HK40059598B - Information processing program, information processing method, and information processing system - Google Patents

Description

Information processing procedures, information processing methods, and information processing systems

Technical Field

This invention relates to information processing programs, information processing methods, and information processing systems.

Background Technology

As described in, for example, Patent Document 1, there are conventionally well-known information processing systems that display read (read) and unread (unviewed) portions of digital content so that the read and unread portions can be distinguished from each other.

{Citation List}

{Patent Documents}

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-066115

Summary of the Invention

The problem the invention aims to solve

In some information processing systems, a content item can be provided as multiple sub-content items that constitute that content item. If the content item is, for example, an e-comic book, then new sub-content items consisting of one episode are provided at each scheduled update time.

In such information processing systems, if a user is notified of all content items with new available partial content items, the user will also be notified of the updated content items that the user may not be interested in. This creates the problem of long delays before the user can access the desired content items.

The purpose of this invention is to provide an information processing program, information processing method, and information processing system that allows a user to easily view the content he/she intends to view.

Solution for solving the problem

To address the aforementioned problems, an information processing program is provided to enable a computer to function as: a content display control unit, configured to display any partial content item among a plurality of partial content items constituting content in a viewable manner based on user operations; a view history storage unit, configured to store the view history of the content; a type determination unit, configured to determine the view status type of the content based on the view history when at least one partial content item constituting the content has been viewed; a condition determination unit, configured to determine whether the content meets display conditions set for the view status type based on the view status type, the display conditions including the condition that the content has partial content items that have not yet been viewed; and a display control unit, configured to display an image indicating the content in a predetermined display area when the content meets the display conditions.

The content items may include at least one paid content item and at least one free content item. The paid content item can be viewed by consuming a predetermined value information, and the free content item can be viewed without consuming the value information. At a predetermined update time, new paid content items can be added to the content, and the at least one paid content item may include a paid content item that has been changed into a new free content item.

If the at least one paid content item or the new paid content item includes a paid content item that has been viewed by the user since the last update time, the type determination unit can determine that the viewing status type is the first type, and can set the display condition for the first type as follows: the at least one paid content item or the new paid content item includes a paid content item that has not yet been viewed.

If the user has viewed all free partial content items in the at least one free partial content item before the update timer, the type determination unit can determine that the viewing status type is the second type, and can set the display conditions for the second type as follows: the at least one free partial content item or the new free partial content item includes free partial content items that have not been viewed since the update timer.

If the at least one paid content item or the new paid content item includes a paid content item that has already been viewed by the user, the type determination unit can determine that the viewing status type is the third type, and can set the display condition for the third type as follows: the at least one free content item or the new free content item includes a free content item that has not yet been viewed.

If the user has already viewed two or more of the multiple partial content items constituting the content, the type determination unit can determine that the viewing state type is the fourth type, and can set the display condition for the fourth type as follows: the partial content items constituting the content include partial content items that have not yet been viewed.

To address the aforementioned problems, an information processing method includes: displaying any partial content item among a plurality of partial content items constituting content in a viewable manner based on user operations; storing the viewing history of the content; determining the viewing state type of the content based on the user's viewing history when at least one partial content item constituting the content has been viewed; determining whether the content meets display conditions set for the viewing state type based on the viewing state type, the display conditions including: the content has partial content items that have not yet been viewed; and displaying an image indicating the content in a predetermined display area when the content meets the display conditions.

To address the aforementioned problems, an information processing system includes: a content display control unit, configured to display any partial content item among a plurality of partial content items constituting content in a viewable manner based on user operations; a view history storage unit, configured to store the view history of the content; a type determination unit, configured to determine the view status type of the content based on the user's view history when at least one partial content item constituting the content has been viewed; a condition determination unit, configured to determine whether the content meets display conditions set for the view status type based on the view status type of the content, the display conditions including the following condition: the content has partial content items that have not yet been viewed; and a display control unit, configured to display an image indicating the content in a predetermined display area when the content meets the display conditions.

The effects of the invention

According to the present invention, users can easily view the intended content.

Attached Figure Description

Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system.

Figure 2A is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the user terminal. Figure 2B is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the server.

Figure 3A is an example of a homepage screen. Figure 3B is an example of a screen used to illustrate a serialized content. Figure 3C is an example of a screen showing all content at once. Figure 3D is an example of a screen used for an instruction manual shelf.

Figure 4A is a first example showing a chapter selection screen. Figure 4B is a second example showing a chapter selection screen. Figure 4C is an example showing an e-comic book screen. Figure 4D is an example showing an ending screen.

Figure 5A is the first example illustrating a comment list screen. Figure 5B is the second example illustrating a comment list screen. Figure 5C is the third example illustrating a comment list screen. Figure 5D is the fourth example illustrating a comment list screen.

Figure 6A is a first example illustrating a pop-up window for selecting a specified quantity. Figure 6B is a second example illustrating a pop-up window for selecting a specified quantity. Figure 6C is an example illustrating a pop-up window for the end of coin issuance. Figure 6D is an example illustrating a comment list screen displayed after the coin issuance ends.

Figure 7A illustrates the types of viewing states, judgment conditions, start conditions, and end conditions. Figure 7B illustrates an example of displaying comic icons in the recommended comic display area based on the viewing state.

Figure 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating the basic processes performed by the user terminal and the server.

Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the memory configuration in a user terminal and the functions of the user terminal as a computer.

Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of terminal-side processing in a user terminal.

Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of recommendation display processing in a user terminal.

Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of comment display/sending processing in a user terminal.

Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the memory configuration in a server and the functions of a server as a computer.

Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of server-side processing in a server.

Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of comment response processing in a server.

Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of recommendation judgment processing in a server.

Detailed Implementation

The aspects of embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values given in these embodiments are merely examples to aid understanding and do not limit the invention unless specifically mentioned. In this specification and the accompanying drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are given the same reference numerals, repeated descriptions are omitted, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

(Overall configuration of information processing system S)

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system S. The information processing system S is a so-called client-server system, including a user terminal 1, a server 100, and a communication network 200 with a communication base station 200a.

Each user terminal 1 can establish communication with the server 100 via the communication network 200. User terminals 1 broadly include electronic devices capable of communicating with the server 100 via wired or wireless means. Examples of user terminals 1 include smartphones, mobile phones, tablet devices, personal computers, etc. This embodiment will be described using a smartphone as the user terminal 1.

Server 100 communicates with multiple user terminals 1. Server 100 accumulates various types of information (user information) for each user ID used to identify users viewing content. In addition, server 100 provides content to user terminals 1.

Communication base station 200a is connected to communication network 200 and wirelessly transmits and receives information from user terminal 1. Communication network 200 consists of mobile phone networks, the Internet, local area networks, leased lines, etc., and enables wired or wireless communication connections between user terminal 1 and server 100.

In the information processing system S of this embodiment, user terminal 1 and server 100 are each used as information processing devices D. User terminal 1 and server 100 each have the function of controlling content viewing, so that content can be viewed through cooperation between user terminal 1 and server 100.

(Hardware configuration of user terminal 1 and server 100)

Figure 2A is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of user terminal 1. Figure 2B is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of server 100. As shown in Figure 2A, user terminal 1 is configured to include a central processing unit (CPU) 10, a memory 12, a bus 14, an input/output interface 16, a storage unit 18, a communication unit 20, an input unit 22, and an output unit 24.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2B, server 100 is configured to include CPU 110, memory 112, bus 114, input/output interface 116, storage unit 118, communication unit 120, input unit 122, and output unit 124.

The configuration and functions of the CPU 110, memory 112, bus 114, input/output interface 116, storage unit 118, communication unit 120, input unit 122, and output unit 124 of server 100 are substantially the same as those of the CPU 10, memory 12, bus 14, input/output interface 16, storage unit 18, communication unit 20, input unit 22, and output unit 24 of user terminal 1, respectively. Therefore, a description of the hardware configuration of user terminal 1 will be given below, and a description of server 100 will be omitted.

CPU 10 runs programs stored in memory 12 to control content viewing. Memory 12 consists of read-only memory (ROM) or random access memory (RAM) and stores programs and various types of data required to control content viewing. Memory 12 is connected to CPU 10 via bus 14.

Input/output interface 16 is connected to bus 14. Storage unit 18, communication unit 20, input unit 22 and output unit 24 are connected to input/output interface 16.

Storage unit 18 is composed of semiconductor memory such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and stores various types of programs and data. At user terminal 1, the programs and data stored in storage unit 18 are loaded into memory 12 (RAM) by CPU 10.

The communication unit wirelessly connects to the communication base station 200a and sends information such as various types of data and programs to and receives information such as various types of data and programs from the server 100 via the communication network 200. At the user terminal 1, the programs received from the server 100 are stored in the memory 12 or the storage unit 18.

Input unit 22 may be comprised, for example, a touchscreen, button, keyboard, mouse, arrow keys, or analog controller for inputting user operations (accepting operations). Alternatively, input unit 22 may be a dedicated controller disposed in or connected (externally attached) to user terminal 1. Alternatively, input unit 22 may be comprised of an accelerometer that detects the tilt or movement of user terminal 1 or a microphone that detects the user's voice. In short, input unit 22 broadly includes means that allow a user to input his/her intentions in a distinguishable manner.

The output unit 24 is configured to include a display device and a speaker. Note that the output unit 24 may be a device connected (externally attached) to the user terminal 1. In this embodiment, the user terminal 1 is provided with a display 26 as the output unit 24 and a touch screen as the input unit 22, wherein the touch screen is superimposed on the display 26.

(View Content)

Next, the content viewing control performed by the information processing system S (information processing device D) according to this embodiment will be described using an example. In this embodiment, multiple content items, each consisting of multiple partial content items, are provided. Here, this embodiment will be described by way of an example where the content is an electronic comic book. Each electronic comic book consists of chapters (sets) that serve as partial content items. Note that the content is not limited to electronic comic books, but may include moving images, single still images, and music, and any type of content is acceptable as long as the content consists of multiple partial content items. In addition, it is desirable that the partial content items form a series.

Server 100 provides a dedicated application for viewing electronic comic books to user terminals 1. By downloading and running the dedicated application, users can view electronic comic books on their terminals 1. Server 100 assigns user IDs to each user terminal 1 that has downloaded the dedicated application for viewing electronic comic books and stores user information, including at least the user ID, the viewing history and value information for each electronic comic book. Additionally, server 100 adds and updates chapters of the electronic comic books at predetermined update schedules. In this embodiment, server 100 adds a new chapter once a week. Note that the update schedule is not limited to once a week, but can be at various frequencies, such as once every two weeks or twice a week.

For each content item (digital comic book), the viewing history includes information related to at least the date and time the content (digital comic book) was last viewed and the chapters of the content that have been viewed.

Value information is used when some content items are viewed and is provided as currency in this embodiment. As value information (currency), free value information (free currency) provided free of charge and paid value information (paid currency) provided by the user are stored in server 100 in a manner that distinguishes them from each other. Note that when describing the issue without distinguishing between free currency and paid currency, both free currency and paid currency are simply referred to as currency.

Figure 3A is an example of a homepage screen. Figure 3B is an example of a screen used to illustrate a serialized content. Figure 3C is an example of a screen showing all content at once. Figure 3D is an example of a screen used for an instruction manual shelf.

When the dedicated application for viewing e-comic books is executed, the user terminal 1 displays the home screen shown in FIG. 3A on the display 26 as the initial screen. At the bottom of the home screen, a menu bar 30 is displayed. The menu bar 30 contains multiple operation units that can be operated (tap) by the user. The menu bar 30 includes a home screen operation unit 30a labeled "Home", a serialization screen operation unit 30b labeled "Serialization", a "Read All at Once" screen operation unit 30c labeled "Read All at Once", a bookshelf screen operation unit 30d labeled "Bookshelf", and an "Other" screen operation unit 30e labeled "Other".

When the home screen operation unit 30a is tapped, the home screen shown in Figure 3A is displayed on the monitor 26. Similarly, when the serialization screen operation unit 30b is tapped, the serialization screen shown in Figure 3B is displayed on the monitor 26. Likewise, when the "Read All at Once" screen operation unit 30c is tapped, the "Read All at Once" screen shown in Figure 3C is displayed on the monitor 26. Furthermore, when the bookshelf screen operation unit 30d is tapped, the bookshelf screen shown in Figure 3D is displayed on the monitor 26. Additionally, when the "Other Screens" operation unit 30e is tapped, other screens (not shown) are displayed on the monitor 26. Although not described in detail, these other screens display currency associated with the user ID, allowing the purchase of paid currency, etc.

In the menu bar 30, the operation section corresponding to each screen is highlighted so that the screen currently displayed on the monitor 26 can be identified.

On the homepage, the recommended comics display area 31, the new serialization display area 32, and the free gacha display area 33 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. In the recommended comics display area 31, one or more comic icons 34 are displayed along with the string "Go read the sequel!". Comic icons 34 are set separately for each individual e-comic book. Each comic icon 34 is an image representing the e-comic book, helping users easily identify, for example, images of the main characters and the title of the e-comic book.

As described in detail below, when predetermined display conditions are met, comic icons 34 of e-comic books that have been viewed by the user at least once are displayed in the recommended comic display area 31. Note that up to nine comic icons 34 can be displayed in the recommended comic display area 31. Furthermore, when ten or more e-comic books meet the display conditions, predetermined icons are displayed in the recommended comic display area 31, and when the predetermined icons are operated, a screen is displayed on the monitor 26 showing the comic icons 34 of all e-comic books that meet the display conditions.

In the new serialization display area 32, comic icons 34 for newly serialized electronic comic books are displayed. Note that "newly serialized electronic comic books" refers to electronic comic books newly added to server 100 and those already added to server 100 and now available for new supply. In the free gacha display area 33, for example, an image that can be operated by the user once a day is displayed, so that the user is given a predetermined number of free coins when the user operates the image.

When the serialization screen operation unit 30b is tapped, the serialization screen shown in FIG. 3B is displayed on the display 26. At the top of the serialization screen, the weekday selection unit 35 is displayed. The weekday selection unit 35 includes: seven selection sections (“Monday” to “Sunday”) for displaying the comic book icon 34 of the electronic comic book with an update date on the selected day (Monday to Sunday); and another selection section (“Completed”) for displaying the comic book icon 34 of the completed electronic comic book. In the weekday selection unit 35, the selected operation section is highlighted, making it possible to identify the selected day of the week (or “Completed”). On the serialization screen, the comic book icon 34 of the electronic comic book whose update date corresponds to the day of the week selected in the weekday selection unit 35 (or the comic book icon 34 of the completed electronic comic book) is displayed below the weekday selection unit 35. Note that a menu bar 30 is displayed on the serialization screen.

When the "Read All at Once" operation unit 30c is tapped, the "Read All at Once" screen shown in Figure 3C is displayed on the monitor 26. On the "Read All at Once" screen, the comic icon 34 of the completed e-comic book is displayed. Note that the menu bar 30 is also displayed on the "Read All at Once" screen.

When the bookshelf screen operation unit 30d is tapped, the bookshelf screen shown in Figure 3D is displayed on the monitor 26. On the bookshelf screen, comic icons 34 are listed based on the user's browsing history, indicating which digital comic books have been viewed at least once. Additionally, a comic description bar 36, which describes the title and summary of the digital comic book, is displayed to the right of each comic icon 34. Note that a menu bar 30 is also displayed on the bookshelf screen.

Figure 4A is a first example showing a chapter selection screen. Figure 4B is a second example showing a chapter selection screen. Figure 4C is an example showing an e-comic book screen. Figure 4D is an example showing an ending screen.

When the comic icon 34 displayed on the home screen, serialization screen, all-in-one screen, or bookshelf screen is tapped, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, a chapter selection screen related to the e-comic book indicated by the tapped comic icon 34 is displayed on the monitor 26. The comic icon 34 is displayed at the top of the chapter selection screen, and a chapter selection image 37 for selecting chapters is displayed below it. For the chapter selection image 37, the chapter with the latest update date (latest chapter) is displayed at the top, and other chapters are displayed from top to bottom in descending order of update date. Each chapter selection image 37 displays an image of a representative scene from the chapter, the chapter number (e.g., "Volume 50"), and the chapter's update date. The chapter selection image 37 also includes a comment operation section 38. Note that the details of the comment operation section 38 will be described later.

On the chapter selection screen, the chapter selection image 37 is scrolled by the user. Additionally, based on the user's reading history, the chapter selection images 37 of chapters already viewed by the user are displayed in a darker shade than other chapter selection images 37 (the chapter selection images 37 of episodes 47 and 46 shown in Figure 4B). This method makes it easy to identify the chapters the user has already viewed.

Additionally, a "Preview" label 39 is overlaid on the chapter selection images 37 (episodes 50 and 49 in Figure 4A) for the latest episode and episodes one episode earlier than the latest episode. In this embodiment, chapters that are the latest episode and episodes one episode earlier than the latest episode can be viewed by consuming coins. Therefore, chapters that can be viewed by consuming coins are called paid chapters (paid content items), and chapters that can be viewed without consuming coins are called free chapters (free content items).

In other words, the "pre-read" label 39 on a chapter indicates that the chapter can be accessed by spending coins. For example, suppose an e-comic book titled "A" is updated every Thursday (Thursday 0:00). In this case, a new chapter is added as a paid chapter at Thursday 0:00. Furthermore, chapters two episodes earlier than the newly added chapter are changed from paid to free.

Additionally, on the chapter selection screen, the return operation section 40 and the continue reading operation section 41 are displayed above the menu bar 30. When the return operation section 40 is tapped, the home screen, serialization screen, all-in-one-read screen, or bookshelf screen that were displayed before the chapter selection screen was displayed are shown on the monitor 26.

When any chapter selection image 37 displayed on the chapter selection screen is tapped, as shown in Figure 4C, the electronic comic book screen corresponding to the tapped chapter selection image 37 is displayed on the monitor 26. Note that although a detailed description will be omitted, when a paid chapter selection image 37 is tapped, not only is the number of coins required to view the paid chapter displayed, but also an operation section for selecting whether to view the paid chapter by consuming coins is displayed.

Here, when any chapter selection image 37 is tapped, user terminal 1 sends a viewing request to server 100, requesting to view the chapter corresponding to the tapped chapter selection image 37. Server 100 updates its viewing history based on the sent chapter request information and sends URL information indicating the URL of that chapter to user terminal 1. User terminal 1 accesses the URL indicated in the sent URL information, thereby downloading the image for that chapter and displaying it on the electronic comic book screen.

Additionally, when the user taps the "Continue Reading" button 41, the user terminal 1 sends a reading request message to the server 100 requesting to view the chapter following the latest chapter being viewed by the user. In this way, an image of the chapter following the latest chapter being viewed by the user is displayed on the electronic comic book screen at the user terminal 1.

Each chapter consists of multiple page images 42 corresponding to multiple pages. On the electronic comic book screen, one of the page images 42 constituting a chapter is displayed. Then, when the user performs a flick, the next page image 42 is displayed on the monitor 26.

Furthermore, when a swipe operation is performed while the final page image 42 of the chapter is displayed, the ending screen shown in Figure 4D is displayed on the monitor 26. The ending screen displays not only the menu bar 30, the recommended comic display area 31, and the comment operation section 38, but also the next episode operation section 43 for selecting the next chapter and the screen close operation section 44 on the monitor 26.

When the user taps the next episode control unit 43, the user terminal 1 sends a viewing request to the server 100, requesting to view the next chapter following the already viewed chapter. In this way, the user can continue reading the next chapter on the user terminal 1.

Figure 5A is the first example illustrating a comment list screen. Figure 5B is the second example illustrating a comment list screen. Figure 5C is the third example illustrating a comment list screen. Figure 5D is the fourth example illustrating a comment list screen.

Comment operation sections 38, as shown in Figures 4A, 4B, and 4D, are set up for each chapter. The number of comments is also displayed in the comment operation section 38. The displayed number of comments indicates the total number of comments posted by all users. Therefore, by confirming the number of comments, the popularity of a chapter or digital comic book can be grasped to some extent.

When the comment operation unit 38 is tapped, the comment list screen shown in FIG. 5A is displayed on the display 26. Here, when the comment operation unit 38 is tapped, the user terminal 1 sends a comment request message to the server 100 to request a comment list related to the chapter for which the tapped comment operation unit 38 is set. The server 100 sends a comment list message to the user terminal 1, which includes all comments for the chapter corresponding to the sent comment request message. The user terminal 1 displays the comment list screen on the display 26 based on the sent comment list message.

At the top of the comment list screen, there is a display order change operation unit 45. The display order change operation unit 45 includes a favorite order operation unit 45a and a latest order operation unit 45b. Moreover, in the initial state, the latest order operation unit 45b is selected.

Additionally, a comment display area 46 is provided in the center of the comment list screen, listing the comments. In the comment display area 46, comments are displayed in the order selected in the display order change operation unit 45. In Figures 5A to 5D, comments are displayed such that the newest comments appear at a higher position based on the selection made in the latest order operation unit 45b.

The comment display area 46 shows the content of each comment (e.g., "So cool" or "Can't wait for the next episode"), the date and time the comment was posted, a "like" button 47 for the comment, and the "number of likes" for the comment. The "like" button 47 is an action unit for accepting user taps; if a user likes the content of a comment posted by another user, that user taps the "like" button 47. When the "like" button 47 is tapped, the "number of likes" displayed to the right of the "like" button 47 increases by 1. Therefore, the "number of likes" for a comment serves as an indicator that other users agree with the comment, and a comment with a high "number of likes" means that many other users find the comment agreeable.

Additionally, a comment input field 48 is provided at the bottom of the comment list screen for entering comments. Although the comment input field 48 is filled with phrases such as "Enter comment," this is not an actual entered comment. Moreover, when the comment input field 48 is tapped, as shown in Figure 5B, the comment input field 48 moves to the center of the display 26, and the posting operation unit 49 and soft keyboard 50 are displayed at the bottom of the display 26. The posting operation unit 49 includes a normal posting operation unit (comment sending operation unit) 49a and a coin-attached post operation unit (value-information-attached comment sending operation unit) 49b.

When a comment (text, symbols, etc.) is entered via the soft keyboard 50, as shown in Figure 5C, the comment entered via the soft keyboard 50, such as "This is great!", is displayed in the comment input field 48. Then, when the normal posting operation unit 49a is tapped, the comment information indicating the entered comment is sent from the user terminal 1 to the server 100. In other words, when the normal posting operation unit 49a is tapped, the comment displayed in the comment input field 48 is posted.

If the comments included in the sent comment information meet predetermined conditions, the server 100 sends a check message to the user terminal 1 indicating that the comment has been accepted normally. Here, the predetermined conditions are, for example, that the comment does not contain any words registered in the list of prohibited words stored in the server 100.

In user terminal 1, as shown in Figure 5D, based on the sent inspection information, the published comment is displayed as the latest comment in the comment display area 46. Note that when server 100 is receiving comments normally, server 100 can send comment list information including the published comments to user terminal 1, and user terminal 1 can display the comment display area 46 in a way that the published comment becomes the latest comment based on the received comment list information.

However, it should be noted that if no comment is entered, even if the normal posting operation unit 49a is tapped, the normal posting operation unit 49a will not respond (no comment information will be sent), and therefore no comment will be posted.

Figure 6A is a first example illustrating a pop-up window for selecting a specified quantity. Figure 6B is a second example illustrating a pop-up window for selecting a specified quantity. Figure 6C is an example illustrating a pop-up window for the end of coin issuance. Figure 6D is an example illustrating a comment list screen displayed after the coin issuance ends.

After a comment is entered in the comment input field 48 via the soft keyboard 50, when the coin-issuing operation unit 49b is tapped, as shown in Figure 6A, a pop-up window 51 for selecting a specified quantity and a store operation unit 52 are displayed in front of the comment list screen.

The specified quantity selection pop-up window 51 includes a specified quantity display area 53, a specified quantity selection operation bar 54a, specified quantity operation sections 54b and 54c, and a confirmation operation section (with a value information comment sending operation section) 55 marked "OK". The specified quantity display area 53 displays the amount of coins to be gifted (contributed) along with the comment (hereinafter referred to as the specified quantity, here "0") and the amount of coins the user owns (the amount of coins associated with the user ID, here "1000"). When displaying the specified quantity selection pop-up window 51, the specified quantity is set to 0. Note that the displayed amount of coins owned by the user represents the sum of free coins and paid coins; in other words, the free coin amount and paid coin amount are not displayed separately.

The specified quantity selection bar 54a (which indicates the ratio of the specified quantity to the amount of coins the user possesses) is open to user input. When the specified quantity selection bar 54a is tapped or searched by the user, as shown in Figure 6B, the position indicated by the specified quantity selection bar 54a is moved, and the specified quantity displayed in the specified quantity display area 53 is changed (here, to "100").

The specified quantity operation unit 54b, marked with "-", is located to the left of the specified quantity selection operation bar 54a. When the specified quantity operation unit 54b is tapped, the specified quantity is reduced by a preset ratio, and the specified quantity displayed in the specified quantity display area 53 decreases. Note that when the specified quantity is "0", as shown in FIG6A, the specified quantity operation unit 54b is displayed in a darkened manner, and therefore does not accept user operation.

The specified quantity operation unit 54c, marked with a "+", is located to the right of the specified quantity selection operation bar 54a. When the specified quantity operation unit 54c is operated, the specified quantity is increased by a preset ratio, and the specified quantity displayed in the specified quantity display area 53 increases accordingly. Note that when the specified quantity equals the number of coins owned by the user, the specified quantity operation unit 54c is displayed in a darkened manner and therefore does not accept user operation.

After determining (setting) the specified quantity through the user operation selection bar 54a and specified quantity operation sections 54b and 54c, when the confirmation operation section 55 is tapped, comment information indicating the entered comment and specified quantity information indicating the set specified quantity are sent from the user terminal 1 to the server 100. If the comment included in the sent comment information meets predetermined conditions, the server 100 sends a check message to the user terminal 1 indicating that the comment has been accepted normally. In addition, if the server 100 accepts the comment normally, the server 100 reduces the number of coins associated with the user ID by the set specified quantity and sends a thank-you support image to the user terminal 1. Based on the sent thank-you support image, as shown in FIG6C, the user terminal 1 displays a pop-up window 56 indicating the end of coin posting in front of the comment list screen. Note that the coin given is, for example, given to the author. In addition, at the server 100, if the set specified quantity is subtracted, free coins are reduced with higher priority, and paid coins are only reduced if the amount to be subtracted exceeds the number of free coins.

In the pop-up window 56 where the bonus item release ends, a thank-you image sent from server 100 is displayed, along with a confirmation button 57 that says "OK". Note that the thank-you image displayed in the pop-up window 56 may vary for each individual digital comic book, or it may be common to all digital comic books. Furthermore, the thank-you image may vary depending on the number of bonus items given with the current comment, or it may vary depending on the total number of bonus items given.

Then, when the confirmation operation unit 57 is tapped, the comment list image shown in Figure 6D is displayed on the display 26. At this time, the posted comment is displayed as the latest comment in the comment display area 46. In addition, the specified number of coins, i.e., the number of coins given, is displayed in the comment display area 46 in a manner associated with the posted comment.

Therefore, in this embodiment, coins can be gifted to the author (recipient) along with the comment. Thus, a user wishing to gift coins needs to enter a comment in the comment input field 48. This activates the comment display function, which is used for entering or displaying comments.

Note that while the specified quantity selection pop-up window 51 is displayed, when the confirmation operation section 55 is clicked with the specified quantity set to "0", the comment information is sent to the server 100 in the same manner as when the normal post operation section 49a is clicked. Therefore, if a user who does not intend to give away coins accidentally clicks the coin-granting post operation section 49b after entering a comment, the user can post a comment without consuming (gifting) coins by clicking the confirmation operation section 55 with the specified quantity set to "0".

Additionally, while displaying the specified quantity selection pop-up window 51, when operating the store operation unit 52, a screen for purchasing coins is displayed on the monitor 26. Then, when the user purchases coins, as shown in Figure 5C, a screen displaying a list of comments with comments filled in the comment input field 48 is shown on the monitor 26.

Figure 7A is a diagram illustrating the types of viewing states, judgment conditions, start conditions, and end conditions. Figure 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of displaying comic icons 34 in the recommended comic display area 31 based on the viewing state.

As described above, when predetermined conditions (judgment conditions, display conditions) are met, the comic icon 34 of the electronic comic book that has been viewed by the user at least once is displayed in the recommended comic display area 31 (refer to Figures 3A and 4D).

More specifically, when the homepage screen shown in Figure 3A is displayed on monitor 26, and when the end screen shown in Figure 4D is displayed on monitor 26, user terminal 1 sends a recommendation request to inquire about the comic icon 34 to be displayed in the recommended comic display area 31. Upon receiving the recommendation request, server 100 determines, based on the user's browsing history, whether the browsing status of each electronic comic book corresponds to any of the four types shown in Figure 7A. Note that the following description assumes the existence of four types of browsing status from type one to type four, but any of these types can be removed or additional types can be included.

Server 100 determines whether an e-comic book exists that corresponds to the first type, "Previously Read," where the first type is the highest priority among the four types. The criterion for the first type, "Previously Read," is that the user has purchased (read) paid chapters X (X is 1 or 2) episodes prior to the latest free chapter since the last update date. In other words, the criterion for the first type, "Previously Read," distinguishes between the latest paid chapter and paid chapters one episode earlier than the latest paid chapter to determine whether the user has purchased (read) these chapters. Then, if an e-comic book exists that satisfies the first type, "Previously Read," server 100 determines that the e-comic book's reading status type is the first type, "Previously Read."

Then, server 100 determines whether an e-comic book that meets the first type of "previous reading" condition meets the starting condition. The starting condition for the first type of "previous reading" is that the user has not yet read any paid chapters that are X chapters earlier than the latest free chapter at the time of this update.

Additionally, server 100 determines whether an e-comic book that meets the first type of "previous reading" criteria meets the termination condition. The termination condition for the first type of "previous reading" is that the user has viewed two paid chapters that were X (X is 1 and 2) episodes earlier than the latest free chapter at the time of this update.

If an e-comic book that meets the first type of "previous reading" condition satisfies the start condition but not the end condition, the server 100 determines that the e-comic book is to be displayed in the recommended comic display area 31. In other words, the display condition set for an e-comic book to be displayed in the recommended comic display area 31 is that the e-comic book meets the start condition but not the end condition.

In the example shown in Figure 7B, assuming that, as indicated by “①” in the figure, episode 52 is added through this update. Under this assumption, if episode 51 (X=1) has been purchased (read) as a paid chapter since the last update date and episode 52 (X=2) has not yet been read, the relevant e-comic book is determined to be the e-comic book to be displayed in the recommended comic display area 31.

Subsequently, server 100 determines whether, in addition to the electronic comic books corresponding to the first type "Previously Read," there exists an electronic comic book corresponding to the second type "Free Latest Chapter," which has the next highest priority after the first type. The judgment condition for the second type "Free Latest Chapter" is that the user has read the latest free chapter since the last update date. Then, if there is an electronic comic book that meets the judgment condition for the second type "Free Latest Chapter," server 100 determines that the reading status type of that electronic comic book is the second type "Free Latest Chapter."

Then, server 100 determines whether an e-comic book that meets the criteria for the second type, "Free Latest Chapter," meets the starting condition. The starting condition for the second type, "Free Latest Chapter," is that the user has not yet read the free chapters (latest free chapters) added through this update.

Additionally, server 100 determines whether an e-comic book that meets the criteria for the second type, "Free Latest Chapter," meets the termination condition. The termination condition for the second type, "Free Latest Chapter," is that the user has viewed the free chapter added on the current update date.

If an e-comic book that meets the second type of judgment condition "free latest episodes" satisfies the start condition but not the end condition, the server 100 determines that the e-comic book is to be displayed in the recommended comic display area 31.

In the example shown in Figure 7B, assuming that, as indicated by "②" in the figure, episode 50 is added as a free chapter in this update, under this assumption, if episode 49, which is the latest free chapter, has been viewed since the last update date and episode 50 has not been viewed, then the relevant e-comic book is determined to be the e-comic book that should be displayed in the recommended comic display area 31.

Subsequently, server 100 determines whether, in addition to the electronic comic books corresponding to the first type "Previous Pre-reading" and the second type "Free Latest Episode," there exists an electronic comic book corresponding to the third type "Ignore Pre-reading." The third type has the next highest priority after the first and second types. The condition for determining the third type "Ignore Pre-reading" is that the user has purchased (read) a paid chapter (episode N) at any given time. Then, if an electronic comic book that meets the condition for the third type "Ignore Pre-reading" exists, server 100 determines that the reading status type of that electronic comic book is the third type "Ignore Pre-reading."

Then, server 100 determines whether an e-comic book that meets the criteria for the third type of "ignore prior reading" satisfies the starting condition. The starting condition for the third type of "ignore prior reading" is that the subsequent chapters after the purchased (read) paid chapter are the latest unread free chapters (episode N+1).

Additionally, server 100 determines whether an e-comic book that meets the criteria for the third type of "ignore prior reading" meets the termination condition. The termination condition for the third type of "ignore prior reading" is that the user has read the free chapter (N+1th episode) following the purchased (read) paid chapter.

If an electronic comic book that meets the third type of judgment condition "ignore pre-reading" satisfies the start condition but not the end condition, the server 100 determines that the relevant electronic comic book is the electronic comic book to be displayed in the recommended comic display area 31.

As shown in "③" in the example of Figure 7B, if the 49th episode, which has been a paid chapter since the previous update, has been viewed and the 50th episode, which has been added as a free chapter in this update, has not yet been viewed, then the relevant e-comic book is determined to be the e-comic book that should be displayed in the recommended comic display area 31.

Subsequently, server 100 determines whether, in addition to the electronic comic books corresponding to the first type "Pre-read," the second type "Free Latest Episode," and the third type "Ignore Pre-read," there are any electronic comic books corresponding to the fourth type "Multi-episode Viewing." The fourth type has the lowest priority. The judgment condition for the fourth type "Multi-episode Viewing" is that the user has already viewed two or more chapters as a set. Then, if an electronic comic book that meets the judgment condition for the fourth type "Multi-episode Viewing" exists, server 100 determines that the viewing status type of that electronic comic book is the fourth type "Multi-episode Viewing." Note that although the judgment condition is set here to two or more chapters as a set being viewed, the number of viewed chapters can be any number equal to or greater than two.

Then, server 100 determines whether an e-comic book that meets the criteria for the fourth type, "multi-episode viewing," satisfies the start condition. The start condition for the fourth type, "multi-episode viewing," is that the current date is within 30 days of the most recent viewing date of the relevant e-comic book.

Additionally, server 100 determines whether an e-comic book that meets the criteria for the fourth type, "multi-episode reading," meets the termination condition. The termination condition for the fourth type, "multi-episode reading," is that the user has read the latest free chapter.

If an electronic comic book that meets the criteria for the fourth type of "multi-episode viewing" satisfies the start condition but not the end condition, the server 100 determines that the relevant electronic comic book is the one to be displayed in the recommended comic display area 31.

As shown in “④” in the example of Figure 7B, if the first and second episodes have been viewed since the last update and the new chapters of the related e-comic book have not yet been viewed, it is determined that the related e-comic book is the e-comic book that should be displayed in the recommended comic display area 31.

Therefore, if an electronic comic book corresponds to any one of the first to fourth types (meeting the judgment condition) and also meets the display condition, the server 100 determines that the relevant electronic comic book should be displayed in the recommended comic display area 31. Then, once an electronic comic book that should be displayed in the recommended comic display area 31 is identified, the server 100 sends the comic icon 34 of the electronic comic book to the user terminal 1 as recommendation information to be displayed in the recommended comic display area 31.

As a result, when the home screen shown in Figure 3A or the end screen shown in Figure 4D is displayed on the monitor 26, the user terminal 1 can display comic icons corresponding to the electronic comic books identified by the server 100 in the recommended comic display area 31.

In this way, user terminal 1 can prioritize displaying comic book icons 34 in the recommended comic book display area 31 that have been viewed by the user at least once and are likely to be viewed by the user again, based on the viewing status type. Therefore, the user can easily view the electronic comic book that interests them simply by tapping the corresponding comic book icon 34 displayed in the recommended comic book display area 31.

Next, the communication process between user terminal 1 and server 100 will be described. Note that examples of basic communication processes for viewing electronic comic books, communication processes for determining the comic icon 34 to be displayed in the recommended comic display area 31, and communication processes for posting comments will be described here, and descriptions of other processes will be omitted.

(Communication processing between user terminal 1 and server 100)

Figure 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating the basic processes in user terminal 1 and server 100. Note that in the following description, the process in user terminal 1 is represented by Pn (n is any integer). Furthermore, the process in server 100 is represented by Sn (n is any integer). When a user launches an application in user terminal 1 (P1), login information (including recommendation request information) is sent from user terminal 1 to server 100. Upon receiving the login information, server 100 identifies the user ID associated with the login information and performs login processing and recommendation judgment processing (S1) to identify the electronic comic book that should be displayed in the recommended comic display area 31. Here, server 100 sends user information and recommendation information corresponding to the identified user ID to user terminal 1.

Additionally, when any chapter is tapped on the chapter selection screen shown in Figure 3D, user terminal 1 sends a viewing request message for that chapter (P2). Upon receiving the viewing request message, server 100 updates the viewing history (S2) and sends URL information indicating the URL where the chapter's image is stored (S3). Upon receiving the URL information, user terminal 1 accesses the URL included in the URL information and performs content display processing for displaying the page image 42 of that chapter on display 26 (P3).

Additionally, on user terminal 1, while displaying the comment list screen shown in FIG. 5C on display 26, when the posting operation unit 49 is operated after a comment has been entered in the comment input field 48, only the comment information indicating the comment is sent to the server, or the comment information with a specified quantity of information is sent to server 100 (P4). Upon receiving the comment information or the comment information along with the specified quantity of information, server 100 checks the comments included in the comment information (S4). Furthermore, if server 100 receives the specified quantity of information, server 100 subtracts the specified quantity from the amount of coins associated with the user ID (S4). In addition, server 100 sends a check message and a thank-you support image, etc. (S5).

Additionally, when user terminal 1 performs an operation to display the home screen shown in Figure 3A or the end screen shown in Figure 4D, user terminal 1 sends recommendation request information to server 100 (P5). Upon receiving the recommendation request information, server 100 performs recommendation judgment processing (S6) and sends recommendation information to user terminal 1. Upon receiving the recommendation information, user terminal 1 displays the comic icon of the electronic comic book included in the recommendation information in the recommended comic display area 31 on the home screen or end screen (P6).

(Functional configuration of user terminal 1)

Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the memory 12 in the user terminal 1 and the function of the user terminal 1 as a computer. The memory 12 includes a program storage area 12a and a data storage area 12b. When an application is executed, the CPU 10 stores the terminal-side control program (module) in the program storage area 12a.

The terminal-side control program includes an application control program 70, a content display control program 71, a comment display control program 72, a comment sending program 73, a value information specification program 74, and a comment sending program with value information 75. Note that the programs listed in Figure 9 are merely examples, and many other programs are also set as terminal-side control programs.

Data storage area 12b includes a user information storage unit 80, a recommendation information storage unit 81, and a content storage unit 82 as storage units for storing data. Note that these storage units are examples, and numerous other storage units are provided in data storage area 12b.

The CPU 10 executes the programs stored in the program storage area 12a and updates the data in each storage unit of the data storage area 12b. Furthermore, the CPU 10 executes the programs stored in the program storage area 12a, thereby enabling the user terminal 1 (computer) to function as a terminal-side control unit 1A. The terminal-side control unit 1A includes an application control unit 70a, a content display control unit 71a, a comment display control unit 72a, a comment sending unit 73a, a value information specifying unit 74a, and a comment sending unit with attached value information 75a.

More specifically, CPU 10 runs application control program 70, thereby enabling the computer to function as application control unit 70a. Similarly, CPU 10 runs content display control program 71, comment display control program 72, comment sending program 73, value information assignment program 74, and value information-attached comment sending program 75, thereby enabling the computer to function as content display control unit 71a, comment display control unit 72a, comment sending unit 73a, value information assignment unit 74a, and value information-attached comment sending unit 75a, respectively.

The application control unit 70a performs application control processing to control the overall display of the application used for viewing content. For example, the application control program 70 displays a homepage screen on the display 26 based on the operation applied to the user terminal 1. Additionally, when user information is updated, the application control unit 70a updates the information in the user information storage unit 80.

When the content display control unit 71a receives URL information from the server 100, it accesses the URL included in the received URL information. Then, the content display control unit 71a downloads the page image 42 from the accessed URL and stores the downloaded page image 42 in the content storage unit 82. Furthermore, the content display control unit 71a displays the page image 42 stored in the content storage unit 82 on the display 26, making the page image 42 viewable.

When the comment operation unit 38 is tapped, the comment display control unit 72a displays a comment list image on the display 26. Additionally, when a comment is entered via the soft keyboard 50, the comment display control unit 72a displays the entered comment in the comment input field 48.

When the normal posting operation unit 49a is tapped, the comment sending unit 73a sends the comment information, including the comment entered into the comment input field 48, to the server 100.

When the coin issuance operation unit 49b is tapped, the value information specifying unit 74a displays a specified quantity selection pop-up window 51 in front of the comment list screen. Furthermore, the value information specifying unit 74a sets the specified quantity based on the operations performed on the specified quantity selection operation bar 54a and specified quantity operation units 54b and 54c displayed in the specified quantity selection pop-up window 51.

When the confirmation operation unit 55 displayed in the specified quantity selection pop-up window 51 is tapped, the value information comment sending unit 75a sends the comment information including the comment entered into the comment input field 48 and the specified quantity information including the set specified quantity to the server 100.

(Specific processing in user terminal 1)

Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of terminal-side processing in user terminal 1. In terminal-side processing, application control unit 70a executes application control processing (P100) including recommendation display processing for displaying comic book icons 34 in the recommended comic display area 31. Additionally, content display control unit 71a executes content display processing for displaying electronic comic book images on display 26 (P101). Comment display control unit 72a, comment sending unit 73a, value information specifying unit 74a, and comment sending unit 75a with attached value information execute comment display/sending processing for displaying and sending comments (P102).

Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the recommendation display process in user terminal 1. When the home screen or end screen is displayed on the display 26 (in P100-1: "Yes"), the application control unit 70a sends recommendation request information to the server 100 (P100-2). Then, when recommendation information is received from the server 100 (in P100-3: "Yes"), the application control unit 70a stores the recommendation information in the recommendation information storage unit 81 and displays the comic icon 34 in the recommended comic display area 31 (P100-4).

Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the comment display/sending process in user terminal 1. When the comment list screen is to be displayed on display 26 (in P102-1: "Yes"), the comment display control unit 72a sends a comment request message requesting a comment list related to the chapter where the comment operation unit 38 is set. Then, when the comment list information is received from server 100 (P102-2), the comment display control unit 72a displays the comment list screen on display 26 based on the comment list information (P102-3).

Additionally, when the comment input field 48 is tapped and the normal posting operation unit 49a is tapped (in P102-4: "Yes"), as long as the comment consists of at least one character (in P102-5: "Yes"), the comment sending unit 73a sends comment information including the comment entered in the comment input field 48 (P102-14).

On the other hand, when the coin issuance operation unit 49b is tapped ("Yes" in P102-6), as long as a comment consisting of at least one word is entered into the comment input field 48 ("Yes" in P102-7), the value information designation unit 74a displays a designated quantity selection pop-up window 51 on the display 26 (P102-8).

Then, before the confirmation operation section 55 in the specified quantity selection pop-up window 51 is tapped (in P102-9: "No"), when the specified quantity is changed due to the operation of the specified quantity selection operation bar 54a and the specified quantity operation sections 54b and 54c (in P102-10: "Yes"), the value information specifying unit 74a sets (changes) the specified quantity according to the operation (P102-11).

Subsequently, when the confirmation operation section 55 in the specified quantity selection pop-up window 51 is tapped ("Yes" in P102-9), as long as the specified quantity is a value other than 0 ("Yes" in P102-12), the value information comment sending unit 75a sends specified quantity information indicating that the specified quantity has been set to the server 100 (P102-13). In addition, the comment sending unit 73a sends comment information (P102-14).

Additionally, when a thank-you support image is received from server 100 ("Yes" in P102-15), the comment display control unit 72a displays a pop-up window 56 indicating the end of the bonus posting on display 26 (P102-16). Furthermore, when an inspection message is received from server 100 ("Yes" in P102-17), the comment display control unit 72a displays a comment list screen on display 26 (P102-18).

(Server 100 Functional Configuration)

Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the memory 112 in the server 100 and the function of the server 100 as a computer. The memory 112 includes a program storage area 112a and a data storage area 112b. The CPU 110 stores the server-side control program (module) in the program storage area 112a.

The server-side control program includes a viewing history storage program 130, a type judgment program 131, a condition judgment program 132, and a comment checking program 133. Note that the programs listed in Figure 13 are examples, and many other programs are also set up as server-side control programs.

Data storage area 112b includes a user information storage unit 140, a recommendation information storage unit 141, and a content storage unit 142 as storage units for storing data. Note that these storage units are examples, and a large number of other storage units are provided in data storage area 112b.

The CPU 110 executes the programs stored in the program storage area 112a and updates the data in each storage unit of the data storage area 112b. Furthermore, the CPU 110 executes the programs stored in the program storage area 112a, thereby enabling the server 100 (computer) to function as a server-side control unit 110A. The server-side control unit 110A includes a viewing history storage unit 130a, a type determination unit 131a, a condition determination unit 132a, and a comment checking unit 133a.

More specifically, the CPU 10 runs the browsing history storage program 130, thereby enabling the computer to be used as a browsing history storage unit 130a. Similarly, the CPU 10 runs the type determination program 131, the condition determination program 132, and the comment checking program 133, thereby enabling the computer to be used as the type determination unit 131a, the condition determination unit 132a, and the comment checking unit 133a, respectively.

Each time a viewing request is sent from user terminal 1, the viewing history storage unit 130a updates the viewing history for each user ID based on the viewing request and stores the updated viewing history in the user information storage unit 140. Additionally, based on the viewing request, the viewing history storage unit 130a sends URL information to user terminal 1, indicating the URL of the page image 42 stored in the content storage unit 142.

When a recommendation request is received from user terminal 1, type determination unit 131a determines the reading status type of each electronic comic book based on the reading history stored in user information storage unit 140.

The condition judgment unit 132a determines whether each electronic comic book meets the display conditions based on the viewing status type of the electronic comic book determined by the type judgment unit 131a. In addition, the condition judgment unit 132a reads the comic icon 34 of the electronic comic book that meets the display conditions from the recommendation information storage unit 141, and sends the comic icon 34 as recommendation information to the user terminal 1.

When a comment is received from user terminal 1, the comment checking unit 133a determines whether the comment included in the comment information meets predetermined conditions. When a specified quantity of information is received from user terminal 1, the comment checking unit 133a subtracts the specified quantity from the amount of coins associated with the user ID.

(Specific processing in server 100)

Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of server-side processing in server 100. In server-side processing, the viewing history storage unit 130a performs viewing history processing (S100) based on viewing request information received from user terminal 1, including sending URL information and updating viewing history. Additionally, the comment checking unit 133a performs comment response processing (S101) based on comment information or a specified number of comments received from user terminal 1. Furthermore, when recommendation request information is received from user terminal 1, the type judgment unit 131a and the condition judgment unit 132a perform recommendation judgment processing (S102).

Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of comment response processing in server 100. When a comment message is received ("Yes" in S101-1), the comment checking unit 133a performs comment checking processing (S101-2) to check the comments included in the comment message. Additionally, if the comment message includes specified quantity information, i.e., if specified quantity information is received along with the comment message ("Yes" in S101-3), the comment checking unit 133a performs a decrementing process to subtract the specified quantity of coins included in the specified quantity information from the coin quantity associated with the user ID (S101-4). Afterwards, the comment checking unit 133a sends a thank-you image to user terminal 1 (S101-5). Furthermore, the comment checking unit 133a sends checking information to user terminal 1 (S101-6).

Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the recommendation judgment process in server 100. When a recommendation request is received ("Yes" in S102-1), type judgment unit 131a sets a first type (S102-2) and performs a reading status type judgment process (S102-3) based on the reading history to determine whether there is an electronic comic book that meets the judgment conditions of the first type. Then, for electronic comic books that meet the judgment conditions of the first type, condition judgment unit 132a performs a display condition judgment process (S102-4) to determine whether there is an electronic comic book that meets the display conditions. Afterwards, if the judgment of all reading status types has not been completed ("No" in S102-5), type judgment unit 131a and condition judgment unit 132a perform the processes in S102-3 and S102-4 for reading status types with a lower priority.

Then, when the judgment of all reading status types is completed (in S102-5: "Yes"), the condition judgment unit 132a sends recommendation information to the user terminal 1, including the comic icon 34 of the electronic comic book that meets the display conditions (S102-6).

As described above, user terminal 1 includes an application control program 70, a content display control program 71, a comment display control program 72, a comment sending program 73, a value information specifying program 74, and a comment sending program with value information 75. Additionally, user terminal 1 includes an application control unit 70a, a content display control unit 71a, a comment display control unit 72a, a comment sending unit 73a, a value information specifying unit 74a, and a comment sending unit with value information 75a. However, these programs and functional units can be located in server 100.

Additionally, server 100 includes a viewing history storage program 130, a type determination program 131, a condition determination program 132, and a comment checking program 133. Furthermore, server 100 includes a viewing history storage unit 130a, a type determination unit 131a, a condition determination unit 132a, and a comment checking unit 133a. However, these programs and functional units can be located in user terminal 1.

Additionally, content can consist of multiple images (paid content items) created separately by multiple authors, creating competition for the number of coins awarded to each image. In this case, a new image (partial content item) can be offered to the user who purchased the image with the largest number of coins. This approach enhances the incentive to support the authors.

Additionally, it is recommended that the termination condition in the judgment process can include the passage of a certain period of time, such as 30 days.

Additionally, when comments are displayed on the comment list screen, user terminal 1 can display each comment by changing its display method (appearance) such as color and size, depending on the amount of coins gifted to the comment.

Additionally, user terminal 1 can be equipped with a screen that allows viewing the history of coin usage, serving as a screen that can be accessed from the homepage or other screens. This screen can display purchased paid chapters (paid content items), digital comic books (content) for which coins (value information) have been awarded, and the number of coins awarded.

In the above embodiments, the recommendation judgment process determines whether all types from the first to the fourth type satisfy various judgment and display conditions. However, when there is an electronic comic book (content) that satisfies, for example, the judgment and display conditions for the first type, the recommendation judgment process can end at this point.

In addition, value information can be information related to cash.

In addition to being sorted by favorites and newest, the comments displayed on the comment list screen can also be sorted by the number of coins awarded. In this case, displaying comments in ascending or descending order of the number of coins awarded is sufficient.

Although aspects of the embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is self-evident that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations will arise within the scope of the claims, and it will be understood that such modifications and variations naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

Industrial availability

This invention applies to information processing programs, information processing methods, and information processing systems.

{Explanation of Figure Labels}

S: Information Processing System

1: User terminal

70a: Application Control Unit (Display Control Unit)

71a: Content display control unit

72a: Comments show control unit

73a: Comment Sending Unit

74a: Value Information Designation Unit

75a: Value-added information comment sending unit

100: Server

130a: Viewing historical storage unit

131a: Type Determination Unit

132a: Conditional Judgment Unit

133a: Comment Inspection Unit

Claims (7)

1. An information processing apparatus, comprising: A content display control unit is used to display any part of the multiple content items that make up the content in a viewable manner based on user operations. A viewing history storage unit is used to store the viewing history of the content. A type determination unit is used to determine the viewing status type of the content based on the viewing history when at least one of the partial content items constituting the content has been viewed. The condition judgment unit is used to determine whether the content meets the display conditions set for the viewing state type based on the viewing state type. The display conditions include the following: the content has unviewed content items; and A display control unit is configured to display an image indicating the content in a predetermined display area when the content meets the display conditions. in, The content items include at least one paid content item and at least one free content item. The paid content item can be viewed by consuming a predetermined value of information, while the free content item can be viewed without consuming that value of information. At a predetermined update time, new paid content items are added to the content, and the at least one paid content item includes paid content items that are changed from paid content items to new free content items at the predetermined update time. The display conditions include the fact that the new free content items have not yet been viewed. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, If at least one paid content item or the new paid content item includes a paid content item that has been viewed by the user since the last update, the type determination unit determines that the viewing status type is the first type. The display conditions for the first type are set as follows: the at least one paid content item or the new paid content item includes paid content items that have not yet been viewed. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, If the user has viewed all free partial content items in the at least one free partial content item before the update timer, the type determination unit determines that the viewing status type is the second type, and The display conditions for the second type are set as follows: the at least one free partial content item or the new free partial content item includes free partial content items that have not been viewed since the update timer. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, If at least one paid content item or the new paid content item includes a paid content item that has already been viewed by the user, the type determination unit determines that the viewing status type is the third type. The display conditions for the third type are set as follows: the at least one free partial content item or the new free partial content item includes a free partial content item that has not yet been viewed. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, If the user has already viewed two or more of the multiple content items constituting the content, the type determination unit determines that the viewing state type is the fourth type. The display conditions for the fourth type are set as follows: the partial content items constituting the content include partial content items that have not yet been viewed. 6. An information processing method, comprising: Based on user actions, any part of the content items that make up the content can be displayed in a viewable manner; Store the viewing history of the content; If at least one of the content items constituting the content has been viewed, the viewing status type of the content is determined based on the user's viewing history. The display conditions are determined based on the viewing status type of the content. These conditions include: the content has unviewed portions; and... If the content meets the display conditions, an image indicating the content is displayed in a predetermined display area. in, The content items include at least one paid content item and at least one free content item. The paid content item can be viewed by consuming a predetermined value of information, while the free content item can be viewed without consuming that value of information. At a predetermined update time, new paid content items are added to the content, and the at least one paid content item includes paid content items that are changed from paid content items to new free content items at the predetermined update time. The display conditions include the fact that the new free content items have not yet been viewed. 7. An information processing system, comprising a terminal and a server, wherein, The terminal includes: A content display control unit, used to display any part of the multiple content items constituting the content in a viewable manner based on user operations; and A display control unit is configured to display an image indicating the content in a predetermined display area when the content meets display conditions. The server includes: A viewing history storage unit is used to store the viewing history of the content. A type determination unit is configured to determine the viewing status type of the content based on the user's viewing history when at least one of the partial content items constituting the content has been viewed; and The condition judgment unit is used to determine whether the content meets the display conditions set for the viewing state type based on the viewing state type of the content. The display conditions include the following: the content has some content items that have not yet been viewed. in, The content items include at least one paid content item and at least one free content item. The paid content item can be viewed by consuming a predetermined value of information, while the free content item can be viewed without consuming that value of information. At a predetermined update time, new paid content items are added to the content, and the at least one paid content item includes paid content items that are changed from paid content items to new free content items at the predetermined update time. The display conditions include the fact that the new free content items have not yet been viewed.