subscription service. In addition, "resumption benefits" include items provided in conjunction with the use of a subscription-type service (for example, if the above card is continuously provided to the user with a subscription-type service, as a bonus) It is also possible to target items (such as posters, etc.) that are provided.

The process of determining the mode of granting the restart benefit includes, for example, the number of points to be given to the user as the restart benefit, the date of grant, and the number of points to be given (for example, whether to grant them all at once upon restart, or multiple times once a month after restart). (Will the points be awarded in separate sessions?) and the number of points to be awarded each session. Further, the restart benefit determination module 2043 may determine the manner in which the restart benefit is granted depending on the length of the period from when the user stops using the subscription service until it resumes.

As described above, the restart benefit determination module 2043 sets a record in the restart benefit granting information database 282 by granting a restart benefit to the user and determining the content and manner of provision of the restart benefit. Although details will be described later, the restart benefit determination module 2043 sets a flag in the record. The flag indicates that the user can receive the restart benefit. In addition, the flag indicates the status of receiving the restart benefit, and in addition to indicating that the user can receive the restart benefit, it also indicates that the user has received the restart benefit, and that it is not the period in which the user can receive the restart benefit. etc. Further, the flag may be associated with information on the validity period during which the user can receive the restart benefit.

The restart benefit granting module 2044 controls the process of granting the restart benefit to the user according to the contents of the restart benefit determined by the restart benefit determination module 2043 and the mode of grant. For example, when the user restarts the subscription service after stopping the use, the restart benefit granting module 2044 grants the user specific points as a restart benefit on a specific date.

The restart benefit presentation module 2045 notifies the user who has stopped using the service of information such as the fact that a restart benefit can be obtained when the service is restarted and the contents of the restart benefit, so as to encourage the user to restart the service. Further, the restart benefit presentation module 2045 may notify the user of the restart benefit granted by the restart benefit granting module 2044 when the user restarts the service after stopping the use of the service.

For example, when the above flag indicates that the user can receive the restart benefit, the server 20 sends a notification to the user of the terminal device 10 indicating that the restart benefit can be acquired through the user's operation. .

The terminal device 10 displays on the display 132 that the restart benefit can be received.

For example, if the terminal device 10 is one that executes a game program, it is possible to confirm that the restart benefit has arrived in the present box, the expiration date for receiving the restart benefit, and the operation reception section ( button) etc. are displayed on the display 132. In response to the user performing an operation to receive the restart benefit on the terminal device 10, the server 20 changes the flag to indicate that the user has received the restart benefit, and changes the contents of the restart benefit to the information of the user. Update data by linking.

Further, for example, when an item is provided to the user as a restart benefit, the server 20 changes the above flag to indicate that the user has received the restart benefit when the user receives the item. Whether or not the user has received the item can be determined by, for example, when the item is handed over to the user at a store or the like, a staff member at the store or the user inputs an operation indicating that the user has received the item into a terminal at the store. Furthermore, when the goods are delivered to the user by mail etc., the server 20 flags the above flag based on the information indicating that the delivery of the goods to the user has been completed, indicating that the user has received the restart benefit. change. For example, the server 20 can determine whether the user has received the item by referring to delivery status information provided by a delivery company that delivers the item as a package.

<2 Data structure>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the user information database 281 and the restart privilege provision information database 282 stored in the server 20.

As shown in FIG. 4, each record of the user information database 281 includes an item "user ID", an item "user name", an item "held points", an item "subscription usage information", and the like.

The item "user ID" is information that identifies each user.

The item "user name" is a name set by the user.

The item “held points” is information regarding the amount of points held by the user. "Points" here are, for example, currency that can be used in subscription-type services. This item also includes information such as a history of points acquired by the user (“point acquisition history”) and a history of points used by the user (“point consumption history”).

Although not shown, the user information database 281 may include information on the amount of items, virtual currency, game characters, etc. held by each user, in addition to the item "Owned Points." Items, virtual currency, game characters, etc. may be provided as restart benefits.

The item "Subscription usage information" is information regarding each user's usage of the subscription-type service, and specifically, the item "Registration date", the item "Update history", the item "Payment history", and the item "Availability ”, item “Resumption date”, etc.

The item "registration date" is information indicating the date when the user first started using the service. The server 20 receives an operation from the user to start using the service, and records the date of the start of use as a "registration date."

The item "update history" is information about whether the user continues to use the service after opening the service. As the item "update history", for example, the status "temporarily suspended", the status "cancelled", the status "automatically updated", the status "pay as you go", etc. are recorded. The state "temporarily suspended" is a state in which the user temporarily suspends use of the subscription service. The state "cancelled" is a state in which the user has canceled the subscription service. The state "temporarily suspended" or the state "cancelled" means that the user temporarily suspends or cancels the use of the subscription service by following a procedure. The state "Automatically updating" is a state in which the user continues to use the subscription-type service and continues to pay the price without any user operation. The "pay-as-you-go" state is a state in which the user continues to use the subscription-type service, and the user continues to pay the fee manually, rather than by automatic withdrawal. If the user has not completed the payment of the fee associated with the use of the subscription-type service by the payment deadline, the server 20 determines that the status is "cancelled" (in other words, the service provider has canceled the subscription-type service by the user). may be disabled).

The server 20 may decide whether to grant a restart benefit to users who have stopped using the subscription service, depending on the status shown in the item "update history." For example, in the item "update history", the server 20 grants a restart benefit when the user stops using the subscription service due to an explicit operation, such as when the status is "temporarily suspended" or the status is "cancelled". However, if the user quits the subscription-type service due to non-payment, as in the state of "cancellation", the restart benefit may not be granted.

In addition, the server 20 is configured to display the status of the subscription service until the user stops the subscription service (whether the status is "automatic update" or the status is "pay-as-you-go") or after the user stops the subscription service. The content of the restart benefit and the manner in which it is granted may be determined depending on the method of fee payment when restarting (whether the status is "automatic renewal" or the status is "pay-as-you-go"). For example, when the user stops the subscription service and then returns to the service, the server 20 may cause the user to choose to pay for automatic renewal, and the server 20 may display the message "Even though the user has resumed using the subscription service, Instead, it may be possible to notify that ``automatic renewal'' can prevent you from being unable to use the service due to forgetting to pay the fee to continue using the service. In addition, the server 20 increases the content of the restart benefit when the user selects to pay the fee for automatic renewal when the subscription-type service returns, and the server 20 increases the amount of the restart benefit and the restart benefit. The details of the benefit may be notified to the user's terminal device 10.

The item "payment history" is information related to payments made by the user for using the service. The server 20 provides the service to the user when accepting an operation to pay a fee for using the service from the user. Further, the server 20 stops providing the service to the user if the consideration is not paid after a predetermined date, or if an operation to suspend or cancel the service is received from the user.

The item “Availability” is information regarding whether the user can use the subscription service. A service is available if the user has paid for using the service. Further, if the consideration is not paid even after a predetermined date, or if an operation to suspend or cancel the service is received from the user, the service becomes unavailable until the service is restarted.

The item "resume date" is information indicating the date of resumption when the user restarts the service after stopping it. The server 20 receives an operation from the user to restart the service, and makes the service available.

Each of the records in the restart benefit granting information database 282 includes the item "user ID", the item "suspension period", the item "benefits content", the item "granting mode", the item "granting history", and the item " "Granted Flag" and the item "Received".

The item "user ID" is information for identifying each user in the same way as above.

The item "suspension period" is the period from when the user stops using the service until the service is restarted. For example, the suspension period is the period from the date when the service becomes unavailable due to unpaid fees, suspension, or cancellation to the date when the service is resumed. Note that if the user has not resumed using the service, the item "suspension period" indicates the period that has passed since the user stopped using the service.

The item "Bonus Contents" is information indicating the content of the benefits (resumption benefits) related to the restart when the user restarts the service after stopping the use of the service. For example, the server 20 gives the user a predetermined number of points as a restart benefit depending on the length of time until the user resumes using the service.

The item “aspect of grant” is information indicating a manner of granting the restart benefit to the user. For example, the server 20 determines to award a predetermined number of points as a restart benefit at once or in multiple installments, depending on the length of time until the user resumes using the service.

The item "grant history" is information indicating the history of granting restart benefits to users. For example, when points are awarded as a restart benefit at one time, the date and number of points are recorded, and when points are awarded three times, the dates and number of points are recorded for each.

The item "flag validity period" indicates the validity period of the flag that is set when it is determined that the restart benefit will be given to the user. The flag indicates whether the user can receive, has already received, or cannot receive the restart benefit, as shown in the item "Received" to be described later. The validity period of the flag indicates the period during which the user can obtain the restart benefit. The validity period of the flag (that is, the period during which the user can obtain the restart benefit) may be within a certain period of time or may be indefinite.

For example, the restart benefit determination module 2043 may determine whether the validity period of the restart benefit is within a certain period of time or indefinitely, depending on the conditions under which the restart benefit is determined to be granted to the user. For example, the restart benefit determination module 2043 sets the predetermined condition as "even after the user has stopped using the subscription service, the user continues to use the service related to the subscription service". Furthermore, the expiration date of the restart benefit may be set to be indefinite. Users who continue to use the service can receive resumption benefits regardless of when they return to the subscription-type service.

The item "received" indicates the acquisition status of the restart benefit by the user. In the item "Received", the acquisition status of the restart benefit is "Not received" where the user has not received the restart benefit, "Received" where the user has received the restart benefit, and the user is outside the validity period when the user can receive the restart benefit. There is a certain ``outside the receiving period.'' For example, when the period in which the user can receive the restart benefit has passed (when the period indicated in the item "flag validity period" has passed while the user remains "unreceived"), the server 20 may update the item "Flag validity period" regarding the restart benefit. "Received" is set to "Outside the receiving period." Therefore, the server 20 can identify the users who will be notified that they can acquire the restart benefit by extracting users who are "unreceived" in the item "received" in the restart benefit provision information database 282.

<3 Operation>
Hereinafter, when a user resumes using a service after stopping the service, a process for granting a restart benefit will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process of granting a restart benefit by the subscription system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

In step S511, the terminal device 10 receives an operation or a predetermined operation to stop payment of the subscription fee from the user. The predetermined operation includes an operation in which the user temporarily suspends or cancels the subscription service.

In step S521, the server 20 stops providing the subscription-type service in response to the user's operation to stop paying the subscription fee, or to suspend or cancel the service.

In step S523, the server 20 notifies the user who has stopped using the subscription service that if the service is restarted, a restart benefit can be obtained, so as to encourage the user to restart the subscription service. For example, the restart benefit determination module 2043 sets a flag indicating that each user can receive a restart benefit, depending on whether or not each user satisfies a predetermined condition, and updates the restart benefit provision information database 282. . The restart benefit presentation module 2045 refers to the restart benefit provision information database 282 and informs the user that the flag is within the expiration date (or has no expiration date) and the user has not yet received the restart benefit that the restart benefit can be acquired. Notice. The notification includes the details of the restart benefit determined for each user by the server 20. Further, the notification may include information on the manner in which the restart benefit is provided. For example, when the user temporarily suspends the service, the server 20 notifies the user that if the service is restarted within one month, the user will receive 30 points as a restart benefit.

In step S513, the terminal device 10 receives from the server 20 a notification regarding a restart benefit for encouraging restart of the subscription service, and presents it to the user. For example, the terminal device 10 displays on the display 132 a window showing the details of the restart benefit and a button for accepting an operation from the user to receive the restart benefit. The button displays, for example, a screen for resuming use of the subscription service.

In step S515, the terminal device 10 receives an operation from the user to restart the subscription-type service, and thereby transmits information indicating that the user restarts the service to the server 20. The operation by the user to restart the service includes, for example, the operation of paying a fee for using the service. Thereby, the server 20 makes the service available to the user. The server 20 updates the user information database 281 to hold the timing at which the user restarts the service.

In step S525, in response to the user's operation to restart the subscription-type service, the server 20 grants a restart benefit to the user, and stores user information related to the restart benefit (granting the restart benefit) and the user information database. 281 (timing of restart), and the restart benefit provision information database 282 are updated. In other words, the server 20 reflects the benefit content shown in the item "Award History" in the user's information in the restart benefit award information database 282, and changes the flag "Received" associated with the item "Award History" to "Unreceived". Change from "Received" to "Received". For example, if the restart benefit is a predetermined amount of points, the server 20 grants the restart benefit to the user by adding the predetermined amount of points related to the restart benefit to the amount of points associated with the user's information. . Regarding the restart benefit, the restart benefit determination module 2043 determines the content and granting mode of the restart benefit for each user, depending on the length of the period (suspension period) from service suspension to restart. For example, the longer the suspension period, the more points will be given as a restart benefit, and the more times the points will be divided and given. Furthermore, for example, the longer the suspension period is, the fewer points are given as a restart benefit.

In step S517, the terminal device 10 receives from the server 20 the result of the user's acquisition of the restart benefit. Preferably, the terminal device 10 may receive a notification that the restart benefit has been acquired.

<4 Screen example>
FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C) are diagrams showing examples of screens of the terminal device 10 in the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

The screen example (A) in FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which an operation for stopping a subscription service is accepted from a user. This corresponds to step S511 in FIG.

As shown in screen example (A), the terminal device 10 displays on the display 132 a user name display section 132A, a held point display section 132B, a notification display section 132C1, and operation reception sections 132D1 and 132D2.

The user name display section 132A is an area in which the terminal device 10 displays the user name of the user using the subscription service.

The held points display section 132B is an area that displays the number of points held by the user and that can be used in a subscription service. The terminal device 10 obtains the latest information regarding the number of points from the server 20 through communication with the server 20 .

The notification display section 132C1 is an area that displays system notifications regarding user operations, notifications sent from the server 20, and the like. In the screen example (A), in the notification display section 132C1, the terminal device 10 displays a notification for confirming whether to stop the service in response to the user's operation to stop payment of the subscription fee or a predetermined operation. Display.

The operation accepting units 132D1 and 132D2 are areas for the terminal device 10 to accept operations from the user. In the screen example (A), the operation reception unit 132D1 receives an operation from the user to stop the service, and the operation reception unit 132D2 receives an operation from the user not to stop the service.

The screen example (B) in FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a situation in which the terminal device 10 notifies the user to urge the user to restart the subscription service. The terminal device 10 receives a notification from the server 20 that if the user restarts the service, a restart benefit can be acquired. This corresponds to steps S513 and S523 in FIG.

As shown in the screen example (B), the terminal device 10 has a user name display section 132A, a held point display section 132B, and a notification display section 132C2 on the display 132, as in the screen example (A). , operation reception sections 132D5 and 132D6.

In the notification display section 132C2, the terminal device 10 displays a notification that a restart benefit can be obtained when the user restarts the service, so as to prompt the user to restart the service. The notification includes the content of the benefit determined for each user by the server 20. For example, the terminal device 10 receives and displays a notification from the server 20 stating that "If you restart your subscription within one month, you will receive a restart benefit of 30 points."

The operation reception unit 132D3 is an area for accepting an operation from the user to restart the service. The operation accepting unit 132D4 is an area for accepting an operation for not restarting the service from the user.

The screen example (C) in FIG. 6 shows a situation in which the terminal device 10 notifies the user that the user has acquired a restart benefit by restarting the subscription service. The terminal device 10 allows the user to acquire a restart benefit according to the content of the restart benefit determined by the server 20 and the manner in which the restart benefit is granted. This corresponds to steps S517 and S525 in FIG.

As shown in the screen example (C), the terminal device 10 displays a user name display section 132A and a held point display section 132B on the display 132, as in the screen example (A). The terminal device 10 displays a notification display section 132C3 and an operation reception section 132D5.

In the notification display section 132C3, the terminal device 10 displays a notification that the user has acquired a restart benefit by resuming use of the subscription service. The notification includes the details of the acquired restart benefit.

The operation accepting unit 132D5 is an area that accepts an operation for receiving a restart benefit from the user.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a user restarts a subscription service after stopping the use, a restart benefit is given to the user, and the content of the restart benefit has multiple patterns. Determine each time.

Thereby, it is possible to increase the number of users of the service by giving an incentive to users who have suspended the subscription-type service to return to the service.

<Modified example>

(1) In the description of the above embodiment, in the description of the restart benefit determination module 2043, when a predetermined condition is met, it is decided to grant a restart benefit, and the user is informed that the restart benefit can be acquired. An example of notifying is explained.

When the subscription-type service is related to an application program installed on the user's terminal device 10, the method of notifying the content of the restart benefit may be as follows. For example, assume that when a user uses an application program, a fee must be paid through a subscription method. Assume that the user has not uninstalled the subscription-type application program, but has stopped paying the subscription-type fee.

In this case, the server 20 notifies the user of the terminal device 10 that there is an update to the application program, and also notifies the user that a restart benefit will be granted by restarting payment of the subscription fee. You can also do it.

Thereby, it is possible to provide the user with an opportunity to consider restarting the use of the subscription-type service.

The application program itself can be used for free or by paying a fixed fee, and by using a subscription service, users can receive benefits related to the use of the application program (increasing the amount of points, increasing the number of usage points, etc.) There are more functions available, etc.). In this case as well, if the user has stopped using the subscription service, the user may be notified of the restart benefit along with the notification of the update of the application program.

Here, the server 20 may decide the content of the restart benefit in response to the application program being updated. For example, the server 20 may notify the user based on the number of times the application program has been updated or based on the fact that a predetermined version has been updated while the user has stopped using the subscription service. The content of the restart benefit to be provided may be determined. It is possible that the quality and value of the application program for the user may have increased due to updates to the application program occurring while the user has stopped using the subscription service. For example, depending on the number of times a user updates a subscription-type service while the user has stopped using it, the contents of the resumption benefit can be made more advantageous to the user, so that the subscription-type service can be used for a long period of time. It is possible to provide motivation for users who have stopped using the service to consider resuming use.

(2) In the explanation of FIG. 5 and the like, an example has been described in which the server 20 determines the content of the restart benefit depending on the length of the period until the use of the service is resumed. In addition, the server 20 determines the content of restart benefits based on the content of benefits that the user could receive if he or she had used the service between the time the user stopped using the service and the time the user restarted the service. It is also possible to decide.

For example, if a user were to use the service between the time they stopped using the service and the time they restarted it, they would be able to earn 100 points as a daily login bonus. Grant to user.

As a result, even if the service is suspended, restart benefits are granted based on the benefits that could be earned if the service had not been suspended, so it encourages users to return and gives them the feeling that the service has not been suspended. , which can improve the user experience.

(3) In the description of FIG. 5 and the like, an example was described in which the server 20 determines the content and granting mode of the restart benefit and grants it to the user. In addition to this, operations for specifying the content of the restart benefit from the user may be accepted, and the restart benefit may be granted to the user in accordance with the user's designation. The screen example (D) in FIG. 6 is a diagram showing this situation.

As shown in the screen example (D), in the notification display section 132C4, the terminal device 10 displays options (points or items) for restart benefits that can be specified by restarting the subscription. The operation accepting units 132D6 and 132D7 accept an operation from the user to specify whether to receive points or items as a restart benefit.

This allows the user to designate and obtain restart benefits according to his/her preference, and to encourage the user to restart the service more effectively.

For example, as a restart benefit, the user may be able to specify any part of the benefits that the user would receive if he or she had been using the service between the time the user stopped using the service and the time the user restarted the service. Good too. For example, suppose that, while the user has stopped using the service, there are items or goods that are provided to the service user as a bonus, in addition to the items provided by the service. When the user resumes using the service, the user can specify any part of the items or goods that were provided as a bonus while the user stopped using the service, and can receive it as a restart benefit.

(4) In the explanation of FIG. 5 and the like, a paid subscription-type service was explained as an example. In addition to this, it may also be a free subscription type service. For example, in a subscription system that allows free registration and use, when a user restarts a service after stopping it, a restart benefit may be determined for each user and given to the user.

(5) In the screen example (A) of FIG. 6, the terminal device 10 responds to the user's operation to stop payment for the subscription-type service (responses to the operation on the operation reception unit 132D1). ), or the user may be notified of a benefit that will be provided when the user resumes using the service by satisfying a predetermined condition.

<Additional notes>
The matters explained in each of the above embodiments are additionally described below.

(Additional Note 1) An information processing device (20) that includes a control unit and a storage unit and provides a subscription-type service, wherein the control unit operates based on a program stored in the storage unit. , when a user restarts the service after stopping the use, the content of the benefit related to the restart is determined, and the content of the benefit related to the restart has multiple patterns, and the control unit determines the content of the benefit related to the restart, and the control unit determines the content of the benefit related to the restart, and the control unit determines the content of the benefit related to the restart. The information processing device then determines the content of the benefit (S525).

(Additional note 2) The control unit specifies the content of benefits that will be given to the user who has stopped using the service when the service is resumed, and notifies the user to restart the service (S523). , the information processing device according to (Additional Note 1), including the content of the specified benefit.

(Additional note 3) The control unit determines the content of the benefit to the user depending on the length of the period from when the user stops using the service until it resumes (S525), (Additional note 1), or The information processing device according to (Additional Note 2).

(Additional note 4) The control unit determines the benefits for restarting based on the content of benefits that the user could receive if he had used the service between the time he stopped using the service and the time he restarted it. The information processing device according to any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 3), which determines the content of.

(Additional Note 5) The plurality of patterns includes at least a pattern in which the benefits related to restart are granted at once and a pattern in which the benefits related to restart are granted in multiple times (S523), (Appendix 1) to (Additional Note 1). The information processing device according to any one of 4).

(Additional Note 6) The control unit accepts an operation specifying from the user regarding the content of the benefit related to restart, and provides the benefit to the user according to the user's specification, (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 5). The information processing device according to any one of the above.

(Additional note 7) The control unit accepts payment of consideration from the user to start using the service, and in response to the operation of payment of the consideration, provides the service to the user and receives payment of the consideration from the user. The information processing apparatus according to any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 6), which stops providing the service to the user by a stopping operation or by satisfying a predetermined condition (S511, S521).

(Additional note 8) In stopping the provision of the service to the user, the control unit may cause the user to resume using the service in response to an operation to stop payment of consideration or by satisfying a predetermined condition. The information processing device according to (Additional Note 7), wherein the information processing device notifies the user of a benefit given in the case (S523).

10A, 10B terminal device, 12 communication IF, 13 input device, 14 output device, 15 memory, 16 storage unit, 19 processor, 130 operation reception unit (touch screen), 132 display, 171 user information, 80 network, 81 wireless base station, 82 wireless LAN base station, 20 server, 22 communication IF, 23 input/output IF, 25 memory, 26 storage, 29 processor, 201 communication unit, 202 storage unit, 281 user information database, 282 restart privilege provision information database, 203 control section.

Claims (10)

Information processing that includes a control unit and a storage unit, and provides a first service that requires subscription-type charging , and a second service that is free of charge or pays a play fee each time it is related to the first service. A device,
The control unit operates based on a program stored in the storage unit, thereby
When the user restarts the use of the first service after stopping the use, executing the step of determining the content of the benefit for the restart based on the user's usage status of the second service after the stoppage. An information processing device. The control unit specifies the content of the benefit that will be given to the user who has stopped using the first service when the user resumes the use of the first service ;
2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the information processing apparatus executes the step of notifying the user to urge the user to restart the first service, and the notification includes details of the specified benefit. The control unit executes the step of determining the content of the benefit to the user according to the length of the period from when the user stops using the first service until it restarts. 3. The information processing device according to 1 or 2. The control unit is configured to provide a system based on the content of benefits that the user can receive if he or she were using the first service between the time when the user stopped using the first service and the time when the user resumed using the first service. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus executes the step of determining the content of the benefit related to the restart. There are multiple patterns for the content of the benefits related to the restart.
5. The plurality of patterns include at least a pattern in which the benefits related to the restart are provided at once, and a pattern in which the benefits related to the restart are provided in multiple times. Information processing device. The control unit accepts an operation from the user to specify the content of the benefit related to the restart,
The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information processing device executes the step of providing the privilege to the user in accordance with the user's designation. The control unit includes:
accepting payment from the user for starting to use the first service, and providing the first service to the user in response to the payment operation;
7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus executes the step of receiving an operation to stop payment of the consideration from the user and stopping providing the first service to the user. The control unit includes:
In stopping the provision of the first service to the user, the benefit that will be granted when the user resumes using the first service upon receiving an operation to stop payment of the consideration is provided to the user. The information processing device according to claim 7, which executes the step of notifying a user. A method performed by a computer comprising a processor and a memory, the computer comprising: a first service with subscription-type billing ; and a free or pay-as-you-go fee associated with the first service. A second service is provided.
The method includes: the processor reading and executing a program stored in the memory;
When the user restarts the use of the first service after stopping the use, executing the step of determining the content of the benefit for the restart based on the user's usage status of the second service after the stoppage. How to do it . A program to be executed by a computer including a processor and a memory, the computer provides a first service with subscription-type billing , and a program that is free of charge or charges a play fee each time in connection with the first service. a second service for which payment is made;
The program causes the processor to:
When the user restarts the use of the first service after stopping the use, executing the step of determining the content of the benefit for the restart based on the user's usage status of the second service after the stoppage. program .