JP7742446B1 - Product provision device, program, and product provision system - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To enable efficient product provision.
[Solution] A product provision device capable of communicating with a user terminal includes an inventory management means for managing the inventory status of a product group including multiple types of products, and a first type option presentation means for presenting a first type of option associated with the product group and including an inventory status image of the inventory status of the product group to the terminal so that the user can select it, and for presenting, on the terminal, inventory status information for each type of product in the product group associated with the first type of option selected by the user, on the condition that the presented first type of option is selected.
[Selected Figure] Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a product provision device, a program, and a product provision system.

There have traditionally been online lottery-style product provision systems (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of online lottery, unlike options such as tangible lottery boxes or tickets, users cannot monopolize options, and the system must prevent users from allowing other users to select options such as lottery boxes or tickets.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-070937

On the other hand, when using online services, many users participate, so it is important to be able to select options efficiently.

The present invention therefore aims to provide a product provision device, program, and product provision system that can provide products efficiently.

One aspect of the present invention is a product provision device capable of communicating with a user's terminal, comprising: inventory management means for managing the inventory status of a product group including multiple types of products; and first-type option presentation means for presenting a first type of option associated with the product group and including an inventory status image of the product group's inventory status on the terminal so that the user can select from the first type of option; and, on the condition that the presented first type of option is selected, presenting on the terminal inventory status information for each type of product in the product group associated with the first type of option selected by the user.

One aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as inventory management means for managing the inventory status of a product group that includes multiple types of products, and first-type option presentation means for presenting a first type of option associated with the product group and including an inventory status image of the product group's inventory status on a terminal so that the user can select from the first type of option, and, if a presented first type of option is selected, presenting on the terminal inventory status information for each type of product in the product group associated with the first type of option selected by the user.

One aspect of the present invention is a product provision system including a terminal and a product provision device, and is equipped with: inventory management means for managing the inventory status of a product group including multiple types of products; and first-type option presentation means for presenting a first type of option associated with the product group and including an inventory status image of the product group's inventory status on the terminal so that the user can select from it; and, on the condition that a presented first type of option is selected, presenting on the terminal inventory status information for each type of product in the product group associated with the first type of option selected by the user.

This invention makes it possible to provide products efficiently.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a method of providing products that is applied to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a product supply system according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a tablet computer, which is an example of the terminal 2. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the product provision device 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery box database D1. FIG. 6 shows an example of a lottery box image corresponding to an inventory level. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box list screen presented by the first type option presentation unit 112. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box list screen presented by the first type option presentation unit 112. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of detailed product inventory information. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the waiting screen. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery ticket purchase decision screen. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery ticket number determination screen. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery ticket database D2. FIG. 14 shows an example of a screen displaying a list of lottery tickets for a selected lottery box, which is displayed on the terminal 2. In FIG. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 2. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first type option presentation process of the product provision device 1. FIG. 17 shows an example of a screen displaying a list of titles available for purchase on the terminal 2. In FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second type option presentation process of the product provision device 1. FIG. 19 shows an example of a lottery ticket opening screen displayed on terminal 2. FIG. 20 is an example of a list of prizes displayed in the title presentation.

<Embodiments of the present invention>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, to facilitate understanding of the configuration of this embodiment, we will explain the product provision method applied to this embodiment. Figure 1 is a diagram for explaining the product provision method applied to this embodiment.

The product provision method applied in this embodiment involves providing products by lottery from among multiple types of products belonging to a title selected by the user. The title may be the title of a certain character or event, etc.

A single title is associated with a plurality of first-type options, and each of the plurality of first-type options is associated with a plurality of second-type options. Each of the first-type options is associated with a product group containing N products of P types associated with the title. Each of the plurality of second-type options associated with each first-type option is associated with one of the products in the product group associated with the first-type option.

To explain this in more detail using Figure 1, the first type of options are lottery boxes, and the second type of options are lottery tickets contained in the lottery boxes. There is one title, the "XXX Series," and each of the multiple lottery boxes 1-M associated with this title, the "XXX Series," is associated with one product group. Each product group has P types of products, and each product group is composed of a total of N products of P types, with the types and numbers of products being the same for each product group. The proportion of products belonging to one product group is determined by the prize set for each product type. That is, the higher the prize ranking, the fewer products there are, and the lower the prize ranking, the more products there are. For example, if "Product X-1" from the "XXX Series" product group is set as first prize, "Product X-2" as second prize, ..., and "Product XP" as P prize, the probability of winning increases in the order of "Product X-1," "Product X-2," ..., "Product XP." In other words, "Product X-1" has the lowest probability of winning and is available in the smallest quantity. "Product XP" has the highest probability of winning and is available in the largest quantity.

Here, we will explain the case where M = 10, N = 100, and P = 5 in Figure 1.

The title "XXX Series" is associated with 10 lottery boxes 1-10, and each of lottery boxes 1-10 is associated with 100 lottery tickets 1-100. Each lottery box 1-10 is associated with five types of products in one product group: "Product X-1" to "Product X-5." The first prize is "Product X-1," the second prize is "Product X-2," the third prize is "Product X-3," the fourth prize is "Product X-4," and the fifth prize is "Product X-5." The breakdown of the numbers is 2 "Product X-1," 8 "Product X-2," 20 "Product X-3," 30 "Product X-4," and 40 "Product X-5," for a total of 100 products. In other words, each of the four types of 100 product groups is associated with lottery boxes 1-10.

Furthermore, each lottery ticket 1-100 in each lottery box 1-10 is associated with one of the 100 products in the product group associated with the lottery box. The association between lottery tickets 1-100 and products is one-to-one to prevent overlaps. At this time, it is preferable that the association between lottery tickets 1-100 and products in each lottery box 1-10 is not the same, but is different for each lottery box. This is to prevent the user from discovering the correspondence between lottery tickets and products as they repeatedly select lottery tickets.

Next, we will explain how to provide products to users.

The user selects the title they wish to purchase and then selects one lottery box from the multiple lottery boxes 1 to 10 associated with that title. If the user selects lottery box 5, the user then selects the desired number of lottery tickets from lottery tickets 5-1 to 5-100 associated with lottery box 5. The product associated with the lottery ticket selected by the user is then provided. As a result, the product associated with the lottery ticket selected by the user is sold out. Note that the lottery ticket selected by the user and provided with the product cannot be selected by other users.

In this way, products associated with titles are provided through a lottery system where users can choose for themselves.

[Overall configuration]
The product providing device system according to this embodiment will be described.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the product provision system in this embodiment. In Figure 2, 1 is a product provision device and 2 is a user terminal.

The product providing device 1 and the user terminal 2 can be connected to a communication line N and can communicate with each other. A communication line N refers to a communication path that allows data communication. In other words, communication lines N include dedicated lines (dedicated cables) for direct connections, LANs such as Ethernet (registered trademark), as well as communication networks such as telephone networks, cable networks, and the Internet, and the communication method can be either wired or wireless.

The product provision device 1 is a server system configured to include one or more server devices, storage devices, etc. The product provision device 1 performs various services to provide products to users, obtains product inventory information, and processes the provision of products to users.

The terminal 2 may be, for example, a personal computer, tablet computer, smartphone, or mobile phone. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the device configuration of a tablet computer, which is an example of the terminal 2. As shown in Figure 3, the terminal 2 includes a display 21, a touch operation panel 22 that is integral with the display 21, and a built-in speaker 23. The terminal 2 also includes a control board, built-in battery, power button, volume adjustment button, etc., which are not shown.

The control board is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU, GPU, and DSP, ASICs, various IC memories such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and wireless communication modules for wireless communication with base stations. The control board also has so-called I/F circuits (interface circuits), such as the driver circuit for the touch operation panel 22. Each of these elements mounted on the control board is electrically connected via bus circuits, etc., enabling the reading and writing of data and the sending and receiving of signals.

In this embodiment, a product is a product that is provided to a user in exchange for a monetary payment. The product is expressed as a tangible product. For example, it may be a figurine or other object that has the appearance of a certain character, clothing, a plastic model, an accessory, etc., but is not limited to these.

[Functional configuration]
The configuration of each device will be explained.

First, we will explain the configuration of the product provision device 1. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the product provision device 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the product provision device 1 includes a processing unit 10, a communication unit 11, and a memory unit 12.

The processing unit 10 comprehensively controls the operation of the product provision device 1 based on the programs and data stored in the memory unit 12. The functions of the processing unit 10 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or IC memory. The processing unit 10 has the following main functional units: a user information management unit 111, a first type of option presentation unit 112, a queue management unit 113, a second type of option presentation unit 114, a payment processing unit 115, a product inventory management unit 116, and a product provision unit 117.

The user information management unit 111 uses a user information database to manage user information, such as the user's identification information (user ID) and password within the purchasing service, personal information such as the user's name and address, and product purchase history information.

The first type option presentation unit 112 references the lottery box database D1 and controls the presentation of multiple first type options to the terminal 2.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery box database D1. For each lottery box, the lottery box database D1 includes a lottery box ID (identification information) field, a field for the number of prizes (products) in stock contained in the lottery box, a field for the total number of tickets in stock in the lottery box, and a field for the waiting status. The lottery box ID (identification information) field is a field in which identification information that identifies the lottery box is entered. The field for the number of prizes (products) in stock is a field in which the current number of tickets in stock and the initial number of tickets in stock are entered. For example, this is entered in the format (current number of tickets in stock) / (initial number of tickets in stock). The field for the total number of tickets in stock is a field in which the total number of tickets in stock is entered. Note that the last prize is a product offered to the user who purchased the last product, so it is not included in the total number of tickets in stock. The waiting status field is a field in which the number of users waiting to draw that lottery box is entered. If there are no users waiting, 0 is entered, and if there are users waiting, the number of users waiting is entered. Furthermore, if all items in the lottery box are sold out and the total stock is 0, it will be marked as unavailable for selection.

In this embodiment, the first type of option is a lottery box. The first type of option presents lottery boxes with inventory levels corresponding to the number of items in stock in each lottery box. In this embodiment, there are four inventory levels. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box image corresponding to the inventory level. In the example of Figure 6, inventory levels are as follows: inventory level 1 indicates an inventory of 70 to 100 items, inventory level 2 indicates an inventory of 30 to 69 items, inventory level 3 indicates an inventory of 1 to 29 items, and inventory level 4 indicates an inventory of 0 items (sold out). Inventory levels 1 to 3 are represented by lottery box images showing the remaining number of lottery tickets corresponding to the three levels. Inventory level 4 indicates that the item is sold out.

The first-type option presentation unit 112 obtains the inventory quantity for each lottery box from the lottery box database D1 and presents a lottery box list screen containing multiple lottery box images with inventory levels corresponding to the inventory quantities. Furthermore, the first-type option presentation unit 112 also presents the inventory quantity and number of people waiting for each lottery box from the lottery box database D1 on the lottery box screen.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box list screen presented by the first-type option presentation unit 112. The lottery box list screen in Figure 7 displays a lottery box image 30 for inventory level 1, a lottery box image 31 for inventory level 4, a lottery box image 32 for inventory level 3, and a lottery box image 33 for inventory level 2. In addition, below each lottery box image, the number of people waiting to draw a ticket for that lottery box and the number of remaining lottery tickets (product inventory number) are displayed. In addition, a product inventory details button 35 is also displayed to check the specific product inventory details for the lottery box.

The first-type option presentation unit 112 also has the function of sorting and searching lottery boxes. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery box list screen presented by the first-type option presentation unit 112. For example, the lottery box list screen in Figure 8 displays a sort button 36 and a narrow down button 37. When the user selects the sort button 36, the first-type option presentation unit 112 displays the type of sorting. For example, when "Many remaining tickets" is selected, the first-type option presentation unit 112 references the inventory count in the lottery box database D1 and presents lottery box images sorted in descending order of inventory. Furthermore, when "Few people waiting" is selected, the first-type option presentation unit 112 references the waiting status in the lottery box database D1 and presents lottery box images sorted in descending order of the number of people waiting.

In addition, the first type option presentation unit 112 may be used for sorting and searching, as long as the conditions are such that a search can be performed using information from the lottery box database D1. For example, the user may specify a grand prize as a search condition, search for lottery boxes that have the product for that grand prize in stock, and present the lottery boxes in order of most or least in stock.

Furthermore, the first type option presentation unit 112 may present only lottery boxes that match the search criteria.

Furthermore, when the user selects the product inventory details button 35, the first type option presentation unit 112 displays the product inventory details for that lottery box. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the product inventory details. The product inventory details in Figure 9 are the product inventory details when the product inventory details button 35 on the lottery box image 33 on the lottery box screen is selected. The product inventory details are displayed by the first type option presentation unit 112 reading out the stock quantities of each prize for that lottery box from the lottery box database D1. Furthermore, when the user selects the wait for turn button 40, the first type option presentation unit 112 notifies the wait for turn management unit 113.

When the queue management unit 113 receives a notification from the first type option presentation unit 112, it references the queue status in the lottery box database D1 to obtain the number of people waiting, and further links it to the user identification information and adds one (1 person) to the number of people waiting. Furthermore, for the queue described below, the user identification information is linked to the ranking and updated so that the order of the queue can be determined.

Furthermore, the queue management unit 113 maintains a session between the user's terminal 2 and the product provision device 1 using the IP address and MAC address of the user's terminal 2, the user's identification information (user ID), etc. Then, the queue management unit 113 presents a queue screen. The queue screen is a screen that presents queue information until the lottery to users who are waiting in line for the lottery. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the queue screen. The queue screen in Figure 10 displays the current number of people waiting. It also displays a gauge that indicates the elapsed time until the lottery is held.

The queue management unit 113 also has a function of notifying the user when the waiting order for the user identification information reaches a predetermined order. When the waiting order for the user identification information reaches a predetermined order, the queue management unit 113 notifies the user's contact information that the waiting order has reached the predetermined order. The user's contact information includes the user's phone number, email address, SNS account (user identification information), etc. These contact information may be stored in advance as user information, or may be made available for input from the queue screen. In the example of the queue screen in Figure 10, there is an input field 45 for inputting the user's phone number, and the user inputs the user's phone number in the input field 45. Then, the user selects the approve button 46. When the waiting order for the user identification information reaches a predetermined order, the queue management unit 113 notifies the user of this by sending a short message to the phone number.

A user can also cancel their lottery queue. Cancellation of a queue can be performed by selecting the "Exit Queue" button 90 on the queue screen. When the "Exit Queue" button 90 is selected, the queue management unit 113 deletes the user identification information of the user who performed the cancellation from the queue status in the lottery box database D1 and reduces the number of people waiting by 1 (one person). The lottery box database D1 is then updated by moving up the queue of the user who canceled.

Furthermore, the queue management unit 113 refers to the waiting status in the lottery box database D1, and when it is the user's turn, a lottery ticket purchase decision screen is displayed. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery ticket purchase decision screen. When the lottery ticket purchase decision button 47 on the lottery ticket purchase decision screen is selected, the queue management unit 113 displays a lottery ticket number decision screen. Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery ticket number decision screen. When the lottery ticket selection button 48 is selected, the queue management unit 113 notifies the second type option presentation unit 114. Note that if there are no people waiting, the queue management unit 113 transitions directly to the lottery ticket purchase decision screen.

If a user is allowed to select a lottery box for a long period of time, other users will not be able to select that lottery box. Therefore, the queue management unit 113 measures the time T1 from when the user selects a lottery box to when they decide to purchase a ticket for that lottery box, and if the time T1 exceeds a predetermined TX, it forcibly deselects the lottery box, transitions it to a selectable state, deletes the user identification information in the waiting state in the lottery box database D1, and reduces the number of people waiting in line by one.

The second-type option presentation unit 114 references the lottery ticket database D2 and presents a lottery ticket list screen containing multiple second-type options on the terminal 2. In this embodiment, the second-type options are lottery tickets. Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the lottery ticket database D2. As shown in Figure 13, the lottery ticket database D2 is associated with one lottery box and includes a lottery ticket ID (identification information), a prize/product ID (identification information) associated with the lottery ticket ID, and selection status information for the lottery ticket. The prize/product ID is information that identifies the prize and the prize product. In the example of Figure 13, "X-1" indicates the first prize product of the X series, "X-2" indicates the second prize product of the X series, "X-3" indicates the third prize product of the X series, and "X-4" indicates the fourth prize product of the X series. The selection status information for a lottery ticket includes a selected state, in which the ticket has already been selected (opened) by the user and the product associated with the ticket has been provided, and an unselected state, in which the product associated with the ticket has not yet been provided. A "1" is assigned to the selected state, and a "0" is assigned to the unselected state.

Figure 14 is an example of a lottery ticket list screen for a selected lottery box that is displayed on terminal 2. On the lottery ticket list screen in Figure 14, images of lottery tickets with lottery ticket IDs that have already been selected are displayed in dotted lines, and selectable lottery tickets are displayed in solid lines. The user can select the number of lottery tickets they have reserved for purchase from the selectable lottery tickets.

For lottery tickets selected by the user from the lottery ticket list screen, the second type option presentation unit 114 updates the selection status information corresponding to the lottery ticket ID of the lottery ticket in the lottery ticket database D2 to "selected" after payment is made by the payment processing unit 115. Furthermore, the user can select as many lottery tickets as they have reserved for purchase.

Furthermore, if a user is allowed to select a lottery ticket for a long period of time, other users will not be able to select that lottery box. Therefore, the second-type option presentation unit 114 measures the time T2 from the presentation of the lottery ticket purchase screen to the completion of payment for the purchase of that lottery ticket, and if the time T2 exceeds a predetermined TY, it forcibly cancels the selection of the lottery ticket and also cancels the selection of that lottery box. Then, the second-type option presentation unit 114 deletes the user identification information in a standby state from the lottery box database D1, reducing the number of people waiting in line by one.

In this embodiment, the lottery ticket (second type of option) is selected by the user, but the system may be configured so that the user can choose between manual selection and automatic selection, and if automatic selection is selected, the second type of option presentation unit 114 may automatically select a selectable lottery ticket (second type of option) by lottery.

The payment processing unit 115 performs payment processing for the reserved lottery ticket. The payment processing is performed after the second type option presentation unit 114 confirms the selection of the lottery ticket. When the payment processing unit 115 completes the payment processing, the second type option presentation unit 114 deletes the user identification information for which payment has been completed from the waiting user identification information in the lottery box database D1 for the lottery box for which payment has been completed, thereby reducing the number of people waiting in line by one.

When the payment processing unit 115 completes payment, the product inventory management unit 116 references the lottery ticket database D2, reduces the inventory quantity of products associated with unselectable lottery tickets in the lottery box database D1, and updates the lottery box database D1. This causes the lottery box database D1 to reflect the latest inventory status.

In this way, by determining the type of product associated with the selected lottery ticket and making payment after determining the type of product to be offered to the user, the lottery box can transition from a selected state to a selectable state without having to wait for the time it takes to provide the product, such as the subsequent lottery ticket opening ceremony.

The product provision unit 117 presents a lottery ticket opening screen. Depending on which lottery ticket the user selects to open, product information for the product associated with the opened lottery ticket is presented. The product provision unit 117 also handles the shipping procedures for the product provided to the user. The shipping address is selected from the addresses registered in the user information database.

The communication unit 11 connects to the communication line N to realize communication.

The memory unit 12 stores system programs and function programs. The system programs are programs for implementing the basic computer functions of the product provision device 1. The function programs are programs for causing the processing unit 10 to function as the following main functional units: a user information management unit 111, a first type of option presentation unit 112, a queue management unit 113, a second type of option presentation unit 114, a payment processing unit 115, a product inventory management unit 116, and a product provision unit 117. The memory unit 12 also stores a lottery box database D1 and a lottery ticket database D2.

Next, we will explain the configuration of terminal 2. Figure 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of terminal 2.

As shown in FIG. 15, the terminal 2 includes a processing unit 60, an operation input unit 61, an image display unit 62, a sound output unit 63, a communication unit 64, and a memory unit 65.

The processing unit 60 comprehensively controls the operation of the terminal 2 based on programs and data stored in the memory unit 65, operation input signals from the operation input unit 61, etc. The functions of the processing unit 60 can be realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an ASIC, or IC memory. The processing unit 60 has, as its main functional units, a calculation unit 70, an image generation unit 73, a sound generation unit 74, and a communication control unit 75.

The calculation unit 70 executes various processes for purchasing the product 3 and outputs the results to the image generation unit 73, sound generation unit 74, and communication control unit 75. The calculation unit 70 includes a display control unit 71 and a product purchase processing unit 72.

The display control unit 71 uses information provided by the product provision device 1 and user operation information to display and present the product purchase screen for product 3.

The product purchase processing unit 72 performs the product purchase procedure. Specifically, it performs the purchase process for product 3 with the product provision device 1.

The operation input unit 61 is used to input various user operations and outputs operation input signals corresponding to the operation input to the processing unit 60. The functions of the operation input unit 61 can be realized by elements that are directly operated by the user's fingers, such as a touch operation pad, home button, button switch, joystick, or trackball, as well as elements that detect movement or posture, such as an acceleration sensor, angular velocity sensor, tilt sensor, or geomagnetic sensor. In Figure 2, this corresponds to the touch operation panel 22.

The image generation unit 73 generates one image per frame time (e.g., 1/60 seconds) based on the processing results of the calculation unit 70, and outputs the generated image signal to the image display unit 62. The functions of the image generation unit 73 can be realized by, for example, a processor such as a GPU or digital signal processor (DSP), a video signal IC, a program such as a video codec, an IC memory for drawing frames such as a frame buffer, and an IC memory used for expanding texture data.

The sound generation unit 74 generates sound signals such as sound effects and various operation sounds based on the processing results of the calculation unit 70, and outputs them to the sound output unit 63. The functions of the sound generation unit 74 can be realized, for example, by a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a voice synthesis IC, or an audio codec capable of playing audio files.

The communication control unit 75 handles communication connections and data processing for data communication with the product provision device 1.

The image display unit 62 displays a screen based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 73. The functions of the image display unit 62 can be realized by a display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head-mounted display. In Figure 2, the image display unit 62 corresponds to the display 21.

The sound output unit 63 outputs sound effects and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 74. In Figure 2, the sound output unit 63 corresponds to the speaker 23.

The communication unit 64 connects to the communication line N to realize communication. The functions of the communication unit 64 can be realized, for example, by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a jack for a wired communication cable, a control circuit, etc.

The storage unit 65 stores in advance or temporarily stores each processing session programs used during the execution of these programs, as well as programs for operating the terminal 2 and implementing the various functions of the terminal 2. The storage unit 65 can be implemented, for example, by RAM, ROM, IC memory such as flash memory, magnetic disks such as hard disks, or optical disks such as CD-ROMs and DVDs. Specifically, the storage unit 65 stores a system program and a control program that controls the terminal 2 in the purchase process for items (products) 3. The system program is a program that implements the basic computer functions of the terminal 2. The control program is a program that causes the processing unit 60 to function as the calculation unit 70.

[Operation description]
The operation of the product provision system in this embodiment will be described, focusing on the operation of the product provision device 1. Fig. 16 is an operational flowchart of the first type option presentation process of the product provision device 1.

First, the user uses terminal 2 to access the product provision device 1 and request the product purchase screen.

Upon receiving the request for a product purchase screen, the first type option presentation unit 112 of the product provision device 1 presents a purchasable title list screen on the terminal 2 (Step 100). Figure 17 is an example of the purchasable title list screen presented on the terminal 2. For each title, the purchasable title list screen also displays a description of the type of product belonging to the product group associated with that title. The user selects the title they wish to purchase. In this example, it is assumed that the user selected the title "XXX Series."

When a title is selected (Steps 101 and 102), the first-type option presentation unit 112 obtains the number of tickets in stock and the number of people waiting for each lottery box from the lottery box database D1 for the selected title (Step 103). The first-type option presentation unit 112 then determines the inventory level of each lottery box from the inventory number of each lottery box (Step 104) and presents a lottery box list screen containing multiple lottery box images corresponding to the inventory level, as shown in Figure 7 (Step 105).

When the user selects the product inventory details button 35 (Step 106), the first type option presentation unit 112 obtains inventory information (inventory quantities for each prize) from the lottery box database D1 for the selected lottery box (Step 107) and displays the product inventory details for that lottery box, as shown in Figure 9 (Step 108).

When the user selects the queue button 40 (Steps 109 and 110), the queue management unit 113 references the queue status in the lottery box database D1 to obtain the number of people waiting, and then links it to the user identification information, adds one (1 person) to the number of people waiting, and updates the lottery box database D1 (Step 111). The queue management unit 113 then presents a queue screen as shown in FIG. 10 (Step 112).

When the waiting order for the user identification information reaches a predetermined number (Step 113), the waiting management unit 113 references the waiting status in the lottery box database D1 and presents a lottery ticket purchase decision screen as shown in FIG. 11 (Step 115). On the other hand, if the waiting order is released, the waiting status in the lottery box database D1 is updated (Step 121) and the process proceeds to Step 103.

When the lottery ticket purchase decision button 47 on the lottery ticket purchase decision screen is selected (Step 116), the queue management unit 113 presents a lottery ticket number decision screen as shown in FIG. 12 (Step 117).

Once the number of lottery tickets is determined on the lottery ticket number determination screen (Step 118), a second type of option presentation process is performed (Step 119).

The queue management unit 113 measures the time T1 from the presentation of the lottery ticket purchase decision screen, and when the time T1 until the number of lottery tickets to be purchased is decided exceeds a predetermined TX (Step 120), it forcibly deselects the lottery box, transitions it to a selectable state, deletes the user identification information in the waiting state in the lottery box database D1, reduces the number of people waiting by one, and updates the lottery box database D1 (Step 121).

Next, we will explain the second type of option presentation process. Figure 18 is an operational flowchart of the second type of option presentation process of the product provision device 1.

First, the second-type option presentation unit 114 reads the lottery ticket information for the selected lottery box from the lottery ticket database D2 (Step 200). The lottery ticket information read out includes the lottery ticket ID and selection information. Then, the second-type option presentation unit 114 presents a lottery ticket list screen on the terminal 2, as shown in FIG. 14 (Step 201).

When the second-type option presentation unit 114 presents the lottery ticket list screen on terminal 2, it starts measuring time T2 (Step 202). Here, time T2 is the time from the presentation of the lottery ticket list screen to the completion of payment for the purchase of those lottery tickets. The user can select the number of lottery tickets they have reserved for purchase from the available lottery tickets.

Next, the second type option presentation unit 114 determines whether lottery ticket selection is complete on the lottery ticket list screen (Step 203). If lottery ticket selection is not complete (Step 207), the second type option presentation unit 114 determines whether time T2 exceeds a predetermined time TY (Step 211). If time T2 exceeds time TY, the second type option presentation unit 114 releases the occupancy of the selected lottery box and updates the standby status of the lottery box database D1 (Step 209).

On the other hand, when the user has completed the selection of a lottery ticket (Step 204), the payment processing unit 115 performs payment processing for the purchase of the lottery ticket (Step 205). Upon completion of the payment processing, the second-type option presentation unit 114 sets a flag of "1" in the selection information of the lottery ticket ID for the lottery ticket for which selection has been completed, and updates the lottery ticket database D2 (Step 207). Furthermore, the second-type option presentation unit 114 deletes the user ID from the lottery box database D1 for the selected lottery box, and updates the lottery box database D1 (Step 208).

As a result, the lottery box that has been selected by a user becomes selectable by other users, and they can select that lottery box. Furthermore, at the time of payment, the selected lottery ticket is confirmed, and the product associated with that lottery ticket is also confirmed, so the next user who selects that lottery box can be accurately informed of information about the remaining lottery tickets and products, and lottery tickets that have already been selected will not be selected by other users.

On the other hand, if the payment processing unit 115 does not complete the payment processing (Step 209), the second-type option presentation unit 114 determines whether time T2 exceeds a predetermined time TY (Step 211). If time T2 exceeds time TY, the second-type option presentation unit 114 deletes the user ID from the lottery box database D1 for the selected lottery box and updates the lottery box database D1 (Step 208).

When the payment processing unit 115 completes the payment processing (Step 206), the product provision unit 117 presents a lottery ticket opening screen (Step 209) and presents product information for the product associated with the opened lottery ticket (Step 210). Figure 19 is an example of a lottery ticket opening screen displayed on terminal 2. By selecting the lottery ticket to open, the user can view product information for the product associated with that lottery ticket.

The product provision method applied in this embodiment provides products in the form of a lottery box, so users will want to know how many lottery tickets (products) are left in the lottery box. This embodiment is configured to present the inventory level of the product group associated with the lottery box as an image of the lottery box, so users can easily see how much product is in stock in each lottery box.

It is also configured so that detailed inventory information for the products in the lottery box can be checked, providing useful information for users to select a lottery box.

In addition, this embodiment is configured so that the order in which lottery boxes are presented can be rearranged based on lottery box inventory information, the number of people waiting, and other factors, making it easier for users to view the lottery boxes.

The product provision method applied in this embodiment is to provide products in the form of a lottery box. Therefore, the lottery box must be selectable by only one user. On the other hand, it is not desirable for one user to monopolize the selection of the lottery box. In this embodiment, the lottery box is configured so that only one user can select a lottery ticket, and the payment for the purchase of the lottery ticket is made after the user has completed selecting the lottery ticket, and then the lottery ticket is opened, thereby shortening the time that the selection of the lottery box must be maintained for one user.

In addition, because one product is associated with the selected lottery ticket, the next user to select that lottery box can be accurately informed of the remaining lottery tickets and products, while also preventing the provision of duplicate products.

Note that, although this embodiment has been described with an example in which multiple first-type group options (lottery boxes) are used, it is not necessary to provide multiple first-type group options (lottery boxes). Even if there is a single first-type option (lottery box), similar to this embodiment, the same effect can be achieved as long as the first-type option (lottery box) can only be selected by one user, multiple second-type options (lottery tickets) are associated with that first-type option (lottery box), and the second-type options (lottery tickets) are associated one-to-one with products in the product group of the first-type option (lottery box). In other words, the time required to maintain lottery box selections for a single user can be shortened, and duplicate products can be prevented from being provided.

Furthermore, the lottery box image corresponding to the stock level does not necessarily have to be an image of the remaining number of lottery tickets; other representations such as a cage are acceptable as long as the stock level can be recognized.

<First Modification of the Embodiment of the Present Invention>
A modified example of the embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

In the above-described embodiment, the remaining prizes (products) in each lottery box can be confirmed by viewing the detailed inventory information for each lottery box. However, it would be more convenient for the user if they could see which prizes are remaining for the entire title when the title screen is displayed.

Therefore, when presenting the title screen, the first type option presentation unit 112 displays a list of first prizes, and displays sold-out (out of stock) first prizes in a form that makes them distinguishable from other first prizes. When presenting titles, the first type option presentation unit 112 references the lottery box database D1 and searches for prizes that are out of stock in all lottery boxes. For example, if the stock of the third prize in all lottery boxes in the lottery box database D1 is 0, this means that the third prize for that title is sold out (out of stock).

The first type option presentation unit 112 uses the acquired inventory information to present a list of prizes when presenting titles. Figure 20 is an example of a list of prizes displayed when presenting titles. Figure 20 shows that the third prize is sold out (out of stock). Note that the specific number of items in stock for each prize may also be presented.

By configuring it in this way, users can see which prizes are remaining when the title screen is displayed, making it convenient for them to select a lottery box for that title.

The present invention has been described above using preferred embodiments, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the above embodiments and can be modified and implemented in various ways within the scope of its technical concept.

In addition, some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as in the following notes, but are not limited to the following:

[Appendix 1]
A product providing device capable of communicating with a user terminal,
an inventory management means for managing the inventory status of a product group including multiple types of products;
a first type option presentation means for presenting a first type of option associated with the product group, including a stock status image of the stock status of the product group, to the terminal so that the user can select it, and presenting stock status information for each type of product in the product group associated with the first type of option selected by the user, on the condition that the presented first type of option is selected;
A product providing device comprising:

[Appendix 2]
the inventory status image is an image showing an inventory level according to the inventory quantity of all products included in the product group,
The inventory status information is information including product identification information and inventory quantity of each product type.
2. The product providing device of claim 1.

[Appendix 3]
the first type option presenting means presents the first type of options by changing the inventory image in response to a change in the inventory level;
3. The product providing device according to claim 1 or 2.

[Appendix 4]
the first-type option presentation means acquires, at predetermined time intervals or for each user operation, a plurality of inventory levels corresponding to the inventory quantities of second-type options associated with each first-type option, and presents the first-type options using inventory images corresponding to the acquired inventory levels;
4. The product providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[Appendix 5]
the first type option presentation means presents first type options of the products of the product group that are out of stock in a manner that makes it impossible for the user to select them;
5. The product providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[Appendix 6]
a second-type option presentation means for presenting, on the terminal, second-type options that are in one-to-one correspondence with products of a product group associated with the first-type option selected by the user so that the user can select from the second-type options;
the inventory status image is an image of the remaining quantity of the second type of option corresponding to the inventory quantity of all products included in the product group;
6. The product providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[Appendix 7]
the first type option presentation means allows only one user to occupy the purchase of products of the product group associated with the first type option for a predetermined time;
7. The product providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

[Appendix 8]
the first type option presentation means presents the inventory status information including a purchase option for occupying the purchase of a product in a product group;
the start of the predetermined time period is selection of the purchase option;
8. The product providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

[Appendix 9]
the first type of option is an image resembling a lottery box;
9. The product providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

[Supplementary Note 10]
the second type of option is an image resembling a lottery ticket;
10. The product providing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9.

[Appendix 11]
Computer,
an inventory management means for managing the inventory status of a product group including multiple types of products;
a first type option presentation means for presenting a first type of option associated with the product group, including a stock status image of the stock status of the product group, to the terminal so that the user can select it, and presenting stock status information for each type of product in the product group associated with the first type of option selected by the user, on the condition that the presented first type of option is selected;
A program that functions as a

[Appendix 12]
A product provision system including a terminal and a product provision device,
an inventory management means for managing the inventory status of a product group including multiple types of products;
a first type option presentation means for presenting a first type of option associated with the product group, including a stock status image of the stock status of the product group, to the terminal so that the user can select it, and presenting stock status information for each type of product in the product group associated with the first type of option selected by the user, on the condition that the presented first type of option is selected;
A product provision system comprising:

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Product provision device 2 Terminal 10 Processing unit 11 Communication unit 12 Storage unit 111 User information management unit 112 First type option presentation unit 113 Waiting list management unit 114 Second type option presentation unit 115 Payment processing unit 116 Product inventory management unit 117 Product provision unit

Claims (12)

A product providing device capable of communicating with a user terminal,
an inventory management means for managing the inventory status of a product group including multiple types of products;
a first type option presentation means for presenting a first type of option associated with the product group, including a stock status image representing a stock level according to the stock quantity of all products included in the product group, to the terminal so that the user can select it, and for presenting stock status information for each type of product in the product group associated with the first type of option selected by the user, on the condition that the presented first type of option is selected;
a queue management means for allowing only one user to occupy the purchase of a product from a group of products associated with one first-type option for a predetermined time, allowing a user to wait in line to occupy the occupied first-type option, and managing the queue;
Equipped with
The inventory status information includes product identification information and inventory quantity for each product type, and purchase options for occupying the purchase of products in the product group;
The waiting list management means notifies the user's contact information that the user's waiting list has reached a predetermined position, on condition that the user's waiting list has reached a predetermined position.
Product provision equipment. the first type of options includes a view inventory information option for viewing the inventory information;
the first type option presentation means presents the stock status information on the terminal on condition that the stock status information viewing option is selected;
The product providing device according to claim 1 . the first type option presenting means presents the first type of option by changing the inventory status image in response to a change in the inventory level;
The product providing device according to claim 1 . the first type option presentation means acquires the inventory level at predetermined time intervals or for each user operation, and presents the first type option in the form of an inventory status image corresponding to the acquired inventory level;
The product providing device according to claim 1 . the first type option presentation means presents first type options of the products of the product group that are out of stock in a manner that makes it impossible for the user to select them;
The product providing device according to claim 4 . a second-type option presentation means for presenting, on the terminal, second-type options that are associated one-to-one with products of a product group associated with the first-type option selected by the user, so that the user can select the second-type option, on the condition that the purchase option is selected;
the inventory status image is an image of the remaining quantity of the second type of option corresponding to the inventory quantity of all products included in the product group;
The product providing device according to claim 1 or 2. The user's contact information is one of the user's phone number, email address, and SNS account.
The product providing device according to claim 1 . the start of the predetermined time period is selection of the purchase option;
The product providing device according to claim 1 . the first type of option is an image resembling a lottery box;
The product providing device according to claim 6. the second type of option is an image resembling a lottery ticket;
The product providing device according to claim 6. Computer,
an inventory management means for managing the inventory status of a product group including multiple types of products;
a first type option presentation means for presenting a first type of option, associated with the product group and including a stock status image representing a stock level according to the stock quantity of all products included in the product group, to the user's terminal so that the user can select it, and for presenting stock status information for each type of product in the product group associated with the first type of option selected by the user on the condition that the presented first type of option is selected;
a queue management means for allowing only one user to occupy the purchase of a product from a group of products associated with one first-type option for a predetermined time, allowing a user to wait in line to occupy the occupied first-type option, and managing the queue;
It functions as
The inventory status information includes product identification information and inventory quantity for each product type, and purchase options for occupying the purchase of products in the product group;
The waiting list management means notifies the user's contact information that the user's waiting list has reached a predetermined position, on condition that the user's waiting list has reached a predetermined position.
program. A product provision system including a terminal and a product provision device,
an inventory management means for managing the inventory status of a product group including multiple types of products;
a first type option presentation means for presenting a first type of option associated with the product group, including a stock status image representing a stock level according to the stock quantity of all products included in the product group, to the user's terminal so that the user can select it, and for presenting stock status information for each type of product in the product group associated with the first type of option selected by the user on the condition that the presented first type of option is selected;
a queue management means for allowing only one user to occupy the purchase of a product from a group of products associated with one first-type option for a predetermined time, allowing a user to wait in line to occupy the occupied first-type option, and managing the queue;
Equipped with
The inventory status information includes product identification information and inventory quantity for each product type, and purchase options for occupying the purchase of products in the product group;
The waiting list management means notifies the user's contact information that the user's waiting list has reached a predetermined position, on condition that the user's waiting list has reached a predetermined position.
Product provision system.